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ILLUSTRATIONS ,
OF
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGY.
BY
PRIDEAUX JOHN SELBY, ESQ.
FET,LOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ; FELLOW OF THE
I.INNEAN SOCIETY; AND MEMBER OF THE WEHNERIAN
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 3[C.
VOL. I.
LAND BIRDS
EDINBURGH :
PRINTED FOR THE PROPRIETOR, AND PUBLISHED BY
W. H. LIZARS, EDINBURGH;
LONGMAN, RKKS, ORME, BROWN, GREEN AND LONGMAN,
LONDON ; AND W. CURRY JUN. & CO. DUBLIN.
MDCCCXXXI1I.
G
\
('
BIOLOGY
LIBRARY
G
EDINBURGH I
I'KINTED BY XETLL & CO. OLD FISHMAUKET.
TO THE
WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH,
THESE ILLUSTRATIONS
(ON A BRANCH OP SCIENCE WHICH HAS BEEN EMINENTLY
PROMOTED BY THE ZEAL AND ABILITY OF
SEVERAL OP ITS MEMBERS)
ARE INSCRIBED BY
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
I CANNOT allow the present volume to meet the
public eye, without offering a few remarks upon the
design and execution of this work. The etchings do
not pretend to any merit beyond that of fidelity of
delineation, upon a scale hitherto unattempted, and
to that spirit and character which will generally at-
tend drawings made, as much as possible, from living
specimens. With respect to the letter-press, I have
not professed to give a complete history of British
Birds, and have not, therefore, drawn together into
one focus all that has been better said by other writers
upon the subject ; but have contented myself with re-
ferring, by occasional notes, to any anecdotes particu-
larly interesting as to the species under consideration.
The present work bears the title only of Illustrations,
and, as such, I was chiefly anxious to clear the syste-
matic arrangement of such discrepancies as still exist-
vi PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
ed ; to condense the species, by excluding such en-
largements as had arisen from a want of strict atten-
tion to the changes of plumage under different periods
of age ; and to add to the general stock of knowledge
my mite of personal observation on the habits of this
interesting tribe of creatures.
In this latter respect, I trust candid readers will
not charge against me as a fault the large share of
egotism that seems to pervade this volume ; of two
evils, I certainly would rather chuse to rest under this
imputation, than that of being a downright compiler.
As to the style, I have endeavoured, as far as lay in
my power, to unite conciseness and perspicuity with
that plain didactic manner in which I conceive all
works on scientific subjects should be written.
I shall conclude this short notice, with apologising
for a slight want of regularity in the numbering of the
plates. This was most unavoidable from the necessari-
ly irregular manner in which the specimens were ob-
tained, and the etchings accomplished ; but I should
hope that no great inconvenience will be experienced
on this point.
February 10. 1825.
PREFACE
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
THE Author cannot permit a Second Edition of
his First Volume (together with the completion of his
Work in a Second Volume) to issue from the Press,
without congratulating his readers and the scientific
world at large, upon the great degree of attention and
minute accuracy of investigation which have been ex-
tended to the present branch of Katural History since
his labours commenced. No trouble has been spared on
his part, not only in elucidating the subjects of his se-
cond volume to the best of his ability, but in solving
such doubts, and reconciling such discrepancies, as were
unavoidably left in the former portion of his work ; and
he trusts that, having rejected the former arrangement
of M. TEMMINCK, and adopted now, through both
volumes, that lately proposed by Mr VIGORS (and
since followed by many eminent naturalists), will have
materially contributed to that end. This resolution
viii PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
was taken upon his most perfect conviction that the
last mentioned plan of Classification is more in accord-
ance with that natural Order, under which, it must
be convincingly evident to those who will at all study
the subject, the works of the Almighty Creator are of-
fered to our view.
The Author trusts that these two volumes may (un-
der their present plan) be not merely regarded as elu-
cidatory of the accompanying Plates, but may claim
the higher title to public attention, as a compact and
systematic Manual of British Ornithology ; and that
his work may become useful, both from its portable
size, and from the readiness of reference it will afford
to the student in this interesting department of science.
February 28. 1833.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OF
VOLUME I.
INTRODUCTION,
Explanation of Plumage,
Glossary of Technical Terms,
Types of the Genera,
Synoptical Table,
List of Authors quoted,
Egyptian Neophron,
Golden Eagle,
Cinereous Sea Eagle,
Osprey,
Goshawk,
Sparrow- Hawk,
Jer- Falcon,
Peregrine Falcon,
Hobby,
Orange-legged Hobby,
Kestrel,
Merlin,
Common Buzzard,
Rough-legged Buzzard,
Honey Buzzard,
Marsh Harrier,
Hen Harrier,
.
Page xvi
.
xxiii
.
XXV
,
xxvii
.
xxxi
,
XXXV
Plate
A.
4
I. I*. & II.
12
III. & III.*
18
IV.
24
XII. & XII.*
29
. XIII. & XIII.*
32
XIV.
36
XV. & XV..*
39
XVI.
43
B.
45
. XVII. & XVII.*
47
XVIII. & XVIII.*
51
VI.
55.
VII.
58
VIII.
62
IX.
66
X.
68
CONTENTS.
Ash-coloured Harrier,
Kite or Glead,
Swallow-tailed Elanus,
Great-horned or Eagle Owl,
Long-eared Owl,
Short-eared Owl,
Scops-eared Owl,
Snowy Owl,
Barn or White Owl, .
Tawny Owl,
Tengmalm's Night Owl,
Little Night Owl,
Common Bee-eater, .
Garrulous Roller,
Chimney Swallow,
Martin,
Sand-Martin,
Common Swift,
European Goatsucker,
Common King's-Fisher,
Spotted Flycatcher, .
Pied Flycatcher
Great Cinereous Shrike,
Red-backed Shrike,
Woodchat,
Missel-Thrush,
Fieldfare, .
Song-Thrush,
Redwing,
Blackbird, .
Ring- Ouzel,
European Dipper,
Golden Oriole, ' .
Wheat-Ear,
Whin-Chat,
Stone- Chat,
Redbreast,
Plate
Page
XL
70
V.
74
.
77
XIX.
82
XX.
85
XXI.
88
XXII.
92
XXIII.
95
XXIV.
99
XXV.
102
XXVI.
105
. XXVII.
107
XLI.
114
. XXXIV.
117
XLII.
120
XLII.
123
XLII.
125
XLII.
127
XLII.*
131
XL.
136
XLIIL*
141
XLIIL*
143
XLIIL
148
XLIIL
150
C.
153
XLIV.
158
XLV.
160
XLV.
162
XLV.
165
XLV. & XLIIL
167
XLIV.
169
XLV.*
172
XXXV.
176
XLVIII.
181
XLVIII.
183
XLVIII.
185
XL VI.
188
CONTENTS.
XI
Redstart,
Tithys Redstart,
Blue-throated Redstart,
Grasshopper Warbler,
Sedge-Warbler,
Reed-Wren,
Nightingale,
Black-cap Warbler, .
Greater Pettychaps,
White-Throat,
Lesser White-Throat,
Dartford Warbler,
Lesser Pettychaps,
Wood-Wren,
Yellow Wren,
Gold-crested Regulus,
Great Titmouse,
Blue Titmouse,
Marsh Titmouse,
Cole Titmouse,
Long-tailed Titmouse,
Crested Titmouse,
Bearded Titmouse,
Alpine Accentor,
Hedge Accentor,
Pied Wagtail,
Grey Wagtail,
Yellow Wagtail, .
Rock, or Shore Pipit,
Meadow Pipit, or Tit,
Tree Pipit,
Richard's Pipit,
Bohemian Wax- Wing,
Sky-Lark,
Wood-Lark,
Snow-Bunting,
Lapland Lark-Bunting,
Pkte
XL VI.
Page
191
D.
193
C.
195
XLV.**
199
XLV.**
201
XLV.**
203
XVI.
206
XLVI.
209
XLVI.
211
XLVI.
213
C.
215
XLVI.
219
XL VII.
222
XLVII.
224
XLVII.
226
XLVII.
229
LI.
233
LI.
235
LI.
237
LI.
239
LI.
241
XLIII.
243
LI.
244
D.
247
XLIII.*
248
XLIX.
251
XLIX.
253
XLIX.
255
XLIX.
258
XLIX.
260
XLIX.
262
C.
264
XXXIV.*
268
L.
273
L.
276
ML
279
C.
283
Xll
CONTENTS.
Common-Bunting,
.Yellow-Bunting,
Reed- Bunting,
Cirl-Bunting,
Ortolan-Bunting, .
House- Sparrow,
Tree- Sparrow,
Chaffinch,
Mountain Finch,
Sisken, . . .
Goldfinch, .
Common or Brown Linnet
Mountain Linnet or Twite,
Lesser Redpole Linnet,
Hawfinch,
Green Grosbeak, .
Common Crossbill,
Parrot Crossbill,
Pine-Bullfinch,
Common Bullfinch,
Common Starling,
Rose-coloured Pastor,
Raven,
Carrion Crow,
Hooded Crow,
Rook,
Jackdaw,
Magpie,
Jay,
Cornish Chough,
Nutcracker,
Green Woodpecker,
Great Black Woodpecker, .
Great Spotted Woodpecker,
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker,
Wryneck,
Nuthatch,
Plate
Page
LII.
286
LII.
288
LII.
290
LII.
292
C.
294
LIV.
298
LV.
300
LIV.
303
LIV.
306
LV.
309
LV.
312
LV.
315
LV.
318
LVI.
320
LV.
324
LIV.
326
LIII.
329
LIII**.
332
LIII.*
334
LIV.
336
XXXVI.
340
XXXVI.
343
XXVII.
346
XXVIII.
349
XXIX.
351
XXXII.
353
XXXI.
356
XXXI.
358
XXXIV.
362
XXXIII.
365
XXXIII.
368
XXXVIII.
372
D.
375
XXXVIII.
376
XXXVIII.
379
XXXVIII.
381
XXXIX.
385
CONTENTS.
Xlll
Common Creeper, .
Common Wren,
Hoopoe,
Common Cuckoo, .
Ring-Dove or Cushat,
Stock-Dove,
Rock-Dove,
Turtle Dove,
Common Pheasant,
Black Grous,
Red Grous- Ptarmigan,
Common Ptarmigan,
Common Partridge,
Common Quail,
Great Bustard,
Little Bustard,
Plate Page
XXXIX. 388
XLVII. 390
XL. 393
XXXVII. & XLV.*** 397
LVI. 406
LVL* 408
LVI.* 410
LVI. 413
LVIL 417
. LVIII. & LVIIL* 423
LIX. 427
LIX. & LXIX*. 430
LXI. 433
LXIL 437
LXIV. 442
LXV. 447
( xiii )
INTRODUCTION.
IT would be inconsistent with the projected plan of the pre-
sent work, in which the Plates are intended to form the pro-
minent feature, to enter into a discussion upon the peculiar
adaptation of the several organs of the feathered tribe to
the modes of life to which they have been ordained by an
all-wise Creator ; to exhibit, in the course of such discus-
sion, a minute display of their anatomical structure ; or to
endeavour after explanations of the different and wonderful
phenomena that this race of creatures occasionally present
(further than I may hereafter touch upon under each de-
scription), especially as there are already before the pub-
lic so many excellent works entering diffusely and deeply
into such points. These works are open to all who feel in-
terested in the study of this pleasing branch of Natural
History ; and it may therefore be sufficient for me to point
out such only as appear more particularly illustrative of
the several heads above mentioned.
With respect to Organic Structure, both external and
internal, and the necessary adaptation of its several parts to
peculiar habits of life, I would recommend an attentive per-
5
Xiv INTRODUCTION.
usal of the works of CUVIEB (especially his " Regne Ani-
mal"), those of BUFFON, and the " Philosophy of Zoology"
of Dr FLEMING, as well as the writings of Messrs VIGORS
and SWAINSON; in all of which these general heads of the
science are most ahly discussed. DERHAM'S " Physico-
Theology," and the " Natural Theology" of the late learned
Dr PALEY, are books almost too well known to need recom-
mendation, but follow the others in such natural progression,
by leading the mind to a deeper and more salutary interest
in this branch of science, that they ought not to be omitted.
The above works axe first mentioned, as applying to the sub-
ject before us in its most enlarged scale ; but, with regard to
the minor, and, I may add, more superficial points, there are
many works upon general Ornithology, as well as upon that
of our own islands, which I would particularly recommend.
Dr LATHAM'S " General Synopsis," and " Index Ornitholo-
gicus;" the " Ornithological Dictionary" and " Supple-
ment of MONTAGU; the " Manuel d'Ornithologie" of M.
TEMMINCK; the Ornithological works of BRISSON, LE
VAILLANT, VIEILLOT, LESSON, &c., with those of the Ger-
man writers MEYER, BECHSTEIN, and ILLIGER, will be
found of eminent utility. For an instructive individual
history of each species, the " Ornithology" of WILLOUGHBY,
WHITE'S " Natural History of Selbourne," the works of
PENNANT, LEWIN'S " British Birds," and the " British
Birds" of BEWICK, well repay perusal. There are also some
excellent independent treatises upon generic distinction,
variation of plumage, and peculiar specific habits, dispersed
through the various Scientific Journals, and Transactions
INTRODUCTION. XV
of the Philosophical Societies of the present day. The co-
pious list of Synonyms that will he found attached to each
species, may also be regarded in the light of a tahle of re-
ferences to other works, which it would he therefore need-
less to mention.
Such remarks as appeared strictly necessary to the elu-
cidation of the several orders and genera, have heen given
under the characters of each, as they occurred in the course
of classification, as being explanatory of the grounds upon
which such general distinctions have been established.
The recent more rapid progress of this science towards
maturity, may be, in a very great degree, attributed to the
attention paid by some of the later ornithologists to a point
which had been before almost totally neglected, viz. the
changes of plumage that the feathered tribe undergo in
their progress from the young to the adult state, as well as
those of a more peculiar and partial nature that are experi-
enced at a certain season of the year, sometimes by both
sexes, but more commonly only by the male bird. No op-
portunity has been omitted by the present writer to verify
(and frequently from the progress of experimental obser-
vation) many of the changes recorded by TEMMINCK, MON-
TAGU, and others; and, in order to their elucidation,
figures are given of some species at different ages, and at
different seasons, which will be more apparent in the se-
cond part of this work, as these changes chiefly exist, and
are most striking, in the water birds ; and have accordingly
been more confusing in their consequences. A separate
INTRODUCTION.
figure also has been given wherever a very marked differ-
ence exists between the two sexes ; and where this measure
has not been adopted with respect to the variations incident
to season, they have still been studiously pointed out in the
description of the species.
In the course of the descriptions, the terms vernal (or
spring) and autumnal (or general) moult frequently occur;
which it appears necessary to explain. By the Autumanl
Moult is meant that entire annual change of plumage to
which all birds are liable, and which usually takes place at
this time of the year, or after the production of the species*.
The term Vernal Moult is used to signify the partial change
of feather that particular species undergo, and that takes
place on the approach of the pairing season ; which livery,
as it were, remains only during that period. The moult is
styled double in such species as are subject to the above-
mentioned change.
In some cases, the male bird particularly is liable, though
not to an actual change of feather, yet to a considerable va-
riation either in colour or brilliancy of hue on certain parts
of the plumage, at the foregoing season. This variation has
been attributed by TEMMINCK to the action of the air, and a
gradual wearing away of the edges of the feathers ; but I am
sorry to be compelled, from the result of long continued ob-
servation, to dissent from the opinion of so eminent a natu-
ralist. I am induced to consider the plumage to be so far
an actual part of the living bird, as to be under the in-
* In the Swallow tribe, and some few others, it happens at a later pe-
riod, or during the months of January or February.
INTRODUCTION. Xvii
fluence of such constitutional change as the bird may at any
time experience, and such a change is strongly demonstrated
at the season of pairing ; witness its effects in the high de-
gree of spirit frequently demonstrated, and in the superior
song generally called forth at this particular period. That
there is an invisible circulating fluid pervading the feather,
appears from the striking difference in elasticity and bril-
liancy of colour between the feather upon a bird whilst
alive, and upon the same bird in but a short time after
death. In water-birds, this principle of life in the feather
(if I may be allowed the expression), is singularly appa-
rent ; as the plumage that is impervious to water upon the
living bird, is almost immediately after death subject to
its effect. There can be no reason, then, why the feather
may not be influenced by the constitutional state of the
bird, and as that is in its highest degree of vigour imme-
diately previous to the season of propagation, why may not
such vigour be exhibited to the very extreme points of the
circulating medium, by a partial variation of colour, or an
increased lustre of tone in the former hue of the feather ?
It is not fanciful, for it has been established as a maxim in
Pathology, that the state of health may, in man, be ascer-
tained by the occasional flaccidity or crispness of the hair ;
and have we not repeatedly met with well authenticated in-
stances of great and sudden changes having taken place in
its colour, under strong mental affections, acting only, of
course, through the organic structure of the body?
Changes of colour in the hair of many animals are seen,
and that also at particular seasons ; and (as Dr FLEMING
XVlii INTRODUCTION.
asserts, in the case of the stoat, and some others, that assume
a winter's garb) without any actual shedding of their coat,
either upon the first variation, or in regaining their sum-
mer's hue. It is possible, and there is now some reason
for believing, that the edges only of the feather may be shed
(but not by a gradual process), thus presenting a newer
and brighter surface, either of the same, or, more frequently,
of a different shade of colour. In the birds in which this
partial change happens, it may even be observed, that,
where the feather, as on the head of the Chaffinch, Reed-
Bunting, and Stone-Chat, is of two distinct hues, the webs
of the exterior one are joined to the main body of the feather
by a line of separation of finer texture, thus forming an
adscititious margin, as it were, to the inner part.
In the course of the descriptions of each species, the
terms Summer and Winter Visitant, and Polar and Equato-
torial Migrant, will frequently occur, which, to general
readers, may seem to require explanation. This I will, as
briefly as possible, attempt. The Summer Visitant, or
Polar Migrant, implies a bird resident, during the summer
season, in these kingdoms, as being included in the northern-
most parallel of latitude to which its migration extends,
from the Equator towards the Pole*. To the Winter Visi-
tant, or Equatorial Migrant, these kingdoms are in the
southernmost parallel to. which their winter's migration
reaches, in course from the Pole to the Equator, their sum-
* Such are many of the Sylmadae ; also the Cuckoo, Night- Jar, Swallows,
&c.
INTRODUCTION. XIX
mer being passed in higher and colder regions *. The term
Occasional Visitant, when used, denotes a bird found here
only at uncertain, and often distant intervals f, and will
frequently apply to stragglers, that have been driven by
tempest, or other casualties, out of their regular course of
migration, either from more southern countries than our
own to northern regions, or the reverse.
Migration is an instinctive rule of action stamped upon
the animal world (but more particularly displayed in the
feathered race, from their superior ability of locomotion),
by the general and provident Laws of Nature, and which
has long engaged the attention of the speculative naturalist ;
but, without perhaps the possibility of coming to any con-
clusion upon the causes of such migration. Dr FLEMING,
in the work before mentioned, clearly demonstrates, that a
great latitudinal movement from the Equator toward the
Poles takes place amongst the feathered tribe, on the ap-
proach of spring, or immediately previous to the period
when nature calls for the increase of the species ; and that
another movement, the reverse of this, or from the Poles
towards the Equator, is in force during the autumnal and
hyemal months.
Upon the above great unerring fact, two or three conjec-
tural observations naturally present themselves. The in-
fluence of particular climate may be sought for as more
Such are most of the genus Anas, Tringa, Scolopax, and some of the
Thrushes, with the Snow-Bunting.
f The Wax-Wing and Cross-Bill are instances under this head.
XX INTRODUCTION.
congenial to the production of the race. The progress of
vegetation, and the consequent display of the insect tribe,
may essentially operate upon the species that look to these
sources for their supply of food ; and, accordingly, we find
the arrival of these birds hastened or retarded, as the ef-
fects of an early or late spring would suggest. During the
time that insects are in the dormant and concealed state in
one latitude, they may be in the active and requisite state
in another, and an equalization of destruction in that tribe
will doubtless have been ordained by Providence for the
wisest purposes ; at the same time that the feathered race
themselves present to the inhabitants of different countries
an important periodical object either of food or economical
utility.
I shall now proceed to give an explanation of the Plumage
of Birds, (with references to the outline etching on PLATE II),
and to offer such a Glossary of Technical Terms (with re-
ferences to PLATES 1, 2, 3, 4.) as may be found necessary in
the course of the work. These plates are also intended to
exhibit the leading principles of generic distinction, in a
regular series ; as a reference to the " Types of the Genera"
(hereafter given) will demonstrate.
Let me here mention, that the Nomenclature of Colours
adopted in the present work, is that of WERNER, as exhibited
and improved by Mr SYME of Edinburgh, in a work which
ought to be in the hands of every Amateur of Natural His-
tory.
( xxiii )
EXPLANATION OF PLUMAGE.
PLATE 2. Fig. 9.
a, Forehead. /, Scapulars.
by Crown of the Head. m, Lesser Wing-coverts,
c, Occiput. ft, Bastard Wing.
d) Nape of the Neck. o, Greater Wing-coverts.
e, Chin. p, Secondary Quills.
/, Cheeks. q, Primary Quills.
g, Ear-coverts. r, Throat.
//. Back. s, Breast,
z, Rump, t, Abdomen.
j, Upper Tail-coverts. u t u, Vent and under Tail-coverts.
k, Tail. v, Tarsus.
( XXV )
GLOSSARY
OF
TECHNICAL TERMS.
Bill compressed. When the bill is narrowed, by the mandibles being
pressed in laterally. PI. 3. Fig. 1.
cultrated When each mandible is shaped like a ploughshare, with
sharp edges. PL 1. Fig. 8.
subulated When the bill is long and slender, and shaped like an
awl. PI. 3. Fig. 9.
conical. PL 4. Fig. 1.
subconic Approaching to the conical form. PL 3. Fig. 10.
depressed. When the bill is flattened, by the mandibles being
pressed perpendicularly. PL 3. Fig. 4.
culminated. When the central ridge of the upper mandible is very
prominent. PL 1. Fig. 17.
quadrangular. Of a square form. PL 2. Fig. 4.
subquadrangular Approaching to a square form. PL 2. Fig. 5.
carinated. When either mandible has a prominent ridge or keel.
PL 1. Fig. 13.
inflated When the sides of the mandibles bulge out. PL 3. Fig. 13.
emarginated. When either mandible is slightly notched towards the
extremity. PL 3. Fig. 2.
deflected. When the upper mandible is rather bent downwards to
the point. PL 4. Fig. 3.
Cere. The naked skin at the base of the bill, in which the nostrils are
situated in certain genera. PL 1. Figs. 1, 2, 3, &c. a.
Claws retractile. Capable of being drawn back into a sheath, as in the
Falcon tribe.
Culmen The central ridge of the bill.
Feathers elongated Lengthened, as in the crests of certain birds.
acuminatedDrawn to a fine point, as in the neck feathers of
the Eagles.
VOL. I. C
TECHNICAL TERMS.
Feet reticulated When the scales appear like net-work. PI, 4. Fig. 7-
...... plated. When the scales are large, and overlap each other like a coat
of mail. PL 1. Fig. 8.
Nostrils lateral Situated on each side of the central ridge of the bill.
.......... basal __ At the base of the bill.
.......... ovoid. Shaped like an egg.
Phalanges The joints of the toes.
Tibia. The feathered part of the leg above the tarsus, improperly called
the Thigh.
Toe reversible Capable of being turned back, as is the case with the
outer toe of many of the Owls.
...... fimbriated When its sides are furnished with a fringed-like ap-
pendage, as in some of the Grous.
Tomia. The cutting edges of the bill.
Tongue bifid Forked towards the extremity, as in the Falcon tribe.
.......... extensile. Capable of protrusion to a considerable length, as in
the Woodpeckers.
.......... lumbriciform. Shaped and ringed like a worm, as in the Wood-
peckers and Wryneck.
Wings acuminated. Having the quill-feathers drawn to a fine point, as
in the Swift.
xxvii )
TYPES OF THE GENERA.
PLATE I.
Fig. }. a, Bill of Golden Eagle.
2. a, Kite.
3. a, Common Buzzard.
4. a, Hen Harrier.
5. a, Goshawk.
6. a, Peregrine Falcon.
7. a, Head of Long-eared Owl.
ft, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
8. a. Skeleton head of Carrion Crow.
b t Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
9. , Head of Red-legged Chough,
ft, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
10. , Head of Nutcracker,
ft, Foot.
11. a, Head of Roller,
ft, Foot.
12. a, Head of Wax- wing,
ft, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
13. a, Head of Golden Oriole,
ft, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
14. a, Head of Common Starling,
ft, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
Genus.
Aquila.
Milvus.
Buteo.
Circus.
Astur.
Falco.
VStrix.
Corvus.
Frigilus.
> Nucifraga.
> Coracias.
v Bombycilla.
vOriolus.
VSturnus.
xxvm
TYPES OF THE GENERA.
Fig. 15. 0, Head of Rose-coloured Pastor.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
16. a, Head of Cuckoo.
b, Foot.
17. a, Head of Green Woodpecker.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
18. a, Head of Wryneck.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
PLATE II.
Fig. 1. a, Head of Nuthatch.
b, Foot.
2. a, Head of Common Creeper.
5, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
3. a, Head of Hoopoe.
b, Foot.
4. 0, Head of King's-Fisher.
b, Foot.
5. , Head of Bee-Eater.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
6. , Head of Chimney Swallow.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
7. a, Head of Swift.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
8. , Head of Goatsucker.
6, Gape.
c, Front view of bill.
d, Foot.
PLATE III.
Fig. 1. , Head of Ash-coloured Shrike.
6, Foot.
e, Front view of bill.
Genus.
V Pastor.
V Cuculus.
Picus.
Yunx.
Sitta,
\Si1
VCerthia.
y Upupa.
> Alcedo.
VJVterops.
VHirundo.
Cypselus.
Caprimulgus,
}
vLanius.
TYPES OF THE GENEHA.
XXIX
Fig-. 2. a, Head of Blackbird.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
3. a, Head of European Dipper.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
4. a, Head of Spotted Flycatcher.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
5. a, Head of Hedge-Accentor.
b, Foot
c, Front view of bill.
6. a, Head of Great Pettychaps.
b, Foot.
c, Under side of the foot.
d, Front view of bill.
7. a, Head of Stone- Chat.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
8. 0, Head of Pied Wagtail.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
9. , Skeleton head of Meadow Pipit.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of head.
10. a, Head of Sky-Lark.
Z>, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
11. a, Head of Great Titmouse.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
12. a, Head of Yellow Bunting.
b, The same, with mouth open.
c, Front view of bill.
d) Inside of under mandible.
e, Foot.
13. a, Head of Crossbill.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
14. , Head of Bullfinch.
b y Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
Genus.
VMerula.
J-Cinclus.
V Muscicapa.
i- Accentor.
Curruca.
Saxicola.
Motacilla.
Anthus.
Alauda.
|~Parus.
Emberiza.
>Loxia.
V Pyrrhula.
XXX
TYPES OF THE GENERA.
PLATE IV.
Fig. 1 . #, Head of Gold-crested Regulus,
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
1*. , Head of Common Wren.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
2. a, Head of Greenfinch.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of Bill.
, Head of Chaffinch.
e, Head of Goldfinch.
3. a, Head of Ring-Dove.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
4. a, Head of Pheasant.
6, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
5. #, Head of Red Grous.
b t Front view of bill.
6. a, Head of Partridge.
b, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
7. a, Head of Collared Pratincole.
b, Foot.
c y Front view of bill.
8. , Head of Little Bustard.
6, Foot.
c, Front view of bill.
Genus.
\- Regulus.
Troglodytes.
> Coccothraustes.
Fringilla.
Carduelis.
> Columba.
vphasiarius.
> Lagopus.
> Perdix.
> Glareola.
> Otis.
( xxxi )
SYNOPTICAL TABLE
OF
BRITISH LAND-BIRDS.
ABBREVIATIONS.
I. INDIGENOUS.
P. V. PERIODICAL VISITANT.
O. V. OCCASIONAL VISITANT.
I
1
H
!
2s
1
ENGLISH SPECIFIC NAMES.
LATIN SPECIFIC NAMES.
Abbre-
viations.
1
...
2
T
1
2
3
Egyptian Neophron,
Golden Eagle,
Cinereous Sea Eagle,
Neophron Percnopterus,
Aquila Chrysaeta,
Haliaetos albicilla,
O.V.
I
I
4
Osprey,
Pandion Haliseetos,
I
2
5
Goshawk,
Astur palumbarius,
I
:i
7
Sparrow Hawk,
Jer-Falcon,
Accipiter Fringillarius,
Falco Islandicus,
I
o.v.
Peregrine Falcon,
Peregrinus,
I.
Hobby,
subbuteo,
P. V.
Orange-legged Hobby,
rufipes,
o.v.
Kestrel,
Tinnunculus,
I.
Merlin,
jEsalon,
I.
4
8
Common Buzzard,
Buteo vulgaris,
I.
Rough-legged Buzzard,
Lagopus,
o.v.
It
Honey Buzzard,
Pernis apivorus,
o.v.
10
Marsh Harrier,
Circus rufus,
I.
Hen Harrier,
cyaneus,
I.
Ash-coloured Harrier,
cineraceus,
P. V.
5
11
Kite or Glead,
Milvus vulgaris,
I.
12
Swallow-tailed Elanus,
Elanus furcatus,
o.v.
4
in
GreatJiorned orEagle-Owl,
Bubo maximus,
o.v.
14
Long-eared Owl,
Otus vulgaris,
I.
Short-eared Owl,
Otus Brachyotos,
P. V.
XXX11
SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF
s
g
o
1
H
t^t
If!
j
3
ENGLISH SPECIFIC NAMES.
LATIN SPECIFIC NAMES.
Abbre-
viations.
15
Scops-eared Owl,
Scops Aldrovandi,
O V
If)
Snowy Owl,
Surnia Nyctea,
VJ V
O. V.
17
Barn or White Owl,
Strix Flammea,
1
18
Tawney Owl,
Ulula stridula,
X.
19
Tengmalm's Night-Owl,
Little Night-Owl,
Noctua Tengmalmi,
Passerina,
o.v.
O. V.
2
1
1
...
20
Common Bee- Eater,
Merops Apiaster,
O. V.
21
Garrulous Roller,
Coracias garrula,
Ov
2
...
22
Chimney Swallow,
Hirundo rustica,
V
P. V.
Martin,
urbica,
P. V.
Sand Martin,
riparia,
Pv
23
Common Swift,
Cypselus murarius,
. V .
P V
5
5
...
24
25
European Goatsucker,
Common Kingsfisher,
Caprimulgus Europseus,
Alcedo Ispida,
Jr. v
P. V.
1
2
1
...
20
Spotted Flycatcher,
Muscicapa grisola,
p V.
Pied Flycatcher,
luctuosa,
o. v.
2
...
1
27
Great Cinereous Shrike,
Lanius excubitor,
O. V.
Red-backed Shrike,
Collurio,
O. V.
Woodchat,
rufus,
O. V.
3
1
28
Missel Thrush,
Merula viscivora,
I.
Fieldfare,
pilaris,
P. V.
Song Thrush,
musica,
I.
Redwing,
Iliaca,
P. V.
Blackbird,
vulgaris,
J.
Ring Ouzel,
torquata,
P. V.
2
29
European Dipper,
Cinclus aquaticus,
1.
Golden Oriole,
Oriolus Galbula,
O. V.
4
1
30
Wheat-Ear,
Saxicola (Enanthe,
P. V.
Whin-Chat,
rubetra,
P. V.
Stone-Chat,
rubicola,
I.
31
Redbreast,
Erythaca rubecula,
I.
32
Common Redstart,
Phoenicura ruticiila,
P. V.
Tethys Redstart,
Tithys,
o.v.
Blue-throated Redstart,
suecica,
O. V.
2
33
Grasshopper Warbler,
Salicaria Locustella,
P. V.
Sedge Warbler,
Phragmitis,
P. V.
Reed Wren,
arundinacea,
P. V
34
35
Common Nightingale,
Black-cap Warbler,
Philomela Luscinia,
Curruca atricapilia,
P. V.
P. V.
Greater Pettychaps,
hortensis,
P. V.
Whitethroat,"
cinerea,
P. V.
Lesser Whitethroat,
garrula,
P. V.
3
36
Dartford Warbler,
M elizophilus provincia-
I.
lis,
37
Lesser Pettychaps,
Wood Wren,
Sylvia hippolais,
Sibilatrix,
P. V.
P. V,
Yellow Wren,
trochilus,
P. V.
4
38
39
Gold-crested Regulus,
Great Titmouse,
Regulus auricapillus,
Parus major,
I.
I.
Blue Titmouse,
cceruleus,
I.
Marsh Titmouse,
palustris,
I.
Cole Titmouse,
ater,
I.
Long, tailed Titmouse,
caudatus,
I.
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGY.
XXX111
s
1
o
J
E
_>>
= 1
'
o
ENGLISH SPECIFIC NAMES.
LATIN SPECIFIC NAMES.
Abbre-
viations.
Crested Titmouse,
Parus cristatus,
Bearded Titmouse,
biarmicus,
I.
40
Hedge Accentor,
Accentor modularis,
I.
Alpine Accentor,
alpinus,
0. V.
5
41
Pied Wagtail,
Motacilla alba,
I.
Grey Wagtail,
Boarula,
I.
Yellow Wagtail,
flava,
P. V.
42
Rock or Shore Pipit,
Anthus aquaticus,
I.
Meadow Pipit,
pratensis,
I.
Tree Pipit,
arboreus,
P. V.
Richard's Pipit,
Richardi,
O. V.
5
43
Bohemian Wax-wing,
Bombycilla garrula,
O. V.
3
1
1
44
Sky Lark,
Alauda arvensis,
I.
Wood Lark,
arborea,
I.
45
Snow Bunting,
Plectrophanes nivalis,
P. V.
Lapland Snow Bunting,
Lapponica,
O. V.
46
Common Bunting,
Emberiza miliaria,
L
Yellow Bunting,
citrinella,
I.
Reed Bunting,
Schreniculus,
I.
Coil Bunting,
cirlus,
I.
Orlotan Bunting,
Hortulana,
0. V.
2
47
House Sparrow,
Passer domesticus,
I.
Tree Sparrow,
montanus,
I.
48
Chaffinch,
Fringilla coelebs,
I.
Mountain Finch,
montifringilla,
P. V.
49
Siskin,
Carduelis spinus,
P. V.
Goldfinch,
eiegans,
I.
3
50
Common Linnet,
Linaria cannabina,
I.
Mountain Linnet,
montana,
I.
Lesser Redpole Linnet,
minor,
I.
51
Hawfinch Grosbeak,
Green Grosbeak,
Coccothraustes vulgaris,
chloris,
P. V.
I.
4
52
Common Crossbill,
Loxia curvirostra,
0. V.
Parrot Crossbill,
Pytiopsittacus,
0. V.
53
Pine Bullfinch,
Pyrrhula enucleator,
0. V.
Common Bullfinch,
vulgaris,
I.
2
...
54
Common Starling,
Sturnus vulgaris,
I.
55
Rose-coloured Pastor,
Pastor roseus,
O. V.
3
...
56
Raven,
Corvus Corax,
I.
Carrion Crow,
corone,
I.
Hooded Crow,
comix,
I.
Rook,
frugilegus,
I.
Jackdaw,
monedula,
I.
->7
Magpie,
Pica melanoleuca,
I.
5(5
Common Jay,
Garrulus glandarius,
I.
:>!)
Cornish Chough,
Fregilus graculus,
I.
2
60
61
Nutcracker,
Green Woodpecker,
Nucifraga Caryocatactes
Picus viridis,
0. V.
I.
(iivat Hlack Woodpecker,
martius,
0. V.
Great Spotted Wood-
pecker,
major,
I.
Lesser Spotted Wood-
I'
pecker,
minor,
.
XXXIV
SYNOPTICAL TABLE, &c.
1
o
1
h
1
3-
3 P
& a
h
Genus. 1
ENGLISH SPECIFIC NAMES.
LATIN SPECIFIC NAMES.
Abbre-
viations.
G2
Wryneck,
Yunx torquilla,
P. V.
3
...
C3
Nuthatch,
Sitta Europea,
I.
G4
Common Creeper,
Certhia familiaris,
I.
Go
GO
Common Wren,
Common Hoopoe,
Troglodytes Europoeus,
Upupa Epops,
I.
O. V.
4
...
67
Cuckoo,
Cuculus canorus,
P. V.
3
...
1
...
G8
Ring Dove,
Columba Palumbus,
I.
Stock Dove,
jEnas,
I.
Rock Dove,
livia,
I.
Turtle Dove,
Turtur,
P. V.
2
...
G9
Common Pheasant,
Phasianus colchicus,
I.
3
...
70
Black Grous,
Tetrao Tetrix,
I.
71
Red Grous Ptarmigan,
Lagopus Scoticus,
I.
72
Common Ptarmigan,
Common Partridge,
mutus,
Perdix cinerea,
I.
I.
Quail,
coturnix,
P. V.
4
..
73
Great Bustard,
Otis tarda,
I.
Little Bustard,
tetrax,
0. V.
( XXXV )
LIST OF AUTHORS QUOTED,
WITH THEIR ABBREVIATIONS.
Alb.
Arct. Zool.
Bechst. Naturg. Deut.
und Taschenb.
Bewick's Br. Birds,
Br. Zool.
Briss. Orn.
Buff. Ois. et PI. Enl.
Cuv. Reg. Anim.
Don. Br. Birds,
Edw.
Fau. Suec.
Albin. Natural History of Birds, with coloured
Plates, engraven from life, by Eleaxer Albin,
3 vols. 4to. London, 1738.
Arctic Zoology, by Thomas Pennant, Esq., 2 vols.
4to. 1784.
John Bechstein, Gemeinnutzige Naturgeschichte
Deutschlands, Tweyte Auflage. Und Ornitholo-
gisches Tasschenbuch, von und fur Deutschland.
History of British Birds, the figures engraved on
wood, by Thomas Bewick, Newcastle, 1797 ; also
edit. 1826.
British Zoology, by Thomas Pennant, Esq., 4th ed.
8vo. 1776.
Ornithologie, par M. Brisson, 4to. Paris, 1760.
Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux, par M. Buffon, 4to.
Paris, 1770, et Planches Enlumine'es de cet ou-
vrage.
Le Regne Animal distribue 7 d'apres son Organiza-
tion, par M. le Chevalier Cuvier, 8vo. a Paris, 1817.
Natural History of British Birds, by E. Donovan,
F. L. S., 8vo. London, 1799.
Natural History of Birds, and other rare and un-
described animals, by George Edwards, 4to, 7 vols.
London, 1763.
Caroli Linnaei Fauna Suecica, sistens Animalia Sue-
ciae Regni.
XXXVI
LIST OF AUTHORS QUOTED,
Flem. Br. Anim.
Faun. Boreal. Amer.
Frisch.
Gmel. Syst.
Ind. Ornith.
Jardine's Wils. Amer.
Orn.
Lath. Syn.
Lesson's Man. d'Orn.
Le win's Br. Birds.
Linn. Syst.
Linn. Trans.
Low's Fau. Oread.
Meyer, Tasschenb. et
Vog. Deut.
Meyer, Vog. Liv. und
Esthl.
Mont. Orn. Die., Id.
Sup.
Pult. Cat. Dorset.
History of British Animals, exhibiting the descrip-
tive characters, and systematic arrangement, &c.
&c., by John Fleming, D.D., F.R.S.E., F.L.S %
&c. &c. Edinburgh, 1828.
Fauna Boreali Americana, part ii. Birds, London,
1831.
J. L. Frisch, Vorstellung der Vb'gel in Deutsch-
land.
Systema Naturae, John Frederick Gmelin, Leipsise,
1783.
Index Ornithologicus, sive Systema Ornithologiae,
complectens, Avium divisionem in Classes, Ordi-
nes, &c. Studio et opera, Johannis Latham, R. S.
Londini, 4to. 1790.
Wilson's American Ornithology, by Sir William
Jardine, Bart, F.R. S.E,, F.L. S., &c., Edin-
burgh, 1832.
A general Synopsis of Birds, by John Latham, 4to.
3 vols.
Manuel d'Ornithologie, ou description des genres, et
des principales especes d'Oiseaux, par R.P. Lesson,
Paris, 1828.
The Birds of Great Britain, by William Lewin, 4to.
London, 1789.
Caroli Linncei Systema Naturae, &c., 8vo. 3 vols.
edit. 12. Holmiaj, 1766.
Transactions of Linnean Society, 4to. London.
Fauna Orcadensis, or Natural History of the Qua-
drupeds, Birds, Reptiles, and Fishes of Orkney
and Shetland, by the Rev. George Low, Minister
of Birza and Barra, 4to. Edinburgh, 1813.
Dr Meyer and Dr Wolf. Tasschenbuch der Deut-
schen Vogelkunde, und Naturgeschichte der Vog.
Deutschlands.
Dr Meyer. Kurze Bechreibung der Vog. Liv. und
Esthl.
Ornithological Dictionary, by Geo. Montagu, F.L.S.
London, 1802. Supplement by the same, 1813.
Catalogues of the Birds, Shells, and some of the
more rare Plants of Dorsetshire, from the new and
enlarged edition of Mr Hutchison's History of
that county, by Richard Pulteney, M. D., F. R. S.
Lond. and Edin., and F. L. S. London, 1799.
WITH THEIll ABBREVIATIONS.
XXXV11
Rail Syn.
Rennie's Mont. Orn.
Diet.
Shaw's Zool.
Temm. Man. d'Orn.
Temm. Pig. et Gall.
VailL Ois. d'Afriq.
Wale. Syn.
Wagler's Syst. Av.
White's Hist. Selb.
Will. Orn.
VVils. Amer. Orn.
Johannis Rail Synopsis Methodica Avium et Pis-
cium, &c. 8vo. Londini, 1713.
Ornithological Dictionary of British Birds, by Co-
lonel G. Montagu, F.L.S., by James Rennie, A.M.
A. L. S., &c. London, 1831.
General Zoology, or Systematic Natural History,
by George Shaw, M.D., F.R.S., with Plates, &c.
London, 8vo.
Manuel d'Ornithologie, ou Tableau Systematique
des Oiseaux qui si irouvent en Europe, par C. J.
Temminck, Membre de plusieurs Academies, &c.
2d edit, considerablement augmente'e et mise au
niveau des d'ecouvertes nouvelles. A Paris, 1820.
Histoire Naturelle generale des Pigeons et des Gal-
linace's, par C. J. Temminck, 8vo.
Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux d'Afrique.
Synopsis of British Birds, by John Walcot, Esq. 4to.
London, 1789.
Systema Avium Auctor, Dr James Wagler, Stut_
gard, 1827.
Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne, in the
county of Southampton, by Gilbert White, 4to.
London, 1813.
The Ornithology of Francis Willoughby, Esq. F.R.S.
folio, London, 1678.
American Ornithology, or Natural History of the
Birds of the United States, &c., by Alexander
Wilson, Philadelphia, 1808.
ILLUSTRATIONS
OP
ORNITHOLOGY.
ILLUSTRATIONS
OF
BRITISH ORNITHOLOGY.
ORDER I.
RAPTORES, VIGORS.
IN the natural arrangement, or that founded upon the af-
finities connecting the various tribes of the feathered race,
the Raptorial Order constitutes the first of the five great di-
visions into which the Class Aves, like those of the other de-
partments of the animal kingdom, may be divided : a num-
ber, it may be observed, to which not only the primary, but
also all the minor subdivisions, of such departments as have
hitherto undergone investigation, appear to be limited. Of
these divisions, it is one of the two which are considered ty-
pical or representative (the Order Incessores being the other)^
and is composed of the various groups generally known as
Birds of Prey ; answering to the Accipitres of LINN.US, and
analogous to the Carnivorous Animals of the Class Mamma~
lia. The compact yet powerful body, the predatory habits,
the decided partiality for animal food, the strong anoT hooked
bill, the muscular limbs, the curved and often semi-retractile
claws, and other distinguishing traits, separate the birds of
VOL. i. A
2 RAPTORES. VULTURID^E.
this Order from all the others ; though, at the same time we
must remark, that modifications of form and character are
met with in the less typical members sufficient to support the
necessary connection with the other orders of the Class. In
this Division four Families only have yet been recognised,
viz. the Vulturida, Falconida, Strigida, and Gypogeranida.
Of these the three first mentioned embrace the extensive Lin-
nean genera Vulture, Falco, and Strix ; the fourth is repre-
sented by the African Serpent-Eater {Secretary Vulture of
LATHAM). The fifth, necessary to complete the series of
affinities within the circle of this Order, is still wanting.
FAMILY IT.* VULTURID^
The Vulturidse, which form one of the typical families of
the order, are distinguished by having the head more or less
divested of feathers, the bill strait at the base, and covered
with a cere, either thinly covered with hair or naked, simple
or carunculated ; their limbs are muscular and generally
short, the tarsi and feet naked, the latter armed with rather
strong, but not very hooked talons. They principally sub-
sist upon carrion and decomposing animal matter ; but, as
might be expected, the forms which approach nearest to the
Falconidte occasionally prey upon living subjects. They are
mostly inhabitants of the warmer regions of the globe, where
they act an important and salutary part in the economy of
nature, by clearing the surface of noxious and putrid ani-
mal remains. Their wings are ample, and their flight, which
is powerful, and can be long sustained, is generally described
in wide circles. In this family, five distinct forms have been
admitted ; two of which, genus Vultur and genus Sarcoram-
* According to the system of Mr VIGORS (the one here adopted), the aber-
rant family of Gypogeranidae stands first, as the typical families invariably
occupy the middle station. But, in this work, we commence of course
with the second family, as the first affords no British species.
RAPTORES. NEOPHRON. *
pints, as possessing the peculiar features of the family in the
highest degree, are justly considered its typical representa-
tives ; the other three are aberrant, viz. the genera Neophron,
Cathartes, and Gypaetos, in which a deviation of structure is
perceptible, and which serve, from the affinities they exhibit,
not only to complete the circle of their own family, but to
connect it with those belonging to other orders of the class.
GENUS NEOPHRON (SAVic,.) NEOPHRON.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill elongated, slender, strait ; the upper mandible covered
with a cere for half its length, and with a distinct hooked
dertrum or tip. The lower mandible curving downwards at
the point, with no apparent gonys or angle. Nostrils longitu-
dinal, lateral, directed forwards, and placed near to the cul-
men of the bill. Anterior part of the head and the face
naked ; the neck covered with acuminate feathers. Wings
ample, the third quill-feather being the longest. Tail of
fourteen feathers. Legs of mean strength and length ; the
tarsi reticulated. Feet with four toes ; three before, and one
behind. The front toes united at the base. Claws strong,
slightly hooked, and blunt. Under surface of the toes sca-
brous.
This genus, which was first established by SAVIGNY, has
since been adopted by Mr VIGORS, who makes it one of the
five forms recognisable in the family of the Vulturida. It
belongs to the aberrant division, or that in which the groups
indicate a modification of those peculiar characters that dis-
tinguish the typical divisions, represented (as I have before
stated) by genus Vultur and genus Sarcoramphus. Its
structure, according to the affinities displayed, seems inter-
mediate between the genus Gypaetos, of which the Vultur
barbatus of authors is the type, (and which more imme-
diately connects the Vulturidae with the succeeding family of
4 RAPTORES. NEOPHRON. NEOPHRON.
the Falconidse), and the genus Catkartes, restricted by the
ornithologists of the present day to certain species belonging
to America, of which Cathartes Aura and Cathartes Uruba
are the representatives. From this latter group the present
genus differs, not only in geographical distribution, but in
having the neck more fully clothed with feathers, and the
bill and legs> of still weaker conformation. It is restricted to*
the old world, and has for its type the Neophron Percnop-
terus of SAVIGNY (Vultur Perc. of LINN.EUS). In habits
these birds are, if possible, more filthy than any of tire other
members of this family, their food consisting almost wholly
of the rankest carrion and most disgusting offal of every de-
scription. They are also of a more timid character, appear-
ing very destitute of the boldness that characterizes the
larger and more typical Vultures.
EGYPTIAN NEOPHRON.
NEOPHRON PERCNOPTERUS, Savig.
PLATE A.
Neophron Percnopterus, Savig. Ois. de 1' Egypt, p. 16 Vigors in Zooli
Journ. 2. 380 Jardine and Selby, Illust. of Orn. 1. pi. 33.
Vultur Percnopterus, Linn. Syst.- 1. 123. 7 Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 2. sp. 3
Shaw's Zool. 5. 7- pi- 33.
Alpine Vulture, Lath. Syn. 1. 12; Id. Sup- 3.
Vultur ^Egypticus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 2. var. B.
Sacre d'Egypt, Buff. Ois. 1. 167-
Egyptian Vulture, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 13.
Vultur leucocephalus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 1. sp. <f.
Vautour de Norvege, Buff. Ois 1, 164.
Ash-coloured Vulture, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 3.
Vultur Angolensis? Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 7- sp. 17-
Angola Vulture? Penn. Tour in Wales, 1. 30?. pi. 16. Lath. Syn. 1. 15 ?
Vultur fuscus, Gmel. Syst. 1. 248. Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 5. sp. TO.
Vautour de Malte, Buff. Ois 1. 161.
Maltese Vulture, Lath. Syn. 1. 15.
Vultur ginginianus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 7- sp. 16.
Gingi Vulture, Lath. Syn. 1. 1. Shaw's Zool. 7- 37.
Cathartes Percnopterus, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 1. 8. Steph. Shaw's Zool. 13*.
7. sp. 1.
Le Percnoptere u Egypt, Cuv. Reg. Anim. 1. 307-
Vautour 1'Origon, Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afric, 1. p. 14.
Rachamah, or Bird of Pharaoh, Bruce* s Travels, App. 163.
NEOPHRON. RAPTORES. NEOPHRON.
Since the publication of the first volume of the " Illustra-
tions, 11 a bird of this species has been killed upon the western
coast of England, in an undoubted wild and natural state,
thus entitling it to a place in the list of our fauna, as a rare Rare visi-
visitant. The specimen is now in the possession of the Rev. tant<
A. MATTHEW of Kilve, in Somersetshire, near which place
it was shot in October 1825, and who kindly favoured me
with the loan -of the specimen, accompanied by the following
particulars relating to its capture. When first discovered,
it was feeding upon the carcass of a dead sheep, and had so
rgorged itself with the carrion, as to be unable or unwilling
to fly to any great distance at a time, and was therefore ap-
proached without much difficulty and shot. Another bird
similar to it in appearance, was seen at the same time upon
wing at no great distance ; which remained in the neigh-
bourhood a few days, but could never be approached within
range ; and which was supposed to be the mate of the one
killed. The state and colour of the plumage of this indivi-
dual, judging from the descriptions given of the species by
TEMMINCK and other authors, indicate a young bird probably
of the first, or, at the farthest, of the second year. The livery
of the adult (Vultur gmgianus of LATHAM) beingtrf an uni-
form white, with the exception of the greater quills, which
always remain black. The changes of plumage to which it
is subject, and the different appearance it assumes under
each, have given rise to the creation of several supposed dis-
tinct species, as is evident from the list of synonyms quoted ;
but I am convinced that most of them may be satisfactorily
traced to the bird in question, excepting only the Angola
Vulture of PENNANT (Vultur Angolensis of LATHAM,) which
{from his description, and the figure given in his " Tour
through Wales") is difficult to be reconciled with any state
of Neophron Percnopterus. In Europe, the species is not
uncommon in Spain, Malta, and Turkey, and it is some-
times also met with in Italy, and as far as Switzerland.
6 RAPTORES. NEOPHRON. NKOPHRON.
Africa, however, is the country most congenial to its economy,
in which quarter of the globe it is both abundant and widely
diffused. In its affinities it is nearly allied to those American
Vultures which form the genus Ccdliartes^ as now restricted
by ornithologists ; and may in fact be considered as their re-
presentative upon the ancient continent. It also in some
particulars connects the more typical Vultures with the
genus Gypaetos, leading immediately to the Falconid^ and
represented by that powerful and daring species Vultur bar-
batus, the Bearded Vulture of authors, and in another
work* it has been observed that its bill in form approaches
very closely to that of Tacliypetes^ one of those oceanic Pe-
lecanidae, which seem to connect the Natatores with the
terrestrial order Raptores. Its habits are very similar to
those of the American Catharti, so graphically described by
AUDUBON and other transatlantic writers, as it rejects no
dead animal matter, delighting even in the most putrid car-
Food, rion. On this account it is held in deserved respect, and
protected by the inhabitants of those countries in which it
abounds, as an able coadjutor in clearing away the filth and
putrid matter, which, in climates of so warm a temperature,
would otherwise become pestilential, by infecting the air
with unwholesome effluvia. In addition to the above men-
tioned food, it occasionally preys upon lizards and other rep-
tiles, but is rarely known to attack the smaller living animals
or birds. It possesses a great power of flight, from the wings
being very long and ample, and the tail produced and wedge-
shaped, circumstances that enable it to soar in extended
circles with great buoyancy, and it is in these aerial flights,
that it searches for its food upon the ground beneath, which
this and the other Vulturidse are now supposed to detect
more by strength and quickness of sight, than (as was for-
merly supposed) by the extraordinary perfection of their
* See Illustrations of Ornithology, by Sir WILLIAM JARDINE and P. J.
SELBY, vol. 1st, plate 33, article Neophron Percnoptertts.
NEOPHRON. RAPTORES. NEOPHRON. 7
organ of smell*. It is reported to breed in caverns and the
clefts of rocks, but the number and colour of its eggs have
not been described. Its cry is seldom heard, and when at
rest it generally sits upon the ground with the wings depend-
ing, a habit common to the Vulturidae. In a living state it
emits a very strong effluvium, partaking of the nature of its
corrupted food, and when killed it putrefies very rapidly.
PLATE A. Represents this Bird of the natural size. When General
killed, it measured two feet seven inches in length, and
in extent of wing five feet nine inches. From the fore-
head to the tip, its bill measured two inches and a-half ;
the tarsus three inches, and the middle toe with its claw
the same. Bill brownish-black or horn-coloured ; the
cere (which bulges a little at the base, and occupies half
the length of the bill) wine-yellow ; nostrils situated
near the middle of the cere, large and open in front.
Crown of the head, cheeks, and throat, covered with a
naked skin, of a livid flesh-coloured red, with a few
straggling bristles between the bill and eyes, and upon
the margins of the mandibles. Ears round, open, and
large. Occiput and nape covered with a close thick
set white down, with small black feathers intermingled.
Neck with clothed long, arched, and acuminated feathers,
forming a kind of ruff of a deep umber-brown, tipped
with cream yellow. Back and scapulars cream- white ;
the latter intermixed and varied with umber brown.
Lesser wing-coverts, nearest the body, deep umber-
brown, margined with a paler shade ; these are succeeded
by two rows of cream-coloured sharp-pointed feathers.
Greater coverts umber-brown, varied with cream-white.
Secondaries pale umber-brown, with their tips and mar-
* To some interesting experiments relating to this subject, I refer my
readers to observations on the habits, &c. of the Turkey Buzzard and Car-
rion Crow, ( Cathartes aura and C. Uruba,) by J. J. AUDUBON, published
in the Edinburgh Philos. Jour, for October 1826.
8 RAPTORES. FALCONIDJE.
gins yellowish-white. Quills black, tail wedge-shaped,
umber-brown at the base, with the tips yellowish- white,
hinder parts mixed with umber-brown. Legs strong
and fleshy, of a pale yellowish-grey. The tarsi covered
with a rough reticulated skin. The middle toe having
four entire scales upon the last point, the outer and
inner toes each with three ; hind toe short and strong.
Claws blackish-brown, strong, and but slightly curved.
In the adult state the whole of the plumage, with the ex-
ception of the greater quills, is white ; the space between
the bill and eyes covered with a white down ; the base
of the bill, forehead, cheeks, and throat, naked, and of
a pale flesh-coloured red ; the feathers upon the occiput
long and narrow, forming a kind of crest ; irides red ;
legs and feet pale grey.
FAMILY III. FALCONID^E.
THE Falconidae, which form the second typical family of
the order, may be considered as embracing all those various
" birds of prey" that feed in the day time, which are ar-
ranged by LINNAEUS and other systematists under the exten-
sive genus Falco. In these, the head (except in the species
more immediately connecting them with the Vulturida) is
clothed with feathers ; the bill is strong and short, much
hooked, and in the typical species bending immediately from
the base, which is covered with a naked and coloured cere ;
the nostrils are lateral, more or less rounded, and placed in
the cere ; the legs, which are either naked or feathered to the
toes, are of mean length, but muscular and strong, and the
tibial joint considerably elongated, to aid as a powerful lever
in pouncing their prey. Their front toes are partially united
at the base, particularly the outer and middle ones ; and their
claws, which are much incurved, are very sharp, and in ge-
neral partially retractile. To symmetry of form they unite
RAPTORES. FALCONIDJE. 9
great strength and activity, and the typical groups possess a
power of flight both as to duration and swiftness, superior to
most of the feathered race ; their vision is also wonderfully
acute, and they are distinguished for courage and audacity.
They prey almost entirely upon living creatures, which they
either strike upon the wing (the mode adopted by the typi-
cal genera) or pounce upon the ground, like the Buzzards
and Kites. Birds and quadrupeds are the usual food of most
of the species ; some, however, prey on fish, and others prin-
cipally subsist upon the larger coleopterous insects. They
tear their prey in pieces with their bill and claws, and parts
of the feathers and fur being swallowed with the flesh, are
afterwards ejected (together with the bones and other indi-
gestible portions) in pellets by the mouth. They generally
lead a wandering and solitary life, except in the season of
incubation, or at farthest continue associated in pairs as
male and female, which is sometimes observed in birds of
the aquiline kind. The numbers of this family, as might be
expected from their typical character, are very numerous,
and distributed over every portion of the globe. Many of
the species in their progress from the young to the adult
state, (which in some is not attained before the third, in
others the fourth or fifth year), undergo great and remarkable
changes. This circumstance, from a want of observation, and
indeed very often of opportunity for close investigation, has
given rise to several errors among writers on Ornithology,
and has caused great confusion, and a consequent incorrect
multiplication, of species. The gradual increase of know-
ledge, in this, as well as other branches of Zoology, and the
labour of several recent naturalists (among whom stand pro-
minent the names of TEMMiNcxand MONTAGU), have, how-
ever essentially contributed to the development of these sin-
gular and unexpected changes of plumage, and cleared up
many of the doubts and difficulties, in which the history of
several species had been so long involved. By many modern
ornithologists, five subordinate divisions or subfamilies,
10 RAPTORES. AQUILINA.
have been recognised in the Falconida? ; viz. Aguilina, Ac-
cipitrina, Falconina, Buteonma, and Milvina, which again
are divisible, into groups of still less amount, constituting
the genera of the present work *, and all forming a circular
series of affinities within themselves. Of these Subfamilies,
the Accipitrina and Falconina are the typical forms, possess-
ing peculiarities of structure, habits, &c., which either do not
exist, or become modified in the others.
SUBFAMILY AQUILINA.
THE distinguishing characters of this Subfamily, consist
in superiority of size, in having the bill longer and straiter
at the base than in the typical Falcons, in which respects
they approach nearer to the Vulturine Family ; the fea-
thers of the crown of the head and neck are narrow and
sharp-pointed, and in some subjects the head and throat are
found partially naked. Their limbs are generally short and
muscular, and their talons very strong and much hooked.
In this subdivision we find the most powerful and destruc-
tive birds of the Family, as well as others, which partaking
more of the Vulturine form and disposition, are less preda-
cious, and frequently content themselves with prey already
dead, or, in some instances, with carrion. Towards the far-
ther extremity other forms are met with, which connect this
Subfamily more immediately with the Accipitrinse and others
of the Order.
* By Mr SWAINSON, in that beautiful and valuable national work, the
Fauna Americana Borealis, these Subfamilies are considered as Genera ;
the inferior groups (answering to the genera of this work) being distin-
guished by the appellation of Subgenus. His remarks upon this Family
are highly interesting, and deserving of repeated and attentive perusal by
every ornithologist.
RAPTORES. AQUILA. 11
GENUS AQUILA (Bmss.) EAGLE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strait at the base, strong, much hooked at the point,
compressed, with the sides inclining upwards, and forming a
narrow ridge or culmen. The tomia or cutting edges of the
upper mandibles having a faint obtuse lobe, situated behind
the commencement of the hook. Nostrils oval lateral, trans-
versely placed in the cereous part of the bill. Space between
the nostrils and eye-orbits thinly covered with radiating hairs.
Wings ample ; with the fourth and fifth quill-feathers the
longest in each wing. Legs having the tarsi thickly clothed
with feathers to the toes. Toes rather short, the outer and
middle ones united at the base by a membrane. Claws very
strong, hooked, and very sharp, grooved beneath ; those up-
on the outer and hind toes the largest.
The members of this genus are not less distinguished for
their size and strength than for those bold and destructive
habits, in which they emulate the typical subdivisions of the
Family. They do not, however, possess the same facility of
pursuing their prey upon wing, which we see in the Falcons
and Hawks ; for though their flight is very powerful, they
are not capable of the rapid evolutions that attend the aerial
attacks of the above named groups ; in consequence of which
their prey is mostly pounced upon the ground. They attack
the larger birds and animals, and, unless pressed by extre-
mity of hunger, refuse to feed upon carrion, or even any
prey already dead. Their form is compact and strong, and
their gait and aspect are active and alert, being entirely de-
void of the sluggish appearance that characterizes the genera
more nearly allied in habits and form to the Vulturidce. The
n en us possesses an extensive geographical distribution, the
species being found in all quarters of the globe. These are
12 RAPTORES. AQUILA.
mostly the inhabitants of mountainous districts, where they
breed amongst inaccessible precipices, and in lofty trees-
The young are four or five years in attaining maturity, and
during this period, undergo considerable changes of plumage.
GOLDEN EAGLE.
AQUILA CHRYSAETA, Flem.
PLATE I. I *. AND II.
Synonyms of
-the Adult.
Synonyms <
Young.
'Aquila Chrysaeta, Shaw's Zool. 13. 15. Faun. Amer. Boreal. 2. 12. No. 4.
Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 52. No. 18.
Falco Chrysaetos, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 125. 5. Fauna Suec. p. 54 Gmel.
Syst 1. p. 256 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 12. sp. 8 Itaii, Syn. p. 6. 1.
Muller. No. 59 Briss. 1. p. 431. 7 Ib. 8vo. p. 124.
L'Aigle Royal, Buff. PL Enl. 410. the female Id. Le Grand Aigle.
L'Aigle Commun, et L'Aigle Royal, Cuv. Reg. Anim. v. 1. p. 314
Aigle Royal, Temm, Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 38. 2d edit.
Golden Eagle. Br. Zool. 1. No. 42, t. 16 Id. fol. p. 61. t. A Arct.
Zool. 2. p. 214. a Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 2. Lath. Syn. 1. p. 31
Id. Supp. p. 10 Mont. Ornith. Diet. vol. 1 Id. Sup Will. Ang.
p. 58 Bewick's Br. Birds, p. 5 Wale. Syn. 1. t. 3 Shaw's Zool.
; v. 7. p. 75.
Falco fulvus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 125. 6 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 256 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 10. 4.
Falco niger, Gmel. p. 359.
Chrysae'tos cauda annulo albo cincta, Raii, Syn. p. 6. 2.
Will. Ang. p. 28.
Aquila fulva, Meyer, Vog. Liv. und. Esthl. p. 2.
L'Aigle commun, Buff. Gis. v. p. 86. Id. PL Enl. 409. an accurate
figure of the young bird.
Black Eagle, Br. Zool. p. 1 65. No. 43.
Ring-tail Eagle, Br. Zool. fol. p. 62 Will Ang. p. 59. Lath. Syn.
1. p. 32 Id. Suppl. p. 10 Lewin's Birds, 1. t. 3 Mont. Ornith.
Diet Id. Suppl Bewick's Br. Birds, p. 7 Low's Fauna Oread.
p. 31 Shaw's Zool. vol. 7. p. 71. Wils. Amer. Orn Ed. Sir Wm.
Jardine, 2. 304. pi. 55. fig. 1.
THE two figures given in this work (upon a scale of two-
fifths of the natural size) represent a female of this species in
different attitudes ; the first being its usual carriage when in
a state of rest, the second displaying its remarkable man-
ner when it has pounced, and exults over its prey. The
bird from which the drawings were taken, is alive in my
K.\ULE. RAPTORES. AQUILA. 14
possession, and was obtained from the Highlands of Perth-
shire.
In the brief Descriptions that accompanied the progressive
publication of the Engravings, I stated an opinion that the
Falco Chrysaetos and Falcofulvus of authors were distinct
species.
In consequence of some doubts having arisen as to the cor-
rectness of this supposition, I was led, since that period, to
direct my attention particularly to the history of these birds ;
and the result of further examination has convinced me, that
the former opinion had been too hastily adopted. I now con-
cur with Mons. TEMMINCK in considering them as individu-
als of the same species, at different periods of age : the Chry-
saetos denoting the adult ; the Fulrus the young, or imma-
ture bird.
After the inspection of several specimens, and minute in-
quiry in those districts of Scotland where eagles abound, it
would seem that the white ring, which distinguishes the
F.fnlvuS) is confined to birds of a certain age. During the
first year, the ring appears well defined, occupying the larger
and upper half of the tail ; but at the moult which takes
place subsequent to this age, the line between the white and s
lower or dark part of the tail becomes interrupted, and a few
patches of a hair-brown colour make their appearance, ad-
vancing upon the white ring.
At this age, and under this very state of feather, I had an
opportunity of examining two living specimens at Mar Lodge
in Aberdeenshire, which had been taken from the same nest
in the preceding year. Each succeeding change of feathers,
or moult, adds to the size of the brown patches, till the
bird has attained maturity (that is, its fourth year), when the
whole of the tail appears barred with hair and dflrfc-brown,
the roots of the feathers only remaining white ; after which
it undergoes no further change. In the rest of their plum-
age, the difference between the young and adult bird is trif-
ling ; and in other essential characters, viz. the size and form
2
14 RAPTORES. AQUILA. EAGLE.
of the bill, the number of scales upon the feet, and anatomi-
cal structure, they appear perfectly similar *.
It is amongst the largest of the European species, the fe-
males often measuring three feet and a half in length, and
upwards of eight feet across, when the wings are extended.
It is a native of the mountainous parts of Ireland and Scot-
land, where it still by no means of rare occurrence, and
may generally be seen soaring to a vast height in the air.
In those districts, it often commits great havoc amongst the
lambs, and is therefore proscribed by the inhabitants, who
use every method in their power to extirpate the breed ; but
the inaccessible nature of the cliffs in which its eyry is gene-
rally placed, proves a sufficient safeguard.
Food. Jt s prey consists of the larger quadrupeds and birds, such
as roebucks, fawns, lambs, black and red grouse, &c. ; and
it is only under extremity of hunger that the Golden Eagle
Nest, &c. w ill f e ed upon a dead carcass or carrion. Its nest is usually
placed upon some shelf of rock, or on the summit of a tree
that springs from the cliff ; is of large dimensions, and formed
of sticks, heath, &c. The eggs, generally two in number,
are of a greyish-white colour, clouded with spots of reddish-
brown -f*. An interesting description of the nest and young
* According to Mr BULLOCK, both the Fulvus and Chrysattos breed in
the Orkneys. I do not mean to doubt the assertion, so far as supposition
extends ; but may not the mere separation of residence that takes place
between the adult birds, and those yet in an immature state, lead cursory
observers to think that the process of incubation, &c. is going on in both
situations ? If such is the fact, and they are the same species, it would
appear that the imperfect state of plumage, in their progress to the adult
bird, does not retard maturity, with respect to propagation ; though we
might look for such an effect, from knowing that many species of the ge-
nus Larus (Gull) do not breed previous to the attainment of their adult
plumage. What would therefore contradict the usual course of Nature,
must be admitted with suspicion, and leads me, inclined as I am to the
opinion of their identity, to believe in the unintentional inaccuracy of the
assertion. It is a point fairly open to strict examination, and one that
courts positive proof.
f Since the publication of the first Edition of this Work, the female bird
above mentioned and figured, has for three successive years laid one egg
EAGLE. RAPTORES, AQUILA. 15
of this species, found in the woodlands of the Peak of Derby-
shire, is given in WILLOUGHBY'S Ornithology, who rightly
conjectured that the Golden and Ring-tailed Eagles formed
but one species.
The vision of the Eagle is^ wonderfully acute, and the dis-
tance at which it can discern its prey is truly astonishing.
MONTAGU *, in the Supplement to his Ornithological Dic-
tionary, mentions some curious instances of the perfection of
this faculty. Indeed, it would appear, that the elevated
height at which it soars, is the favourite station from whence
to seek for prey, as it is from such altitudes that it generally
stoops, and carries off its victim. It seldom strays far from
its native haunts ; and the instances are rare of its having
been seen in England, or even in the Lowlands of Scotland.
BEWICK mentions a very large one, as killed near Wark-
worth in Northumberland, which measured eleven feet in ex-
tent of wing.
Having had two living birds of this species in my posses-
sion for some years, I have been enabled to give close atten-
tion to their peculiar habits. In disposition, they appear
untameable, their fierceness being in no respect diminished
since I first received them. They do not exhibit any par-
tiality even for the person who constantly attends and feeds
them, but are as ready to attack him as a stranger. They
shew a decided preference to living prey, and will not eat
offal or carrion, except when pressed by hunger. Hares,
rabbits, and cats, are favourite food. Living prey thrown to
them is instantly pounced on by a stroke behind the head,
and another about the region of the heart ; the bill appearing
or more, in size and colour resembling those deposited in a wild state.
Previous to laying, she becomes very restless and noisy ; and endeavours
to form a nest of sticks (purposely thrown into the cage), grass, feathers,
and any other loose materials. An anxious desire to incubate is also shewn,
but no experiments have yet been made to ascertain how far she would
carry this instinctive feeling.
* See MONT. Ornith. Diet. Supplem. articles Ring-tail Eagle, &c.
1C RAPTORES. AQUILA. EAGLE.
never to be used, but for the purpose of tearing up their
prey when dead.
Part of the fur is generally swallowed, and afterwards dis-
gorged with the bones, &c. in large pellets or castings, by
the mouth ; but they display some adroitness in skinning an
animal, and birds are in general partially plucked with great
dexterity.
They rarely drink, but during the heat of summer are
very partial to washing themselves.
The Female becomes noisy at the approach of spring, and
is observed to be particularly clamorous previous to wet or
stormy weather.
General P LATE 1- A female bird. Bill bluish at the base, the tip
descrip- black. Cere lemon-yellow. Irides orange-brown. Pri-
Adultbird mary quills black; the secondary ones clouded with
hair-brown, broccoli-brown, and umber-brown. Crown
of the head, and nape of the neck, pale orange-brown,
the feathers occasionally margined with white, narrow,
elongated and distinct. Chin and throat, dark umber-
brown. Vent pale reddish- brown. Tail pale broccoli-
brown, barred with blackish- brown, and ending in a
broad band of the same colour. Tarsi clothed with
pale reddish-brown feathers. Toes naked, yellow.
Claws black, very strong, and much hooked.
PLATE 1 *. The same bird, in a different attitude.
Youn PLATE 2. Represents the young or immature bird of this
bird. species, generally known by the name of the Ring-tail
Eagle, in about two-fifth parts of the natural size. This
bird, of one year old, is now alive, and in the possession
of Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart. (. Bill having the
f I have since had the gratification of witnessing the progressive changes
from adolescence to maturity in this individual. It is almost unnecessary
to add, that at the age of four years it exhibited the appropriate plumage
of the Golden Eagle.
EAGLE. RAPTORES. HALI^ETUS. 17
ha so bluish-grey, and the rest black. Cere lemon-
yellow. Irides clear dark chesnut-brown. Forehead
dark chesnut-brown. Crown of the head, and nape of
the neck, yellowish-brown, inclining to pale orange-
brown ; the feathers narrow, distinct, and pointed.
Throat and under part of the neck dark umber-brown.
Breast and belly dark brown, with a few white feathers
intermixed. Inside of the thighs white. Vent and un-
der tail-coverts white, having some of the feathers tipped
with brown. Back and wing coverts very intense um-
ber-brown. Upper tail-coverts white, some of them be-
ing tipped with brown. Tail, for two-thirds of its
length, white ; the remainder (or end part) blackish-
brown. Greater quills very intense brown, or black-
ish-brown, having their bases white. Secondaries, for
two-thirds of their length from the base, white. Tarsus
clothed with white feathers. Toes lemon-yellow. Claws
black.
GENUS HALI^IETUS, SAVIG. SEA-EAGLE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL elongated, strong, straight at the base, curving in a re-
gular arc in advance of the cere to the tip, and forming a deep
hook. Culmen broad, and rather flattened. Tomia of the
upper mandible slightly prominent behind the commence-
ment of the hook. Nostrils large, transversely placed in
the cere, and of a lunated shape. Wings ample ; the fourth
quill-feather the longest. Legs having the tarsi half
feathered, the front of the naked part scutellated, and the
sides and back reticulated. Toes divided to their origin;
the outer one versatile. Claws strong and hooked, grooved
VOL. I. B
18
RAPTORES. HALI^ETUS. SEA-EAGLE.
beneath ; the claw of the hind toe larger than that of the in-
ner, which again exceeds that of the middle and outer toes.
This genus, of which our Sea-Eagle (Falco albicilla, Auct.)
supplies an example, differs from the Ospreys or true fishing
Eagles (genus Pandion, Savig.) in the form of the bill, and
in the claws being grooved, and not rounded beneath ; with
that upon the inner toe being much larger and stronger than
that of the outer, the contrary of which characterizes the ge-
nus Pandion. The plumage is also different in texture, be-
ing looser, and resembling that of the typical Eagles, and
the thighs, instead of a covering of short and thick set feathers,
are furnished with long plumes, a circumstance which indi-
cates a difference of economy. The habits of this genus are
less predatory, and their boldness is not so great as in the
members of the genus Aquila, added to which, their aspect
altogether approaches nearer to that of the Vultures.
Syn. of Adult.
CINEREOUS SEA-EAGLE.
HALIJEETUS ALBICILLA, Mihi.
PLATES III. and III *.
( Falco albicilla, Gmel Syst. 1. p. 253 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 9. 2.
Fauna Suec. No. 55. Mutter, No. 58.
Vultur albicilla, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 123. 8.
Aquilla albicilla seu Pygargus, Briss. Ornith. 1. p. 427. 5. Witt. Orn.
p. 31 Raii, Syn. p. 7- 5.
Falco albicaudus, Gmel p. 258. sp. 51.
Le Grand Pygargue, Buff. Ois. vol. 1. p. 99.
Aigle Pygargue, Temm. Man d' Ornith. 1. p. 49. 2d ed.
Fisch-Adler, Bechst. Tasch. Deut. v. 1. p. 10. sp. 5.
White-tailed Eagle, Will Angl. p. 61 Bewick's Birds, 1. p. 9.
Cinereous Eagle, Br. Zool. 1. No. 45. t, 18. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 214. B
Lath. Syn. 1. p. 33. No. 8 Id. Suppl. p. 11 Lewin's Birds, 1. t. 4
Mont. Ornith. Diet. 1. vol. Id. Suppl SJiaw's Zool. vol 7. P- 79.
Don. Br. Birds.
Erne, Low's Fau. Oread, p. 34.
SKA RAGLE. RAPTORES. HALIvEETUS. 19
Falco Ossifragus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 124. 3.Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 255. 4.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 12. 7 Rail, Syn. p. 7- 3 Will. p. 29. t. 1.
Mutter, No. 60.
Falco Melanreetus, Gmel p. 254. Sp. 2. Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 10. 3.
Linn. 1. p. 124. 2 fl<m, Syn. p. 7. 4 WW. p. 30. t. 2 Briss. 1.
p. 434. 8.
Aquilla Ossifraga, Briss. 1. p. 437- 0.
I/()rfraie, ou Grand Aigle de Mer, Buff. Ois. vol. 1. p. 112. t. 3 Id.
PL Enl. 112. yearling Bird Id. 415. the figure of one from two to
three years old.
Sea Eagle, Br. ZooL 1. No. 44. t. 1? Ib. fol. t. 63 ZooL 2. No. 86. A.
Will. (Ang.) p. 59. t. 1. Lath. Syn. 1. p. 30 Id. Sup. p. 9
Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 1 Mont. Ornith. Dict.-/d. Sup Wale.
Syn. 1. t. 2 Shaw's ZooL 7- p. 81 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 2. Don.
B"r. Birds, t. 105 Low's Fauna Oread, p. 32 Bewick's Br. Birds,
1. p. 11.
PROVINCIAL Erne or White-tailed Eagle.
THE identity of the Cinereous and Sea Eagle is now so
satisfactorily established, that I have, without any hesitation,
brought the synonyms hitherto assigned to the two supposed
species under the same head. To many, it may appear sin-
gular that this fact should only now be fully ascertained ;
but when we consider the great impediments to the investiga-
tion of the natural history of these birds, arising from the
wild and mountainous districts they inhabit, the difficulty of
procuring specimens, and the few opportunities afforded,
therefore, of watching the progress of the young bird to ma-
turity ; the slow advance of our knowledge in regard to this,
as well as other facts connected with this branch of science,
will rather be a matter of regret than surprise. Many of
our ornithological works, also, can only be regarded as com-
pilations from the essays of earlier authors, in which the
errors, arising from such deficiency of information as must
naturally attend the infancy of a new pursuit, may be ex-
pected ; and which errors have too often, without any at-
tempt at further scrutiny, been faithfully transcribed.
The similarity in habits and manners, as well as in essen-
tial specific characters, between the Cinereous and Sea
Eagle, first led me to suppose that they were 'of the same
species, and that the difference of plumage might only pro-
civd from the respective ages of the individuals, as appears
yn.of
r oung.
20 RAPTORES. HALLEETUS. SEA-EAGLE.
in many other instances. An opportunity having occurred
of watching the progress of the young Sea Eagle from its
earliest age, I eagerly availed myself of it, and witnessed the
gradual and interesting changes it underwent, till it had
finally acquired the plumage of the adult or Cinereous Eagle.
During this process, I was happy to find, that my supposi-
tion had been anticipated, and the fact ascertained in France,
by that eminent naturalist Mons. CUVIER*, as well as by
Mons. TEMMINCK.
The Cinereous Eagle is more numerous than the prece-
ding species, and is found in all the northern and mountainous
maritime districts of Scotland and Ireland, and in the Orkney
and Shetland Isles. It is also of a more roving disposition,
and has frequently been killed in England.
MONTAGU-)- mentions several instances, and adds, that
scarcely a year passes without some of these birds being seen
in the New Forest in Hampshire. In Northumberland, the
Cinereous Eagle has frequently been seen during the winter
months. About six years ago, a fine specimen was killed at
Chillingham Park, the seat of the Earl of TANKERVILLE ;
and two more in the winter of the following year, and both
of these were in the state indicating immaturity. They ap-
pear to have resorted to this place from a facility of obtaining
food, which the weak and fallen deer in a hard season libe-
rally present.
In February 1828, two eagles of this species were killed
upon the Northumbrian Coast ; one near to Scremmerstone,
and now in the possession of ROBERT WILKIE, Esq. of La-
dy thorn ; the other at Holy Island, and now in my collec-
tion, having been kindly presented to me by JOHN DONALD-
SON, Esq. of Cheswick. They were both immature birds,
apparently about two years and a half old, having undergone
two moultings. The bird presented to me proved to be a
* CUVIER, Reg. Anim. torn. i. p. 35. ; and TEMMINCK, torn. i. p. 4fK
f MONTAGU, Ornith. Diet. Supplement, art. Cinereous Eagle.
SEA-EAGLE. RAPTORES. HALI^ETUS. 21
female ; the sex of the other was not ascertained. It is pro-
bable, from being both of the same age, and killed within a few
miles of each other, that they had belonged to the same eyry,
and had continued associated from the time of quitting the
nest.
In their native districts, they are generally seen near the
sea- shores, or the precipices skirting the margins of inland
lakes, as their favourite food consists of fish, which they
pounce upon whilst swimming near the surface of the water ;
or which they compel the Ospreys, after having captured
them, to yield to their superior strength. Aquatic birds also
become a frequent prey, as well as fawns and roe-bucks.
They generally breed in the most inaccessible cliffs, and lay -
but one, or at most two eggs, entirely, white, and nearly the
size of those of a goose. In my collection, is an egg laid by
a bird of this species, after having been kept in a state of
confinement for upwards of twenty years. The Cinereous
Eagle possesses astonishing capability of enduring the cra-
vings of hunger ; and instances are on record where it has
shewn undiminished vigour, after fasting for four or five
weeks. I am acquainted with an instance, in which the bird
was permitted, through the inattention of its keeper, to be
without food for several weeks, till its sufferings were so se-
vere as to excite it to gnaw the flesh from the pinions of its
own wings. In defect of living prey, this species readily
feeds upon the dead carcasses of sheep and other animals, and
is frequently caught in Scotland by the following device :
" A miniature-house, at least the wall part of it, is built on
ground frequented by the eagle, and an opening left at the
foot of the wall, sufficient for the egress of the bird. To the
outside of this opening a bit of strong skeiny (cord) is fixed,
with a noose formed on one end, and the other running
through the noose. After all this operation is finished, a
piece of carrion is thrown into the house, which the eagle
finds out, and perches upon. It eats voraciously, and when
fully satisfied it never thinks of taking its flight immediately
22 RAPTORES. HALI^EETUS. SEA-EAGLE.
upwards, unless disturbed, provided it can find any easier
way to get out of the house ; for it appears that it cannot
readily begin its flight, but in an oblique direction ; conse-
quently it walks deliberately out at the opening left for it,
and the skeiny being fitly contrived, and placed for the pur-
pose, catches hold of and fairly strangles it." This bird is
of powerful form, but not so compact as the Golden Eagle.
Its aspect is also heavier, and it has not the same alertness
and activity. When reposing, it sits with drooping wings,
and the feathers of the body ruffled in the manner of the
Vultures, with which birds, indeed, it was at first classed by
LINN^US ; a proof of the striking affinity it bears to that
family. It is of wide distribution, species being found in all
quarters of the globe.
The figure on PLATE 3. represents an adult female of this
species, in about two-fifths of the natural size.
General Bill large, straight towards the base, colour straw-yellow,
ticm"* 1 " ^ ere wm e-yellow. From the base of the bill to the eyes
Adult bird. is a species of bluish-coloured skin, thinly covered with
black hairs. Irides reddish-brown. Head and neck
pale hair-brown, the feathers long, narrow, distinct, and
acuminated. Upper parts dark hair-brown ; under
parts the same, but deeper in tint. Upper tail-coverts
white. Tail white. Quills blackish-brown, the shafts
of the feathers pale. Legs feathered a short way below
the knee, colour straw-yellow. The naked part of the
Tarsi in front have large scales, or scutellse. Middle
toe with eight large scutellse ; the outer with five ; and
the inner and hind toes with four each. Claws black
and strong ; very hooked, and sharp : the middle one
with a sharp edged-groove on its inner side.
Young PLATE 3*. Represents the young of this species after the
second moult, or in that state in which it has been
named the Sea Eagle (Falco ossifragus of authors).
E V-EAGLI:. RAPTORES. MALI ,-KETUS. L>:J
Bill bluish-black, paler towards tbe base. Cere wax-yel-
low. Irides pale chesnut-brown. Head and neck dark-
brown, the tips of the feathers rather paler, the roots
white. Upper parts reddish-brown, the feathers paler
towards the base, and having the whole of their shafts
dark. Under parts brown, of different shades, inter-
mixed with a few white feathers. Quills brownish-
black. Tail marbled with shades of hair and clove-
brown, and darkest towards the end.
GENUS PANDION, SAVIG. OSPREY.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
HILL rather short, strong, the culmen rounded, and
broad ; tomia of the upper mandible nearly straight, as far
as the hooked tip. Nostrils oblong-oval, slightly oblique,
and extending nearly the whole length of the cere. Wings
long ; the second and third quill-feathers the longest in each
wing. Legs muscular and strong ; the tarsi short, and co-
vered with prominent retrinulated scales. Feet having the
toes free, and nearly of equal length ; the outer toe reversible,
and all of them armed with strong, much curved, and very
sharp claws, of which the under part is rounded. Claw of
the exterior toe longer than that of the middle and inner
ones. Under surface of the toes very rough, with small
sharp-pointed scales.
The rounded under surface of the claws of this group is
of itself a sufficient characteristic to separate it from the pre-
ceding, and other nearly allied genera ; but in addition, they
possess other distinctions in the form of the bill and legs, as
well as in habits and general economy, of consequence enough
to warrant such a removal. The Common Osprey (Falco
Hal'ueetus, LINN.) stands as the type of the present genus,
which contains two or three other species, one of which Pand.
Icthyceetus of Dr HOIISFIELD, approximates, in some respects,
very closely to the genus llalkvtiis, and forms the link of
'
24 RAPTORES. PANDION. OSPREY.
connection between the two. The Ospreys are strictly pisci-
vorous. They capture their prey by pouncing it when
swimming near the surface, and are so fastidious as generally
to refuse it, however fresh, unless taken alive by themselves.
They possess a form and structure admirably adapted for
the mode of living they pursue, their body being long and
narrow, yet sufficiently compact and muscular ; their limbs
powerful ; and feet furnished with toes and claws of such
size and strength as to embrace a considerable surface, and
take a very firm grasp of their slippery prey, and at the
same time so constituted as to allow of that grasp being
quickly withdrawn in case of danger, or from having attack-
ed a fish too unwieldy to be raised from the water. Their
plumage is also different in texture from that of the other
Aquiline groups, being firmer and more closely set, particu-
larly upon the lower parts of the body ; and the thighs are
destitute of the long plumes that adorn the rest of the Fal-
conidae.
OSPREY.
PANDION HALIJEETUS, Savig.
PLATE IV.
Balbusardis Haliseetus, Flem. Brit. Anim. 1. 51. No. 15.
Falco Halireetus, Linn. 1. p. 129. 26 Fauna Suec. No. C3 Lath. Ind.
Ornith. 1. p. 1?. 30 __ Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 263 Muller, No. 66. Briss. 1.
p. 440. 10. t. 34.
Aquila Halieeetus, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 17-
Falco arundinaceus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 263. var. B. a female in moult.
Morphnos seu Clanga, Rail, Syn. p. 7. 6. Will. Ang p. 63.
Le Balbusard w Ois. v. 1. . 103. t. 2. Id. PL Enl. 4
Le Balbusard, w# Ois. v. 1. p. 103. t. 2. Id. PL Enl. 414.
Aigle Balbusard, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 47- 2d.
Flusadler, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 12 Meyer, Vb'g. Deut. v. 2.
Heft 23. a figure of the Male.
Osprey, Br. Zool. 1. No. 46. Id. fol. p. 65. t. A. 1. Arct.Zool. 2. No. 91.
_ Lath. Ind. Syn. 1. p. 45. 26 Id. Suppl. p. 13 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 1.
t. 5 __ Mont. Ornith. Diet __ Id. Sup Wale. Syn. 1. t. 5 White's Hist.
Selb. p. 97. Bewick's Br. Birds, I. p. 13 Shaw's Zool. 7- P- 82 Don.
Br. Birds, 3. t. 70 __ Putt. Cat. Dorset, p. 2.
Carolina Osprey, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 46. 26. A.
Cayenne Osprey, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 47. 26. B.
PROVINCIAL, Fishing Hawk, Fishing Eagle, Bald Buzzard.
OSPREY. RAPTORES. PANDION. 25
According to MONTAGU, this species appears to be more
abundant in Devonshire than in any other part of the king-
dom. Its peculiar habits necessarily limit its appearance to
particular districts and situations ; for being strictly pisci-
vorous, it is only in the vicinity of lakes, rivers, or such Food,
pools of water as abound with fish, that we can expect to
meet with it. I have seen them upon Loch Lornond (where
they are said to breed), and upon Loch Awe, where an eyry
is annually established upon the ruins of a castle near the
southern extremity of the lake ; and another, in a similar
situation, nearly opposite to the Gorge, or egress of the Ri-
ver Awe. The nests are, however, generally robbed when
containing eggs ; and the young are hardly ever permitted
to escape. These circumstances will account for their de-
creasing numbers in Scotland. The Osprey is a powerful
bird, the female often weighing upwards of five pounds.
Its limbs are very muscular, in proportion to its general
dimensions, and measure nearly two inches in circumference
below the knee.
The tarsi and feet are clothed with scales, and the under
surfaces of the toes are very rough, and covered with protu-
berances, an admirable provision for keeping firm hold of
its slippery prey. The peculiar formation of the foot contri-
butes also greatly to this object ; for in the Osprey, the talon
of the outer toe is considerably larger than that of the inner
one (the reverse of which we find in its congeners), and the toe
itself is capable of being occasionally turned backwards. The
thighs are covered with short feathers, closely set, and are
totally destitute of the long plumes, which, in most instances,
adorn the legs of the Falcon genus.
The plumage of the under parts of the body is also of a
close and firm texture, and nearly resembles that of water-
fowl. These peculiarities are in perfect accordance with the
nature and habits of the individual ; for, being subject to fre-
quent and complete submersion in pursuit of its prey, the
elongated thigh feathers would be only encumbering appen-
26 RAPTORES. PAND1ON. OSPHEY.
dages ; and a more open and delicate texture of feather would
prove no defence against the element it so often visits.
The general flight of the Osprey is heavy, and like the
Common Buzzard, but at times it glides slowly along, with
motionless wing. MONTAGU* observes, that when examining
the water for its prey, its wings are in continual action, al-
though it remains stationary for a considerable time. Its su-
perior weight, he adds, may perhaps render it difficult to con-
tinue suspension with an almost imperceptible play of the
wings, like the Kestrel. According to TEMMINCK (, it is
found pretty generally disseminated throughout Europe, and
is very abundant in Russia, Germany, and Switzerland. The
Nest, &c. Osprey builds in lofty trees or ruins, or amid rocks, as the
situation may afford, and not, as WILLOUGHBY has mention-
ed, among the reeds in marshy grounds. It lays three or
four yellowish- white eggs, blotched and speckled with red-
dish-brown.
The figure at PLATE 4 is that of a female bird of the natu-
ral size, and about two years old.
The male is rather smaller, but similar in plumage.
General Bill large, straightish at the base, and very hooked at the
^P> ^ a bluish-black colour ; cere greyish-blue. Irides
lemon-yellow. Crown of the head umber-brown, the fea-
thers edged with white, long, slender, and acuminate ;
hind part of the head and nape of neck white. On
each side of the neck, proceeding from the posterior
angle of the eye, and reaching almost as far as the
shoulders, is a streak of blackish-brown. Throughout
the throat, white, with a few brown streaks and speckles.
On the upper part of the breast., a patch of umber-
brown ; this is indicative of a young bird, the adults
* Article Osprey^ in Supplement to Ornithological Dictionary, where
some interesting facts are given relative to the history of this bird.
t Man. d'Ornith. 2d edit,
OSPREY. UAPTORES. PANDION. 27
generally having that part immaculate. Belly, vent,
thighs, and under tail-coverts, white.
The whole of the upper part of the body umber-brown, in
some individuals the feathers margined paler. Two
middle tail-feathers umber-brown, the rest transversely
barred with white on their inner webs. Greater quills
blackish-brown. Legs short, of a greyish-blue colour ;
the tarsi covered with rough reticulated scales. Toes
armed with very long talons, which are cylindrical, be-
ing rounded beneath, and the outer one the largest.
SUB-FAMILY ACCIPITRINA.
Bill bending from the base, with a prominent lobe, or fes-
toon, upon the cutting margin of the upper mandible.
Wings short, and when closed not reaching beyond two-
thirds of the length of the tail. The fourth quill-feather
generally the longest in the wing. Legs rather slender and
long.
The passage from the aquiline group is effected by cer-
tain species in which the wings become shortened, and the
tarsi slender. To the Falcons the Hawks are nearly allied
in habit ; as their prey (consisting of birds and mammalia)
is taken entirely upon wing ; dead subjects and carrion being
refused by them even when pressed by hunger. Their mode
of attack on birds is, however, different, being generally
in an oblique line, or in rapid evolutions, near the earth,
and not by outsoaring and then pouncing down upon them
from above. Their bill also wants the strength of that of
the true falcons, the sides being more compressed ; and in-
stead of the marked tooth of the upper mandible, and the
corresponding notch in the lower, it is only furnished with
the marginal lobe or simiatioii above mentioned. Their near
affinity to the Buzzards (Sub-Family Buteonina) is support-
ed by certain species of the latter, which approach in many
28 RAPTORES. ASTUR.
particulars to the genus Astur^ containing the larger Acci-
pitrine birds. Buteo borealis of Swainson may be cited as
an example of this near relationship.
GENUS ASTUR, BECHST. GOSHAWK.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill short, bending from the base, with the sides rather
compressed, and the upper mandible having a lobe or festoon
upon its cutting margin. Nostrils oval, opening rather ob-
liquely forwards. Wings short, and, when closed, scarcely
reaching to one-half the length of the tail. The fourth quill-
feather the longest in the wing, and the inner webs of the first
five, deeply notched. Legs having the tibiae and tarsi of mean
length ; the latter scutellated, or covered in front, with large
broad scales. Toes of mean length ; the middle toe much
longer than the side one, which are nearly equal to each
other. Hind toe strong; claws incurved, very strong, and
sharp ; those of the hind and inner fore toes much larger
than the other two.
By BECHSTEIN, the title of Astur was applied to this
whole sub-family, but it has since been confined to the larger
species, which have the tarsi shorter in comparison to their
size, and the scales that defend them rather differing in form
and texture from those of the Sparrow-Hawks (genus Acd-
piter), to which, in other respects, both as to habits and form,
they are closely allied. The Goshawks, though strong, are
neither so compactly nor powerfully built as the true Fal-
cons ; and, from the shortness of the wings, their flight, when
in active pursuit, is performed by quicker repeated strokes,
and nearer to the ground. These birds, however move with
singular rapidity, and in their evolutions are greatly assisted
by the length and expanse of their tail. They feed entirely
upon feathered and animal prey, frequently of much size,
which they strike when in motion upon wing. They are
RAPTORES. ASTUR. 29
chiefly the inhabitants of wooded districts, and possess a
wide geographical distribution.
GOSHAWK.
ASTUR PALUMBARIUS, Bechst.
PLATES XII. AND XII*.
Synonyms of
Adult.
Falco palumbarius, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 130. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 2C9. sp. 30. >
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 29. sp. 65 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 49.
Fauna Suec. No. 67 Raii, Syn. p. 18. 1 Will. p. 5. t. 3. and 5.
Astur, Briss. 1. p. 317 /& 8vo, p. 91.
I/Autour, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 130 Id PL EnL 418 Temm. Man. d'Ornith.
1. p. 55. 2d ed.
Hunderhabicht, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 28.
Goshawk, Br. Zool. 1. No. 52. t. 24. Arct. Zool. 2. No. 99 Lath. Syn.
1. p. 58. Id. Sup. p. 16 Mont. Ornith. Diet 7rf. Suppl. Albin. 2.
t. 8 __ Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 9 __ Wale. Syn. 1. t. 9. Bewick's Br.
Birds, 1. p. 23 Shaw's Zool. v. 7. p. 118 __ Low's Fauna Oread, p. 36. )
Falco gallinarius, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 266. sp. 73.
Faleo gentilis, Gmel. p. 270. sp. 13 Lath. Ind. Ornith, i. p. 29. sp. 66. I Synonyms of
L'Autour sors, Buff. PL Enl. pi. 461. and 423. > Young.
Greater Buzzard, Lath. Syn. v. p. 49. )
This powerful species of Falcon is very rarely met with in
England. I have never seen a recent specimen south of the
Tweed. In the wild and mountainous districts of Scotland
it is more common, and is known to breed in the forest of
Rothiemurchus, and on the wooded banks of the Dee ; and,
according to Low, in his Fauna Orcadensis, is rather nume-
rous in those islands (Orkneys), where it breeds in the rocks
and sea-cliffs. Its flight is very rapid, but generally low, and
it strikes its prey upon the wing. Different kinds of feathered Food.
game, wild ducks, hares and rabbits form its principal food.
According to MEYER, it will even prey upon the young of
its own species. It generally builds in lofty fir trees, and Nest, &c.
lays from two to four eggs, of a skim-milk white, marked
with streaks and spots of reddish-brown.
By falconers, it was considered to be the best and most
courageous of the short-winged hawks, and was accordingly
30 RAPTORES. ASTUR. GOSHAWK.
trained to the pursuit of grouse, pheasants, wild geese,
herons, &c. Although it is nearly equal in size to the Jer-
Falcon, yet the shortness of its wings, and its general con-
tour, readily distinguish it from that species, in all its stages
of plumage.
The Goshawk is very common in France, as well as in
Germany, Switzerland, and Russia.
In Holland it is rare. The " Falcon gentil? from its
description, must be referred to this species.
PLATE 12. Represents an adult male, in the natural size,
drawn from a specimen in the possession of Sir WILLIAM
JARDINE, Bart.
General -Bill bluish-grey, darkest at the tip. Cere wax-yellow. Irides
lion 1 *" bright gamboge-yellow. Crown of the head dark clove-
Adult male brown. Over the eye is a streak of white, mixed with
clove-brown. Ear-coverts streak down the sides of the
neck, and the whole of the upper parts, hair-brown; the
quills being barred with a darker shade of the same.
Tail hair-brown, with five distinct bars of blackish-
brown ; the tip being white. Chin and throat white,
streaked with hair-brown. Under parts and thighs
white, barred transversely with dark hair-brown.
Under tail-coverts white. Legs and toes wine or wax yellow.
Front of the tarsi scutellated ; the scales being well de-
fined, and partly overlapping each other.
Claws black ; those of the inner and hind toes very large,
and much hooked.
PLATE 12 *. A young male bird, of the natural size.
Young Bill bluish- gray, dark towards the tip. Cere lemon-yellow.
Irides grey. Above the eye, and passing to the occiput,
is a streak of white, intermixed with a few brown specks.
The crown of the head, and upper part of the neck ?
reddish-brown, the feathers margined with white. Up-
per part of the neck reddish-brown, the feathers mar-
. RAPTORES. ACCIPITER. :Jl
gined with white. Upper parts of the body liver brown,
the feathers margined paler. Under parts reddish- white,
with long lanceolate streaks of blackish brown, occupy-
ing the centres of the feathers. Tail liver-brown, with
four bars of blackish-brown ; the tip white. Tarsi and
toes lemon-yellow. Claws black.
White varieties of the Goshawk have been sometimes met
with.
GENUS ACCIPITER, AUCT. SPARROW-HAWK.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill bending from the base, the sides compressed upwards,
and forming a rather narrow rounded culmen. Cutting mar-
gin of the upper mandible with a very distinct obtuse lobe.
Nostrils oval. Wings short; the fourth and fifth feathers
longest; the first having the inner web alone notched, or
sinuated; the next four with both webs emarginated. Legs
with the tarsi long and slender, scutellated in front, with the
scales thin and smooth, and closely united to each other.
Feet having the toes slender, the middle one longer than the
outer by one joint, and exceeding the inner by two. Hind
and inner toes of equal length and strength, armed with very
strong, hooked, and sharp claws, much longer than those
upon the middle and outer toes.
The Sparrow-Hawks are chiefly distinguished from the
birds of the preceding genus by their inferior size, and the
greater comparative length and smoothness of their tarsi.
In habits and mode of living, a great similarity exists ; and
though small, they are equally noted for their courage and
audacity. In the various species that belong to the pre-
sent genus, the difference of size between the male and fe-
male is more than usually marked, of which our own indige-
nous bird furnishes a striking example. By CUVIER, the gene-
32 RAPTORES. ACCIPITER. SPARROW-HAWK.
ric term of Nisus was conferred upon the group ; but, as the
title of Accipiter had long been given to it, and adopted also
by RAY and BRISSON, I have, in conformity with the rule
generally advocated, retained the one sanctioned by priority
of imposition.
SPARROW-HAWK.
ACCIPITER FRINGILLARIUS, Ray.
PLATES XIII. AND XIII ,
Accipiter Fringillarius, Rail, Syn. p. 18. A. 2. Will. p. 51. t. 5 Shaw's
Zool. 13. 30.
Falco Nisus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 131. 31 Fauna Suec. No. 69 GmeL Syst 1.
p. 280. 31. Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 44. 107 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
1. p. 25. Mutter, No. 71.
Buteo Nisus, Flem. Br. Anira. 1. 55. No. 24.
L'Epervier, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 225 Id. PL Enl. 467- and 412. Temm. Man.
d'Ornith. 1. p. 56. 2.
Die Sperber, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 29.
Sparrow-Hawk, Br. Zool. 1. No. 62 Ib. fol. t. A. 10. A. 11 Arct. Zool.
2. p. 226. N Lath. Syn. 1. p. 99, 85. Ib. Suppl. p. 26 Lewin's Br.
Birds, 1. t. 20 Haye's Br. Birds, t. 3. WU. (Ang.) p. 86 Mont. Or-
nith. Diet. Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. 27 Shaw's Zool. 7. 187. Low's Fau.
Oread, p. 38. Pult. Cat. Dorset.
This destructive and well known species is remarkable for
the great difference in size between the male and female, the
former seldom measuring twelve inches in length, whilst 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 pigeons. It
flies low, skimming over the ground with great swiftness,,
and pounces its prey upon the wing with unerring aim. The
force of its stroke is such as generally to kill, and sometimes
even to force out the entrails of its victim.
It is common in most parts of the kingdom, but particu-
larly frequents the lower grounds, and well wooded inclo-
Nest, &c. sures. It builds in low trees, or thorn bushes, forming a
shallow and flat nest, composed of slender twigs, and very
SPARROW-HAWK. RAPTORES. ACCIPITER. 33
similar to that of the Ring Dove, but rather larger. It will
occasionally occupy the deserted nest of a Crow.
The eggs are from four to six in number, of a skim-milk
white, blotched at the larger end with reddish brown. In
the Orkney Islands, where it is abundant, it breeds in the
rocks and sea cliffs. Mr Low, in his Fauna Oread., mentions
a combat that he witnessed between the Sparrow-Hawk and
the Short-eared Owl, and which terminated in the defeat of
the latter. During the time these birds have young, the de-
predations they commit upon game, and the small feathered
tribe, are very great. In a nest containing five young ones, Food.
I found a Lapwing, two Blackbirds, a Thrush, and two
Green Linnets, recently killed, and partly divested of their
feathers.
The Sparrow-Hawk is very widely diffused, and found in
all parts of Europe.
In the days of Falconry it was trained, and much appro-
ved in the pursuit of partridges, quails, and many other
birds.
In rearing the young of this species, care should be taken
to separate them very early, otherwise the female birds, being
superior in size, and stronger, are sure to destroy and devour
the males, as I have repeatedly found, when they were kept
caged together.
PLATE 1 3. A female of the natural size. Bill bluish-grey, General
the tip black. Cere lemon-yellow. Irides gamboge- J^ np ~
yellow. Crown of the head and upper parts of the Female
body blackish-grey, passing into clove-brown. Above the
eye (which is defended by a large bony projection) is
an indistinct line of white, which also encircles the nape
of the neck. Under parts white, undulated with black
or brownish-black bars. Quills greyish-black, the exte-
rior webs with darker bars. Base and margin- of the
inner webs barred with white. Tail clove-brown, with
broad brownish-black bars, the tip white. Legs and
VOL. r. c
34 RAPTORES. FALCO.
toes long and slender, particularly the middle toe, colour
gamboge, inclining to primrose-yellow. Claws black,
hooked, and strong ; those of the inner and hind toes
being of equal size, and longer than the others.
Male bird. PLATE 13 *. A male bird, also represented in the natural
size, and shewing the singularly great difference in di-
mensions between the sexes.
Colour of the upper parts of the body (being an imma-
ture bird) clove-brown, the feathers edged with light
reddish-brown. Under parts tinged with reddish-brown,
and many of the undulating bars or transverse lines of
the same hue.
The upper parts of the adult male are of a fine bluish-
grey colour.
SUBFAMILY FALCONINA.
Bill thick, strong, short, bending suddenly from its base,
and toothed. Wings long; the second quill-feather the
longest in the wing. Tarsi short, strong, and reticulated.
Toes armed with hooked and very sharp talons. The larger
species are very courageous, and strong upon the wing,
preying entirely on living birds and animals. Some of the
smaller species are partly insectivorous.
GENUS FALCO, LINN. FALCON.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill short, very strong, curved from the base ; the upper
mandible armed on each side, near its point, with an acute
tooth, which fits into a corresponding notch in the lower one,
the tip of which is truncated. Cere very short. Nostrils.
RAPTORES. FALCO. 35
lateral, circular, and open, with a small, round, central co-
lumn. Wings long, acuminate ; the second feather gene-
rally the longest ; and jone or more of the first quills with
the inner web strongly notched near the top. Legs having
the tarsi rather short, strong, and reticulated. Feet with the
middle toe united to the outer one at their base by a mem-
brane, and exceeding it in length by a joint ; the inner
shorter than the outer toe. Hind toe short, armed, as well
as the inner toe, with a strong, hooked, and very sharp talon,
exceeding the others in length.
The birds of this genus, justly considered the typical
form of the Falconidae, as possessing the raptorial powers
in the highest perfection, are distinguished from the other
groups by their stronger bill, furnished with an acute tooth ;
their long and acuminate 'wings, vigorous power of flight,
and peculiar mode of capturing their prey. From their do-
cility, and susceptibility of being reclaimed (that is, trained
to the purposes of falconry), they have been usually termed
" the Noble Birds of prey," all the others coming under the
designation of " Ignoble." The more powerful species prey
upon the larger birds and animals ; the former of which they
capture upon wing, by outsoaring, and then darting down
upon them with astonishing force and rapidity, the death-
stroke being inflicted by their talons. Many of the smaller
kinds, Jin addition to birds and thelesser animals, feed also upon
insects, particularly those of the Coleopterous order. Their
general form is robust yet compact, and their power of flight,
from the full development of the wings, perhaps unequalled
for swiftness and durability. It has, however, been remarked,
that, from their shape, they experience a difficulty in rising
vertically, and in calm weather they are compelled to make
their ascent in an oblique direction. This genus contains a
great number of species, spread throughout every part of the
globe, and in all parts equally distinguished for their courage
and predatory habits. Though at present the various species
RAPTORES. FALCO.
FALCON.
are united under one head, it is probable that, when more
thoroughly known, from having been subjected to analysis,
it may be found necessary to subdivide the genus, which,
indeed, in the case of the smaller American Falcons, has al-
ready been done by the Prince of Musignano, he having
characterized these latter as a disinct group, with " wings
shorter than the tail, and scutellated tarsi ;" which last cha-
racter, however, as Mr Swainson has properly observed, is
only partially correct.
JER-FALCON.
FALCO ISLANDICUS^ Lath*
PLATE XIV.
Syn. of Adult.
Syn. of Im-
mature Birds.
Faucon Gerfaut, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 17-
Falco Islandicus candicans, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 32. 69. Gmel. Syst.
1. p. 275. sp. 101 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. sp. 65.
Falco Rusticolus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 268. sp. 7. Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1.
p. 28. 60.
Gerfaut de Norve'ge, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 239. Id. PI. Enl. 462.
White Jer-Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 83 and 84 Id. Supp. p. 21 Br. Zool.
1. No. 47. t. 19 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 221. E Lewirfs Br. Birds, 1. t. 26.
Gyrfalco candicans, Flem. Br. Anim. 1, 51. No. 14.
Falco Gyrfalco, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 32. 68. Linn. Syst. 1. p. 130
Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 275. sp. 27.
Gyrfalco Islandicus, Briss. 1. p. 373. A. t. 31 Id. 8vo. p. 108 Mutter,
No. 73.
Falco sacer, Gmel. p. 273. sp. 93.
Le Gerfaut, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 239. t. 13 Id. PL Enl. 210 and 446.
Le Sacre, Buff. Ois. 1. 246. t. 14.
Iceland Falcon, Arct. Zool. 2. p. 216. Lath. Syn. 1. 71. 5. B.
Jer-Falcon, Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 29.
Low's Fauna Oread, p. 35.
Brown Jer-Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 82.
Greenland Falcon, Arct. Zool. 2. p. 220.
THIS is one of the most powerful, and at the same time
one of the boldest of the whole genus.
As such, it was held in high estimation by the followers
of that princely, but now neglected pastime we have before
mentioned, and was used for flying at what were deemed the
FALCON. RAPTORES. FALCO. 37
" nobler flights" of game, such as cranes, herons, wild
geese, &c.
According to " The Gentleman's Recreation'"' (an old but
interesting treatise on hunting, hawking, and other field
sports), this kind was difficult to reclaim ; but, when once
brought to obey the voice of the falconer, was of much
greater value than any of the others.
The Jer-Falcon is of very rare occurrence in England ;
and I have never been able to examine a recent specimen on
the south of the river Tweed.
It is known in the northern parts of Scotland, particularly
in the Orkney and Shetland Isles, and is enumerated by Mr
Low in his Fauna Oread., but he appears to consider it as a
visitant, not as a fixed inhabitant of those parts.
In Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and other northern coun-
tries, are the native regions of this species ; and from the first
of which it has obtained its trivial name. It was from this
island, also, that the Royal falconries of Denmark and other
kingdoms were supplied with their choicest casts of hawks.
According to Dr Richardson*, the Jer-Falcon is a constant
resident in the Hudson's Bay territories, where it is known
by the name of the " Speckled Partridge Hawk," or by that
of the " Winterer." He adds, it is not enumerated by Wil-
son or Bonaparte amongst the birds of the United States,
and I am unable to give the exact southern limits of its
range, though I have ascertained that it is occasionally found
as far south as latitude 52. It is found northward to the
coast of the Arctic Sea ; and probably in the most northern
Georgian Islands." Its geographical distribution, therefore,
seems limited to latitudes not lower than 50.
It breeds in the highest and most inaccessible rocks ; but
the number and colour of the eggs remain as yet undescribed-
During the period of incubation, and while rearing its young,
it becomes very daring ; as we learn from the following state-
* See Fauna Boreali Amer. vol. ii. page 27-
38 RAPTORES. FALCO. FALCON.
ment of the author above mentioned. " In the middle of
June 1821, a pair of these birds attacked me, as I was
climbing in the vicinity of their nest, which was built on a
lofty precipice on the borders of Point Lake, in latitude
65 y. They flew in circles, uttering loud and harsh screams,
and alternately stooping with such velocity, that their mo-
tion through the air produced a loud rushing noise. They
struck their claws within an inch or two of my head. I en-
deavoured, by keeping the barrel of my gun close to my
cheek, and suddenly elevating its muzzle when they were in
the act of striking, to ascertain whether they had the power
of instantaneously changing the direction of their rapid
course ; and found that they invariably rose above the ob-
stacle with the quickness of thought, shewing equal acuteness
Food. of vision, and power of motion, It preys upon the larger
species of game and wild-fowl, also on hares and quadrupeds,
upon which it precipitates itself with amazing rapidity and
force.
Its usual mode of hawking is, if possible, to out-soar its
prey, and thence to dart perpendicularly upon it.
PLATE 14. Represents a male of this species, of middle age,
and in the natural size ; drawn from a specimen in the
valuable collection of JOSEPH SABINE, Esq.
General Bill very strong and thick; with a well-marked tooth.
descrip- Colour bluish-grey. Cere and orbits lemon-yellow.
Irides reddish-brown. Head and neck white, with a few
blackish-brown spots or streaks. Breast and belly white,
slightly spotted in the same manner. Upper parts
blackish-brown, the feathers spotted and margined with
greyish- white, the bars of the feathers being also white.
Tail banded, blackish-brown and white. Legs and toes
yellow. Claws black. For a more particular descrip-
tion of the plumage, &c. at different periods of age, I
refer my readers to the " Fauna Boreali Americana."
FALCON. RAPTORES. FALCO. 39
PEREGRINE FALCON.
FALCO PEREGRINUS, Linn.
PLATES XV. and XV.
Faucon Pelerin, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 22.
Falco Peregrinus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 33. 72 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 272
Bi-iss. 1. p. 341 Raii, Syn. p. 13. l.Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 49. No. 10
Faun. Boreali Amer. 2. 23. No. 7.
Falco Barbarus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 38. 71 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 272.
Le Faucon Pelerin, Buff. Ois. 249. t. 16.
Wander-Faike, Bechst. Tasschenb. p. 33 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1.
p. 55.
Le Lanier, Buff. PL Enl. 430. Adult Male.
Peregrine Falcon, Br. Zool. 1. No. 48. t. 8 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 97 Lath.
Syn. 1. p. 73 Id. Supp. p. 18 Levin's Br. Birds, 1. 1. 12 Mont. Or-
nith. Diet Id. Supp Wale. Svn. 1. t. 12 Shaw's 2
Bewick's Supp. Br. Birds.
~ ilcc
12 Shaw's Zool. ^. p. 128
Syn. of
Adult.
Tartarian Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 73. A.
Spotted Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 68 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 2.
Barbary Falcon, Will. (Ang.) p. 81 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 72.
Great-footed Rawk^Wils. Amer. Orn. ed. SirW. Jardine, 3. 251. pi. 76.
fern.
Falco communis, Gmel. 1. p. 270 Lath. Ind. Ornith. I. 30. t. 67 Briss,}
1. p. 321.
Falco Hornotinus, Briss. 1. p. 324. A. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 270.
Faucon Sors, Buff. Ois. 1. t. 13 Id. PI. Enl. 470.
Yearling Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 65.
Falco gibbosus, Briss. 1. p. 324. B Gmel. Syst. 1. 270.
Le Faucon Haggard, Buff. Ois. 1. 254.
Haggard Falcon, Will. Ang. p. 88 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 66.
Black Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 67 Edw. t. 4.
Red Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 69.
lied Indian Falcon, ~Will. Ang. p. 81. t. 9 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 69.
THE uncertainty in which the history of this species was
long involved, appears to have arisen from the error of earlier
writers, in considering the Falco Peregrinus and Falco com-
munis, with its enumerated varieties, as two distinct species.
Deficiency of observation, and consequent want of an ac-
curate knowledge of the various changes of plumage the bird
undergoes in its progress to maturity, naturally led to this
effect ; and we accordingly find, that the bird hitherto de-
scribed as the Falco communis, the type of the supposed
species, arid its varieties, must have been originally figured
Syn. of
Young
40 RAPTORES. FALCO. FALCON.
from an immature specimen of the Falco Peregrinus, the
species now under consideration.
By tracing the gradual advances, and noting the gradations
of colour of this bird from a nestling to maturity, the seve-
ral varieties of the supposed F. communis may also be con-
nected, and the individuals brought back to the same line of
descent, from the different synonyms under which they have
been hitherto known.
Thus, the Falco Hornotinus, or Yearling Falcon, appears
to be the young bird in its nestling or early plumage. The
Falco Juscus I should consider as a bird of the same age,
but a female.
Passing over the White-headed (F. leucocephalus and
White Falcon (F. alb us), to be regarded only as accidental
varieties, (though it might admit of a doubt, whether they
are not links in the gradation of the change of plumage,
which, let it be remembered, is regulated by certain and fix-
ed laws), we come, in the next place, to the Falco communis
of authors. At this period of its life, it has undergone a
moult ; and though a marked difference still exists between
it and the old Peregrine Falcon, the advance towards matu-
rity is sufficiently perceptible. The intermediate links in the
chain upwards are supplied by the F. gibbosns^ the F. ruber
indicus, and the F. mdculfUus, which last shews the transi-
tion to the adult F. Peregrinus *.
Jn England and Wales the Peregrine Falcon is rare, and
is only found indigenous in rocky or mountainous districts.
The Highlands and Northern Isles of Scotland appear to be
the situations most favourable to it, and in that part of the
kingdom it is numerous and widely diffused f . The most
* My own observations on this species have been confirmed and greatly
assisted by an excellent paper, written by JAMES WILSON, Esq. entitled,
*' Observations on some species of the genus Falco" and published in the
2d volume of the Transactions of the Wernerian Society.
f In Dumfriesshire it breeds numerously in the precipices of the Mof-
fat range of hills. See Sir WILLIAM JARDINE'S Note on the Great-footed
Hawk, in his edition of WILSON'S Americ. Ornith. vol. iii. p. 251.
FALCON. RAPTORES. FALCO. 41
inaccessible situations are always selected for its eyry, and Nest, &c.
its nest is placed upon the shelf of a rock. It lays four or
five eggs, in colour very similar to those of the Kestrel, but
considerably larger.
In America it has a very wide distribution, being found
in both divisions of that continent, and in a great variety of
latitude, as it changes its hunting grounds with the season.
In summer its range extends to Hudson's Bay and Melville
Peninsula, from whence specimens were brought by Captain
PARRY, and where it preys chiefly upon the water-fowl, par-
ticularly the Long-tailed Duck (Havelda glacialis). Captain
KING also met with it at Port Famine, in the Straits of Ma-
gellan ; and the species appears to be the same in New Hol-
land.
In daring disposition it equals most of its congeners, and
many interesting traits in its history are related by different
writers, amongst which, some in the Supplement to the Or-
nithological Dictionary will well reward the reader's atten-
tion*.
I may be allowed to add the following instance, as having
happened under my own observation, and as exemplifying
not only its determined perseverance in pursuit of its prey,
when under the pressure of hunger, but as arguing also an
unexpected degree of foresight.
In exercising my dogs upon the moors, previous to the
commencement of the shooting season, I observed a large
bird of the Hawk genus hovering at a distance, which, upon
approaching, I knew to be a Peregrine Falcon. Its atten-
tion was now drawn towards the dogs, and it accompanied
them, whilst they beat the surrounding ground. Upon their
having found, and sprung a brood of grouse, the falcon
immediately gave chase, and struck a young bird, before they
had proceeded far upon wing. My shouts and rapid advance
prevented it from securing its prey. The issue of this at-
* See MONTAGU, SuppL, under the head Falcon Peregrine.
42 RAPTORES. FALCO. FALCON.
tempt, however, did not deter the Falcon from watching our
subsequent movements, and another opportunity soon offer-
ing, it again gave chase, and struck down two birds by two
rapidly repeated blows, one of which it secured,"and bore off'
in triumph.
The flight of this species, when pursuing its quarry, is
astonishingly rapid, almost beyond credibility. By MONTAGU
it has been reckoned at 150 miles in an hour.
Colonel THORNTON, an expert falconer, estimated the flight
of a Falcon, in pursuit of a Snipe, to have been nine miles in
eleven minutes, without including the frequent turns.
This sort was formerly much used in falconry, and was
flown at the larger kinds of game, wild ducks and herons.
Food. In its unreclaimed state it preys upon the different sorts
of game, wild geese, wild ducks and pigeons.
PLATE 15. An adult female, in three-fourths of the natural
size.
General Bill deep bluish-grey at the base, black towards the tip ;
tion. nP ~ verv ^rong, and armed with a prominent tooth. Cere
Adult and space surrounding the eyes lemon-yellow. Irides
brown. From the corners of the mouth is a bluish-black
patch or streak pointing downwards. Head greyish-
black. Upper parts of the plumage deep bluish-grey,
marbled with a darker tint. Quills brownish-black, the
inner webs barred with white ; the first quill having a
deep sinuation near the tip of the inner web. Tail-co-
verts bluish- grey, barred with greyish-black.
Tail barred alternately with black and grey, the tips of
the feathers white. Throat and breast yellowish- white.
Belly, vent and thighs greyish, transversely barred with
greyish-black. Under wing-coverts white, barred with
black ; tarsi short and strong. Toes very long, parti-
cularly the middle one, colour gamboge-yellow. Claws
black, hooked, and strong. The wings, when closed,
reaching to the end of the tail.
HOBBY. RAPTORES. FALCO. 43
PLATE 15 *. Represents an immature bird, and of the size Young
of nature ; indicating a change of plumage, by a few Bird '
grey feathers upon the back and scapulars. The crown
of the head, and upper parts blackish-brown, the occi-
put with a few white feathers. Chin and under part of
the neck white, with black streaks. Breast, belly, and
thighs white, with oblong cordated blackish-brown spots.
Tail barred with bluish-brown and black. Legs and
toes inclining to leek-green.
HOBBY.
FALCO susBUTEOy Linn.
PLATE XVI.
Falco subbuteo, Lath. Ind. Omith. 1. p. 47. 114. Gmel Syst. 1. p. 283.
Raii, Syn. p. 15. A. 14.
Dendro Falco, Briss. 1. p. 375. 20 Id. 8vo. p. 109 Will. p. 47.
Le Hobereau, Buff. Ois. 61. p. 277 Id. PI. Enl. 432.
Faucon Hobereau, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 25. 2 ed.
Faum-falke, Bechst. Tasscheub. Deut. 1. p. 36.
Hobby, Br. Zool. 1. No. 61 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 227- C Witt. (Ang.) p. 83.
Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 21 Lath,. Syn. 1. p. 103. 99. Ib. Supp. p. 28.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup Pull. Cat. Dorset, p. 3 Don, Br. Birds,
4. p. 91 Wale. Svn. 1. t. 21 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p .41 Shaw's
Zool. v. 7. p. 193. '
IN England, this species of Falcon is among the number p er j 0( jical
of those birds that are named Polar Migrants, or summer Visitant,
periodical visitants. It arrives in April, and after perform-
ing the offices of incubation, and of rearing its young, leaves
us, for warmer latitudes, in October. I have not been able
to trace it far northward, and believe that the boundary of its
migration will include but a few of the southern and midland
counties (.
Wooded and inclosed districts appear to be its usual haunts.
f It has been killed as far north as the Tyne ; and a specimen shot at
Streatham Castle, Durham, is now in the collection of the Messrs HAN-
COCK, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
44 RAPTORES FALCO. HOBBY.
It builds in lofty trees, but will sometimes save itself the task
of constructing a nest, by taking possession of the deserted
one of a Magpie or Crow. The number of its eggs is com-
monly four, of a bluish-white, with olive-green, or yellowish-
brown blotches.
Food. * ts f avoui> ite game is the Lark, but it preys upon all small
birds. Partridges and Quails also become frequent victims
to its courage and rapacity, in which qualities, diminutive as
it is, it yields to none of its tribe.
Possessing a great length and power of wing, the flight of
the Hobby is wonderfully rapid, and can be supported with
undiminished vigour for a considerable time. I have often
admired the adroitness displayed by one of this species, in
pursuit of a Lark ; the chase generally ending in the capture
of the quarry, in spite of all its aerial revolutions and efforts
to avoid the fatal blow.
When hawking was keenly followed, the Hobby was train-
ed to the pursuit of young partridges, snipes, and larks. It
is of elegant form, and resembles, in miniature, the Peregrine
Falcon. The wings, when closed, reached beyond the end
of the tail, in the specimens that have fallen under my inspec-
tion, though MONTAGU mentions them as being shorter. Ac-
cording to TEMMINCK, it is common throughout Europe,
during the summer months ; but retires to warmer regions
at the approach of winter. It is widely spread throughout
Asia ; and I have received specimens from the East Indies,
in every respect similar to our own.
PLATE 16. Shews an adult male, of the natural size.
General ^^ bluish-black ; strong ; with the tooth prominent, and
descrip- a slight sinuation posteriorly. Cere and eyelids yellow.
Irides reddish-brown. Upper parts greyish-black, the
margins of the feathers being a shade paler. A black
patch or streak proceeds from the corners of the inferior
mandible down each side of the neck. Chin and throat
white. Breast and belly inclining to buff-orange, with
HOBBY. RAPTORES. FALCO. 45
dark brown streaks. Thighs and under tail-coverts buff-
orange. Quills black, the inner webs of the feathers
having orange-brown spots. The first quill having a
deep notch or sinuation on the inner web, about an inch
from the tip ; the second having the outer web obliquely
sinuated, and being the longest in the wing ; the first
exceeding the third in length. Tail greyish-black, the
outer feathers having yellowish-brown bars on their in-
ner webs. Tarsi and toes yellow. Claws black.
ORANGE-LEGGED HOBBY.
FALCO RUFIPES, Bechst.
PLATE B.
Falco rufipes, Bechst, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. 39 Shaw's Zool, 13. 39.
Falco vespertinus, Linn. Syst. 1. 129 Gmel Syst. 1. 282.
Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 46. sp. 109. female.
Variet^ singuliere de Hobereau, Buff. PL Enl. 431.
Faucon a pieds rouges, ou Hobez, Tenon. Man. d'Orn. 2. 33.
Rothf ussiger Falk, Meyer, Vog. Deut. Heft. 18. m. f.
Ingrian Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. 102. 88 Id. Sup. 27 Lath. Gen. Hist. 1.
122. No. 49 Shaw's Zool. 7- 190.
Orange-legged Hobby, Lath. Syn. 2. 46 Id. Gen. Hist. 1. 124, 51.
Red-footed Falcon, Gould's Birds of Europe.
SPECIMENS of this Falcon having been killed in Norfolk, Occasional
I now insert it in the list of our Fauna as an occasional visit-
ant. In form and general appearance it bears a strong re-
semblance to the Hobby, though of smaller dimensions ; pos-
sessing also the characteristic length of wing that distin-
guishes the typical forms of the genus. The wings, when
closed, reach to the end of the tail, and are very sharp-
pointed ; the second feather is the longest, by about half an
inch ; and the first and third, in the specimen now before
me, are of equal length. At one inch and a quarter from
the tip, the first quill has its inner web (as in the Hobby)
abruptly notched ; of the second, the outer web alone is very
obliquely sinuated. The tarsi (which are feathered in front
46 RAPTORES. FALCO. HOBBY.
for more than one- third of their length) are reticulated, but
shew three large scales at the bottom, and on a line with the
middle toe, though not so broad or distinctly marked as
those in the Merlin, the Rusty-crowned Falcon, or the Kes-
trels. This species preys upon Quails and small birds, and,
like some of the other lesser Falcons, much upon the larger
coleopterous insects. TEMMINCK, in his " Manual," men-
tions that Mr MEYER found nothing but the remains of
beetles in the stomachs of such as he dissected. It inhabits
wooded districts, and is a common species in Russia, Poland,
and Austria, reaching as far westward as the Tyrol and
Switzerland ; but in France, as in this country, it is of rare
occurrence.
General The old male bird is described as having the head, neck,
tiara* 1 * " breast, and upper parts of the body, of an uniform blackish-
Male, grey ; the abdomen and thighs reddish-brown ; the cere, eye-
orbits, and legs rich orange-red; and the claws yellowish,
Female. w ^ tn darker points. The female is larger, and differs widely
from the male in appearance, in the adult state ; the head
and nape of the neck are of an uniform pale reddish-brown,
with a dark circle round the eye; the throat and cheeks
white; the breast and abdomen tinged with pale reddish-
brown, the shafts of the feathers being dark brown. Upper
plumage deep bluish-grey, barred with greyish-black. Tail
bluish-grey, with several bars of black, of which the one
nearest the tip is the broadest. The young females, accord-
ing to GOULD, have the head streaked with a darker colour.
PLATE B. The following is the description of the bird from
which the figure upon the plate was taken, and which I
conceive to be a female of the second year. Crown of
the head, nape, and moustache, pale reddish-brown.
Eye-orbits encircled by a patch of greyish-black. Fore-
head, cheeks, and throat pale reddish-white. Lower
part of the hind-neck, and^adjoining the mantle, reddish-
KESTREL. RAPTORES. FALCO. 47
brown, barred with greyish-black. Back, wing-coverts
and scapulars deep bluish-grev, each feather being
transversely barred with greyish-black. Quills with
their outer webs and tips blackish-grey, the remainder
of the inner webs having transverse oval white bars.
Breast and belly pale reddish-brown, tinged with cine-
reous, the shaft of each feather and a small spot near
the tip deep brown. Abdomen, thighs, and under tail-
coverts pale buff, immaculate. Tail pale bluish-grey,
with nine black bars; the one nearest the tip being
double the breadth of the others. Legs and toes deep
orange-yellow. Claws yellowish white, with darker ends.
Outer toe scarcely exceeding the inner in length. Bill,
cere, and basal part of the under mandible, yellow ; the
tooth and posterior sinuation distinctly marked ; the
sides convex, leaving a broad and rounded culm en.
KESTREL.
FALCO TINNUNCULUS, Linn.
PLATES XVII. and XVII*.
Falco Tinnunculus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 41. t. 98 Gmel. Sjst. 1.
p. 278. 16 Raii, Syn. PI. 16. 16 Will. p. 50. t. 5 Meyer, Tasschenb.
1. p. 62 Shaw's Zool. 7- 179 Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 50. No. 13.
Falco Tinnunculus alaudarius, Gmel. p. 279.
Accipiter alaudarius, Briss. 1. p. 379. 22.
La Cresserelle, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 379 Id. PL Enl. 401. old male, and 471.
the young of the year.
Faucon Cresserelle, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 29.
Turm-falke, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 37.
Kestrel, Stannel, Windhover, Will. (Ang.) p. 84. t. 5.
Kestrel, Br. Zool 1. No. 60 Ib. fol. p. 68. t. A Arct. Zool. 2. p. 226. N.
Lath. Syn. 1. p. 94. 79 Id. Supp. p. 25 Lewies Br. Birds, 1. t. 19.
Mand. F Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 1. 1. 19 Pult. Cat. Dorset.
p. 3 Low's Fau. Oread, p. 37 Don, Br. Birds, 3. t. 51 Shaw's Zool.
v. 7- p. 179 Haye's Br. Birds, t. 4. Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 38. and
40. Mand. F.
PROVINCIAL Kastril, Stonegall, Windhover.
THIS well-known species is distinguished, not only by the
symmetry of its form and its elegant plumage, but by the
48 RAPTORES. FALCO. KESTREL.
peculiar gracefulness of its flight, and the manner in which it
frequently remains suspended in the air, fixed, as it were, to
one spot, by a quivering play of the wings, scarcely percep-
tible. It is one of our commonest indigenous species, and is
widely spread through the kingdom. Upon the approach of
spring (or the period of incubation), it resorts to rocks and
high cliffs.
Nest, &c. The nest consists of a few sticks loosely put together, and
sometimes lined with a little hay or wool ; and is placed in
some crevice, or on a projecting shelf. I have known it, un-
der the failure of more favourable situations, to breed in the
deserted nest of a magpie or crow.
The eggs are from four to six in number, of a reddish-
brown colour, with darker blotches and variegations. It
Food. preys upon the different species of mice, which it hunts for
from the elevated station at which it usually soars, and upon
which it pounces with the rapidity of an arrow. The cast-
ings of a nest of young Kestrels that I frequently inspected,
consisted entirely of the fur and bones of mice; and MONTAGU
remarks, that he never found the feathers or remains of birds
in the stomach of this hawk. He therefore concluded, that
it is only when it finds a difficulty in procuring its favourite
food that it attacks and preys on the feathered tribes. That
it will do so, under some circumstances, is evident, since bird-
catchers have discovered the Kestrel in the very act of poun-
cing their bird-calls ; and I have myself caught it in a trap
baited with a bird.
In summer, the cockchafer supplies to this species an ob-
ject of pursuit and food, and the following curious account
given from an eye-witness of the fact. " I had," says he,
" the pleasure, this summer, of seeing the Kestrel engaged in
an occupation entirely new to me, hawking after cockchafers
late in the evening. I watched him through a glass, and
saw him dart through a swarm of the insects, seize one in
each claw, and eat them whilst flying. He returned to the
RAPTORES. FALCO. 49
charge again and again. I ascertained it beyond a doubt,
as I afterwards shot him *."
The Kestrel is easily reclaimed, and was formerly trained
to the pursuit of larks, snipes, and young partridges.
It is a species, in point of geographical distribution, very
widely spread, being found in all parts of Europe ; and spe-
cimens I have obtained from India seem to be in every re-
spect the same, with the slight exception of the colours of the
female bird usually appearing paler.
In form as well as habits, the Kestrels (as Sir WM. JAR-
DINE justly observes, in his edition of WILSON'S American
Ornithology) differ from the species previously described ;
their wings being shorter, and the relative proportions of the
feathers different. Their manner of hovering, and taking
their prey by surprise, is also characteristic. To this subor-
dinate group may be added the Rusty-crowned Falcon of
the Fauna Boreali- Americana (the American Sparrow-Hawk
of WILSON) ; whose habits seem to be intermediate between
those of the Kestrel and Merlin ; and some others belonging
to that country, which Prince CHARLES BONAPARTE has se-
parated from the larger Falcons. At the extremity of this
group the Merlin appears to hold its station ; whose habits,
as well as the more rounded form of the wings, and the
length of the toes, apparently lead back to the Sparrow-
Hawks, or Accipitrine sub-family.
PLATE 17. A female bird, of the natural size.
The whole of the upper parts of the plumage are of a red- General
dish orange, marked with numerous arrow-shaped black J^ cnp "
spots and bars. Tail having a broad black bar near Fem ale
the tip, which is white ; the upper part reddish-orange,
barred with black. Breast, belly, and thighs, pale bufft
* In the above interesting communication, I must call my reader's atten-
tion to the fact of the bird eating the insects when upon wing ; a habit
also seen, and much more constantly, in the genus JElaniis, of which Elanus
furcatus is the type.
D
50 RAPTORES. FALCO. KESTREL.
streaked and spotted with brownish black. Quills
brownish-black, margined with white ; the two first
having their inner webs deeply notched ; the second and
third with the outer webs strongly sinuated. The se-
cond quill rather longer than the third, which latter ex-
ceeds the first by more than half an inch.
The young male, for the first year, is very similar in plu-
mage to the female bird.
PLATE 17*. An adult male of the natural size.
Male Bird. Bill bluish-grey at the base, with the tip black, strong,
the sides convex, the tooth prominent, and the poste-
rior undulation of the cutting edge well marked. Cere
and naked space round the eyes lemon-yellow. Irides
brown. Forehead yellowish- white. Crown of the
head, nape of the neck, and part of the shoulders,
light clove-brown, with the shafts of the feathers black-
ish-grey. Back and wing coverts reddish-orange, each
feather having an arrow-shaped black spot near its tip.
Rump bluish-grey ; tail the same, with a broad black
bar near the tip, which is white. From the corners of
the mouth is a dark greyish-black streak, running be-
neath the eye, and pointing downwards. Throat and
chin yellowish-white. Breast, belly, and thighs pale
buff-orange, inclining to light reddish orange, with
brownish-black spots. Quills black, with the margins
and tips greyish-white, and the inner webs barred with
reddish-white. Legs and feet saffron-yellow. Claws
black.
MERLIN.
RAPTORES. FALCO.
51
MERLIN.
FALCO J?ESALON, Temm.
PLATES XVIII. AND XVIII*.
Synonyms of
Adult Male.
Synonyms of
Female, and
immature
Males.
Falco jEsalon, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 27 Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 196.
Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 50. 14 Faun. Amer. Boreal. 2. 37. No. 11. pi. 25.
Fauco Emerillon, Temm. Man. cTOrnith. 1. p. 27.
Falco Litho-Falco, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 47. t. 115 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 278.
Briss. 1. p. 341). 8 Rail, Syn. p. 14. 8.
Falco caesius, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 60.
Le Kocier, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 286 Id. PI. Enl. 447.
Stone Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 93. 77- Mont. App. to Supp. of Ornith.
Diet Shaw's ZooL v. 7. p. 182.
Falco ^Esalon, Gn.el Syst. 1. p. 284. sp. 118 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 49.
t. 119. Rail, Syn. p. 15. 15. Briss. 1. 382. 23 Will. p. 50. t. 3.
I/Emerillon, Buff. Ois. Pi. Enl. 468, young male.
Merlin, Br. ZooL 1. No. 63 Will. (Ang.) p. 85. t. 7 Lewin's Br. Birds,
1. t. 22 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 106. 93 Id. Suppl. p. 27- Mont. Ornith.
Diet Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 3 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 39. Wale. Syn.
1. t. 22 Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 94 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. t. 41 Shaw's
Zool. 7- p- 196.
THE Merlin has generally been considered a winter or equa- Partially
torial visitant, and to leave Great Britain at the approach of mi g rator y-
spring, for other and more northern climates. Repeated
observation has, however, convinced me, that this opinion is
incorrect ; or, at least, that its migration is confined to the
southern parts of the island. It is certainly indigenous in
Northumberland, and, I believe also, in parts of Cumberland
and Westmoreland, as mentioned by Dr LATHAM. In the
first named county, it resorts, during summer, to the ex ten
sivc and upland moors, where it breeds, and where I have
frequently met with its nest, which, in all the instances that Nest, &c.
have come under my notice, was placed upon the ground,
amongst the heather, and not in trees, or in rocks, as TEM-
MINCK mentions in his " Manuel." The number of the eggs
is from three to five ; they are of a bluish- white colour,
marked with brown spots, principally disposed at the larger
end.
52 RAPTORES. FALCO. MEULIN.
My readers will perceive, that, among the synonyms, I
have included the Stone Falcon (Falco Lithofalco of authors),
as I feel convinced that it is the male Merlin in adult plu-
mage ; the two agreeing in every respect, except that the
irides of this supposed species are stated by SONNINI, and
other writers (who appear to have faithfully copied his de-
scription), to be yellow, and those of the Merlin are brown.
But an objection raised upon the colour of the eyes is cer-
tainly not of sufficient import to authorise the establishment
of a distinct species ; for I know from experience, that the
colour of the iris cannot always be depended upon as a speci-
fic character, having repeatedly found it to vary in the Marsh
Harrier, and in the Peregrine Falcon. As a further proof that
the Merlin also is subject to variation in the colour of the
iris, I must state that two, among many nestlings that I
have at different times attempted to rear, displayed a marked
difference from the rest in the colour of the iris ; and, had
they lived to attain maturity, would, I may safely say, have
shewn yellow irides, being similar to those of the young Spar-
row-Hawk, or young Hen-Harrier, viz. of a yellowish-grey
colour ; but which, with maturity, become yellow. The
trivial name of stone falcon is perfectly appropriate to the
Merlin, as it is very often to be seen perched upon a large
stone amid the wide wastes that it frequents during the sum-
mer months. As autumn approaches, the Merlin descends
to the lower grounds, or migrates to the southern parts of
the kingdom.
Inferior as this species is in size, it fully supports the cha-
racter of its tribe ; frequently attacking birds superior to
itself in magnitude and weight, and has been known to kill
a partridge at a single blow. Like others, before enumera-
ted, it became subjected to the purposes of pastime, and was
trained to pursue partridges, snipes, and woodcocks. Its
flight is low and rapid, and it is generally seen skimming
along the sides of hedges in search of its prey. In witnessing
its attack upon a flock of small birds, I have been astonished
MERLIN. HAPTORES. FALCO. 53
at the rapidity of its evolutions, and the certainty of its aim,
as it never failed in securing and bearing off its victim, even
though chosen from the centre of the flock.
PLATE 18. represents the adult male in the natural size.
Bill bluish-grey, the tip black ; strong, with the sides con- General
vex, and the tooth prominent. Crown of the head, and tion^
upper parts of the body bluish, or pearl- grey ; the shafts Male bird -
of the feathers being black. Tail bluish-grey, with a
broad black bar near the end, which is white. Chin
white.
Inferior parts buff-orange, with oblong, drop-shaped,
blackish-brown spots. Under surface of the interior
webs of the quill-feathers barred with white. Cere, legs,
and eye-orbits yellow. Irides generally brown.
PLATE 18*. A female bird. Natural size.
Crown of the head dusky brown, streaked with black. Female
Nape of the neck, and streak over the eyes white, spot-
ted with brown. Back and scapulars brown, tinged
with grey ; the feathers edged, and spotted with reddish-
brown. Quills brownish-black, spotted or barred with
reddish-brown. The two first quills having their inner
webs abruptly and very deeply notched ; the second and
third with their outer webs strongly sinuated. The
first quill rather shorter than the fourth, the second
and third of equal length. Under wing-coverts brown-
ish-orange, spotted with white. Throat white. Breast
and under parts yellowish-white, with broad, oblong,
brown streaks. Tail dusky, with seven or eight yel-
lowish-white, or pale reddish-brown bars. ,
The young are similar in plumage to the female bird.
54 RAPTORES. BUTECX
SUBFAMILY BUTEONINA.
Bill weak, bending immediately from the base. Wings
long and ample ; the first four feathers having their inner
webs notched near the tips. First quill short ; the third and
fourth generally the longest. Thigh feathers long and pen-
dant. Tarsi partly naked, or clothed with feathers. Plu-
mage soft and downy. In disposition, the members of this
subfamily are, for the most part, sluggish and inactive, and
devoid of the courage that distinguishes the other species of
the Falconidae. They pounce their prey upon the ground.
In their affinities, they are nearly allied by some species
(Buteo borealis, &c.) to the Goshawks (gen. Astur} ; and in
the Harriers (gen. Circus), there is an evident approach to
the owls in the radiated ruff surrounding the head.
GENUS BUTEO, BECHST. BUZZARD.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill rather weak, bending from the base ; the cutting mar-
gin of the upper mandible slightly sinuated, and shewing an
obtuse lobe; sides compressed, widening towards the base,
where the culmen is broad and flat. Under mandible shal-
low, with the tip obliquely truncated. Cere large ; nostrils
rather pyriform, with the narrow end turning upwards and
forwards. Wings long and ample ; the first quill very short,
and not exceeding the seventh in length ; the second shorter
than the fifth ; the third and fourth the largest in the wing.
The first four having their inner webs deeply notched ; the
third, fourth, and fifth with the outer webs obliquely sinua-
ted. Legs with the tarsi short, naked, and scutellated in
front, or feathered to the toes. Toes rather short ; the front
ones united at the base. Claws strong, but not much hooked.
BUZZARD. RAPTORES. BUTEO. 55
The birds belonging to this genus are of large size, but
generally of a heavy form and indolent aspect. Their plu-
mage is soft, downy and loose, approaching in its texture to
that of the Owls, which some of the species still further re-
semble in their partially crepuscular habits.* Their flight is
easy and buoyant, but not remarkable for swiftness, and is
generally in extensive circles. They prey upon the smaller
birds and animals, as well as reptiles, for which they either
watch, in sailing through the air, or (as is often the case)
from some old tree or eminence, upon which they will re-
main perched for hours together. They strike their prey
upon the ground, as they sweep over it, but make no attempt
to capture it, when in motion, by active pursuit. In some
species a close affinity to the Goshawk is perceptible, the
proportion of the wings and form of the bill becoming more
assimilated to those birds.
COMMON BUZZARD.
BUTEO VULGARLY, Bechst.
PLATE VI.
Buteo vulgaris, Flem. Brit. Anim. 1. 54. No. 21 Shaw's ZooL 13. 46
Faun. Amer. Boreal. 2. 47. pi. 27.
Falco Buteo, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 127- Fauna Suec. No. 60. Gmel. Syst. 1.
p. 265. sp. 15 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 23. -Ran, Syn. p. 16. A. 1
Witt. p. 38. t. 6. i Muller, No. G4.Briss. 1. p. 406.
Falco communis fuscus, Gmel. Syst. p. 270. sp. 86.
Falco variegatus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 267. sp. 78 Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 24. 48.
Falco absolitus? Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 28. sp. 61.
La Buse, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 63. Buff. Ois. 1. p. 206. t. 8 Id.
PL Enl. 419.
Mause Falk, Meyer, Viig. Deut. Heft. 14 Frisch, Vog. Deut. t. 74.
Falco albidus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 267. sp. 49. white variety.
Common Buzzard, Br. ZooL 1. No. 54. t. 25. Ib. fol. t A. 3 Arct. Zool.
p. 224. I Will. (Ang.) p. 70. Lath, Syn. 1. p. 48 Id. Sup. p. 14
* WILSON, when speaking of the Buteo lagopus, observes, " they are
often seen coursing over the surface of the meadows, long after sunset,
many times in pairs." See WILS. Amer. Orn. ed. Sir W. Jardine, vol. ii.
p. 54.
56 RAPTORES. BUTEO. BUZZARD.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. Ib. Sup Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 6. Wale. Syn.
1. t. 6 Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 109. Bewick's Br. Birds. 1. 15. Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 3.
Falco GaUinarius, Gmel Syst. p. 266.
Ash-coloured Buzzard, Arct. Zool. 2. No. 103 Lath. 1. p. 55.
Falco cinereus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 267-
Greater Buzzard, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 49.
Spotted Buzzard, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 49.
Buzzardet, Penn. Arct. Zool. 2. No. 109.
Speckled Buzzard, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 97-
Plain Falcon, Arct. Zool. 2. 104.
PROVINCIAL, Puttock, Wood Buzzard.
THIS is a well-known species of Falcon, being of common
occurrence in all the wooded districts of England. It is a
heavy inactive bird, both in disposition and appearance, and
is generally seen perched upon some old and decayed tree,
such being its favourite haunt.
Its flight is slow, in extensive circles, and, except during
the season of incubation, when it often soars to a considerable
height, it seldom remains long on the wing.
Food. It preys upon leverets, rabbits, game, and small birds, all
of which it pounces on the ground. It also devours moles
and mice, and, when pressed by hunger, will feed on reptiles
and insects.
Nest, &c. It breeds in woods, and forms its nest of sticks, lined with
wool, hay, and other materials, and will sometimes occupy
the deserted nest of a crow.
The eggs are two or three in number, larger than those of
a hen, and are of a greenish- white, either plain, or spotted
with reddish-brown. The young, according to PENNANT,
remain in company with the parent birds for some time after
having quitted the nest, a circumstance at variance with
the usual habits of birds of prey. It is common in all the
wooded parts of Europe, and, according to TEMMINCK, very
abundant in Holland. In France, this bird is killed during
the winter for the sake of its flesh, which is esteemed deli-
cious eating. Although previously unnoticed as a North
American bird by WILSON and the PRINCE of MUSIGNANO,
it was met with by the Expeditions under Captain FRANK-
BUZZARD. RAPTORES. BUTEO. 57
LIN ; and found to extend as far north as the 57th parallel
of Latitude. It is described, and beautifully figured, in the
second volume of the Fauna Boreali-Americana. It is also an
inhabitant of the Madeiras ; from whence I have seen speci-
mens, agreeing in every respect with our own.
The Buzzard is found to vary greatly in plumage, and has
consequently been multiplied, by some ornithologists, into se-
veral species, as will appear by a reference to the synonyms.
I have constantly endeavoured to verify the several varieties
that have come under my examination, by comparison with
the descriptions and figures given by different ornithological
writers ; and amongst the varieties that have thus occurred,
I may enumerate the Ash-coloured Buzzard of LATHAM and
EDWAKDS *, and one of a uniform reddish-brown colour.
PLATE 6. Figure of the natural size.
Cere and irides lemon-yellow. Bill bluish-black ; broad General
at the base, but much compressed towards the tip ; with
the cutting edge of the upper mandible distinctly si-
nuated. Crown of the head and upper parts of the
body hair-brown, inclining to broccoli-brown, the mar-
gins of the feathers edged with yellowish -white and yel-
lowish-brown. Chin and throat white, with a few brown
streaks upon the shafts of the feathers. Breast yellow-
ish-white, with oblong brown streaks, which upon the
belly become small and arrow-shaped. First four pri-
mary quills deeply notched, the basal part of the inner
webs white, with brownish-black bars ; the rest of the
quills, and the secondary ones, barred with shades of
brown. Third, fourth, and fifth quills having their
outer webs strongly sinuated. Sides and thighs dark
clove-brown, the feathers edged with white and yellow-
ish-brown. Tail square, with about twelve blackish-
brown bars. Legs and toes yellow. The front of the
Mr SWAINSON thinks that Mr EDWARD'S bird refers to the Gyrfakon
in the young state, and has quoted it as such.
58 RAPTORES. BUTEO. BUZZARD.
tarsi scutellated. The upper part of the toes reticulated.
Toes short, united at the base by a membrane. Hind
and inner toe each with four shield-shaped scales ; outer
toe with five ; and the middle one with eight. Claws
black, strong, but not much hooked ; and very sharp.
ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
BUTEO LAGOPUS, Flem.
PLATE VII.
Buteo Lagopus, Shaw's Zool. 13. 47 Flem. Br. Anim. 2. 54. No. 22.
Faun. Boreali-Amer. 2. 52. No. 16. pi. 28.
Falco Lagopus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 260 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 19. 33
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 37-
Falco Sclavonicus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 26. 54.
Falco spadiceus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 27- sp. 57, but not the synonyms of
Philosoph. Trans.
Buse Pattue, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 65.
Buse Gantee, Vail. Ois. d'Afr. 1. pi. 18.
Rauchfussiger Busard, Bork. Deut. Orn. Heft, female.
Rough-legged Falcon, Penn. Br. Zool. Appen. Lath. Syn. 1. p. 75
Shaw's Zool. 7- ? 145. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Suppl Bewick's Br.
Birds, Supp Wilson's Amer. Ornith. edit, by Sir W. Jardine, 2. 54.
pi. 33. f. 1.
Dusky Falcon, Penn. Arct. Zool.
Placentia Falcon, Lath. Syn. Suppl. 19. sp. 57.
IN the Appendix to Pennant's British Zoology, a figure
and short description are given of this bird, under the name
of " the Rough-legged Falcon ;" and in the Arctic Zoology
of the same author, the bird described as the " Dusky Fal-
con" appears to be very safely referable to the same species.
By many ornithologists the Falco pennatus, a bird belong-
ing to the first or Aquiline section, has been confounded with
this species, to which it bears a close resemblance, both in
size and colour. It may, however, be readily distinguished
by the form and size of its bill, and the uniform brown co-
lour of the tail, which, in the bird now under description, is
always more or less white at the base.
BUZZARD. RAPTORES. BUTEO. 59
The Rough-legged Buzzard is a rare British species, and Occasional
can only be considered as an occasional visitant.
MONTAGU mentions two or three instances of its having
been taken in the south of England. In the winter of 1815,
Northumberland was visited by some of these birds, and se-
veral opportunities were afforded me of inspecting both living
and dead specimens.
Those which came under examination closely resembled
each other as to colour and markings, though some indivi-
duals were darker along the belly than others ; and the quan-
tity of white upon the upper half of the tail was not always
of equal breadth. Two of these birds, from having attached
themselves to a neighbouring marsh, passed under my fre-
quent observation.
Their flight was smooth, but slow, and not unlike that of
the Common Buzzard, and they seldom continued for any
length of time on the wing. They preyed upon wild ducks, Food,
and other birds, which they pounced upon the ground; and
it would appear that mice and frogs must have constituted
a great part of their food, as the remains of both were found
in the stomachs of those that were killed.
Since the above-mentioned year they have not been again
seen in that neighbourhood.*
It is a native of Norway, and other northern countries of
Europe, where it frequents marshy districts, preying upon
leverets, hamsters, water-rats, moles, and frequently lizards
and frogs. According to TEMMINCK, it builds in lofty trees, Nest, &c.
and lays four white eggs, spotted with reddish-brown. In
North America it is a common species, and possesses an ex-
tensive range, having been frequently seen in the districts
Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, in his edition of WILSON'S American Or-
nithology (in a Note appended to the " Rough-legged Falcon "), mentions
several that have subsequently been killed in East Lothian, and other
southern districts of Scotland. A fine specimen, shot near Alnwick, in
March 1828, was also sent to me. Scarcely a year passes without the ap-
pearance of this bird upon the rabbit-warrens in Norfolk.
60 RAPTORES. BUTEO. BUZZARD.
traversed by the Expeditions under Sir JOHN FRANKLIN,
though, from its very shy character, only one specimen could
be procured. Dr RICHARDSON informs us, that " a pair
were seen at their nest, built of sticks, in a lofty tree, stand-
ing on a low, moist, alluvial point of land, almost encircled
by a bend of the Saskatchewan. They sailed round the spot
in a wide circle, occasionally settling on the top of a tree ;
but were too wary to allow us to come within gunshot." Its
residence in the Fur Countries is not however permanent, as
it retires southwards in October, to winter upon the banks of
the Delaware and Schuylkill ; returning again to the north
early in spring.
The figure at PLATE 7. represents a female bird, of the na-
tural size, killed in the winter of 1815, and now in my
possession.
General Bill bluish-black, darkest towards the tip; small and
^ escrip- weak ; bending rapidly from the base ; the cutting mar-
gin of the upper mandible shewing only a faint sinua-
tion. Commissure reaching rather beyond the anterior
orbit of the eye. Cere and irides gamboge-yellow. Lores
covered with small whitish feathers (shewing an ap-
proach to the genus Pernis), which are partly concealed
by the bristly black hairs, disposed in a radiating form.
Head, neck, and throat, yellowish-white, inclining to
cream-colour, with slender streaks of umber-brown.
Breast yellowish- white, with large spots of umber-brown.
Lower part of the belly umber-brown, forming a broad
bend across that region. Thighs cream-yellow, with
arrow-shaped brown spots ; the feathers very long and
soft. Tarsi covered with feathers, colour cream-yel-
low, with a few brown specks.
Back and wing coverts umber-brown, the edges of the fea-
ther paler. Lower part of the inner webs of the great-
er quill-feathers white. Quills notched and sinuated,
as in the Common Buzzard. Upper tail-coverts and
RAPTORES. PERNIS. 61
base of the tail white, the remaining part brown, band-
ed with a darker shade of the same colour. Toes saf-
fron-yellow, short ; the inner stronger, and as long as
the outer one. Hind and inner toes each having four
large scales ; the outer five ; the middle toe seven or
eight. Claws black ; long, but not much hooked.
GENUS PERNIS, Cuv. HONEY-BUZZARD.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill slender, weak, bending gradually from the base to the
tip ; with the cutting margin nearly strait. Cere occupying
half the length of the bill. Under mandible sloping gradu-
ally to the tip. Nostrils long, narrow, very obliquely placed
in the cere, and opening forwards. Lores thickly clothed
with small soft, tiled feathers. Wings long and ample ; the
first feather shorter than the sixth, and the third and fourth
the largest in the wing. Inner webs of the first four notched,
and the outer webs of the third, fourth and fifth sinuated.
Tail long and slightly rounded. Legs having the tarsi half
feathered ; the lower, or naked part, being reticulated. Toes
rather slender, the inner and outer ones of nearly equal
length, the anterior joints of all scutellated. Claws weak,
slightly hooked, with the inner edge of the middle one di-
lated.
This genus was first instituted by CUVIER, for the recep-
tion of the Common Honey-Buzzard and some other exotic
species, distinguished from the other members of this subfa-
mily, as well as from the rest of the Falcomdce, by the com-
parative weakness of the bill and claws, and by the close-set
scale-like feathers that cover the lores, or that space between
the bill and eyes ; which part in all the rest is nearly naked
of feathers, but provided more or less with stiff bristles, ge-
nerally disposed in a radiating form.
62 RAPTORES. PERNIS. BUZZARD.
The nearest approach to this genus (and by which it be-
comes closely allied to the other Buzzards) appears to be
Buteo Lagopus, where a covering of small downy feathers is
visible beneath the projecting hairs. The habits of its mem-
bers, as might be expected, are in unison with this modifica-
tion or departure from the typical character of the family,
being still less fierce and predatory ; subsisting almost whol-
ly upon insects (particularly those of the Hymenopterous
and Neuropterous orders) and the smaller reptiles. Their
form is lengthened and graceful, and, from the extent of
their wings and tail, they fly with great buoyancy and ease.
Their plumage partakes of the softness belonging to the
other birds of this subfamily.
HONEY BUZZARD.
PERNIS APIVORUS, Cuv.
PLATE VIII.
Pernis apivorus, Cuv. Reg. Anim. 1. 322 Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 52. No. 17.
Falco apivorus, Linn. Syst. 1. sp. 130. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 267, sp. 28.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 25. 52 Briss. 1. p. 410. Id. 8vo, p. 117. Jfaw,
Syn. 16. 2 Muller, No. 68.
Falco Poliorinchos, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 19.
Buse Bondree, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 67. 2d ed.
La Bondree, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 208. Id. PI. Enl. 420. a yearling bird.
Wespen Buzzard, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 39. Id. Vog, Liv. und.
Esthl. p. 12.
Honey Buzzard, Br. Zool. 1. No. 56 Id. fol. 67. 1. A. 4. and A. -f 4
Arct. Zool. 2. p. 224. I Will. (Ang.) p. 72. Lewirfs Br. Birds, i. t. 1.
Lath. Syn. 1. p. 52 Sup. p. 14 Albin. 1. t. 2 Mont. Ornith. Diet.
and Suppl Putt. Cat. Dorset Wale. Syn. i. t. 1BewicVs Br. Birds,
1. 17. White's Hist. Selb. 1. t. 7 Shaw's Zool. v. 7- p. 114.
PROVINCIAL, Capped Buzzard.
Rare visi- THIS rare and elegant species is easily to be distinguished
tant. rom a ]j i tg congeners, by the small, round, and closely-set
feathers that cover the space between the bill and eyes, which
space in the other species is either naked, or but thinly co-
vered with bristles or hairs. This peculiarity has induced
BUZZARD. RAPTORES. PERNIS. 63
CUVIEE to separate the Honey Buzzard from the preceding
genus, and to form of it and a few other foreign species, pos-
sessing the same character, his genus Pernis.
The instances of this bird being killed in England are but Rare visi-
few. LATHAM says, that during such a number of years as tant>
he has been a collector, he has received but one fresh speci-
men. I have never met with it in a living state, nor been
able to obtain it newly killed ; and I am indebted for the
figure in the present work to the polite attention of N. A.
VIGORS, Esq. who kindly lent me, for that purpose, the very
fine specimen he possesses *.
MONTAGU describes one, taken at High Clere in Berk-
shire (and now in the British Museum), that had the breast
and belly of a light brown, barred with reddish-brown, which,
according to that accurate ornithologist TEMMINCK, is cha-
racteristic of the female, or a young bird.
The young, during the first year, or previous to the first
general moult, have the cere and iris brown, and the head
spotted with white and brown.
The Honey Buzzard preys upon moles, mice, and small Food,
birds, and on lizards and insects, particularly wasps, bees,
and their larvae, which should appear to be their favourite
food.
WILLOUGHBY describes a nest of this bird, in which he
found the limbs of wasps, and fragments of the nymphae in
the stomachs of the young ones, whose craws contained also
several lizards and frogs.
Its flight is easy and graceful, and it is frequently seen
Since the publication of the first edition of this volume, a very fine
male of this species was shot, in September 1829, in Thrunton Wood,
Northumberland, by the keeper of the Hon. H. T. LIDDLE, of Eslington
House ; a description of which was published in the first volume of the
Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham,
and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Another beautiful variety, with white head
and neck, was killed, in October 1831, at Cheswick, near Berwick on Tweed,
and kindly presented to me by Mr DONALDSON. This bird is described
in the 2d volume of the Transactions above mentioned.
64 RAPTORES. BUZZARD.
near pieces of water, on account of the Libellulae, and other
aquatic insects.
Nest, &c. It breeds in lofty trees, forming a nest of twigs, lined with
wool, and other soft materials.
The eggs are small, in proportion to the size of the bird,
of a yellowish white, marked with numerous spots and stains
of reddish-brown, sometimes so confluent as to make them
appear almost entirely brown.
It is a native of eastern climes, and, according to TEM-
MINCK, is as rare in Holland as in England. In the south
of France it is more abundant, but migratory.
PLATE 8. Figure of the natural size.
General Bill bluish-black ; slender, and weak ; bending gradually
from tne ^ ase to tne **P ; W ^ t ^ ie comrmssure nearly
straight. Cere greenish-grey. Irides yellow. The
space between the eyes and bill covered with small,
round, and closely-set feathers. Crown of the head
clove-brown, tinged with bluish-grey. Upper parts um-
ber-brown, more or less varied, and edged with clove
and yellowish-brown. Throat yellowish- white, with a
few brown streaks down the shafts of the feathers. Un-
der parts yellowish-white, occasionally tinged with buff-
orange; with bars and triangular spots of chesnut-brown.
Tail long, umber-brown, with three blackish-brown bars.
Feet and tarsi yellow, reticulated, and feathered a little be-
low the knee. Claws black, and not much hooked.
GENUS CIRCUS, BECHST. HARRIER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill bending from the base, weak, much compressed, and
forming a narrow rounded culmen ; the tomia of the upper
mandible exhibiting a very small festoon or sinuation near
RAPTORES. CIRCUS. 5
the middle of the bill. Under mandible shallow, and round-
ed at the point. Nostrils rather large, broadly oval, and
nearly concealed by the reflected and upward-curving hairs
of the lores. Head surrounded by a ruff of stiffish tiled fea-
thers. Wings long, with the fourth feather scarcely exceed-
ing the third, but being the longest in the wing ; first four
having their inner webs notched ; the third, fourth, and fifth,
with the outer webs, sinuated. Tail long, and slightly
rounded. Legs with the tarsi long and slender, feathered
in front for a short distance below the joints, with the naked
part scutellated. Toes of mean length, and rather slender ;
middle toe the longest ; the outer rather exceeding the inner,
and joined at the base to the middle one by a membrane ;
third toe shortest. Claws moderately incurved, and very
sharp ; those of the inner and hind toes the largest.
The birds of this genus are distinguished from the more
typical Buzzards, by their prolonged and slender form, their
lengthened tarsi, and the distinct ruff of close-set feathers,
which, as in the Owls, surrounds the face. In their habits
they are more active than the other birds of this subfamily ;
and their flight, though not remarkable for swiftness, is
light and buoyant, and can be supported for a long time
(though generally at no great elevation) in search of their
prey, consisting of birds, small mammalia, and reptiles, all
of which they pounce on the ground. In the form of the
bill, the reflected bristks of the lores, and the peculiar ruff*
surrounding the face, they shew a decided affinity to the suc-
ceeding family of Strigidce, particularly to the birds of that
group which, from their habit of hawking in the day-time,
have obtained the name of Accipitrine Owls.
VOL.
RAPTORES. CIRCUS.
HARRIER.
MARSH HARRIER.
CIRCUS RUFUS, Briss.
PLATE IX.
Syn. of
Adult.
You
oung.
Circus osruginosus, Shaw's Zool. 13. 41.
Buteo aeruginosus, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 55. 25.
Falco rufus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 25. 51 Gmel Syst I. p. 266. 77.
Circus rufus, Briss. Ornith. v. 1. p. 404.
Circus palustris, Briss. 1. p. 401.
La Harpaye, Buff. Ois. v- 1. p. 217 Id. PL Enl. 460.
Busard Harpaye, ou de Marais, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 69. 2d ed-
Brand weihe, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. p. 24. sp. 19.
Harpy Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 51.
Falco aeruginosus, Linn. 1. p. 130 Fauna Suec. No. 66. Gmel. Syst.
1. p. 26T.Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 25. 53 Rail Syn. p. 17. A. 4
Mutter, No. 69.
Falco arundinaceus, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 1. p. 681. 19.
Le Busard de marais, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 218 Id. PL Enl. 424. a yearling-
bird
Sumpfweihe, Meyer, Taschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 43.
Moor Buzzard, Br. Zool. 1. No. 57. t. 27 Id. fol. p. 67. t. A. 5. Arct.
Zool. 2. p. 225. ~L.Lath. Syn. 1. p. 53. Id. Suppl. 15 Mont. Ornith.
Diet. 2 vol Will. (Ang.) p. 75. t. 7 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 1. t. 8.
Wale. Syn. 1. t. 8 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 3 BewicVs Br. Bird, 1. 19.
PROVINCIAL, Duck Hawk, White-headed Harpy, Moor Buzzard.
General THE female bird of this species, which is represented on
tion. 01 Plate 9, measures twenty-three inches in length, and in
Female breadth, with extended wings, four feet five inches. The
bill is bluish-black. The cutting edge of the upper mandible
has a very slight festoon. Cere lemon-yellow. Nostrils
covered with the upturned bristles of the front part of the
lores. Irides blackish-brown. Crown of the head, throat,
and cheeks, straw-yellow, streaked with brown. Behind the
ear-coverts, and surrounding the neck, is a ruff of stiffish
feathers. Upon the ridge of the wing, a patch of straw-
yellow. The rest of the body of dark umber-brown, passing
upon the belly into reddish-brown. Legs long, the tarsi
slender, and, together with the toes, yellow. Claws black.
Male bird. The male, taken at the same time, is rather inferior in size,
and of an uniform umber-brown colour, with the exception
HARRIER. RAPTORES. CIRCUS. 67
of a small spot of the straw-yellow upon the occiput. And
in him the irides are yellow.
The young differ from the adult birds in being without
the straw-yellow upon the head or wing-coverts. Varieties
of this species, with more or less white, are also frequently
found.
I kept one of these birds in confinement for some years, in
which the throat, bastard-wing, the first four quill-feathers,
and the outer tail-feathers, were of a pure white. The rest
of its plumage was of dark umber-brown.
Marshy districts and moors are the favourite haunts of Food,
this species. They prey on wild ducks and other water-
fowl, young game, leverets, and water rats. Lizards and
frogs also form a great portion of their food ; and they will
sometimes take perch, and other kinds of fish.
Their flight is slow, and generally near the ground, beat-
ing it with great regularity in search of their prey ; but
during the season of incubation, the males will soar to a con-
siderable height, and remain suspended in the air for a long
interval of time. They build in the tall tufts of grass or
rushes which grow in marshy places, and lay four or five
round eggs, entirely white ; and not spotted with brown, as
asserted in the Index Ornithologicus of LATHAM.
These birds abound in all the marshy districts of England
and Scotland, and, according to MONTAGU, are very nume-
rous in Wales, where they prey upon the rabbits that inha-
bit the sand-banks of the shores of Caermarthenshire. The
same writer observes, that he has seen no less than nine
feeding together upon the carcass of a sheep.
In Holland they are of course numerous, from the nature
of the country ; and rare in Switzerland.
They are migratory upon the Continent, but remain with
us the whole year.
The affinity between this species and the Hen Harrier, is
shewn in the general contour of the form, the length of the
tarsi, and in the similarity also of their habits and manners.
r>8
RAPTORES. CIRCUS.
HARRIER.
HEN HARRIER.
CIRCUS CYANEUS) Flem.
PLATE X.
Male and
Female.
Syn. of Adult
and middle-
aged Male.
Syn. of Fe-
male and
Young.
( Circus cyaneus, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 5.3. 20.
-? Falco cyaneus, Mont. Trans. Linn. Soc. v. 9. p. 182. Meyer, Taschenb-
I Deut. v. 1. p. 182.
Falco cyaneus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 276 Linn. Syst. 1. p. 126. 10. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 1. 39. 94 Mutter, No. 74.
Falco torquatus (mas.), Eriss. Ornith. 1. p. 345. Ib. 8vo, p. 100.
Falco Bohemicus, Ginel. Syst. 1. p. 299. sp. 107- Falco albicans, Id.
p. 276. sp. 102.
Falco griseus, Gmel p. 275. sp. 100 Lath. Ind. Ornith. I. p. 37, 86.
Falco montanus, Gmel. 1. p. 278. sp. 106. var. B.
Lanarius cinereus, Briss. 1. p. 365. 17- Id. 8vo. p. 106.
L'Oiseau St Martin, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 212 Id. PI. Enl. 459.
Busard St Martin, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 72.
Busard a croupion blanc, Vail. Ois. d'Afriq. Sept. v. 1. PI. 8.
Kore oder Halbweihe, Bechst. Tasch. Deut. p. 25. sp. 20.
Hen Harrier, Brit. Zool. 1. No. 58. t. 28 Will. (Angl.) p. 72 Albin,
2. t. 5 Lath. Syn. v. 1. p. 88 Id. Suppl. p. 22 Lewin's Birds, 1.
t. 18 Hayes' Br. Birds Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. I Id. Suppl
Wale. Syn. t. 17 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 33 Pult. Cat. Dorset.
p. 3 Don. Br. Birds, 3. t. 59 Low's Fau. Oread, p. 37 Shawls
Zool 7. p. 163.
New York Falcon, Penn. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 209.
f Falco Pygargus, Linn. 1. p. 126. 11 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 277. sp. II.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 39. 94 Rail Syn. p. 17. 5. (fern.) Muller,
No. 74. Will. p. 40.
Falco Hudsonii et Buffonii, Gmel. 2. p. 277. sp. 19. and 103.
Falco rubiginosus, Lath. Ind, Ornith. 1. p. 27- sp. 56.
Falco torquatus (fern.), Briss. 1. p. 345. 7 Ib. 8vo, p. 100.
La Soubuse, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 215. t. 9 Id. PI. Enl. 443. young female,
and 480, young male.
Le Busard GrenouiUard, Vail. Ois. d'Afriq. 1. PI. 23.
Ring-tail, Br. Zool. 1. No. 59 Id. fol. p. 68. t. A. 7 Lath. Syn. 1.
p. 89. 95. Id. Supp. p. 22 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup. Lewies
Biit. Birds, 1. t. 18. Will. (Ang.) p. 72 Wale. Syn. 1. t. 18.
Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 35. Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 163.
Ring-tail Hawk, Edwards, t. 107 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 106.
White-rumped Bay Falcon, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 54.
Hudson's Bay Ring-tail, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 91. 76.
Cayenne Ring-tail, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 91.
Marsh Hawk, Wils. Amer. Orn. ed. by Sir Wm. Jardine, 2. 272. pi. 51 .
^ fig. 2.
THE above long list of synonyms arises from this bird
having been considered by many ornithological writers as two
distinct species, a mistake doubtless occasioned by the very
HARRIER. RAPTORES. CIRCUS. 69
dissimilar appearance of the sexes in the adult state, with re-
spect to size and colour. The facts, however, adduced by
MONTAGU *, to prove the identity of the two, are clear and
satisfactory ; to me particularly so, as the result of my own
observations lead entirely to the same opinion. Mons. TEM-
MINCK, also, in his valuable " Manuel," has shewn so little
doubt upon the subject, as at once to bring the synonyms of
the Hen Harrier and Ring-tail together.
The species, though not very numerous, is pretty generally
found throughout Britain, frequenting low marshy situations,
or wide moors. The flight of the Hen Harrier is always low,
but at the same time smooth and buoyant, beating its hunt-
ing grounds with great regularity, and at stated intervals.
It is very destructive to game, which it pounces upon the
ground ; it also feeds upon small birds and animals, lizards
and frogs. It breeds on the open wastes, and frequently in Negt &c
thick furze covers ; the nest is placed on the ground, and
the eggs are four or five in number, of a skim-milk white,
round at each end, and nearly as large as the Marsh HarrieH-.
The young males, for the first year, are similar in appear-
ance to the females, after which they gradually assume the
grey plumage that distinguishes the adult.
It is common in France, Germany, and Holland, inhabit-
ing the low and flat districts ; but in Switzerland, and all
mountainous countries, it is of rare occurrence J.
PLATE 10. Fig. 1. Shews the male bird, in perfect plumage,
and of the natural size.
See Supplement to Ornith. Diet, article Hen Harrier.
f I refer my readers to some very interesting particulars respecting the
habits and economy of this species, detailed at considerable length by Sir
William Jardine, in a note to his valuable edition of Wilson's American
Ornithology.
% Some doubts still remain as to the identity of our own and the Ame-
rican species.
70 RAPTORES. CIRCUS. HARRIER.
General Bill bluish-black. Cere wax-yellow, almost hidden by the
tion. nP * projecting bristles at the base of the bill. Irides kingV
Malebird. yellow. Head, neck, upper part of the breast, back,
scapulars, and wing-coverts, bluish-grey, passing into
pearl- grey. The rump white. Quills black. Breast,
belly, under wing and tail-coverts, pure white, without
any spots or streaks, as in the Ash-coloured Harrier.
Middle tail-feathers grey ; the outer ones having their
inner webs white, barred with blackish-grey. Legs and
toes lemon-yellow.
Fig. 2. The female.
Female. The space surrounding the orbits of the eyes white. Crown
of the head and ear-coverts umber-brown. The ruff
composed of stiff white feathers, with brown shafts.
Upper parts umber-brown, more or less varied with yel-
lowish or reddish-brown. Quills dusky, barred under-
neath with white. Breast, belly and thighs yellowish-
white, with long streaks of deep orange-brown. Rump
white. Tail barred with clove and umber-brown. Legs
yellow.
ASH-COLOURED HARRIER.
CIRCUS CINERACEUS, Shaw.
PLATE XI.
Circus cineraceus, Shaw's ZodL 13. 41. sp. 3.
Buteo cineraceus, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 55. No. 26.
Falco cineraceus, Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. SuppL Trans. Lin. Soc. 9.
p. 188.
Busard Montagu, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 86.
Die Halbweihe, Naum Vog. 4. p. 180. t 21. p. 33.
Ash-coloured Falcon, Montagu, Ornith. Diet. Id. Suppl.
The British Fauna is indebted to the persevering researches
and acute discrimination of our countryman MONTAGU for
HARRIER. RAPTORES. CIRCUS. 71
the discovery of this new species of falcon, the description of
which he has most accurately given in the Supplement* to
the work I am so often proud to quote. The resemblance it
bears to the Hen Harrier was without doubt the cause of its
remaining so long unnoticed as a separate species, having in
all probability, when previously met with, been considered
only as a variety of that bird.
The specific distinctions are, however, when subjected to
the test of strict examination, obvious and well defined.
The leading points of difference are the following.
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 extre-
mity of the tail ; whereas in the Circus cyaneus, they are
shorter than the tail by two inches. The colour of the un-
der wing-coverts, the belly, and thighs, is also very different.
The ruff which encircles the back part of the head, and neck
of the Hen Harrier, is not so distinctly marked in this species.
The general contour and appearance of the two birds will be
found, on comparison, to be very different. A close attention
to the respective descriptions will also discover other minor
traits of separation.
The Ash-coloured Harrier is far from being numerous in
England. I have taken it in Northumberland, where it
breeds upon the moors or open lands.
It skims along the surface of the ground, like the Hen
Harrier, but with more rapid flight, and more strikingly
buoyant. Lives upon small birds, lizards, frogs, &c. Its Food.
nest is placed upon the ground, amongst furze or low brush- Nest, &c.
wood. The eggs are generally four, and of a pure white.
According to TEMMINCK, it is found throughout Hungary,
in Poland, Silesia, and Austria. It is common also in Dal-
matia and the Illyrian Provinces, but is of rare occurrence
in Italy.
* See article Ash-coloured Falcon.
72 RAPTORES. CIRCUS. HARRIER.
PLATE 11. A male bird, of adult age, and of natural size.
Killed near Morpeth in Northumberland in 1817.
General j$[\\ bluish-black. Cere lemon-yellow. Irides yellow. Head
descrip- J J
tion. and upper parts of the body deep ash-grey, the tips
and middle parts of most of the feathers blackish-grey.
Throat and breast deep ash-grey. Belly, sides, and
thighs, white, with reddish-brown streaks. Under wing-
coverts barred with reddish-brown. Primary quills
black ; secondaries ash-grey above, beneath paler, with
three blackish bars, one of which is visible on the
outer side of the wing. Tail long, the two middle fea-
thers grey, with a tinge of brown ; the rest grey on the
outer web, the inner having five reddish-brown bars.
Legs slender and yellow. Toes short, the claws black.
Since the above-mentioned year, I have killed two male
specimens of this bird, both of which answered the foregoing
description.
Female. Bill bluish-black. Cere wax-yellow. Irides bright yellow,
Crown of the head reddish-brown, with blackish-brown
spots. Nape of the neck varied with orange-brown and
white. Above and below the eye, is a streak of pale
reddish- white. Ear-coverts deep umber-brown. Upper
parts of the body umber-brown, the feathers margined
with pale orange-brown. Lower part of the rump and
the tail-coverts white, streaked with pale orange-brown.
The whole of the under parts orange-brown, without
spot or streak. Tail, having the two middle feathers
nearly of an uniform brown, the rest being barred with
pale orange-brown and umber-brown, except the outer
feathers, which are barred with orange-brown and white.
The young males, previous to the first moult, are similar
in plumage to the female bird.
RAPTORE8. MILVUS. 73
SUBFAMILY MILVINA.
Bill of moderate strength, nearly strait at the base. Fea-
thers upon the head and neck, narrow and acuminate.
Nostrils placed rather obliquely. Wings very long ; the
first quill-feather short. Tarsi scaled, short, feathered for a
short space below the knee. Tail more or less forked. Prey
pounced upon the ground, or, when consisting of insects,
caught in the air. Flight very buoyant, with little exertion
of the wings, and in wide circles.
GENUS MILVUS, AUCT. KITE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill of moderate strength, nearly strait at the base; rapid-
ly incurved in front of the cere to the tip, which forms an
acute hook. Culmen subangular. Cutting margin of the
upper mandible with a shallow lobe or festoon between the
line of the nostrils and the tip. Upper mandible rounded
at the tip. Cere short ; nostrils oval ; rather obliquely
placed in the cere. Feathers of the head and neck acumi-
nate. Wings very long ; the first feather short, more so than
the seventh ; the fourth the longest of all ; the first five ha-
ving their inner webs notched; the second, third, fourth,
and fifth, with the outer ones, the same. Tail long, more
or less forked. Legs with the tarsi very short ; feathered
below the joint ; the naked frontal part scutellated. Toes
rather short, and strong, the outer united at its base to the
middle one. Claws long and strong, moderately incurved,
with the inner edge of the middle one thin and dilated.
The birds of this genus are distinguished for their grace-
ful and easy flight, which is performed by little exertion of
74 RAPTORES. MILVUS. KITE.
their pinions, in extensive circles, and in which they are
guided by the elongated and forked form of their tail. To
the preceding genera of the Buzzards they shew a strong
affinity, both in form and habits, though their forked tail,
and greater development of wing, are sufficient charac-
teristics of separation. In shape of bill, and other particu-
lars, they approach to some of the earlier groups of the
Aquiline subfamily ; thus supporting that circular arrange-
ment of affinities which prevails throughout all the lesser,
as well as the more extensive, divisions of creatures. They
are birds of rather a cowardly disposition, and seldom attack
prey of great size, confining themselves to the lesser birds,
animals, reptiles, fish, &c. They pounce their prey upon the
ground.
KITE OR GLEAD.
MILVUS VULGARIS, Flem.
PLATE V.
Milvus vulgaris, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 51. pi. 16.
Falco Milvus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 126. 12 Faun. Suec. No. 57 Gmel. Syst.
1. p. 261 Will. p. 41. t. 6 Raii Syn. p. rj. A. 6 Lath. Ind. Ornith.
1. p. 20. 37 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 25.
Milvus regalis, Briss. 1. p. 414. 35. t. 33 Id. 8vo. p. 118.
Re Milan Royal, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 197 Id. PI. Enl. 422. Temm. Man.
d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 59.
Rother Milan, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 13.
Kite, Br. ZooL 1. No. 53 Id. fol. t. A. 2 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 223. H.
Will (Ang.) p. 74. Lewirfs Br. Birds, 1. t. 10 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 61. 43.
Sup. p. Ij.Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Suppl Bewick's Br. Birds, 1.
p. 21 Hayeks Br. Birds. 1. t. 5 Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 103. Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 3. Wale. Syn. 1. t. 10. Don. Br. Birds, 2. t. 47.
Falco Austriacus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 262. Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. t. 39.
Austrian Kite, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 62. 45. young bird.
PROVINCIAL, Puttock, Fork-tail Glead.
THIS beautiful species, distinguished from the rest of our
native Falconidae by its forked tail, is the only British indi-
genous member of the fifth subfamily.
KITE. RAPTORES. MILVUS. 75
Its measurements are considerable, in proportion to the
weight of its body, as it frequently exceeds two feet two inches
in length, and five feet along the extended wings.
The Kite is variously diffused throughout England, being
a common bird in many parts of the country, and rare in
others. In all the wooded districts of the eastern and mid-
land counties it is abundant : it is also met with in West-
moreland ; but is seldom seen in the northern parts of York-
shire, in Durham, or Northumberland.
In Scotland, it occurs plentifully in Aberdeenshire, and is
found also in the immediate vicinity of Loch Katterine, and
of Ben Lomond ; also at Loch Awe, and in the adjoining
district.
It is proverbial for the ease and gracefulness of it flight,
which generally consists of large and sweeping circles, per-
formed with a motionless wing, or at least with a slight and
almost imperceptible stroke of its pinions, and at very distant
intervals. In this manner, and directing its course by aid of
the tail, which acts as a rudder, and whose slightest motion
produces effect, it frequently soars to such a height as to be-
come almost invisible to the human eye.
The prey of the kite consists of young game, leverets, Food,
rats, mice, lizards, &c. which it takes by pouncing upon the
ground. It is a great depredator in farm-yards, after chick-
ens, young ducks, and goslings ; and is in consequence bit-
terly retaliated upon as a common enemy in those districts
where it abounds.
It will also, under the pressure of hunger, devour offal and
carrion, and has been known to prey upon dead fish.
Some very curious and interesting facts in the history of
the Kite are mentioned by MONTAGU *, which shew how com-
pletely unguarded or insensible to danger predacious birds
are, when intent upon their prey, or urged by the cravings
of hunger.
It breeds early in the spring, in extensive woods, generally
" See Supplement to Omith. Diet, article Kite.
76 RAPTORES. MILVUS. KITE.
Nest, &c. making its nest in the fork of a large tree. The nest is com-
posed of sticks, lined with wool, hair, and other soft mate-
rial.
The eggs are rather larger than those of a hen, and rarely
exceed three in number. They are of a greyish-white?
speckled with brownish-orange, principally at the larger
end ; but sometimes they are found quite plain.
According to TEMMIMCK, it is met with in the different
departments of France ; throughout Italy, Switzerland, and
Germany. In Russia it is not common, and is rare in Hol-
land.
Upon the Continent, it generally migrates in autumn ; but
it remains with us through the whole year.
The figure represented in PLATE 5. is from a female bird,
of middle age, and in the proportion of three-fifths of
the natural size.
General Bill yellowish-brown at the base, towards the tip blackish-
descrip- brown. Cere and irides kingVyellow. Head and neck
greyish- white, streaked with lines of dusky-black, occu-
pying the centre of the feathers, which are narrow, and
sharp-pointed. Upper parts of the body and wing co-
verts reddish-orange, the middle of the feathers brown-
ish-black, the edges buff-orange. Breast, belly and
thighs, reddish-orange, with streaks of brownish-black.
Vent and under tail-coverts plain reddish-orange. Tail
long, and deeply forked, reddish-orange, with the tips
of the feathers reddish- white. Under side of the tail
reddish-white, barred with blackish-brown. Primary
quills brownish-black ; the secondary ones blackish
brown, passing into blackish-grey. Thighs adorned
with long plumes. The tarsi short and scaled, of a
Dutch-orange colour. Claws bluish-black, and not
much hooked.
EL ANTS. KAPTOUKS. EL AN US. 77
GENUS ELANUS, SAVIGNY. ELANUS.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill weak, of mean length, compressed, nearly straight at
the base, the tip hooked. Wings long, with the second feathers
generally the longest. The first and second having their
inner web strongly notched. Tail long, more or less forked.
Legs with the tarsi short, feathered for half their length;
the naked part of the tarsus being reticulated. Claws strong,
and incurved; the under surface, in some species, partly
rounded.
The birds of this genus, like the Kites, are remarkable
for their graceful circling flight. In them the bill is of weak
conformation, and with a very slight indication of a festoon
upon the upper mandible. The tarsi are short, and feathered
half way along the front. The toes are separate, and, in
some species, the side and hind claws are rounded beneath,
as in the genus Pandion. Their food consists of reptiles,
&c., but more particularly of the larger insects, which they
capture with their feet, and then devour in the air. They
seem to represent the Jissirostral tribe of the Insessores
among the Falconidae.
SWALLOW-TAILED ELANUS.
ELANUS FURCATUs y Savigny.
Elanus furcatus, Shaw's Zool. 13. 49. sp. 2.
Nauclerus furcatus, Vig. in Zool. Journ. No. 7- 387 Lesson's Num.
d'Ornith. 1. 101.
Falco furcatus, Linn. Syst 1. 129. 25 Gmel. Syst. 1. 262. Lath. Ind.
Orn. 1. 22. sp. 41. Linn. Trans. 14. 583.
Milvus Carolinensis, Briss. 1. 418. 36.
Milan de la Caroline, Buff. Ois. 1. 221 Cuv. Reg. Anim. 1. 322.
Swallow-tailed Falcon, Penn. Arct. Zool. 2. No. 108. t. 10 Lath. Syn. 1.
60. 42.
Swallow-tailed Hawk, Wils. Amer. Orn. 6. 67. pi. 51. f. 3 Id. Ed. Sir
Wm. Jardine, 2. 275. p. 51. fig. 3 Audition's PL 72 Id. Orn. Biog. 1.
361.
78 RAPTORES. ELANUS. ELANUS.
Occasional I INSERT this elegant species in the list of our fauna as
visitant. an occas i ona i visitant, upon the authority of two specimens ;
one of which was killed at Ballachoalish, in Argyleshire, in
1772, and recorded by the late Dr WALKER in his Adver-
saria for 1772 and 1774 ; the other was taken alive in Shaw-
Gill near Hawes, in Wensley-dale, Yorkshire, in September
1805, and mentioned in the 14th Vol. of the Linnean Tran-
sactions, p. 183. In the Southern States of North America,
in Peru and other parts of South America, it is an abundant
species; but, according to AUDVRON, has never been seen
to the north or eastward of Pennsylvania. From the descrip-
tion given of it by that practical ornithologist, and from that
of the not less gifted WILSON, (to both of which I must, on
account of their length, refer my readers,) the habits of this,
and, I believe, of the other species of Elanus, differ in many
essential particulars from those of the more typical Falco-
Food. nidse. The prey of this bird, whether consisting of reptiles
or of insects, taken upon wing, either in their flight, from the
surface of the ground, or from the branches and trunks of
trees, is invariably devoured in the air. It is remarkable for
the gracefulness of its motion on wing, and the extraordinary
evolutions it performs when in pursuit of its insect prey.
Contrary to the habits of the other Falcons, it is gregarious,
being frequently seen in great numbers together, and so un-
willing is the flock to desert a companion in distress, that
when one is shot or wounded, instead of flying from the dan-
ger, they all assemble over the dead or dying bird, and con-
tinue to hover over it, even after being repeatedly fired at,
and having their numbers diminished by each successive dis-
charge *. It breeds, according to AUDUBON, in the tops of
the highest oak and pine trees near the margin of ponds and
Nest, &c. streams, making a nest similar in external appearance to that
of the crow ; formed outwardly of dry sticks intermixed with
Spanish moss, and lined with coarse grass and a few feathers.
* See AUDU BON'S Ornith. Biograph. vol. 1. p. 368. article Swalhw-
tailed Hawk.
ELANUS. RAPTORES. ELANUS. 79
The eggs, from four to six in number, are of a greenish-white,
with a few irregular blotches of dark brown at the larger end.
The young, when excluded, are covered with a buff-coloured
down, above which succeeds plumage very similar to that of
the adult, but destitute of its lustre and purple reflections.
This they retain till spring, when it becomes matured.
The average size of this species appears to be about
five inches in length, by four feet two or three inches tioru
in extent of wings. The bill is black, of mean strength ;
the cutting margins without a sinuation. The cere yel-
low, or, according to AUDUBON, pale blue; its base cover-
ed with bristles. The head, neck, and under plumage,
white, with a slight tinge of grey ; the shafts of the
feathers indicating a dark line upon the head, neck, and
breast. Mantle, wing-coverts, and scapulars, black, with
blue and purple reflections. Quills black ; the third the
longest in the wing ; the first being equal to the fifth.
Tail of twelve feathers ; and very deeply forked ; the
lateral ones much elongated, black, with green and pur-
ple reflections. Legs greenish-blue ; the tarsi very short,
feathered half way down the front ; the naked part co-
vered with reticulated scales. Toes short and divided ;
the anterior joints scutellated. Claws much incurved,
acute ; their colour flesh-red.
FAMILY IV. STRIGID^E.
The Owls or nocturnal birds of prey, which form the
fourth natural family of the order Raptores, are distinguished
by a peculiarity of physiognomy, that at once separates them
from all the others, and cannot fail to make them at once
cognizable by the most cursory observer. For, though
nearly related as they undoubtedly are in direct affinity with
the Falconidae, it cannot but be allowed, that a certain gra-
dation of form is wanting (either as yet undiscovered, or no
80 RAPTORES. STRIGIDJ2.
longer existing) to fill up the chasm which at present sepa-
rates the nearest resembling members of the two families,
and which appear to be some species of the genus Circus
among the Falconidse, and the Accipitrinae or Hawk Owls
among the Strigidae. By their near affinity also to the Ca-
primulgidce (Goatsuckers), particularly seen in the genus
Podargus, the connection between the Insessorial and Rapa-
cious birds is beautifully sustained, though a similar de-
ficiency of intermediate forms is even in this case observable.
By far the greatest proportion of the Strigidoe are noctur-
nal or crepuscular feeders, sallying forth from their concealed
retreats towards the close of day, when other birds are re-
tiring to roost, but when the other animals which form their
principal support are quitting their holes to feed, in expect-
ed security, during the silence and darkness of the approach-
ing night. Some of the species, however, are capable of
bearing the light of day ; and these pursue their prey in the
same manner as the Falconida. A nearer approach to that
family is also here observable, in the smaller size of the fa-
cial disk, the dimensions of the eye, and the comparative
length, as well as stronger structure, of the wings and tail.
In the nocturnal species, which steal upon their prey by the
noiselessness of their flight, the plumage is remarkably soft
and downy ; the margins of the wing-feathers (the great Or-
gans of motion) being loose, and divided into fine filaments,
thus offering the least possible opposition in passing through
the air, and their progress is by a slow and gentle motion of
the pinions. The ear also is of a singular construction, and
developed to an extent seen in no other birds, giving them
an acuteness and delicacy of hearing, that can detect even
the slightest rustling of their prey. Their eyes also, in the
greater part directed forwards, are, from their size, position,
and construction, beautifully calculated for collecting and
concentrating the horizontal and dim rays of twilight. The
small degree of attention that has hitherto been given to the
peculiar features that distinguish the Owls, especially to the
RAPTORES. BUBO. 81
organ of hearing (and upon a strict analysis and comparison
of which only a circular arrangement of the subdivisions can
be formed agreeable to nature), compels me to adhere at pre-
sent to an arrangement of the British species under the ge-
neric heads admitted by most of the eminent modern orni-
thologists.
The general characters of the family may be stated as fol-
lows. Bill hooked, compressed ; the base covered with a
cere. Nostrils, oval or rounded ; placed in the anterior part
of the cere, and covered, as well as the greater part of the
bill, with reflected bristly feathers. Head large ; face more
or less flat, surrounded by a ruff or border of small close-set
feathers. Eyes large, encompassed by a radiated circle of
slender hairy feathers. Toes three before and one behind,
the outer one reversible. Claws moderately incurved ; long,
and very sharp. Plumage soft and downy.
GENUS BUBO, CUT. EAGLE OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill, short, strong, bending from the base, compressed to-
wards the tip. The cutting margin of the upper mandible
slightly sinuated. Nostrils, large, oval or rounded, placed
in the anterior part of the cere. Facial disk small and in-
complete above the eyes ; head furnished with egrets or tufts.
Auditory opening, small, oval, without an operculum. Wings
rather short, concave ; the third and fourth quill-feathers
generally the largest. Legs and toes clothed with feathers.
Outer toe reversible ; claws long, moderately curved, and
very sharp.
This genus was established by CUVIER, and contains, be-
sides the Great-horned or Eagle Owl of Europe, several other
species, amongst which may be mentioned the Virginian
Horned Owl (Bubo Virginiana) and the Arctic Horned
Owl (Bubo Arctica) of Dr RICHARDSON and SWAINSON,
VOL. i. F
82 RAPTORES. BUBO. EAGLE OWL.
both natives of North America. They differ from the other
Eared Owls in having the facial disk less distinctly marked,
and incomplete above the orbits of the eyes, and in the com-
parative smallness of the external auditory conch, which is
farther destitute of an opercidum or flap. Their habits may
be stated as nocturnal, though not so strictly so as some of
the other genera, as they are not unfrequently seen abroad,
and in activity, before the sun sinks below the horizon ; and
most in the Arctic Regions (which some species constantly
inhabit), regularly fly in day-light during the summer
months. They are also observed to be less annoyed, and to
appear less stupified, when disturbed during the day, than
the true nocturnal feeders ; and to be so much upon the
alert, as seldom to admit of a close approach. They are
birds of great strength and activity, and prey upon mamma-
lia, birds, and sometimes fish, which they strike with their
talons.
GREAT-HORNED OR EAGLE OWL.
BUBO MAXIMUS, Sibbald.
PLATE XIX.
Bubo maximus, Sibb. Scot. 15. Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 57- No. 30.
Strix Bubo, Linn. 1. p. 131 Gmel. Syst. p. 286. sp. 1. Lath. Ind. Ornith.
v. 1. p. 51. Rail Syn. p. 24. 1 Will. p. 63. t. 12. Briss. 1. p. 477-
Le Grand Due, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 322 Id. PL Enl. 435 Veil Ois. d'Afriq.
v. 1. p 106. pi. 40.
Hibou Grand Due, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 100.
Grosse Ohreule huhu, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 882 Meyer, Tassch,
Deut. v. p. 70 Id. Vog. Liv. und Esth. p. 33. sp. 4.
Strix Bubo Atheniensis. Gmel Syst. 1. p. 286. var. B.
Black Wing Horn-Owl, Alb. 3. t. 6.
Athenian Horn-Owl, Edw. t 64 Lath. 1. p. 118.
Great-eared Owl, Br. Zool. 1. No. 64. t. 29 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 114
Alton, 3. t. 6. Will. (Ang.) p. 99. t. 12 Lath. Syn 1. p. 116. 1. Id.
Supp. p. 40 Lewiri's'Br. Birds, 1. 1. 23 Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp.
Bewick's Br. Birds, Supp Wale. Syn. Shaw's Zool. v. 7. p. 211.
Eagle Owl, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 57. 30 Rennie's Orn. Diet. 159.
THIS species, which is equal in size to some of the largest
Eagles, is of very rare occurrence in Great Britain ; and, in
5
EAGLE OWL. RAPTORES. BUBO. 83
the few instances on record, the birds can only be regarded
as wanderers, or compelled by tempest to cross the Northern Occasional
Ocean * visitant '
It preys upon fauns, rabbits, the different species of grous, Food.
rats, &c. It builds amid rocks, or on lofty trees, and lays Nest ' &c "
two or three egs, larger than those of a hen, round at each
end, and of a bluish- white colour.
According to TEMMINCK, it is common in Russia, Hun-
gary, Germany, and Switzerland. It is also stated to be a
native of Africa ; but has not been met with in the New
World. Its place is there supplied by the Virginian and
Arctic Horned Owls.
The Athenian Horned Owl of EDWARDS appears to be a
small variety of this species ; and Dr LATHAM enumerates
amongst its varieties, the Smooth-legged, and Magellanic
Eared Owl or Jurucatu. This latter, indeed, is now with
greater probability supposed to have been a bird of the pre-
sent species, denuded of feathers upon the tarsi by moult, or
some accidental cause. As the rarity of the bird in this
country permits so few opportunities of learning any parti-
culars of its habits, I avail myself of Sir WM. JARDINE'S
interesting observations upon an individual that he kept for
several years, and which by his kindness has now come into
my possession. See Note on the Great-horned Owl in Sir
WM. JAKDINE'S edition of WILSON'S American Ornithology,
2. 257.
PLATE 19- The figure on this Plate represents a male bird
of this species, in the proportion of about three-fifth
parts of the natural size.
Base of the bill pale yellowish-brown, the tip darker. General
Irides bright orpiment-orange. Upper parts of t
body varied and spotted with black, ochre-yellow, and
* I have been lately informed, from very good authority, that one of the
above species was killed on the upland moors in the county of Durham
some years ago. This specimen was afterwards in Mr BULLOCK'S museum.
F 2
84 RAPTORES. OTUS.
yellowish-grey. Under parts ochre-yellow, with oblong
black spots and streaks. Chin white. Thighs deep
ochre-yellow, with a few transverse blackish-brown lines
and bars. Legs and toes thickly clothed with downy
feathers of the same colour as the thighs. Claws very
long and sharp, colour pale yellowish grey. Horns
composed of six or eight elongated feathers, varied, and
coloured like the rest of the plumage.
The female is similar to the male bird, except in wanting
the white upon the chin or throat, and is superior in
size.
GENUS OTUS, Cuv. EARED OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill bending from the base, and forming an elliptic curve ;
the cere covering the basal ridge for nearly half the length
of the bill. Cutting margin of the upper mandible straight,
the under one having the tip obliquely truncated and
notched. Nostrils, oval, obliquely placed. Facial disk of
moderate size, and complete. Conch of the ear extending
from the outer angle of the eye to behind the limb of the
lower jaw, the opening defended by a flap or operculum.
Head furnished with egrets. Wings long ; the second quill-
feather the longest. Tail even, and scarcely shewing any
concavity beneath. Legs and toes feathered to the insertion
of the claws. Toes rather short ; the outer one reversible.
Claws moderately curved, long, and very sharp; rounded
beneath, except the middle one, which is grooved, and with
a sharp inner edge.
This natural group (of which Otus vulgaris may be con-
sidered the type) has also been separated from the other
Strigidse by the great French naturalist, whose recent death
the scientific world has such reason to deplore. The mem-
bers of this genus are distinguished by the completeness of
EARED OWL. RAPTORES. OTUS. 85
their facial disk, by the great size of the external auditory
opening defended by an operculum, and by egrets more or
less distinct upon the forehead ; their wings also are long and
ample, and the second quill-feather exceeds all the rest in
length. Their habits are more nocturnal than those of the
preceding genus, although one species, Otus Brachyotos,
which appears to tend to the Hawk Owls, is sometimes seen
flying by day, in lowering and gloomy weather. They prey
upon the smaller mammalia (particularly those of the order
Glires, FLEM.), and also upon birds, which they capture at
roost. Their flight is light and buoyant, and sometimes
tolerably rapid. Some of the species inhabit woods and fo-
rests, others (in which a slight departure from the type is
observable) affect more open districts and extensive heaths.
LONG-EARED OWL.
OTUS VULGARIS, Flem.
PLATE XX.
Otus vulgaris, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 56. No. 27-
Otus Europseus, Shaw's Zool. 13. 56.
Strix Otus, Linn. Syst, 1. p. 132. 4. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 288. sp. 4 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 53. 7 Rail. Syn. p. 35. . 2 Will. p. 64. t. 12
Le Moyen Due, ou Hibou, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 342 Id. PI. Enl. 29.
Hibou Moyen Due, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 102.
Mittler Ohreule, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 896 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 93 Frisch. Vbg. 29.
Hoorn Uil, Sepp, Nederl. Vog. p. 303.
Long-eared Owl, Penn. Br. Zool. 1. No. 65. t. 30 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 115.
Lath. Syn. v. 1. p. 121 Id. Supp. p. 42 Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 24.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp Wale. Syn. t. 23 Will. (Ang.)p. 99.
t. 12 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. P. I. 46.
Italian-eared Owl, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 122.
THE excellent mixture of colours in this bird, and the im-
posing appearance of its long tufts or ears, render it one of
the most interesting of its genus. Though not so numerous
as the Barn (Strix flammea), or the Tawny Owl (Ulula stri-
dula), it is found in most of the wooded districts of England
and Scotland. Plantations of fir, particularly of the spruce
86 RAPTORES. OTUS. EARED OWL-
kind, are its favourite haunts, as in these it finds a secure
and sheltered retreat during the day. It also frequently in-
habits thick holly or ivy bushes, whose evergreen foliage en-
sures a similar retirement. It is an indigenous species, and
breeds early in spring ; not making any nest of its own, but
Nest, &c. taking possession of that of a Magpie or Crow. The eggs
are generally four or five in number, white, and rather larger
and rounder than those of the Ring-Dove. When first ex-
cluded, the young birds are covered with a fine and closely
set white down ; they remain in the nest for more than a
month before they are able to fly. If disturbed and handled,
they hiss violently, strike with their talons, and, at the same
time, make a snapping noise with their bills. When they
quit the nest, they take up their abode in some adjoining
tree, and, for many subsequent days, indeed for weeks, may
be heard after sunset uttering a plaintive but loud call for
food ; during which time the parent birds are seen diligently
employed in hawking for prey.
Food. Mice and moles form the principal part of their proven-
der ; though MONTAGU * says, that they seldom take small
birds on the roost.
In the stomach of one individual, I found five skulls of
mice, which were, without doubt, the relics from its repast
of the previous night. This bird is of a resolute character,
and, when wounded, or taken by surprize, throws itself upon
its back, and makes a vigorous defence with its claws, hiss-
ing with violence, and snapping with its bill. In this situa-
tion, the ears are fully elevated, and projected forwards.
It is pretty generally diffused throughout Europe ; and in
North America is found to inhabit the woods at a distance
from the sea. It has been observed as far northward as lati-
tude 60 ; and, as Dr RICHARDSON observes, " probably ex-
ists as high as the forests extend."
* MONT. Ornith. Diet. vol. ii.
KAK.:I> ()\\i. RAPTORES. OTUS. 87
PLATE 20. A male bird, and nearly of the natural size.
Bill blackish-grey ; bending from the base, and forming General
an elliptic arch ; with the culmen rather broad and
round. Irides Dutch orange, inclining to orpiment-
orange. The bristly feathers covering the nostrils and
base of the bill are white, with black shafts. Above
the eye, and at the inner angle, black. Cheeks tawny.
The circle of small feathers surrounding the face mot-
tled with white, black, and orange-brown. Above each
eye is a tuft of six or eight elongated feathers, of a liver
brown, margined with yellowish-brown and white, which
the bird can erect or depress at pleasure. Upper parts
of the body pale orange-brown, streaked with blackish-
brown, and beautifully powdered with black, white and
grey specks. Quills barred with brownish-black, the
bases of the primary ones orange-brown. Exterior web
of the outer quill serrated, and the points of the barbs
reverted. Second quill-feather the longest ; the first be-
ing equal to the fourth, which is about half an inch
shorter than the third. First quill having its inner web
notched at about an inch from the tip. Tail pale
orange, with a greyish tinge, barred and spotted with
black ; square and straight. Under parts ochreous-y el-
low, passing into white, with oblong and arrow-shaped
streaks and spots. Legs and toes clothed with pale
buff-coloured feathers as far as the two last scales upon
the toes. Claws long, very sharp, and moderately cur-
ved ; the middle one grooved beneath, and having a
sharp edge ; the inner one imperfectly grooved ; the
outer and hind claw rounded.
88 RAPTORES. OTUS. EARED OWL.
SHORT-EARED OWL.
OT us BRACHYOTOS, Cuv.
PLATE XXI.
Otus Brachyotos, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 56. No. 28. Shaw's Zool. 13. 57.
Strix Brachyotos, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 55. 11 GmeL Syst. 1. p. 289.
sp. 17 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. p. 73.
Strix Ulula, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 60. sp. 27- var. B GmeL Syst. 1.
p. 294.
Strix Brachyura, Nils. Faun. Suec. v. 1 . p. 62. sp. 27.
Hibou Brachyote, Temm. Man. d' Ornith. v. 1. p. 99.
Chouette ou Grand Cheveche, Buff. Ois. v. l.p. 372. t. 27 Id. PL Enl. 438.
Chouette Caspienne, Sonn. Nouv. ed. Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 169.
Kurzorige Ohreule, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 909 Frisch. Nog. t. 98.
Caspian Owl, Lath. Syn. v. 1. p. 140. and 147.
Short-eared Owl, Penn. Zool. v. 1. p. 204. and 206. Arct. Zool. 2. No. 116.
Leu-iris Br. Birds, 1. t. 25 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 124. 9. Id. Supp. p. 43.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Wale. Syn. 1. 1. 25 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 4.
Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 48. and 50 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 42
Wils. Amer Orn, ed. Sir Wm. Jardine, 2. pi. 33. f. 3 Northern ZooL
2. 75. No. 19.
PROVINCIAL. Hawk Owl, Woodcock Owl.*
Winter The birds of this species are only to be met with in the
England!" southern parts of England, between the months of October
and April, as they migrate on the approach of spring to
Scotland and its islands, where they breed. Mr Low, in his
Fauna Orcadensis, mentions this Owl as being very frequent
in the hills of Hoy, where it builds its nest amongst the heath.
It is there of great boldness, and has been seen to chace
pigeons in the open day -f. In a nest, which contained two
full-fledged young ones, he found the remains of a moorfowl,
and two plovers, besides the feet of several others.
In this country they generally remain concealed in long
grass, or in rushy places, upon waste grounds or moors. In
* The name of Woodcock Owl has been given to this species in England,
from its appearance and departure coinciding with those of the bird from
which the title is derived.
j- I have seen it hawking by clay, in gloomy weather, upon the North-
umbrian moors.
EARED OWL. RAPTORES. OTUS. 89
autumn, I have often met with them in turnip fields, but
have never seen them in plantations ; nor do they ever at-
tempt to perch upon a tree. Five or six of these birds are
frequently found roosting together ; from which circumstance
it is probable that they migrate in families. MONTAGU
thinks that this may arise from the abundance of food they
meet with in the places where they are thus collected, but the
truth of this supposition I am inclined to doubt, from the
fact of their being seldom met with during two days together
in the same place.
They rarely appear in England previous to the beginning
of October, though I have killed two or three individuals
when grouse-shooting on the upland moors in August, at
which season they were in the moult *.
* Sir WILLIAM JARDINE (in a note on this species in his edition of
WILSON'S American Ornithology) thinks that it may lank as a summer vi-
sitant in the north of England and Scotland ; and would even extend the
southern limit of its incubation to the extensive moorland ranges of Cum-
berland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland. He appears to entertain
no doubt but that the birds killed in such situations, during the grouse sea-
sons, bred there ; and goes on to state what (from its interesting nature) I
make no apology for transcribing " On the extensive moors at the head
of Dryfe (a small rivulet in Dumfriesshire), I have, for many years past,
met with one or two pairs of these birds, and the accidental discovery of
their young first turned my attention to the range of their breeding ; for,
previous to this, I also held the opinion that they had commenced their
migration southward. The young was discovered by one of my dogs point-
ing it ; and on the following year, by searching at the proper season, two
nests were found with five eggs. They were formed upon the ground among
the heath, the bottom of the nest scraped until the fresh earth appeared,
on which the eggs were placed, without any lining or other accessory co-
vering. When approaching the nest or young, the old birds fly and hover
round, uttering a shrill cry, and snapping with their bills. They will then
alight at a short distance, survey the aggressor, and again resume their
flight and cries. The young are barely able to fly by the 12th of August,
and appear to leave the nest some time before they are able to rise from
the ground. I have taken them, on that great day to sportsmen, squatted
on the heath like young black game, at no great distance from each other,
and always attended by the parent birds. Last year (1831) I found them
90 RAPTORES. OTUS. EARED OWL.
The head of this Owl being smaller than the generality of
its fellow species, has procured it, in some parts, the name of
Hawk Owl, or Mouse Hawk. Many ornithologists have
been in doubt respecting it, and the synonyms are conse-
quently in some confusion and obscurity. They appear to
have been deceived by the dissimilar aspect of the head be-
tween the living and dead bird, as it is only in the first state
that the horns or ears are visible.
Food. Their principal food with us consists of field-mice ; but
from Mr Low^s account (as before quoted), it should seem
that they do not always confine themselves to such diet.
MONTAGU also mentions one, in whose craw he found part of
a lark, and a yellow hammer *. When first disturbed, they
fly to a short distance, look intently at the object of their
alarm, at the same time visibly erecting their horns. If a
dog be in company, they hover above it, uttering at the same
time a querulous and impatient cry. When wounded, they
defend themselves with the same resolution, and in the same
manner as the preceding species.
This Owl is of wide locality, being met with in Siberia,
and in many parts of North America ; and specimens are also
mentioned as having been brought from the Sandwich Is-
lands.
PLATE 21 . The bird here represented measured fifteen inches
in length, and three feet across the extended wings.
General Bill bluish black ; elliptically curved ; and with a broad
tion. nP rounded culmen. Irides bright gamboge-yellow. Fea-
thers covering the nostrils, white, with black shafts.
Circle immediately above the eyes brownish-black.
Cheeks yellowish-brown, the shafts and ends of the
in their old haunts, to which they appear to return very regularly ; and
the female, with a young bird, was procured ; the young could only fly for
srxty or seventy yards."
* MONT. Ornith. Diet. Supplement, article Short-eared On-L
EARED OWL. RAPTURES. OTUS. 91
feathers black. Circle of small feathers behind the au-
ditory conch, mottled with yellowish-orange, black, and
white, except opposite to the orifice of the ear, where it
is wholly black. Forehead furnished on each side with
four or five feathers a little longer than the rest, which
it can erect or depress at pleasure. Head, back, and
wing-coverts liver-brown, deeply edged with pale buff-
orange. Greater quills bright ochreous yellow, the two
first with two dusky bars on the outer web, the next two
with three, and the rest with^wr ,- all of them having
one irregular bar on the inner web ; and the tips fading
into ash-grey. Second quill- feather the longest ; the first
shorter than the third. First quill notched, near the
tip, on the inner-web ; with the outer web serrated, and
the barbs recurved. Wings, when closed, reaching
about an inch beyond the tail. Breast and fore part of
the neck buff-orange, streaked with brownish-black or
liver-brown down the centres of the feathers, with the
edges ochreous-yellow. Belly and abdomen yellowish-
white (in some pale yellowish-brown), with dark brown
shafts to the feathers. Tarsi and toes pale ochreous-
yellow, without spots or streaks; the feathers on the
toes assuming a hairy appearance. Claws blackish-grey,
long, moderately incurved, and very sharp. The mid-
dle claw grooved beneath, with a sharp inner edge ; the
rest having the under surface rounded.
This description varies but little from that of PENNANT,
who first gave an accurate description of this bird, and
added it to the British Fauna. My measurement is,
however, greater than that which he assigns to it ; but
it proved to be the general standard of a great many
specimens that came under my hand.
92 RAPTORES. SCOPS.
GENUS SCOPS, S AVION Y. SCOPS OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill curved from the base ; the upper ridge of the culmen
flattened ; the cere short ; nostrils placed in front of the cere,
round. Facial disk small, and incomplete above the eye
orbit. Auditory conch small, and without an operculum.
Forehead with egrets or tufts. Wings long ; the third fea-
ther the longest in the wing. Tail even, or slightly rounded,
concave beneath. Legs rather long ; the tarsi feathered to
the toes, which have their upper joints reticulated, and the
anterior ones scutellated. Claws sharp, moderately curved,
and partially grooved beneath. General plumage soft and
downy.
This genus, instituted by SAVIGNY, appears to bear the
same analogy to the large Eared-Owls, that the small Night-
Owls (genus Noctua) do to the larger smooth-headed groups.
Their habits, from the accounts of SPALLANZANI and others,
are nocturnal, and they seldom issue from their day-retreats
before the sun has fairly set below the horizon. Their prey
consists of insects, mice, and other small animals of that kind.
SCOPS-EARED OWL.
SCOPS ALDROFANDI, Will, and Hay.
PLATE XXII.
Scops Aldrov. Will. Orn. 65 Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 57. No. 31.
Strix Scops, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 129. 5 GmeL Syst. 1. p. 290. sp. 5. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. 56. 18 Rail Syn. p. 25. 3 Briss. 1. p. 495 Will.
(Ang.) p. 65. t. 12.
Strix Zorca et Giu, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 56. 15. et 16.
Le Petit Due. Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 353. t. 24 Id. PI. Enl. 436.
Hibou Scops, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 107.
Kleine Ohreule, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 912 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. ?4.
Scops-eared Owl, Lath. Syn. 1. p. 129. 1. 15 Id. Supp. p. 43 Mont. Supp.
to Ornith. Diet Bewick's Supp. to Br. Birds.
EAHED-OWL. RAPTURES. SCOPS. 93
IN consequence of a few well authenticated instances of
this handsome little Owl having been lately taken in Eng-
land, I have ventured to insert it as an occasional visitant, Occasional
and to give a representation of one obtained, as I am assu- vlsltant
red, in the neighbourhood of London*. It is very common
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 de-
parts with the swallow. Its favourite residence in Italy, ac-
cording to SPALLANZANI, is in the lower wooded regions,
Field and shrew mice, insects, and earth-worms, are its food, Food.
in quest of which it sallies forth at night-fall, uttering at the
same time its cry, which resembles the word chivi, and
whence, in some districts, it has acquired the name of Chi-
vini. It constructs no nest, but deposits five or six eggs in
the hollow of a tree.
An interesting account of the habits and manners of this
bird is given by the above-mentioned author, who reared and
domesticated several nestlings. From the few species of
Strigidae to be met with in our collections rendering fruitless
any attempt at analysis, and the very slight attention that
has hitherto been paid to the peculiar characters and econo-
my of these interesting birds, I am prevented in the wish to
trace the direct affinities of this species, or the relation that
the group it belongs to is likely to bear to others, in the cir-
cular arrangement of the family. It is to be hoped that the
labours of some of the ornithologists of the present day will
speedily be directed to this point.
PLATE 22. Figure of the natural size.
Bill black. I rides kingVyellow. Head, face, and neck, General
smoke-grey, beautifully speckled with black and brown.
Breast and belly ash-grev, barred and speckled with
I have seen a specimen which was killed near York, and is now in the
possession of that ingenious artist Mr BEWICK. The Foljambe Collection
also possesses'English specimens of this species.
94 RAPTORES. SCOPS. OWL.
black and reddish-brown. Back chesnut, sometimes
yellowish-brown, with a greyish cast, crossed by fine
black zigzag lines. Quills having the outer webs al-
ternately barred with white and mottled brown. The
second and third quill-feathers the longest ; the inner
web of the first and second notched near the tip ; the
outer webs of the same slightly sinuated, and that of the
first having the points of the barbs serrated, but not re-
versed. Tail barred and spotted with black, brown,
and white. Tarsi feathered, of an ash-grey colour,
speckled with brown ; with the under part of the joint,
and a small space below, naked. Toes naked, bluish-
grey, with the first joints reticulated, and the anterior
ones scutellated. The outer toe capable of being turned
backwards. Claws pale yellowish-brown. The feathers
which compose the horns amount to six or eight on each
side ; and do not consist of a single feather, as LINN.EUS
and the early writers have asserted.
GENUS SURNIA, DUMERIL. HAWK-OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL short, bending from the base, the cutting margin
slightly sinuated. Cere short. Nostrils large, oval, obliquely
placed at the anterior margin of the cere. Facial disk very
incomplete and small, eyebrows projecting. Ears small,
oval. Wings of mean length; not reaching, when closed,
to the end of the tail. The third quill-feather the longest.
Tail elongated, rounded, or wedge-shaped. Legs and toes
thickly feathered. Claws long, very sharp, and much in-
curved. Inner and middle claws grooved beneath, the latter
having a sharp inner edge ; those of the outer and hind toes
rounded. General plumage firmer in texture than the more
nocturnal group.
SNOWY-OWL. RAPTORES. SURNIA. 95
The genus Surina, established by DUMEEIL to embrace
those species of the Strigidae which shew a considerable ap-
proximation to the Falconidce (not only in the habit of
hawking by day, but also in form, having smaller heads,
less complete facial disks, arid longer tails, than the other
Owls), appears properly to include the Snowy Owl of au-
thors, as that bird possesses all the essential characters of the
other Hawk Owls, and its habits (from the statement of those
who have studied and observed them) are declared to be
those of a day-flying, rather than a nocturnal bird of prey.
The members of this genus are natives of high northern lati-
tudes, and are widely distributed. They feed upon birds,
animals, and fish. Their plumage, although soft, has not
the downy texture or appearance so distinctive of the more
typical or night-flying kinds.
SNOWY OWL.
SURNIA NYCTEA, Dumeril.
PLATE XXIII.
Surnia Nyctea, Dumeril. Sir Wm. Jardine's ed. of Wils. Amer. Orn. 2. 46.
Strix Nyctea, Gmel Syst. 1. p. 201 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 57. sp. 20
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 75 Wils. Amer. Ornith. v. 4. p. 53.
pi. 32. f. 1.
Nyctea cinerea, Shaw's ZooL 13. 68. "
Strix alba Freti-Hudsonis, Briss. 1. 522.
La Chouette Harfang, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 387 Id. PI. Enl. 458 Temm.
Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 82 Veil. Ois. d'Amer. Sept. v. 1. pi 18.
Chouette blanche, Vaill. Ois. d'Afr. v. 1. pi. 45. old bird.
Schnee-Kauz, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 925.
Schnewuil, Meyer Vog. Liv. und Esthl. p. p. 29.
Snowy Owl, Arct. Zool. 2. No. 121 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 132. 17 Id. Supp.
p. 45 Mont. Supp. to Ornith. Diet. Bewick's Supp. Br. Birds Wer-
nerian Trans, v. 4.
IT is only within these few years past that this noble and
beautiful Owl has been established as indigenous in Great
Britain. In a tour made to the Orkney and Shetland Isles,
in the year 1812, Mr BULLOCK, the late proprietor of the
London Museum, met with it in both groups of islands ; and
96 RAPTORES. SURNIA. SNOWY OWL.
it is now ascertained that the species is resident, and breeds
there. I have seen specimens that were killed in Shetland,
since the above-mentioned period, and some of which are
now in the magnificent Collection at the Edinburgh Mu-
seum. From the observations that have been made on its
habits, it appears to be by no means confined to twilight for
its supplies of food, rather perhaps the reverse, as it has
been seen pursuing its prey in the day-time.
Food. Alpine hares, rabbits, rats, and the different species of
grouse, fall under that description *. It rests exposed upon
the ground, where it can look around it, and descry the ap-
proach of an enemy.
Those seen by Mr BULLOCK were upon the open sand-
banks, on the sea-shore, which, from abounding with rabbits,
were doubtless their favourite haunts.
Nest, &c. They breed on the ledges of precipitous rocks, the eggs,
being two in number, of a pure white, according to most au-
thors ; but by VEILLOT, they are said to be spotted with
black f.
It is common in the regions of the arctic circle, even in-
habiting during summer the frozen coast of Greenland. Is
very numerous on the shores of Hudson's Bay, and the most
remote arctic islands that have been visited, belonging to the
American Continent ; also in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland;
but is of very rare occurrence in the temperate parts of Eu-
rope and America.
* WILSON informs us that it is a dexterous fisher ; pouncing its finny
prey by an instantaneous stroke of the foot, either in skimming near the
surface, or from its position on a stone in shallow-water. Dr RICHARDSON
has seen it pursue the American hare on the wing, and make repeated
strokes with its foot at the animal. See " Northern Zoology," vol. ii. p. 89.
{ Dr HICHAB.DSON says, that this bird " makes its nest on the ground,
and lays three or four white eggs, of which usually only two are hatched.
In winter, when fat, it is esteemed delicate eating by the Indians, Its
flesh is very white."
SNOWY OWL. RAPTORES. SURNIA. 97
The figure on PLATE 23. is nearly in the proportion of three- General
fourths of the natural size, taken from a specimen killed
in the Shetland Islands, and which, from its numerous
brown bars and spots, appears to have been either a
young bird, or of middle age, as the old of this species
exhibit a pure white plumage.
Bill black, nearly hidden by the projecting bristly feathers
at its base. The head, compared with other Owls, is
small, in proportion to the size of the body. Irides
gamboge-yellow. Spots and bars on the plumage
brownish-black. Legs and toes very rough, and clothed
with long hairy feathers, that almost conceal the claws,
which are long, black, and very sharp. The outward
orifice of the ear much smaller, and rounder in shape
than is found in the other species.
Since writing the above description, two very fine speci-
mens (a male and female) of this rare British bird were kill-
ed near Rothbury, in Northumberland, iin the latter part of
January 1823, during the severe snow-storm that was so
generally felt throughout the north of England and Scot-
land. They are the only individuals of this species hitherto
taken, or, I believe, seen in England, and are now in my col-
lection.
From the number of bars and black spots upon the head,
back, scapulars, wings, and belly of the female, it appears
to be a young bird. Its dimensions, when recently killed,
were as follows. Length from the tip of the bill to the end
of the tail two feet one inch. Breadth with extended wings
five feet. The male is of inferior size, and is much whiter
than the female. Bill black ; nearly hidden by the bristly
recurved feathers at the base. Facial disk small, only occu-
pying the base of the bill and part of the lower eye-orbit.
Eye-brows projecting. Wings, when closed, shorter than
the tail by nearly two inches. The third quill-feather the
longest. Legs and toes very thickly clothed with hairy fea-
VOL. i. G
98 RAPTORES. STRIX.
thers, Claws black, very long, and much incurved ; the
middle one with a sharp inner edge, and grooved ; the inner
claw also grooved ; and the outer and hind ones cylindrical.
Both these birds were killed upon the open moor, in a wild
and rocky part of the county, and, according to description,
were generally seen, during the few days that intervened be-
tween their first appearance and death, perched upon the
snow, or on some large stone projecting from it.
The female, which was sent to me immediately after being
shot, was dissected and preserved at home. She was in ex-
cellent condition, and was covered entirely under the skin
with a layer of fat, nearly a quarter of an inch in thickness.
Her stomach was quite empty, and did not appear to have
contained food for a short time previous. The male was
killed about ten days afterwards, within a few miles of the
same place, and had lived probably during the interval upon
the black and red grouse, which are abundant in that dis-
trict.
GENUS STRIX, AUCT. OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill strait at the base, with the tip arched, and hooked.
Cutting margin of the upper mandible nearly straight ; un-
der mandible sloping to the point, and doubly notched. Nos-
trils oval, obliquely placed on the anterior ridge of the cere.
Facial disk large, complete. Auditory conch very large, and
furnished with an operculum. Wings long, and ample ; the
second quill-feather the longest in the wing ; the first being
very little shorter, equal to the third, and slightly notched
on its inner web near the tip. Tail short, and even. Legs
having the tarsi long and slender, clothed with downy seta-
ceous feathers ; toes thinly covered with hairs ; claws long,
sharp, moderately curved, and all more or less grooved be-
neath.
BARN OWL. RAPTORES. STRIX. 99
By SAVIGNY and other naturalists, the birds of this genus
have been considered the typical representatives of the fami-
ly ; but as our knowledge of the various groups is still so
limited, and so little attention has hitherto been given to the
peculiar features which must regulate our study, and lead us
to their true affinities, it remains a matter of doubt, whether
the type will be found to exist in the present genus, or in
some of the others, as Ulula or Otus, in both of which a
nearly equal development of the auditory conch, facial disk,
and other characteristic points, are to be found. They are
birds of strictly nocturnal habits, and are never seen abroad
till night-fall. This trait is pointed out to us by the soft
and downy plumage with which they are clothed, and is par-
ticularly observable in the fabric of their quill-feathers ; en-
dowing them with a buoyant and noiseless flight, and ena-
bling them to steal upon their nimble prey, without creating
a fatal alarm. Mice and other small mammalia seem to con-
stitute their entire support.
BARN OR WHITE OWL.
STRIX FLAMMEA, Linn.
PLATE XXIV.
Strix Flammea, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 133. 8 Faun. Suec. No. 73 Gmel.
Syst 1. p. 293 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 60. 28 IVils. Amer. Ornith. v. 0.
p. 57. pL 50. fig. 2.
Aluco Flammeus, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 57. No. 29.
Aluco, Briss. 1. p. 503. 2 Raii Syn. p. 25. A. 1.
Aluco minor Aldrov. Will. p. 67- t. 13.
Chouette Effiraie, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 91.
L'Effraie ou le Fresaie, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 366. t. 26.
Schleyerkauz, Becfist. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 947. Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut
v. 1. p. 79.
Die Kirkuil, Sepp. NederL Vog. v. 3. p. 399 Frisch. Vbg. t. 97.
White Owl, Br. ZooL 1. No. 6? Arct. ZooL No. 124 Will. (Ang.) p. 104.
t. 13 Levin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 26 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 138. 26. Id. Sup.
p. 46 Mont. Ornith. Diet v. 2 Don, Br. Birds, t. 113 Pult. Cat
Dorset, p. 4 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 51.
Barn Owl, Shaw's Zool. 7- 258.
PROVINCIAL Gillihowlit, Howlet, Madge Owl, Church Owl, Hissing
Owl, Screech Owl.
100 RAPTORES. STRIX. BARN OWL.
THIS is the most common of the British species, and is
found in every part of the kingdom. It is an inhabitant of
ruins, church- towers, barns and other buildings, where it is
not liable to continual interruption ; and is of essential service
in checking the breed of the several species of mice and
shrews, upon which it subsists.
Food. Q n t ne approach of twilight it may frequently be seen is-
suing from its retreat to the adjoining meadows and hedge-
banks in search of food, hunting with great regularity, and
precipitating itself upon its prey with rapidity and unerring
aim. This it swallows whole, and without any attempt to
tear it in pieces with its claws.
Nest, &c. jt breeds in old towers, under the eaves of churches, or in
similar quiet places, and sometimes in the hollows of trees,
laying from three to five eggs, of a bluish- white colour. The
young, when first from the shell, are covered with white
down, and are a long time in becoming fully fledged, or in
being able to quit the nest. Like the other species of Owls,
it ejects the hair, bones, and other indigestible parts of its
food, in oval pellets, by the mouth. These castings are of-
ten found in great quantities in places where these birds have
long resorted.
In its flight it occasionally utters loud screams, and when
perched, hisses and snores considerably.
It is an abundant species throughout Europe and Asia,
and TEMMINCK says it is the same throughout North Ame-
rica.
It is easily domesticated, and will become very tame when
taken young. MONTAGU reared a White Owl, a Sparrow-
Hawk, and a Ring-Dove together, who lived in great harmo-
ny for six months. They were then set at liberty ; and the
Owl was the only one of the three that returned.
PLATE 24. A male bird of the natural size.
General -g^ straw-yellow ; rather long ; and strait as far as the
tion. anterior margin of the nostrils. Auditory conch very
BARN OWL. RAPTORES. STRIX. 101
large and defended by an operculum of great size. Iri-
des bluish-black. Ruff and facial feathers white ; but in
some specimens the ruff is of a brownish colour, as is
also the lower and inner angle of the eye. Crown of
the head, back and wings, ochreous yellow, of lighter
or darker shades in different individuals, according to
age or sex ; the tips of the feathers with fine zigzag
lines, and black and white spots. Inner webs of the
greater quills white, with four dusky spots, very broad ;
the barbs having their tips detached, and open; the
outer web of the first feather with the tips of the barbs
open, distinct, and recurved. First quill-feather rather
shorter than the second, which is the longest in the
wing ; inner web of the first sinuated near the tip.
Wings, when closed, reaching beyond the end of the tail,
which is even. Under parts pure white, in some tinged
with ochreous yellow, and small brown spots or specks.
Tarsi clothed with short downy feathers, with setaceous
tips. Toes thinly covered with dirty-white hairy fea-
thers. Claws yellowish-white, the middle one having
its inner edge imperfectly serrated ; and all of them be-
ing more or less grooved beneath.
GENUS ULULA, Cuv. HOWLET.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill nearly strait at the base ; the tip hooked ; with a
rounded culmen, cutting margin of the upper mandible ha-
ving a small lobe or sinuation near the middle. Facial disk
large and complete, auditory conch rather large, and de-
fended by an operculum. Wings short, rounded, concave ;
the first quill-feather very short ; the fourth the longest in
the wing, with the third and fifth nearly equal to it. Tail
reaching beyond the closed wings, rounded, bent, and con-
cave beneath. Legs having the tarsi plumed ; and the toes
102
RAPTORES. ULULA. TAWNY OWL.
more or less so. Claws moderately curved, long, sharp, all
more or less grooved beneath.
The genus Ulula was restricted by CUVIER to Strix nebu-
ksa, and Sir. litterata of authors ; allowing Strix stridula
to remain as the type of SAVIGNY'S genus Syrnium. But
as the characters of the latter are equally applicable to the
other, and their habits are similar, I have ventured to include
the whole under one generic head. They are nocturnal
feeders, and are the inhabitants of woods and forests ; prey-
ing upon birds, animals, and sometimes fish. Their flight
is slow, but buoyant ; their wings being broad, but short,
and much rounded. Their quills are strongly notched, as
in the Buteonine subfamily of the Falconidte. They are all
birds of considerable size and power.
TAWNY OWL.
ULULA STRIDULA, Mihi.
PLATE XXV.
Synonyms of
Old Male.
Synonyms of
Female.
Syrnium stridulum, Shaw's Zool. 13. 62.
Strix Aluco, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 76.
Chouette Hulotte, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 89.
Nacht-kaute, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 910.
Tawny Owl, Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds.
Strix Aluco, Linn. 1. p. 130. 7 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 292. sp. ^..Lath. Ind.
Ornith. 1. p. 59. 26.
Ulula, Briss. 1. p. 507- 3 Will. p. 68. t. 13.
Aluco, Will. 68 Id. (Ang.) p. 104. t. 13.
La Hulotte, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 358 Id. PL Enl. 441.
Aluco Owl, Lath. Syn. p. 134. 20.
Brown Owl, Penn. Br. Zool. No. 69. t.' 32 Levin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 28.
Strix stridula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 133. 9. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 133. Lath. Ind.
Ornith. 1. p. 58. 25.
Strix Aldrov. Raii Syn. p. 25. A Will. p. 65. t. 14.
Le Chat-huant, Buff. Ois. 1. p. 362. t. 25 PL Enl. 437.
Common Brown or Ivy Owl, Will. (Ang.) p. 102. t. 14.
Tawny Owl, Br. Zool. 1. No. 68 Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. 1. 27 Lath. Syn.
1. p. 139. 27-
PROVINCIAL -Jenny Howlet, Ivy Owl, Wood Owl.
TAWNY OWL. RAPTORES. ULULA. 103
As no doubt appears to be entertained now by ornitholo-
gists respecting the identity of the Brown and Tawny Owl,
and it being satisfactorily ascertained that the difference in the
colour of the plumage is merely sexual, I have brought their
synonyms together. Next to the White or Barn Owl, it is
the most abundant of the British species, and is, like the
former, generally dispersed throughout the kingdom ; but
is most readily to be met with in well wooded districts, as it
takes up its abode in woods and thick plantations, preferring
those which abound in firs and holly, or ivy bushes. In such
situations it remains concealed till night-fall, as it is very
impatient of the glare of day, and sees, indeed, imperfectly
during that time.
It builds in the cavities of old trees, or will occupy the Nest, &c.
deserted nest of a crow, and produces four or five white eggs,
of an elliptical shape.
The young, on their exclusion, are covered with a greyish
down, and are easily tamed, when fed by the hand ; but
MONTAGU observes, that if placed out of doors, within hear-
ing of their parents, they retain their native shyness, as the
old birds visit them at night and supply them with abun-
dance of food. They prey upon rats, mice, moles, rabbits, Food,
and young leverets, and are sometimes destructive to pigeons,
entering the dovecots, and committing great havoc.*
At night this species is very clamorous, and is easily to
be known from the others by its hooting, in the utterance of
which sounds its throat is largely inflated.
PLATE 25. Natural size.
Bill yellowish-white. Irides bluish-black. Facial feathers General
white, tinged and barred more or less with brown. T
circle of small feathers surrounding the face white, spot-
ted with yellowish-brown and black. Upper parts of the
* It is also ascertained that they sometimes prey upon fish. See Ob-
servations by the Rev. Mr BREE of Allesly, in " Lou DON'S Magazine of
Nat. History."
104 RAPTORES. NOCTUA.
plumage spotted, and marked with umber-brown, black,
and ash-grey, upon a ground of wood-brown colour.
Scapulars and wing-coverts, with large white spots, form-
ing indistinct rows. Under parts yellowish-white, with
transverse bars of reddish -brown ; the shafts of the fea-
thers being dark umber-brown. Quills buff-orange,
barred with brown. The fourth quill-feather the long-
est. First four quills having their inner webs emargi-
nated ; and, as far as the sixth, with their outer webs
sinuated. Wings, when closed, not reaching to the end
of the tail by two inches. Tail barred alternately with
wood and umber browns, except the middle feathers,
which are plain wood-brown. Legs thickly clothed
with downy feathers, of an ash-grey colour, speckled
with brown. Claws long and sharp, greyish-black.
The males have the ground colour of the plumage much
redder; and scarcely two individuals can be found pre-
cisely ^similar in the markings.
GENUS NOCTUA, Cur. NIGHT-OWL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill bending from the base, much curved. Cere short ;
nostrils oval, placed in the anterior part of the cere. Audi-
tory conch large, with a narrow operculum. Facial disk
complete. Wings of mean length, ample and rounded ; the
third and fourth quills nearly equal, and the longest in the
wing. Inner webs of the first primaries notched. Tail
slightly rounded, and longer than the closed wings. Legs
having the tarsi and toes more or less feathered. Claws mo-
derately incurved ; the inner and middle one grooved be-
neath ; the outer and hind claws nearly cylindrical. Gene-
ral plumage very soft and downy ; the barbs of the feathers
open and very fine.
NIGHT-OWL. BAPTORES. NOCTUA. 105
The members of this genus are of diminutive size, and of
strictly nocturnal habits, as indicated by the form and struc-
ture of the ear. They have a near resemblance to each other
in the prevailing colour and disposition of their plumage ;
and are found disseminated in a great variety of latitudes
and climates. They prey upon mice and other small mam-
malia, as well as insects ; and their flight, like the other
nocturnal species, is buoyant and noiseless.
TENGMALM'S NIGHT-OWL.
NOCTUA TENGMALMI, Miln.
PLATE XXVI.
Strix Tengmalmi, Gmel Syst. 1. 291. Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 64. sp. 42
Faun. Amer. Boreal. 2. 94. No. 26. pi. 32.
Strix funerea, Linn. Faun. Suec. 25. sp. 75.
Strix dasypus, Bechst. and Meyer ^ Temm. Man. d' Ornith. 1. 94.
Chouette Tengmalm, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 94.
Rauchf ussiger Kauz. Meyer, Vog. Deut. Heft. 6, male and female.
Tengmalm's Owl, Selby, Cat. in Trans, of Nat. Hist. Soe., Northumber-
land, Durham, and Newcastle, v. 1. 248. North. Zool. 2. 94. pi. 32.
New species of Owl, Penn. Arct. ZooL 2. SuppL 60.
I HAVE now great satisfaction in correcting an error com-
mitted at the time the figures contained in the first part of
the " Illustrations of British Ornithology, 1 ' and the first edi-
tion of the present accompanying volume, were published ;
where, from the want of specimens to make the necessary
comparison, I had figured and described an Owl under the
title of Strix Passerina, Linn., which, upon further investi-
gation, proves to be a different, although nearly allied, kind,
and known by the specific name of Strix Tengmalmi. The
specimen from which my figure was taken still remains in
my collection, and was killed near to Morpeth in Northum-
berland in 1812 ; a fact that, independent of the capture of
others since that period (which I believe to have occurred), Rare vi-
entitles it to be placed upon the list of our fauna as a rare Sltant '
106 RAPTORES. NOCTUA. NIGHT-OWL,
visitant, In size it nearly equals Noctua Passerma, which
it also resembles in the disposition of its feathers, but is less
spotted with white, and the dark part of the plumage ap-
proaches nearer to that shade known by the name of Liver-
brown. The shorter tarsi and tliickly feathered toes are
also distinguishing characters, as well as the black facial fea-
thers, between the bill and eye-orbits ; and those which pro-
ceed from the posterior angle of the eye, with the belt of
velvety feathers immediately behind the auditory opening.
The tail is also longer in proportion to its size, and the bird
altogether exhibits a more lengthened form. In Europe it
is widely distributed through the northern and eastern parts,
being found in Sweden, Norway, Russia, and parts of Ger-
many, inhabiting the thick and extensive pine forests. In
North America, according to Dr RICHARDSON, it has a wide
range, embracing all the woody country from the great Slave
Lake to the United States. Its cry he describes as a single
melancholy note, repeated, at an interval of a minute or two,
during the greater part of the night ; at which time also it
is in activity, for, when roused by day, it is so much dazzled
and distressed by the glare of the sun, as to be easily caught
Nest, &c. by the hand. It breeds in the holes or clefts of pine trees,
Food. and lays two white eggs. Its food consists of mice and in-
sects, particularly those of the coleopterous kind. The
plumage, like that of other night-flying specie^, is very soft
and downy.
PLATE 26. represents this bird of the natural size.
Bill much curved and compressed ; the culmen and tip
yellowish white ; the sides dark grey. Facial disk
black at the posterior and anterior angles of the eye-
orbits ; the rest greyish- white, mixed with black. Ear
conch large, with a narrow operculum. Velvety fea-
thers behind the auditory opening, brownish-black.
Crown, nape, and hind part of the neck, liver-brown,
spotted with white; those upon the latter part large,
NIGHT-OWL. RAPTORES. NOCTILA. 107
and surrounded by a margin of liver-brown. Back,
wing-coverts, and scapulars, liver-brown, spotted with
white ; the spots upon the mantle nearly concealed by
the overlaying tips of the feathers. Quills liver-brown ;
their exterior webs having three or four oval white spots,
forming imperfect bars. Points of the outer barbs of
the whole of the first quill open and reverted ; those of
the second the same for one-half of its length ; of the
third a small portion only near the tip. Third and
fourth quill-feathers the largest in the wing ; the third
rather exceeding the fourth. The first and second ha-
ving their inner webs notched, the second and third
with their outer webs sinuated. Tail, extending nearly
an inch beyond the closed wings, liver-brown, crossed
by five interrupted white bars, or rather rows of spots,
the last about half an inch from the tip. Under plumage
white, varied with paler liver-brown. Legs having the
tarsi short, and, as well as the toes, thickly clothed with
soft hair-like feathers. Claws of a tolerable length, and
moderately incurved.
LITTLE NIGHT-OWL.
NOCTUA PASSERINA, Mihi.
PLATE XXVII.
Strix Passerina, Linn. Syst. 1. 133. 12 Gmel Syst. 1. 296. sp. 12. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 1. 65. sp. 46.
Noctua minor, Raii, Syn. 26. 6. Will. 69. t. 13. Briss. 1. 514. 5.
Chouette Cheveche, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 92.
LaCheveche ou Petit Chouette, Buff. Ois. 1. 78.
Strix nudipes, Nils. Orn. Suec. 1. 68. sp. 30.
Kleiner-kauz, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 2. 963. Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1.
p. 80.
Little Owl, Br. Zool. 1. No. 70 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 126 Lewirfs Br.
Birds, 1. t. 39. Will. (Ang.) 105. t. 13. Lath. Syn. 1. 150. 40 Mmt.
Ornith. Diet, and Supp Bewick's Br. Birds ? sp.'t. 65. ?
THIS species, like the preceding, can only be viewed in the
108 RAPTORES. NOCTUA. NIGHT-OWL.
Occasional light of an occasional visitant, though the instances of its
capture are more numerous, at least if we judge from those
which have been recorded under the name of Strix Passerina.
The great resemblance between the two species may, how-
ever, in some instances, have been the means of one being
confounded with the other ; and I almost suspect BEWICK
to have been thus misled, as his description and figure of the
Little Owl agree better with TENGMALM'S Owl than with the
true N. Passerina. According to TEMMINCK, the present
species is rarely found in Europe beyond the 55 of N. Lati-
tude ; but in the warmer regions of this quarter of the globe
is very common. It inhabits ruins, church towers, and other
Nest, &c. buildings, as well as the recesses of the forest ; and in such
situations it also breeds. Its eggs are from two to four in
number, and, like those of the rest of the Strigidae, white,
and of a rounded shape. It is a nocturnal species, during
the day remaining concealed and at rest ; but as soon as the
sun sinks below the horizon, it becomes very active, and its
appearance and manners then awaken great interest. Its
disposition is wild and fierce, and, according to SPALLAN-
ZANI, not capable of being tamed, like the Little-eared or
Scops-Owl. It is, however/ frequently taken young, and ap-
pears to be easily reared, as I have repeatedly met with these
birds for sale in Flanders and France, confined in large
wicker cages, where they looked at ease and in good condi-
Food. tion. Its food consists of mice, shrews, &c. ; also of small
birds, which it takes at roost ; and of insects, such as locusts,
and beetles.
PLATE 27. represents a male bird of the natural size, from
a British specimen.
Bill much hooked, the sides rather convex, and of a pale
yellowish colour. Facial disk not so complete or full
as in Noc. Tengmalmi, mostly white ; the shafts of
some of the bristly feathers covering the bill black ; the
posterior part with the barbules blackish-brown. Fea-
3
NIGHT-OWL. RAPTORES. NOCTUA. 109
thers behind the disk white, varied with brown. Chin
white, below which is a circle of yellowish-brown fea-
thers, with darker bars ; to which succeeds 'another
broad circle or collar of white. Crown and nape of the
neck dark brown, with the central part of the feathers
white, and forming guttated spots. Hind part of the
neck with large white spots, and forming a broad angu-
lar band. Back and wings liver-brown, with a grey
tinge, each feather being spotted with white ; which
spots are surrounded with pale yellowish or buff. Wings
having the outer webs of the quills with irregular bars
of yellowish- white ; third and fourth quill- feathers of
nearly equal length, and the longest in the wings. The
first quill with the points of the outer barbs reverted.
The first, second, third, and fourth, with the inner webs
deeply notched ; the second, third, fourth, and fifth,
with their outer webs sinuated. Tail brown, with four
bars of yellowish-white ; the last being close to the tip.
Legs having the tarsi longer than in Noc. Tengmalmi^
and clothed with short downy white feathers. The toes
only thinly covered with white hairy feathers, and ex-
posing two scales at the extremity of each toe. In the
under plumage the breast and belly are white, clouded
.and spotted with deep liver-brown ; and the abdomen
and under tail-coverts white,
ORDER II.
INSESSORES, VIGORS.
THE Insessores, or Perching Birds, form the second and
pre-eminently typical order of the class, comprehending all
that vast assemblage of species distinguished by LINN^US
and others under the separate orders Pica and Passeres.
This division of the earlier systematists is entirely artificial,
being instituted without any due regard to the true affinities
of the species. As such, it has been rejected by CUVIER,*
who declares his inability to detect any character of distinc-
tion either internal or external, which can warrant so abso-
lute a separation ; and VIGORS, SWAINSON, and other eminent
ornithologists of the present day, have shown that an un-
broken chain and circular succession of affinities does exist
throughout the whole of these birds ; and that the subordi-
nate groups into which the order is divisible (complete as
each may appear within itself), are too intimately connected
with each other, to admit of a separation so absolute as that
adopted by LINN^US and his followers. In an order of such
extent, and which contains so great a variety of form, a con-
siderable difficulty has been experienced in selecting charac-
ters sufficiently comprehensive to define it. On this account,
some have merely assigned to it absence of certain qualities,
as contrasted with the other orders ; but Mr SWAINSON-}- has
pointed out three distinct characters, two of which he consi-
ders as universal, and the third as especially applicable to
In the " Regne Animal," he observes in a note, " Malgre" tous mes
efforts, il m'a e'te' impossible de trouver, ni a 1'exterieur, ni a 1'interieur,
aucun caractere propre a separer des passereaux aux des genres compris
parmi les Piece de LINN.EUS, qui ne sont pas grimpeurs."
t See Northern Zoology, vol. ii. p. 100, &c.
INSESSORES. Ill
the more typical groups of these. The " first is, feet of that
construction most adapted for perching or grasping, the hind
toe always present, and articulated upon the same plane with
the fore toes ; second, the absence of the strongly defined
tooth which gives to the Rapacious birds the exclusive power
of tearing or dividing their food previous to swallowing it ;
and, thirdly, by the presence in the typical groups of a small
notch on one or both mandibles, enabling the bird to hold,
but not divide its food, which is swallowed in a whole state."
In addition to these distinctions of external form, it may be
observed, that the Insessorial birds possess a greater volume
of brain as compared with the other orders, and an intelli-
gence proportionally superior ; indicating in this respect also
the typical superiority they hold in this class of the animal
kingdom. The five primary tribes or divisions of the order
have long been recognised by CUVIER, ILLIGER, and other
eminent naturalists, and are now universally adopted. These
are the Fissirostres, Dentirostres, Conirostres, Scansores,
and Tenuirostres.* Of these the Dentirostres and Coni-
rostres are the typical tribes, being distinguished by their
more perfect construction, and the possession of qualities of
which the others are destitute^ or in which they exist only in
a limited degree. Each tribe is again divisible into circular
groups of subordinate value, distinguished as families, sub-
families, and genera, which last may be considered as the
lowest on the scale.
TRIBE I. FISSIROSTRES, Cuv.
The Fissirostres are distinguished from the more typical
tribes by the weak conformation of their legs and feet, by
the width of their rictus or gape (the bill being always broad
" I have here to observe, that throughout this work, the arrangement
adopted by Mr VIGORS, of placing the more perfect or typical forms in
the centre, and the aberrant on each side, has been pursued.
112 INSESSORES. FISSIROSTRES.
at the base), arid their habit of feeding upon wing. This
latter quality, however, as well as the weak structure of the
legs, are also met with in the typical families of the Tenui-
rostres, the tribe which meets the present one at the other
extremity of the order ; but a remarkable difference in the
mode of feeding effectually distinguishes the members of
each ; this being accomplished in the Fissirostral tribe by the
bill alone, whereas in the typical Tenuirostral birds, it is
taken by the instrumentality of the tongue. The nature of
their respective food is also dissimilar in the Fissirostres (with
the exception of the Trogonidee) being confined to animal
matter, and principally that of the insect world. In the Tenui-
rostres it is chiefly derived from vegetable juices and fruits.
The families of which the present tribe is composed are, as
usual, five ; which (though presenting among themselves a
great diversity of structure) are all partakers in a greater
or less degree of its distinguishing characters. They are
named the Meropida, Hirundinida, CaprimulgldtE, Trogo-
nid<z, and Halcyonida. Of these the Hirundinidse and Ca-
primulgidae are the typical groups, as in them we find the
fullest development of the peculiar characteristics of the
tribe.
FAMILY I. MEROPID M.
THE members of this aberrant family, are mostly natives
of the warmer climates of the ancient world, and are noted
for the beauty of their plumage, consisting in general of
shades of green, blue, yellow, and rich browns. In the
form of their feet, they are nearly allied to the Halcyonidae,
which stand at the farther extremity of the tribe, and in other
parts of their structure a connexion is kept up with the Pro-
meropidez of the Tenuirostral tribe, as well as with other
members of the Insessorial order. The typical genera possess
a full development of wings and tail, and in consequence are
INSESSORES. MEROPS. 113
birds of active and powerful flight, and obtain the whole of
their food in the air, consisting of insects, particularly those
of the Hymenopterous order. In the genus Nyctyorms (of
SWAINSON), the members of which (like the Caprimulgidae)
feed during twilight and night, the wings become shortened
and rounded, and the body, as he observes, if the distin-
guishing characters of the head were hidden, might be sup-
posed to belong to the Motmots (Priorities), a genus of birds
belonging to the family of the Buceridce in the conirostral
tribe of the order, thus becoming a link to connect the mem-
bers of these tribes. Of the various forms belonging to this
family, we possess but two examples, viz. a single species of
the genus Merops* and another of the genus Coracias, both
of which are recognised in our Fauna as occasional visitants.
GENUS MEROPS, LINN. BEE-EATER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL rather long, slightly curved, sharp pointed, sub-
quadrangular, and carinated. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval,
and open, partly hidden by reflected bristles. Feet having
the tarsus short, with three toes before, and one behind, the
outer toe being joined to the middle one as far as the second
joint ; the inner one the same, as far as thejirst. Claws small,
curved ; that of the hind toe the smallest. Wings long, acu-
minate ; having the first quill very short, the second being
the longest.
This genus of birds take their food, consisting of bees,
wasps, &c. upon the wing, like swallows. They breed in the
banks of rivers, in which they dig holes to a considerable
depth. They are totally natives of the warmer parts of the
ancient continent. Like the KingVfishers, their plumage is
brilliant, the prevailing colours being blues and greens of
various shades, and tinged by beautiful reflected lights.
VOL. I. H
114 INSESSORES. MEROPS. BEE-EATER.
COMMON BEE-EATER.
MEROPS APIASTEE, Linn.
PLATE XLI.
Merops Apiaster, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 182. 1 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 460 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 269. 1 Raii Syn. p. 49. 3 Will. p. 102. t. 24
Briss. 4. p. 582.
Merops Chrysocephalus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. 273. 11.
Merops Galilaeus, Hassel. It. 247.
Le Guepier, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 480. t. 23, Id. PI. Enl. 938 Le Vaitt. Ois.
de Parad, et Fromer, v. 3. pi. 1. and 2.
Le Guepier vulgaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 420.
Bienfresser, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1099 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
1. p. 132. Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. t. Heft. 10. male and female Frisch,
Vog. t. 221. the female, t. 222. male.
Yellow-throated Bee-Eater, Lath. Syn. v. 2.\p. 678.
Common Bee-Eater, Will. (Ang.) p. 147 Albin. 2. t. 44 Linn. Trans.
3. p. 333 Lath. Syn. 2. p. 667 Id. Supp. p. 119 Mont. Ornith. Diet.
Id. Supp Shaw's Zool. 8. p. 152 Bewick's Br. Birds, ed. 1826, p. t.
146.
Occasional OF late years, several individuals of this species have been
'killed in England ; which facts authorise me to include it in
the list of the British birds, as an occasional visitant. It is
met with, during the summer months, in various parts of the
European Continent, viz. in the southern districts of France
and Germany, in Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia. It is
very numerous along the southern borders of Russia, parti-
cularly upon the Don and the Wolga, in the banks of which
rivers it breeds, digging long horizontal holes for that pur-
Nest, &c. pose. The nest is composed of moss, and other soft mate-
rials ; and the eggs, of a pure white, are from five to seven
in number. Upon the approach of autumn, these birds as-
semble in large flocks, and depart for more southern lati-
tudes.
Food. The food of the Bee-Eater consists of that tribe of insects
from whence its name has been bestowed, as well as other
winged insects, all of which it captures during its flight, like
the Swallow. On the wing its motion is rapid, and its con-
BEE-EATER. INSESSORES. MEROPS. 115
tour and appearance are light and elegant. The specimens
from the Cape of Good Hope are precisely similar to the in-
dividuals killed in Europe.
PLATE 41. Represents a male and female bird of this spe-
cies, in the natural size.
Form typical. Bill black, forehead white, passing into General
pale verdigris-green. Crown of the head, nape of the tion.
neck, and upper part of the back, deep orange-coloured Male bird -
brown. Lower part of the back, and upper tail-coverts,
saffron-yellow, passing into gallstone-yellow. Lesser
wing-coverts bright grass-green ; greater coverts pale
orpiment-orange. Outer webs of the quills and tertials
fine greenish-blue ; in some shades greyish-blue. Tail
greenish-blue ; the two middle feathers darker, elonga-
ted, and pointed. From each corner of the mouth runs
a black streak, passing the eyes, and through the ear-
coverts, which, at its posterior extremity, joins a nar-
row black ring, that encircles the neck. Throat bright
kingVyellow. Breast and belly greenish-blue. Legs
very short of a blackish-brown colour. Irides red.
The colours of the female are not so bright in tint as those Female.
of the male.
GENUS CORACIAS, LINN. ROLLER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill cultrated, higher than broad, compressed, and strait ;
the upper mandible bent at the point. Gape wide. Nostrils
in the base of the bill, linear, and lateral, pierced diagonally,
and partly covered by a feathered membrane. Wings long,
acuminated, having the first quill shorter than the second,
which is the longest in the wing. Tarsus shorter than the
middle 'toe. Feet having three toes before and one behind ;
toes entirely divided. Claws falcate, and sharp.
116 INSESSORES. CORACIAS.
Of this genus only one species occurs in Europe.
They are all remarkable for beauty of plumage, and the
prevailing colours are blues of different intensity, generally
associated with purples and brillant greens. They are wild
insociable birds, and live in the retirement of the thickest
forests.
Their food principally consists of insects. In many spe-
cies the males are adorned by an elongation of the two outer
tail-feathers.
The Rollers were arranged, by former systematists, in close
connection with the crows and other birds of the Linnean or-
der Piece ; and Mr VIGORS in a paper, " On the Arrange-
ment of the Genera of Birds," (published in the Zoological
Journal) has also made the genus Coracias the type of a
group in the family of Corvidce, although he has placed the
members of the genus Colaris, most closely related to it, not
only in a different family, but in a distinct and distant tribe.
From an examination of the several species belonging to the
genus, I have little hesitation in removing it from the Corvidse
(to which it bears only a relationship of analogy), and placing
it, together with Colaris, &c. in the tribe of Fissirostres, a
station also given to it by one of the most distinguished orni-
thologists of the present day *. I have provisionally placed
it, as an aberrant form, amongst the Meropidse, as a further
examination may evince the propriety of its transference to
the Halcyomda, belonging to the same tribe, and meeting
the Meropidae at the other extremity of the circle.
* See Mr SWAINSON'S remarks on the Corvida, in the Second Volume
of " Northern Zoology," page 289.
ROLLER. INSESSORES. CORACIAS. 117
GARRULOUS ROLLER.
CORACIAS GARRULA, Linn.
PLATE XXXIV.
Coracias garrula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 159. 1 Fauna Suec. No. 94 Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 378 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 168. 1.
Galgulus, Briss. 2. p. 64. 1. t. 5. f. 2.
Cornix coerulea Gesneri, Ran Syn. p. 42. Will p. 85.
Pica marina, Rail Syn. p. 41 Will. 89.
Garrulus argentoratensis, Raii Syn. 41. Will. 89.
Le Rollier, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 135. t. 70. Id. PI. Enl. 486.
Rollier vulgaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 127.
Blaue-Racke, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 106. Frisch, Vog. t. 57.
.Roller, Br. Zool. App. t. 2 Will. (Ang.) 131. t. 20 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 235.
Levin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 42 Lath. Syn. l.p. 406. 1 Id. Suppl. p. 85.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 1. t. 41 Bewicks Br. Birds, 1. 1. 85.
As a few accidental stragglers of this species have at differ- I^ 1 " 6 vis i-
ent times been taken in Great Britain, I have been induced
to admit it into the list of the British Fauna. The figure
accompanying this work was drawn from a specimen now in
the Edinburgh Museum, and which was killed at Dunkeld a
few years ago. I had also an opportunity of examining an-
other (a female bird) that was found dead in a plantation at
Howick House in Northumberland, the seat of Earl* GREY *.
In Germany it is very common, inhabiting the oak forests of
that country ; and is also numerous in many parts of Sweden
and Denmark. It builds in the holes of decayed trees, and Nest, &c.
lays from four to seven eggs of a clear bluish- white. Grass- Food,
hoppers, snails, millepedes, and other insects, are its princi-
pal food. It is a bird of restless and fierce disposition, and
very clamorous.
* June 19. 1828. A specimen of the Roller was sent to me by Mr
GOOD, that was taken on board a vessel bound from America to the Port
of Berwick, but in what latitude I did not learn. It appeared to be a
male from the brilliancy of its plumage, but was not in a state to admit of
the fact being ascertained by dissection.
A specimen of the present species is now in the possession of Sir WM.
JARDINE ; killed at Orkney in 1027, and sent to him as a curious kind of
Duck.
118 1N8ESSORES. HIRUNDINID^.
PLATE 34. Natural size.
General Bill yellowish-brown at the base, the tip black. At the
tion. np ~ base of the bill are a few black bristles. Irides yellow-
ish-brown. Behind each eye is a small bare tubercle.
Head, neck, breast, and belly verditer-blue, in some
parts inclining to verdigris green. Back and scapulars
reddish wood-brown. Smaller wing-coverts rich auri-
cula-purple, those next to them pale ultra-marine blue.
Basal part of quills plum-purple. The tips dusky.
Rump purple. Tail consisting of twelve feathers, the
outermost (elongated in the male bird) pale ultra-ma-
rine blue, tipped with black ; the rest blackish-green.
Legs wood-brown.
FAMILY II. HIRUNDINID^.
In this typical Family, the fissirostral characters, as might
be expected, are found existing in a pre-eminent degree;
the gape being very extensive, (the commissure reaching as
far as the posterior angle of the eye), while the external or
prominent part of the bill is short and weak ; the wings being
much produced, narrow, and acuminate, and the tail gene-
rally more or less forked, characters indicative of a swift and
strong flight. The legs, in accordance with the little use
made of them in progressive motion, are always short, and
generally weak; but the toes are furnished with sharp and
hooked claws, which in some genera are of great strength,
enabling them to grasp and adhere to the perpendicular faces
of rocks, buildings, hollows of trees, and other places where
they habitually roost and breed. They are widely dissemi-
nated over the globe, and are met with in almost all climates
at certain periods of the year, most of the genera being of
migratory habits. They prey upon insects, which they cap-
ture upon wing ; some few are also stated to devour berries
occasionally, and in such we observe a greater strength and
JNSESSORES. HIRUNDO. 119
length of bill, approaching in shape to that of some of the
Ampclida of the Dentirostral tribe. Their nidification is
curious, many of the genera forming the receptacle for their
eggs of mud or clay, others of extraneous matters, aggluti-
nated by a viscous liquid, provided from a glandular appa-
ratus peculiar to such species*. During their migratory
movements they fly in immense flocks, and also frequently
breed in large societies.
GENUS HIRUNDO, LINN. SWALLOW.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill short, much depressed, and wide at the base ; upper
mandible bent at the tip, and carinated. Gape extending as
far backwards as the eyes. Nostrils basal, and oblong, part-
ly covered by a membrane. Feet having the tarsi short,
toes slender, three before and one behind; the outer toe
united to the middle one, as far as the first joint, Tail of
twelve feathers, generally forked. Wings long and acumi-
nated, the first quill-feather being the longest.
The species of this genus are very numerous, and are
spread throughout every part of the globe. Their food con-
sists entirely of winged insects, which they seize with great
dexterity during their flight. That flight is very rapid and
buoyant, and is supported for a long time, without visible
fatigue. The nidification of many of the genus is curious
and peculiar ; the exterior coat of the nest being compact
and hard, generally formed of clay, or earthy materials ; and
the inner part lined with feathers and other soft substances.
They moult but once in the year, which takes place in Fe-
* The nests of some exotic species, almost entirely formed of this vis-
cous matter, are highly esteemed as a condiment by the Chinese and other
Eastern nations.
120 INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. SWALLOW.
bruary, and proves the impossibility of the hybernation of
these birds.
The British species are migratory.
CHIMNEY SWALLOW.
HIRUNDO RUSTICA, Linn.
PLATE XLIL FIG. 1.
Hirundo rustica, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 343. 1 Gmel Syst. p. 1015 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 572.
Hirundo domestica. Rail Syn. p, 71. A. 1 Will. p. 155. t. 39 Briss. 2.
p. 486. 1.
Hirondellede Chemine'e ou domestique, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 591. t. 25. f. 1.
Id. PL Knl. 543. f. 1 Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 427-
Die Rauch Schwalbe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 902, Meyer, Tasschenb.
v. 1. p. 276.
Chimney or Common Swallow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 168. t. 58 Arct. Zool. 2.
No. 330 Will. (Ang.) p. 212 Albin. 1. t. 45 Lewin's Br. Birds, 3.
t. 123 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 561 Id. Supp. p. 192 Mont. Ornith. Diet
Id. Sup Bewick's Br. Bird, 1. p. t. 261. Low's Faun. Oread, p. 73
Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 84 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 251. Pult. Cat. Dorset,
p. 13.
THE Chimney Swallow generally makes its appearance in
the south of England early in April, but is seldom seen in
Periodical the northern counties, or in Scotland, before the middle or
visitant. i a tt er p ar t o f that month. After incubation, and when the
young birds have acquired sufficient strength to undertake
their long journey, which is the case about the end of Sep-
tember, they prepare for their migration to the warm regions
of Africa, where they pass the hyemal months. I consider
it unnecessary, in the present advanced state of knowledge,
to offer many observations on the once prevalent notion of
the hybernation of Swallows in this country, as the wonder-
ful laws which regulate the migration of birds are alone
sufficient to account for the phenomena of their appearance
and disappearance at stated periods. From the experiments
made, it appears that the Swallows which have been kept in
confinement regularly moulted in February^ a fact totally
SWALLOW. INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. 121
at variance with the idea of the bird going into such a torpid
state as has been represented, and sufficient to prove the im-
probability, nay, I may say impossibility, of such an event.
Let it be admitted, that a few individuals may, at different
times, have been found in a half-dead or benumbed state,
under the eaves of houses, or in similar places of retreat, (the
natural consequence of remaining in an uncongenial climate),
such will, doubtless, have been young birds of late hatchings,
not able to undergo the fatigue of so long a flight, or old
birds, reduced by sickness and other casualties to a similar
condition ; and all of which, I should be strongly inclined to
believe, die before the expiration of the winter. As a proof
that the circumstances may happen, I adduce two instances
of having found this bird in the months of December and
February, both of which individuals appeared to have re-
cently died.
The food of the Swallow consists entirely of insects, which Food
it takes with great dexterity on the wing. During the sum-
mer, the scenery of the margins of rivers, and the quiet sur-
face of lakes and other pieces of water, are enlivened by the
busy flight of this, and the other species of Swallow, at-
tracted by the swarms of winged insects that are always
found in such situations. When feeding, it flies with the
mouth extended, and the capture of its prey is attended with
a snap of the bill, audible by an attentive ear. It drinks
also, and frequently bathes, whilst on wing.
In England, this species generally breeds in chimneys,
whence arises its English specific name ; sometimes in out-
houses ; and where coal-pits abound, its habitation may fre-
quently be seen fixed against the side of a deserted shaft.
The nest is open at the top, and formed of clay or mud, Nest, &c.
lined with feathers, and other soft materials. The eggs are
white, speckled with reddish-brown, and are four or five in
number. These birds begin to build soon after their ar-
rival, and produce two broods in the year, one of which flies
in June, and the second about the middle or latter part of
122 INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. SWALLOW.
August. The young, after quitting the nest, are fed for
some time on wing by the parent birds, which is effected
with great celerity, and only to be seen by a very attentive
observer. Previous to migration, Swallows collect in immense
flocks, and may be seen thus upon house-tops, roofs of
churches, or upon trees by the sides of rivers or ponds ;
which latter situation is selected, not for the purpose of re-
tiring into the water to hybernate, as occasionally asserted,
but on account of the plentiful supply of food afforded by
such situations.
PLATE 42. Fig. 1. Natural size.
General Bill black. Forehead and throat deep orange-brown. Sides
descnp. o f fa e nec k ? back, wings, and pectoral band, black, with
blue reflections. Tail deeply forked, the two outer fea-
thers long and pointed ; a large white spot on the inner
webs of all the feathers, except the two middle ones,
which are entirely black. Belly and vent reddish- white,
more or less tinged with reddish-brown. The female
has rather less of the orange-brown on the forehead.
The black is less brilliant, and the two outer tail-
feathers are rather shorter than in the male bird. The
young do not acquire the long tail-feathers till after the
first moult. White varieties are sometimes to be met
with, A specimen, taken at Acton in Northumberland,
is in my possession, which is of a pure white above, with
the chin and under parts reddish- white.
MAKTIX. INSESSORKS. H1RUNDO. 123
MARTIN.
HIRUNDO URBICA, Linn.
PLATE XLII. FIG. 2.
Hirundo urbica, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 344. 3. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1017. sp. 3.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 573. sp. 3 Fau. Suec. 1. No. 271. 1.
Hirundo rustica sive agrestis, Raii Syn. p. 71. A. 2 Will. p. 155. t. 39.
Briss. 2. p. 490. 2.
Hirondelle a Cul-blanc ou de Fenetre, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 614. t. 25 Id.
PL Enl. p. 542. f. 2.
Hirondelle de Fenetre, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 428.
Housschwalbe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 915 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 277 Frisch. t. 17. f. 2.
Martin or Martlet, Br. Zool. 1. No. 169 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 33l. Albin.
2. t. 56. Levin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 123 Will. (Ang.) p. 212. t, 39 Lath.
Syn. 4. p. 564. 3. /e/. Sup. p. 192 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 251 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 13 Beivick's Br. Birds, v. 1.
t. 261 Low's Fau. Oread, p. 73 S flaw's Zool. v. 1. p. 84.
THE first appearance of the Martin in this country is a Periodical
few days after the preceding species, and, on its first arrival, V1
it is usually seen in warm and low situations ; such being
most likely to furnish a full supply of its natural food. It
is very generally dispersed throughout the kingdom, and is
found wherever man has fixed his residence, seeming to court
his protection. It commences nidification early in May, if
the weather proves favourable, and builds in the upper angles
of windows, and under the eaves of houses ; sometimes under
the arches of bridges, or against the face of rocks *. The Nest, &c.
nest is formed of mud compactly worked and cemented by
means of its bill, and is closed all around, except a small
orifice, usually on the most sheltered side, and just of suffi-
cient size to admit a passage to the inhabitants. It is well
lined with a collection of straw, hay, and feathers. MON-
TAGU observes, that both the male and female are frequently
Great numbers of this species annually breed about the lofty perpen-
dicular cliffs of St Abb's Head, on the coast of Berwickshire; a great
breeding resort also of the Alcada, and certain species of Gulls.
124 INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. MARTIN.
seen in the nest together, in which place the act of consum-
'mation is performed. The eggs are five or six in number, of
a transparent or pinkish-white. The young are at first fed
in the nest., but afterwards at the orifice, the parent birds
adhering to the outside by the aid of their claws. When
able to fly, they are still fed on the wing for a considerable
time, like the Chimney Swallows. Two broods are com-
monly produced in the year, the first being able to fly in
July, the second in August or September, some time pre-
vious to their migration. About the beginning of October,
Martins congregate in vast numbers, frequently almost cover-
ing the roofs of houses, particularly in the villages upon the
banks of the Thames. Towards the middle of the month
they begin to depart, and continue to do so in flocks till about
the 6th or 8th of November, after which time few are seen ;
and these, in all probability, are weak birds, that find them-
selves incapable of undertaking the journey, and perish un-
der the first attack of the winter's severity. The form of
this species is thicker than the Chimney Swallow ; the wings
also and tail are shorter in proportion to the size of the body.
The flight of the Martin is very smooth and buoyant, but
not so rapid, or attended with such sudden evolutions, as the
preceding species. During the season of incubation, and
when both birds are in the nest, it frequently utters its song,
the notes of which, though guttural, are soft, and the ca-
dences are pleasing. According to TEMNINCK, the migra-
tion of the Martin does not extend beyond the Tropics.
PLATE 42. Fig 2. Natural size.
General Bill black. Head, back part of the neck, and upper part
tion. nP " ^ t ^ ie back, glossy bluish-black. Wings and greater
coverts brownish-black. Tail the same, and forked.
Under parts and rump snow-white. Tarsi and toes
clothed with downy white feathers.
White varieties of this as well as the other species some-
times occur.
MARTIN. INSESSORES. HIRUNDO. 125
SAND-MARTIN.
HIRUNDO RIPARIA, Linn.
PLATE XLII. FIG. 3.
Hirundo riparia, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 344. 4 Fauna Suec. No. 273 Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 1019 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 575. 10. Ran Syn. p. 71.
A. 3 Will. p. 156. t. 39. Briss. 2. p. 506. Wils. Amer. Ornith. v. 5.
p. 46. pi. 38. f. 4.
L'Hirondelle de Rivage, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 632 Id. PL EnL 543. f. 2. the
young. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 429.
Uferschwalbe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 922 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 21&Frisch, t. 18. f. 2. A.
Sand-Martin, Br. Zool. 1. No. 170 Arct. ZooL 2. No. 332 Albin. 2.
t. 56. 6 Lewirfs Br. Birds, t. 125 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 568. 10 Will.
(Ang.) p. 213. t. 39. Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 2. t. 253 Pult.
Cat. Dorset, p. 13. Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 258. Low's Fau. Oread.
p. 74 Shaw's ZooL v. 10. p. 104. pi. 11.
PROVINCIAL. Sandy-Bank, Sand-Swallow.
THIS bird is the earliest of the tribe in its visit to Britain, Periodical
and is first seen about the end of March. visitant.
It is partially distributed through the country, and is only
found, in any considerable number, in such districts as offer
suitable situations for its peculiar mode of modification, which
is confined to precipitous sandy banks, whether as the boun-
dary of rivers, or otherwise. In these, by means of its bill
and claws, it burrows horizontally, to a considerable depth, Nest, &c.
and, at the end of the hole, makes a nest of hay, straw, fea-
thers, &c. on which it deposits four or five white eggs. Mr
Low states this species to be very common, and more nume-
rous than the other, in the Orkney Islands. It is mostly
seen skimming the surface of lakes and rivers, where it meets
with an abundant supply of gnats, and other aquatic flies.
Its manners are similar to those of the other species, with
which it frequently associates, though I am not aware' that it
assembles in flocks, like them, previous to its periodical de-
parture. It is the smallest of the genus that visits Great
Britain.
126 INSESSORES. CYPSELUS.
PLATE 42. Fig. 3. Natural size.
General Bill black. The upper parts, cheeks, and pectoral band,
tion. nP dark hair-brown. Wings clove-brown, inclining to
blackish-brown. Throat, belly, and upper tail-coverts,
white. Tail brown, forked. Tarsi and toes naked,
with the exception of a few small feathers placed at the
insertion of the hind toe. The female is similar in
plumage to the male bird.
The young have the upper parts of their plumage bor-
dered with pale or wood-brown ; and the tail-feathers
margined with yellowish-white.
GENUS CYPSELUS, ILLIG. SWIFT.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill very short, depressed, and wide at the base, triangu-
lar ; the gape extending beyond the posterior angle of the
eye ; upper mandible deflected at the point. Nostrils cleft
longitudinally on each side of the ridge, open, with a promi-
nent margin, beset with small feathers. Feet having the
tarsi very short and thick ; toes four, all directed forwards,
entirely divided, of two phalanges each, strong, and armed
with thick and hooked claws. Tail composed of ten fea-
thers. Wings very long, the first quill being rather shorter
than the second.
Dr LATHAM, in his Index Ornithologicus (under the
head Hirundo Apus), first suggested the propriety of sepa-
rating the Swifts from the Swallows. In this idea he is sup-
ported by ILLIGER, TEMMINCK, and other eminent natural-
ists, who have accordingly adopted the generic term Cypselus
for these birds. In many respects they resemble the pre-
ceding genus, feeding and living much in the same manner.
They construct their nests in the holes of buildings, or in the
clefts of rocks, forming them of various soft materials, col-
SWIFT. INSESSORES. CYPSELUS. 127
lected upon the wing, cemented together by a viscid matter,
secreted for that purpose, by appropriate glands. They
never alight upon the ground ; the shortness of their legs,
compared with their great length of wing, preventing their
rise from a flat surface.
COMMON SWIFT.
CYPSELUS MURARIUS, Temm.
PLATE XLII. FIG. 4.
Cypselus murarius, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 434.
Hirundo Apus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 344. 6 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 1020. sp. 6
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 582. sp. 32 Fau. Suec. No. 272 Rail Syn.
p. 72. A. 4 Will. p. 156. t. 39 Briss. 2. p. 512. 15 Id. 8vo. 1. p. 301.
Micropus murarius, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 281.
Brachipus murarius, Id. Vog. Liv. und Esthl. 143.
Le Martinet noir ou Grand Martinet, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 643. Id. PI.
Enl. 542. f. 2 Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 434.
Thurm-schwalbe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 929. Frisch. Vog. t. 17.
f. 1 Meyer, Vog. v. 1. Heft. 4.
Swift, Br. Zool. No. 171. t. 57 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 334. Will. (Ang.)
p. 214,Albin. 2. t. 55. Levin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 126. Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 584. 34.Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 13 Mont. Ornith. Diet. Wale. Syn.
t. 254. Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 259.
PROVINCIAL. Screech, Develing, Black Martin.
THIS is the only British species of its genus, and is with Periodical
, , jk. visitant,
us a summer visitant *.
The Swift is seldom seen in the northern parts of England
before the end of May, or the beginning of June ; in the
south it arrives a week or two earlier. It leaves us again for
warmer climates in August, a month or six weeks previous
to the departure of the Swallows. In this country it haunts
* Since the publication of the first edition of this volume, a specimen
of the Alpine Swift (Cypselus alpinus), was sent to me by WILLIAM SIN-
CLAIR, Esq. of Belfast, which was killed within eight or ten miles of the
south coast of Ireland. Mr SINCLAIR thinks it probable that the species
annually resorts to that part of the island, but as such a fact has not been
ascertained, I only thus casually mention it.
5
128 INSESSORES. CYPSELUS SWIFT.
cathedrals, towers, churches, and other buildings not con-
stantly inhabited, in the holes, and under the eaves of which
it finds a safe retreat, and proper situation to build in. The
Nest &c. nest is formed of straw and other suitable materials, which
it collects with great dexterity in its flight.
These are cemented together, and the inside of the nest is
plastered with a viscid substance, furnished by glands pecu-
liar to certain birds of this genus. The eggs are usually
two, but TEMMINCK says three or four, of a transparent
pinkish-white. The form of the Swift is admirably adapted
to its mode of life, the greater part of which is passed in
floating through the air. Its head is broad and flat, the
neck very short, and the wings longer in proportion to its
size and weight, than those of any other bird. Except du-
ring the short periods of nightly repose, the Swift is con-
stantly upon wing ; in fine weather flying at a great height,
and describing extensive circles with an easy sweeping mo-
tion ; in a damper state of the air its flight is nearer to the
Food, ground ; in both cases regulated by the situation of its in-
sect prey, which is higher or lower as directed by the at-
mospheric changes. It has been remarked that these birds
delight in sultry weather, with approaching thunder-storms,
at such times flying in small parties, with peculiar violence,
and as they pass near steeples, towers, or corners of build-
ings, uttering loud screams, which WHITE, in his Natural
History of Sel borne, supposes to be a sort of serenade to
their respective families. This is fanciful and pretty ; but
I should rather be inclined to reason the opposite way, and
to consider this action and cry as the consequences of irrita-
bility, excited by the highly electrical state of the atmosphere
at such times *. The above mentioned scream is the only
note this bird possesses. Like the Swallows, it is frequently
seen skimming the surface of lakes and rivers in pursuit of
its food, and, like them also, it both drinks and bathes upon
* See note in the account of the Green Woodpecker.
4
SWIFT. INSESSORES. CYPSELUS. 129
the wing. The shortness of the tarsi, and the great length
of the wings, render the Swift unable to rise from an even
surface ; it is therefore (as if conscious of such inability)
never seen to alight on the ground. It can, however, fix
itself with ease against the perpendicular face of walls or
rocks, by means of its strong toes and hooked claws, which
are disposed in a different manner from those of the prece-
ding genus.
It is found throughout the Old Continent, but has not
been met with in America. According to TEMMINCK, it
does not migrate beyond the Tropics.
PLATE 42. Fig. 4. Natural size.
Bill black. Throat smoke-grey. The rest of the plumage General
greenish-black, with reflections ; the feathers close in
texture, and firmly pressed together. Tarsi covered
with small feathers. Irides brown.
FAMILY III. CAPRIMULGIDJE.
THE members of this family (which forms the second
typical division of the tribe) are birds of nocturnal or cre-
puscular habits, clothed with a plumage, both in texture and
appearance, very similar to that of the Owls, with which rap-
torial group they are brought into close connection by means
of the genus Podargus, where the bill acquires great strength
and convexity, and the space around the eyes and base of
the bill becomes furnished with radiating hairy feathers. In
the typical genera the external or horny part of the bill
(as in the Hirundinidce) is very small and slender, the gape
very large, and its margin beset at regular distances with
long stiff' bristles, moveable when requisite, and, by their
converging power, of use in securing and detaining their
prey. The legs are short and weak, but there is a full de-
velopment of wings and tail, and consequently a correspond-
VOL. I. I
130 INSESSORES. CAPRIMULGUS.
ing power of flight, and, as in the Swallows, their prey (con-
sisting of Phalaenae and other insects) is taken entirely upon
wing. In the aberrant forms the wings become much shorter
and rounded, and the bill acquires greater size and strength,
most displayed in the before mentioned genus Podargus.
In some the tarsi also become elongated ; and according to
these differences of structure a corresponding variation is
wrought in their economy. In Britain we only possess a
single species of the typical genus Caprimulgus ; the mem-
bers of the other genera (Egotheles, Podargus, &c.), being
natives of the warmer climates of Asia, Africa, and America.
GENUS CAPRIMULGUS, LINN. GOATSUCKER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill very short, weak, curved at the tip, broad and de-
pressed at the base; the upper mandible deflected at the
point. Gape very large, and extending as far as, or beyond,
the posterior angle of the eyes. The basal edge of the up-
per mandible bordered with strong moveable bristles directed
forwards. Nostrils basal, tubular, or with a large prominent
rim, clothed with very small feathers. Wings long, the first
quill shorter than the second, which is the longest of all.
Tail rounded or forked, of ten feathers. Feet having the tarsi
short, toes three before and one behind, the anterior ones
united as far as the first joint by a membrane ; the claw of
the middle toe broad, and serrated on the inner edge.
The members of this curious genus are nocturnal and cre-
puscular feeders, and have, not unaptly, been termed Night
Swallows. Here, however, the approach to the Strigidce is
not so conspicuous, as it is seen in the great curvature and
horny mass of bill of the genus Podargus, belonging to this
family ; which also possesses to a certain extent the radiating
GOATSUCKER. INSESSORES. CAPRIMULGUS. 131
feathers that surround the eyes and base of the bill in the
Owls. The eyes and ears are also large and prominent in
the whole of this genus, and the texture of the feathers very
soft and delicate. Their food consists of the Phalaense and
other winged nocturnal insects, which they take with extend-
ed mouth during their flight. They moult once in the year,
and the males are generally to be distinguished from the
other sex by white spots ornamenting some of the quills, and
the tips of the outer tail-feathers.
Some of the exotic species are decorated by extraneous
feathers, or other appendages, issuing from the wings, tail,
or bill.
EUROPEAN GOATSUCKER.
CAPRIMULGUS EUROPJEUS, Linn.
PLATE XLII .
Caprimulgus europaeus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 346. 1.
Fau.'Suec. No. 274 Gmel. Syst, 1. p. 1027 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2.
p. 584. 5 Raii Syn. p. 26. A. IWill, p. 70. t. 14 Briss. 2. p. 4?0. 1.
t. 44.
Caprimulgus punctatus, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1 . p. 284.
L'Engoulevent, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 512. Id. PL Enl. 193.
L'Kngoulevent ordinaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. Tagschlaf'er. Bechst.
Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 940 Frisch, t. 100.
Geitmelker, Sep. Nederl, Vog. v. 1. t. p. 39.
Nocturnal Goatsucker, Er. ZooL 2. No. 173. t. 59.
European Goatsucker, Arct. Zool. 2. p. 437. A Will. (Ang.) p. 107.
Albin. 1. t 10 White's Hist. Selb. p. 62. 94 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 593. 5
Id. Supp. p. 194 Lewin's 13r. Birds, 3. t. 127 Mont. Ornith. Diet
Id. Supp Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 13. Walk. Syn. 2. t. 255 Don. Br.
Birds, 3. t. 67.
Night Jar, BewicVs Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 262.
PROVINCIAL, Dor-Hawk, Fern-Owl, Night-Hawk, Jar-Owl, Churn-
Owl, Wheel-bird.
THE Goatsucker is a summer periodical visitant, arriving
in Britain about the end of May, or beginning of June, and visitant,
departing in September, or in the commencement of the en-
suing month.
132 INSESSORES. CAPRIMULGUS. GOATSUCKER.
It is rather impartially distributed throughout the king-
dom, and is found in woods or narrow wooded valleys, par-
ticularly in the immediate neighbourhood of meadows or dry
tracts of pasture ground. It is also very frequently met with
in our upland districts, in those extensive fern-beds that clothe
the slopes of grassy eminences, from whence has arisen its
provincial name of Fern-Owl. It is impatient of the glare
of daylight, and remains at rest upon the ground or perched
lengthwise upon the horizontal branch of a birch or other
tree, till after sunset ; when it sallies forth in pursuit of its
Food. food, consisting of the Melalonthae, and other coleopterous
insects, and the larger species of Phalsense.
It flies with its capacious mouth fully extended, and as the
bristles lining the edge of the upper mandible are capable of
diverging or contracting, by means of muscles attached to
their roots, they of course greatly assist in the capture and
detention^ of its prey. The flight of this bird, when thus
hawking, is rapid, and attended with evolutions similar to
those of the Swallow ; at other times, when disturbed, it is
abrupt and wavering, though still buoyant. It breeds on the
ground, making no nest, but generally selecting a dry spot,
where the ferns have prevented the growth of the lower her-
Eggs. bage. It lays but two eggs, white, marbled with yellowish-
brown and grey *. During the period of incubation, and
after it has left its noonday retreat, the male utters a very
peculiar noise, which has aptly been compared to that of a
spinning-wheel ; this is produced when the bird is perched,
with the head lowermost. It also utters a shrill cry during
its flight.
In this species, the membrane that lines the inside of the
mouth is very thin and transparent, particularly opposite to
the posterior part of the eye, which organ is pretty clearly
discernible through the membrane. As the mouth opens to
* To the nest, or rather eggs, of the Goatsucker, may be referred all the
accounts, however plausibly narrated, of the Cuckoo incubating her own
eggs, and rearing any offspring.
GOATSUCKER. INSESSORES. CAPRIMULGUS. 13:3
such great lateral extent, it has been suggested that the bird
may possibly be capable of turning the eye in its socket, so
far as to look through this almost transparent veil in a straight
forward direction, when the mouth is extended in its noctur-
nal flights. I have consequently directed my attention to this
point, but as yet without any satisfactory result.
I have not been able to discover any peculiar muscles at-
tached to the eye or its coats, that can enable the bird to
turn it in the direction suggested ; and I may here observe
also, that the size and prominence of this important organ
gives it, in its fixed position, a sufficient field of vision for all
the purposes of flight and capture of its prey.
The winter retreat of the Goatsucker is presumed to be
in Africa and Asia, as the specimens from both countries cor-
respond with our own. According to TEMMINCK, it is com-
mon in France and Germany, but rare in Holland.
PLATE 42 *. A male bird of the natural size.
General plumage ash-grey, spotted and streaked with yel- General
lowish-brown. On the head, and down the middle of d . escn P-
tion.
the back, run long black streaks. Throat having large T\j a i e ^ n \,
white spots. Under parts yellowish-brown, with trans-
verse blackish-brown bars. Outer webs of the quills
scolloped with orange-brown ; the three exterior feathers
having a large white patch on the inner webs near their
tips. Tail marked with zigzag lines or bars of black,
grey, and yellowish-brown ; the two outer feathers on
each side tipped with white. Bill very short; colour
blackish-brown. Gape very wide. Irides dark. Legs
short, yellowish-brown. The whole of the plumage is
very soft, and silky to the touch.
The female is without the white spots on the quill-feathers p ema i e .
and the white upon the tips of the outer tail-feathers.
In other respects she resembles the male bird.
134 INSESSORES. HALCYONID^.
FAMILY V. HALCYONID.E *
WE now arrive at the Halcyonidae, which constitutes the
fifth and last aberrant family of the tribe, and which meets
the Meropidce at the other extremity of the circle, being
closely connected with it by means of the genera Galbula,
Monasa, &c., in which the bill acquires, in a great measure,
the shape and proportions of that of the Bee-eaters. The
typical form of this family exists in the genus Alcedo, as now
restricted, and of which our common KingVfisher may be
considered the representative. A great number of species
formerly included in that genus by earlier systematists, have
been separated from it under the genera Halcyon (of SWAIN-
SON) and Dacelo (of LEACH) ; which exhibit a departure
from the peculiar structure of the true KingVfisher, with re-
gard to the bill and other parts, attended by a corresponding
difference in their habits and economy. The Halcyonidae
prey upon animal matter, particularly fish and insects, which
they take upon wing, seizing the latter in their flight, and
the former by plunging down upon them as they rise to the
surface of the water. Their feet are formed for grasping,
but are incapable of aiding them in progressive motion, and
their flight is rapid and direct. Their plumage, especially
that of the typical group, frequently exhibits the richest and
most vivid colours, with a metallic or varying lustre, as diffe-
rently presented to the incidental rays of light. They are
mostly natives of the warmer climates of the Old and New
World, Europe boasting of but a single species of the genus
Alcedo.
* We possess no British species of the family Trogonidte, the 4th in this
arrangement.
1NSESSORES. ALCEDO. 135
GENUS ALCEDO, LINN. KING'S-FISHER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill long, straight, quadrangular, higher than broad, thick
and pointed ; with both mandibles gradually tapering to the
tip of the bill. Tongue fleshy, short, and armed'at the point.
Nostrils basal and lateral, pierced obliquely, and nearly closed
by a naked membrane. Feet having the tarsi short, with
three toes before, the outer toe being joined to the middle
one, as far as the second joint ; the inner one the same, as far
as the first ; and with one posterior toe, large at its base.
Wings, with the first and second quills nearly equal, but
shorter than the third ; which last is the longest in each wing.
The different species which compose this genus, are, with
only one exception, natives of the other quarters of the globe,
and are generally remarkable for splendour of plumage.
They are inhabitants of the banks of lakes and rivers, living
upon fish and aquatic insects. They fly with great rapidity,
and usually lead a solitary life. They breed in the clayey
banks of streams, and for this purpose form deep holes, by
the aid of their bill and feet. Their form is short and thick.
136 INSESSORES. ALCEDO. KING'S-FISHER.
COMMON KING'S-FISHER.
ALCEDO ISPIDA, Linn.
PLATE XL. FIG. 1.
Alcedo Ispida, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 179. 3 Gmel. Syst. p. 448. sp. 3 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 252. sp. 20.- Raii Syn. p. 48. A. 1 Will. p. 101.
t. 24. Briss. 4. p. 471. ].
Gracula Atthis, Gmel. Syst. 1. 398. sp. 8 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 192.
sp. 10.
Ispida Senegalensis, Briss. 4. p. 485. 7- t. 39. f. 1.
Le Martin Pecheur, Buff. Ois. v. 7. p. 164. t. 9.
Le Baboucard, Id. v. 7. p. 193. Id. PI. Enl. 77.
Martin Pecheur Alcyon, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 423.
Gemeine Eis Vogel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1 106 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 134. Frisch, t. 223.
King's-Fisher, Br. Zool. 1. No. 88. t. 38. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 280. A Albin,
1. t. 54 Will. (Ang.) p. 146. t. 24. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 626. 16 Id. Sup.
p. 115 Lewies Br. Birds, 2. t 52 Mont. Ornith. Diet /d Sup
Bewicks Br. Birds, v. 2. t. 19 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 6 Wale. Syn. 1.
t. 52 Dow,Br. Birds, 4. t. 100 Shaw's Zool. 8. p. 88.
THIS splendid little bird is indigenous in Britain, and, in
point of locality, is rather generally, though sparingly, dif-
fused. 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, from whence it darts upon the small fish and aquatic
Food. insects that form its food.
Sometimes it will hover suspended (in the manner of the
Kestrel and some other Hawks) over the water, and precipi-
tate itself upon its prey, when risen to the surface. Upon
making a capture, it conveys the object to land, and, after
beating it to death upon a stone, or on the ground, swallows
it whole. The bones and other indigestible parts are after-
wards ejected in small pellets, by the mouth. Its flight is
very rapid, and sustained by a quickly repeated motion of
the wings, and is always in a straight and horizontal direc-
tion, near to the surface of the water. These birds breed in
INSESSORES. ALCEDO. 137
the banks of the streams they haunt, either digging a hole
themselves, or taking possession of that of a water-rat, which
they afterwards enlarge to suit their convenience. The bear-
ing of the hole is always diagonally upwards, and it pierces
two or three feet into the bank. The nest is composed of Nest, &c.
the above-mentioned pellets of fish-bones, ejected into a small
cavity at the farther end of this retreat, and upon which the
eggs are laid, to the number of six or seven, of a transparent
pinkish-white. MONTAGU remarks, that the hole in which
they breed is not fouled by the castings of the old birds, but
becomes so by the droppings of the brood, which, being of
a watery nature, cannot be carried away by the parents, as
is usual with most small birds. Instinct has therefore taught
them to make the hole in a sloping direction, in order to carry
away the offensive matter, which may frequently be seen is-
suing from the entrance of this passage to the nest.
The young, when nearly fledged, are very voracious, and
often reveal their habitation by their continued cry.
Attempts have been sometimes made to rear the KingV
fisher in a state of confinement, but generally without suc-
cess ; as it will not live without a full supply of fresh fish,
which it is difficult to procure at all seasons. Worms have
been tried as a substitute, but without answering the in-
tended purpose. For an account of the poetic fictions, and
stories of earlier times relating to the Halcyon, my readers
are referred to PENNANT'S account of this bird in his British
Zoology.
This is the only species of an extensive genus that is found
in Europe, throughout which it is generally dispersed ; and
it differs in no respect from the same bird in Asia and Africa,
as I have had an opportunity of examining specimens from
both Continents.
PLATE 40. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill blackish-brown, reddish at the base. Behind each eye General
is a patch of light orange-brown, succeeded by a white
5
138 INSESSORES. DENTIROSTRES.
one. From each corner of the under mandible proceeds
a streak of verditer-blue, tinged with verdigris-green.
Crown of the head deep olive-green, the feathers tipped
with verdigris-green. From the nape of the neck to the
tail is a list of verditer-blue feathers, tinged in some
shades with verdigris-green. Wing coverts and quills
deep greenish-blue, margined with pale greenish- blue,
and tinged with verdigris-green. Chin and throat yel-
lowish-white. Breast, belly, and vent, orange-brown,
palest towards the under tail coverts. Tail greenish-
blue ; the shafts of the feathers black. Legs pale tile-
red.
TRIBE II. DENTIROSTRES, CUVIER.
The distinct ernargination of one or both mandibles, near
the tip of the bill, and which may be considered as analo-
gous to the tooth or festoon of the typical Raptores., is the
marked characteristic of the birds belonging to this division
of the Insessores. This formation, though but in few in-
stances so powerfully developed as to enable them to tear in
pieces their prey, contributes essentially to the firmness and
security with which they lay hold of it. In the Laniadce,
one of the typical families of the tribe, it is more distinctly
prominent than in any of the others, and, as might be ex-
pected, we find the habits and food of the Shrikes more as-
similated to those of the Raptorial order. In the Dentiros-
tres, the bill is generally lengthened, so as to defend the face
from the struggles of their prey, which is always taken by
the aid of this member ; or, where it is short and broad, the
base is furnished with stiff projecting bristles, or having fea-
thers that answer the same purpose of defence. The legs
and feet are more fully developed than those of the Fissiros-
tral tribe (with which, however, the necessary connexion is
preserved by different members of the family of the Todida),
INSESSORES. TODIDM. 139
but they are less perfectly constructed than the feet of the
Conirostres ; as may be seen in the frequent connection of
the middle and outer toes. The five natural families of this
tribe are arranged in the following tribes, viz. Todidoe (by
some named Muscicapidce), Laniadce, Merulidce, Sylviada,
and Ampel'tdce ; each of which is again divisible into inferior
circles or subfamilies, but all united together by one un-
broken chain of affinities.* The food of the present tribe of
birds is of various kinds ; that of the Todidse and Laniadae
consisting almost exclusively of insects and animal matter;
whilst in the Merulidae and Sylviadae, the smaller fruits fre-
quently form a considerable part of it ; and, in the Ampeli-
da>, it is still more confined to a vegetable nature.
FAMILY I. TODIDSE.
As being closely allied to the preceding or Fissirostral
tribe of the Insessores, the circle of the Dentirostres com-
mences with the aberrant family of the Todidce of SWAIN-
SON, which, from a strict analysis of the forms it contains,
embraces not only the genus Todus of the Authors, but also
the Fly-Catchers (Muscicapidce). Its members are distin-
guished by a bill, with the tip emarginated, broad, and de-
pressed at the base, and beset with projecting bristles ; legs
short and weak; feet calculated for perching, but not for
gressorial movements. Their food consists of insects, which
they generally capture by irregular flights or irruptions up-
on them when passing the stations, where the birds sit pa-
As the nature of this work precludes the possibility of entering ful-
ly into the various affinities in the feathered race, or even to point out the
analogies running through all the major and minor divisions, I must refer
my readers to the works of those who have written more expressly upon
this point ; particularly to the 2d vol. of the " Northern Zoology," where
Mr SWAINSON has entered deeply into the subject, and traced it with the
hand of a master.
140 1NSESSORES. MUSCICAPA.
tiently watching for their appearance. To the Laniadce the
present family is nearly related, by the apparent affinity be-
tween the Flycatchers, belonging to the genera Fluvicola,
and the Tyrants (Tyrannina), a subfamily belonging to the
preceding tribe. A near connexion also exists with the Syl-
viada, in which the genus Setophaga and some others make
a close approach, in the increasing breadth of the base of the
bill, in the bearded gape, and in habits, to some of the true
Flycatchers. Of the various forms contained in this family,
we only possess representatives of a single group, viz. the
Muscicapa of Authors.
GENUS MUSCICAPA, LINN. FLYCATCHER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill rather short, subtriangular, depressed at the base,
strong, and compressed towards the tip, which is deflected,
and with both mandibles emarginated. Base of the bill be-
set with long stiff bristles. Nostrils basal, oval, and lateral,
partly concealed by the feathers at the base of the bill. Feet
having the tarsus as long as, or rather longer than, the mid-
dle toe ; toes three before and one behind, the side ones of
equal length, the outer one joined at its base to the middle
toe. Wings having the first quill very short, the second
shorter than the third and fourth, which are the longest in
each wing.
The members of this genus are confined to the Old World,
and are found in all the temperate and warm climates. The
few species, however, which visit Europe are all summer vi-
sitants, or (as sometimes called) polar migrants, and are on-
ly resident during the period necessary for the continuation
of their kind.
The food of the genus, according to their appellation, con-
I i v< AKIIEH. INSESSORES. MUSCICAPA, 141
sists of insects, which they take upon wing with great dexte-
rity, not, like the Swallow tribe, by meeting with them du-
ring their flight, but by sallies from their perched situation
at the various flies that pass them. The male birds of some
of the species are subject to a double moult, or rather to a
partial change in the colour of the plumage, on the approach
of spring, or the pairing season. During the rest of the year,
they resemble the females.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.
MUSCICAPA GRISOLA, Linn.
PLATE XLIII". FIG. 1.
Muscicapa grisola, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 328. 20. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 949 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 467_JMtt 2. p. 357- 1. 1. 35. f. 3 Raii Syn. p. 81.
7 Will. p. 153. 171.
Le Gobe mouche, proprement dit, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 517. t. 25 Id. PI.
EnL 5G5. f. 1.
Gobe-mouche gris, Tern. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 152.
Gecleckter Flugenfanger, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 421 Meyer, Tas-
schenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 211 Frisch, I. 22. f. 2. 6.
Spotted Flycatcher, Br. Zool. 1. p. 350. No. 134 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 3.
t. 87 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 323. 1. Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds,
v. 1. p. 190. Id. Supp. p. 30.
PROVINCIAL Beam-Bird, Rafter, Bee-Bird.
THIS is one of our latest summer visitants, seldom making Periodical
its appearance before the latter part of May, or until the ^
woods are in complete foliage, when the particular insects
also that compose its food are in full vigour and maturity.
It is generally dispersed throughout the island, particularly
in all wooded districts. It frequents our gardens and or-
chards during the season of incubation, and frequently builds
upon the branches of fruit-trees that are nailed against walls,
and sometimes in the forks and decayed holes of standard
trees.
Its nest, which is formed of moss and small twigs, lined Nest, &c.
with hair and feathers, is often placed also upon the ends of
the beams or rafters in garden-houses, and other out-build-
142 INSESSORES. MUSCICAPA. FLYCATCHER.
ings ; and I have frequently met with it situated upon the
ledge of a rock in our northern woody dells. It lays four or
five eggs, of a greyish-white, spotted with pale orange-co-
loured brown. After its young have quitted the nest, it
conducts them to some neighbouring wood or plantation,
Food. where they are very diligently attended and fed.
It seems to feed entirely on insects, chiefly of the Dipte-
rous order, which are taken on the wing, by repeated sorties
upon them, in passing, from its selected station, which is
usually the top of a decayed branch, and to which it returns
after each of these aerial attacks. It has been stated by
PENNANT, and other authors, to be very partial to cherries,
but this I have not been able to verify ; and I am inclined
to believe, that the Greater Petty chaps (Sylvia hortensis), a
keen devourer of all the smaller fruits, has, in most instances,
been mistaken for the present bird. The note of the Fly-
catcher is a monotonous weak chirp, and is not often heard
till after the production of its young.
It seldom leaves the northern parts of Britain on its au-
tumnal journey before the middle of October, and long after
the departure of most of the Sylviadae. Its summer or po-
lar migration extends as far as Sweden and Norway. In
Scotland it is of rare occurrence.
General PL ATE 43*. Fig. 1. Natural size. Form typical.
descrip- Upper parts of the body light hair-brown ; the crown of
the head spotted darker. Throat and middle of the
belly white. Sides of the neck, breast, and flanks,
streaked with hair-brown. Bill and legs dark hair-
brown.
The young, in their nestling (or first) plumage, have the
feathers tipped with a spot of yellowish-white, giving
them a pretty mottled appearance.
Sp. of Adult
Male in sum-
mer.
FLYCATCHER. INSESSORES. MU8CICAPA. 143
PIED FLYCATCHER.
MUSCICAPA LUCTUOSA, Temm.
PLATE XLIII". FIGS. 2, 3.
Muscicapa luctuosa, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 1 55.
Gobe Mouche becfique, Temm. id.
Muscicapa atricapilla, Gmel. Syst. 1 . p. 935. sp. 9. Lath. Ind. Ornith. '
v. 1. p. 467. sp. 2.
Rubetra Anglicana, Briss. Orn. v. 3. p. 436. sp. 27.
Schwartzriickiger Flugenfanger, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. p. 431 Meyer,
Tasschenb. Deut. p. 232. FrucA. 1. 24. f. 2.
Pied Flycatcher, Br. Zool. 1. 351. t. 135 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 391 Le-
wirfs Br. Birds, 3. t. 38. Lath. Syn. 3. p. 324. 2. Mont. Ornith. Diet.
Id. Suppl Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 195.
Motacilla ficedula, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 936. sp. 10.
Sylvia ficedula, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 517. sp. 28.
Muscicapa muscipeta, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 3. p. 435. I Male, Female,
Le Becfigue, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 18?. Id. PL Enl. 668. [ 5t
Schwartzgraiier Flugenfanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 213.
Epicurean Warbler, Arct. Zool. v. 2. p. 419 Lath. Syn. v. 4. p. 432.
THIS species has been treated as indigenous in some parts Occasional
of our island by many of the British ornithologists, but I
have not hitherto been able to determine whether this is a
well-grounded assertion ; and T was led to doubt, from my
own experience being in direct opposition to it. Within the
last two or three years, several specimens of this bird have
fallen under my inspection, all of which were killed in the
spring or summer.-f- I have inquired also in those districts
+ Two specimens of the present species were sent to me for inspection
by the Rev. T. GISBORNE, College, Durham, which were killed at Yoxall
Lodge, in Staffordshire, on 20th August 1827- They were evidently
young birds of the year, and precisely alike in colour and markings. Head
and upper parts of the body grey, tinged with brown. Greater wing-co-
verts tipped with yellowish-white. Quills, commencing at the fourth,
with a white spot at the base of the outer web. The two nearest the body
having the whole of the web deeply marginated with white. Chin and
throat yellowish-white. Breast and under parts yellowish-white, tinged
with grey. Tail brownish -black ; the three outer feathers on each side ha-
ving their exterior webs margined with white. Bill and legs black.
The following memorandum accompanied them : " Two supposed Fly-
144 INSESSORES. MUSCICAPA. FLYCATCHER.
where it has been most frequently met with, and consequent-
ly where, if indigenous, it was most likely to have been
found during the winter ; but in no quarter has any trace of
its permanent residence been discovered, and my inquiries
have been answered, by stating it as a bird that evidently
arrives in the spring, and disappears in the autumn.
Its mode of life, and the species of food upon which it
subsists, also militate against the idea of its wintering in this
island ; for, living entirely on winged insects, it would be
impossible for it to procure an adequate supply of food du-
ring the severity of the winter season. I should even be in-
clined to consider the few individuals met with in England
during the summer, as birds that have been driven rather
out of the regular track of their polar migration ; and the
following fact goes far towards confirming this supposition.
In May 1822, after a very severe storm of wind and rain
from the south-east, several of these birds made their ap-
pearance in Northumberland, and I procured specimens of
both sexes, the males being in different states of progress to-
wards the summer's plumage. As the weather continued
cold for some days subsequent to their appearance, they were
obliged to resort to dunghils, and other warm situations, for
a supply of their natural food. After remaining for about
a fortnight to recruit their strength (for at first they exhi-
bited great weakness), they all disappeared ; nor could I as-
certain that a single pair remained in that neighbourhood
during the season of incubation.
Their manners, flight, and method of catching their prey,
were similar to the preceding species ; and they were general-
ly mute.
The West Riding of Yorkshire, and the neighbourhood
of Penrith in Cumberland, appear to be the districts in
catchers, shot whilst actively employed in coming down from the tops of
oak trees to catch the flies, which the swallows also were busy in taking."
Length 5| inches, breadth 7^ inches ; weight of the one 3 drs. 1 scr. 5grs.,
of the other, 3 drs. 1 scr. 1 gr.
FLYCATCHER. INSESSORES. MUSCICAPA. 145
which the Pied Flycatcher is oftener met with than in any
other part of the island. It breeds there in the holes of de- Nest, &c.
cayed trees, forming a nest of leaves, bark, and hay, lined
with hair and feathers. The eggs are four or five in num-
ber, of a pale greenish-blue colour.
I have also seen specimens from Dorsetshire.
According to TEMMINCK, it is very abundant in the south-
ern provinces of Europe, and along the coasts of the Medi-
terrannean ; is found in the central parts of France and Ger-
many ; and is also common in Italy.
PLATE 43*. Fig. 2. Natural size. Form typical. A
male bird, in the summer plumage.
Head and upper parts of the body black, forehead and general
under parts pure white. Wings brownish-black, the descrip-
middle and greater coverts white. In the old males, Male bird,
the feathers of the tail are entirely black ; in younger
birds the outer feathers have more or less white on
them.
Fig. 3. In the female the forehead is not of so pure a white Female
as in the other sex. The upper parts are of a blackish-
grey ; which i& also the colour of the male in winter.
Under parts white. Legs black.
FAMILY II.
This family, forming one of the typical divisions of the tribe,
contains all the forms that were included by LINN^US in his
extensive genus Lanius, as well as a multitude of others, ar-
ranged in various genera, or discovered since that period in
different parts of the world. The emargination of the bill
is strongly marked throughout the whole series, in one group
assuming the form of a distinct tooth. In some members
the bill is strong, arched, and compressed ; in others, it is
nearly strait, the tip alone being bent down ; and again, in
VOL. i. K
146 INSESSORES. LANIAD^.
the aberrant forms, it is found of great breadth, and much
depressed at the base, approaching nearly in shape to that of
the Flycatchers of the preceding family. The Laniadse are
all insectivorous, and some few belonging to the strong-billed
groups are partly carnivorous, destroying young and weak
birds, and the smaller mammalia. According to Mr SWAIN-
SON, who has analyzed the group of the Laniadae with the
acumen and indefatigable perseverance that so eminently dis-
tinguish him, the five following subfamilies compose its cir-
cle, viz. Tyrannina, Laniana, ThamnopJiilina, Edol'iana,
and Cellepyrina, of which the typical genera are, Tyrannus
(BRISSON), Lanius (LiNN.), ThamnopMlus (ViEiL.), Ocyp-
terus (Cuv.), and Ceblepyris (Cuv.) ; all of which, it is al-
most unnecessary to add, are intimately connected among
themselves by strong and well defined characteristics. Of
the first subfamily (Tyrannina) we have not any examples,
this form being restricted to America ; of the second (Lania-
na) we have three species, belonging to the genus Lanius ;
the next three are also unknown in Europe.
SUBFAMILY LANIANA.
In addition to the true Shrikes, or Butcher Birds, com-
posing the genus Lanius as now restricted, and which are
the typical representatives of the present tribe, this subfa-
mily contains various other genera, nearly allied to each
other, but departing in some points, either of organization or
habits, from the type. Such are the genus Malaconotos, be-
longing to the African continent ; that of Falcunculus, dis-
covered in New Holland; and various others, which lead the
way to, and connect the present with, other tribes and fami-
lies of the Insessores. Speaking generally of the genus now
before us, the bill may be stated as strong, and compressed ;
having the upper mandible more or less arched ; and being
armed with a prominent emargination or tooth. The legs of
INSESSORES. LANIUS. 147
mean length and strength, and better adapted for perching
tl Kin for walking. Wings rather short; with the tail some-
what elongated, and commonly graduated. These birds are
insectivorous, and some of them also carnivorous, but their
prey is almost entirely captured by the bill. In Britain we
only possess examples of the typical genus Lanius.
GENUS LANIUS, LINN. SHRIKE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill rather thick, straight at the base, compressed, upper
mandible considerably deflected at the point, and strongly
emarginated or toothed. Base of the bill beset with hairy
feathers directed forwards. Nostrils basal, lateral, and egg-
shaped, partly closed by an arched membrane. Feet with
three toes before, and one behind ; the outer toe united at its
base to the middle one. Tarsus longer than the middle toe.
Claws falcate and sharp. Wings having the first quill short ;
the second less than the third and fourth, which are the
longest in each wing.
The food of this genus principally consists of insects,
sometimes of smaller birds and animals, which they tear in
pieces with their bill, having first transfixed the object upon
a thorn. Their mode of flight is irregular, and the tail is
kept in constant agitation, as is the case with many birds be-
longing to this tribe. Some of the species are subject to a
double moult, or rather to a change of colour in certain
parts of the plumage twice in the year ; in the rest it is ordi-
nary and single.
148 INSESSORES. LANIUS. SHRIKE.
GREAT CINEREOUS SHRIKE.
LANIUS EXCUBITOR, Linn.
f PLATE XLIII. FIG. 1.
Lanius excubitor, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 135. 11 Fauna Suec. No. 80 Gmel
Syst. 1. p. 300. 11 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 6?. sp. 6.
Lanius, seu Collurio cinereus major, Rail Syn. p. 18. A. 3. Will. p. 53.
t. 10 Briss. 2. p. 141. 1.
Pie Grieche, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 296. t. 20. Id. PI. Enl. 445. Temm. Man.
d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 142.
Grauer Wurger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 87. Frisch. t. 59.
Blaauwe Klauwier, Sepp. Nederl. Vb'g. t. p. 121.
Great Cinereous Shrike, Br. Zool. No. 71. t. 33 __ Arct. Zool. 2. No. 127.
Lewirfs Br. Birds, 1. t. 30 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 160. 4 Mont. Ornith.
Diet Putt. Cat. Dorset, p. 4 Bewick'' s Br. Birds, 1. p. 58. Don. Br.
Birds, 4. t. 87-
PROVINCIAL, Mountain Magpie, Mattiges, Wireangel, Murdering
Pie.
Occasional THIS species can only be considered as an occasional visi-
visitant. tant j n Engird, w here a few are usually observed in the
course of their autumnal migration towards the equator, and
are probably driven upon our eastern shore by adverse
winds.
By most of the British ornithologists, it has been men-
tioned as arriving in spring and departing in autumn, which
would imply that it breeds in this country, and is a regular
periodical visitant. From this view of its habits I must be
permitted to dissent, all the specimens that have come under
my observation having been killed in the months of Novem-
ber, December, and January ; nor have I ever seen or heard
of an individual during the summer months. It is a solitary
bird, being most frequently found single ; though I have
more than once met with a male and female together.
Food. It feeds upon insects, as well as small birds, and the small-
est class of animals, which it destroys by strangulation. Af-
f The Plate that should have been numbered thus, has been by mis-
take numbered 27.
SHRIKE. INSESSORES. LAN1US. 149
ter having killed its prey, it transfixes it upon a thorn, and
then tears it in pieces with its bill. This singular process is
used with all its food. I had the gratification of witnessing
this operation of the Shrike upon a Hedge Accentor (Ac-
centor modularis), which it had just killed ; and the skin of
which, still attached to the thorn, is now in my possession.
In this instance, after killing the bird, it hovered, with the
prey in its bill, for a short time over the hedge, apparently
occupied in selecting a thorn fit for its purpose. Upon dis-
turbing it, and advancing to the spot, I found the Accentor
firmly fixed by the tendons of the wing at the selected twig.
I have met with the remains of a mouse in the stomach of a
Shrike; and MONTAGU mentions one in which he found a
a Shrew (Sorex arenarius). When confined in a cage, this
bird still evinces the same propensity for fixing its food, and,
if a sharp-pointed stick or thorn is not left for that purpose,
it will invariably fasten it to the wires before commencing its
repast. The flight of the Shrike is interrupted, being per-
formed by jerks, and, when perched, the tail is kept in con-
stant motion. Its voice is capable of variation, and it pos-
sesses a power of imitating the notes of many of the smaller
Passeres ; in which respect it shews an approach to the Mock-
ing Thrushes of the family Merulidce. Wooded and enclosed
situations are its favourite haunts.
It builds in trees and bushes, laying six or seven white Nest &c>
eggs, spotted with yellowish-brown. It is extremely cou-
rageous, attacking birds much its superior in size ; and will
not allow a Hawk, Crow, or Magpie, to approach its haunts
with impunity. Its legs and talons are slender and weak,
and are but little used in securing and tearing up its prey,
which are effected by the bill, being thick, and furnished
with very powerful muscles ; and in this mode of capturing
its food it strikingly differs from the rapacious order.
150
INSESSORES. LANIUS.
SHRIKE.
General
descrip-
tion.
PLATE 43. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill black, strong, and much hooked at the tip ; the base
covered with projecting bristles, that conceal the orifice
of the nostrils. Irides blackish-brown. From the base
of the upper mandible, a black streak runs past the eye,
reaching half-down the neck. Upper parts pearl-grey,
passing into pale ash-grey, upon the scapulars, rump,
and upper tail-coverts. Wing-coverts black. Base of
the primary quills white ; the rest black with white tips,
under parts greyish- white. Tail wedge-shaped, of twelve
feathers ; the two middle ones black, the two next tipped
with white ; on the rest the black diminishes to the out-
termost feather, which is generally white. Feet and claws
black.
The female differs only from the male bird in having the
under parts of a deeper shade of greyish-white, marked
with numerous transverse dusky lines.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE.
LANIUS COLLURIO, Linn.
PLATE XL1II. FIG. 2., AND PLATE XLIII. FIG. 2, 3.
Lanius Collurio, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 136. l2.Gmel. Syst. p. 200 Lath. Ind.
Ornith. v. 1. p. 69. il.Sriss. v. 2. p. 151. sp. 4.
Lanius minor rufus, Raii Syn. p. 18. A. 4 Will p. 54.
Merulge congener alia, Raii Syn, p. 67- 13.
Lanius spini Torquens, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1335.
La Pie grieche Ecorcheur, Buff. Ois. v. 1. p. 304. t. 21 Id. PI. Enl. 31.
fig 2 male, and fig. 1. female, under the title of Pie Grieche rousse fe-
melle.-T'miti. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 147 Le Fail. Ois. d'Afriq. v. 2.
pi. 64. f. 1. and. 2.
Rothriickiger Vurger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 90.
Red-backed Shrike, Br. Zool. 1. No. 72 Arct. Zool. 2. No. ISl.Lewm's
Br. Birds, 1. 1. 30 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 167- 25. Id. Supp. p. 52. Mont.
Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 4 BewicVs Br. Birds,
1. p. 60 Shaw's Zool. v. 7. p. 315.
Periodical THE Red-backed Shrike is a regular periodical visitant in
visitant. Britain, arriving in the spring, and commencing its equate-
SHRIKE. INSESSORES. LANIUS. 151
rial migration in September or October, as soon as the young
birds have acquired sufficient strength to undertake the jour-
ney. During its residence with us, it is but partially distri-
buted, being confined principally to the southern and mid-
land counties.
It is common on the extensive Downs of Sussex, and the
adjoining line of coast, particularly upon those which abound
with furze and thorn-bushes. It is also well known in Wilt-
shire and Gloucestershire, and I have seen it in different
parts of Wales. It is occasionally met with in Cumberland,
and the western parts of Yorkshire, where it has received the
name of Flusher, and a few instances have occurred of its
appearance as far north as the river Tyne.
Its habits are similar to the preceding species, and it pur-
sues the same method with respect to its prey, which is chief- Food.
ly confined to insects, particularly those of the coleopterous Nest, &c.
order. It forms a nest of moss, intermixed with wool and
dry grass, lined with hair, in furze or thorn bushes ; laying
five or six eggs, of a pinkish-white, with small spots of wood-
brown, disposed like zones, chiefly at the larger end. The
young birds, when nearly fledged, soon give notice of the
place of their concealment, by becoming very clamorous up-
on any approach to the nest. The notes of this species are
varied, and its song is pleasing.
CAPTAIN MITFORD (whom I have before mentioned in this
work) had an opportunity of observing the manners of these
birds during the breeding-season, in the vicinity of Hastings,
in Sussex, where they abound ; and assures me that he never
observed any particular hostility displayed by them towards
the neighbouring smaller birds ; and that he has found the
nest of different species (Sylvia, &c.) within a very short dis-
tance of that of one of these Shrikes, which allowed them to
bring up their young without molestation. It may be reared
in confinement without difficulty, soon becoming tame. MON-
TAGU mentions having kept several, that shewed as much
docility as Goldfinches. They were fed with Hies and other
152 INSESSORES. LANIUS. SHRIKE.
insects, and, in deficiency of such food, with raw-flesh, which
they always endeavoured to fasten to the wires or other parts
of the cage, previous to tearing it in pieces.
This bird is very generally dispersed throughout Europe,
and, according to LE VAILLANT, is common in Africa, where
it winters.
PLATE 43. Fig. 2. Male bird, of the natural size.
Bill black. Irides chestnut-brown. From the forehead a
descrS. black streak runs past the eyes, reaching half-down the
tion - sides of the neck. Crown of the head and nape of the
neck ash-grey, in some instances tinged with yellowish-
grey. Throat and vent white. Breast, belly, and
flanks rose-red. Back and wing-coverts reddish-brown.
Quills blackish-brown, the edges of the outer webs be-
ing paler. Tail slightly wedge-shaped, the middle fea-
thers black, the rest with more or less white at the base,
and being tipped with white. Shafts black. Legs and
feet black.
PLATE 43. Fig 2. Female, natural size.
Head and all the upper parts of the plumage chestnut-
Female, brown. Nape of the neck tinged with ash-grey. Throat
and under parts greyish-white. The cheeks, breast, and
flanks barred transversely with narrow semicircular
blackish-brown lines. Outer webs of the two exterior
tail-feathers margined with white. Base of the under
mandible yellowish-white. Legs and toes blackish-
brown.
WOODCHAT. INSESSORES LAN1US. 153
WOODCHAT.
LANIUS RUFUS.
PLATE C. FIG. 1.
Lanius rufus, Briss. Orn. 2. 147- sp. 3.
Lanius rutilus, Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 70. sp. 12.
Lanius pomeranus, Gmel. Syst. 1 . 302. 33.
Lanius minor cinerascens, Rail Syn. 19. A. 6. Will. 54.
Le Pie grieche rousse, Buff. Ois. 1. 301 Id. PL Enl. 9. f. l.Temm. Man.
d'Orn. 1. 146. Lesson's Man. d'Orn. 1. 126.
Kothhopfigen vurger, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. 101. Meyer, 89.
Woodchat, Br. Zool. 1. 21?. No. 73 Alton, 2. t. 16 Lath. Syn. 169. 17-
Bewick's Br. Birds, ed. 1826. p. 75 ; but the figure seems doubtful, and
more like the female or young of Lanius Collurio.
At the time of the publication of the First Series of the Il-
lustrations, and the accompanying volume of letter-press, I
had not been able to find any well authenticated instance of
the capture of this species in Britain, and accordingly re- Occasional
frained from giving either a figure or description of the bird,
although it had been considered as British, in all our orni-
thological works and compilations on Natural History since
the time of WILLOUGHBY, who certainly refers to this species
under the title of " another sort of Butcher Bird" but with-
out stating from whence the described specimen was obtained.
I have, however, now ascertained that it has occasionally been
met with in England. Mr LEADBETTER, the animal preserver
(so well known to scientific ornithologists for his valuable
collection of rare birds), assures me that he once had a fresh
specimen brought to him, that had been killed in Yorkshire ;
and the Rev. R. HAMOND of Swaffham informs me of his
having seen a Woodchat in a hedge, which bird he followed
for a considerable distance, that, by repeated observation, he
might assure himself of not being in error as to the species.
BEWICK, in a late edition of his British Birds (1826), gives
the figure of a Shrike, killed in the county of Durham, which
he supposes to be the Woodchat. But his description of it
154 INSESSORES. LANIUS. WOODCHAT.
is not so fully detailed as satisfactorily to identify the species,
and the figure bears a greater resemblance to the female or
young of Lanius Collurio, than to any state of the adult
Woodchat ; for the female of this species, like the male, pos-
sesses the distinguishing patch of white upon the scapulary
feathers ; and the markings and disposition of the colours of
her plumage are nearly the same as in the male, only pos-
sessing less intensity and purity of tint. The bird he has
figured may, I allow, have been the young of the species in
question, as TEMMINCK remarks that they are very like the
female of the Red-backed Shrike (Laniua Collurio), and are
chiefly to be distinguished by the different proportions of the
wings and tail.
The habits of the Woodchat are similar to those of the
preceding species, and it pursues the same method of trans-
fixing its prey, when caught, upon thorns, Sec.
Food. Its food consists of the larger insects, and occasionally of
young or weak small birds and mammalia.
It is not uncommon in parts of France, and is also found
in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. It is very plentiful in
Northern Africa, from whence I have obtained specimens.
Nest, &c. It is said to build its nest in shrubby underwood, suspend-
ing it between the forks of branches in the manner of the
Orioles ; and the eggs are often six in number, of a greenish-
white, varied with blotches of grey.
PLATE C. Fig. 1. Represents the male bird in the adult
General plumage. The form is typical ; the second quill-feather
tkm. P slightly exceeding the fifth. Bill strong, convex above,
Male Bird. tne tooth or emargination of the upper mandible pro-
minent, and distinctly marked. Above each nostril is
a patch of white. Frontal band and region of the eyes
and auricular s, brownish-black. Crown, occiput, and
back part of the neck, reddish-orange. Mantle black.
Scapulars white, forming a large and distinct patch.
Wing-coverts and secondaries brownish-black ; the lat-
INSESSORES. MERULID.E. 155
ter being finely margined with white. Greater quills
having their bases white. Lower part of the back deep
grey. Rump and upper tail-coverts white. Chin,
throat, and under plumage, white, slightly tinged with
yellow. Tail graduated ; the outer feather white, with
a large black square bar upon its inner web ; the next
feather having its basal part and tip white, and the re-
maining portion black ; the other feathers being black,
shewing indistinct bars of a deeper shade. Legs having
the tarsi seven-eighths of an inch long ; claws sharp,
curved, and channelled. Total length of bird exceeding
seven inches.
The female has the orange of the head and hind part of Female,
the neck less pure in tint ; and slightly rayed with lines
of a deeper shade. The dark parts of her plumage are
also of a browner tinge, and the white upon the scapu-
lars rather sullied. The lower parts are also rayed with
lines of pale brown.
FAMILY III. MERULID^.
The connection between the Laniadae and the Merulidse,
the second typical family of the Dentirostres, is reciprocally
effected by various forms belonging to the subdivisions of
each, which, mutually losing some peculiar characteristics of
the typical representatives of their own family, assume in a
greater or less degree those belonging to the other. Thus
the Short-legged Thrushes (forming SWAINSON'S subfamily
BracJiypodina) become nearly allied to the subfamily Lani-
ana, by the intervention of the genus Triclioplwrus ; and also
the Ant Thrushes of the subfamily Myoitherina to certain
species of the smaller Thamnophili, or Bush-Shrikes of Ame-
rica,
Instead of the strong, short, dentated bill, that characte-
rizes the typical Lanii, the true Thrushes have it longer and
156 INSESSORES. MERULID^.
more slender, with the notch less prominent or tooth-like ;
but sufficiently developed to assist them in taking firm hold
of their food, which is not restricted to insects, but extends
to worms and other soft animal substances, as well as the
smaller fruits and berries. In the structure of their limbs
and feet they shew a decided superiority over the Laniadse,
these members being more muscular, and so formed as to
be equally well adapted for moving upon the ground or
perching on trees. According to Mr SWAINSON, whose
views in relation to this family agree with my own, the cir-
cle of the Merulidae is formed of the five following groups
or subfamilies, viz. 1st, Brachypodina, or Short-legged
Thrushes, of which Brachypus dispar (SWAINS.) may be ta-
ken as a typical example ; 2c?/z/, Merulina, containing the
true Thrushes (genus Merula of RAY), the Mocking
Thrush (genus Orpheus of SWAINSON)) Rock Thrushes ge-
nus Petrocincla of VIGOIIS), &c. ; 3d//, Myotherina, which
includes the genera Myothera, Pitta., Myophonus, Cinclus,
&c. ; kthty) Oriolana, including genus Oriolus, as now re-
stricted, Mimeta, Sericulus, &c. ; and, Sthly, Crateropodina,
or Strong-legged Thrushes, embracing many forms, arranged
in various orders and genera by the earlier systematists, and
of which the genus Crateropus of SWAINSON is the type.
SUBFAMILY MERULINA.
As we have no birds belonging to the first and aberrant
subfamily Brachyopodlna^ I pass on to that of Merulina,
one of the typical groups of the family, and composed of
RAY'S genus Merula (now restricted to the true Thrushes);
Petrocincla (a genus instituted by VIGORS for the reception
of certain species that frequent rocky situations) ; Orpheus
(adopted by SWAINSON as a generic appellation for the
Mocking Thrushes of America), and other nearly allied ge-
nera. In this subfamily, the bill is tolerably strong, rather
THIM-MI. INSESSORES. AIKIU I, A. 157
elongated, slightly arched and emarginated, rendering it ef-
ficient for the capture and secure detention of their different
kinds of food. Their legs are muscular, and their feet, par-
ticularly those of genus Merula, adapted both for moving on
the ground and perching. The greater part of the species
are remarkable for the sweetness and versatility of their vo-
cal powers, well exemplified in our indigenous bird the
Throstle or Mavis, and in the far-famed Mocking-Bird of
America (the type of the genus Orpheus). The whole of
the British members of this group belong to the true
Thrushes (genus Merula of RAY).
GENUS MERULA, RAY. THRUSH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill nearly as long as the head ; strait at the base ; slight-
ly bending towards the point, which is rather compressed ;
the upper mandible emarginated. Gape furnished with a
few bristles. Nostrils basal, lateral and oval, partly covered
by a naked membrane. Legs of mean length, muscular.
Toes, three before and one behind ; the outer toe joined at
its base to the middle one, which is shorter than the tarsus.
Claws slightly arcuate ; that of the hind toe the largest. Of
the wings, the first quill is short, and the third and fourth
are the longest.
This genus being now very properly restricted to the true
Thrushes (of which the Blackbird may be considered the
type), I make no apology for adopting the generic appella-
tion bestowed on that bird and its congeners by our illus-
trious countryman RAY, in preference to that of Turdus,
afterwards given by LINN^OS ; and under which designation
a vast number of forms, belonging to other genera, and even
families, have since been added by succeeding writers, thus
rendering it a confused assemblage, only calculated to mis-
158 INSESSORES. MERULA. THRUSH.
lead the student who seeks to follow the natural arrange-
ment, or that based upon affinity. It is still a numerous ge-
nus, and some of the various species that it includes are
found in every quarter of the globe.
Many of the European species are migratory, and assem-
ble during the winter in large flocks. Their food consists of
insects and worms, together with different kinds of berries
and fruits. Their moult appears to be simple.
MISSEL-THRUSH,
MERULA VISCIVOEA.
PLATE XLIV. FIG. 1.
Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Sysn. 1. p. 291 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 806 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 1. 326. 1 Rail Syn. p. 64. A. 1 Will. p. 137. t. 136.
Turdus major, Briss. 2. p. 200. 1.
La Draine, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 295. t. 19. f. 1 Id. PL Enl. 489.
Merle Draine, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 161.
Mistel-Drossel, Meyer, Taschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 191 Bechst. Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 3. p. 324.
Missel-Thrush. Br. Zool. 1. No. 105 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 341. 8 Will.
(Ang.) p. 187- t. 36 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 57 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 161.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 10 Bewick's Br.
Birds, 1. p. 96 Id. Sup.
PROVINCIAL, Misseltoe-Thrush, Storm Cock.
THE Missel-Thrush is the largest of its tribe, and is indi-
genous in Great Britain ; but its distribution is not so exten-
sive, nor locally so abundant, as that of the Song-Thrush and
Blackbird. It appears to be more numerous in the western
counties than in any other parts ; but it has made its appear-
ance within these few years, and been rapidly increasing, in
Northumberland. Except during the period of the produc-
tion of its young, it is a bird of shy and retired habits, fre-
quenting the outskirts of woods, or extensive pastures, where
it feeds upon worms and other insects.
Food. During the winter, it lives chiefly upon the berries of the
mistletoe and juniper, with those of the hawthorn, holly,
and ivy. It possesses a very powerful note, and, in case of
THRUSH. INSESSORES. MERULA. 159
mild weather, its song is often heard as early as the month
of January. It usually sings from the highest branch of
some tall tree, continuing daily to serenade its mate during
the time of incubation, but becomes silent as soon as the
young birds are hatched. It is very courageous in the
breeding season, attacking indiscriminately all other birds
that approach its nest ; and I have sometimes witnessed its
resolute and successful defence against that fatal enemy to
eggs and young broods, the magpie. When disturbed, or
engaged in contest, it utters a harsh kind of scream. It sel-
dom mingles with the other species of thrushes, but more
frequently associates in small families during the winter, and
which resort to extensive pasture and meadow lands.
The place chosen for nidification is commonly the cleft of Nest, &c.
a tree, and the nest is formed externally of white moss and
coarse grass, interwoven with wool, the whole being lined
with the fine stalks of dead grasses.
In this depositary it lays four or five eggs, of a greenish-
white, spotted, and speckled with chestnut-brown and clove-
brown.
PLATE 44. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill blackish-brown ; the base of the upper mandible General
ochre-yellow. Irides brown. Head and upper part of descrip-
the body light hair-brown, passing into oil-green upon Adult
the rump. Greater wing-coverts and quills dark hair-
brown, margined with ash-grey and greyish-white. Tail
deep ash-grey, the outer feathers being tipped with
white, and the inner web of the outermost feather also
white. Throat, chin, and cheeks white, with triangular
blackish-brown spots. Breast, belly, and vent, yellow-
ish-white, passing into straw-yellow, with numerous
blackish brown spots on the flanks and under tail-coverts.
Feathers of the tibia white. Legs pale wood-brown.
The female is similar in plumage to the male bird.
160 INSESSORES, MERULA. FIELDFARE.
Young The young, before the autumnal moult, have the head
and back part of the neck greyish white, more or less
clouded with hair-brown. Lower part of the back and
rump the same. Upper part of the back and wing-
coverts hair-brown, the centres of the feathers yellowish-
white, and the tips of the coverts blackish-brown.
Greater coverts and quills brown, edged with yellowish-
brown, under parts yellowish- white, spotted with black-
ish-brown. Legs inclining to wine-yellow.
It is subject to considerable variety, and is frequently
found with the wings and tail white ; sometimes it is entirely
white, besides other variations of plumage enumerated by
TEMMINCK.
FIELDFARE.
MERULA PILARIS.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 1.
Turdus pilaris, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 291. 2 Faun. Suec. No. 215 Gmel Syst.
1. p. 807 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 330. sp. 11 Rail Syn. p. 64. A. 3.
Will. p. 38. t. 37 Briss. 2. p. 214. 5.
La Litorne ou Tourdell, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 301 Id. PI. Enl. 390.
Merle Litorne, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 1G3.
Wachholder-Drossel, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 145 Id. Naturg.
Deut. v. 3. p. 336 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 193. Frisch. t. 26.
Fieldfare or Feldefare, Br. Zool. 1. No. 106 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 320. A
Will. (Ang.)p. 188. t. 37 Albin. 1. t. 36 Lewies Br. Birds. 2. t. 60
Lath. Syn. 3. p. 24. 11 Mont. Ornith. Diet Hayes~Rr. Birds, t. 31
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 10 BewicWs Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 98 Low's Fauna
Oread, p. 56.
PROVIN CIAL, Feltyfare, Fendyfare.
Periodical THE summer retreat, or polar migration of this bird, being
farther towards the north than the utmost latitude of our
island, it becomes a periodical visitant with us, as a return to
warmer latitudes on the approach of autumn, or after it has
performed the duties attendant on the propagation of its spe-
cies.
INSKSSORES. MBRULA. 161
Of all our winter visitants, it is the latest in its arrival, sel-
dom reaching these shores before the latter part of November,
as I have ascertained by a registry of its first appearance for
some years past, although by many ornithologists it has been
said to appear with or before the Redwing ; but I have inva-
riably found the latter preceding the arrival of the Fieldfare
by some weeks *. On the Northumbrian coast, it always ar-
rives with the wind at north-east or east. As its first appear-
ance is so much later than that of its fellows in migration, so
also is its departure in the spring ; and I have for many years
noticed flocks of these birds remaining on our coast as late as
the latter part of May, or the first week of June. During its
abode with us, it continues in large flocks, and, as long as
the weather remains mild, frequents the meadow and pasture
grounds, feeding upon slugs, worms, and the larvae of insects. Vood.
In severe frosts, and when the ground is covered with
snow, it resorts to the hedges, and to small plantations, where
it subsists upon the berries of the hawthorn, holly, mountain-
ash, and some others. It is a bird of shy disposition, and,
unless pressed by hunger, and reduced by want, will not al-
low of any near approach to it. Highly as the flesh of the
Fieldfare was prized by the Romans, I have not found it to
exceed in flavour that of the Missletoe Thrush, and the
others of its tribe, possessing also a bitterness from which
some of them are free. MONTAGU states that Fieldfares
roost upon the ground : this may be the case in a mild sea-
son, but I have seen them at other times flock by hundreds
at nighfall to fir plantations, where they roosted upon the
trees.
This bird builds in pine or fir trees, in Norway, Sweden,
Lapland, and other northern countries, laying from three to
five eggs, of a pale bluish-green colour, spotted with reddish-
brown.
* I have frequently found the Missel-Thrushes that assemble in small
Hocks early in autumn mistaken for Fieldfares ; and thus an earlier arrival
in this country assigned to the latter species than it is entitled to.
VOL. I. L
162 INSESSORES. MERULA. SONG-THRUSH.
PLATE 45. Fig. 1. A male bird, of the natural size.
General J$H\ deep ochreous-yellow, with the tips of the mandibles
tfon. P black. Irides dark brown. Crown of the head, ear-
coverts, and nape of the neck, pearl-grey ; the former
having dark spots. Upper part of the back and wing-
coverts deep umber-brown, margined paler. Lower part
of the back and rump pearl-grey. Quills blackish-brown,
edged paler. Tail black. Chin, middle of the belly,
and under tail-coverts, white. Sides of the neck, and
breast, ochreous-yellow, with oblong blackish-brown
spots, nearly confluent, and forming a patch on the side
of the breast. Sides and flanks with large triangular
blackish-brown spots. Legs and claws blackish- brown.
The head of the female is more clouded with brown ; the
lower part of the back yellowish-grey ; and the legs
paler than in the male bird.
SONG-THRUSH.
MERULA MUSIC A.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 2.
Turdus musicus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 292. 2 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 809 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 327 Ran Syn. p. 64. A. 2 Will. p. 138. 37-
Turdus minor, Briss. 2. p. 205. 2.
La Grive, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 280 Id. PL Enl. 406.
Merl Grive, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 164.
Sing-Drossel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 349 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 195 Frisch. Vog. t. 27- f> 1.
Throstle or Song-Thrush, Br. Zool. 1. No. 107 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 342
. Albin. 1. t. 34 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 58 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 18. 2 Id.
Sup. p. 139 Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 2. t. 198 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 10 Bewictfs Br. Birds, 1. p. 100 Low's Fau. Oread, p. 57.
Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 174.
PROVINCIAL. Throstle Cock, Mavis, Grey Bird.
THIS well known songster, whose sweetly variable notes
enliven our groves from the commencement of spring to the
close of summer, is indigenous in Britain, as the greater part
SONG-THRISH. INSESSORES. MERULA. 163
of those bred in the island remain stationary through the
whole year. But these our native birds are augmented by
the visits of vast flocks, in the course of their autumnal jour-
ney from the more northern countries of Europe. These last
generally make their appearance before the Redwing and
Fieldfare, and, after recruiting their strength for a few days,
move onward in a southerly direction. Like many of our
other autumnal visitants, they arrive with a north or north-
east wind, plainly indicating the countries from whence they
hold their progress. The Thrushes which remain with us,
never associate in flocks during the winter, like the two
above-mentioned species, but continue dispersed throughout
the country, haunting the thickets and hedges, where they
find a supply of insects and slugs, and of such berries as form
their principal food during the inclement season of the year.
Upon the approach of very severe frosts, or falls of snow, I
have observed that they move from the interior of the coun-
try towards the sea-coast, where the influence of the sea-
breeze soon dissolving the snow, exposes a portion of ground
sufficient to furnish them with a scanty subsistence. If the
season should prove temperate, the male bird begins to pour
forth his love-notes as early as the latter part of January, or
the beginning of the month following. In March the pair
commence nidification, and the first brood flies about the
month of May.
The nest is composed of grass and mosses closely inter- Nest, &t.
woven, and the inside is plastered over with a composition of
rotten wood and clay, which, as MONTAGU observes, is usual-
ly so compactly wrought as to retain water, on which account
a rainy season is often the destruction of the eggs.
It is placed in thorn-bushes or young trees, sometimes on
the stump, or against the side of a tree, particularly of one
embraced by ivy. The eggs are four or five in number, and
their colour is bluish-green, spotted with black. Insects and Food.
worms compose the food of the Thrush during the summer,
and the animal that inhabits the Helix nemoralls is also a
164 INSESSORES. MERULA. SONG-THRUSH.
favourite repast. For this purpose, it breaks the shell by
repeated strokes upon a stone; and numerous remains of
these shells may be seen around particular selected stones,
generally on some pathway or bare spot of earth, where these
birds and their congeners abound, As summer advances, it
approaches our gardens, feeding with avidity upon all the
smaller sorts of fruit ; and, when these fail, upon the ap-
proach of winter, it attacks the mountain-ash and other wild
berries, which, as I have before observed, constitute its chief
support.
PLATE 45. Eig. 2. Natural size.
General The head and upper parts yellowish-brown, with a tinge
^ il-g reen - Greater wing- coverts margined with pale
orange. Quills and tail brown, edged with oil-green.
Sides of the neck, and upper part of the breast, pale
ochreous-yellow, with arrow-shaped brownish-black
spots. Throat pure white. Middle of the belly and
the flanks white, with blackish -brown spots. Under
wing-coverts pale reddish-orange. Legs pale flesh-red.
Bill blackish-brown. The base of the under mandible
straw-yellow.
The female is very similar to the male bird in plumage,
but has less of the yellow upon the neck and breast.
Varieties of a perfect white, or of white streaked with
brown, sometimes occur.
KKI>\VIX. [NSESSORES. MK1UH,A. 165
REDWING.
MERULA ILIAC A.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 3.
Turdus Jliacus, Linn. Syst. 1. 292. 3 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 808. sp, 3 Lath.
Jnd. Ornith. v. 1. p. 329. 7 Rait Syn. p. 64. A. 4 Will. p. 139
Briss. 2. p. 208. 3. t. 20. f. 1.
Le Mauvis, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 309 Id. PL Enl. 51.
Merle Mauvis, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 165.
Roth-Drossel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 360. Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 196 Frisch. t. 28. f. 1. and 2.
Redwing, Swinepipe, or Wind-Thrush, Br. ZooL No. 108 Arct. Zool. 2.
342. D Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 59 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 22. 7 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 10 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 199 Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br.
Birds, 1. p. 102 Low's' FSM. Oread, p. 57.
Redwing Thrush, Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 183.
THIS species, like the Fieldfare, is a periodical visitant, periodical
and generally makes its appearance a few weeks prior to that vlsltant -
bird, arriving upon our north-eastern coasts about the mid-
dle or latter part of October. During its residence here, it
remains gregarious, and haunts the meadows and pastures as
long as open weather continues ; on the approach of frost,
repairing to woods and hedges, where the hawthorn, holly,
and some other trees, afford, by their berries, the necessary
means of subsistence. Should the weather prove very severe,
or a failure of food occur, they continue their migration
southward, an instance of which happened in the winter of
1822. In the first storm of snow, which lasted for nearly
three weeks, large flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings wnv
collected about the hedges, and on the outskirts of woods,
where they lived upon the berries of the hawthorn, and which,
fortunately for them, were in great abundance. This sup-
ply, however, rapidly decreased ; but before its total failure,
a few days of thaw intervened previous to the commence-
ment of the second severe storm. Taking advantage of this
change of weather, they were enabled to pursue a more ex-
166 INSESSORES. MERULA. REDWING.
tended southern migration, and scarcely an individual was
afterwards seen in Northumberland. MONTAGU mentions,
that, in the hard winter of 1799, vast numbers of these birds
resorted to the west of England, where a sudden fall of snow
deprived them of all food, and being previously too much
reduced for farther travel to a warmer climate, thousands of
them, as well as of Fieldfares, perished from starvation-
The same accident occurred in the year 1814, the winter of
which proved particularly fatal to the Thrush tribe, to Larks
and other small birds, as was evinced in the striking diminu-
tion of their numbers for some years afterwards. The habits
of this bird are very similar to those of the other species.
It has a clear and melodious note, and its song, when in its
native or summer residence, is said to be scarcely inferior to
that of our common Thrush. Upon the approach of spring
it returns to the northern provinces of Europe, where it
breeds, and passes the summer. It is very abundant in
Sweden, Norway, Lapland, and Russia. In these countries
Nest, &c. it inhabits the woods and thickets adjoining to low or marshy
tracts, and builds in maple, birch, and other trees, laying
from four to six eggs, of a bluish-green colour, marked with
Food. blackish-brown spots. In addition to fruits and berries, it
feeds upon insects and worms.
PLATE 45. Fig. 3. Natural size.
Head and upper parts deep hair-brown, tinged with oil-
tion. green. The space between the bill and eye black, in-
termixed with yellow. Over each eye is a large white
streak. Sides of the neck, breast, and flanks white,
with numerous large oblong blackish-brown spots.
Belly pure white. Under wing-coverts deep reddish-
orange. Legs pale wood-brown, inclining to flesh-
coloured red.
The female is similar to the male, except that her colours
are not so bright.
White and cream-coloured varieties are sometimes found.
BLACKBIRD. INSESSORES. MERULA. 167
BLACKBIRD
MERULA VULGARIS, Ray.
PLATE XLV. FIG. 4., and PLATE XLIII. FIG. 2.
Turdus Merula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 295. 22 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 831 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 340. 50 Raii Syn. p. 65. A. 1 Will. p. 140. t. 37-
Le Merle, Buffi Ois. v. 3. p. 330 Id. PL EnL 2. the male, and 555. the
female.
Merle noir, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 168.
Schwartz-Drossel, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. p. 149 Id. Naturg. Deut.
v. 3. p. 376 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 199 Frisch. t. 29.
Merula leucocephalus, varia et Candida, Briss. v. 2. p. 230. 231. 232.
Blackbird, Br. Zool. No. 109. t. 47 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 345. I Will. Ang.
p. 190 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 61 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 43. 46 Id. Supp.
p. 141 Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 94 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 10 Low's Fau. Oread, p. 58 Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 225.
THIS bird is well known as a native of the British Islands.
It is of a shy and restless disposition, always anxious to escape
from observation, and generally successful in that effort, as
it hops with singular celerity through the closest hedges or
thickets, and its presence is often only known by the note
it utters on alarm. It never associates ostensibly, preferring
a solitary life, which it passes in woods or in well inclosed
situations, where the hedges afford it an abundant supply of
provision for the winter. It also feeds upon worms and in- Food,
sects, and, like the Thrush, is particularly fond of the Helix
nemoralis, to obtain the snail of which it pursues the same
process as that bird *.
The notes of the Blackbird are rich and full, but destitute
of that varied power of melody whjch distinguishes the song
of the Common Thrush. It commences building its nest in Nest, &c.
March, or the beginning of April ; and a thick bush, or an
* In the beginning of November, vast flocks of Blackbirds make their
appearance upon our coasts, from more northern countries. They remain
but a few days to recruit, and then resume their flight in a south-westerly
direction.
168 1NSESSORES. MEIUJLA. BLACKBIRD.
ivy-clad tree, is usually the chosen situation. The nest is
composed of moss, small sticks, and fibres of root, plastered
with mud internally, and afterwards lined with fine dry grass.
Here it deposits four or five eggs, of a bluish-green colour,
blotched with darker variegations. Like the Thrush, it is
frequently kept in confinement, and may be taught to whistle
a variety of tunes, as well as to imitate the human voice.
PLATE 45. Fig. 4. Male bird, of the natural size.
General Bill and orbits of the eyes kingVyellow. The whole of
tion. nP ~ tne plumage black. Legs blackish-brown, varied with
Male bird. wood-brown.
PLATE 43. Fig. 2. Natural size.
Female. The female bird is of a brownish-black. Throat white,
spotted with blackish-brown. Lower part of the neck
and breast pale umber-brown, the margins of the fea-
thers passing into greyish- white. Bill and legs blackish-
brown. Belly and inner tail-coverts greyish-black.
The young are similar to the females ; and the male birds
do not acquire the perfect yellow bill till after the se-
cond moult.
Varieties of a pure white, and of an ash-grey colour, with
livid bill, and reddish irides, are sometimes met with.
INSUSSOKKS. MKIUJLA. IGi)
RING-OUZEL.
MERULA TORQ.UATA.
PLATE XLIV. FIG. 2.
Turdus torquatus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 296. 23 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 832. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 343. 56.
Merula torquata, Briss. 2. p. 225. 12 Rail Syn. p. 65. A. 2.
Le Merle a Plastron blanc, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 340. t. 31 __ Id. PL EnL 516.
male.
Merle a Plastron, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 166.
Ring-Drossel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 369. t. 4 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 198 __ Frisch. t. 30.
lling-Ouzel, Br. ZooL 1. No. 110. t 46 __ Arct. ZooL 2. p. 344. H __
Will. AngL p. 194 __ LewitfsRr. Birds, 2. p. 62 __ Lath. Syn. 3. p. 46. 49.
Id. Sup. p. 141 __ Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Sup __ Bewick's Br. Birds,
v. 1. t. p. 96 __ Shaw's ZooL 10. 227. t. 21. bad figure from Button.
PROVINCIAL Rock Ouzel, Tor Ouzel, Michaelmas Blackbird.
THE periodical visits of this bird to our coasts are con- periodical
trary to others of its genus that migrate, viz. the Fieldfare, vlsitant -
Redwing, and Common Thrush, as it arrives in the spring,
and immediately resorts to the mountainous districts of
England and Scotland, preferring those of the most stony
and barren nature. In these situations it breeds, and rears
its young. The nest is usually placed on some steep bank, Nest, &c.
supported by a projecting stunted bush, or a tuft of grass or
heath ; sometimes also in the cleft, or in the shelf of a rock.
In form and texture it resembles that of the Blackbird, and
the eggs are very similar to those of the same bird, both in
size and colour. Its song, which it utters perched on the
top of some stone or the summit of a rock, is confined to a
few clear and powerful notes, not unlike those of the Missel-
Thrush. Like most of its tribe, it is of a shy disposition,
and does not readily admit of a near approach, except during
the period when its nest contains unfledged young ; at which
time it most strenuously endeavours to divert the attention
of the intruder by loud cries and feigned gestures. As
170 INSESSORES. MERULA. RING-OUZEL.
autumn approaches, it quits its mountainous haunts, jour-
neying southwards ; and, about the latter part of October,
leaves this kingdom for warmer climates, where it passes the
winter.
It is common in Sweden, France, and Germany ; but, ac-
cording to TEMMINCK, is very rare in Holland.
PLATE 44. Fig. 2. Natural size.
General Bill blackish-brown, having the base of the mandible yel-
lowish. Upper parts of the body black, the feathers
being margined with blackish-grey. On the upper part
of the breast is a large crescent-shaped gorget of pure
white ; the rest of the under parts black, margined with
grey. Greater wing-coverts deeply marginated with
ash-grey. Tail black. Irides dark-brown. Legs
blackish-brown.
The plumage of the female bird is more clouded with grey,
and the pectoral gorget is smaller, and clouded with
reddish-brown and grey. In the young females this
gorget is not visible ; and in the young males it is of a
reddish-white.
Varieties are sometimes found similar to those of the
Blackbird.
SUBFAMILY MYIOTHERINA.
The members of this subfamily, with the exception of the
genus Cindus, are all natives of the other quarters of the
globe. Besides the genus My wilier a (!LLIGER), it em-
braces that of Pitta (ViEiLL.), Myophonus (TEMM.), Cinclus
(BECHST.), Dasycephala (S WAINS.), Chamceza (Vicous), and
various others. An intimate connection with each other,
and with the remaining subfamilies of the Merulida?, as well
as with other groups of the Dentirostral tribe, is maintained
by various species belonging to the above named genera;
INSESSORES. CINCLUS. 171
but as the nature and extent of this work will not admit of
my tracing the various affinities and circular disposition of
each particular group, I refer my readers to the observations
upon the Merulida and other families of the Insessores, con-
tained in the second volume of the " Northern Zoology/ 1
GENUS CINCLUS, BECHST. DIPPER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill rather slender, straight, or with a very slight inclina-
tion upwards, compressed at the sides, and the tomia bending
inwards ; upper mandible emarginated at the tip, and bend-
ing over the lower one. Nostrils basal, lateral, and naked ;
longitudinally cleft, and partly covered by a membrane.
Head small, the forehead narrow and low ; Body short and
compact. Feet with three toes before and one behind ; the
outer toe joined at its base to the middle one. Tarsus longer
than the middle toe. Claws slightly curved, and compress-
ed ; that of the hind toe the largest. Wings short, the first
quill being not half the length of the second, which also is
shorter than the third and fourth.
This interesting genus, which, in habits, presents so curious
an anomaly with the rest of the Insessores^ and which, in
former artificial systems, held, as it were, an isolated station,
has, by both VIGORS and SWAINSON, been classed with the
Myhlherina ,- with several of which it has been found, by a
careful analysis, to be connected in direct affinity. In addi-
tion to the common species (the European Dipper) and the
Ciiiclus Pallam, mentioned by TEMMINCK, another species
has been discovered (Cinclus Americanus of SWAINSON) in-
habiting Mexico, and the streams of the Rocky Mountains ;
and a fourth, perfectly distinct from Cine. Pallas., is also
mentioned by Mr SWATNSON, as seen by him from India.
17:2 INSESSORES. CINCLUS.
EUROPEAN DIPPER.
CINCLUS A QUA TIC us, Bechst.
PLATE XLV.
Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 808 Meyer, Tassehenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 207.
Sturnus Cinclus, Gmel Syst. 1. p. 803. sp. 5 Linn. Syst. 1. p. 290. 5.
Turdus Cinclus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 343. sp. 57.
Merula aquatica, Briss. v. 5. p. 252. 19 Raii Syn. p. 66. A. 7- Will.
p. 104. t. 24.
Le Merle d'Eau, Buff. Ois. v. 8. p. 134. t. 11 __ Id. PL Enl. 940.
Cincle Plongeur, Temm. Man. d' Ornith. v. 1. p. 177-
Wasser Spreauw, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. v. 1. t. p. 25.
Water Ouzel, Br. Zool, 2. No. 111. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 332. 8 Will (Ang.)
p. 149 __ Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 63 -- Lath. Syn. 3. p. 48. 50 __ Id.
Supp. p. 142. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp. and App. to Supp __ Wale.
Syn. 2. t. 196 __ Don, Br. Birds, t. 24 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 2. p. 16.
PROVINCIAL Water-Crow, Water-Piet, Bessy-Ducker.
THESE interesting little birds are natives of our island,
but, from their peculiar habits, are confined to certain districts ;
those only where they can meet with clear and rocky stream-
lets. It is therefore in the mountainous tracts of Scotland
and Wales, in some of the northern counties of England,
in parts of Devonshire, and probably in Derbyshire, that we
must look for these wild and solitary songsters. They are
generally seen single, or in pairs, and always on the margin
of the stream, or perched in their particular attitude, on
some projecting stone in the middle of the water. From
such situations I have repeatedly seen them dive below the
surface, and remain submerged for a considerable time, occu-
pied in pursuing the fry (or young fish), or in search of the
larvae of aquatic insects. At other times they walk slowly
into the water from the shallow part of a pool, till it becomes
of sufficient depth for diving ; but I have not been able, even
from close observation, to certify the fact repeated by some
naturalists, of their walking with apparent ease at the bot-
tom ; and which error of opinion might arise from the man-
DIPPER. IN8ESSORES. CINCLUS. 173
ner of their occasionally entering the water as above stated.
On the contrary, the same exertion seems to be used by
them as by other diving birds, an idea also entertained by
MONTAGU, to whose pleasing description of the habits of this
species I refer my readers.* I have had an opportunity of
bestowing attention on the manners of these birds, a pair
having, for some years, built in a mass of rock rising from a
rivulet at a very short distance from my residence. They
are very early breeders, and their first family is, in general,
fully fledged in the beginning of May. The young quit
the nest before they are able to fly to any considerable dis-
tance : indeed, upon being disturbed, although but half
fledged, they immediately leave it, diving with great ease the
moment they reach the water, which the parent birds con-
trive shall be effected with expedition, as they most com-
monly build their large mossy nest in such part of the rock
as directly overhangs the stream.
The situation of their nest is readily discovered, when oc- Nest, &c.
cupied by the young birds, from their incessant chirping.
It is similar in shape to that of the Wren, composed exter-
nally of moss, and lined with the decayed leaves of oak and
other trees. The eggs are four or five in number, of a
transparent white. When perched, this bird uses 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.
Water insects and the fry and spawn of fish form its food. Food.
Its song is variable, and it begins to utter its strong and dis-
tinct notes very early in the spring, and is the first warbler
that cheers a visitor to the lonely and romantic situations it
usually frequents. It is rather generally diffused throughout
Europe, inhabiting similar localities to those in Britain.
During the severity of winter it leaves the smaller mountain
rivulets (then becoming frequently choked with ice and
snow), and resorts to the larger streams which remain open,
* See MONT. Ornith. Diet. Supplement, and Appendix to Supplement.
5
174 INSESSORES. CINCLUS. DIPPER.
and afford it a plentiful supply of food. This I have often
observed with respect to the Tweed, and to the Annan in
Dumfriesshire, upon both of which rivers it is numerously
distributed during winter, but is comparatively rare in the
summer and breeding season. In the latter river, when par-
tially frozen over, I have repeatedly seen it dive from the
edge of the ice into the rapid stream, and, after a submersion
of some seconds, reappear with a small fish, or a caddis-worm
(the larva of a species of Phryganea) in its bill.
PLATE 45*. represents a male bird and female bird of the
natural size.
General Head and back part of the neck umber-brown. Upper
tion. nP parts black, the feathers margined with blackish-grey.
Throat, eyelids, sides of the neck, and upper part of
the breast white. Lower part of the breast and belly
chestnut-brown, passing into brownish-black towards the
vent. Under tail-coverts blackish-grey. Bill blackish-
brown. Legs yellowish-grey. Irides yellowish-brown.
The female is similar to the male, except that the head
is of a deeper brown, and the white upon the neck and
breast is sullied in hue.
The young are distinguished by the deep-grey feathers
that cover the head and back part of the neck. In
them the white also extends lower down the belly to-
wards the vent, and is crossed by fine rays of yellowish-
grey or brown.
A large variety with a dusky bar encircling the bottom of
the neck, and the white of the breast and belly having nu-
merous small black streaks pointing downwards, is mention-
ed by LATHAM, in the Second Supplement to his General
Synopsis, under the title of the Penrith Ouzel. The other
two varieties mentioned in the Appendix to MONTAGU'S
Supplement, I should consider as belonging to a very late
brood of the preceding year, and which had not acquired
the complete plumage of maturity.
ORIOLE. INSESSORES. ORIOLUS. 175
SUBFAMILY ORIOLANA.
This group, in addition to the true Orioles (genus Oriolus,
as now restricted), embraces the genera Sericulus of SWAIN-
SON (represented by the splendid Sericulus Chrysoceplialus,
a native of New Holland); Mimeta of VIGORS; Irena of
Horsfield; and various others. Its connexion with the
Short-legged Thrushes (subfamily Brachypodina), is support-
ed by the intervention of Turdus Palmarum (Palm Thrush
of authors), which, in form and habits, makes a near approach
to the typical Orioles ; while the lengthened tarsus and larger
foot of the genus Sericulus, seems to lead the way to the
Strong-legged Thrushes (subfamily Crateropodina of SWAIN-
SON), of which we possess no examples in Britain.
GENUS ORIOLUS, TEMM. ORIOLE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill as long as the head ; broad and angular at the base ;
compressed towards the tip, and forming a prominent culmen
throughout its length ; strong, gently arched, and sharp-
pointed ; the tomia cultrated, and bending a little inwards ;
the upper mandible emarginated, its tip deflected, and longer
than the lower one. Nostrils basal, lateral, ovoid, and naked.
Wings having the first quill half the length of the second ;
and the third the longest. Tarsus shorter, or, at most, not
longer than the middle toe. Feet with three toes before and
one behind ; short, and formed for perching ; connected at
the base. Hind toe very strong. Claws much curved, and
very sharp ; that of the hind toe being the largest.
The genus Oriole, as established by Mons. TEMMINCK,
comprehends those species only of the extensive genus Orio-
lus of former authors, that inhabit the Old Continent.
176 INSESSORES. ORIOLUS. ORIOLE.
The other forms, which are all natives of the New World,
and were heretofore included in the genus by GMELIN, LA-
THAM, and others, belong to a different tribe, of the order
Insessores ; constituting a part of the family of Sturnida, of
the Conirostral tribe.
Yellow and black are the prevailing colours of the male
birds of most of the species of this genus. They inhabit
wooded districts, and usually live in pairs ; but assemble in
small flocks previous to migration. Their food consists of
insects, larvae, fruits, and berries.
They evince great art in building their nests, most of them
selecting the fork of some small branch, from which the nest
is suspended by its rim. The Golden Oriole is the only
known species in Europe, and is migratory.
GOLDEN ORIOLE.
ORIOLUS GALBULA, Linn.
PLATE XXXV. FIG. 1. AND 2.
Oriolus Galbula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 160. 1 Gmel Syst. p. 382. sp. I. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 186. sp. 45.
Coracias Oriolus, Fauna Suec. No. 95.
Galbula, Rail Syn. p. 68. 5. Will. p. 147. t 36. 38.
Oriolus, Briss. 2. p. 320. t. 58 Id. 8vo. 1. p. 247.
Le Loriot, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 254. 1. 17 Id. PL Enl. 26. the male Temm.
Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 129.
Gelbe Rache, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1292.
Gelber Pirol, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 108.
Witwall, Will. (Ang.) p. 198.
Yellow Bird from Bengal, Albin. 3. t. 19.
Golden Thrush, Edw. t. 185.
Golden Oriole, Br. ZooL App. p. 41. t. 4. Lenin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 43
Lath. Syn. 2. p. 449. 43 Id. Supp. p. 89 Mont. Ornith. Diet. /A Supp.
Don, Br. Birds, 1. t. 7 Bewick's Supp. to Br. Birds.
Occasicnal THIS striking and elegant bird is but an occasional visi-
visitant. tant - n Britain. In addition to the instances mentioned by
PENNANT and MONTAGU, of its being taken in these king-
doms, two specimens (a male and female) that were killed
OKIOI.K. 1NSESSORES. ORIOLI's. 177
in the neighbourhood of the Pentland Hills, are now in the
Edinburgh Museum, and furnished the drawings for the
present work. Another female bird was also taken in a gar-
den at Tynemouth, in Northumberland, in the spring of the
year 1821 ; and two or three additional instances of its cap-
ture in England have since been recorded. Upon the conti-
nent it is of more frequent occurrence, and breeds in some
parts of France and Italy. It inhabits woods and thickets, Food,
and feeds upon berries, grapes, and other fruits, as well as
on insects. The nest is formed of straw and dried grasses, Nest, &c.
intermixed with wool (which also frequently composes the
principal part of the internal coating), and is artfully sus-
pended by its outer rim to the extreme fork of some lofty
branch. It lays four or five eggs, white, with isolated dark-
brown spots. The young are fed with insects, &c., and the
parents are observed to be particularly assiduous in the sup-
port, and bold in the defence, of their progeny. The sin-
gular and well-chosen situation of the nest, indeed, argues a
superior degree of parental instinct.
This bird migrates from Europe about September, and
is supposed to winter in the warmer regions of Asia and
Africa.
PLATE 35. Fig. 1. The adult male, natural size.
Form typical. Bill orange-red. Between the eye and bill General
is a black streak. Irides reddish-brown. Head, neck, J^ ni> "
back, and under parts, yellow. Wings black, having Male bird,
the outer webs margined with white. Greater wing-
coverts tipped with yellow. The two middle tail-feathers
black, the rest half-black half-yellow. Legs and toes
black.
Fig. 2. The female ; also of the natural size.
Upper parts olive-green. Throat and breast greyish- Genera i
white, with dusky streaks. Belly and vent white, tinged descrip.
more or less with yellow, and streaked dusky. Wings Female,
brownish -black, edged with pale oil-green. Tail dee])
VOL. i. M
178 INSESSORES. SYLVIAD^E.
oil-green, with the tips of all the feathers, except the two
middle ones, yellowish-white.
The young birds are similar to the female.
FAMILY IV. SYLVIAD^E.
We now enter upon the family of Sylviadse or Warblers,
that assemblage of the lesser species, so eminently distin-
guished for gracile and elegant form, and for a (compara-
tively) delicate structure of bill. By LINN^US the greater
portion of the birds of this family then known were arranged
under the genus Motacilla, which LATHAM afterwards di-
vided, restricting Motacilla to the Wagtails generally so
called, and establishing his genus Sylvia for the reception of
the other slender-billed birds. This latter genus then be-
came the recipient of almost every bird of a certain size and
possessing a slender bill, without regard to the various dis-
criminating shades of character, both in form and habits,
which are found to exist, and separate the various species
into groups of different value and extent. This indiscrimi-
nate association of such a variety of forms under one generic
head, involved, as might be expected, the whole series in the
greatest confusion ; and it was only from the labours of
VIGORS, SWAINSON,* and other eminent ornithologists, who
pursued the analytic method, and strictly investigated the
direct affinities of the various species contained in this genus,
as well as their bearings with regard to other tribes and fa-
milies, that the importance of their station in the natural ar-
rangement, became apparent ; and that the necessity of their
separation into groups of different value was generally ad-
mitted.
Like the other families of the Insessores, that of Sylviadas
* I must here refer my readers to Mr SWAIN SON'S observations upon
the natural arrangement, &c. of the Sylviadat, contained in the 2d vol. of
the " Northern Zoology," as the limits of this work will not admit of my
entering into the necessary detail.
INSESSORES. SAXICOLINA. 179
is divided into five primary groups or circles, each returning
into itself: viz. 1st, The subfamily Saxicolina, represented
by the genus Saxicola of BECHSTEIN, which also from its
near affinity to the Rock Thrushes (genus Petrocmcla, VIG.)
becomes one of the links between the Sylviada and Meru-
1'ida ; 2dly, Philomelma^ of which the Nightingale may be
taken as a typical example, the members of which are most
of them remarkable for their vocal powers ; 3dly, Sylviana^
the pre-eminently typical group of the whole family, and of
which the Gold-crests (genus Regulus) are by Mr SWAIN-
SON considered the type ; 4thly, Pariana, represented by
the genus Parus ; and, 5thly, The subfamily MofaciHina,
of which the genus Motacilla of LATHAM is to be considered
the typical form.
SUBFAMILY SAXICOLINA.
This subfamily, forming one of the aberrant groups of
the Sylviadse, contains, besides the Chats, or the typical
genus Saxicola (BECHST.) that of Erythaca (SWAINS.), of
which our Redbreast is the type, and represented in America
by the Bluebirds belonging to SWAINSON^S genus Sialia.
The Redstarts (gen. Phcenicura, SWAINS.) also appear to
have their station here rather than in the subfamily Philo-
melma, to which, however, they directly lead the way ; and
the genus Petrdica (S WAINS.), an Australian group, repre-
sented by the Muscicapa Eryihrogustra of LATHAM, is also
associated with the present subfamily, but stands, as it were,
upon the confines of it ; and by the depression of the basal
part of the bill and hairy gape, conducts us, by its affinity
to the genus Setopliaga (SWAINS.), to the subfamily Pariana,
as well as to the Flycatchers of the Fissirostral tribe. The
members of this subfamily, from the comparative length of
the tarsus and structure of the feet, are calculated for active
movements upon the ground, as well as for perching, and
many of the typical species are the inhabitants of downs and
M 2
180 INSESSORES. SAXICOLA.
mountainous districts. Their food consists of insects, larvae,
and worms, which they seek for on the ground, and in the
recesses where they lie in concealment.
GENUS SAXICOLA, BECHST. CHAT.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill straight, slightly carinated, and advancing upon the
forehead, dilated at the base, the tip of the upper mandible a
little bent, and emarginated ; gape bearded ; forehead round-
ed and high. Nostrils basal, lateral, and oval, partly con-
cealed by a membrane. Tarsus considerably longer than the
middle toe ; toes three before, and one behind ; the outer toe
joined at its base to the middle one. Claws not much curved.
Wings of mean length ; first quill scarcely half the length of
the second ; which is shorter than the third and fourth, these
last being the longest in each wing. Coverts and scapulars
very short.
The species of the present genus are all inhabitants of the
Old Continent, and frequent moors and other open wastes,
sometimes at considerable altitudes. They live solitary, or
in pairs, and are wild in disposition. Their food consists of
insects and worms, which they chiefly take upon the ground.
They run with much celerity, being enabled to do so by the
great proportional length of the tarsus. The dilatation of
the basal part of the bill, indicates an approach to some of
Muscicapce ; and they also form a connecting link with those
of the MeruUdee that constitute the genus Petrocincla of
VIGORS, and which inhabit mountains and other rocky situa-
tions. Many of the species are distinguished by the distri-
bution of the black and white in the caudal feathers. The
tail of these birds is continually flirted up and down.
(HAT. [NSESSORES. SAX1COLA. 181
WHEAT-EAR.
SAXICOLA (EXANTHE, Bechst.
PLATE XLV1II. FIG. 1.
Saxicola (Enanthe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut.
Sylvia (Enanthe, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 529. 79-
Motacilla (Enanthe, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 332. 15 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 966. sp. 15.
Retz. Linn, Fau. Suec. p. 259. sp. 242 Raii Syn. p. 75. A. 1 Will.
p. 168. t. 41.
Vittaflora, Briss. 3. p. 449. 33.
Le Moteux ou Vitrec, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 237 Id. PL Enl. 554. f. 1. 2.
Traquet Moteux, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 237.
Graurtickiger, Steinschmatzer, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 251. B.
Wheat-Ear, Fallow Smich, or White Tail, Br. ZooL 4. No. 157 Arct.
ZooL 2. p. 420. P. Lath. Syn. 4. p. 465.95 Id. Supp. p. 182 Lewin's
Br. Birds, 3. t. HO.^Mo^. Ornith. Diet Will. (Ang.) p. 133. t. 41.
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 241 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 72.
White llump,*Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 329. male.
THE Wheat-Ear, which is the largest of the British mem- Periodical
bers of this genus, is migratory. It is among the earliest of V1
our residents during the summer, generally appearing about
the middle of March, and is also one of the latest in retiring
to a warmer climate.
Its polar migration extends, in our direction, as far as the
Orkneys, the bird being enumerated in Low's Fauna of those
islands. It is rather numerously distributed through all the
open districts of the kingdom, particularly on the Downs of
Sussex and Dorsetshire, and on the dry sand-banks that edge
various parts of our coasts. In this latter locality, it builds
in the rabbit burrows that so generally occur. Upon moors Nest, &c.
and downs it makes its nest under large stones, in old quar-
ries, or in the interstices of dry walls. This is composed of
moss and grass, intermixed with wool, and lined with the
last mentioned material, or rather (if it can be obtained) with
hair. The eggs, five or six in number, are of a pure bluish-
grivii colour. The Wheat-Ear is a bird of handsome form,
but of very wild and timid nature. Upon its first arrival,
and also previous to its equatorial migration, it is extremely
182 INSESSORES. SAXICOLA. CHAT-
fat, and of high flavour ; is then esteemed as a great delicacy,
and considered little inferior to the Ortolan. It is of course
in great demand, and vast numbers are annually caught up-
on the downs. The mode of entrapping them is simple, but
singular ; and is effected by placing two turfs on edge, with
a small horse-hair noose fixed to a stick at each opening.
The bird, attempting to enter in search of food, or to escape
from apprehended danger, is almost certain of being caught
bv one of the nooses *.
/
It is generally seen alone, or in pairs, and its migrations
do not even appear to be performed in associated numbers.
Food. It hops with great celerity, and in this manner obtains its
food on the ground, which consists of worms and insects, as
also the larvae of the lepidopterous and dipterous orders.
During the pairing season, its song is sweet in note, and plea-
singly varied, and is frequently poured forth on the wing,
whilst hovering over the female, or the site of the nest ; and
at this period also its tail is displayed in a singular manner,
by a lateral expansion of the feathers. Its flight is smooth
and rapid, but near the surface of the ground ; and it com-
monly alights upon the top of a small hillock, stone, or wall.
Indeed this peculiarity attends both the other British species,
which invariably chuse the very summit of the whin bush or
plant on which they happen to perch.
I cannot but remark the circumstance of Mr STEPHENS
(in his continuation of the " General Zoology" commenced
by the late Dr SHAW) having placed the present bird at the
head of a new genus, which he has named Vittqflora, at the
same time that he has left the Whin-Chat (Saxicola rubetra),
and the Stone-Chat (S. rubicola), both precisely agreeing
with the Wheat-Ear in generic characters and manners in
the genus Sylvia. This is to be regretted, as inattention to
correct classification tends so strongly to multiply the many
* PENNANT says, that as many as 1840 dozens of these birds have been
taken in one year about Eastbourne in Sussex.
CHAT. INSESSORES. SAXICOLA. 183
difficulties that already attend the progress of the ornitholo-
gical student.
PLATE 48. Eig. 1. A male bird of the natural size. General
From the corners of the mouth a black streak or patch descrip-
passes each eye, and covers the orifices of the ear. M ,' , . ,
Forehead, chin, and eye-brows, white. Upper parts
bluish-grey. Wings brownish-black. Lower part of
the neck and breast pale chesnut-brown. Belly and
vent white. Tail (except the two middle feathers, which
are wholly black) white for two-thirds of its length, com-
mencing at the base, the remainder black. Legs and
toes black. Bill black.
The female bird has the upper parts yellowish-brown, Female,
tinged with grey ; the auricular patch brown, and not
so much white upon the tail.
WHIN-CHAT.
SAXICOLA RUBETRA, Bechst.
PLATE XLVIII. FIG. II.
Saxicola llubetra, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 252. B.
Sylvia llubetra, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 525. sp. 58.
Motacilla Rubetra, Linn. Syst.il. p. 332. 16. Gnel. Syst. 1. p. 967- sp. 16.
llubetra major, Briss. 3. p. 432. 26. t. 24. f. 1.
(Enanthe secunda, Raii Syn. p. 76. A. 3. Will. p. 234.
Grand Traquet ou Tarier, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 224 Id. PL Enl. 678. f. 2.
Traquet Tarier, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 224.
Braunkeliger, Steinschmatzer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 684 Frisch.
t. 22. f. B. male.
Whin-Chat, Br. Zool. 1. No. 158.- Will. (Ang.) p. 234 Lath. Syn. 4.
454. 54 Mont. Ornith. Diet Haye's Br. Birds, t. 39 Levin's Br.
irds, 3. 1. 109 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9. Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 231.
male.
THIS is also a migratory species, but its appearance is con- Periodical
siderably later than that of the Wheat-Ear, as it is seldom vl
seen in the south of England before the middle of April, or
in the northern counties till the end of that month. Like the
two others of its tribe, it is of shy disposition, and is only
184 INSESSORES. SAXICOLA. CHAT.
metwith single or in pairs. It haunts open moorlands and
commons, particularly those overrun with furze (whence
comes its trivial name), or low brush- wood, and is rarely
seen to alight on any but the uppermost spray of a bush.
It utters a pleasing, though hasty, song, either perched, or
Nest, &c. occasionally suspended on wing over the furze. Its nest is
placed upon the ground, amongst the grass, or in some low
bush, most artfully concealed, and indeed only to be found by
a very diligent search ; as the bird does not enter immediate-
ly from above, but by a long and winding path made through
the adjoining herbage. The nest is formed of dried grasses,
with some moss intermixed, and lined with grass of a finer
texture. The eggs, generally six in number, are of a fine
Food. greenish -blue colour, without spot or stain. Worms and in-
sects taken on the ground are the common food of this bird,
but it also makes occasional short flights in pursuit of winged
insects, returning, like the Flycatcher, repeatedly to the same
spot.
According to MONTAGU, it is plentiful throughout Eng-
land, except in Devonshire and Cornwall, where it is of rare
occurrence. I have traced it pretty far into Scotland ; but
its polar migration does not extend so far as that of the Wheat-
Ear, the bird not being enumerated in the Fauna Orcadensis
of Low.
PLATE 48. Fig. 2. A male bird, natural size.
General From the base of the bill, and over the eyes, passes a
tion. white streak or band, reaching to the nape of the neck.
Cheeks and ear-coverts dark-brown, or brownish-black.
Chin and streak along the side of the neck pure white.
Crown of the head, back, and wing-coverts, brownish-
black ; each feather being bordered with ochre-yellow.
Rump yellowish-brown, streaked with blackish-brown.
Base of the primary quills white. Base of the tail
white; the two middle feathers black. Throat and
breast pale orange-brown. Belly and vent white, tin-
ged with yellow. Legs and toes black.
(HAT. JNSESSOltKS. SAXICOLA. l^>
STONE-CHAT.
SAXICOLA RUBICOLA, Bechst.
PLATE XLVIII. FIGS. 3. AND 4.
Saxicola rubicola, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 694.
Sylvia rubicola, Lath- Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 523. 49.
Motacilla rubicola, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 332. 17 Gmel Syst. 2. p. 960.
Rubetra, Briss. 3. p. 428. 25. t. 23. f. 1. male.
(Enanthe nostra tertia, Raii Syn. p. 76. A. 4 Will. p. 169. t. 41.
Motacilla Tschecautschia, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 997. sp. 175.
JLe Traquet, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 215. t. 13 Id. PL Enl. 678. f. 1.
Traquet Patre, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 246 Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afriq.
v. 4. pi. 180. f. 1. and 2. old male.
Swartzkehliger Stenischmatzer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 694. t. 23.
old male.
Stone-Chat, Br. Zool. 1. No. 159 Will. (Aug.) p. 235. t. 41 Lath. Syn.
4. p. 448. 46 Mont. Ornith. Diet Lewies Br. Birds, 3. t. 108 Allin.
1. t. 52 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 239 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9 Hayeks Br.
Birds, t. 39 BewieVs Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 233. male.
PROVINCIAL, Stone-Chatter, Stone-Smick, Moor Titling.
THE Stone-Chat, unlike the two preceding species, is a
resident through the whole year in this country, on open
grounds and furzy commons, which are its appropriate
haunts. In its manners it resembles the Whin- Chat, feed-
ing, like it, upon worms and insects, taken also occasionally Food.
by a similar method. I have before noticed the peculiarity
in these birds, of alighting upon the summit of the object on
which they perch. It is frequently on the wing, from bush
to bush, but always flying close to the ground. Its common
call is a kind of clicking note, compared by BUFFON to the
word Oiiistrata ; but, in the pairing season, its song (gene-
rally uttered as it hovers over the furze) is varied and agree-
able. Like most of our indigenous birds, it commences nidi-
fication very early in the spring ; the spot selected being usu- Nest, &c.
ally at the bottom of a whin or other bush, and the nest
composed of moss and dry grass, lined with hair or feathers.
It lays live or six eggs, of a greenish-blue colour, marked at
the larger end with small reddish-brown *poN
186 INSESSORES. SAXICOLA. CHAT.
The young, after quitting the nest, are assiduously attend-
ed by the parent birds, until fully capable of providing for
themselves ; upon which they separate, and are only to be
seen single or in pairs. MONTAGU has conjectured that a
partial migration takes place in autumn, as fewer of these
birds are observed in winter than during the summer months.
I have not lost sight of this suggestion, and am inclined to
think that the greater part of the young of the year do mi-
grate in the course of the winter, having repeatedly noticed
(in places where the species is abundant) the disappearance
of the young as winter approached, whilst the parent birds
remained attached to their favourite spot. In very severe
storms .of snow, even those that winter here are sometimes
compelled to quit their usual situations, and take refuge in
more enclosed grounds, or in plantations.
PLATE 48. Fig. 3. A male in summer plumage, natural size.
General Head and throat black. Sides of the neck, upper parts
tion. of the wings, and rump white. Breast orange-brown.
Male bird. The remainder of the under parts white, tinged with
yellow. Back black, the feathers being edged with yel-
lowish-brown. Wings brownish-black ; the feathers
edged paler. Bill and legs black. In winter the black
feathers of the head and throat are edged with yellow-
ish-brown, which disappears as the spring advances.
FIG. 4. A female bird of the natural size.
Female. Head and upper parts umber brown ; the feathers being
margined paler. Tail and wings brown, edged with
yellowish-brown. Throat blackish-brown, mixed with
white and yellowish-brown specks. Less white upon
the wings and sides of the neck than in the male bird.
Breast yellowish-brown.
1NSESSORES. ERYTHACA. 187
GENUS ERYTHACA, SMINSON. REDBREAST.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL broad, and rather depressed at the base, gently nar-
rowing towards the tip, where it is but slightly compressed ;
of mean strength, with the upper mandible deflected at the
tip, and emarginated. Tomia of both mandibles with a
slight intraction near the middle. Nostrils basal, lateral,
oval, pierced in a large membrane, and nearly concealed by
the projecting feathers of the antiae. Gape bearded with
thick bristly hairs. Wings having the first quill very short,
the second double the length of the first, the third shorter
than the fourth and fifth, which last are nearly equal, and
the longest in the wing. Legs with the tarsi longer than
the middle toe. The outer toe joined at its base to the
middle one ; the former and the inner toe short, nearly equal
in length, and each reaching only to the second joint of the
middle one. Claws not much hooked ; that of the hind toe
the longest. Form short and compact.
The Common Redbreast, the type of the genus, in its form
and habits shews its decided affinity to the other members of
this subfamily, and points to the situation it now holds, as
more appropriate than when arranged in the subfamily
Philomel'ma. Like Saxicola, it is as well adapted, from the
length of the tarsus, and the form of the feet, for progression
on the ground as for perching on trees, and is as frequently
seen on the former situation, where also it obtains its food.
It is closely related to the genus Sialla of SWAINSON, which
is, indeed, its American representative ; this latter genus
differing principally in the proportions of the quill feathers,
and the comparative shortness of the tarsi.
188 INSESSORES. ERYTHACA. REDBHEAST.
REDBREAST.
ERYTHACA RUBECULA^ Swains.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. 2.
Sylvia rubecula, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 520. sp. 42.
Motacilla rubecula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 337. 45 Gmel. Syst. 2. p. 993 Raii
Syn. p. 78. A. 3 Will. p. 160. t. 37 Briss. 3. p. 418. t. 21.
Rouge-Gorge, Buff. Ois v. 5. p. 196. t. 11 Id. PL Enl. 361.
Bee-fin Rouge-Gorge, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 215.
Rothburstiger Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 238.-^-Fmcft,
Vog. t. 19. f. 1.
Redbreast, Br. Zool. No. 147. Arctic Zool. 2. p. 417. D Lewin's Br.
Birds, 3. t. 107 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 442. 38 Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale.
Syn. 2. t. 238 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t.
204 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 69.
PROVINCIAL Robin Redbreast, Ruddock, Robin.
THIS well known and favourite warbler is common
throughout the kingdom, its range extending as far as the
Orkney Islands, where, according to Low, it is a regular re-
sident. It appears, by a communication from Dr FLEMING
to Mr MONTAGU, that, in Shetland, the Redbreast is only
an occasional visitant, seen after severe gales of wind ; in all
probability, therefore, driven thither out of the regular course
of its autumnal migration from Norway and other northern
countries to those of a milder temperature. As spring ad-
vances, the male bird retires to the thickest woods, and ha-
ving attracted a mate by the rich and mellow notes that he
pours forth from the highest branch of some chosen tree,
Nest, &c. prepares for the duties that nature dictates. A mossy bank,
or spot well concealed by the roots of trees, or such clefts of
rock overgrown with ivy and woodbine, as are of constant
occurrence in the woody glens of the north of England and
Scotland, are the situations usually selected for the nest * ;
which is formed of moss, the stalks of plants, and dead
* It also frequently breeds in garden sheds and out-houses ; and I have
known several instances where a watering pot, not in common use, has
become the receptacle for the nest and eggs.
RKUHHKAST. INSESSORKS. KRYTHACA. 189
leaves, with a lining of hair. The eggs are from five to
seven in number, and their colour is a pale yellowish-grey,
with numerous pale reddish-brown spots. The young, until
the autumnal moult, differ greatly from their parents in plu-
mage ; and are of an oil-green, tinged with yellowish-brown,
each feather being spotted with pale reddish, or chesnut
brown ; and having the breast untinged with red. When
the chillness of the autumnal season proclaims approaching
winter, the greater part of the Redbreasts leave the woods,
and seek for shelter, and an easier supply of food, near our
habitations, where they soon acquire that degree of familia-
rity which has obtained for them the particular protection
of mankind.
The natural food of this bird consists of worms (which it Food,
beats to death, and cleanses before eating), insects and their
larvae ; but in winter, and when this more congenial food
cannot be procured, it will subsist on crumbs of bread, or
any other trifling offal, which it either finds, or is supplied
with, in the premises to which it has attached itself. It is
of very bold disposition, and will not admit of the approach
of any other small bird to the vicinity of its nest, or to visit,
without attack, the precincts it has selected for its walk
through the winter.
In their habits, Redbreasts are solitary birds, never asso-
ciating in flocks ; their partial migrations even being per-
formed singly. They are widely diffused, being found
through the greater part of Europe; and in France and
Holland are very abundant.
The general familiarity and confiding manners of this spe-
cies have procured for it an appellation of endearment in
most of the countries that it inhabits ; thus, in Sweden it is
called Tomi Liden ; in Norway Peter Ronsmad ; Thomas
Gierdet in Germany ; and with us Robin Redbreast.
During the autumnal months, and in the beginning of
winter, the song of the Redbreast is often heard; but such
effusions seem to be the attempts of the younger birds, pro-
bably induced by the completion of the adult plumage, as
190 INSESSORES. PHCENICURA.
the strain does not bear the strong impassioned character
that distinguishes it during the spring, and the commence-
ment of summer*
PLATE 46. Fig. 2. The male bird, of the natural size.
Head and upper parts of the body deep oil-green, tinged
General with yellowish-brown. Forehead, cheeks, throat, and
tion. nP breast gallstone-yellow, inclining to reddish-orange, and
Male Bird. margined round with smoke-grey. Belly white. Flanks
and thighs oil-green tinged with brown. Middle wing-
coverts tipped with pale orange. Quills greenish-grey.
Irides black. Legs and toes yellowish-brown.
The breast of the female is not so bright in colour as that
Female. of the male ; and the plumage of the young birds has
been already noticed.
GENUS PHCENICURA, SWAINSON. REDSTART.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL rather slender, and somewhat widened at the base ;
compressed towards the tip, which is deflected and emargi-
nated. Tomia of the mandibles, before the nostrils, bending
inwards. Gape slightly bearded. Nostrils basal, oval, late-
ral, pierced in a membrane, and partly concealed by the
feathers of the forehead. Wings rather long, with the first
quill very short ; the second inferior to the third ; the fourth
the longest of all. Tail of mean length, slightly rounded
or square ; coloured more or less with reddish-brown. Legs
having the tarsi longer than the middle toe. Toes slender,
but formed nearly upon the same plan as those of genus
Erythaca.
The Redstarts form a prominent and well marked group
in the subfamily Saxicolina, and are distinguished from the
other members by the rich reddish-brown that prevails to a
greater or less degree in their plumage, particularly in the
HKHSTART. INSESSORES. PIHENICURA. 191
tail, where this colour is disposed much in the same way,
and is analogous to the white that marks the birds belonging
to the genus Saxicola. The present group has been aug-
mented by the recent discovery of two or three other spe-
cies * in the Himalayan range of mountains, and now num-
bers eight or ten distinct forms. In manners, they bear a
great resemblance to the Stone-Chats, though their habits are
rather more sylvan, and they obtain part of their food by
searching the interstices of the decaying bark of trees, holes
of walls, &c. The genus is confined to the ancient world.
From the observations I have made upon the habits of our
own species, it is probable that the scansorial form of the
subfamily Saxicolina will belong to this genus.
REDSTART.
PHCENICURA RUTICILLA, Swains.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. 3.
Sylvia phoenicurus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 511. sp. 15.
Motacilla Phoenicurus, 1. p. 335. 34 Gmel Syst. 2, p. 987. sp. 34.
llutacilla, Raii Syn. p. 78. A. 5 Will. p. 159 Briss. 3. p. 403. 15.
Le Rossignol de Murailles, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 170. t. 6. f. 2 Id. PI. Enl.
351. f. 1. and 2.
Bee-fin de Murailles, Temm. Man d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 220.
Schwarzkeliger Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 244 Bechst.
Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 607 Frisch, t. 19. f. 1. male, t. 20. f. 1. A. and
fig. 2. A. female, fig. 2. B. young male.
Geckragde Roodstaart, Sep. Nedrel. Vog. v. 4. p. 361.
Redstart, Br. Zool. 1. No. 146 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 416. B Will. (Ang.)
p. 218 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 421. 11 Lewies ~Br. Birds, 3. t. 108 Albin. 1.
t. 50 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 8 M<mt. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Don.
Br. Birds, 4. t. 82 BewicVs Br. Birds, v. 1. f. 208.
PROVINCIAL RedtaiL
THE Redstart is found in most of the eastern, midland, Periodical
and northern parts of the kingdom, but, according to MON- ^
In GOULD'S " Century of Himalayan Birds," three species of Redstarts
are beautifully figured. Two of these seem true to the type ; but the
third (Phaenicura Rubeculoides) appears, from its form and plumage, to
have a nearer affinity to the genus Erylhaca or Sialia than to Phoanicura.
192 INSESSORES. PHCENICURA. REDSTART.
TAGU, is very rare in some of the western counties. It ar-
rives early in April, and departs, on its autumnal migration,
towards the latter part of September. During its residence
with us, will generally be found in the vicinity of old walls,
in the crevices of which, as well as in the holes of decayed
trees, it prepares its nest. This is formed of moss, with a
lining of hair and feathers, and contains from five to eight
Nest, c. eggs, of a fine greenish-blue, lighter in shade than those of
the Hedge Accentor. It is an active and restless bird, and
when perched, shakes its tail with a rapid and singularly
tremulous motion. From its song, (which though short in
stave, is of sweet and pleasant notes), together with its light
elegant shape, and varied plumage, it may be considered
one of the most interesting of our summer visitants. For
some years past, the Redstart has become of comparatively
rare occurrence in Northumberland, but without any appa-
rent cause for this change in the line of its migration ; unless
it may be attributed to greater attention having been latter-
ly bestowed upon the management of woods, and a conse-
quent deficiency of old and decaying trees, for the purpose
of nidification, and stone- walls having, during the same pe-
riod, so much given way to the use of hedges for enclosure.
Like most of the members of this genus, its food consists of
winged and other insects, with berries and the smaller fruits.
This species is common throughout Europe, and migrates
pretty far to the northward. In Holland it is very abun-
dant.
PLATE 46. Fig. 3. The male bird. Natural size.
General Base of the bill, space between the bill and eyes, cheeks,
Son." 1 *' throat, and upper part of the under side of the neck,
black. Forehead white. Head, hind part of the neck
and back deep bluish-grey. Breast, rump, and flank
reddish-orange ; tail the same, except the two middle
feathers, which are clove-brown. Middle of the lower
part of the belly, and the vent, white; under tail-coverts
REDSTART. INSESSORES. PHCENICURA. 193
reddish-orange. Quills greyish- black, the second and
sixth feathers being of equal length. Legs and toes
black.
Fig. 2. The Female. Natural size.
Upper parts yellowish-brown, with a shade of grey upon
the head and back. Breast and flanks pale reddish-
orange. Throat reddish-white. Rump and tail red-
dish-orange, except the two middle feathers ; but which
4 are not so bright as in the male bird.
The young males of the year are without the white fore-
head, and the black upon the throat is intermixed with
white feathers, as well as the orange upon the breast.
The upper parts are pale reddish-brown, tinged with
TITHYS REDSTART.
PHCENICURA TITHYS, Jard. and Selby.
PLATE D. FIG. 12.
Phoenicura Tithys, Jardine and Selby' s Illustrations of Ornithology, pi. 86.
Fig. 1. and 2. Male and Fern.
Sylvia Tithys, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 512. sp 16.
Motacilla Tithys, Linn. Syst. 1. 335. 34. B GmeL Syst. 1. 987.
Sylvia Gibraltariensis, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 513. sp. 17-
Becfin rouge-queue, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 2. 218.
Tithys Redstart, lllust. of Ornith. pi. 86. fig. 1. and 2.
THE discovery of this species, since the publication of the
first edition of the present volume, in the southern part of
England, by Mr J. GOULD, enables me to add it to the list Occasional
of our Fauna as an occasional visitant. In its general ap- V18ltant
pearance it bears a great resemblance to the Common Red-
start, but is without the reddish-brown upon the under parts
of the body, as well as the distinct white bar on the fore-
head. Its manners are stated by those who have had an op-
VOL. I. N
194 1NSESSORES. PHOENICURA. REDSTART.
portunity of observing them to be very like those of our' own
species, and it is also generally found frequenting similar loca-
lities in the countries it inhabits, such as old park walls, out-
buildings, and the ruins of ancient castles. Upon the Con-
tinent it is a common species, and has a wide distribution,
being found in the mountainous districts of Italy, in Switzer-
land, Germany, a;,d other northern countries ; and as Sylvia
Gibraltariensis of LATHAM appears to refer to this species,
we may extend its range to Spain, and probably to the op-
posite parts of the African continent. In France it is com-
paratively rare, and, according to TEMMINCK, is very seldom
observed in Holland.
Nest, &c. It breeds in the clefts of rocks, holes of walls, &c., and is
said to lay five or six eggs, of a pure and lustrous white.
Food. Its food consists of insects and their larvae, worms, and
occasionally the smaller fruits and their berries.
PLATE D. Fig. 1. Represents a male of this species.
General jj ase o f the bill, region of the eyes, sides of the neck, throat,
tion. and breast, black ; the feathers of the latter being mar-
gined with grey. Middle of the abdomen greyish- white.
Flanks and sides blackish -grey. Head, nape of the
neck, back, and wing-coverts, bluish grey. Quills black-
ish-grey. Secondaries and tertials margined with grey-
ish-white. Upper and under tail-coverts brownish-
orange. Tail having the two middle feathers dark-brown,
edged with orange ; the rest bright brownish-orange
red. Legs black.
Female. Fig. 2. In the female the whole of the body is of an uni-
form yellowish-grey colour ; the quills and secondaries
being of a darker shade, margined with pale yellowish-
brown. Under tail-coverts pale orange. Tail similar
to that of the male bird, but scarcely so bright in tint.
KF.DSTAKT. INSESSORES. PHCEN1CURA. 195
BLUE-THROATED REDSTART.
PHCENICURA SUECICA.
PLATE C. FIG. 2. 3.
Sylvia suecica, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 521. sp. 43.
Motacilla suecica, Linn. Syst. 1. 336. 37 Gmel. Syst. 1. 989.
Curruca suecica, Selby in Trans, of Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumb. &c. Cat.
of Birds.
Cyanecula, Briss. 3. 413. 19. Male.
La Gorge bleue, Buff. Ois. 5. 206. t. 12. Id. PL EnL 610. fig. 1.
Becfin Gorge-bleue, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 2. 216.
Blue-throated Warbler, Perm. Arct. ZooL 2. p. 417. E Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 444. 30.
FROM a specimen of this beautiful Redstart having been
killed in an undoubted wild state upon a common near to
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I feel authorized in adding it (like Occasional
the preceding species) to the list of British Birds, in the vlsltant *
light of an occasional visitant. Not having been able to in-
vestigate with the necessary strictness its direct affinities, and
the station it holds among the Sylviada, at the time my ca-
talogue of birds hitherto met with in the northern counties
(published in the first volume of the Transactions of the
Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham, and
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,) was sent to press, I had there given
it as a species of Curruca^ and consequently as belonging to
the Subfamily Philomelina. Subsequent opportunities of
examination, and a strict analysis of its characters, indicate
a very close alliance with Phcenicura, of which genus indeed
I have no hesitation in considering it a species. The infor-
mation to be obtained from the writings of other authors as
to its habits and general economy, is unfortunately very
meagre and unsatisfactory. TEMMINCK says that it resides
in the purlieus of forests, and that it breeds in the holes of
decayed trees, and similar situations, in this latter respect re-
the other Redstarts. The eggs are said to be of a Nest, &c.
196
INSESSORES. PHCENICURA. REDSTART
Its food consists
Food, greenish-blue colour, and six in number
of worms, insects, and their larvae.
General
descrip-
tion.
Male bird.
Female.
PLATE C. Fig. 2. Represents the male bird.
Crown of the head umber-brown. Feathers at the base of
the bill, and the eye streak, yellowish-white. Upper plu-
mage hair-brown, tinged with grey ; with the margins of
the wing-coverts and scapulars paler. Chin, throat, and
upper part of the breast, rich azure-blue, with a central
spot of silky- white ; the lower margin of the blue being
bounded by a narrow gorget of black, which is succeeded
by another of reddish-brown. Abdomen and under
tail-coverts dirty-white, or inclining to smoke-grey.
Tail with the two middle feathers hair-brown ; the rest
having the basal half orange-brown. Bill brown, paler
towards the base ; in form nearly the same as that of
Phamcura Titliys. Tarsi upwards of an inch in length;
toes slender; claws but slightly curved.
Fig. 3. The female has the feathers of the head finely
margined with grey ; and the upper part of her plumage
lighter in tint than the male. Chin pale azure-blue,
mixed with white. Upper part of the breast, and the
streak on each side of the neck, black, intermixed with
azure-blue, and surrounding a large patch of white.
Abdomen and tail as in the male.
SUBFAMILY PHILOMELINA.
IN addition to the Nightingales, or typical genus Philo-
mela ( SWAINS.), this group contains the nearly allied genus
Curruca (BECHST.), of which our sweet songster the Black-
cap may be taken as an example. I have also ventured
to include in it all the aquatic Warblers, answering to
the " Becfins Riverains'" of TEMMINCK, and to which I
have given the generic appellation of Salicaria. To this
1
INSESSORES. SALICARIA. 197
group belong the Sylvia Turdoides of MEYER (Turdus
arundwaceus of LATHAM), a large species, and which would
appear, from the strength of its legs and feet, to lead back
to the Crateropodinte of the Subfamily Merulida. The
members of this genus also seem closely allied to genus
Synallaxis (VIEILL.), which belongs to the present subfamily.
By Mr SWAINSON the Redstarts (genus Phcemcura) are ar-
ranged in Philomeilna ; but I have left them in the subfamily
Saxicolma^ to which I consider they have a still nearer affi-
nity, constituting, in fact, from a participation of the cha-
racters of each group, one of those immediate connecting
links that may, without violence, be attached to either.
The typical genera of the present subfamily are famed for
richness and power of voice. In them the bill acquires a
medium degree of strength, and is not so suddenly com-
pressed in advance of the nostrils. In the aquatic group it
is more slender and subulate ; the proportions of the wings
are also different, and the tail is considerably wedge-shaped
or rounded. In Philomelina, the feet are formed for perch-
ing, the claws being curved and sharp ; and the sole (or un-
der surface of the hind toe) much enlarged, giving additional
firmness to the grasp. These birds feed upon insects and
larvae, which they seek for amid the leaves and light sprays,
rarely attempting to capture them upon wing. Many also
are partial to the smaller soft fruits and berries.
GENUS SALICARIA, Mim. AQUATIC WARBLER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill strait, subulate, expanded at the base, with a distinct
culmen, compressed towards the tip ; which latter is slightly
deflected and emarginated. Tomia strait ; those of the un-
der mandible being gently inflected. Nostrils basal, lateral,
oval, and exposed. Forehead narrowed and depressed. Wings
198 INSESSORES. SALICARIA.
rather short ; the first quill nearly abortive ; the second just
shorter than the third, which is the longest of all. Tail ra-
ther long, and rounded. Legs having the tarsi longer than
the middle toe. Feet rather large, and stout ; the hind toe
large, and strong. Claws moderately curved, long, and very
sharp ; that of the hind toe being double in size and strength
to any of the others.
The birds of this genus are the inhabitants of reedy
marshes, and of low damp underwood, where they live con-
cealed, seldom appearing upon the upper or exposed branches,
but confining themselves to the closest part of the bushes or
herbage. Through such entanglements, the form of their
feet, long sharp claws, and narrow depressed foreheads, enable
them to pass with astonishing dexterity and quickness, and
specimens, on this account, are not easily obtained, and only
by long and silent watching. Their flight is low, and merely
from bush to bush, except at the periods of migration. Some
species possess considerable compass of voice, and a great va-
riety of notes, though many of them are harsh ; others only
a constant monotonous cry, as exemplified in the Grasshop-
per Warbler (Salicaria Locustella). This genus, through
some of its members, seems to claim affinity with genus
Prinea, as well as with Synallaxis^ and others. Food
aquatic and other insects, and larvae.
WARBLER. INSESSORES. SALICARIA. 199
GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER.
SALICARIA LOCUSTELLA, Mihi.
PLATE XLV.* FIG. 1.
Sylvia Locustella, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 515. sp. 25.
Locustella avicula, Ran Syn. p. 70. A. 7 Will p. 151.
L'Alouette locustelle, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 42 Id. PL EnL v. 581. f. 3, under
the title of Fauvette tachetee.
Becfin locustelle, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 184.
Fleusehrechen-sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 230 Bechst. Na-
turg. Deut. v. 3. p. 562. sp. 23.
Grasshopper Warbler, Br. ZooL 1. No. 15G Arct. Zool.2. p. 41 9 Lath.
Syn. 4. p. 429. t. 20 Id. Supp. 2. p. 240 White's Hist. Selb. p. 45.
Levin's Br. Birdr, 3. t. 98 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Bewick's
Supp. to Br. Birds.
Titlark that sings like a grasshopper, Will (Ang.) p. 207-
THE present species was long subjected to an erroneous Periodical
impression, by being considered as of the Lark genus, which
mal-arrangement with respect to it could only have arisen
from the difficulty of procuring specimens. It would other-
wise be a subject of wonder, how any one, conversant with
this department of zoology, could confound species so dissi-
milar in form and habits ; and, under examination, the essen-
tial characters widely differ. It is a migratory bird, and is
seldom heard, in the northern parts of the kingdom, before
the beginning of May ; but in the southern (or rather south-
western counties, according to MONTAGU) as early as the se-
cond or third week in April.
It is far from being abundant, and is very partially distri-
buted ; the above author fixing its limits of migration to the
counties before mentioned, and to Ireland ; but I have
known it, for some years past, as a visitant to several parts
of Northumberland, where it haunts low and damp situa-
tions, overgrown with furze, bramble, and underwood. It
is remarkably shy and timid, and is very seldom seen upon
wing, generally remaining shrouded in tae middle of the
thickest furze, or other entanglement, which it threads with
200 INSESSORES. SALICARIA. WARBLER.
the rapidity of a mouse. In order to obtain specimens, I
have been obliged to watch for a considerable time before a
distinct view of the individual, and an opportunity to fire at
it, could be obtained ; although, during that time, the fre-
quent repetition of its remarkable note told its immediate
proximity. This note consists of a sort of sibilant ringing
cry sometimes repeated for many minutes without intermis-
sion, and resembles so exactly the note of the Mole-cricket
(Grylla Talpa), as to render it a difficult task to distinguish
them ; and probably, as MONTAGU suggests, may answer the
double purpose of a decoy-note to these insects, and a song
of love and invitation to its feathered mate. In the utter-
ance of this note, it appears to possess a kind of ventrilo-
quism, as it can cause the sound, at one moment, to proceed
from the immediate neighbourhood of the listener, and at the
next, as if removed to some distance, and this without any
actual change of place in the operator *. As it builds in the
closest bramble or furze bushes, the nest is very seldom
found, and it remained undescribed till the publication of the
Nest, &c. Ornithological Dictionary. It is composed of moss, and the
dried stems of the ladies' bed-straw (Galium), and bears a
great resemblance to that of the Pettychaps, or the White-
Throat, though it is thicker, and more compact in texture.
The eggs are four or five in number, of a pinkish-grey, with
numerous specks of a deeper tint. The young, when dis-
turbed, immediately quit the nest, although but half fledged,
trusting, doubtless, to their instinctive power of conceal-
ment.
This bird has been supposed to leave England early in
the autumn, as its cricket-like cry is seldom heard later than
July or August ; but as this note is presumed to be restricted
to a determinate period, viz. the season of pairing, it may
perhaps remain as late as its congeners, but unnoticed, from
its shy nature, and retired habits.
* The same effect must have been frequently observed as attendant
on the Corn-crake (Gallinula Crex, Lath.\ a bird also very difficult to raise
on wing.
WARBLER. INSESSORES. SALICARIA. 201
PLATE 45* *. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Upper parts of the body deep oil-green ; the centres of the General
feathers, except upon the rump, dusky, or yellowish-
brown. Throat white, bounded by a circle of small
oval brown spots. Breast and flanks pale oil-green,
passing into greenish- white on the middle of the belly.
Under tail-coverts greyish- white, the shafts of the fea-
thers being black. Quills dusky, margined with pale
oil-green ; tail the same, and very wedge-shaped. Legs
and feet pale yellowish-brown. Claws hooked and
strong.
The female is not distinguishable from the male bird in
the tints and formation of her plumage.
SEDGE-WARBLER.
SALICARIA PHRAGMITIS, Mihi.
PLATE XLV FIG. 2.
Sylvia Phragmitis, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 633 Id. Tasschenb.
Deut. p. 186. sp. 20.
Sylvia Salicaria, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 516. sp. 26.
CuiTuca arundinacea, Briss. 3. p. 378. 5.
Avis consimilis staparolae, Rail Syn. p. 81. 6 Will. p. 153.
Becfin Phragmite, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 189.
Schilfsanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 234.
Enkel Karakiet, Sepp. NederL Vog. v. 2. t. 53. p. 98.
Sedge Warbler, Arct. Zool. 2. No. 419 White's Hist. Selb. p. 67-71. 74.
Lath. Syn. 4. p. 430. 21. Id. Supp. p. 180 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id.
Supp. Lewirfs Br. Birds, 3. t. 105 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 236 Putt. Cat.
Dorset, p. 9 Don, Br. Birds, 2. t. 48.
Willow Lark or Sedge Bird, Br. ZooL 1. No. 155.
Heed Fauvette, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. t 223.
PROVINCIAL Sedge Wren, Lesser Reed-Sparrow, Blethering Tarn.
IN size and form the Sedge- Warbler bears a great resem- Periodical
blance to the preceding species, but may always be distin- vlsltant -
guished from it by the distinct white streak that passes above
the eyes.
It arrives about the same period, and resorts to marshes,
202 INSESSORES. SALICARIA. WARBLER.
banks of rivers, and lakes, or wherever reeds and other tall
aquatic plants are sufficiently abundant to grant it the neces-
sary shelter. In such situations, it may be heard during the
whole day, and even through the greater part of the night,
pouring forth its interrupted, though unwearied song.
This consists of a great variety of notes, amongst which
may be observed close imitations of the Swallow, Lark, Spar-
row, and Linnet, mingled with other more guttural notes,
and the whole delivered confusedly, but with great rapidity.
In general it remains concealed from view, in the closest
reeds or bushes ; but will sometimes sing perched on the very
top of a small branch, or warble in its flight (which on such
occasions is very peculiar) from one station to another at
short distances. It has been remarked of this bird, that,
when silent, it immediately commences singing on being
slightly disturbed, or being roused by a stone cast into the
bush where it sits concealed. It has been frequently con-
founded with the Reed-Wren, which possesses similarity of
form and habits ; but, in this case also, the above-mentioned
eye-streak proves a sufficient token of distinction. In addi-
tion to which, it is an abundant species, and very widely dis-
tributed ; while the Reed- Wren appears limited to a few dis-
tricts in the southern part of the kingdom.
Nest, &c. The Sedge- warbler builds amongst the aquatic plants it
chiefly frequents, often suspending its nest between three or
four of the closest adjoining reed-stems. I have also found
its nest in willow and low birchen bushes. It is composed
of a little moss, intermixed with coarse grasses, lined with
hair and fine dry grass. The eggs are five or six in number,
of a pale wood-brown, speckled with darker shades of the
same colour.
Food. The food of this species consists of various aquatic flies,
worms, and small slugs.
This bird is among the latest of the Sylviada in taking
its final departure in autumn, and I have frequently observed
it as far as the 10th or 15th of October. According to
REED- WREN. INSESSORES. SALIC ARIA. 203
TEMMINCK, it is very abundant throughout Holland, and is
found also in Germany and France. In Great Britain I
have traced it to the northern parts of Scotland.
PLATE 45 * *. Fig. 2. Natural size.
Form typical. Bill slender, depressed, and moderately General
widened at the base ; gape having three or four strong 5
hairs or bristles projecting rather forwards. Crown of
the head deep yellowish-brown, spotted with dark liver-
brown. Back and wing-coverts oil-green, the centres
of the feathers being darker. Rump and upper tail-
coverts pale yellowish-brown. Above the eye is a broad
and distinct yellowish-white streak. Chin and throat
white ; the rest of the under parts yellowish- white, in-
clining to pale yellowish-brown upon the breast. Wings
blackish-brown, margined with pale yellowish-brown.
Tail wedge-shaped, hair-brown, margined paler. Legs
and toes blackish-brown. Claws long, moderately
curved, and very sharp.
The female is similar in plumage to the male bird.
REED-WREN.
SALICARIA ARUNDINCEA, Mihi.
PLATE XLV * . FIG. 3.
Sylvia arundinacea, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 510. sp. 12.
Motacilla arundinacea, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 992. sp. 167.
Curruca arundinacea, Briss. Orn. v. 5. p. 378. 5.
Passer arundinaceus, minor, Raii Syn. p. 47 Will p. 97-
Fauvette de Roseaux, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 142.
Becfin de Roseaux, ou Efarvette, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 191.
Rhorsanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. v. 1. 235 Id. Vbg. Deut. 2. Heft. p. 23.
Het Karrakietje, Sepp. NederL Vog. v. 2. p. 101.
Lesser Reed-Sparrow, Will. (Ang.) p. 144.
Reed- Wren, Lath. Syn. Supp. p. 184 Mont. Ornith. Diet Lewies Br
Birds, 3. t. 114.
ON reference to notes made during excursions in different Periodical
parts of England, I do not find that I have ever observed vlsltant
204
INSESSORES. SALICARIA. REED-WREN
Nest, &c.
Food.
General
descrip-
tion.
the Reed- Wren to the north of Nottinghamshire. It is com-
mon in several of the southern and eastern counties, but is
confined to such localities as afford proper covert, viz. wet
ditches and fens, the margins of rivers and pools, that are
overgrown by reeds and tall aquatic plants *. In these si-
tuations it passes the period of its residence with us, extend-
ing from the latter part of April to the beginning of Septem-
ber. Its habits are very similar to those of the Sedge-
Warbler, and it is equally desirous of concealment from ob-
servation ; but the uniform tinge of its superior plumage, and
the want of the well-defined eye-streak, are always sufficient
distinction between the two species. The bill also is longer,
and considerably dilated at the base.
It forms its nest of the seed-tops of reeds and long grass,
lined with the finer parts of the first-named materials, and sus-
pends it between a few adjoining stems. It is made so deep
as entirely to conceal the bird when sitting, an instance of
provident instinct to prevent the eggs from being thrown out
when the supporting reeds are bowed by the force of the
wind.
MONTAGU observes, that he has seen this bird sitting on
her nest, when the wind blew hard, and that every gust forced
it almost to the surface of the water. It lays four or five
eggs, of a greenish-white, blotched and spotted with brown
and oil-green.
Aquatic flies and their larvae form the food of this species.
In Holland it is very abundant. It is also found in par-
ticular districts of France and Germany ; but is rare in the
south of Europe.
PLATE 45 * *. Fig. 3. Natural size.
Bill rather long, strait, and dilated at the base ; pale-brown.
Gape having two or three strong bristles on each side.
* In Kent, I have met with it plentifully on a small reedy pond at The
Mote, near Igtham. Its song is varied and pleasing, with fewer of the
harsh notes that prevail in that of the Sedge- Warbler, and is delivered in
the same hurried manner.
INSESSORES. PHILOMELA. 205
From the corners of the mouth to the eyes runs a pale
streak. Eyelids pale yellowish-white. The whole of
the upper plumage oil-green, tinged with brown ; the
quills being margined paler. Throat, breast, and belly
yellowish-white ; deeper in colour upon the breast and
flanks. Tail cuneated, and rather long. Legs long,
dusky-brown ; the hind toe strong, and armed with a
long hooked claw.
GENUS PHILOMELA, SWAINS. NIGHTINGALE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL of mean strength, strait ; culmen rounded ; the tip
of the upper mandible slightly deflected and emarginated ;
lower mandible as strong as the upper. Gape smooth. Nos-
trils basal, lateral, round, pierced in a large membrane.
Wings of mean length ; the first quill very short ; the second
of the same length as the fifth ; the third and fourth nearly
equal to each other, and the longest of all. Tail slightly
rounded. Legs having the tarsi long ; feet adapted for
perching, and also for hopping upon the ground ; claws mo-
derately curved, and very sharp.
The birds of this the typical genus of the present sub-
family, are famed for their vocal powers, of which our
Nightingale is an eminent example. They differ from the
nearly allied genus Curruca (BECHST.) in having the bill
wider near the gape, and less compressed towards the tip.
Their legs are also longer, and the feet not formed so entirely
for perching.
206 INSESSORES. PHILOMELA. NIGHTINGALE.
NIGHTINGALE.
PHILOMELA LUSCINIA, Swains.
PLATE XVI. FIG. 1.
Sylvia Luscinia, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 506. sp. 1.
Motacilla Luscinia, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 328., Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 950. sp. 1 Rail
Syn. p. 78. A. 2 Will. p. 161. t. 41 Briss. 3. p. 397. 13.
Le K-ossignol, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 81. t. 6. f. 1 Id. PI. Enl. 615.
Bee-fin Rossignol, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 195.
Nactigall, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 10. 221 Frisch, Vog. t. 21. f. 1. A.
Nightingale, Br. Zool. 1. No. 154 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 416. A Lewin's'Br.
Birds, 3. t. 99 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 408. 1 Id. Supp. p. 180 Mont.
Ornith. Diet Id. Sup Wale. Syn. 2. t. 229 Putt. Cat. Dorset, p. 8.
Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t Don. Br. Birds, t. 108.
Periodical THIS bird, so justly celebrated for the sweetness and ex-
visi ant. t ens j ve power of its song, arrives in Britain towards the end
of April, or in the beginning of May. From the observa-
tions of professed bird-catchers, it appears that the males con-
stantly precede the females by an interval of ten days or a
fortnight *, as none but the former are taken on their first
appearance in the country. From this circumstance arose the
supposition, that the number of male birds greatly exceeded
that of the other sex. As soon as the Nightingale has reach-
ed the limit of his migration, he selects some favourite spot
for the accomplishment of those duties pointed out by nature ;
and having there settled, commences his song of love and in-
vitation, which is unremittingly continued till a mate is at-
tracted by its melodious notes. As soon as this takes place,
his unwearied efforts cease, and the song is only uttered at
intervals, during the tedious process of incubation. The
haunts of this bird, during its abode in our island, are con-
fined to particular districts ; it is plentiful in the southern and
* I have observed this to be also the case with respect to most of the
summer visitants, and have invariably found it in the Willow. Wren (Syl-
via trochilus) and Wood- Wren (Sylvia sibilatrix).
NIGHTINGALE. INSESSORES. PHILOMELA. 207
eastern counties, but only extends to the west as far as De-
vonshire. Its northern boundary appears to be the neigh-
bourhood of Doncaster in Yorkshire, as scarcely any well-
authenticated instances are produced of its appearance be-
yond that town. Some peculiarity as to the food most con-
genial to it, or some hitherto undiscovered circumstance in
its economy, must, without doubt, be the cause of the partial
distribution, not only of this, but of other species. It can-
not, in the present bird, be attributed entirely to climate, as
Nightingales are found in countries situated farther to the
north than England ; being common in Sweden, and in the
northern parts of Germany.
It is of very shy disposition, frequenting woods rank with
undergrowth, close thickets, thorn-brakes and hedges, and is
seldom seen ; the place of its retreat being only discovered
from its song. In the combined qualities of variety, richness,
and power, this song is unrivalled, and its effect is still fur-
ther increased by the chosen hour of its utterance, during the
silence of a calm summer's night. Its nest is formed upon Nest, &c.
the ground, of withered oak-leaves, and lined with dry grass.
It lays from four to six eggs, of a plain yellowish-brown.
The food of the Nightingale consists chiefly of insects and Food,
their larvae ; to which may be added berries and fruit.
From the observations of MONTAGU it appears, that the
young birds are principally fed with small green caterpillars,
probably the larvae of some moth ; but perhaps that of a ten-
thredo, peculiar to certain localities. After rearing its pro-
geny, and recruiting for a short time its strength, after the
performance of its parental duties, on the first approach of
autumn, it departs from our shores for a warmer and more
congenial climates. Egypt and Syria appear to be its chief
retreats during our winter, at which time it has been re-
marked, in the first of these countries, to be plentiful in the
thickets of the Delta, but has never been known to sing, ut-
tering only the common alarm-note, so frequently heard in
those districts of England where it abounds.
208 INSESSORES. CURRUCA.
PLATE 46. Fig. 1. Natural size. Form typical.
General Upper parts deep yellowish-brown. Rump and tail red-
t i orn ish-brown. Throat and middle of the belly greyish-
white. Sides of the neck, breast, and flanks grey. Legs
and toes pale yellowish-brown.
The female is similar in plumage to the male.
GENUS CURRUCA, BECHST. WARBLER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL rather stout, compressed ; culmen narrow, distinct,
and gently deflected towards the tip, which is emarginated.
Tomia, towards the middle of the under mandible, having a
slight inflection. Gape nearly smooth. Nostrils basal, late-
ral, oval, and exposed. Wings with the first quill very
short; the second inferior to the fifth ; the third and fourth
generally the longest. Legs having the tarsi longer than the
middle toe ; toes short, and formed for perching ; hind toe
strong ; the sole dilated and broad. Claws much curved ;
grooved on the sides, and very sharp ; that upon the hind
toe strongest, and of greatest length.
The genus Curruca, established by BECHSTEIN, contains
several species, amongst which our Black-Cap and Greater
Pettychaps furnish familiar examples. They differ from the
Nightingales in having the bill more compressed, with a
sharper culmen or ridge ; the legs shorter, and the feet formed
more exclusively for perching. In general they possess sweet
and varied notes ; some species, indeed, almost emulating in
their warblings the richness and power of the Nightingale.
They feed upon insects and larvae, and are very partial to the
smaller soft fruits and berries.
WARBLKK. INSESSORES. CURRUCA. 209
BLACK-CAP WARBLER.
CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA, Bechst.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. 2. and 3.
Sylvia atricapilla, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 508. sp. 6.
Motacilla atricapilla, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 332. 18. Fauna Suec. No. 256
Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 970.
Curruca atricapilla, Briss. 3. p. 580. 6.
Atricapilla, seu Ficedula, Aldrov. Raii Syn. p. 79. A. 8 Will p. 162.
Becfin a tete noir, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. 201.
La Fauvette a tete noir, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 125. t. 8. f. I Id. PI. Enl. 580.
f. 1 . and 2. male and female.
Schwarzkopfige Grasmucke, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. 223 Frisch.
t. 23. f. 1. A. and B.
Black-cap, Br. Zool. 1. p. 148. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 418. E. Will. (Ang.)
p. 226 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 415. 5 Lewies Br. Birds, 3. t. 116 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 9 Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 217.
THIS species appears with us about the latter part of April, Periodical
, , . f, ,, visitant,
or, in backward seasons, not before the beginning of May ;
it is more generally dispersed than the preceding one, and is
found not only throughout England, but in Scotland, where-
ever from situation it can obtain a suitable retreat. This is
usually in wood or thicket ; but it also frequents gardens
and orchards. It is of a shy nature, like most of the tribe.
It possesses much melody of song, though unequal in ex-
tent or power to that of the Nightingale. During its song ?
it is generally perched upon the summit of a tree, from
whence it pours forth, at intervals, its clear and well defined
notes. It builds in low bushes and brambles, or amongst Nest, &c.
nettles ; and the nest, which is loosely put together, is formed
of the dry stems of the cleavers (Galium aparine), frequently
lined with a few hairs, and fine fibres of root.
The eggs are of a reddish-brown, with spots of a darker
shade, intermixed with others of an ash-grey colour ; and are
four or five in number. The young of this, as well as of
many other species, are very impatient of observation, and,
when handled, or otherwise disturbed, immediately quit the
VOL. i. o
210 INSESSORES. CURRUCA. WARBLER.
Food, nest, although but half fledged at the time. The food of the
Black-Cap consists of insects, which it searches for among
the leaves and light sprays, being seldom or never seen upon
the ground. It also greedily devours the smaller sorts of
fruit, particularly raspberries and red currants. On its first
arrival it feeds upon the berries of the ivy, but quits this
diet as soon as the summer's warmth has called a sufficiency
of the insect tribe into existence.
The species is widely dispersed through the northern and
eastern parts of Europe, extending to as high a latitude as
Lapland. It is rare beyond the Apennine and Pyrennean
Mountains. In Madeira it is common, and permanently re-
sident. Another, nearly allied to it (indeed considered by
some as only a variety) is also not uncommon on that island ;
and which last is figured and described as Curruca Heineken
in the " Illustrations of Ornithology"" by JARDINE and
SELBY.
PL >TE 45. Fig. 2. A male bird of the natural size.
General Forehead, crown, and occiput, black. Neck and breast
tion. nP " re y- Upper parts of the body grey, tinged with oil-
Male bird, green. Belly arid vent pale ash-grey. Legs and feet
bluish-grey. Bill and irides brown.
Female. Fig. 3. The female, natural size.
Crown of the head umber-brown. General tints of the
plumage darker, and more inclining to oil-green than
in the male bird. Exceeds the male in size.
The young, upon quitting the nest, resemble the female
in plumage.
WARBLER. INSESSORE& CURRUCA. 211
GREATER PETTYCHAPS.
CURRUCA HORTENSIS, Bechst.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. 4.
Sylvia hortensis, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 524. sp. 4 Id. Tasschenb.
Deut. p. 1U9. Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 509. sp. 3.
La Petit Fauvette, Buff. PI. Enl. 509. sp. 3.
Becfin Favette, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 206.
Mraue-Grasmiicke, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 224.
Braemsluiper, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. v. 2. t. p. 139.
Greater Pettychaps, Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supp.
Fauvette Pettychaps, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. t. 218.
THE Pettychaps appears to have been first described as a Periodical
British species by Dr LATHAM, who received his specimen V1
from Lancashire. Since that period (a greater degree of at-
tention having been bestowed upon this department of Natu-
ral History) it has been found in most parts of England,
which it periodically visits ; arriving with the other species of
Warblers, in April and May, and departing early in Sep-
tember. MONTAGU informs us that he traced it throughout
the greater part of England ; but he fixes the Tyne as its
northernmost limit, in which boundary of its migration he is
certainly mistaken, as I have often seen it on the north of the
River Tweed*
The song of this species, although inferior in extent of
scale, almost equals that of the Nightingale in sweetness;
some of the notes are particularly mellow, and closely ap-
proach to the whistle of the Blackbird. It frequents tangled
copses, or thick hedges, and, like the rest of its shy tribe, is
more frequently heard than seen, usually singing from the
very centre of some close retreat ; though I have seen it oc-
casionally (like the Black-cap) warbling from the upper light
branch of a tree.
* T have found it throughout the greater part of Scotland, particularly
where the wooded districts margin the lakes and rivers.
o 2
212 INSESSORES. CURRUCA. PETTYCHAPS.
Nest, &c. It builds its nest amongst nettles or other thick herbage,
forming it of the decayed stems of goose-grass (Galium apa-
rine), or the seed-bearing stems of umbelliferous plants,
fibres of roots, and a little moss, flimsily interwoven ; lay-
ing four or five eggs, of a yellowish-grey colour, blotched
with wood brown, principally at the larger end. The alarm-
call of this species is very similar to that of the White-Throat
(Sylvia cinerea). In Bewick's early edition of his History
of British Birds, a mistake has been committed, in affixing
some of the synonyms of the Sylvia hippolais (Lesser Pet-
ty chaps), to a bird evidently answering, by the description
there given, to the species now under consideration.
PLATE 46. Fig. 4. A male bird of the natural size.
General The whole of the upper parts oil-green, with a shade of
ash-grey. On each side of the lower part of the neck is
a patch of ash-grey. Throat greyish- white. Breast and
flanks yellowish-grey, inclining to wood-brown. Belly
and vent greyish-white. Orbits of the eyes white. Iri-
des brown. Bill wood-brown. Legs and claws bluish-
grey.
The female is similar in plumage to the male bird.
The young of the year have the region of the eyes greyish-
white. Head, upper part of the neck, back, rump, and
wing-coverts, yellowish-brown, passing into oil-green.
Quills greenisn-grey, edged with oil-green. Cheeks and
sides of neck yellowish-grey. Throat, breast, sides, and
under tail-coverts wine-yellow. Middle of the belly
white. Legs, toes, and claws pearl-grey.
WHITE-THROAT. INSESSORES. CURRUCA. 213
WHITE-THROAT.
CURRUCA CINEREA, Bechst.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. 6.
Sylvia cinerea, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 514.
Motacilla Sylvia, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 330. Gmel Syst. 1. p. 956.
Parus cinereus, Briss. 3. p. 549. 4.
Becfin grisette, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 207.
Fauvette grise, ou grisette, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 132 Id. PI. Enl. 579. f. 3.
Fahle Grasmiieke, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 534 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 225.
Rietwink, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. v. 3. t. p. 97-
White-Throat, Br. Zool. 1. No. 160 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 422 White, Hist.
Selb. p. 103 Lath. Syn. 4. 19. p. 428 Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's
Br. Birds, v. 1 Lewies Br. Birds, 3. t. 104 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9.
PROVINCIAL Nettle-Creeper, Muggy-Cut-Throat.
THIS species is much more numerous, and more equally Periodical
diffused throughout Britain, than either of the foregoing. It visitant
is, like most of the genus, a regular visitant to our shores
during the summer, arriving at the same time with those al-
ready described, and preparing for its equatorial migration
about the latter part of September.
It inhabits hedges and thickets ; and possesses a pleasing
but cursory song, frequently uttered upon the wing, as it
rises from the spray on which it had been perched, to a con-
siderable height in the air, and descends slowly to the same
spot from whence it had taken its departure. In executing
this movement, its flight is very peculiar, and must have at-
tracted the attention of all persons interested in ornithologi-
cal pursuits. When singing, the feathers upon the crown of
the head are erected, and the throat suffers considerable in-
flation. It builds amongst brambles, nettles, or other tall
weeds. The nest is of frail and open texture, composed of
the withered stems of the Galium aparine, sometimes having
a few hairs intermixed with them. The eggs are four or five
in number, of a greyish-white, speckled with wood-brown and
214 INSESSORES. CURRUCA. WHITE-THROAT.
grey. The young often leave the nest before they are well
able to fly, particularly if they happen to be disturbed.
Food. The food of the White-Throat chiefly consists of insects
and their larvae ; but in the latter part of the summer it is a
destructive visitor to gardens, being particularly fond of
cherries, currants, and other smaller fruits.
PLATE 46. Fig. 6. Male bird, natural size.
General Crown of the head and the region of the eyes deep smoke-
tion. nP g rev - Upper parts yellowish-brown, tinged with grey.
Wing-coverts margined with pale orange-brown. Quills
blackish-brown, margined with yellowish-brown, except
the exterior one, which has its outer web white. Tail
brown, the exterior feather having its end and outer web
white, and being rather shorter than the rest. Throat
and middle of the belly white. Breast slightly tinged
with rose-red. Flanks ash-grey, tinged with red. Bill
and legs blackish-brown. I rides yellowish-brown. The
young have the reddish-brown of the upper parts of a
deeper shade than the adults ; and have also a white
space between the bill and the eye ; and, in them, the
outer web of the exterior quill is of a pale reddish-
brown colour, instead of being white. The tints of
plumage in the female are less pure, and more inclining
to reddish-brown than in the male bird. Breast white,
and without the rosy tint.
WHITE-TIIKUAT. 1NSESSORES. CURRUCA.
LESSER WHITE-THROAT.
CURRUCA GARRULA, Briss.
PLATE C. FIG. 4.
Curruca Garrula, Briss. Orn. 3. 384. 7.
Curruca sylviella, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 70. No. C7.
Motacilla Curruca, Linn. Syst. 1. 329. 6 Gmel Syst. 1. 954.
Sylvia Curruca, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 509. sp. 9 Temm. Man. d'Orn. 1. 209.
Sylvia Dumetorum, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 522. 45.
Motacilla Dumetorum, Linn. Syst. 1. 334. 31 Gmel. Syst. 1. 985.
Sylvia Svlviella, Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 545. sp. 24 Mont. Orn. Diet. Supp.
La Fauvette Babillard, #//# Ois. 5. 135 7rf. PI. Enl. 580. f. 3.
Becfin Babillard, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 1. 209.
Klapper Grasmucke, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. 1. 226.
Babbling Warbler, Arct. Zool. 2. 422. U Lath Syn. 4. 417. C.
White-breasted Warbler, Lath. Syn. 4. 447. 41.
Lesser White-Throat, Lath. Syn. Sup. 185. t. 113 Don. Br. Birds, 4. t.
86 Mont. Orn. Diet, and Sup Shatc's Zool. 10.509 Flem. Br. Anim.
1. 71. No. 07 Bewick's Birds, ed. 1826, p. t. 253.
Babillard, Rennie's Mont. Orn. Diet. 15. with a figure of the nest and eggs.
As no opportunity of examining this pretty little Warbler
had been afforded me, previous to the publication of the first
edition of these Illustrations, I was obliged to limit my no-
tice of it, as a British species, to a cursory note ; as I could
not, without a personal inspection, reconcile the synonyms
of the various authors who have adverted to it. The kind
attentions of my ornithological friends, have since then fur- Periodical
nished me with specimens from different parts of the king- vlsltant<
dom, by which I am now enabled to give a more detailed
description, as well as a figure of the bird, upon one of the
supplementary plates. Its retired habits, and the impatience
of observation which it so constantly exhibits, in always en-
sconcing itself amidst the thickest entanglements of hedges
or underwood, contributed, for a long time, to keep it out of
view, and cause it to be regarded as a species of great rarity,
and of very local distribution. The interest, however, ex-
cited of late years, by the keen pursuit of this branch of
Natural History, has led to a much closer search after the
respective species, and it is now satisfactorily ascertained,
216 INSESSORES. CURRUCA. WHITE-THROAT.
that the present, and several other supposed rare birds, far
from being so, or even much limited in range during their
periodical abode in this kingdom, are as abundant, and as
widely disseminated, as many others which, from dissimilar
habits, have long been familiarly known to us. By MON-
TAGU, the limits of the present species, in a northern direc-
tion, were supposed not to extend beyond Lincolnshire;
where he speaks of it as being more abundant than in any
other part of England. It has, however, been found to ad-
vance annually as far as the Tyne, being common in the
county of Durham ; and Dr RENNIE (in his edition of MON-
TAGU'S Ornith. Diet.) says, that he is confident of having
seen it in Ayrshire, and at Musselburgh Haugh, near Edin-
burgh ; though it does not appear that he actually obtained
specimens for examination, and therefore may possibly have
mistaken some other bird, or the Common White- Throat, for
it. For my own part, although I have sought after it with
great attention and perseverance, I have never been able to
detect it even in the northern parts of Northumberland,
where the larger species is abundant. It inhabits the thick-
est hedges, in which it conceals itself with great adroitness,
and the intricacies of which it threads with the rapidity of a
mouse ; on which account specimens are only to be obtained
with difficulty and by patient watching. In this situation,
its frequently repeated and peculiarly shrill note (which has
been compared to the word actcli or atscli) alone gives notice
Nest, &c. of its contiguity. Its nest (a specimen of which, together
with the eggs and parent birds, I received from Suffolk) is
principally composed of the decayed stems of the Galium apa-
rine, neatly though widely interwoven with some locks of
wool, and with cottony substances intermixed; the latter
apparently the envelopes of the eggs of spiders. The bottom
of the nest is lined with a few small fibrous roots; but the
whole texture is so open as to be easily seen through, resem-
bling, though upon a smaller scale, the nests of the White-
Throat, Black-Cap, and Pettychaps. The eggs are of a
1
WHITE-THROAT. INSESSORES. CURRUCA. 217
greenish- white, with spots and specks of ash-grey and brown,
principally at the larger end, and disposed in the form of a
zone; but these spots are sometimes thinly scattered over
the whole surface. The species is plentifully distributed
throughout the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, and
Hs periodical polar migration extends as far northward as
Sweden. In its affinities, it is even more closely allied to
the Passerine Warbler (Curruca minor of BRISSON, Becfin
Passerinette of TEMM.) than to the Common White-Throat,
with which it has no doubt been frequently confounded in
this country ; but may always be distinguished by its infe-
rior size, different-coloured legs, and from being without the
rich brown upon the scapulars and wing- coverts that distin-
guishes the larger species. Its food, like that of its conge- Food,
ners, consists of insects and their larva?, and the smaller
fruits and berries.
PLATE C. Fig. 4. Represents this bird of the natural size.
Bill brown, fuller towards the base. Irides reddish- General
brown. Crown of the head and nape of the neck ash- ti ^ np "
grey, with the auriculars darker. Throat, breast, and
belly pure silvery white. Sides and flanks tinged with
pinkish-brown. Upper parts pale brown, tinged with
grey. Tail broccoli-brown ; the exterior feather having
its outer web entirely white, and a great part of its
inner web the same. Legs and feet bluish-grey.
SUBFAMILY SYLVIANA.
IN this group, the delicate form and peculiar features of
the Sylviada are carried to the greatest extent, and it ranks,
of course, as the pre-eminently typical circle of that interest-
ing portion of the Insessores. It embraces the most dimi-
nutive species of the Warblers ; the Gold-Crests, or members
of the genus Rcgulus (Cuv.), being by Mr SWAINSON con-
218 INSESSORES. MELIZOPHILUS.
sidered its typical representatives. In it also appear to be
included the various small species of Warblers known by the
name of Willow- Wrens ; all nearly allied to each other in
colour and form (of which the Common Yellow Willow- Wren,
Sylvia Trochilus, and Lesser Pettychaps, Sylvia Hippolais,
may be cited as examples), and connected apparently with
the smaller species of the genus Curruca of the preceding
Subfamily, as well as with the slender-billed birds of the
succeeding Subfamily Pariana. The genera Melizophilus
(LEACH), represented by the Dartford Warbler; Malurus
(ViEiLL.), containing the beautiful soft-tailed Warblers from
Australia (all formerly included in LATHAM'S genus Sylvia) ;
Prinea {HORSF.) and Culicivora (SWAINSON) are also refer-
able to it, and, by the various modifications of character they
exhibit, support the necessary chain of affinities with the
other groups and larger divisions of the Insessorial order.
GENUS MELIZOPHILUS, LEACH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
HEAD large; bill rather short, gently arched from the
base, compressed, with the tip finely emarginated; tomia of
both mandibles inflected towards the middle ; gape slightly
bearded ; nostrils basal, lateral, longitudinally cleft. Wings
short ; the first quill very small, the second shorter than the
third, fourth, and fifth, which are equal to each other, and
the longest in the wing. Tail long and soft. Legs having
the tarsi strong, and longer than the middle toe. Feet of
three toes before, and one behind ; the front toes divided.
Claws sharp, and tolerably long; the middle claw nearly
equal in length to that of the hind toe.
This genus was formed by Dr LEACH for the reception of
the Dartford Warbler, a bird differing essentially in charac-
ter from the other species, with which it had been previously
WARBLER. INSESSORES. MELIZOPHILUS. 219
associated. In its affinities, it approaches very near to the
Malurl of VIEILLOT, possessing the same short body and
puffy head, and in a great degree the soft and lengthened
tail ; which latter is one of the distinguishing characters of
these beautiful birds. The habits and manners of our spe-
cies, from the detailed and interesting description of MON-
TAGU, appear, in many respects, to approach those of the
Titmice, as well as of the smaller species of Curruca belong-
ing to the preceding Subfamily Pkilorndina.
DARTFORD WARBLER.
MELIZOPHILUS PROVINCIALIS, Leach.
PLATE XLVI. FIG. C.
Sylvia provincialis, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 210.
Sylvia Dartfbrdiensis, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 517. 31 Mont. Trans.
Linn. Soc. vol. 7. p. 280, and vol. 9. p. 191.
Motacilla provincialis, Gmel. Syst. 2. p. 958. 67-
Le Pitte-Chou de Provence, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 158 Id. PL Enl. 655. f. 1.
Becfin Pitte-Chou, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 211.
Dartford Warbler, Br. Zool. 1. No. 161. t. 56 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 437. 27
Id. Supp. p. 181. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp Lewin's Br. Birds,
3. t. 106 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 237 Bewick's Bi. Birds, 1. t. 210.
THIS species is indigenous, but confined to some particular
districts in the southern parts of England. It was first no-
ticed by Dr LATHAM, in the year 1773, who procured a pair
of these birds from Bexley Heath, near Dartford, in Kent ;
from which latter place it has taken its trivial English name.
The discovery was communicated to PENNANT, who accord-
ingly published an account of the species in his British Zoo-
logy. Since that period it has been found in several places ;
amongst others, in parts of Devonshire and Cornwall, by that
indefatigable naturalist the late GEOKGE MONTAGU, Esq. ;
and in which counties he has ascertained that it breeds, and
remains through the whole year.
Its body is very small, not much exceeding that of the
Common Wren, but its great length of tail gives an appear-
220 INSESSORES. MELIZOPHILUS. WARBLER.
ance o f superior bulk. In this country it lives upon the
open downs and commons that abound with furze, where it
meets with a secure retreat, and in the thickest part of which
it conceals itself upon the slightest alarm, creeping from bush
to bush with great celerity. According to MONTAGU, its
song is pleasing, though hurried in note, and (like that of
the White-Throat) is often uttered whilst the bird is suspend.
Food. ed on wing over the furze. It feeds upon flies, grasshoppers?
Nest, &c. and other insects. The nest is formed of the same materials
as that of the White-Throat, with the addition of being
usually lined with the finest stalks of a species of car ex, is
placed in the centre of the thickest furze bush, and only to
be found by a very close and patient search. The eggs also
resemble in colour those of the above-mentioned bird, but
are smaller. For a more particular account of this bird, and
its young, my readers are referred to MONTAGU'S Supple-
ment to his Ornithological Dictionary, or to the 9th volume
of the Linnean Transactions, where he has entered into the
subject in his usual minute and scientific manner. Accord-
ing to TEMMINCK, this bird is abundant in the southern parts
of Europe ; but unknown in Germany and Holland.
PLATE 46. Fig. 6. A male of the natural size.
General ~ft{\\ primrose-yellow at the base, the tip black. Irides and
tion. eyelids pale yellowish-brown. Upper parts of the body
deep clove-brown. Cheeks grey. Throat, neck, and
breast cochineal- red, inclining to brownish purple-red.
Mesial line of the belly white. Quills blackish-brown,
having the outer webs margined with deep ash-grey,
and those of the coverts with reddish-brown. Tail
wedge-shaped, blackish-brown ; the exterior feather tip-
ped with white, and having the outer web margined
with the same ; the next feather also with a white tip.
Legs and toes inclining to sienna-yellow. The tints of
plumage in the female and young birds are less bright
and distinct; and in them also are several fine white
INSESSORES. SYLVIA. 221
streaks upon the neck and throat, which entirely vanish
in the old birds.
GENUS SYLVIA, AUCT. SYLVIA.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill slender, widened at the base ; suddenly compressed in
front of the nasal groove ; upper mandible gently deflected
towards the tip, which is emarginated ; gape slightly beard-
ed ; nostrils basal, lateral, ovoid, and partly concealed by the
advancing feathers of the forehead. Wings of mean length ;
first quill abortive ; second shorter than the third and fourth,
which are the longest. Tail even at the end when expanded,
subfurcate when closed. Legs having the tarsi long and
slender. The outer toe joined at its base to the middle one ?
hind toe strong. Claws sharp, moderately curved ; that of
the hind toe the largest. General form slender.
For this interesting genus (whose members are all nearly
allied in colour, form, and manners, and considered appa-
rently by the older authors as the peculiar representatives of
the Warblers) I have retained the name of Sylvia, although
Mr SWAINSON has bestowed that appellation upon the Gold-
crests, which he considers (and I think justly) to be the ty-
pical form of this subfamily. These last having, however,
been previously characterized by CUVIER, under the title of
Regulus, I have thought it as advantageous to science, and
perhaps less puzzling in respect to nomenclature, to retain
the names under which each group has already been recog-
nised. In the form of the bill, which becomes much com-
pressed anteriorly, they make a near approach to the Gold-
crests, with which their manners also in a great degree assi-
milate. They are birds of much alertness, and in almost
constant action, moving with celerity among the branches
and foliage of shrubs and trees ; where they search for their
222 INSESSORES. SYLVIA. PETTYCHAPS.
insect-prey, in its perfect as well as larva state. They are
also, from the form of their feet, able to move readily upon
the ground, where their nest is usually formed, and where
they rear their young.
LESSER PETTYCHAPS.
SYLVIA HIPPOLAIS, Lath.
PLATE XLVII. FIG. 1.
Sylvia hippolais, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 507. sp. 4.
Motadlla hippolais, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 330. 7 Gmel. Syst. 2. p. 954.
Ficedula septima, Aldrov. (Pettychaps), Rail Syn. p. 79. A. 7. Will.
p. 158.
La Fauvette des Roseaux, Buff. PI. Ind. 581. 2., but the description of
this figure refers to the true Fauvette des Roseaux (the Sylvia arun-
dmacea).
Le Pouillot, ou le Chantre, Buff. Ois. 5. 344 Id. PI. Enl. 651. 1.
Le Figuier jaune et brun, Buff. Ois. 5. 295.
Becfin Pouillot, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 244.
Fitis Sanger, Meyer, Taschenb. 1. 248.
Lesser Pettychaps, Br. Zool. 1. No. 149 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 413. 3.* Id.
Sup. 2. p. 236 Lewin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 101 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9.-
Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp.
Least Willow-Wren, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 232.
PROVINCIAL Chip-Chap, Chiff-Chaff, Choice and Cheap.
Periodical THE similarity in form and plumage between this and the
two following species, has been a frequent cause of confusion ;
and, in dead or preserved specimens, it requires an attentive
examination and comparison to become acquainted with the
distinguishing features of each. In a living state, the differ-
ence of note, as well as peculiar tokens in their respective
habits, are sufficient ground of distinction to the naturalist.
The species now before us is the earliest harbinger of spring,
as it usually arrives before the month of April; indeed,
MONTAGU mentions instances of a much earlier appearance,
viz. in January and February. But I should be inclined to
think, with him, that such individuals had probably wintered
in our island, particularly as these observations were made in
PETTYCHAI>S. INSESSORES. SYLVIA. 223
winters of uncommon mildness, and in the warmest parts of
Devonshire. Its arrival is announced by its monotonous song,
frequently repeated, and which it continues to utter through
the greatest part of the summer.
The provincial names it has acquired, as above recited, are
expressive of the double note that forms the whole of this re-
petition. This bird is very common in the southern and mid-
land counties, but in Northumberland and other parts of the
north of Britain, it is not so numerous as either the Wood or
Willow Wrens. From the Yellow (or Willow) Wren (Sylvia
trochilus}, although most similar in plumage, it varies in be-
ing of less size, and in having the upper parts less tinged
with yellow, and the legs of an umber or blackish- brown
instead of a pale yellowish-brown. The fine sulphur-yellow
of the Wood-Wren (Sylvia siuilatrix), the well marked eye-
brow, and the silvery whiteness of the abdominal plumage,
are sufficient to distinguish it from this species. I have al-
luded (under the Greater Pettychaps) to a mistake in Mr
BEWICK'S works relative to the synonyms of the lesser. The
present bird will be easily recognised under the description
of the Least Willow- Wren of that author.
It frequents woods, thickets, and hedges, and feeds upon Food,
winged insects and larvae, in search of which it is in constant
motion amongst the branches. Its nest is made in very low Nest, &c.
bushes, or on the ground, in tufts of grass, being composed
of decayed leaves and dried grass, lined with a profusion of
feathers.
The eggs, five or six in number, are white, speckled with
purplish-red at the larger end, and with a few spots dispersed
over the sides. Although the earliest of our visitants in the
spring, it is also amongst our last autumnal fugitives, being
sometimes observed as late as the end of October.
PL ATE 47. Fig. 1.
Length between four and five inches. Upper parts oil- General
green, tinged with yellowish-grey. Between the bill
224 INSESSORES. SYLVIA. WOOD-WREN.
and eyes, and over each eye, is a narrow faint yellowish-
white streak. Wing-coverts pale yellowish-brown, mar-
gined with yellowish-grey. The whole of the under
parts, including the under tail-coverts., pale primrose-
yellow. Legs and feet blackish-broivn.
WOOD-WREN.
SYLVIA SIBIL ATRIX, Bechst.
PLATE XLVIT. FIG. 2.
Sylvia sibilatrix, Jfocfa*. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 561 Id. Tasschenb. Deut.
p. 176.
Sylvia sylvicola, Lath. Ind. Orn. Sup. v. p. p. 53. sp. 1 Linn. Trans. 4.
p. 35.
Regulus non Cristatus major, Will p. 164 (Angl.) p. 228.
Becfin siffleur, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 223.
Griiner Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 247-
Wood Wren, Linn. Trans, v. 2. p. 245. t. 24. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 237
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Suppl.
Green Wren, Albin. 2. t. 86. 6.
Larger Willow-Wren, White's Selb. p. 55.
Yellow Willow- Wren, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 229.
Periodical THIS bird seems to have remained long unnoticed as a dis-
visitant. t mc f species, from its likeness to the Yellow (or Willow) Wren
(Sylvia trochilus), with which it is still frequently confound-
ed. The peculiar difference of its plumage consists in the
more vivid tint of sulphur-yellow on the upper parts, the
bright yellow of the eye-streak, and the pure white of the
belly and under tail-coverts, which last named parts both in
that bird, and the preceding one (also an instance of strong
similarity), are tinged with yellow. It usually makes its ap-
pearance in the southern counties about the latter part of
April, but in Northumberland it is seldom seen before the
beginning of May ; ten days or a fortnight appearing to me,
from repeated observation, to be the difference of period in
the arrival of all our summer visitants, between the southern
and northern parts of the kingdom. It frequents natural
WOOD-WREN. INSESSORES. SYLVIA. 225
woods, and plantations of old growth, and is seldom seen in
hedges or brush- wood, like the Yellow Wren. In a living
state, it is easily recognised by its peculiar song, which re-
sembles the word twee, repeated twice or thrice rather slow-
ly, concluding with the same notes hurriedly delivered, and
accompanied by a singular shake of the wings. This song
is also frequently uttered during flight, as it slowly descends
to the twig from whence it had previously risen. The nest Nest,
of the Wood-Wren is similar in form to that of the before
mentioned species, and is commonly placed upon the ground
amongst the herbage ; is externally constructed of dry grass,
dead leaves and moss, but differs from them in being inva-
riably lined with fine grass, and hair, instead of feathers.
The eggs are six in number, white, with numerous purplish-
red spots over the whole surface, but confluent, and forming
a zone towards the larger end. The food of the Wood- Food,
Wren consists of insects and their larvae, principally of those
kinds that feed upon the foliage of trees. It is of general
diffusion through the kingdom, and to be met with in all
situations congenial to its habits.
PLATE 47. Fig. 2. Natural size.
Top of the head, and all the upper parts sulphur-yellow, General
the lower (or root), half of the feathers tinged with ash-
grey. Forehead, and eye-streak (which is large and well
defined), sulphur inclining to gamboge yellow. Cheeks,
throat, front of neck, marginal ridges of the wings, and
thighs, pale sulphur-yellow. The rest of the lower parts,
and the under tail-coverts, pure white. Tail slightly
forked, hair-brown, margined with sulphur-yellow, ex-
cept the outer feather, which is of a uniform hair-brown
colour. Legs pale yellowish-brown. Bill, having the
under mandible pale yellowish-brown, the upper rather
darker. Wings reaching as far as the extremity of the
upper tail-coverts, or two-thirds of the length of the
tail. Both sexes are similar in plumage.
VOL. i. i
22G INSESSORES. SYLVIA. YELLOW WREN.
YELLOW WREN.
SYLVIA TROCHILUS, Lath.
PLATE XLVII. FIG. 3.
Sylvia trochilus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 550. sp. 15. 5.
MotaciUa trochilus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 338. 49. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 995. sp. 49.
Asilus, JBriss. Orn. v. 3. p. 479. 45 Rail Syn. p. 80. A. 10 Will. p. 164.
MotaciUa acredula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 338. 49. B.
Becfin a poitrine jaune, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. 222.
Le Grand Pouillot, Cuv. Reg. Anim. 1. 369.
Gelebauchiger Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. 1. 246.
Yellow Wren, Br. Zool. 1. No. 151 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 319. White's
Hist. Selb. 28. 55 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 512. 14?. Id. Supp. 2. p. 238
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Lewirfs Br. Birds, 3. t. 113 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 9. Don. Br. Birds, 1. 1. 14.
Scotch Wren, Br. Zool. 2. No. 152. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 420 Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 513.
Willow Wren, BewicWs Br. Birds, 1. p. 222.
PROVINCIAL Ground Wren, Ground Huckmuck, Straws-meer.
Periodical THIS species equals the foregoing one in size, but differs
from it in having the under parts tinged with yellow, and the
colour of the back and scapulars more inclining to oil-green,
with a tinge of grey. It precedes it also in its arrival in this
country by a week or more, being usually either heard or
seen in Northumberland about the middle of April ; but, of
course, earlier in the southern counties. It is also more ge-
nerally dispersed, being met with in hedges and underwood,
as well as amongst trees of larger growth, where alone the
Wood- Wren is to be found during its residence with us-
Its striking similarity in shades of plumage and general ap-
pearance, has caused it also to be frequently confounded with
the Lesser Pettychaps (as I have before remarked in the de-
scription of that bird) ; but the colour of the legs forms a
strong point of distinction, being, in this bird, of a pale yel-
lowish-brown, whilst those of the Pettychaps are always of a
brownish-black. It also exceeds this latter bird in size. Its
song is different from either of these two similar species, and
consists of two or three notes, not unpleasingly modulated.
YELLOW WREN. INSESSORES. SYLVIA. 227
According to MONTAGU, it does not extend so far to west-
ward as the Wood- Wren, and is a rare bird in Cornwall ;
but I have found it co-extensive with that species in the
northern parts of the kingdom. It is of a very active nature,
and in constant motion, flitting from branch to branch, in
search of the smaller wirfged insects that form its food. It Food.
commences nidification soon after its arrival, usually select-
ing some dry bank, side of ditch, or bush close to the ground.
The nest is composed of moss and dry grass, lined with fea- Nest, &c.
thers, of an oval shape, with a small opening near the top.
It lays six or seven eggs, white, with numerous reddish-
brown spots towards the larger end, and with a few specks
dispersed over the rest of the surface. This species seems
to be of common occurrence throughout the greater part of
Europe.
PLATE 47. Fig. 3. Natural size.
Head and upper parts of the body pale oil-green, tinged General
with a cinereous or grey shade. Lesser wing-coverts
and margins of quill, feathers pale sulphur-yellow. From
the base of the bill a streak of primrose-yellow proceeds
over the eyes ; but not so well defined as that of the
Wood- Wren. Cheeks and throat primrose-yellow, pass-
ing into sulphur-yellow on the breast. Middle of the
belly pure white. Under tail-coverts primrostvyellow.
Quills and tail hair-brown, the latter slightly forked,
and the margins of the feathers yellowish- white. Wings
reaching half the length of the tail. Legs yellowish-
brown. Bill having the lower mandible yellowish, the
upper brown.
228 INSESSORES. REGULUS.
GENUS REGULUS, Cuv. REGULUS.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill straight, slender, higher than broad, compressed
throughout its whole length, the tomia, or cutting edges,
bending inwards. Nostrils basal, ovoid, covered with a small
bristly feather directed forwards. Wings having the first
quill short ; the second considerably shorter than the third,
which last is the longest. The tarsi of the legs long. Feet
with three toes before, and one behind, long and slender ;
the outer toe joined at its base to the middle one. Claws
curved, and sharp.
The Gold-crests, which exhibit the peculiar characters of
the Sylviadae in the highest perfection, are among the most
diminutive of the feathered race. They are of very active
habits, and in ever- varying motion, and in these respects
bear a near resemblance to the Titmice of the subfamily
Pariana; the passage to which is beautifully effected by
the close affinity subsisting between the genus Culicivora
(SWAINS.), of the subfamily Sylviana, and Setophaga
(SWAINS.), an introductory form of the prior subfamily.
Europe possesses two species of the present genus, but only
one has been hitherto found in Britain. A third and fourth
belong to America; and a fifth to the northern parts of
Asia.
REGULUS. INSESSORES. REGULUS. 229
il
GOLD-CRESTED REGULUS.
REGULUS AURICAPILLUS.
PLATE XLVII. FIG. 4.
Sylvia Regulus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 548. sp. 152.
Motacilla Regulus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 338. 48 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 995.
Itegulus cristatus, Raii Syn. p. 79. A. 9 Will. p. 163. t. 42 Briss. 3.
p. 579. 17-
Roitelet ordinaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 229.
Le Roitelet, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 363 Id. PI. Enl. 651. 3.
Gregonter Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 250 Frisch. t. 24. f. 4.
Golden-crested Wren, Br. Zool. No. 153 Arct. ZooL 2. No. 321 Will.
(Ang.) p. 227 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 508. 145 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 3. t. 112.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 2. t. 243 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9
Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 224 Edw. t. 254. 1 Low's Fau. Oread.
THIS, although the most diminutive of the British birds,
is yet of so hardy a constitution, as to brave the usual rigours
of our winter. It is equally dispersed through England and
Scotland, extending even to the Orkney Isles, where, ac-
cording to Low, it is also indigenous. Woods and planta-
tions are its habitual places of residence, but particularly
those abounding in spruce, larch, and other species of fir,
amongst which it not only finds a constant supply of the
insect-food most congenial to it, but situations best adapted
for concealment, and for its peculiar mode of nidification.
It breeds amongst the earliest of our birds, and I have
known its nest to contain fledged young as early as in the
third week of April.
The male generally commences his song of invitation about
the middle of February. This consists of two or three stridu-
lous, though not unpleasant notes, frequently repeated, and
ending rather abruptly. The common call-note of the spe-
cies is a very weak cry, similar to that of the Creeper (Certhia
f.miiliaris). The nest is of an elegant spherical structure, Nest, &c.
formed of moss and lichens, lined with a quantity of feathers,
230 INSESSORES. REGULUS. REGULUS.
and is usually suspended from the under part of a thickly-
clothed fir-branch ; and not unfrequently, in failure of such
trees, from the small branch of an oak. The eggs vary from
seven to ten, are of a pale wood-brown colour, and weigh
from nine to ten grains each. In attending to the economy
of this handsome little bird, the following circumstances have
passed under my observation.
On the 24th and 25th of October 1822, after a very se-
vere gale, with thick fog, from the north-east, (but veering,
towards its conclusion, to the east and south of east), thou-
sands of these birds were seen to arrive upon the sea- shore
and sand-banks of the Northumbrian coast ; many of them
so fatigued by the length of their flight, or perhaps by the
unfavourable shift of wind, as to be unable to rise again from
the ground, and great numbers were in consequence caught
or destroyed. This flight must have been immense in quan-
tity, as its extent was traced through the whole length of the
coasts of Northumberland and Durham. There appears
little doubt of this having been a migration from the more
northern provinces of Europe, (probably furnished by the
pine-forests of Norway, Sweden, &c.), from the circumstance
of its arrival being simultaneous with that of large flights of
the Woodcock, Fieldfare, and Redwing. Although I had
never before witnessed the actual arrival of the Gold-crested
Regulus, I had long felt convinced, from the great and sud-
den increase of the species during the autumnal and hyemal
months, that our indigenous birds must be augmented by
a body of strangers making these shores their winter's re-
sort.
A more extraordinary circumstance in the economy of this
bird took place during the same winter *, viz. the total dis-
appearance of the whole tribe, natives as well as strangers,
throughout Scotland and the north of England. This hap-
pened towards the conclusion of the month of January 1823,
* See voL v. p. 397, of Memoirs of Wernerian Society.
REGULUS. INSESSORES. REGULUS. 231
and a few days previous to the long-continued snow-storm so
severely felt through the northern counties of England, and
along the eastern parts of Scotland. The range and point
of this migration are unascertained, but it must probably
have been a distant one, from the fact of not a single pair
having returned to breed, or pass the succeeding summer,
in the situations they had been known always to frequent.
Nor was one of the species to be seen till the following Oc-
tober, or about the usual time, as I have above stated, for
our receiving an annual accession of strangers to our own in-
digenous birds.
In habits the Regulus approaches to the genus Par us, as
well as to some of the smaller species of Sylvia. It frequent-
ly associates with the Parus caudatus, ater, and coerttleus, is
similar to them in its gestures, and is equally active and un- Food,
intermitting in search of its food, which consists principally
of different species of culices and tipulce, with aphides and
their larvae.
It is found throughout Europe, and as far to the north-
ward as the Arctic Circle.
PLATE 47. Fig. 4. The male bird, natural size.
Bill black. Feathers of the crown of the head elongated General
and silky, of a rich orange, fading on the sides into |J escn P-
gamboge-yellow. On each side of this crest is a list of
black. Cheeks, under part of the neck, and upper
parts of the body, fine wax-yellow. Quills brownish-
black, margined with wine-yellow. Greater coverts
tipped with yellowish-white. Base of the bill, region
of the eyes, and all the lower parts, yellowish- grey ; but
with a tinge of brown upon the breast. Legs and feet
brown.
The crest of the female is not so bright in colour as that
of the male bird ; in other respects she does not exhibit
any difference.
232 INSESSORES. PARUS.
SUBFAMILY PAR1ANA.
The Titmice (or typical members of the genus Parus),
from the increasing strength and subconic form of the bill,
were generally placed by the earlier systematists in imme-
diate connection with the FrmgillidcB^ and other members of
the Conirostral tribe. A stricter analysis, however, satis-
factorily shews, that they more nearly approximate to the
Sylviadce, and that, in the natural arrangement, they form
an aberrant circle with other closely allied genera in that in-
teresting family. In Mr VIGORS' " Arrangement of the ge-
nera of Birds," they are stationed amongst the Pipridce, his
fifth family of the Dentirostral tribe, and answering to
SWAIN SON'S Ampelidce. But although a strong affinity un-
doubtedly exists between the true Titmice and the genera
Pipra, LINN., and Pardalotus, VIEILL., it is only such an
affinity as is necessary to sustain the connection between
the two groups ; and I therefore consider, that the proper
and natural station of the Titmice, is that assigned to them
by Mr SWAINSON.
To this subfamily, as aberrant forms, belong the members
of the genus Accentor (BECHST.), and perhaps that of Seiu-
rus (SWAINS.), both of which possess great interest, as the
mediums of connection with other and more distant tribes.
Its propinquity to the preceding subfamilies Philomelina
and Sylviana, is supported by the genera Sylvicola and Se-
topTiaga of SWAINSON.
GENUS PARUS, LINN. TITMOUSE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill strong, short, subconical, slightly compressed, sharp-
pointed, and hard; notch almost effaced. Nostrils basal and
round, covered with reflected bristly feathers. Feet, with
TITMOUSE. INSESSORES. PARUS. :>!W
three toes before, and one behind ; the anterior ones divided
to their origin, the hind toe strong, and armed with a long
and hooked claw. Wing, having the first quill of mean
length, or almost deficient ; the second shorter than the
third ; the fourth and fifth the longest.
The subjects of this well marked genus are of an active
and bold character. Most of the species inhabit woods and
plantations, and are remarkable for the various attitudes in
which they hang upon the branches of trees, in search of
insects and their larvae. They also feed upon grain and
many hard seeds, the kernels of which they obtain by re-
peated strokes of their sharp-pointed bill. Sometimes they
will attack the young of other small birds, killing them by a
fracture of the skull. They generally make their nests in
the holes of trees or walls.
GREAT TITMOUSE.
PARUS MAJOR, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIG. 1.
Parus major, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 341. 3 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1006. sp. 3 Lath.
Tnd. Ornith. v. 2. p. 562. I Rail Syn. p. 73. A. 1 Wil. p. 174. 43
Briss. 3. p. 539. 1.
La Grosse Mesange ou Charbonniere, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 392. t. 17. Id.
PI. Enl. 3. f. 1.
Mesange Charbonniere, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 287.
Kohlmeise, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 834 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 267 Frisch. t. 13. f. 1.
Great Titmouse, or Oxeye, Br. Zool. 1. No. 162 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 425. A.
Witt. (Angl.) p. 240.' t. 43 Letem*Br. Birds. 3. 1. 117 Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 536. 1 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Albin. 1. 1. 46 Haye's Br. Birds,
t. 38 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 10 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 237-
THE disposition of the well-contrasted colours in this
Titmouse, renders it one of the handsomest, not only of its
genus, but of our British birds. It is very common through-
234 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE.
out the kingdom in all wooded and enclosed districts, but,
in the more open parts of the country, comparatively of rare
Food, occurrence. -Its food, during the greater part of the year,
consists of insects and larvae, which it finds upon the foliage,
or in the interstices of the bark of trees. It frequently asso-
ciates with others of its tribe, displaying similar attitudes,
and exerting equal activity in search of its prey. In autumn,
and during winter, it subsists upon grain, nuts, and other
seeds, and I have frequently seen it enjoying a repast on
carion, or other animal remains. It sometimes also will at-
tack a bird its inferior in size, or one in a sickly state, frac-
turing its skull by repeated strokes of its pointed bill. Its
usual call-note is a kind of chatter, similar to, but louder
than, that of the Blue Titmouse. But in spring, as the pair-
ing season approaches, it uses a great variety of notes or
calls, amongst which is one closely resembling the spring-call
of the Chaffinch, sounding like the word pink ; and another
not unlike the jarring noise produced in the sharpening of a
saw.
It breeds in the holes of decayed trees, or in those of old
and ruinous walls ; and in the former case, the excavation is
made by the bird itself, which I have repeatedly seen busily
engaged in this task, and have admired the rapidity with
which the work advanced. The hole is often of considerable
depth, and at the bottom (where it is rather enlarged) the
Nest, &c. nest is placed ; the materials of which are moss, hair, and
feathers.
The eggs, from six to eight in number (but, according to
TEMMINCK, from six to fourteen or fifteen), are white, spotted
with reddish-brown, and scarcely to be distinguished from
those of the Nut-hatch. This species is found throughout
Europe, but more abundantly in its cold and temperate re-
gions. It is also said to be met with in Africa, in the neigh-
bourhood of the Cape of Good Hope. When seized, it de-
fends itself vigorously, inflicting a severe bite with its sharp-
pointed bill.
TITMOUSE. 1NSESSORES. PARUS. 235
PLATE 51. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill black. Head, throat, and lower part of the neck, General
black. Cheeks and ear-coverts white. On the nape of Descrip-
tion,
the heck is a spot of white. Back olive-green. Rump
bluish-grey. Wing-coverts greyish-blue, tipped with
white. Quills greenish -grey, edged with pale greyish-
blue. Tail the same, having the exterior web of the
outer feather white. Breast and belly sulphur-yellow,
with a black list or streak running down the mesial
line. Under tail-coverts white. Legs bluish-grey.
The colours in the female bird are the same, but they have
not the superior gloss that distinguishes the plumage of
the male.
BLUE TITMOUSE.
PARUS CCERULEUS, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIG. 2.
Parus cceruleus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 341. 5.Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1008. 5 Raii
Syn. p. 74. A. 4 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 566. 12 Will. p. 175. t. 43.
Briss. 3. p. 554. 2.
Le Mesange blaue, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 413 Id. PL EnL 3. f. 2 Temm.
Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 289.
Blaumeise, Beclist. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 860. Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 269 Frisch. t. 14. f. 1. A.
Blue Titmouse, Br. ZooL 1. No. 163. t. 57. f. 2 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 427. D.
Albin. 1. t. 47 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 543. 10 Will. (Angl.) p. 242. t. 43.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 H aye's Br. Birds, t. 38 Wale. Syn. 2.
t. 245 Pull. Cat. Dorset, p. 10 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t 237.
PROVINCIAL Tomtit, Nun, Blue-Cap, Hickmall, Billy-Biter.
THE great abundance and very general dispersion of the
Blue Titmouse throughout Britain, have lessened the interest
its beautiful and delicate plumage in a species of rarer occur-
rence would, without doubt, have commanded. It is a bird
of very active and lively manners, continually engaged amidst
the branches and foliage of trees or bushes, in pursuit of in-
sects, and in this search its attitudes are most amusingly va-
236 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE.
rious. It has been considered as an enemy by horticulturists,
in biting off the buds of fruit-trees ; but I am convinced that
this accusation has been inconsiderately made, and that the
trifling injury occasionally committed by the abrasion of a
few flower buds, is more than compensated by the destruc-
Food. tion of innumerable larvae, and eggs of the insect tribe, which
are usually deposited in or about those essential parts of
fructification ; and which, if allowed to proceed through the
necessary changes, would effectually check all hope of pro-
duce. In winter the Blue- Cap frequently resorts to stack-
yards and folds, where it feeds upon grain, chiefly oats,
through the husk of which, after having fixed it firmly with
its claws, it picks a hole, by repeated strokes of its bill.
It greedily devours carrion, and is a regular attendant upon
the wheel attached to a dog-kennel. Like the Greater Tit-
mouse, it will also attack other small birds, sometimes killing
them in a similar manner ; and is remarkable for its hostility
to the Owl, which it follows, and unremittingly persecutes,
whenever the latter happens to be in motion during the day.
Nest, &c. It breeds in the holes of trees or walls, and forms its nest of
mosses, lined with feathers and hair. Its eggs, from six to
eight in number, (not eighteen or twenty, as mentioned by
some authors), are white, spotted with brown at the larger
end. The female is not easily to be driven from her nest,
and, if an attempt be made to seize her upon it, bites with
severity (from which has arisen one of the provincial terms),
at the same time ruffling her feathers, hissing and making
the spitting noise of an irritated kitten. The call-notes of
the Blue Titmouse are confined to a weak chirp, and a kind
of harsh chatter.
It is found throughout Europe, and usually in abundance.
PLATE 51. Fig. 2. Natural size,
ill bluish-grey. Forehead, b
cheeks, white. Crown of the
before and behind the eyes black. Nape of the neck,
General Bill bluish-grey. Forehead, band above the eyes, and
descrip-
tion, cheeks, white. Crown of the head Berlin blue. Streak
TITMOUSE. INSESSORES. PARUS. 237
and collar deep azure blue. Back greyish blue, with a
tinge of green. Wings pale Berlin blue, having the
greater coverts tipped with white. Tail pale blue.
Throat and list down the middle of the belly deep
Scotch blue. Breast and sides sulphur-yellow. Legs
and toes bluish-grey.
The female resembles the male bird, except that the list
down the belly is not so well defined.
MARSH TITMOUSE.
PARUS PALUSTRIS, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIG. 4.
Parus palustris, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 341. 8 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1009. sp. 8
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 565. sp. 9. JRaii Syn. p. 73. A. 3 Will.
p. 175. t. 43 Briss. 3. p. 555. 7-
Parus atricapillus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1008. sp. 6 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2.
p. 566. sp. 10.
La Nonnette cendre'e, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 403 Id. PI. Enl. 3. f. 3.
Le Mesange a tete noir du Canada, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 408.
Mesange Nonnette, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 291.
Sumpfmeise, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 874. Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 271 Frisch, t. 13. f. 2. B.
Marsh Titmouse or Black-Cap, Br. Zool. 2. No. 165. t. 57. f. 4 Arct.
Zool. 2. p. 427. E Will. (Ang.) p. 241. t. 43 Lath Syn. 4. p. 541. 8.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2. Lewies Br. Birds, 3. t. 119 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 10 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 242 Shaw's Zool. v. 10.
p. 56.
Canada Titmouse, Arct. Zool. 2. No. 328. Lath. Syn. 4. p. 548. 9.
THIS species, although not so abundant as the preceding
one, is very generally dispersed throughout the kingdom.
It inhabits woods and thickets, particularly those that are
swampy, and composed of willows, alders, and other brush-
wood affecting moist situations. Here it finds an abundant
supply of food, which, during the greater part of the year, Fowl.
consists of insects and their larvae. In winter, however, it
will feed upon oats and other seeds, and exhibits no dislike
to carrion. It is seldom seen engaged in search of food upon
238 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE.
the higher trees, like others of its tribe, but confines itself to
the underwood, flitting from bush to bush near the ground.
Its usual note is so different as to be easily distinguished
from that of all the other species, but in spring some of the
notes of the male bird are not unlike those of the Greater Tit-
mouse. It breeds in the holes of old willows, and such trees
as occur in its peculiar haunts, and frequently excavates the
intended habitation of its brood to a considerable depth, al-
ways making it a little wider at the bottom for the reception
Nest, &c. of the nest, which is composed of moss, mixed with the pap-
pus (or seed-down) of the willow, (and not of thistle-down,
as stated by MONTAGU), 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.
Like others of the genus, those birds keep together in fa-
milies during the winter, only separating and pairing on the
approach of spring. They are found throughout Europe,
and are particularly abundant in Holland. The species ap-
pears to be precisely the same in North America.
PLATE 51. Fig. 4. Natural size.
General Head, nape of the neck, and throat, ink-black. Upper
tion. nr P arts yellowish-grey. Wings and tail bluish-grey,
edged paler. Cheeks yellowish-white. Breast and
belly white, tinged with pale yellowish-brown. Legs
bluish-grey.
The female does not differ from the male bird.
1NSESSORES. PARUS. 239
COLE TITMOUSE.
PARUS ATER, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIG. 3.
Parus ater, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 341 __ Gmel Syst. 1. p. 1009. sp. 7 __ Lath. Syn.
Ornith. v. 2. p. 564. 8. Rail Syn. p. 73. A. 2. Will. p. 175. t. 43.
Parus atricapillus, Briss. 3. p. 551. 5.
La Petite Charbonniere, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 400.
Mesange petite Charbonniere, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 288.
Tannemeise, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 853 Meyer^ Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 268.
Cole-Mouse, Br. Zool. 1. No. 164. t. 57. f. 3 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 327 __
Will. (Ang.) p. 241. t. 43 __ Lath. Syn. 4. p. 540. 7 __ Lewirfs Br. Birds,
3. t. 180 __ Mont. Ornith. Diet __ Id. Supp. Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 10.
Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 79 __ Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 241 __ Shaw's
ZooL v. 10. p. 56. t. 6.
THE Cole Titmouse is not so frequently met with as either
of the two preceding species in England, where its appearance
is confined to woods and extensive plantations. In Scotland,
I have found it abundantly in all the pine forests, which seem
to be its appropriate and favourite habitat, to the compara-
tive exclusion of the other species. In these extensive tracts,
covered by the natural growth of the country, or planted by
the great landed proprietors, it has both a secure retreat and
a constant supply of food ; consisting of the aphides, larvae, Food.
and others of the insect tribe, that are peculiar to the differ-
ent species of fir, together with the seeds and berries of va-
rious evergreens. It is very lively in all its motions, and
rivals the Blue Titmouse in the attitudes it assumes in quest
of its prey, amid the higher branches of the pines. Its note
is shriller and more pleasing than in the other species, and
tends much to break the gloomy solitude of the tracts it fre-
quents. Dr LATHAM (in common with some other writers)
appears to have doubted the specific distinction between the
Cole and Marsh Titmouse, and inclines to the opinion that
the latter is but the female of the former bird. I am per-
6
240 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE.
suaded that this erroneous supposition could only have been
entertained by so distinguished a naturalist, from not having
had the opportunity of seeing both the species in a living
state, or of comparing their respective habits. Their notes,
and peculiar markings, differ from the earliest period of
age*.
Nest, &c. The nest of the Cole Titmouse is usually built in the ca-
vity of some decayed stump of a tree ; but I have sometimes
found it placed on the ground, in the entrance of a mouse or
mole hole. It is formed of moss and wool, with a lining of
hair. The eggs are white, spotted with reddish-brown ; and
in number from six to eight.
This species occurs throughout Europe, particularly in
parts abounding in forests of pine, and other evergreens.
PLATE 51. Fig. 3. Natural size.
General Bill black. Crown of the head, and nape of the neck,
black; the latter with a central white spot. Cheeks
and sides of the neck white. Throat and under part
of the neck black. Back and scapulars greenish-grey,
passing upon the rump into yellowish-grey. Wings
and tail grey ; the coverts of the former tipped with
ash-grey. Under parts greyish-white. Legs and toes
bluish-grey.
The female resembles the male bird.
* See MONTAGU, who, in the second volume of the Ornith. Diet, has
clearly exhibited the distinctive characters of the two species.
TITMOUSE. INSESSORES. PARUS. 241
LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE.
PARUS CAUDATUS, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIG. 5.
Parus caudatus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 342. 11 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 1010. sp. 11
Lath. Ind. Ornith- v. 2. p. 569. sp. 20 Rail Syn. p. 74. A. 5 Will.
p. 176. t. 43.
Parus longicaudatus, Briss. 3. p. 570. 13.
Le Mesange a longue queue, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 437- t. 19. Id. PL EnL
502. f. 3. female Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 296.
Schwantzmeise, Bee fist. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 879. Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 272.
Staartmees, Sep. Nederel. Yog. v. 1. t. p. 49.
Long-tailed Titmouse, Br. Zool. 1. No. 166 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 248. 9
Will. (Ang.) p. 242 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 550 Id. Supp. p. 190 Albin, 2.
t. 57. fig. 1 Lewin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 121 Mvnt. Ornith. Diet Wale.
Syn. 2. 249 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 10. Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 243.
Shaw's Zool. 10. p. 59.
PROVINCIAL Long-tail Mag, Long-tail Pie, Huckmuck, Bottle Tom,
Mum-Ruffian.
THIS handsome little species of Titmouse is plentifully
dispersed through the kingdom, but from seldom quitting
the recesses of its native woods, does not frequently come
under the notice of the common observer. Its food consists Food>
entirely of insects, with their eggs and larvae, for which it is
in constant search amongst the branches and foliage of the
trees. In this pursuit it displays all the singular attitudes that
so particularly distinguish this genus, running up and down
the branches with the greatest agility, and hanging in an in-
verted position from the ends of the small twigs. Like the
Blue Titmouse, it will sometimes nip off the buds, in order
to arrive at some included larva. Its usual calls are a; weak
chirp, and a hoarser double note, chiefly used when flitting
from one tree to another. Its notes in the spring, however,
are more varied, and it can utter a pleasing, though low and
short song. Its nest is a structure of great interest and Nest> &c
beauty, and is commonly fixed in one of the smaller forks of
VOL. I. Q
242 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE.
a tree branch ; but occasionally amid the closer screen of a
fir, or the centre of a thick bush of woodbine or thorn. It is
of a longish oval form, composed of different lichens and wool
firmly and curiously interwoven, and lined with a profusion
of feathers. A small hole is left on two opposite sides of the
nest, not only for ingress and egress, but also to prevent the
bird, during incubation, from being incommoded by its long
tail, which then projects through one of the orifices. The
eggs usually amount to ten or twelve, and are white, with
fine reddish-brown specks, disposed about the larger end.
The young, after quitting the nest, continue with their
parents during the autumn and winter, forming distinct
families, which separate early in spring, or as soon as the
influence of the pairing-season commences. The flight of this
bird, although usually confined to short distances, is very
rapid, and has not unaptly been compared to the passage of
a dart through the air. It is often seen in company with the
Gold-crested Regulus, and the others of its own tribe. Is
found throughout Europe, and the colder parts of Asia.
PLATE 51. Fig. 5. Natural size.
General Bill short, and black. Irides brown. Edges of the eye-
^ s 7 eu< ow. Forehead and crown of the head white.
From the bill, passing above each eye, are two streaks
of black, which join at the nape of the neck, and then
form one broad streak, which runs down the middle of
the back. The rest of the back, and the scapulars, are
rose-red. Quills black ; the secondaries deeply edged
with white. Cheeks and throat white, mixed with
grey. Under parts ash-grey, tinged with rose-red.
Tail cuneated, and very long ; the four middle feathers
black ; the two next tipped with white ; the remainder
with their outer webs and tips white. Legs and toes
brownish-black.
TITMOUSE. 1NSESSORES. PARUS. 243
CRESTED TITMOUSE.
PARUS CRIST ATUS, Linn.
PLATE XLJII. FIG. 6.
Parus cristatus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 340. 2. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 1005 Raii
Syn. p. 74. 6. Will. p. 175. t. 48 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 567. sp. 14.
Le Mesange huppe, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 447 Id. PL Enl. 502. f. 2 Temm.
Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 290.
Haubenmeise, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 869. Mever, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 270 Frisch, Vog. t. 14. f. 1. B.
Crested Titmouse, Arct. Zool. 2. p. 427. F Will. (Ang.) p. 242. t. 43
Lath. Syn. 4. p. 545. 12 Albin. 2. t. 57- Mont. Oniith. Diet Id. Sup.
Don, Br. Birds, 2. t. 26 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 250 Shaw's Zool. 10. p. 64.
As this species is asserted to be an inhabitant of the pine-
forests of Scotland, particularly of that of Glenmore (from
whence Dr LATHAM mentions having received a specimen),
I have given a figure of the male bird (from which the female
only differs in having less black upon the throat) in one of
the supplementary plates.
My own endeavours to discover it in its native haunts have
been ineffectual, but I readily allow that, in such an extent
of gloomy forest, it might have escaped my research, and may
be very properly entitled to its place in our Fauna *. It is
said to be of very retired habits, and rarely to associate with
any of its congeners ; which may account for my never having
met with it in the company of the Cole Titmouse, a species
(as I have before observed) abounding in all the pine-districts
of Scotland. According to TEMMINCK, it builds in the holes Nest, &c.
of trees or rocks, and sometimes in the deserted nests of
crows or squirrels. It lays from eight to ten eggs, white,
with purplish-red spots, principally disposed around the
larger end. Its food consists of insects and their larvae, to- Food.
* Sir WM. JARDINE informs me that this bird has been found in some
plantations not far distant from Glasgow, where it annually breeds.
244 INSESSORES. PARUS. TITMOUSE,
gether with the berries of the juniper, and other evergreen
shrubs.
It is only found in such parts of Europe as afford localities
congenial to its habits.
PLATE 43. Fig. 6. Natural size.
General Bill black. Coronal feathers much elongated, and when
tion. nP erected, forming a conical crest ; their colour black,
deeply margined with white. Cheeks yellowish-white,,
with a few black specks. Ear-coverts, and streak below
the eye, black ; behind which is a collar of white, mar-
gined by a black line. Chin and throat black. Upper
parts pale yellowish-brown, with a tinge of oil-green.
Under parts white, tinged with ochreous-yellow., deepest
towards the vent. Legs and toes bluish-grey.
BEARDED TITMOUSE.
PARUS BIARMICUS, Linn.
PLATE LI. FIGS. 6.
Parus biarmicus r Linn. Syst. 1. p. 342. 12 GmeL Syst. 1. p. 1011 Lath-
Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 570. sp. 23.
Parus barbatus, Briss. 3. p. 5G7. 12.
Le Mesange barbue ou moustache', Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 518. t. 18. Id. PL
Enl. p. 618. 1. and 2 Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 298.
Bartmeise, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 888 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut,
v. 1. p. 273 Frisch, Vog. t. 8. f. 2. male.
Baartmees, Sep. Nederl, Vog. v. 1. t. p. 85.
Bearded Titmouse, Br. ZooL 1. No. 167 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 248. K
Lath. Syn. 4. p. 552. 2 Albin. t. 48. Lewiris Br. Birds, v. 3. t. 122
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup, Wale. Syn. 2. t, 148 Bewick's Br. Birds,.
v. 1. p. t. 246. male Shaw's Zool. 10. p. 62. t. 7. copy from Bewick.
THE habits of this beautiful bird cause it to be very par-
tially distributed, and it has only hitherto been met with in
some peculiar situations, chiefly in the southern part of the
kingdom. It lives amongst the reeds that fringe the banks
of some of our rivers, and that form a considerable portion of
TITMOUSE. INSESSORES. PARUS. 245
the herbage of the fenny districts of our island. It has been
found in the marshes between Erith and London, in some
parts of Gloucestershire, as well as in the extensive marshy
tracts near Cowbit in Lancashire ; and MONTAGU mentions
having killed it near Winch elsea in Sussex, amongst the reeds
which there grow close to the sea-shore. I have not met with
it in the more northern counties, nor in any part of Scotland,
although constantly inquired after in all such places as were
likely to afford it an appropriate retreat. From the difficult
situations in which it resides, its history in this country is but
little known, and the nest has not yet been found, or at least
has not been distinguished from that of the Reed- Wren,
which inhabits the same places*. TEMMINCK tells us, that Nest, &c.
the nest is affixed to the stems of the reeds, and always placed
beyond the reach of the highest floods, but he does not men-
tion the materials of which it is formed. We also learn from
him, that it lays six or eight reddish- white eggs, spotted with
reddish-brown, principally disposed around the larger end. It
is dispersed throughout the greater part of Europe, in its
peculiar localities, and is, as might be expected, particularly
abundant in Holland. It is also found in Asia, upon the
marshy borders of the Caspian Sea.
Its food consists of aquatic insects and their larvae ; with Food,
the seeds of such plants and grasses as affect moist situations.
PLATE 51. Fig. 6. Natural size.
Bill orange-yellow. I rides bright gamboge-yellow. Be- General
tween the bill and eyes is a tuft of loose pendent black
feathers on each side, forming moustaches. Head, neck,
and breast fine bluish-grey ; the latter with a tinge of
* Since the publication of the first Edition, the nest has been repeatedly
met with, and I have now by me one that was obtained in Essex. It is
formed entirely of the smaller seed-bearing stems of the reed, and is placed
in the tufts of grass that grow in marshy situations. The eggs are four or
five, with a pinkish tinge, and with irregular specks, spots, and fine streaks
of brown disposed over the whole surface.
246 INSESSORES. ACCENTOR.
lilac-purple. Chin and throat ash-grey. Belly and
flanks yellowish-brown. Under tail-coverts black. Nape
of the neck and the back yellowish-brown, tinged with
orange. Scapulars wood-brown. Greater quills black-
ish-grey, having their outer webs edged with white.
Secondaries edged with orange-brown. Tail long and
wedge-shaped, orange-brown ; the exterior feathers ha-
ving their outer webs and tips pale reddish- white. Legs
and toes black.
The female has the lengthened feathers (forming the
moustaches), the chin, breast, and sides of the neck,
white, with a tinge of pink. Crown of the head wood-
brown ; the occiput spotted with black. Back yellow-
ish-brown, with a list of black spots down the middle.
Vent, and under tail-coverts, pale yellowish, or inclining
to wood-brown.
GENUS ACCENTOR, BEC.HST. ACCENTOR.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strong, straight, of mean length, and drawn to a fine
point; the tomia of both mandibles bending slightly in-
wards ; and the upper mandible emarginated. Nostrils ba-
sal, naked, and pierced in a large membrane. Legs strong.
Toes three before and one behind ; the outer one joined at
its base to the middle toe. Wings having the first quill very
short, and the second a little shorter than the third, which is
the longest.
The few members of this genus are birds of a hardy tem-
perament, and brave without difficulty the rigours of our
sharpest winters. Their food is seeds of various kinds, with
insects and worms. The two sexes differ but little in plu-
mage, and their moult appears to be simple.
ACCENTOR. INSESSORES. ACCENTOR. 247
ALPINE ACCENTOR
ACCENTOR ALPINUS, Bechst.
PLATE D. FIG. 3.
Accentor alpinus, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 3. 700. No. 1. Temm. Man.
d'Orn. 1. 248 Jardine and Selby's Illust. Orn. pL 68.
MotaciUa alpina, Gmel Syst. 1. 957.
Sturnus moritanicus, Gmel. Syst. 1. 804 Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 325. No. 11.
Sturnus collaris, Gmel. Syst. 1. 805. Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 323, s>p. 5.
La Fauvette des Alpes, Buff. Ois. 5. 156. t. 10.
Collared Stare, Lath. Syn. 3. 8. 5.
Alpine Warbler, Lath. Syn. 4. 434. 25.
I AM enabled to add the present species to the list of our
Fauna as an occasional visitant, from a specimen having been Occasional
killed in the garden of King's College, Cambridge, and which visitant
is now in the possession of the Rev. Dr THACKERY, the Pro-
vost, whose valuable collection of British birds it enriches ;
and it is through his courtesy, in accommodating me with the
loan of this individual, that I am enabled to present my
subscribers with a correct figure of a British-killed Alpine
Accentor. In form and general appearance, it resembles our
indigenous species, the Hedge- Accentor (Accentor modula-
ris), but exceeds it considerably in size, and differs in the
disposition and colours of its plumage. It is an inhabitant
of the mountainous regions of Europe, and particularly af-
fects those districts which are of an abrupt and rocky cha-
racter. Upon the Swiss Alps it is very common (as its
name implies), and may always be seen by travellers in the
environs of the Convent upon Mount St Bernard. In sum- Nest, &c.
mer it ascends to very elevated stations, where it breeds in
holes, and under ledges of the rocks, laying four or five eggs
of a fine greenish-blue colour. As winter advances, and the
snow begins to accumulate upon the rocky steeps, it descends
towards the valleys and middle regions of the mountains ;
where it subsists upon the seeds of alpine grasses and plants ;
which at this time constitute its principal support. In sum-
mer, however, in addition to its vegetable diet, it destroys
grasshoppers and other insects, and their larvae.
248 INSESSORES. ACCENTOR ACCENTOR
PLATE D. Fig. 3. Represents this bird of the natural size.
General Bill strong, straight, and fine-pointed ; the upper mandi-
t n^" kle brownish-black ; the lower one orange-yellow, ex-
cept the tip, which is black. Head, nape of the neck,
rump, and breast pale hair-brown, tinged with grey.
Back the same ; with the centres of the feathers black-
ish-brown. Scapulars and tertiaries deeply margined
with pale reddish-brown. Lesser and greater wing-
coverts black : each feather being terminated by a trian-
gular white spot. Quills hair-brown, tipped and mar-
gined with greyish-white, margined with yellowish-
white. Flanks and abdomen orange-brown, margined
with yellowish- white. Tail hair-brown; the exterior
feathers terminating in a large reddish-white spot upon
their inner webs. Legs and feet strong, pale reddish-
brown ; hind claw very strong, and much arched.
HEDGE-ACCENTOR.
ACCENTOR MODULARIS, Cuv.
PLATE XLIII". FIG. 4.
Accentor modularis, Cuv. Reg. Anim. 1. 368.
Motacilla modularis, Linn. Sjst. 1. p. 329. 3 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 952. sp. 3.
Sylvia modularis, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 511. sp. 13.
Curruca sepiarla, Briss. 3. p. 394. 12.
Le Mouchet, Traine Buisson, ou Fauvette d'Hiver, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 151.
Id. PI. Enl. 615. 1.
Fauvetle de Bois, ou Rousette, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 139.
Accenteur Mouchet, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 249.
Schiefer Brustiger Sanger, Meyer. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 245. Frisch-
t. 21. 2. B.
De Winter Zanger, Sep. Nederl. Vog. v. 4. t. p. 404.
Hedge-Sparrow, Br. ZooL 1. No. 150 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 418. H Will.
(Ang.) p. 215 Albin, 8. t. 59 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 419. 9 Mont. Ornith.
Diet LewMs Br. Birds, 3. t. 102 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 9 Wale. Syn.
2. t. 232.
The Winter Fauvette, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 213.
PROVINCIAL Dick-Dunnock, Titling, Foolish Sparrow.
THE Hedge- Accentor (more generally known by the name
of the Hedge- Spar row) is a very abundant species through-
ACCENTOR. INSESSORES. ACCENTOR. 249
out the kingdom, and is also a permanent resident here. It
is only known in France during the winter, and its range
does not extend below that latitude. It draws to the neigh-
bourhood of villages or farm-houses for refuge during the se-
verity of the winter's season, procuring its subsistence about
the doors, or gleaning from the produce of the stack-yards,
which then form its chief supply.
The male begins his song very early in the year ; and these
birds usually pair in the beginning of February, after which
they retire to the woods, and other situations more remote
from the habitation of man. The nest is, in most years, Nest,&c.-
finished in March; is formed of moss and wool intermingled,
with a lining of hair, and is well secluded from sight in some
thick evergreen, whin-bush, or closely trimmed hedge. The
eggs, four or five in number, are of a fine clear greenish-
blue.
During summer this bird feeds upon insects, worms, and Food,
the seeds of grasses and other plants, as they ripen through-
out the season. It pours forth by no means a contemptible
song, the notes possessing variety, sweetness, and depth of
tone ; and the early period of the year, at which it usually
commences, renders it doubly acceptable. It appears from
MONTAGU, that, in the south of England, the nest of this
bird is frequently chosen by the Cuckoo as the depository for
its egg.
PLATE 43*. Fig. 4. Natural size.
Top of the head grey, streaked with brown. Sides of the General
neck, throat, and breast bluish-grey. Back and wing descrip-
coverts yellowish-brown ; the centre of each feather
being liver-brown. Middle wing-coverts tipped with
white on their outer webs. Rump and flanks yellowish-
brown. Belly greyish-white. Lower tail-coverts brown,
bordered with white. Legs and toes deep yellowish-
brown; strong.
The female is similar in plumage to the male bird.
250 INSESSORES. MOTACILLA.
SUBFAMILY MOTACILLINA.
WE now enter upon the subfamily Motacillina, which
forms the fifth group of the Sylviadae, and completes the
circle of that extensive family. The birds belonging to LA-
THAM'S genus Motacilla, or Wagtail proper, are its typical
representatives ; in addition to which it contains many other
forms, and amongst these the Pipits (genus Anthus, BECHST.),
a group which leads immediately to the Larks (genus Alau-
da, Auct.), thus connecting this portion of the Sylviadae with
the Conirostral tribe. The connection of the present with the
preceding subfamily Pariana, is supported by SWAINSON'S
genus Seiurus, which partakes in an almost equal degree of
the characters belonging to members of each group. The
Wagtails are birds of slender and elegant form, and are very
active. They seek their food upon the ground, where they
run with great agility, and do not hop like the other War-
blers; but are equally able to perch and sit upon trees.
Their food consists of insects, worms, and larvae. They
nestle upon the ground, or on the ledges of rocks, in the
holes of walls, &c.
GENUS MOTACILLA, LATH. WAGTAIL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL slender, strait, subulated, carinated, emarginated,
and describing an angle upon the forehead. Tomia of both
mandibles slightly compressed inwards, about the middle of
the bill. Forehead low and depressed. Nostrils basal, la-
teral, oval, and partly concealed by a naked membrane.
Tarsus considerably longer than the middle toe. Toes three
before and one behind ; the outer being joined at its base to
the middle one. Hind claw strong, more or less curved, and
WAGTAIL. INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. 251
sometimes of considerable length. Wings having the first
quill very short; the second the longest in the wing; and
one of the scapulars being as long as the quills. Tail very
long, and generally square at the end.
The members of this well-marked genus are very active
birds ; and haunt the banks of rivulets, the pebbled margins
of rivers, and extensive meaplows in the neighbourhood of
water. Their progressive motion is by running. They feed
on insects, taken both on the ground and on wing ; also on
worms and larvae. They are subject to a double (that is,
autumnal and vernal) moult ; the latter of which changes the
colour of the neck, and, in some species, the head of the bird.
They are confined to the Old Continent.
The lengthened tail of this genus is kept in continual mo-
tion perpendicularly, accompanied by a lateral (or horizontal)
expansion of the feathers.
PIED WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA ALBA, Linn.
PLATE XLIX. FIG. J.
Motacilla alba, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 331. 11 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 960. sp. 11
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 501. sp. 1. and var. B. and Y. Rail Syn.
p. 75. A. 1 Will. p. 171. t. 42 Briss. 3. p. 461. 38.
La Lavandiere, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 251. t. 14. L 1 Id. PL EnL 652. f. 1.
male in' spring plumage.
Bergeronette grise, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 255.
Weise Bachstelze, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 216 Id. Vog. Deut.
Heft. 3. male, female, and young.
White Wagtail, Br. Zool. 1. No. 142. t. 55 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 396. B
Will. (Ang.) p. 23? Lath. Syn. 4. p. 395. 1 Id. Sup. p. 1?8 Levin's
Br. Birds, 3. t. 95 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 226 Mont. Ornith. Diet Pult.
Cat. Dorset, p. 8 Bewick's Br. Birds, t. p. 194 Shaw's ZooL v. 10.
p. 545.
PROVINCIAL Pied Wagtail, Black and White Wagtail, Dishwasher,
Washer- woman.
THIS lively bird is well known, and very generally distri-
buted throughout Great Britain, being found, during its po-
252 INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. WAGTAIL.
lar migration, as far to the northward as the Orkney Islands.
In the southern counties of England it is indigenous, re-
maining through the whole year ; but in the northern parts
it is regularly migratory, retiring southward about the mid-
dle of October, and not re-appearing till February or the
beginning of March. It frequents the open margins of
rivers and lakes, or meadows in the immediate vicinity of
water ; and is partial to closely-mown lands. It runs with
Food, celerity, and is in continual motion in pursuit of the insects
that fly near the surface, which it also catches by short turns
of flight just above the ground, with singular dexterity. In
addition to the perfect insects, it feeds upon their larvae, and
upon worms. Its usual note-call is not unpleasant, and its
more extensive song (as in the pairing-season it warbles, the
early harbinger of spring, from the roof of a house, or the
top of a wall) is worthy of attention. It builds in various
situations, in a heap of stones, upon the ground, in the cre-
vice of a stone-quarry, or hole in a wall; and not unfrequent-
ly, in the south of England, upon the top of the trunk of an
Nest, &c. ld pollar tree. The nest is composed of moss, fibres of root
and grass, intermixed with wool, and lined with hair ; in
which it lays four or five eggs, of a greyish- white, speckled
with light hair-brown, and inferior in size to those of the next
species. They resemble so nearly the egg of the Cuckoo, as
to induce her frequently to select the nest of this bird for the
purposes I have before detailed.
The flight of the Wagtail is interrupted, and performed
by jerks; whilst on wing its call is very frequently repeated.
In autumn, previous to the departure of these birds to more
southern counties, they collect in small flocks, and haunt the
pasture-lands near the streams, or pools of water.
PLATE 49. Fig. 1, Male bird in summer plumage, and of
the natural size.
WAGTAIL. INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. 253
Forehead, cheeks, sides of the neck, belly, and vent white. General
Crown of the head, nape of the neck, throat, breast, up-
per parts of the body, and middle tail-feathers black-
Lesser wing-coverts black ; the greater ones bordered
with white. Quills edged with greyish-white. The two
outer tail-feathers white. In autumn and winter the
black upon the throat and breast gives place to pure
white, and the upper parts also incline to blackish-grey ;
rendering the male bird, at this season of the year,
scarcely distinguishable from the female.
GREY WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA BOARULA, Linn.
PLATE XLIX. FIG. 2.
Motacilla Boarula, Linn. Syst. p. 527 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 997. sp. 5. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. 2. p. 502. 4.
Motacilla melanopa, Gmel. Syst. 997 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. 503. sp. 5.
Motacilla cinerea, an flava altera Aldrov. Rail Syn. p. 75. 3 Will. p. 172.
Le Bergeron ette jaune, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 268 Id. PL EnL 28. f. 1. young
female Temm. Man. d 'Ornith. v. 1. p. 257.
Motacilla sulphurea, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 459.
Yellow Wagtail, Albin. 2. t 58.
Grey Wagtail, Br. Zool. 1. No. 144 Will (Ang.) p. 238. Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 398. 4 Id. Supp. p. 1?8 Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp. Lewirfs
Br. Birds, 3. t. 95 Edw. t. 259 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 227 Pult. Cat. Dor-
set. p. 8 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 190.
PROVINCIAL Winter Wagtail
WITH all the activity and sprightliness that characterize
the preceding species, the present bird unites a finer turn of
form, and more graceful carriage ; and also exhibits a more
varied and handsome arrangement of colours. It is only Periodical
known as a winter or equatorial migrant in the southern v
counties of England,* whilst in the northern parts of the
kingdom, on the contrary, it is a regular summer visitant,
arriving in April, and retiring, with few exceptions, about
the end of September, or the beginning of the following
* See MONT. Ornith. Diet, article Wagtail, grey.
254 INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. WAGTAIL.
month. Previous to its departure, it assembles in small flocks
or families, which haunt the meadows or bare pastures ; and,
at this time, having acquired their winter's plumage, the
young and adults closely resemble each other. In the north
of England, and in Scotland, this bird resorts to the margins
Food, of clear streams, where it feeds upon the various aquatic in-
sects and their larva?. It is very nimble, running rapidly,
and frequently wading to the feathered part of the leg in the
shallow streams, in pursuit of its prey. It commences nidi-
fication very soon after its arrival ; the place selected for that
purpose being usually the stony bank, or a shelf of the rocky
precipice that so often borders our northern rivers. The
Nest, &c. nest is made of moss and dry grasses, lined with hair ; and
the eggs, commonly six in number, are of a yellowish-grey,
blotched by a darker shade of the same colour. The Grey
Wagtail produces two broods in the year ; the first of which
is in general fledged by the end of May. MONTAGU, in his
account of this bird, has very properly rectified the mistake
of preceding authors, in asserting that the black throat, du-
ring the pairing season, is confined to the male. I have in-
variably found the female to possess it also at that period ;
but of inferior lustre to that of the other sex. Its usual call
is shriller than in the other species. It displays great anxiety
when its eggs, or the newly-flown young, are dirturbed, and
is very vociferous if a hawk, or other enemy, approaches the
neighbourhood of the nest.
PLATE 49. Fig. 2. Male bird, in summer plumage, and of
the natural size.
General Head and upper parts of the body bluish-grey. Rump
bright sulphur-yellow. Above the eyes is a white streak.
Throat black. Under parts bright gamboge-yellow.
Wings greyish-black, the coverts tipped with white.
Tail four inches long ; with the outer feather entirely
white ; the second white, except part of the outer web,
which is black ; the third having air additional streak of
WAGTAIL. INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. 255
*
black on the edge of the inner web ; and the remaining
feathers black, margined near the base with sulphur-
yellow. In autumn the black upon the throat disap-
pears, and is succeeded by yellowish- white ; and the
belly becomes of a pale primrose-yellow. The colours
of the female, at both seasons, are not so bright as those
of the male bird.
YELLOW WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA FLAVA, Linn,
PLATE XLIX. FIG. 3.
Motacilla flava, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 331. 12 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 504.
sp. 8. Gmel. Syst. 1 . p. 963.
Motacilla verna, Briss. 3. p. 468. 40.
Motacilla chrvsogastra, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 440.
Bergeronette'de Printemps, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 265. t. 14. f. 1 Id. PI. Enl.
674. f. 2.
Bergeronette printaniere, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 260.
Gelbe Bachstelze, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 219 Id. Vog. Deut.
Heft. 10. the male and female.
Geele Kwikstaart, Sep. NedreL Vog. v. 2. p. 103.
Yellow Wagtail, Br. Zool. 1. No. 143 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 396. F Will.
(Ang.) p. 238. t. 68 Edw. t. 258 Lewies Br. Birds, 3. t. 97 Lath.
Syn. 4. p. 400. 6 Id. Sup. p. 179 Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp.
Putt. Cat. Dorset, p. a Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. 1. p. 198.
PROVINCIAL Spring or Summer Wagtail, Oat-seed Bird.
THIS is a migratory species, its appearance in spring being Periodical
usually about the end of March ; and as it frequently resorts,
on its first arrival, to the newly sown lands, it has obtained
in many districts the provincial name of the Oat-seed Bird.
It is not so generally diffused as either of the other species,
but adheres to particular districts, viz. open arable ground,
and extensive upland sheep pastures. It is not uncommon
in the western parts of the county of Northumberland, but of
rare occurrence upon the sea-coast. These birds collect in
small flocks after the breeding-season, and move southwards
about the end of August ; after remaining there for a short
256 INSESSORES. MOTACILLA. WAGTAIL.
time, they leave the kingdom in September, to seek a warmer
Nest &c. residence for the winter. The Yellow Wagtail builds upon
the ground, forming a nest of dry stalks and root-fibres,
lined with hair. The eggs are four or five in number, of a
pale wood-brown, spotted with the same colour of a darker
shade. In its habits it resembles its congeners, and its usual
call is not unlike that of the Pied Wagtail^ but rather shril-
Food. ler. Like them, it feeds upon insects and worms. It ap-
pears to be subject to the vernal moult, as its colours, during
the pairing season, are of a much brighter hue than when it
leaves us in autumn, after having undergone the regular
moult ; at which time the adult and young birds are not to
be distinguished^
This species differs from the preceding ones, in having
the hind claw much produced, and nearly straight, in this
respect approaching closely to the succeeding genus Anthus.
It would seem that many authors have confounded this spe-
cies with the Grey Wagtail, as they have mentioned it as
indigenous.* The superior length of tail of the Grey Wag-
tail, its ash-coloured back, and the want of the produced hind
claw, will always prove sufficient tokens of distinction.
PLATE 49- Fig. 3. A male bird, of the natural size.
General Crown of the head, nape of the neck, and ear-coverts, pale
wax-yellow. Back, rump, and scapulars, a darker shade
of the same colour. Over the eyes is a streak of gam-
boge-yellow. Wing-coverts blackish-brown, margined
and tipped with yellowish-white. Quills blackish-brown,
margined and tipped as above. Middle tail-feathers
margined with wax -yellow ; the two outer ones, with
the whole of their exterior and part of their inner webs
white. Legs and toes blackish-brown. Hind claw pro-
duced, and but slightly curved. The female has the
See WHITE'S Nat. Hist. Selb. p. 38, who says, Wagtails, both white
and yellow, remain with us all winter."
INSESSORES. ANTHUS. 257
upper parts of the body darker, and more inclining to
oil-green ; throat yellowish- white ; and the yellow of the
belly of a less vivid hue than in the male bird.
GENUS ANTHUS, BECHST. PIPIT.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL straight, slender, rather subulated towards the point,
having the base of the upper mandible carinated, and the tip
slightly bent downwards, and emarginated. Tomia of both
mandibles compressed inwards about the middle. Nostrils
basal, lateral, and oval, partly concealed by a membrane.
Feet, with the tarsus generally exceeding the middle toe in
length ; toes three before, and one behind, and with the outer
toe adhering to the middle one as far as the first joint ; hind
claw more or less produced. Wings having the first quill
very short, and the second rather shorter than the third and
fourth, which are of equal length, and the longest in each
wing. Two of the scapulars produced, and equal to the
quills in length, when the wing is closed.
It is but lately that this genus has been separated by
BECHSTEIN and TEMMINCK from that of Alauda^ in which
it was included by the earlier systematists, and where, from
inattention to its more direct affinities, it had been unaccount-
ably allowed to remain by succeeding ornithologists.
In the conical form of the head, and general characters of
the bill and legs, as well as in a striking similarity of man-
ners, the birds of this genus show their immediate connexion
with the Wagtails. Their food is of the same nature, viz.
insects and worms. They build upon the ground, and ap-
pear subject to a trifling change of plumage in the spring,
confined principally to the region of the head and throat.
VOL. i. it
258 INSESSORES. ANTHUS. PIPIT.
ROCK, OR SHORE PIPIT.
ANTHUS AQUATICUS, Bechst.
PLATE XLIX. FIG. 6.
Anthus aquaticus, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 745.
Anthus rupestris, Nils. Orn. Suec. v. 1. p. 245. sp. 115.
Alauda campestris spinoletta, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 79. sp. 4. var. B. Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 495. sp. 12. var. B.
Alauda petrosa, Trans. Linn. Soc. v. 4. p. 41.
Alauda obscura, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 801. sp. 33. _ Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2.
p. 494. sp. 7-
Pipit Spioncelle, Temm. Man d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 265.
Wasser Pieper, Meyer., Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 258.
Dusky Lark, Lewirfs Br. Birds, 3. t. 94 Don. Br. Birds, 4. t. 76.
Rock Lark, Mont. Ornith. Diet.
Sea Lark, Wale. Syn. t. 193.
Field or Rock Lark, BewicWs Sup. to Br. Birds, p. t. 26.
THIS species appears to have remained long either unno-
ticed, or confounded with others, by the earlier ornitholo-
gists. Mr LEWIN, in his work on British Birds, first gave a
figure and description of it, by the name of the Dusky Lark,
which was adopted by him at the suggestion of MONTAGU,
who seems to have been the first observer of its distinctive
characters, amongst a number of Larks and Pipits sent to
him by Dr LATHAM. It afterwards appeared in the " Index
Ornithologicus," under the title of Alauda obscura; and
MONTAGU gave an accurate description and history of it, in
the Linnean Transactions, as well as in the Ornithological
Dictionary, under the head of Roc k Lark. Its peculiar lo-
calities contributed doubtless to its remaining so long unno-
ticed, for it is strictly confined to the rocky and abrupt
shores of our island. In these situations it is not rare, as I
have found it along the whole extent of the Northumbrian
coast and the eastern shores of Scotland ; and MONTAGU met
with it abundantly in Wales, and on the southern shores of
England. In its manners it resembles the Common Pipit ;
and their call-note and song are also similar to each other.
PIPIT. INSESSORES. ANTHUS. 259
It breeds very early, building in the clefts and on ledges of
the rocks. The nest is composed of bent and marine plants, Nest, &c.
lined with fine grass, and sometimes with hair. It lays four
or five eggs, of a pale yellowish-grey colour, with reddish-
brown spots, almost confluent at the larger end. It feeds Food.
on the smaller marine insects and worms. It is constantly
resident with us, and may be found at all seasons upon the
coast ; nor does it ever appear to congregate or remove in-
land, even during winter, or in the severest storms.
PLATE 49- Fig. 6. Natural size.
Bill dusky, with the upper mandible yellowish. Above General
the eye is a yellowish-white streak. Head oil-green,
tinged with brown; back and rump oil-green, tinged
with brown ; on the former, the shafts of the feathers
being a little darker. Lesser and greater wing-coverts
dusky, edged with pale oil-green ; quills the same ; tail
dusky ; the outer web, and part of the inner one of the
exterior feather, of a dirty or greenish-white. Throat
yellowish-white. Sides of the neck and breast greenish-
white, with brown streaks. Sides and thighs the same.
Belly yellowish- white, with a few dark brown streaks.
Legs brown. Hind claw curved, and three-eighth parts
of an inch in length.
The female is very similar to the male bird in appearance.
260 INSESSORES. ANTHUS. PIPIT,
MEADOW PIPIT, OR TIT.
ANTHUS PRATENSIS, Bechst.
PLATE XLIX. FIG. 4.
Anthus pratensis, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 732. t. 36. f. 2.
Alauda pratensis, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 49. 3. sp. 5 Linn. Syst. 1.
p. 287- 2 Gmel Syst. 1, p. 792 Raii Syn. p. 69. A, 3. Will. p. 150.
Briss. 3. p. 343. 3.
Spipola altera Aldrov., Raii Syn. p. 80. 4 Will. p. 153. 171.
Alauda campestris, Lath. Ind. Oniith. v. 2. p. 495. 12.
Le Cujelier, Buff. PL Enl. 660. f. 2.
L'Alouette de Pres, Buff. v. 5. p. 31. t. 3.
Pepit Farlouse, Temm, Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 269.
Wiesenpieper, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 255 Frisch, t. 16. f. 2. A.
Tit-Lark, Br. Zool. 1. No. 138. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 395 Albin, t. 43
Will. (Ang.)p. 110 Lewin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 98 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 374. 5.
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 191. Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp. and App. to Sup.
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 8. Low's Fau. Oread, p. 67. Bewick's Br. Birds,
1. p. 185. Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 540.
Pipit Lark, Mont. Ornith. Diet Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 542.
Meadow Lark, Lath. Syn. 4. p. 378. 10 Shaw's Zool. v. 10. p. 539.
PROVINCIAL Grey Cheaper, Titling.
THIS bird is of common occurrence, being very generally
distributed throughout these kingdoms, inhabiting the moun-
tainous and heathy parts of the country, as well as the mea-
dows and marshes of the lower districts. It is abundant on
the elevated tracts of Northumberland and the barren heaths
of the Highlands of Scotland, and, as MONTAGU observes, is
one of the few birds met with in such exposed situations.
These birds remain with us through the whole year, but
many of them change their quarters during the winter, ac-
cording to the severity of the season. In September and
October, after their autumnal or general moult, they as-
semble in small flocks, resorting to the lower pastures, and
not unfrequently to turnip-fields. At this period, the re-
newed plumage differs considerably from that laid aside, the
oil-green of the upper parts being of a much brighter tint,
and the whole of the under parts more deeply tinged with
yellow. In this state, the present species is to be recognised
PIPIT. INSESSORES. ANTHUS. 261
as the Pipit Lark, considered by some authors as a distinct
species. MONTAGU, in the first volume of his Ornithological
Dictionary, describes it as such under the above title ; but
afterwards, in his Appendix to the Supplement, upon more
mature investigation, corrects himself, and asserts his con-
viction of their identity. I have omitted no opportunity of
becoming satisfied on this head, having examined specimens
at all seasons of the year, and am thoroughly persuaded that
the supposed species described as the Pipit Lark, is in reality
no more than the Common Pipit ( Tit-Lark of authors) in its
renewed or winter plumage. Its usual flight is by short and
interrupted jerks ; but in the breeding season it differs, the
bird then rising by a tremulous and rapid motion of the
wings to a considerable height in the air, and commencing
its song when at the greatest elevation, descending afterwards
with motionless wing and expanded tail, in a sloping (some-
times almost perpendicular) direction to the earth, or to the
top of some bush. It makes its nest on the ground, under Nest, &c.
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 are five or six in num-
ber, varying in colour, but the prevailing tint a pale brown,
thickly covered with brownish purple-red spots and specks.
Like the Wagtails, it runs with celerity, and feeds upon flies, Food-
worms, and other insects. Its common note-call is a short
chirp, resembling the word sneek frequently repeated. In
Northumberland, I have observed that the Cuckoo almost
invariably deposits her egg in the nest of this bird, scarcely
a year elapsing without instances of this fact falling under
my observation. This is perhaps the result of locality, being
on the border of the open heathy country, where the present
species is abundant, and where the Cuckoos, during their
cursory residence, chiefly resort, attracted, in all probability,
by the plentiful supply of lepidopterous larvae to be found
in such situations.
INSESSORES. ANTHUS. PIPIT.
PLATE 49- Fig. 4. Natural size.
General Upper parts dark oil-green, with the centres of the feathers
brownish-black. Under parts yellowish-white, spotted
with blackish brown upon the sides of the neck and
breast. Flanks white, with large oblong dark streaks.
Tail blackish-brown, the outer feather having its exte-
rior web white, and also terminating with a large white
spot. On the second feather of the tail is a small white
spot near the tip. During the breeding season, the
throat of the male bird assumes a pale reddish-brown
colour. After the autumnal moult, the plumage is of a
bright oil-green, and the under parts of a deeper yel-
lowish- white, or sienna-yellow.
The female and young bird are similar to the male in the
autumnal plumage.
TREE PIPIT.
ANTHUS ARBOREUS, Bechst.
PLATE XLIX. FIG. 5.
Anthus arboreus, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 706. t. 36. f. 1.
Alauda trivialis, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 288. 5 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 796 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 493. 6. but not the synonyms.
Alauda minor, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 494. sp. 8 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 793.
Pepit des Buissons, Temm. Man. d' Ornith. v. 1. p. 271.
L'Alouette Pipi, Gerard. Tab. Flem. v. 1. p. 246 Buff. PI. Enl. 660. f. 1.
the male.
Baumpieper, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 254. B Frisch. 1. 16. f. I. B.
Field Lark, Br. Zool. v. 130 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 395. D Lewirfs Br.
Birds, 3. t. 92 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 375. 6 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp.
Wale. Syn. 2. p. 192 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 180.
Lesser Field Lark, Will. (Ang.) p. 207.
The Lesser Field Lark or Tree Lark, Bewick, Supp. p. t. 28.
The Grasshopper Lark, Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 181. but confounding
with it the habits and description of the Grasshopper Warbler, as noted
by White in his Hist. Selb.
ALTHOUGH rather superior in dimensions, the Tree Pipit
is so like the Meadow Pipit in plumage, as to have been very
PIPIT. INSESSORES. ANTHUS. 263
frequently confounded with it. The short and hooked hind
claw, however, of the species now under consideration, will
always prove a sufficient mark of distinction. The bill also
is rather stronger, and more dilated at the base.
It is a migratory species, and a summer visitant with us ; Periodical
arriving about the first week in May, in the northern coun-
ties, and departing on its equatorial migration in September.
During its abode here, 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 always most
abundant. It is pretty generally, though but thinly, scatter-
ed through the cultivated parts of the island. Like most
of our summer visitants, the arrival of the male bird pre-
cedes that of the other sex by a week or ten days. As soon
as a proper situation is found, he commences his song of in-
vitation, which, though possessing some similarity of note to
those of the two preceding species, is very superior to them
in compass, variety, and sweetness. This he pours forth
from the top of a tree, or on wing, as slowly descending to
the spot from whence he had previously risen. During his
ascent he never sings, producing only a twittering note, si-
milar to the word Tsee, frequently repeated, till he arrives
at his highest elevation; then he commences together his
song and his descent, which is performed with motionless and
widely extended wings ; the tail at the same time being ex-
panded and thrown perpendicularly upwards. MONTAGU
very correctly observes, that this bird rarely alights upon
the ground, without previously perching on a tree, and that
it also commences its flight from a tree, after leaving the
ground.
It builds its nest under the shelter of a large tuft, or a Nest, &c.
small bush ; this is composed of moss, fibres of root, and
withered grasses, lined with fine dry grass, and horse-hair.
The eggs, four or five in number, are of a greyish-white,
sprinkled all over with brownish purple-mi sptvks.
Like the others of its <renus, it runs and walks upon the
264 INSESSORES. ANTHUS. PIPIT.
Food. ground with ease, feeding upon insects and worms. The
Lesser Crested Lark of ALDROVANDUS, and of succeeding
writers, appears to be but the present species ; and BEWICK'S
descriptions of the Field Lark, Tree Lark, and Grasshopper
Lark, in the first volume of his " British Birds,"" seem only
referable to the same individual.
PLATE 49. Fig. 5. Natural size.
General The whole of the upper parts of the plumage deep oil-
green ; the feathers upon the head, and those of the up-
per part of the back having their centres brownish-black.
Wing-coverts margined with yellowish- white, and form-
ing a double transverse bar across the wings. Chin and
throat white, passing into pale sienna-yellow upon the
sides of the breast. Upper parts of the breast having
oblong spots of brown. Sides and flanks spotted with
brown. Middle of the belly, and the under tail-coverts
greyish-white ; sometimes tinged with pale sienna-yellow.
Tail having the two middle feathers pointed, of a brown
colour, tinged with oil-green ; the exterior feather, with
the whole of the outer, and the greater part of the inner
web white, and with the tip of the second feather also
white. Legs and toes yellowish- brown. Hind claw
short and curved.
The female is similar to the male bird.
RICHARD'S PIPIT.
ANTHUS RICHARDI, Vieill.
PLATE C. FIG. 5.
Anthus Richardi, Vieillot, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 1. 263.
Corydalla Richardi, Vigors in ZooL Jour. 2. 397.
Pepit Richard, Temm. Man. 2. 263.
THE capture of two or three speciemens in the southern
parts of Britain, within the last few years, (and subsequent
PIPIT. INSESSORES. ANTHUS. 265
to the publication of the first edition of this work,) entitles
this species to be included in the list of our fauna as an oc-
casional visitant. In size it is superior to any of the other
previously described species, and appears to connect them
more immediately with the Larks^ and the genus Megalurus
of HORSFIELD; on which account it has, by Mr VIGORS,
been made the type of a genus which he names Corydalla, in
his " Arrangement of the Genera of Birds." But as the
characters upon which this is founded, are in no essential
particular distinct from those which characterize the other
members of the present genus, (the strength of bill and
length of the tarsus, and hinder claw, being only in accor-
dance with its superior dimensions), I have left it where it
was first appropriately placed by VIEILLOT and TEMMINCK.
Its habits and manners are stated to be similar to .those of
the other species. It is generally seen upon the ground,
where it runs with great rapidity in pursuit of flies, grass- Food.
hoppers, and other insects ; and, like the Wagtails and other
members of this subfamily, is in the frequent habit of raising
and depressing its tail, accompanied at the same time by a
lateral expansion of the feathers.
It is met with in the warmer parts of Western Europe,
but not numerously; and is supposed to be a native of
Northern Africa. Alauda Lusltana of LATHAM, as far as
can be judged from his very brief description, appears refer-
able to this species.
PLATE C. Fig. 5. Represents this bird of the natural size,
from a specimen formerly belonging to Mr VIGORS, and
now in the Museum of the Zoological Society.
Bill having the upper mandible brown ; and the lower one General
(except the tip) sienna-yellow. Crown of the head, and
hind part of the neck, deep-brown ; the feathers being
margined with yellowish-brown. Eye-streak and chin
yellowish- white. Throat yellowish -white, surrounded
by a gorget composed of lanceolated brown spots.
266 INSESSORES. AMPELID^E.
Breast yellowish-brown, with oblong dark-brown spots.
Belly and abdomen white, with a tinge of wood-brown.
Flanks yellowish-brown. Back, wing-coverts, and sca-
pulars, blackish-brown ; the feathers being deeply edged
with yellowish-brown, and having a slight tinge of oil-
green. The middle feathers of the tail deep-brown,
with paler edges ; the outer feather on each side almost
entirely white ; and the next to it having the anterior
part white ; the shaft and basal part black. Tail ex-
tending nearly two inches beyond the tips of the closed
wings. Legs and feet yellowish-brown ; the tarsi long
and stout ; hind claw much produced, and slightly
curved.
FAMILY V. AMPELID^.
THE Ampelidae, or Fruit-eaters, which form the fifth pri-
mary division of the Dentirostral Insessores, are distinguished
by a short bill, attended with an extensive gape, enabling
them to swallow in an entire state the large berries and fruits
that constitute their support. In all the typical genera the
setae, or those hairs which protect the mouth of the Laniadse
and other Insectivorous groups, are wanting, and it is only
in such aberrant forms as lead to the Flycatchers and War-
blers, that we detect the partial acquisition of the rictal
bristles. These are strictly insessorial or perching birds,
and are never seen upon the ground ; consequently their
legs and feet are short, the latter being well adapted for
grasping the branches of trees, by the toes being more or less
united at the base, and the soles broad and scabrous. The
typical subdivisions of the family are those of Ampelina and
Piprina, the former embracing the birds belonging to the
genus Ampelis (LiNN.) as now restricted, Cassmorynclms
(TEMM.), &c. ; and the latter those of Pipra (LiNN.), Rupi-
INSESSORES. BOMBYCILLA. 267
cola (BRISS.), Catyptomena (RAFFLES), &c. To the aber-
rant subdivisions (the limits of which have not yet been
strictly defined) belong, amongst others, the genera Procnias
(HOFFMAN), Phibalura (VIEILL.), Bombycilla (BRISS.) Vi-
reo (VIEILL.), Liothrix (SWAINS.), and Pachycephala
(SWAINS.). With the exception of the genera Bombycilla,
Liothrix, Pachycephala, and Pardalotus, the whole of the
present family is restricted to the New World ; the typical
genera inhabiting the warmer parts of South America, where
they find, in the thick and extensive forests, a never failing
supply of those fruits and berries upon which they subsist.
In Europe only one form belonging to this family is known,
viz. the Wax-Wing (Bombycilla garruld), which, from its
occasional visits, is entitled to rank as a British bird.
GENUS BOMBYCILLA, BRISS. WAX-WING.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strong, short, and strait, broad at the base ; the gape
wide ; the upper mandible slightly bent at the tip, and
emarginated. Nostrils basal, ovoid, and open, concealed by
closely set feathers directed forwards. Wings long ; the
second quill feather being the longest ; and the first longer
than the third. Secondary quills having their tips orna-
mented with a wax-like appendage. Feet with three toes
before, and one behind ; the outer and inner toes joined at
their base to the middle one. Tarsus shorter than the mid-
dle toe. Sole broad. Claws sharp, and curved.
The Wax- Wings were considered by BRISSON (with that
judgment he so eminently displayed) as generally distinct
from the true chatterers (genus Ampelis of LINNAEUS and
LATHAM), though both these systematists allowed them to
remain confounded together, in defiance of their distinct se-
parating characters. By TEMMINCK, also, they have been
268 INSESSORES. BOMBYCILLA. WAX-WING.
considered a distinct group, to which he gave the new name
of Bombydvora; but losing sight of their natural station
from real affinities, instead of placing the genus in connection
with the Ampelidte, he arranged it in his order Omnivores, as-
sociated with birds widely separated both in affinity and by
habits.
The genus now before us contains at present but two
species, viz. the B. garrula (Bohemian Wax- Wing) and B.
Carolina (Carolina Wax- Wing), a native of North America.
It is closely connected in affinity with the genera Phibalura
and Procnias.
BOHEMIAN WAX-WING.
BOMBYCILLA GARRULA, Bonap.
PLATE XXXIV*.
Bomby cilia garrula, Bonap. Amer. Ornith. Northern Zool. 2. 237. No. 61.
Bombycivora garrula, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 124.
Bombycilla Bohemica, Briss. Ornith. v. p. 333.
Ampelis garrulus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 297- 1. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 838. sp. 1.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1 . p. 363.
Le Jaseur, Buff. Ois. v. 3. 429. t. 26. Id. PI. Enl. 261.
Grand Jaseur, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1. p. 124.
Garrulus Bohemicus, Rail Syn.p. 85. A.
Rothlich grauerseidenschwantz, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 204.
Bohemian Chatterer, Br. Zool. 1. No. 112. t. 48 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 91. 1
Mont. Ornith. Diet Lewies Br. Birds, 2. t. 65 BewicWs Br. Birds
Don, Br. Birds. 1. t. 11 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 11.
European Chatterer, Northern Zool. 2. 237. No. 61.
Rare visi- THE Wax- Wing is a rare visitant in England, seen only at
long and uncertain intervals.
In the winter of 1810, large flocks were dispersed through
various parts of the kingdom ; and, from that period, it does
not seem to have visited our island till the month of February
1822, when a few came under my inspection, and several
were observed during the severe storm, in the winter of
1823*. Upon the Continent its residences are subject to
* In the winter of 1827, Wax- Wings again visited our island.
WAX-WING. INSESSORES. BOMBYCILLA. 269
similar uncertainty ; very little is known of its particular
habits, and the place of its nidification was long a matter of
doubt, but it has been since ascertained to inhabit the ele-
vated and mountainous regions of Asia, and to breed there.
It has lately been discovered also in North America by Dr
RICHARDSON and Mr DRUMMOND near the sources of the
Athabasca, and at Great Bear Lake in latitude 65, but has
never been seen to the south of the 55th parallel of latitude.
The former writer (in the " Northern Zoology"), states,
that it appears in large flocks at Great Bear Lake about the
26th of May, where it remains but a few davs, feeding
upon the berries of the Alpine Arbutus, Marsh Vaccinium,
&c. that had been frozen, and covered with snow during the
winter. He adds, that he has reason to believe it retires in
the breeding season to the rugged and secluded mountainous
limestone districts, in the 68th and 69th parallels, where it
subsists upon the berries of the common juniper.
When with us, it generally associates in flocks, feeding Food.
upon the berries of the mountain-ash (Sorbus Aucuparia),
thorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), &c. It is an elegant bird,
with regard both to form and plumage. The Carolina Wax-
Wing, considered by LATHAM to be merely a variety of this,
is now acknowledged as a distinct species, being much infe-
rior in size, and shewing a radical difference of colour in va-
rious parts of the plumage.
PLATE 34*. Represents a male and female of this species in
the natural size.
Bill black, inclining to yellowish-white at the base. Nos- General
trils covered with small black feathers. Irides purplish-
red. The region of the eyes, chin, and throat, velvet-
black. Forehead brownish-red. Head-feathers elon-
gated, silky and loose in texture, and forming a pendent
crest, of a greyish-brown, tinged with purplish-red.
Neck, breast, and upper part of the back purplish-red,
inclining to broccoli-brown, with a greyish cast. Lesser
270 INSESSORES. CONIROSTRES.
wing-coverts the same colour, but a shade darker.
Greater coverts black, tipped with white. Primary
quills black, with a bright spot of king's yellow near
the tips of their outer webs, which are white. Second-
aries grey, tipped with white on the outer web, and ha-
ving flat red cartilaginous appendages (similar in ap-
pearance to sealing-wax) attached to the ends of seven
or eight of them. Lower part of the back and rump
smoke-grey, with a purplish tinge. Tail black, tipped
with king's yellow. Breast and belly pale purplish-
grey. Vent and under tail-coverts orange-brown, in-
clining to reddish-orange. Tarsi, toes, and claws black.
The female is similar to the male bird, with the exception
of the wax-like appendages not being either so large or
numerous ; and the yellow upon the wings and ends of
the tail-feathers not being so bright.
TRIBE III. CONIROSTRES, Cuv.
THIS tribe, which forms the 3d and a typical division of
the order Insessores, contains the greater part of the Coni-
rostres of CUVIER, and the whole of the birds comprized in
the two orders of M. TEMMINCK, named " Omnivores" and
" Granivores." Its characteristics may be stated as residing
in the strength and conical form of the bill, the cutting mar-
gins of which are commonly entire. By Messrs VIGORS and
SWAJNSON, the Corvida and Sturnida are considered as form-
ing its typical families, being distinguished by a more per-
fect general conformation, or rather, an organization adapted
to a more varied mode of life than that of the others. These
two groups are for the most part Omnivorous, and possess
equal facility of moving upon the ground and perching on
trees. The other families, on the contrary, are restricted to
a diet on grain or fruits, and have their legs and feet more
peculiarly adapted for perching, or in some few instances,
5
INSESSORES. FRINGILLID.E. 271
for running upon the even surface of the earth, as exempli-
fied in the Larks (genus Alauda).
By Mr VIGORS, the five primary divisions of this tribe
are considered to be the families Fringillidte, Sturnida^ Cor-
vida, Bucerida, and Loxiada. Mr SWAIXSON, however,
adopts an arrangement rather different, considering Loxiadce
and FringillidcB of VIGORS as forming but one family, and
making his fifth to consist of the Musophagidce (or plan-
tain-eater), &c., which birds were left by Mr VIGORS as a
constituent part of the scansorial tribe. With this disposition
of Mr SWAINSON'S I feel inclined to agree, as I think the
direct characteristics of the Musophagidce, are more imme-
diately and intimately in accordance with the rest of the
Conirostral groups, than with those of the tfcansorial, to
which latter tribe that family nevertheless leads the way,
thus forming a link in the chain of connection.
FAMILY I. FRINGILLIDJE.
THIS family, with which we commence the circle of the
tribe, embraces all the numerous forms and genera com-
monly known by the name of Finches (or hard-billed birds.)
They are distinguished from the more typical divisions by
their inferior size, and by their short, strong, thick, and per-
fectly conical-shaped bill. In the aberrant forms, as might
be expected, these peculiar characteristics become modified,
so as to render them the mediums of connection with the
other groups, families, and orders. By Mr SWAINSON, the
five subordinate circles of this family are thus enumerated,
Coccothraustinn and Tanagrina, constituting the nominal
or typical groups ; and Alaudina, Fringillina, and Pyrrhu-
lina, the aberrant. Of the second subfamily here mentioned,
the British Islands cannot produce any specimen.
272 INSESSORES. ALAUDA.
SUBFAMILY ALAUDINA.
FKOM the Pipits (genus Anthus) belonging to the family
Sylviada of the Dentirostral tribe, we pass by an easy grada-
tion, and a marked affinity to the true Larks (genus Alaudd),
which, from their habits and structure, become a constituent
group of the Fringillidae, and the typical representatives of
the present subfamily. Associated with them are the
thicker billed Larks, which lead the way to the genus Plectro-
phanes (MEYER), typified by Emberiza nivalis (of authors),
in which the bill assumes nearly the form of that of the true
Buntings, which latter birds again conduct us by minute
gradations of form and character to the Finches, or succeed-
ing subfamily Fringillina.
GENUS ALAUDA, LINN. LARK.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL subconic, short, having the mandibles of equal length,
and the upper one slightly convex. Nostrils basal, lateral,
and oval, partly concealed by small reflected feathers. Feet,
with three toes before, and one behind ; the anterior ones
being entirely divided ; and the claw of the hind toe much
produced, and nearly straight. Wings, with the first quill
very short, or wanting, and the third the longest. Tertials,
in most instances, shorter than the quills. Coronal feathers
generally produced, and capable of being erected.
The members of this genus are inhabitants of the open
fields, or plains. Their food principally consists of grain and
different seeds, but they do not refuse the occasional supply
of worms or other insects. Their progressive motion is by
walking or running ; and they are amongst the birds that
have been styled Pulverators, which delight in rolling them-
SKY-LARK. INSESSORES. ALAUDA. 273
selves in the dust. They sing during their perpendicular
ascent in the air ; and make their nests upon the ground.
They are easily distinguished from the Pipits, or Lark-like
warblers, by the form of the head, and by the conical bill,
as well as by other essential characters ; and they differ from
these last as much in their peculiar habits.
SKY-LARK.
ALAUDA ARVENSIS, Linn.
PLATE L. FIG. 1.
Alauda arvensis, Linn. Syst. p. 287. 1 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 791. sp. 1. Lath.
Ind.Ornith. 2. p. 491. 1.
Alauda vulgaris, Rail Syn. p. 69. A. 1 Will. p. 149. t. 40. Briss. 3.
p. 335. 1.
L'Alouette ordinaire, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 1. t. 1 Id. PL Enl. 363. f. 1.
Alouette des Champs, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 281.
Feld Lerche, Bechst. Nature. Deut. v. 3. p. 755 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. 260.-Frisch. t. 15. 1.
Sky Lark, Br. Zool. 1. No. 136 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 394. A Levin's Br.
Birds, 3. t. 89 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 368. 1 Alb. 1. 1. 41 Wale. Syn. t. 189.
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 77- Low's Fauna Oread, p. 65 Bewick's Br.
Birds, v. 1. p. t. 178.
Common Field or Sky-Lark, Witt. (AngL) p. 203.
PROVINCIAL Lavrock.
THIS well known and delightful songster is very generally
distributed throughout all the cultivated parts of Great Bri-
tain. The situations most favourable to its increase seem
to be the more open and uninclosed arable lands ; as it is
seldom observed to frequent, in any numbers, moors or ex-
tensive commons, far removed from the cultivated districts.
Its geographical distribution embraces the whole of Europe
within the temperate zone, many parts of Asia, and the north
of Africa.
The song of the Lark possesses great variety of inflection,
and many of the notes are sweetly modulated. There is also
a wildness of expression in it, which, in connection with the
VOL. i. s
274 INSESSORES. ALAUDA. SKY-LARK.
height from whence it comes, and a bright and cloudless
morning, produces a striking effect.
It sings as it rises perpendicularly in a spiral direction,
and frequently reaches to such a height as to become invi-
sible. Its descent is usually oblique, but it sometimes drops
perpendicularly, and with great rapidity, from its aerial sta-
tion. It commences its song of invitation early in the
spring, at which time, and during the greater part of the
summer, it continues to enliven our fields with its notes of
joy, from the first dawn of morning, and at intervals through
the day. It constructs its nest about the latter part of April,
or the beginning of May, and its first brood is, in general,
fully fledged by the end of June. A second family is usu-
Nest, &c. ally produced, which is able to fly in August. The nest,
composed of different vegetable stalks, and lined with fine
dry grasses, is placed upon the ground amongst the corn or
herbage ; and contains four or five eggs, of a greenish- white
colour, spotted with clove or purplish-brown.
Upon the approach of winter, Larks begin to collect in
immense flocks, quitting the more elevated parts of the coun-
try, where they were dispersed during the breeding season,
and resorting to the coasts and more southern cultivated dis-
tricts of our island. At this season they are fat ; and being
considered a delicacy, are in consequence taken in great
quantities, by nets and other devices. From the neighbour-
hood of Dunstable, vast numbers are annually sent to the
London market, where, at the present period, they produce
Food, from 3s. to 4s. per dozen. The food of the Lark consists
of grain and other seeds ; but, in the summer, it also obtains
insects and worms. It walks and runs with facility, and
does not use the hopping motion. Its flight is easy and
undulating, and is very unlike that of the Pipits, which
were, till lately, associated with this genus. It is reared in
confinement without much difficulty, and sings almost
throughout the year. A piece of fresh turf is usually placed
in the cage, and occasionally renewed, on which it takes
SKY-LARK. INSESSORES. ALAUDA. 275
its station, and from whence it pours forth its melodious
song.
PLATE 50. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill brownish-black, with the base of the lower mandible General
ochreous-yellow. The feathers upon the crown rather tj on<
elongated, and capable of being erected at pleasure ;
their colour brownish-black, margined with pale yellow-
ish-brown. Hind part of the head pale broccoli-brown.
Upper parts of the body yellowish-brown, with the cen-
ters of the feathers darker. Above the eye is a yellow-
ish-white streak. Cheeks pale yellowish-brown. Breast
pale wood-brown, spotted with brownish-black ; the
middle white, with a reddish-brown tinge. Tail brown,
the outer feather having the tip and exterior web
white ; the next with the outer web only white. Legs
yellowish-brown ; paler in young specimens. Claws
wood-brown; the hind claw very long,, and slightly
curved.
The female is similar to the male bird.
The young, previous to the first moult, have the black
and brown shades of their upper plumage more distinct
and deeper than the adults.
276 INSESSORES. ALAUDA. WOOD-LARK.
WOOD-LARK.
ALAUDA ARBOREA, Linn.
PLATE L. FIG. 2.
Alauda arborea, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 297. 3 Gmel Syst. 2. p. 793.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 492. sp. 3. Raii Syn. p. 69. A. 2. Will
p. 149. t. 40 Briss. 3. p. 340. t. 20. f. 1
Alauda nemorosa, Gmel. Syst, 1. p. 797- sp. 21.
Alauda cristatella, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 499. sp. 36.
Le Lulu, 1'Alouette des Bois, ou le Cujelier, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 74. and v. 5.
p. 25 Id. PL Enl. v. 503.
Alouette Lulu, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 282.
Baumlerche, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 781.
Waldlerche, Meyer., Tasschenb. v. 1. p. 262.
Wood-Lark, Br. Zool. No. 137 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 395. B. Will. (Angl.)
p. 204.Lewin's Br. Birds, 3. t. 90 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 371. 3 Albin. 1.
t. 42 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 8 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 190 Mont. Ornith.
Diet. v. 1 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 183 Shaw's Zool. v. 10.
p. 506. t 47.
THE Wood-Lark is, with us, by no means an abundant
species ; it is confined to the southern and western parts of
England ; and, according to MONTAGU, is most numerous in
Devonshire *. This bird is a delightful songster, surpassing
the Sky-Lark in the melodious richness, though not in the
variety of its notes. Its song is generally poured forth on
wing ; but it differs from the preceding in describing its
flight in widely extended circles, and will thus continue in the
air for a whole hour, singing without intermission.
It sometimes also utters its song from the branch of a de-
cayed tree, but rarely upon the ground. It frequents culti-
Food. vated lands and corn-fields, feeding upon grain, various,
seeds, insects, and worms. It breeds very early, and eggs
Nest, &c. have frequently been found in its nest in the beginning of
April. This is placed on the ground, under the shelter of a
tuft of grass or low shrub ; and is formed of dry grasses and
stalks, lined with finer materials of the same kind, and usu-
ally with a few hairs intermixed.
* A fine specimen of the Wood-Lark was killed near Twizell, on the
24th of November 1827.
WOOD-LARK. INSESSORES. ALAUDA. 277
The eggs are four 'or five in number, of a pale wood-brown
colour, marked with blotches of grey and brown. These
birds do not congregate in flocks during the winter, like the
preceding species, but seem to remain in families during that
period, seldom being observed in a greater number than from
five to seven together.
They are found throughout the greater part of Europe,
and extend as far to the northward as Sweden and Russia ;
in these places they are migratory, but continue stationary
in the more southern parts of the Continent. If the weather
is favourable, they begin to sing very soon after Christmas.
PLATE 50. Fig. 2. Natural size.
Bill brownish-black, with the base of the lower mandible General
yellowish- white. Irides brown. Above the eyes is a
yellowish-white streak, better defined than that of the
Sky-Lark. Ear-coverts yellowish-brown. Cheeks yel-
lowish-white. Feathers upon the crown of the head
long, brownish-black, edged with pale yellowish-brown.
Upper parts the same, but the feathers not so triangular
in shape as those of the Sky- Lark. Lower parts pale
straw-yellow, spotted upon the neck and breast with
black. Wing-coverts tipped with white. Tail shorter
than that of the Sky-Lark; the two middle feathers
brown, the outer ones black, with white tips. Legs
flesh-red, with a tinge of yellowish-brown. Hind claw
very long, and nearly straight.
The female resembles the male bird.
278 INSESSORES. PLECTROPHANES.
GENUS PLECTROPHANES, MEYER.
LARK BUNTING.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill short, thick, conical ; culmen rounded; tip compressed.
Base of the upper mandible extending upon the forehead,
and forming an angle. Tomia of both mandibles slightly
bending inwards ; gape forming an angle. Upper mandible
smaller than the lower one, with a round palatial knob.
Nostrils basal, oval, nearly hidden from view by incumbent
small plumes. Wings long, acuminate ; the first and se-
cond quills of nearly equal length, and the longest in the
wing. Legs having the tarsi of mean length. Front toes
divided ; and the side ones of nearly equal length. Hind toe
strong; with the claw produced, and nearly straight.
The Snow-Flake (Emberiza nivalis of authors) was first
separated from the true Buntings by MEYER, in accordance
with the variation of character exhibited in the form of the
bill, wings, and feet ; as well as the decided difference obser-
vable in its economy and habits. Two other species have since
been added to it, viz. PlecL Lapponica (SELBY), formerly
known as Frmgilla lapponica (LATHAM) ; and Plectroph.
PictaJ a new species from North America, described in the
second volume of " Northern Zoology."
In the form of the bill, these birds make a near approach
to the Buntings, but that organ is comparatively shorter, the
cutting edges scarcely so much intracted, and the palatial
knob rounder and less prominent. The wings are also
better calculated for extensive flight, being long and acu-
minate, and having the first quill feather the longest instead
of the third. Their feet also are formed like those of the
Larks, adapted for running upon the ground, and not for
perching ; and the hind claw, as in those birds also, is long
SNOW-BUNTING. 1NSESS. PLECTROPHANES. 279
and nearly strait. Partaking in this manner of the characters
both of the Larks and Buntings, they hold an intermediate
station, and form the bond of connection or passage from
one genus to the other. They are natives of the Arctic
Regions, and during the breeding season retire to very high
latitudes ; the Snow-Flake (Fleet, nivalis) having been met
with upon Melville Island, and other regions around the
Pole, The second section of TEMMINCK'S genus Emberiza,
( fc< Bruants Eperonniers'' 1 ) answers to that now before us.
SNOW-BUNTING.
PLECTROHANES XIVALIS, Meyer.
PLATE LII. FIG. 7.
Plectrophanes nivalis, Faun. Amer. Boreal. 2. 246. No. 65.
Emberiza nivalis, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 308. 1 Fau. Suec. No. 22?. t. 1.
Bruantde neige, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 319.
Emberiza nivalis, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 866. sp. \.Lath> Ind. Ornith. 1.
p. 397- sp. 1.
L'Ortolan de neige, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 329 Id. PL Enl. 497- f. 1.
Schneeammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 305 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 186 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. t. Heft. 12. f. 1. old male.
Snow-Bunting, Br. Zool. 1. No. 122. t. 50 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 222
Edw. 1. 126. old male Lath. Syn. 3. p. 161. Id. Sup. p. 157 Levin's
Br. Birds, 2. t.^l.Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1. Id. Sup Bewick's Br.
Birds, v. 1. p. US. Shaw's Zool. v. 9. 341. t. 54.
Emberiza glacialis, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 398. sp. 2.
Emberiza mustelina, Gmel. Syst. 2. p. 867. sp. 7-
Montifringilla calcaribus alaudae, major, Raii Syn. p. 88. A. Will.
p. 187. t. 77.
Great pied Mountain Finch, Will. (Ang.) p. 255.
Tawny Bunting, Br ZooL 1. No. 121 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 72
La t'li. Syn. 3. p. 164. 2 M&nt. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Id. App. Shaw's
Zool. v. 9. p. 344.
Ortolan de passage, Buffi Ois. v. 4. p. 323.
Emberiza montana, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 867. sp 25 Lath. Ind. Ornith.
v. 1. p. 398. sp. 3.
Lesser Mountain Finch, and Bramlin, Will. (Ang.) p. 255.
Der Bergammer, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut v. 3. p. 314. t 10. Meyer ^
V6g. Deut. v. 1. t. f. 2, and 3.
Mountain Bunting, Lath. Syn. v. 3. p. 165. sp. 3. Mont. Diet. Ornith.
Id. Supp Shaw's Zool v. 9. p. 346.
Tawny Bunting, Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 150.
Syn. of Adult
Male in sum-
mer's plu-
mage.
Syn. of young
Males and old
Females in
winter plu-
mage.
Svn.of
Young of the
year.
280 INSESS. PLECTROPHANES. SNOW-BUNTING.
IT is only after patient scrutiny, and a long course of ob-
servation, that I have ventured to bring the synonyms of
the Snow, Tawny, and Mountain Bunting under the same
head, and to consider them as belonging to one species, vary-
ing only in colour and markings from a difference of age or
sex, or from the effect of season. In this view, I am happy
in possessing the powerful support of Mons. TEMMINCK, who,
both as a scientific and practical naturalist, has laboured so
effectually in correcting the mistakes, and illustrating the
doubts that had long involved the history of many species.
I am aware, that not a few authors, and, amongst the rest
Mr MONTAGU, (whose excellent works have contributed so
essentially towards a correct knowledge of British Ornitholo-
gy), hold a different opinion. But, if we examine into the
real ground of the evidence upon which they admit a speci-
fic distinction between these birds, we shall find it to rest
merely upon the difference of colour or markings, a diffe-
rence so generally found to prevail between the young and
adult, and the male and female of the feathered tribe. The
appearance of the Snow-Bunting, in any of its changes, is
rare in the southern part of the kingdom, and few ornitho-
logists, therefore, have enjoyed opportunities of seeing it fre-
quently in a living and wild state, and of witnessing its ha-
bits and manners ; circumstances so essential towards form-
ing a correct judgment, wiiere difference of plumage exists,
either between the sexes, or between the young and old
birds. MONTAGU indeed confesses, that the Snow- Flake
never came under his observation in Devonshire, and the
Tawny Bunting but seldom. In Northumberland, on the
contrary, it rarely happens that the three varieties are not
annually to be met with, during the winter months ; and I
have neglected no opportunity for observation on their
economy ; the result of which is evident in the opinion I
have here assumed. Their habits and modes of action are
precisely similar, they utter the same notes, and no diffe-
rence is perceptible in their anatomical structure ; to which
SNOW-BUNTING. INSESS. PLECTROPHANES. 281
may be added, that, amongst the numbers I have killed, re-
gular gradations of change from one state to the other have
repeatedly occurred.
These birds generally arrive in the upland or mountainous Periodical
districts about the middle or latter part of October in large vlsltant *
flocks, which seem chiefly to consist of the young of the year
(or Mountain-Buntings), and of females or young males
(the Tawny Buntings), with a few adult males intermixed,
which, at this period, having scarcely acquired their winter's
livery, are in consequence nearer to the state of the Tawny
plumage. Afterwards, if the season should be severe, small
flocks are seen, principally consisting of adult male birds, in
their winters dress, but never in such numbers as are those
in the two first-mentioned states. It appears to me, that the
same causes which operate upon the Chaffinches in the north-
ern parts of Britain, leading to a separation of the sexes, and
a farther equatorial movement of the females, also act upon
the species now under consideration ; and which would satis-
factorily account for the circumstance of the Tawny and
Mountain-Bunting having been met with at various times in
the south of England, but the Snow-Flake very rarely.
As the severity of the winter increases, they leave the Food,
heaths, where they have fed upon the seeds of various grasses,
and, descending to the lower grounds, frequent the oat-
stubbles ; and, if the snow lies deep, they approximate to
the coasts, where the influence of the sea-breeze soon expo-
ses a sufficient breadth of ground to afford them subsistence.
Their call-note is pleasing, and often repeated during their
flight, which is always in a very compact body ; and fre-
quently, before settling on the ground, they make sudden
wheels, coming almost in collision with each other, at which
time a peculiar guttural note is produced. They run with
ease and celerity, like the Lark genus, and never perch on
trees.
They leave us on the first approach of spring for more
northern regions, and advance by degrees within the Arctic
282
INSESS. PLECTROPHANES. SNOW-BUNTING
Circle, in which latitude they breed ; and these migrations
are found to extend to the coasts of the Polar Sea, to the ex-
treme latitudes that our navigators have as yet visited. The
Nest, &c. nest is built in the fissures of rocks, and is said to be lined
with the downy fur of the arctic fox *. The eggs, generally
five, are of a greenish- white, with numerous specks of umber
brown round the thicker end, and streaks of ash-grey, or
subdued lavander-purple disposed over the rest of the sur-
face.
General
descrip-
tion.
Male bird.
Winter
Plumage.
Summer
Plumage.
PLATE 52. Fig. 7. A male bird, in winter plumage, and
answering to the description of the Tawny Bunting.
Natural size.
Bill pale saffron-yellow ; the tip black. Crown of the
head white, with the points of the feathers chestnut-
brown. Hind part of the head pale yellowish-brown.
Ear coverts tipped with the same colour. Under parts
white, with more or less yellowish-brown upon the
breast. Feathers of the back black, deeply edged with
greyish- white, or pale yellowish-brown. Lower part of
the back and the rump white. Wing-coverts and se-
condaries white ; but in the younger birds black, edged
with white. Greater quills black, edged with white.
Two outer tail-feathers white, with a small black spot
near their tips ; the rest black, edged with white. Legs
and toes black. Hind claw produced, and nearly
straight.
In the summer plumage, the head, neck, and all the un-
der parts of the male bird, are pure white ; the back
being black. In which state it is called the Snow
Bunting, or Snow-Flake.
* Dr RICHARDSON says the nest is composed of dry grass, lined with
deer's hair, and a few feathers ; the lining, however, will depend upon the
materials afforded by situation Captain LYON found a nest of this bird
placed in the bosom of the corpse of an Eskimaux child, on Southampton
Island, in the parallel of 62 ; one of the most southerly breeding stations
of the species in North America.
SNOW-BUNTING. 1NSESS. PLECTROPHANES. 283
The plumage of the females resembles that of the males Female,
in their winter's dress, but with more of the yellowish-
brown upon the region of the head, and the under
parts. The young of the year have the crown of the
head yellowish-brown ; the ear-coverts, throat, and large
pectoral band chestnut-brown ; and the nape of the neck
yellowish-grey. Flanks pale orange-coloured-brown.
Feathers of the back very deeply edged with wood and
yellowish browns. Wings with four or five of the se-
condaries white ; the rest black, edged with white and
yellowish-brown. This appears to be the Mountain-
Bunting of authors.
LAPLAND LARK-BUNTING.
PLECTROPHANES LAPPONICA, Selby.
PLATE C. FIG. 6.
Flectrophanes Lapponica, Selby in Trans. Linn. Soc. 15. 156. pi. 1. Faun.
Amer. Boreal. 2. 248. No. 66.
Fringilla Lapponica, Linn. 1. 317. 1. Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 440.
Fringilla montana, Briss. 3. 160.
Fringilla calcarata, Pall. It. 2. 710. No. 20. E.
Emberiza calcarata, Tern. Man. d'Orn. 1. 322.
Le Grand Montain, Buff. Ois. 4. 134.
Bruant montain, Tern. Man. d'Orn. 1. 322.
Lapland Finch, Arct. Zool. 2. No. 259 Lath. Syn. 3. 263.
Lapland Longspur, Bonap. Orn. 1. 53. pi. 13. f. 1. and 2.
Lapland Bunting, Northern Zool. 2. 248. No. 66. pL 48. male.
THE figure given of this species upon one of the supple- Rarevisi-
mentary plates, is from an individual that was found some tant
years ago in Leaden Hall market, amongst some Larks, sent
up to London from Cambridgeshire, and which specimen is
now preserved in the collection of the Zoological Society.
A second, caught alive in the neighbourhood of Brighton,
was kept caged for some months as a variety of Lark, and
after death passed into the hands of Mr YARRELL of Ryder
Street, in whose collection it remains. Both of these were
2
284 INSESS. PLECTROPHANES. LARK-BUNTING.
young or immatured birds ; and no instance of the capture
of the adult male, distinguished by a marked and well con-
trasted plumage, has yet come to my knowledge. By Dr
LATHAM and others, this species was placed in the genus
Fringllla of LINN.EUS, although it possesses all the charac-
teristic features of the Snow Bunting, which, in the " Index
Ornithologicus" of the former author, stands at the head of
the genus Emberiza. TEMMINCK, however, was aware of its
true affinity, and accordingly, in his " Manuel," it ranks as
a second species of his section " Brit ant eperonniers?
In its habits, this bird resembles the preceding one, and,
like it, is also an inhabitant of the Arctic Regions. In North
America, it winters on the coast of Hudson's Bay, and is also
supposed by Dr RICHARDSON to frequent, during the same
period, the borders of Lakes Huron and Superior ; but rare-
ly advances to the southward of that parallel. Early in
spring it again moves northward, and during summer visits
very high latitudes, breeding in the marshy meadows upon
the shores of the Arctic Seas.
Nest, &c. The nest, Dr RICHARDSON observes, " is placed upon a
small hillock, among moss and stones, and is composed ex-
ternally of the dry stems of grass, interwoven to a conside-
rable thickness, and lined very neatly and compactly with
deer's hair." The eggs are usually seven in number, of a
pale ochre-yellow, spotted with brown. In Europe it inha-
bits Lapland and other boreal regions ; and during winter
the young sometimes extend their southerly migrations as far
as Switzerland. In other more temperate parts of the Con-
tinent it is (as in Britain) only known as an occasional visi-
tant.
Food. It feeds upon the seeds of various grasses, as well as those
of the alpine fruits, as the Arbutus alpina, &c.
PLATE C. Fig. 6. Represents this bird of the natural size.
General ^ n ^ yellowish-brown, palest towards the base of the under
descrip- mandible. Head, and all the upper parts of the body,
tion.
LARK-BUNTING. INSESS. PLECTROPHANES. 285
pale wood-brown, tinged with yellowish-grey ; the shafts
of the feathers being blackish-brown. Greater wing-
coverts, and secondary quills, blackish-brown, deeply
margined with chestnut-brown; the tips being white.
Quills dusky, with paler edges. Above the eyes is a
broad streak of pale wood-brown. Cheeks and ear-
coverts wood-brown ; the latter mixed with black. From
the corners of the under mandible, on each side of the
throat, is a streak of blackish-brown. Throat yellowish-
white. Lower part of the neck and breast sullied white,
with numerous dusky spots. Belly and vent white.
Flanks with oblong dusky streaks. Tail dusky ; the
exterior feathers having the outer web, and half of the
inner one, sullied white ; the next to it with a small
wedge-shaped white spot near the tip. Legs and toes
brown. Claws not much curved ; the hind one nearly
strait, and longer than the toe.
The following is the description of the adult male, as gi-
ven in the Northern Zoology.
u Head, chin, throat, and upper part of the breast, velvet
black, margined with white ; from the ears a broad Male bird,
stripe of reddish-white, from the upper eyelid of each
side, joins the white bordering the ears ; and there are
rudiments of another in the middle of the bright chest-
nut nape. Rest of the upper plumage pale reddish-
brown, each feather striped in the middle with blackish.
Wing-coverts with two obsolete white bands; primaries
hair-brown, their exterior edges whitish. Belly and
under tail-coverts dusky- white ; sides of the breast and
flanks spotted with black. Bill bright lemon-yellow,
tipped with black. Legs pitch-black.""
The female differs in having the chin greyish ; the black F ema i e .
plumage of the head and breast edged with pale-brown
and grey ; and the chestnut feathers of the nape fringed
with white. The white stripes are duller.
286 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA.
GENUS EMBERIZA, LINN. BUNTING.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL conical, strong, hard, and sharp-pointed ; the tomia
of both mandibles bending inwards, and compressed towards
the point ; the upper mandible narrower and smaller than the
under one, and its roof furnished with a hard bony knob.
Base of the mandibles (or gape) forming an angle, and ra-
ther open. Nostrils basal and round, partly hidden by the
small feathers at the base of the bill. Feet having three toes
before and one behind ; the anterior ones entirely divided.
Claws rather long and curved. Wings with the first quills
rather shorter than the second and third, which are the long-
est in each wing.
This genus, as now restricted, contains such species as
agree in the essential characters possessed by Emberiza mi-
liaria, E. citrinella, &c. Their food principally consists of
grain and seeds ; but, in summer, also of insects and larvae.
They have an extensive distribution, species being found in
all quarters of the globe.
COMMON BUNTING.
EMBERIZA MILIARIA^ Linn.
PLATE LII. Fi&. 1.
Emberiza miliaria, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 308. 3 Faun. Suec. p. 228 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 402. sp. 12 Gmel Syst. 2. p. 868. sp. 3.
Emberiza alba, Raii Syn. p. 93. A. 1 Will. p. 195. t. 40.
Cynchramus, Briss. 3. p. 292. 10.
Le Proyer, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 355. t. IG.^Id. PL EnL 233.
Bruarit Proyer, Temm. Man. d' Ornith. v. 1. p. 306.
Der Grauammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 262 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 180 Frisch, Vbg. t. 6. f. 2. B.
Bunting, Br. ZooL 1. No. 118 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 366. ~B.Albin. 2. t. 50.
Will. (Ang.) p. 267. t. 40. Lath. Syn. 3. p. 171 -Mont. Ornith. Diet
Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 74 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 213. Pult. Cat. Dorset.
p. 11 BewicVs Br. Birds, v. 1. p. t. 141 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 60
Shaw's Zool. 9. p. 360.
PROVINCIAL Corn Bunting, Bunting Lark.
HINTING. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 287
THIS well known species is to be met with in all the culti-
vated parts of the kingdom, extending even to the Orkney
Islands, where it is mentioned as indigenous arid abundant.
In spring, previous to the season of propagation, breaking
up their winter societies, they disperse themselves throughout
the country, and breed in corn or meadow grounds. The
male bird, at this period, may generally be seen perched on
the highest twig of a hedge, or upon the top of a tall dock or
thistle, uttering the singular but unmusical notes with which
he serenades his mate during incubation, and which have
been aptly enough described by Low under the Scottish
term a skirle. At this time his flight is also peculiar, and
unlike that used throughout the rest of the year.
The nest is placed among the herbage, near to the ground, Nest, &c.
and composed of straw and dried grasses, lined with fibres of
root and hair. The eggs, from four to six in number, are
of a pale yellowish-grey colour, with spots and veins of red-
dish-brown.
Towards the end of autumn these birds collect in large
flocks, remaining together till the following spring. At this
period they become very fat, and are excellent eating ; and
being very similar to the Lark in colour, are frequently sold
as such, to those unacquainted with the distinctive characters
of the two birds.
The Bunting is found throughout Europe, and extends
very far to the northward,
PLATE 52. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Culmen of the bill blackish-brown, the rest yellowish- General
white. The whole of the upper parts yellowish-brown, tion.
inclining to oil-green, with the centres of the feathers
blackish-brown. Throat, lower part of the neck, and
under parts, yellowish-white, or straw-yellow, with nu-
merous triangular black spots ; but the middle of the
belly immaculate. Wing-coverts and quills blackish-
brown, deeply edged with yellowish-brown. Tail the
288 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. BUNTING.
same. Legs and claws pale wood-brown, with a tinge
of pink.
The female resembles the male.
YELLOW BUNTING.
EMBERIZA CITRINELLA, Linn.
PLATE LII. FIGS. 2. 3.
Emberiza citrinella, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 309, 5 Gmel. Sjst. 1. p. 8?0. sp. 5.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 400. sp. 7 Rail Syn. p. 93. A. 2 Will.
p. 196. t. 40.
Emberiza flava, Briss. 3. p. 258. 1.
Le Bruant, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 342. 1. 8 Id. PI. Enl. 30. f. 1.
Bruant jaune, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 304.
Goldammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 252 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 178. Id. Vog. Deut. 9. male and female Frisch. t. 5. A. and B.
YeUow Bunting, Br. Zool. No. 119. t. 50 Arct Zool. 2. p. 367. C
Albin. v. 1. t. 66 Lewies Br. Birds, 2. t. 73 Lath. Syn. v. 3. p. 170.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 212 Bewick's Br. Birds,
v. 1. p. t. 143 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 351. t. 55. and 56, both figures in-
correct copies.
PROVINCIAL Yellow Hammer, Yellow Yowley.
FEW of our indigenous birds possess a plumage of more
delicate tints than the Yellow Hammer, but from being a
very abundant species in all parts of the kingdom, it passes
the eye of the common observer almost unnoticed, and it is
perhaps by the naturalist alone that its elegant intermixture
of shades is duly appreciated. It occurs most plentifully in
corn districts, and its geographical distribution does not ap-
pear to be extended so far northward as that of the Common
Bunting, from its not being enumerated in the Fauna of the
Orkneys. Its usual note-call is a short chirp, and its song
in the pairing season is as little attractive as in others of its
genus, consisting merely of the same note repeated five or six
times, and concluded with one in a higher key.
Nest, &c. it builds in low bushes, or upon the ground under a tuft
of grass, of which herbage the nest is externally formed, suc-
ceeded by a layer of finer grasses, and finished with a lining
BUNTING. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 289
of hair. It lays from three to five eggs, of a pale purplish-
white, with streaks and waving lines of chocolate-red, which
frequently terminate in spots of the same colour. It breeds
later than most of our indigenous birds, and the young are
seldom able to fly before the beginning of June. In winter
Yellow Hammers collect together, and associate with the
other granivorous birds that are, during the inclement sea-
son, constant intruders on the farmer's stack-yard.
Their food consists of grain- and other farinaceous seeds, Food.
but rarely of insects and worms. They are to be met with
throughout the greater part of Europe.
PLATE 52. Fig. 2. The male bird of the natural size.
Head , neck, and upper part of the breast gamboge-yellow, General
more or less varied with olive-green. Back and scapu- fo^
lars yellowish-brown, inclining to oil-green ; the centres
of the feathers being blackish-brown, passing into orange-
brown. Wing-coverts and secondaries blackish-brown,
deeply edged with brownish-orange. Greater quills
black, edged with gamboge-yellow. Rump brownish-
orange, margined with greyish-white. The two outer
tail-feathers on each side having a large white cone-
shaped spot on the inner web ; the rest being brownish-
black, edged with yellow. Belly and under tail-coverts
gamboge-yellow ; the sides more or less streaked with
brownish- orange. Legs and toes yellowish-brown.
Fig. 3. The female, natural size.
The female bird has less of the gamboge-yellow on the Female.
head and neck, and the under parts are more clouded
and streaked with brownish-orange.'
The young strongly resemble the female, till after the au-
tumnal moult.
VOL. I.
290 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. REED-BUNTING
REED-BUNTING.
EMBERIZA SCHCENICULUS. Linn.
PLATE LII. FIG. 5, 6.
Emberiza Schceniculus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 311. 17 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 881.
sp. 17 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 402. sp. 13.
Emberiza arundinacea, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 881 Lath. Ind. Ornith. p. 403,
var. X.
Passer torquatus, et arundinaceus, Raii Syn. p. 93. A. 3. Will. p. 196.
Briss. 3. p. 274. 5.
Ortolan de Roseaux, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 315 Id. PL Enl. 247- f. 2. male,
and pi. 477. f. 2. female.
Le Coqueluche, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 320. male.
Bruant de Roseau, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 307.
Der Rhorhammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 269. Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 181 Frisch, t. 7- f. 1. A. B.
Reed-Bunting, Br. Zool. No. 120 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 368. E Albin. 2.
t. 51. Lath. Syn. 8. p. 173 Id. Sup. p. 157 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2.
t. 75 Hayeks Br. Birds, t. 35 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2. Bewick's Br.
Birds, p. and t. 145 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 362. t. 59 Wale. t. 14.
/Emberiza passerina, Lath. Ind. Ornith. 3. p. 403. sp. 14. Gmel. Syst. 1.
p. 871.
I Pass
Syn. of ) Passerine Bunting, Lath. Syn. 3. p. 196. 35.
young Male \Mountain Sparrow, Alb. v. 3. t. 66.
iale ' Sperlings-ammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 277. /d Tasschenb.
\ Deut. p. 141. sp. 9.
PROVINCIAL Reed-Sparrow, Black-headed Bunting.
THIS is a common bird upon marshes, the edges of rivers,
and other places favourable for reeds and aquatic herbage.
By many authors the nidification of this bird has been con-
founded with that of the Sedge- Warbler (Salicaria Phragml-
Nest, &c. tis) 9 a species inhabiting the same localities. The nest, how-
ever, differs both in fabric and situation, being generally built
in a low bush, or tuft of grass, and not suspended between the
stems of the reeds, just above the surface of the water, as I
have before described in the account of the Sedge- Warbler.
The materials are also in some degree different ; consisting,
in the instance now before us, of dried grasses and moss,
lined with hair. The eggs are four or five in number, of a
greyish- white, with a pinkish tinge, spotted and veined with
REED-BUXTINO. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 291
chocolate-red, and very similar to those of the Chaffinch.
Some authors have again confounded the two species in an-
other respect, gifting the Reed-Bunting with a sweet and va-
ried song, often poured forth during the still hour of night,
thus robbing our little warbler of the praise justly due to its
\ i n wearied exertions.
The song (if it may be so called) of the present bird, is
even more monotonous and uninteresting than that of the
Yellow Hammer or the Common Bunting, and is uttered, in
the breeding-season, during the greater part of the day, from
the very top of some bush, a little elevated above the sur-
rounding herbage.
The food of this species consists of the seeds of reeds and Food,
other aquatic plants, which is augmented, during the period
of propagation, by insects and their larva?. It associates, in
severe winters, with the Yellow Hammer, and other granivo-
rous small birds, and frequently with them approaches the
farm-yard, as to a sure place of supply. Like the above-
mentioned bird, it does not begin to breed until the spring is
pretty far advanced.
The Reed-Bunting is found to extend from the warm pro-
vinces of Italy as far northward as Sweden and Russia. Ac-
cording to TEMMINCK, it is particularly abundant in Hol-
land.
PLATE 52. Fig. 5. Male bird, natural size.
Bill black. Crown of the head, occiput, cheeks, throat, General
and gorget ink-black. On the sides of the neck, a little t
below the angle of the bill, is a white spot. Collar
round the neck, sides of the breast, belly, and under
tail-coverts white ; on the sides and flanks a few long
blackish-brown streaks. Back and wings clear pale
orange-brown, with the centre of each feather brownish-
black. Quills hair-brown, margined with orange-brown.
Lower back and rump bluish-grey, with a few black
spots, and tinged in parts with yellowish-brown. Tail
292 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. CIRL-BUNTING.'
having the two middle feathers blackish-brown, deeply
edged with pale orange-brown ; the two outer feathers
half-white and half-black, with an oblong hair-brown
spot near the tip ; the rest of the feathers black. Legs
and toes broccoli-brown. In winter, the feathers of the
head, throat, and gorget, are margined with yellowish-
brown, which disappears on the approach of spring.
Female. Fig. 6. The female, also of the natural size.
Throat white. Above the eye is a streak of pale reddish-
brown. Crown of the head yellowish-brown, with the
shafts of the feathers black. Under parts streaked with
blackish-brown.
The young birds resemble the female.
CIRL BUNTING.
EMBERIZA CIRLUS, Linn.
PLATE LII. FIG. 4.
Emberiza cirlus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 311. 12 Gmel. Syst. 1. 879. sp. 12
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 401. sp. 10 Rail Syn. p. 93. 4 Will. p. 190.
Emberiza elcathorax, Bechst. p. 135. sp. 4.
Le Bruant de Haie, ou Zizi, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 137 Id. PI. Enl. 653. f. 1.
old male, f. 2. the young.
Bruant Zizi ou de Haie, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 313.
Zaunammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 292 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 185.
Cirl Bunting, Lath. Syn. 3. p. 190. 26. Mont. Ornith. Diet v. 1 Id. Supp.
and figure of male Id. Trans. Linn. Soc. v. 7. p. 276 Shaw's Zool. v. 9.
p. 356. t. 57. a copy from Montagu's figure.
THE Girl-Bunting is a bird of very partial distribution in
this kingdom, its range appearing to be confined to the very
mildest part of England, as it has been hitherto only found
in Devonshire, and in one or two adjoining counties ; and
there even more abundantly near to the coast than farther
inland. It was first discovered by MONTAGU, near Kings-
bridge, and added to the British Fauna; and my readers
are referred to his interesting paper on the natural history
of this bird, in the seventh volume of the Transactions of
Coti-B(7NTiMG. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 293
the Linnean Society ; as well as to the account given of it in
the Ornithological Dictionary and Supplement of the same
author. Its habits and manners seem nearest allied to the
Yellow- Hammer, with which bird it frequently associates in
winter ; and its run of notes is similar, but shorter, and not
quite so shrill. It places its nest in a furze or other low bushiest, &c.
very near to the ground ; this is composed of the dry stalks
of grasses, intermingled with fibres of root, and moss, and
lined with hair, and contains four or five eggs, very like those
of the Yellow-Hammer, but rather less ; being of a greyish-
white, marked with waving lines, frequently ending in spots
of a reddish-brown, or chocolate colour. The food of this Food.
species consists of grain and other seeds, as well as insects,
which indeed appear to form its principal support during the
summer. MONTAGU tells us that this diet was most accept-
able to the young birds he reared, and that the common
grasshopper was their favourite morsel. After they could
peck, the smaller seeds and oats were in request, but wheat
and barley were invariably refused.
According to the continental authors, the Girl-Bunting is
abundant in the warmer parts of France, in Italy, and on
the shores of the Mediterranean ; but does not inhabit the
colder regions.
PLATE 52. Fig. 4. A male bird of the natural size.
Above and below the eye is a streak of primrose-yellow. General
Crown of the head yellowish-grey, with the centres of t i on .
the feathers black. Neck and lower part of the breast
yellowish-grey, inclining to olive-green. Throat, and
streak before and behind the eye, blackish-green. Up-
per part of the breast, or gorget, primrose-yellow.
Feathers upon the back blackish-brown, passing into
orange-brown, and edged with greyish-white. Scapu-
lars reddish orange, edged with v el lo wish-white. Quills
greenish -grey, edged with primrose-yellow. Belly and
sides primrose-yellow, the latter varied with reddish-
294 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. ORTOLAN-BUNTING.
orange. Two outer tail feathers having the anterior
part of their inner webs white ; the rest being black,
edged with yellowish-grey. Legs and toes pale brown
with a tinge of flesh red.
The female has the head oil-green, with spots of a darker
shade. Above the eye is a dull yellow streak, passing
down the side of the head. Chin and throat yellowish-
brown, streaked with darker brown. Belly and sides
primrose-yellow, with large dusky streaks. Upper parts
like the male bird, but with the colours not so bright.
ORTOLAN- BUNTING.
EMBERIZA HORTULANA.
PLATE C. FIG. 7.
Emberiza Hortulana, Linn. 1. 309. 4 Gmel. Syst. 1. 869 Lath. Ind Orn.
1. 399. sp. 5.
Hortulanus, Briss. 3. 269. 4 Rail Syn. 94. 6 Will. 197. t. 40.
Emberiza Tunstalli, Lath. Ind. Orn. 1. 418. sp. 69.
Emberiza chlorocephala, Gmel. Syn. 1. 887.
I/Ortolan, Buff. Ois. 1. 305. t. 14 Id. PL Enl. 247. 1. male.
Bruant Ortolan, Temm. Man. d'Orn. 1. 311.
Garten Ammer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 3. 283 Meyer , Tasschenb. Deut. 1.
183.
Ortolan-Bunting, Arct. Zool. 2. 367. D Albin, 3. t. 50 Lath. Syn. 3.
166. 5 Id. sup. 157
Green-headed Bunting, Lath. Syn. 3. 211. 61 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 76.
Bewick's Br. Birds, Ed. 1826. p. t. 170
ALTHOUGH this species has not hitherto been included in
the list of British Birds, it would appear, that it has long
Occasional k een entitled to rank, as an occasional visitant : if we are to
Visitant.
consider Emberiza Tunstalli of LATHAM, (Emb. chloroce-
phala of GMELIN), and the Green-headed Bunting 1 figured
and described by BROWN, (and which was caught in Mary-
la-Bonne fields) as being the same, of which I think there
can be little or no doubt entertained, upon comparing the
descriptions of these individuals with that of Emb. Hortu-
lana, by TEMMINCK and other continental authors. That
ORTOLAN-BUNTING. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 295
the Green-headed Bunting of BEWICK (figured in the later
editions of his work, from a bird caught at sea upon the
Yorkshire coast in May 1822, now in the Museum of the
Natural History Society, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and con-
sidered by him to be the same as Emb. Tunstalli, and the
Green-headed Bunting of LATHAM and BROWN) is identi-
cal with the true Ember. Hortulana ; I feel perfectly con-
vinced, not only from the correct description he has given,
answering in every particular to a bird of this species now
before me, but from an examination of his very specimen.
The figure I am enabled to give upon the supplementary
Plate C., is taken from a British-killed bird, a fine male, in
the valuable collection of Mr YARRELL, which he kindly
lent me for this purpose. The present bird is closely allied
to the Yellow and the Cirl Buntings, and, by a common ob-
server, might possibly be mistaken for a female of the first
named species. It is a native of the central and southern
provinces of Europe, but is found occasionally as far to the
northward as Sweden and Holland, from which latter coun-
try it is probable our occasional visitors find their way. In
Italy, where it is very common, and in parts of France, it is
highly esteemed for its fatness and the flavour of its flesh. Nest, &(
It breeds in thickets, corn-fields, low hedges, &c., and lays
four or five eggs of a greyish-white, tinged with a pinkish
black, and marked with streaks or veins of brown. It feeds Food.
on millet and other grain, and in summer (previous to the
ripening of the grassy seeds) on insects and larvae, on which
the young are also principally reared. According to TEM-
MINCK this species is subject to great variations of plumage,
specimens being occasionally met with entirely white ; others
with a great admixture of that colour ; and some again of an
uniform blackish-brown, which he attributed to their feeding
upon hemp-seed, a diet known to have the same effect upon
Bullfinches, and other Frmgiitid*, when kept in a state of
confinement.
296 INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. ORTOLAN-BUNTING.
PLATE C. Fig. 7. Figure of the natural size. Form typical.
General Bill reddish-brown, scarcely so thick as that of the Yellow
tion. Bunting, and larger in proportion. Head, hind part of
the neck, and breast greenish-grey. Auriculars mixed
yellow and blackish-grey. Streak from the corners of
the lower mandible, eyes, orbits, chin, and throat, pale
lemon-yellow ; the streak from the corners of the mouth
being divided from the yellow of the chin, by a narrow
band of greenish-grey. Feathers of the back and the
scapulars having dark brown centres, their marginal
portions being a yellowish-brown, slightly tinged with
oil-green. Lower part of the back, and upper tail co-
verts, yellowish-brown. Under plumage pale reddish-
chestnut ; the feathers being tipped with greyish- white.
Greater coverts and quills hair-brown, margined with
yellowish -white. Tail hair-brown ; margined paler ;
nearly square at the end; the two outer feathers on
each side having the anterior part of their inner webs
white. Legs yellowish-brown, with a reddish tinge.
Hind claw not much curved.
SUBFAMILY FRINGILLANA, SWAINS.
This group, which embraces the Sparrows fgen us Passer)
and other nearly allied genera, with the birds also belonging
to the genus Frmgilla, as now restricted, (represented by
Frmgilla ccelebs, the Goldfinches and Siskins) distinguishes
its members by a conic bill, nearly entire, and with the low-
er mandible frequently smaller than the upper. Their con-
nection with the foregoing, as well as with the subsequent
minor divisions or subfamilies, are supported by forms di-
verging from the Type, and assuming to a certain extent
the more prominent characteristics of the others.
They subsist upon seeds and grain, the harder ones of
which they deprive of the outer covering by means of their
INSESSORES. PASSER. 297
strong bill, and by the convenient form of the cutting
of the lower mandible. Many of the species associate in
large flocks during the autumn and winter. They have a
wide geographical distribution, some being found in most
climates, and in all parts of the globe.
GENUS PASSER, AUCT. SPARROW.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strong, conical, longer than deep, the upper mandible
slightly curved ; the tip emarginate ; culmen slightly raised ;
lower mandible compressed, and smaller than the upper.
Nostrils lateral, immediately behind the bulging base of the
upper mandible, round, and nearly concealed from view by
small frontal plumes. Wings having the second quill-fea-
ther rather the longest. Legs with the tarsi of nearly the
same length as the middle toe ; toes three before and one be-
hind, the front ones divided ; claws sharp and curved ; that
of the hind toe rather exceeding in size that of the middle
one. Tail square, or very slightly forked.
The Sparrows, which form a well marked group, and are
widely distributed, bear throughout all the species a marked
resemblance to each other in the prevailing colours and dis-
position of their plumage. With the Buntings and other
birds belonging to the preceding Subfamily they are inti-
mately allied by the means of the Ground-Sparrows and
others of North America ; and, by the intervention of the
genus Pipilo (ViEiLL.) the necessary connection is also kept
up with the Subfamily Tanagrma. In Europe, besides the
Common and Tree Sparrows (which are natives of Britain),
three other spirir^ air recognised, viz. Passer Cisalpina
(TEMM.), Passer Pctronia (LiNN.), and Passer Hispaniolcn-
sis(T EMM.)
5
298 INSESSORES. PASSER. Ho USE -SPARROW.
HOUSE-SPARROW.
PASSER DOMESTICUS, Ray.
PLATE LIV. FIGS. 4. 5.
Fringilla domestica, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 323. 36 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 925. sp. 36.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v, 1. p. 432. sp. 1.
Passer domesticus, Ran Syn. p. 86. A Witt. p. 182 Sriss. 3. p. 72.
Le Moineau, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 474. t. 29. f. 1 Id. PI. Enl. 6. f. 1. and 2.
Gros-bec Moineau, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 350.
Haus Sperling, Beclist. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 107 Frisch. t. 8. f. 1. A. B.
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 156.
House-Sparrow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 127. t. 51 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 382. g
Will. (Angl.) p. 244. t. 44 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 248. 1 Id. Supp. p. 163
Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 77 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Albin, 1. t. 62
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 215 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 12 Low's Faun. Oread.
p. 59 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 154 Shaw's Zool. 9. p. 429. t. 64.
fig. 1.
THIS very well known bird may be found in all the culti-
vated and inhabited parts of the country, and is reckoned by
Low amongst the feathered inhabitants of the northern isles
of Scotland, where it abounds to the annoyance of the culti-
vator, in the serious destruction of bigg *, the only grain
that is reared to any extent in these remote settlements. It
is seldom to be seen far from the habitation of man, and is
the only bird that ventures, in a general way, to establish
its permanent residence amidst the stir and din of towns and
cities, where (attracted probably by the superior supply of
food) it is even more abundant than in the quiet villages and
hamlets. In geographical distribution, it appears confined
to the northern provinces of Europe, and TEMMINCK assigns
the great chains of the Alps and Pyrenees as its limits to-
wards the south ; the Frmgilla cisalpina, a species nearly
allied, supplying its place in the warmer parts of Europe.
The Sparrow is not particular in its choice of a place for
nidification, being contented with any hole in a wall, in the
thatch, or under the eaves of houses; and frequently dis-
* Bigg, a coarse kind of barley.
HOUSE-SPARROW. INSESSORES. PASSER. 299
lodges the Martin from the nest, fabricated with so much
skill and labour. Its own nest is, in all these situations, Nest, &c.
made conformable to the dimensions of the place selected,
and consists of hay and feathers loosely and negligently put
together. Under some circumstances, the Sparrow will often
build in trees or very lofty hedges ; and the nest is then
made of a much larger size, and firmer texture, with an
arched top, but composed of the above mentioned materials,
with the addition of any soft substances, such as rags, wool,
&c. that can be collected about the premises it frequents.
It lays five or six eggs, of a greyish-white, spotted with deep
yellowish-grey, and ash-grey, and of a long oval form.
This bird feeds upon all kinds of grain and seeds, and in Food.
the summer destroys vast numbers of larva 1 , moths, and
butterflies, with which its young are principally fed ; thus
making ample compensation for the havoc it commits in the
ripening fields of corn. Although a bold and obtrusive
bird (from its habits of familiarity with the dwelling of man),
it is very wary, and is not easily taken by snares ; but great
numbers are occasionally destroyed when at their nightly
roost, by the bat-fowling net.
In the country, the Sparrow exhibits a gloss and intermix-
ture of colours rarely to be seen in those inhabiting large
towns, which soon become of a dingy and almost uniform
hue, from the accumulation of dust and smoke upon their
plumage.
Varieties of this bird, with more or less of a cream colour,
are frequently met with ; and I have seen specimens of an
unvaried blackish-brown.
PLATE 54. Fig. 4. Male bird, of the natural size.
Bill black. Crown of the head and occiput deep bluish- General
grey. Space between the bill and eyes, chin, throat, J^J np "
and gorget, black ; the feathers of the latter margined Male.
with white. Above the eyes, and passing behind the
ear-coverts, is a band of dtvp chestnut-brown. Cheeks
and sides of the neck greyish- white. Feathers of the
300 INSESSORES. PASSER. TREE-SPARROW.
back black, deeply edged with pale chestnut-brown.
Lesser wing-coverts deep orange-brown, the row im-
posed upon the greater coverts having their tips white,
and forming an oblique bar across each wing. Greater
coverts and quills brownish -black, edged with pale
chestnut-brown. Tail clove-brown, margined with yel-
lowish-brown. Lower part of the back, and rump
yellowish-grey. Belly and vent smoke-grey. Legs
wood-brown.
Fig. 5. The female. Natural size.
Female. Head and nape of the neck light broccoli-brown. Above
the eyes is a streak of straw-yellow. Upper plumage
yellowish-brown, inclining to broccoli-brown, with the
centres of the feathers darkest. Throat and middle of
the belly greyish-white ; the sides dashed with broccoli-
brown.
TREE-SPARROW
PASSER MONTANUS, Ray.
PLATE LV. FIG. 2.
Passer montanus, Rail Syn. p. 87- 15 Briss. 3. p. 79.
Fringilla montana, Linn. 1. p. 234. 37 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 925- sp. 27
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 433. sp. 2.
Loxia Hamburgia, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 854. sp. 68.
Le Friquet, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 489. t. 29. f. 2 Id. PI. Enl. 267. fig. I.
La Hamboureux, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 398.
Gros-Bec Friquet, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 354.
Der Feldsperling, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 124. Meyer , Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 158 Frisch, Vog. t. 7. f. 2. male.
De Ringmusch, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. p. 79-
Hamburgh Tree-Creeper, Albin, 3. t. 24.
Hamburgh Grosbeak, Lath. Syn. 3. p. 149. 64.
Tree or Mountain Sparrow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 128 Arct, Zool. 2. No. 240.
Will. (A.ngl.) p. 252. t. 25 Lewies "Br. Birds, 2. t. 78 Lath. Syn. 3.
p. 252. 2 Id. Supp Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 88 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1.
p. 158 Shaw's Zool. 9. p. 432. t. 64. f. 2.
THIS species is but partially distributed, and far from
being abundant, even in those districts where it has long
TREE-SPARROW. INSESSORES. PASSER, 301
been known as indigenous, although many authors have as-
sorted the contrary} and have described it as numerous in
Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. It may indeed be
found in each of these counties, but not in such numbers as
might naturally be inferred from the accounts of preceding
writers. MONTAGU, in the Supplement to his Ornithological
Dictionary, has given a very minute and interesting descrip-
tion of the peculiar habits of this bird, and has proved that
the female is in plumage not distinguishable from the male
bird, although former writers had described it as differing in
the same degree as the female of the Common Sparrow does
from the male of that species.
The eastern, and some of the northern, counties seem to
be the extent of its range in this country, as I have not been
able to trace its residence in any of the southern or western
ones. Specimens have been sent to me from the neighbour-
hood of Cambridge, and I have seen it in parts of the county
of Durham, but not farther to the northward *. It is a bird
of retired habits, and is never found to frequent villages or
other dwellings like the common species, but is generally to
be met with where old trees (particularly pollards, hollowed
by decay) are abundant, as in the holes of these it finds a
congenial retreat, and proper situation for its nest, of which Nest, &c.
the materials are hay and straw intermixed, with a lining of
feathers.
The eggs are four or five in number, similar in colour to
those of the Ho use- Sparrow, but rather smaller. The food Food.
of this species consists of various seeds and grain, and the
buds of trees ; but during the breeding season it destroys
quantities of larvae, moths, and others of the insect tribe, on
which its callow young are principally supported. Its form
is more slender than that of the preceding bird, and its mo-
tions full of spirit and activity ; like it also, the Tree-Spar-
* Several instances of its capture in the neighbourhood of Newcastle
have since been communicated to me.
302 INSESSORES. FRINGILLA.
row possesses no song, and its usual note is somewhat similar
in tone to that of the former, but rather shriller.
It is plentiful in France, Holland, and other parts of the
Continent, extending its range southward to Spain and Italy.
PLATE 55. Fig. 2. Natural size.
General Crown of the head and nape of the neck deep chestnut-
tion. brown, with a tinge of grey. Space between the bill
and eyes, spot behind the ear, throat, and under part of
the neck, black. Sides of the neck, and collar on the
nape of the same, white. Under parts greyish-white.
Upper part of the back having one web of the feathers
black, and the other pale chestnut, inclining to yellowish-
brown. Wing-coverts chestnut-brown, with the tips of
the greater and the lower row of the lesser ones white,
and forming two bars across the wings. Quills and
secondaries blackish-brown, margined with yellowish-
brown. Lower part of the back, and rump, yellowish-
grey. Tail hair-brown, margined paler. Legs pale or
wood-brown.
GENUS FRINGILLA, LINN. FINCH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BLIL conical, longer than deep, straight, and pointed ;
cutting edges entire, and forming a straight commissure.
Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, partly hidden by the frontal
plumes. Tail slightly forked. Legs having the tarsi of
mean length, with the front toes divided ; adapted for hop-
ping or perching. Claws sharp.
Under this genus rank FringUla ccclebs^ Frlng. monte-
frmgilla^ and a variety of other species, distinguished by a
bill less strong and thick, and less swollen at the base, than
CHAFFINCH. INSESSORES. FR IN 6 ILL A, 303
that of the typical forms of the next subfamily (Coccothraus-
tina). Their habits are also less arboreal ; and most of
them obtain their food (consisting of the scattered seeds of
grasses and cruciform plants) upon the ground, where they
move by hopping with great facility. The males of many
species undergo a change, or rather variation of plumage, in
the spring, produced by shedding the extreme tips of the
feathers, and acquiring after that process an additional
brightness and intensity of colour.
CHAFFINCH.
FRINGILLA CCELEBS, Linn.
PLATE LIV. FIGS. 6. ^.
Fringilla ccelebs, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 318 Gmel Syst. 1. p.OOl.sp. 5 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 437- 12. Rail Syn. p. 88. 16. A Will. p. 186. t. 45.
f. 4 Briss. 3. p. 184. 36.
Le Pinson, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 109. t. 4 Id. PL EnL 54. 1. the male.
Gros-Bec Pinson, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 357.
Gemeine Fink, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 75 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 150 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. f. 1. and 2. male and female in
spring plumage. Frisch. t. 1. 1.
Scheld Fink, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. p. 141.
Chaffinch, Br. ZooL 1. No. 125 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 381. F Will. (Angl)
p. 253. 45 Albin. 1. t. 63 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 259. 10 Id. Supp. p. 165.
Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 79 Wale. Syn. t. 217 Pult. Cat. Dorset,
p. 12 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Bewick's Br. Birds, p. 160. Low's
Faun. Oread, p. 12 Shaw's Zool. 9. p. 442. 65. fig. 1.
PROVINCIAL Spink, Beechfmch, Pink, Twink, Skelly, Shell-Apple,
Horsefinch, Scobby.
THIS lively bird is very common in all the open and cul-
tivated parts of the kingdom, and is well known for its early
song, which, although short, and consisting only of three or
four notes, is grateful to the ear, from associations connected
with the period at which it usually commences. All the
British ornithologists describe this species as permanently re-
sident with us, and nowhere subject to that separation of the
sexes, and the consequent equatorial movement of the fe-
304 INSESSORES. FRINGILLA. CHAFFINCH.
males, which is known to take place in Sweden and other
northern countries. The fact, however, is otherwise, as the
experience of a series of years has evinced that these birds,
in a general point of view, obey the same natural law in the
north of England. In Northumberland and Scotland, this
separation takes place about the month of November, and
from that period till the return of spring, few females are to
be seen, and those few always in distinct societies. The
males remain, and are met with, during the winter, in im-
mense flocks, feeding with other granivorous birds in the
stubble lands, as long as the weather continues mild, and the
ground free from snow ; and resorting, upon the approach of
storm, to farm-yards, and other places of refuge and supply.
This separation of the sexes, I am induced to believe, takes
place in many other species, with respect to their migratory
movements, as I have before remarked in the account of the
Snow-Bunting. This appears also to be the case with the
Woodcock, having observed that the first flight of these birds
(which seldom remains longer than for a few days to recruit,
and then passes southward), consists chiefly of females ;
whilst, on the contrary, the subsequent and latest flights
(which continue with us), are principally composed of males.
It has been noticed by several authors, that the arrival of the
males, in a number of our summer visitants, precedes that of
the females by many days ; a fact from which we might in-
fer that in such species a similar separation exists between the
sexes during their equatorial migration.
As these birds are very early breeders, the male Chaffinch
utters his love-notes almost as soon as the Thrush or Gold-
crested Regulus. They build in various situations upon the
trees and bushes, sometimes amidst the ivy encircling their
trunks, at other times in the forks of smaller branches, and
very frequently in old apple-trees, overgrown with moss and
Nest, &c. lichens. The nest exhibits great symmetry and beauty, and
is formed of different mosses and lichens, closely interwoven
with wool, and warmly lined with feathers and hair ; in its
CHAFFINCH. IN8ESSORES. FRINGILLA. S05
outward appearance, always accordant with the particular
colour of its situation. The eggs are four or five in number,
of a bluish- white, tinged with pink, and marked with streaks
and spots of purplish-red. In summer the Chaffinch feeds Food,
much upon insects and their larvae, and I have witnessed its
assiduity, during the autumn, in devouring the females of a
large species of aphis, that infests the trunks and stronger
branches of the larch, and some other kinds of fir. In win-
ter, grain and other seeds constitute its food.
It is a species widely disseminated, and found in almost
all parts of Europe, being sedentary in the warmer provinces,
but migratory in those situated to the northward.
PLATE 54. Fig. 6. A male bird in the spring plumage,
and of the natural size.
Bill clear greyish-blue, with the tip black. Crown of the General
head and nape of the neck deep greyish-blue. Back j^ 1 * 1 *"
chestnut-brown ; the feathers being margined with yel- Male,
lowish-grey. Rump deep sulphur-yellow. Lesser wing-
coverts white; those of the primary quills and the bas-
tard wing entirely black ; secondary coverts black, tip-
ped with primrose-yellow. The three first quills black,
having the outer web margined with white ; the rest,
and the secondaries, with a white spot at the base, with
part of their inner webs white, and with the interior half
of the outer webs margined with pale sulphur-yellow.
Tail, with the two middle feathers, bluish-grey, mar-
gined with yellow ; the three next, on each side, en-
tirely black ; and the two outer ones with a large white
spot on the inner web, the exterior web being margined
with white. Cheeks, neck, and throat, pale reddish-
brown, passing upon the breast and flanks into pale
vinous-red. Middle of the belly and vent white Legs
and feet broccoli-brown.
VOL. T. u
306 INSESSORES. FRINGILLA. CHAFFINCH.
Fig. 7. The female. Natural size.
Female. Head, upper parts of the body, and scapulars, pale oil-
green, tinged with grey. Cheeks and lower parts grey,
tinged with pale-yellowish-brown. The bands upon the
wings not so large or distinct as those of the male ; the
lower one of a yellowish- white. Bill yellowish grey.
The young males, previous to the autumnal moult, re-
semble the female.
MOUNTAIN FINCH.
FRINGILLA MONTIFXINGILLA, Linn.
PLATE LIV. FIGS. 8, 9.
Fringilla montifringilla, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 318. 4 Faun. Suec. No. 233.
Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 902. sp. 4 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 439. sp. 17
Ran Syn. p. 88 Will p. 187. t. 45 Briss. 3. p. 155.
Fringilla Lulensis, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 902. sp. 5 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1.
p. 452. sp. 63. young female.
Le Pinson d' Ardennes, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 124. t. 14 Id. PL Enl. 54. f. 2.
male.
Gros-Bec d' Ardennes, Temm. Man. d'Orriith. v. 1. p. 3GO.
Chardonneret a quatre Raies, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 210.
Berk-fink, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 97 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1.
p. 151 Frisch. t. 2. f. 2.
Brambling, or Mountain Finch, Br. Zool. 1. No. 126 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 381.
E Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 80 Albin. 3. t. 64. Will. (Ang.) p. 254-
t. 45 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 261. 13 Mont. Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn, 2.
t. 218 Don. Br. Birds, 4. t. 85 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 12. Bewick's Rr.
Birds, I. t. p. 163. male Shaw's Zool 9. p. 444. t. 65. f. 2. copy from
Bewick.
Lulean Finch, Lath. Syn. v. 8. p. 278 Penn. Arct. Zool. v. 2. p. 380. B.
Periodical THE Mountain Finch is a native of the northern parts of
Europe, and inhabits the wild and mountainous districts ;
where, after breeding, it passes the summer also in the fo-
rests of pine and fir which abound in these higher latitudes.
In the temperate and warmer regions of this quarter of the
globe, it is only known as a winter visitant ; arriving to-
wards the close of autumn, and departing to the northward,
early in spring. Although few winters pass without our be-
ing visited by some of these birds, I have remarked that they
MOUNTAIN FINCH. INSKSSOHKS. FRINGILLA. 307
vary considerably in numbers through a succession of sea-
sons, a circumstance, in all probability, occasioned by the
state of the weather, as regulating the direction and extent
of their equatorial migration.
The Mountain Finch is a bird of handsome appearance,
and rather superior in size to the Chaffinch, which in habits
and manners it closely resembles. During its residence with
us, it frequents the stubble lands, associating often with the
Chaffinch and other granivorous birds ; and I have observed
that it always roosts in fir or larch plantations, if any such
are in the neighbourhood of its haunt. The usual call-note
of this species, though not unlike that of the Chaffinch, can be
easily distinguished by a practised ear ; but I am unable to
say whether its notes vary in the spring, or whether it pos-
sesses any proper sung. It builds in lofty pine and spruce Nest, &c.
trees, and its nest is formed of moss and wool, lined with
feathers and hair. It lays four or five white eggs, spotted
with yellowish-brown.
PLATE 54. Fig. 8. Male bird in its winter's plumage, and of
the natural size.
Head, cheeks, nape of the neck, and upper part of the General
back black ; having the feathers margined and tipped <! escri P-
with yellowish-grey, or yellowish-brown. Throat, breast,
scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts pale reddish-brown.
Coverts of the secondary quills black, tipped with pale
reddish-orange. Greater quills black, with a white spot
at the base, and the margins of the outer webs primrose-
yellow. Rump, belly, and under tail coverts yellowish-
white. Sides inclining to buff-orange, spotted with
black. Tail black, edged with grey, and the exterior
web of the outer feather white. Base of the bill inclin-
ing to lemon-yellow ; the tip black. In summer tin*
head, neck, and back are of a deep black, without any
of the yellowish-brown that distinguishes these parts in
winter ; and the bill becomes of a dark bluish-grey.
308 INSESSORES. CARDUELIS.
Female. Fig. 9. The female. Natural size.
Crown of the head hair -brown. Cheeks and nape of the
neck ash-grey. Above the eye is a streak of brownish-
black. Throat and breast reddish-orange. Back black-
ish-brown, margined with yellowish-brown. Wings
brownish-black.
The young of the year resemble the female, except that
the throat is usually white.
GENUS CARDUELIS, AUCT. GOLDFINCH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL conical, longer than deep, compressed anteriorly,
and drawn to a very acute point. Culmen of each mandible
narrow ; tomia of the upper mandible angulated at the base,
and slightly sinuated. Nostrils basal, lateral, and hidden
by incumbent bristles. Wings of mean length ; the first
quill-feather rather shorter than the second and third ; which
last are nearly equal, and the longest of all. Tail rather
short and forked. Legs having the tarsi short. Lateral
toes of equal length ; claws curved and acute ; hind toe tole-
rably strong, with the sole broad.
The Goldfinches and Siskins form a beautiful group, dis-
tinguished by the bright yellow of their plumage, which is
well contrasted with black, and in many instances with scar-
let, disposed about the head and other parts of the body.
They have a wide geographical distribution, and species are
found in the new, as well as throughout the different regions
of the ancient, world. Their habits are arboreal, and they sel-
dom descend to the ground. They feed upon seeds of vari-
ous kinds ; the Goldfinches, as commonly called, preferring
the seeds of the thistle, and other composite plants; the Sis-
kins, those of the alder, birch, &c. They possess a varied
and pleasing power of song, are easily kept caged, and are
SISKIN. INSESSORES. CARDUELIS. 309
soon rendered tame, and even familiar. A near affinity ex-
hibited in the form of the bill, appears between the Siskins
and Lin aria minor (belonging to the genus Linaria), now
placed by Mr SWAINSON in the subfamily Coccothraustina.
SISKIN.
CARDUELIS SPIN us, Steph.
PLATE LV. FIGS. 6, 7.
Fringilla spinus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 322. 25 Faun. Suec. No. 237 Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 914. sp. 25 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 452. sp. 65.
Ligurinus, Rail Svn. p. 9. A. 5 Will. p. 192. t. 46. Briss. 3. p. 65.
Le Tarin, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 221 Id. VI. 485. f. 3. male.
Gros Bee Tarin, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 371.
Siskin or Aberdevine, Br. Zool. No. 129. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 243 Will.
(Ang.) p. 261 Albin. 3. t 76 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 82 Lath. Syn.
3. p. 289. 58 Mont. Supp. to Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, p. t.
167 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 467- t. 69. copy from Bewick.
THE Siskin is only known in this country as a winter vi- occasional
sitant, and, as such, but at irregular and sometimes distant visitant,
periods. In the winters of 1820 and 1821, Northumberland
was visited by considerable flocks of these birds, which, du-
ring their stay, frequented the margins of rivers, and other
small streams, where the alder generally grows spontaneously
and in abundance, upon the seeds of which tree, and that of
the birch, they appeared principally to subsist. Their par-
tiality for this food brought them into contact with the Lesser
Red pole (L'maria minor), and with which they often associat-
ed during their visit. Since that time, I am not aware of any
having migrated into this part of the country, though I
have not remitted my search and inquiries after them in their
usual haunts *. The same uncertainty attends their appear-
* Since the publication of the first edition, I can add, that for the last
four or five years Siskins have visited my plantations in considerable num-
bers both in spring and autumn. This I attribute to the abundant supply
of food furnished by the alder, birch, and also larch trees, as they are fre-
quently observed to be very busily employed about the stems of the latter.
310 INSESSORES. CARDUELIS. SISKIN.
ance in France, and in other parts of the Continent, as we
learn from BUFFON and some other writers. The true habi-
tat of this bird appears to be in the northern part of Europe,
as it is plentiful in Sweden, Norway, and the north of Ger-
many. In the neighbourhood of London it is called Aber-
devine, and is occasionally met with by the bird-catchers,
who obtain a considerable price for it, although its song is
said to be below mediocrity ; the contrary of which is assert-
ed by BEWICK, who kept a caged Siskin, and says that " the
song, though not so loud as that of the canary, is pleasing
and sweetly various." WILLOUGHBY tells us, that in Sus-
sex, the Siskin is called the Barley Bird, as it makes its ap-
pearance at the time of sowing that grain ; and this asser-
tion, later compilers have implicitly echoed, though I am
inclined to think that the above appellation will be found
attached to the Yellow Wagtail, first seen about that time,
and not to the Siskin, which has usually left the country be-
Nest, &c. fore that period. According to TEMMINCK, it builds in the
highest branches of the pine, thus accounting for the nest
having escaped the researches of the earlier ornithologists.
It is now ascertained to breed in some of the pine woods in the
Highlands of Scotland. Near Killin, these birds were ob-
served by Sir WILLIAM JARDINE and myself to be in pairs
in the month of June, inhabiting a wood of very old and
lofty pines ; but we were unable to procure the nests, from
the height and inaccessible nature of the trees. The eggs
are four or five in number, of a bluish-white, speckled with
Food, purplish-red. Its food, in addition to the seeds of the alder
and birch, comprises those of the pine, elm, and maple ; and
in searching for which its attitudes are very picturesque,
similar to those of the Lesser Redpole. 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 Finch.
PLATE 55. Fig. 6. Male bird. Natural size.
Bill dusky, with a pinkish tinge, much compressed ante-
SISKIN. INSESSORES. CARDUELIS. 311
riorly, and very sharp-pointed ; the culmen of each
mandible forming a very narrow ridge. Forehead,
crown of the head, and throat black. Nape of the neck
black intermixed with siskin-green. Behind the ear is
a broad streak of sulphur-yellow. Neck, breast, base
and margins of quill and tail feathers bright sulphur-
yellow, inclining in some parts to gamboge-yellow.
Greater wing-coverts black, tipped with sulphur-yellow.
Upper parts siskin-green, having the centres of the fea-
thers streaked with blackish green. Flanks greyish-
white with a few dark streaks. Abdomen white. Un-
der tail-coverts white, spotted with black. Legs and
toes yellowish-brown.
Fig. 7. The female, also of the natural size. Female.
The whole of the upper parts, cheeks, and sides of the
neck siskin -green, intermixed with oil-green, and spotted
with blackish-green. Under parts yellowish-white, in
some places passing into primrose-yellow ; with streaks
of greenish-grey or blackish-green upon the breast,
flanks, and under tail- coverts. Wings and tail blackish-
brown, margined with sulphur and primrose yellows.
White and other varieties of this species are frequently
found.
312 INSESSORES. CARDUELIS. GOLDFINCH.
GOLDFINCH.
CARDUELIS ELEGANS, Steph.
PLATE LV. FIGS. 8, 9.
Fringilla Carduelis, Linn. Syst. 1 .p. 118. 7 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 903. sp. 7
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 449 Raii Syn. p. 89. A. 1 Will. p. 189.
Briss. 3. p. 53. 1.
Le Chardonneret, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 187- t. 10 Id. PL Enl. 4. f. 1.
Gros-bec Chardonneret, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 376.
Distel Zeisig, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 1. p. 200 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v.fl. p. 167 Frisch. t. 1. 2. A, B.
Goldfinch, or Thistlefinch, Br. Zool. 1. No. 124 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 283. H.
Will. (Ang.) p. 246. t. 46 Albin. 1. t. 64 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 281. 4
Lewin'sJSr. Birds, 2. t. 81. Mont. Ornith. Diet. 1 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 219.
-Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 12 Bewick's Br. Birds, p. t. 165 Shaw's Zool.
v. 9. p. 460. bad copy from Bewick.
PROVINCIAL -Gold-Spink.
THIS beautiful finch is common in all but the mountainous
parts of Britain. Being in high estimation, on account both
of its plumage and song, (which is sweet in tone, and varied
in delivery), it is very frequently kept in a state of confine-
ment, and possessing great docility, soon becomes attached to
its owner, and may be taught a variety of amusing perform-
ances, such as feigning itself to be dead, letting off fire- works,
&c. In its natural state, it breeds in gardens, orchards and
plantations, and will often select an evergreen for the site of
Nest, &c. its nest ; which displays much elegance of workmanship, be-
ing outwardly formed of lichens, moss, and dry grass inter-
woven with wool, and very warmly lined with a mixture of
the last-named substance, hair, and the seed-down of the wil-
low or thistle. This contains four or five eggs, of a bluish-
white, scantily marked with orange-brown spots towards the
larger end.
In confinement, it readily pairs and breeds with the Cana-
ry Finch. The produce are mules, and are called by the
bird-fanciers Canary Goldfinches.
This species is subject to considerable varieties of phi-
GOLDFINCH. INSESSORES. CARDUELIS. 313
mage, most of which are enumerated by LATHAM, in his In-
dex Ornithologicus. It is common in all the temperate and
northern parts of Europe, and is found as far to the south-
ward as the islands of the Archipelago. Its food consists of Food,
the seeds of the several kinds of thistles, the burdock, and
dandelion, as well as the oily seeds of many of the cruciform
plants.
Goldfinches do not associate in large flocks ; their societies
rarely exceeding twenty in number.
PLATE 55. Fig. 8. A male bird of the natural size.
Bill yellowish-white, with the tip blackish-brown. Base General
of the bill, space between it and the eyes, occiput and t ion. nP ~
nape of the neck, ink-black. Forehead, temples and
throat arterial blood-red. Cheeks, ear-coverts, and
lower parts of the neck white. Sides of the breast, back
and scapulars deep yellowish-brown. Lower part of the
back whitish, intermixed with yellowish-brown. Lesser
wing-coverts black. Greater coverts, and basal-half of
the quills, brilliant gamboge yellow ; the other half
black, with a white spot at the tips. Six middle tail-
feathers black, with white- pointed tips ; the rest of them
with a large oval white spot occupying the middle of
the inner webs. Belly and vent white, tinged with
wood-brown. Legs and toes wood-brown.
Fig. 9. The female. Natural size. Female.
There is but little difference between her and the male
bird. The colours are rather inferior in brilliancy, and
the red upon the forehead and throat is frequently mix
ed with black specks.
314 INSESSORES. CORCOTHRAUST1NA.
SUBFAMILY CORCOTHRAUSTINA SWAINS.
THE members of this Subfamily, throughout the typical
forms, are distinguished by a very powerful bill, being mas-
sively thick at the base, and tapering rapidly to the point.
In some genera the culmen of the upper mandible is slightly
arched, thus leading to the Subfamily Pyrrhulina. The
food of the typical species consists of the harder seeds, the
exterior covering or shell of which they are able to break by
the strength of their bill. Their legs are generally short, and
their feet formed for perching, the soles being large, and the
claws curved and sharp. Mr SWAINSON justly considers this
as the typical group of the FringillicLf.
GENUS LINARIA, AUCT. LINNET.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strait, conical entire ; mandibles compressed in the
front, and forming a very sharp point ; commissure strait.
Nostrils, basal, lateral, concealed by incumbent feathers.
Wings long, acuminate ; with the firs second, and third,
quill feathers of nearly equal length. Tail more or less fork-
ed. Tarsi slender, short. Feet having the lateral toes of equal
length ; the hind toe, with its claw, as long as the middle one.
Claws slender, acute, curved ; that upon the hind toe larger,
and in old birds much longer than the rest. The Linnets
are placed by Mr SWAIN SON in this Subfamily, of which
they constitute an aberrant form. To the genus Carduelis
the present one is closely allied through Linaria minor ^
whose bill approaches in form and shape to that of the Car-
duclis spinus. Linnets associate in large flocks, feeding up-
on seeds. The species whose habits confine them more to
the ground than the others, live upon the oleaginous seeds
of cruciform plants ; the arboreal or perching kind seek
those of the birch, elm, alder, &c.
LINNET.
INSESSORES. LINARIA.
315
COMMON OR BROWN LINNET.
L is -ARIA CANANBINA, Sir.
PLATE LV. FIG. 3. 4.
Fringilla cannabina, Linn. Syst. 1. p/322. sp. 28.
Gros-Hec Linotte, Temm Man cPOrnith. v. 1. p. 3G4.
Greater Kedpole, or Brown Linnet, Mont. Ornith. Diet.
The Linnet. Low's Faun. Oread, p. K3.
Greater Redpole Finch, Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 516.
Fringilla Linota, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 916 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 457.
sp. l.
Linaria, Rail Syn. p. 80. A. 1 Will. p. 190 Id. (Vog.) 258 Briss.3.
p. 131. 29.
La Linotte ordinaire, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 58. t. 1 Id. PL Enl. 151. f. 1.
Common Linnet, Br. Zool. No. 130 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 83 Lath.
Syn. 3. p. 402. 73_P//ft. Cat. Dorset, p. 12 Wale. Syn. t 221.
Grey Linnet, Bewick's Br. Birds. 1. p. 171.
Fringilla cannabina, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 916. sp. 28 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1.
p. 458. sp. 82.
Linaria rubra major, Briss. 3. p. 135. 30 Raii Syn. p. 91. A. 2 Will.
p. 191. t 46.
Le Grand Linotte des Vignes, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 58 Id. PL Enl. 485.
f. 2. old male under the title of Petite Linotte des Vignes.
Bluthanfling, Bechst. Naturg. Deut v. 3. p. 141 Id. Tasschenb. Dent.
p. 121 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 163.-7rf. Vog. Deut. v. 1.
t. f. 1. and 2 Frisch. Vog. t. 9. f. 1. and 2.
Greater Redpole or Red-headed Linnet, Br. Zool. 1. No. 131. t. 54
Arct. Zool. 2. No. IGl. Will. (Ang.) 260. Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t 84.
Lath. Syn. 3. p. 304. Id. Sup. p. 167 Wale. Syn 2. t. 222 Pult.
Cat. Dorset, p. 12 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. t. p. 173 Id. Sup. p.
t. 22.
PROVINCIAL Greater Redpole, Rose Linnet, Grey Linnet.
THIS bird has been considered by most of our authors as
two distinct species, under the titles of the Common or Brown
Linnet and the Greater Redpole. This error has evidently
arisen from the altered appearance it bears at particular ages,
and during the different seasons of the year. These changes
in all probability had not been suspected, as they certainly
had not been traced by the earlier naturalists, and on the au-
thority of their reputation, succeeding writers sanctioned such
mistakes, without giving themselves the trouble of farther
Syn. of young
Male after
first autum-
nal moult.
Syn. of adult
Male in sum-
mer plumage.
316 INSESSORES. LINARIA. LINNET,
investigation, till MONTAGU, who united practical research
with scientific knowledge, professed (in the Ornithological
Dictionary) his conviction of their forming but one species ;
and my own observation and experiments tend to confirm his
opinion. Mr BEWICK, however, in the Supplement to his
work on British Birds, still continues to believe in the exist-
ence of two distinct species, for so we must understand him
(although he has brought the synonyms of the two"*suppos-
ed species), since in a note following the description and
figure of his Greater Redpole or Brown Linnet, he says that
" it loses the red breast in autumn, and regains it in spring ;
in this it differs from the Grey Linnet, whose plumage re-
mains the same at all seasons." From his description of the
Grey Linnet (the usual Northumbrian name of this bird) as
given in the first volume of his work, it can be no other than
the Common or Brown Linnet of a particular age, although
he has attached to it the Linnean synonyms of the Lesser
Redpole.
If Mr BEWICK'S observations on the plumage of the Lin-
net were made upon caged birds, I am not surprised at his
assertion of its always retaining the same appearance, for I
have repeatedly verified the fact of its never acquiring, under
confinement, those brilliant tints which distinguish it, at a
particular period of the year, when in a state of liberty. I
will adduce one instance strikingly to the point in question.
For some particular purpose of observation, a Linnet was
shot more than two years ago, towards the close of summer,
when the plumage shewed its most perfect nuptial tint ; and
happening to be only winged, it was put into a cage, where
it soon became familiarized to its situation, and still con-
tinues. About the usual time, in the autumn of that year,
it moulted, and acquired the winter dress of the Common
Linnet, which it has retained ever since, without displaying,
at the accustomed season, any of the brilliant red that
adorned it in the wild state. This Linnet is very common
throughout Britain, extending as far as to the Orkneys,
LINNET. INSESSORES. LINARIA. 317
where it is abundant. During the summer it resorts to
waste lands and commons, in the upper parts of the country,
where it breeds.
The nest is generally built in furze, if convenient, or in Nest, &c.
some other low bush, and is formed of moss and stalks of
grass interwoven with wool, and lined with hair and feathers.
The eggs are four or five in number, of a bluish-white,
speckled with purplish-red colour. In winter these birds
assemble in very large flocks, and descend to the sea-coasts,
where they continue to reside till spring again urges them to
pair, and seek their upland haunts. They feed upon the Food,
smaller class of seeds, as of the flax, thistle, dandelion, &c.,
and particularly on those of the cruciform plants.
The song of the Linnet, although short, possesses much
sweetness ; and its owner is, on this account, frequently kept
in a state of confinement.
PLATE 45. Fig. 3. Male bird, in the summer plumage, and
of the natural size.
Bill deep bluish-grey ; not so much compressed towards General
the point as that of Linaria minor. Forehead and
breast of a bright carmine-red. Throat and under
part of the neck yellowish-white, streaked with brown.
Crown of the head, nape and sides of the neck, bluish-
grey; in many instances varied with a few darker
streaks. Back, scapulars, and wing- coverts, chestnut-
brown, with the margins of the feathers palest. Flanks
pale brownish-red. Middle of th B belly and the vent
greyish-white. Quill-feathers black, with more or less
white on the basal-half of their webs, and forming a
distinct bar across the wings, when closed. Tail con-
siderably forked, with the two middle feathers wholly
black, and pointed ; the rest black, margined both on
their inner and outer webs with white. Legs and toes
brown.
In younger individuals, the red upon the breast and head
is not so pure in tint, nor to the same extent as in the
318
INSESSORES. LINARIA.
LINNET.
Female.
Male bird
in winter
plumage.
older birds. The grey upon the crown of the head and
the neck is also more varied with spots and streaks.
Fig. 4. The female. Natural size.
Inferior in size to the male bird. Head and upper parts
of the body umber-brown ; the margins of the feathers
passing into yellowish-brown. Wing- coverts chestnut-
brown. Throat and sides of the neck yellowish-white,
streaked and varied with yellowish-brown. Breast and
flanks pale reddish brown, streaked with umber-brown.
Middle of the belly yellowish- white.
The winter-plumage of the male (after the first year) is
nearly as follows : Crown of the head varied with large
black spots, which occupy the centre of the feathers.
Back and scapulars chestnut-brown, but deeply mar-
gined with pale yellowish-brown. Breast reddish-brown,
with the tips of the feathers reddish-white. Flanks with
large oblong-brown streaks.
MOUNTAIN LINNET OR TWITE.
LINARIA MONTANA, Hay.
PLATE LV. FIG. 5.
Linaria montana, Briss. 3. p. 145. 38 Rail Syn. p. 91. A. 4 Will p. 191.
Fringilla montium, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 917. sp. 68 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1.
p. 459. sp. 84.
Gros-bec a gorge rouge, ou de Montaign, Temm. Man. d'Ornitli. v. 1. p. 368.
Arktische Fink, Bechst. Tasschenb. p. 125. t. 9. Id. Naturg. Leut. v. 2.
p. 139.
Gelbschnabliche Fink, Naum. Vgg. t. 20. f. 39 Frisch. t. 10. f. 1. female.
Mountain Linnet, Br. Zool. No. 133. t. 53 Will. (Ang.) p. 261 Arct.
Zool. 2. p. 380. C Lath. Syn. 3. p. 307. 76 Lenin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 86.
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 13. Bewick's Supp. to Br. Birds, t. p. 24.
Twite, Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Low's Faun. Oread, p. 64 Shaw's Zool.
v. 9. p. 521.
THIS, like the preceding species, is subject, during a cer-
tain period of the year, to a change in the colour of its fea-
thers on particular parts of the body, rendering its summer
LINNET. INSESSORES. LINARIA. 319
appearance different from that which it bears through the
rest of the year. It is rather larger than the Common Lin-
net, being bulkier in the body, and having a longer tail.
During summer it frequents the mountainous districts of
England and Scotland, where it breeds ; and it is found to
extend as far as to the Shetland Isles.
The nest is placed amid the tops of the tallest heath, and Nest, &c.
is composed of dry grass and heather, lined with wool, fibres
of root, and the finer parts of the heath ; and the four or five
eggs it contains are of a pale bluish-green colour, spotted
with pale orange-brown. It leaves the mountains in autumn,
assembling in flocks, which associate and travel with the
Common Linnet, and are taken with them by the London
bird-catchers, who can readily distinguish when there are
any twites in a flock, by their peculiar note, expressive of
that word.
The species is abundant in Norway, Sweden, and other re-
gions extending to the Arctic Circle ; but is rare, and only
known as a bird of passage, in the warmer parts of Europe.
Its food is the same as that of the Common Linnet. Food.
PLATE 55. Fig. 5. The male in summer plumage, and of
the natural size.
Bill wax-yellow. Throat and sides of the head pale red- General
dish-brown. Crown of the head and the back part mar-
gined with yellowish or pale reddish-brown. Rump
fine purplish-red. Greater wing-coverts edged with
white. (Quills dusky ; the primary ones margined with
pale brown ; the secondary with white on their outer
webs. Breast and sides yellowish-brown, with streaks
of a darker shade. Middle of the belly and the vent
greyish white. Tail forked, brownish-black, margined
on the outer and inner webs with white. Legs and toes
blackish-brown.
The female is without the purplish-red upon the rump ;
and the centres of the feathers upon the upper parts are
320 INSESSORES. LINARIA. LINNET.
brown instead of black. Her bill is yellowish, tipped
with brown.
LESSER REDPOLE LINNET.
LINARIA MINOR, Hay.
PLATE LIV. FIG. 10.
Linaria minor, North. Zool. 2. 267. No. 80.
Fringilla Linaria, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 322. 29 Fauna Suec. No. 241 Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 917. sp. 29 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 458. sp. 83.
Linaria rubra minor, Rail Syn. p. 91. A. 9 Will. p. 176. t. 43 Briss. 3.
p. 138. 31.
Fringilla flavirostris, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 322. 27 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 915. sp. 27-
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 438. sp. 16. svn. of young.
Le Cabaret, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 76 Id. PL Enl. 485. f. 2. male.
Gros-Bec Sizerin, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 373.
Petite Linotte des Vignes, Briss. v. 3. p. 138. old male.
Bergreisig, BechsL Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 879 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 171 Frisch. Vog. t 10. f. 2.
Lesser Red-headed Linnet or Redpole, Br. Zool. No. 132. t. 54 Arct.
Zool. 2. No. 305. 75 Will. (Ang.) 260. t. 46 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 305
Id. Sup. p. 167 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 85 Mont. Ornith. Diet. 62
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 223 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 1 2 Bewick's Br. Birds, p.
1. 174 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 519. t. 70. copy from BEWICK Low's Faun.
Oread, p. 64.
Arctic Finch, Arct. Zool. 2. p. 379. A Lath. Syn. 3. p. 260. 12.
THIS bird is considerably less than the Common and
Mountain Linnets *, and although, like them, subject to a
partial change of colour at a particular season, may be rea-
dily distinguished from them, as well by other peculiar
characteristics as by its inferiority of size. It is only known
in the southern parts of Britain as a winter visitant, and is
* A large variety of this species is noticed by TEMMINCK, and which
is sometimes met with in this country. I have accordingly represented an
individual of this variety (Plate 53** Fig. 2.) from a specimen in the col-
lection of Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart. In size it nearly equals the
Common Linnet, but the markings and colour are those of the Lesser
Redpole 1833 : I am now inclined to think that these birds will not
be of a distinct species, but only extra-sized specimens of the female of
Lin. minor
LINNET. INSESSORES. LIN ARIA. 321
at that period gregarious, and frequently taken in company
with the other species by the bird-catchers, by whom it is
called the Stone Redpole. In the northern counties of Eng-
land, and in Scotland and its isles, it is resident through the
year. It retires, during the summer, to the underwood that
covers the bases of many of our mountains and hills, and
that often fringes the banks of their precipitous streams ; in
which sequestered situation it breeds. The nest is built in Nest, &c.
a bush or low tree (such as willow, alder, or hazel), of moss
and the stalks of dry grass, intermixed with down from the
catkin of the willow, which also forms the lining, and ren-
ders it a particularly soft and warm receptacle for the eggs
and young. From this substance being a constant material
of the nest, it follows that the young are produced late in
the season, and are seldom able to fly before the end of June
or the beginning of July. The eggs are four or five in
number ; their colour pale bluish-green, spotted with orange-
brown, principally towards the larger end. In winter the
Lesser Redpole descends to the lower grounds, in consider-
able flocks, frequenting woods and plantations, more espe-
cially such as abound in birch or alder trees, the catkins of
which yield it a plentiful supply of food. When feeding, its Food,
motion affords both interest and amusement; since, in order to
reach the catkins, which generally grow near the extremities
of the smaller branches, it is obliged, like the Titmouse, to
hang with its back downwards, and assume a variety of con-
strained attitudes, and, when thus engaged, it is so intent
upon its work, as frequently to allow itself to be taken by a
long stick smeared with bird-lime, in which way I have oc-
casionally captured it when in want of specimens for exami-
nation. It also eats the buds of trees, and (when in flocks)
proves in this way seriously injurious to young plantations.
Its call-note is very frequently repeated when on wing, and
by this it may always distinguished from the other species.
The notes it produces during the pairing season, although,
VOL. i. x
322
INSESSORES. LINARIA.
LINNET.
General
descrip-
tion.
Male bird.
few, and not delivered in continuous song, are sweet and
pleasing.
This bird is widely diffused through all the northern parts
of Europe ; inhabits Northern Asia as far as Siberia and
Kamtschatka ; and is also abundant in North America.
PLATE 54. Fig. 10. A male bird, in spring plumage, and
of the natural size.
Bill having the upper part of the superior mandible
blackish-brown ; the cutting edges and inferior mandi-
ble straw-yellow. Forehead, space between the bill and
eyes, chin, and throat, dusky hair-brown. Crown of
the head blood-red ; sides of the neck and breast car*
mine-red; passing into peach-blossom red upon the
sides and flanks. Middle of the belly, vent, and under-
tail-coverts white ; in some specimens slightly tinged
with peach-blossom red. Occiput, nape of the neck,
and upper part of the back, blackish-brown ; the fea-
thers being margined with yellowish and wood browns.
Lower part of the back and rump greyish, more or less
tinged with pale carmine-red. Wing-coverts blackish-
brown, margined and tipped with pale yellowish-brown.
Quills hair-brown ; margined with reddish-white. Tail
the same, and considerably forked. Legs and toes
blackish-brown .
Female. In the female, the forehead has the brown mixed with yel-
lowish-white. The lower part of the neck, and upper
part of the breast, are of pale wood-brown, with a few
spots of blackish-brown. Lower part of the breast and
belly white, very slightly tinged with rose-red. The
plumage of the upper parts of the body margined paler
than that of the male. The rump slightly tinged with
rose-red.
INSESSORES. COCCOTHRAUSTES. 323
GENUS COCCOTHRAUSTES, BRISS. GROSBEAK.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL conical, very thick, bulging at the base, and rapidly
tapering to the point. Culmen rounded; commissure slight-
ly arched. Lower mandible of nearly equal thickness with
the upper; its cutting edges inflected, and fitting within
those of the upper. Nostrils basal, lateral, oblique, oval,
hidden by incumbent bristles. Wings long and acuminate ;
with the second and third quill- feathers of nearly equal
length, and rather longer than the first. Tail short, more
or less forked. Legs having the tarsi short, or not exceed-
ing the middle toe in length. Feet with the outer toe a lit-
tle longer than the inner one ; hind toe strong, with a broad
sole. Claws sharp and curved ; that of the hind toe longer
and thicker than that of the middle one.
This genus, one of the typical forms of the present sub-
family, contains several species besides the Common Gros-
beak or Hawfinch, and the Green Grosbeak, both known as
British birds. By the power of their massive horny bill, the
larger species are enabled to break the shells of the harder
kinds of seeds and berries, upon which they principally sub-
sist. The genus possesses an extensive geographical range,
several species being found not only in different parts of the
Old World, but also in America, where Coccothraustes ves-
pertina of COOPER appears true to the type.
324 INSESSORES. COCOTHRAUSTES. HAWFINCH.
HAWFINCH.
COCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS^
PLATE LV. FIG. 1.
Coccothraustes vulgaris, Flem. Br. Anim. 12. 8. No. 98.
Fringilla Coccothraustes, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 344.
Loxia Coccothraustes, Linn. 1. p. 299 Fauna Suec. No. 222 Gmel. Syst-
1. p. 844. sp. 2 Raii Syn. p. 85. A. 1 Will. p. 150 Briss. 3. p. 219. 1.
Le Gros-bec, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 44. t. 27. 1 Id. PL Enl. 99. and 100
Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 344.
Kirsch Kernbeisser, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 35 Meyer, Tasschenb.
v. 1. p. 143 Frisch. t. 4. 2. A, B.
Appel-vink, Sepp. Vog. v. 2. t. p. 137.
Grosbeak or Hawfinch, Br. Zool. No. 113. Arct. Zool. 2. p. 354. C
Witt. (Ang.) p. 244. 44 Albin. 1. t. 56 __ Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 67
Lath. Syn. 3. p. 109. 4 / Supp. p. 148 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 11 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 206 Don. Br. Birds, 2. t. 43.
Bewick's Br. Birds, t. 1. p. 133 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 236. pi. 42.
Occasional THIS bird only occasionally visits the British Isles during
the months of winter, and its appearance is almost entirely
confined to the southern parts of the kingdom, as I have very
rarely met with it in any of the northern counties. It does not
associate in large flocks, like most of its tribe ; at least if any
judgment may be formed during its sojourn in this country,
as the numbers seen together seldom amount to more than
Food. ten or twelve, and not often to so many. Here it subsists
chiefly upon the fruit of the white thorn, the stones of which
it breaks with the greatest ease, by means of its strong and
massive bill. In its native haunts, the seed of the platanus,
kernels of cherry-stones, almonds, and other stone-fruit, fur-
nish its principal support.
It is a plentiful species in some districts of France, and is
common in the mountainous regions of Italy, in Germany,
Sweden, and part of Russia.
Nest, &c. It builds in the upper branches of trees, and forms a nest
of beautiful construction from lichens and vegetable fibres,
lined with feathers and other soft materials.* Its eggs are
* It has, I understand, been found breeding in Windsor Forest 1833,
HAWFINCH. INSESSORES. COCCOTHRAUSTES. 325
from three to five in number, of a yellowish-grey colour, with
spots and streaks of brown and blackish-grey. It is probable
that in the pairing season it utters a superior song, as MON-
TAGU says that, even in winter, during mild weather, he has
heard it sing sweetly in low and plaintive notes.
PLATE 55. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill, in the living bird, pinkish-white, but changing, after General
death, to a yellowish or pale brown. Irides ash-grey,
Base of the bill, space between it and the eyes, chin
and throat black. Crown of the head, cheeks, rump,
and upper tail-coverts, pale chestnut-brown, tinged with
grey. Collar round the nape of the neck bluish-grey.
Back and smaller wing-coverts, very deep reddish-brown,
then a succeeding row of white, forming an oblique bar
across each wing. Secondary, and part of the primary
quills, glossy black, with a purplish tinge, singularly cut
or truncated at their points ; and with a white oblong
spot in the centres of their inner webs ; the rest of the
quills entirely black. Tail, having the four middle fea-
thers white, with black bases ; the rest with their inner
webs half white half black, and their outer ones entirely
black. Breast and belly pale brownish-purple-red. Vent
and under tail-coverts white. Legs wood-brown.
326 INSESSORES. COCCOTHRAUSTES. GROSBEAK.
GREEN GROSBEAK.
COCCOTHRAUSTES CHLORIS, Flem.
PLATE LIV. FIG. 3.
Coccothraustes chloris, Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 83. No. 99.
Fringilla chloris, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 346. 2.
Loxia chloris, Linn. Syst. v. 1. p. 304. sp. 27. Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 382
sp. 39 Raii, Syn. p. 85. A.. Will p. 129. p. 44 Briss. 3. p. 190. 54.
Le Verdier, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 172. t. 15 Id. PI. 267. 2. male.
Gros-bec Verdier, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 346.
Gruner Kernbeisser, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 45 Frisch, t. 2. f. 2.
A. B.
De Groenling, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. v. 1. t. 1. p. 73.
Greenfinch or Green Grosbeak, Br. Zool. No. 117 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 253.
B Lath. Syn. 3. p. 134. 36 Id. Supp.p. 152 Albin. \. t.58 Lewin's
Br. Birds, 2. t. 69 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Pult.Cat. Dorset, p. 11.
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 208 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. t. 136.
PROVINCIAL Green Linnet.
/
AN indigenous species, and very abundant in all parts of
Britain. After breeding, Green Grosbeaks begin to assem-
ble in flocks, which continue increasing through the autumn,
and become very numerous about the commencement of se-
vere weather. They frequently congregate with Chaffinches
and Yellow Buntings, and feed with them in the stubble-
lands, as long as the ground remains uncovered : but, upon
the first fall of snow, like other granivorous birds, they re-
sort to the farm-yards, where they find a tolerable subsist-
ence amongst the corn-stacks, and on the refuse from the
barn. They generally roost in holly bushes, or in the warm
and sheltered retreat of fir-trees; and, previous to retiring to
rest, quitting the company of their extraneous associates, they
make many circular flights in a compact body round their
sleeping station, before they settle for the night. The natu-
ral notes of this species are few, and it produces nothing wor-
thy of the name of song ; it is, however, capable of imitating
the notes of other birds, when in a state of confinement, to
which it becomes very speedily accommodated. It is a late
GROSBEAK. INSESSORES. COCOOTHRAUSTES. 327
breeder, the nest seldom being finished before the latter part
of May or the beginning of June. This is composed of moss Nest, &c.
and wool interwoven, with a lining of hair and feathers, and
usually placed in a thick hedge, or bush, but occasionally in
the ivy encircling some tree. The eggs are four or five in
number, of a bluish- white, speckled at the larger end with
light orange-brown.
It feeds upon all seeds (particularly the oleaginous kinds) Food *
and grain, and is found throughout the greatest part of
Europe.
PLATE 54. Fig. 3. Natural size.
Upper parts of the body bright oil-green, passing into General
sulphur-yellow, the feathers margined with ash-grey. Sou
Greater wing-coverts and secondaries smoke-grey ; the
latter with their centres blackish-grey. Greater quills
blackish-grey, with their outer webs gamboge-yellow.
Tail, having the middle feathers blackish-grey, margined
with yellowish-grey ; the outer feathers with their exte-
rior webs gamboge-yellow. Bill pinkish-white. Legs
pale wood-brown, tinged with flesh-coloured red.
Of the female, the upper parts of the body are oil-green,
tinged with sulphur-yellow. Flanks grey. The yellow
edging upon the outer webs of the greater quills and
tail-feathers are not so bright as in the male.
SUBFAMILY PYRRULINA, VIG.
THIS subfamily, of which the Bullfinches and other nearly
allied genera are the typical representatives, forms another
aberrant group of the Fringillidtf. A considerable modifi-
cation in the structure of the bill is seen in these birds, as
compared with that member in the typical Finches and Gros-
beaks; the upper mandible being much curved, and its tip
projecting beyond, and hanging over that of the lower. In
328 INSESSORES. LOXIA.
habits they also vary; and many species subsist as much
upon the tender and undeveloped buds of trees, as upon seeds
and the kernels of fruits. In addition to the Bullfinches, the
Crossbills (genus Loxia) belong to this group, as also the
genera Pitylus (Cuv.), Eetliylus (Cuv.), and Phytotoma
(GMEL.), which last appears to be an aberrant form, serving
as a medium to connect the Fringillidae with the Musopha-
gidx.
LOXIA, BRISS. CROSSBILL.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL rather long; thick at the base. Both mandibles equal-
ly convex and very strong, much compressed anteriorly ;
when at rest, crossing each other at the points ; and having
their tomia, from the middle forward, bending inwards.
Nostrils round, basal, and lateral ; hidden by incumbent
bristly feathers. Feet, with three toes before, and one be-
hind, the anterior ones entirely divided. Claws curved, and
sharp. Wings having the first and second quills of equal
length, the third being the longest.
The genus Loxia of the older authors has undergone a
very judicious revision, and the Bullfinches and Grosbeaks,
which were included in it, have been classed more suitably
according to the characters they possess. There are but
three members of the genus as at present established. They
are inhabitants of the northern parts of Europe, and of
North America, living in the forests of pines and firs so
abundant in these countries ; and the seeds of which trees
form their chief food. These they are enabled to arrive at
by the powerful lever they possess in their singular bill, so
admirably adapted for wrenching open the scales of the
CROSSBILL. INSESSORES. LOXIA. 329
fruit.* Their period of nidification is unusual, being in the
middle of the winter months. During summer they retire
farther to the northward.
COMMON CROSSBILL.
{ LOXIA CURVIROSTRA, Linn.
PLATE LIII.
Loxia t;urvirostra, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 299. 1. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 843. sp. 1.
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 370. sp. l.Cuv. Reg. Anim. v. 1. p. 391.
Loxia, Rail Syn. p. 86. A Will. p. 181. 1. 44 Briss. 3. p. 299. t. 17. f. 3.
Le Bee croise', Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 449. t. 27- f. 2 Id. PL Enl. 218.
Bee croise commun, ou des Pins, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 328.
Fichten Kreuzschnabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 4. t. 3. f. 1 Meyer,
Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 140 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. figures of different
ages.
Crossbill or Sheld Apple, Br. Zool. 1. No. 115. t. 49 Arct. Zool. 2. No.
208 Will. (Ang.) p. 248. t. 44 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 106. 1 Levin's Br.
Birds, 2. t. 66. Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Albin. 1. 1. 61 Wale. Syn.
2. t. 205 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 11 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 130
Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 231. t. 41.
THE visits of this curious and interesting species to our occasional
shores are at irregular periods, sometimes at an interval of visitant,
many years. During the summer of 1821, this kingdom
was visited by immense flocks of these birds, that spread
themselves through the country, and were to be seen in all
woods and plantations where the fir-tree was abundant.
Their first appearance was early in June, and the greater
part of the flocks seemed to consist of females, and the young
of the year (the males possessing the red plumage, assumed
from the first moult to the end of that year). Many of the
females that I killed shewed plainly, from the denuded state
of their breasts, that they had been engaged in incubation
some time previous to their arrival; which circumstance agrees
For an excellent anatomical description of the bill and its muscles,
I refer my reader to a paper (published in the 4th voL of the " Zoological
Journal ") by Mr YARRELL, entitled On the Structure of the Beak, &c.
in the Crossbill (Loxia cwrvirostra}."
330 INSESSORES. LOXIA. CROSSBILL.
with the account given of the early period at which they
breed in the higher latitudes. They continued with us till
towards the autumn, but kept moving northward, as I found
them, in September, particularly abundant in all the fir tracts
of Scotland, after they had nearly disappeared to the south-
ward of the River Tweed. Since that time we seem not to
have been revisited by these birds ; at least none have come
under my observation.*
In the southern parts of the kingdom, during their occa-
sional visits, they commit great havoc, in the apple and pear
orchards, by splitting the fruit in halves, for the sake of the
Food, inclosed pips. Their principal support, however, is derived
from the seeds of the various firs, which they easily obtain
by the lateral expansion of their bill, when inserted between
the scales of the cone.
The manners of these birds are interesting when in a state
of confinement (to which they become speedily accustomed),
as they strongly resemble the parrot tribe in climbing along
the wires of the cage in any direction, by means of their bill
and claws. The call-notes of the Crossbill are a kind of twit-
ter, which it constantly repeats when feeding ; and a louder
one, uttered when on wing, not unlike that of the Greenfinch,
but rather shriller. According to WILLOUGHBY, and the
older authors, it also possesses a pleasant song, only heard
during the winter months, or season of incubation.
It is a native of the pine forests of Germany, Poland,
Sweden, and other northern countries, breeding (as before
stated) during the winter, or the earliest period of spring.
Nest, &c. The nest is placed in the fork of a branch, and composed of
moss, lichens, &c. lined with feathers. The eggs are four or
five in number, greyish-white, marked at the larger end with
irregular patches of arterial blood-red, with smaller specks
dispersed over the other parts. According to TEMMINCK,
and other eminent continental ornithologists the " Loxia cur-
* Since the publication of the first edition of this volume, Crossbills
have repeatedly visited us, but never in such numbers as in the year 1821.
CROSSBILL. INSESSORES. LOXIA. 331
virostra " major of GMELIN and LATHAM, considered as a
variety, is in fact distinct ; and, from its peculiar characters
being well-defined and invariable, ought not to be confound-
ed with the present species. The above mentioned bird
must, doubtless, have been the supposed variety of the
Crossbill mentioned by PENNANT ; and which he describes
as larger, and very rare ; with the bill remarkably thick and
short, more arched than that of the " Cur virostra," and ha-
ving the ends of the mandibles not so sharp, nor drawn to
so fine a point. The specimens received by him (a male and
female) were killed in Shropshire ; from whence it would ap-
pear that this species ( Loxia pytiopstittacus of TEMMINCK)
is entitled to rank in the British Fauna, as an occasional vi-
sitant.
The Common Crossbill is of a thick form ; its legs are
strong, but short, and with long and hooked claws, well
adapted for taking firm hold.
The muscles attached to the bill are very powerful, giving
a large and disproportionate appearance to the head. The
crossing of the mandible is not always on the same side, as I
have repeatedly observed in the specimens killed, and have
accordingly thus represented in the plate.
It is found in the countries of Europe before mentioned,
in Asia, and also in North America.
PLATE 53. Figures of the natural size ; the upper repre-
senting the young male ; the lower one the female bird.
Bill greyish-black. Upper and lower parts tile-red, inter- General
mixed with yellowish-grey. Quills and tail greyish- ^^~
black, margined with yellowish-white. Legs and toes Male,
brown. This is the plumage of the male from the first
moult till he is one year old, when he acquires the dress
of the adult bird ; in which state the tile-red has given
place to ash-grey, deeply tinged and tinted with sulphur
and lemon yellows.
The prevailing colour of the female is a greenish-grey, va-
332 INSESSORES. LOXIA. CROSSBILL.
ried by smoke-grey ; with the rump deep primrose-yel-
low, and the under parts more or less streaked with
blackish-grey.
PARROT-CROSSBILL.
LOXIA PYTIOPSITTACUS, Bechst.
PLATE LIII*. FIG. 1.
Loxia Pytiopsittacus, Bechst. Tasschenb. Deut. v. 3. p. 106.
Bee croise perroquet, ou des Sapins, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 325.
Loxia curvirostra major, Gmel. Sjst. 1. p. 843. sp. 1. var. 2. Lath. Ind.
Ornith. v. 1. 371. sp. 1. var. y.
Crucirostra pinetorum, Meyer, Vog. Liv. und. Esthl. p. 71.
Kiefern Kreuzschnabel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 20. t. 32. f, 2. & 3.
Grosschnabliger Kernbeiser, Meyer , Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 137. Id.
Tog. Deut. v. 1. 1. f. 1. old male.
THE probability suggested, in the history of the Common
Crossbill, that another species might be entitled to a place in
the British Fauna, has been now placed beyond doubt ; and,
through the kindness of a scientific friend, Sir WILLIAM
JARDINE of Jardine Hall, in Dumfriesshire, I am enabled
to give a figure of the species in question, which will exhibit,
better than any description, the characteristic difference be-
tween it and the common one. This specimen was procured
by Sir WILLIAM from Mr D. Ross, gunmaker in Edinburgh
(a person well acquainted with most of the feathered inhabi-
tants of our islands, and one of the best preservers of animals
in the kingdom), to whom it had been sent from Ross-shire,
along with several others ; but he cannot now say whether
they were all of the same species.
Another very mutilated specimen of this bird is in the
Edinburgh Museum.
Occasional I n i ts manners it resembles the other species of this singu-
visitant. i ar g enug) all( j j nk e them, inhabits the pine forests of the Arc-
tic Regions. According to TEMMINCK, it visits Poland, Prus-
CROSSBILL. INSESSORES. LOXIA. 333
sia, and other parts of Germany, during the winter months,
and breeds at that season. The eggs are stated to be four or Eggs,
five in number, of an ash-grey colour, marked at the greater
end with large irregular spots of blood-red, and over the rest
of the surface with minute specks of the same.
The species appears to be the same in North America.
PLATE 53 **. Fig. 1. Natural size,
Bill very strong, five-eighths of an inch deep, shorter than General
the middle toe, much hooked, and the crossing point of ticru^
the lower mandible not reaching so high as the ridge of
the upper one ; but in the Common Crossbill it comes
beyond that part. Head large. Body thick, and con-
siderably exceeding in size that of the common species.
The whole of the upper and under parts of the body
has an intermixture of tile-red, sulphur and wax yellows,
and greys. Wings deep hair-brown. Greater coverts
and quills tinged and margined with wine-yellow. Tail
the same a? the wings. Legs and toes yellowish. brown.
Claws black.
This appears to be a young male, as it answers to TEM_
MINCERS description of the bird at a year old. Accord-
ing to that author, the plumage of the old male is prin-
cipally of an oil-green colour, tinged with grey. The
throat and sides of the neck bluish-grey. Rump sul-
phur-yellow, inclining to lemon-yellow. Breast and
belly the same, but mixed with grey. Flanks with
streaks of blackish-grey.
GENUS PYRRHULA, BRISS. BULLFINCH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL very thick at the base, short, the sides inflated ; both
mandibles convex, particularly the upper one, the tip of
which overhangs the point of the lower. Culmen rather
334 INSESSORES. PYRRHULA. BULLFINCH.
compressed, and advancing upon the forehead. Nostrils
basal, lateral, round, in general concealed by the feathers at
the base of the bill. Feet having the tarsus shorter than
the middle toe. Toes three before and one behind, divided.
Wings rather short, and with the fourth quill-feather the
longest.
The birds of this genus are, in their mode of life, nearly
allied to the Crossbills. They are chiefly natives of the cold-
er and temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and America.
Their food consists of the buds of various trees, as well as
the hardest seeds and fruits, which they are enabled to break
by their horny strong bill, the peculiar convexity of which
distinguishes them from the rest of the Fringillidae. Most of
the species are subject to a double moult, and the males are
easily to be distinguished from the females, by the brighter
colours of their plumage.
PINE BULLFINCH.
PYRRHULA ENUCLEATOR, Temm.
PLATE LIU . FIGS. 1, 2.
Pyrrhula enucleator, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 383.
Loxia enucleator, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 299. 3 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 845. sp. 3
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. I. p. 3?2. sp. 5.
Coccothraustes Canadensis, Briss. 3. p. 250. 15. t. 12. t. 3.
Le Dur-bec du Canada, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 457 Id. PL Enl. 137. f. 1. male
one year old, and PL Enl. 124. old female.
Haaken Kernbeiser, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 28. Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 142 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. t. f. 1. year old male ; f. 2. old
female.
Pine Grosbeak, Br. Zool. No. 114. t. 49. f. 2. Arct. Zool. 2. No. 209
Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 68 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1 Wale. Syn. t. 207-
Don, Br. Birds, 1. t. 17 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 135 Shaw's Zool.
v. 9. p. 238. t. 43.
Occasional THIS beautiful species seldom visits our island, and even
then its range is limited to the northern districts of Scotland,
where the pine is the natural produce of the country. In
BULLFINCH. INSESSORES. PYRRHULA. 335
such a situation, viz. in the magnificent grounds of Invercauld
in Aberdeen shire, PENNANT mentions having met with these
birds, and further states his belief that they bred there, from
having seen them early in the month of August. Such a
conclusion, however, ought scarcely to be inferred from this
fact, as a sufficient interval of time had elapsed for tjiese in-
dividuals to have emigrated from Norway, or other northern
countries, to Scotland, after incubation, as they are known
to breed as early as May in their native haunts.
I have made many inquiries respecting these birds, during
excursions in Scotland, but cannot learn that the nest has
ever been found ; and indeed from the intelligence obtained
from gamekeepers, and those most likely to have made ob-
servations connected with ornithology, it appears that they
are very rarely seen, and can only be regarded as occasional
visitants.
They inhabit the regions of the arctic circle, and are very
plentiful in Sweden, Norway, and similarly situated countries
of Europe, Asia, and North America, living in the pine fo-
rests, which there cover immense tracts. Their food consists Food -
of the seeds of the various firs and pines, as well as other al-
pine seeds and berries, and the buds of trees. They build
in trees, but not far from the ground, and the nest, formed Nest &c -
of dry sticks and small twigs, lined with feathers, contains
generally four white eggs.
PLATE 53 *. Fig. 1. A young male bird, of the natural
size.
Bill black. Head, neck, throat, breast, and rump bright General
crimson-red. Back and scapulars black, the feathers tion.
deeply edged with crimson-red. Wing-coverts tipped
with crimson, forming two bars across the wings. Quills
and tail feathers greyish-black, edged with pale crimson.
Flanks, belly, and vent greyish-white tinged with crim-
son.
In the adult male, those parts which were crimson-red in
336 INSESSORES. PYRRHULA. BULLFINCH.
the immature bird, exhibit a fine reddish-orange. The
breast and belly are also of a pale orange ; and the bars
upon the wings become white.
Fig. 2. The female. Natural size.
Female. Head and neck clove-brown, tinged more or less with
orange. The upper parts brown, tinged with ash-grey.
Lower parts grey, with a slight tinge of orange, Upon
the wings are two transverse greyish-white bars. Quills
and tail blackish-grey, edged with oil-green, with a
tinge of orange.
The young birds resemble the female, except that they
show less of the orange tinge.
COMMON BULLFINCH.
PYRRHULA VULGARIS, Temm.
PLATE LIV. FIGS. 1, 2.
Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. 330.
Loxia pyrrhula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 300. 4. Fauna Suec. No. 225 GmeL
Syst. 1. p. 846. sp. 4. Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 387. sp. 56.Raii Syn.
p. 86. A Will. p. 130. t. 43.
Le Bouvreuil, Buff. Ois. v. 4. p. 372. t. 17. /d. PL Enl. 245. M. and F.
Le Bruant ecarlate, Sonn. nov. edit, de Buff. Ois. v. 13. p. 114.
Bouvreuil commun, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 338.
Rothburstiger Gimpel, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 55. Meyer, Tas-
schenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 147.
Bullfinch, Br. Zool. I. No. 1 16. Arct. ZooL 2. No. 353. A Albin. 1. 1. 59,
60. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 143. 51. Id. Supp Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 70.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 1. Haye's Br. Birds, t. 37 Wale. Syn. t. 209.
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 11. Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. t. p. 138 Shaw's
Zool. v. 9. p. 318. t. 52.
PROVINCIAL Pope.
THE Bullfinch is indigenous with us, and common in all
the wooded districts of these islands. It is a bird of retired
habits, and does not associate with other kinds, being gene-
rally seen in pairs, or in families of five or six individuals,
the brood of the year, which continue together during the
I5i U.HNCH. INSESSORES. PYRRHULA. 337
autumn and winter, till the return of spring induces them to
pair, and continue their species. The food of the Bullfinch Food,
during summer and autumn consists of seeds; but in the
winter and spring, it chiefly supports itself on the buds of
various trees and shrubs, particularly on those of the white
thorn, all the varieties of the plum,^the larch, and birch.
On this account it is particularly injurious to gardens, and is
often the depredator, when the comparatively innocent Blue-
cap (Titmouse) suffers for the crime. I have known a pair
of these birds to strip a considerable-sized plumtree of every
bud in the space of two days. These buds are not swallowed
whole, but first minutely divided by the tomia of their pow-
erful bill. The Bullfinch forms a loose shallow nest of small Nest, &c.
sticks, lined with a few fibres of root, in a low tree, or in
the thickest under- wood, and lays four or five bluish-white
eggs, spotted with pale orange-brown. Its usual note-call
is a plaintive whistle, and, when feeding, it utters a low
short twitter. Its song is very soft and pleasing, but deli-
vered in such an under-tone, as to be inaudible at a short
distance ; and from hence few common observers are aware
that it possesses a native song. Under confinement it may
be taught to whistle a variety of tunes, and great numbers
thus educated are annually imported from Germany.
When caged, it sometimes becomes wholly black, an effect
attributed to its being fed too profusely with hemp seed.
In its wild state, varieties more or less white are frequently
met with. Captain MITFORD (to whom I have before al-
luded in this work) killed one, of which both the wings were
white.
It is a native of the northern parts of Europe, and is only
known in the more southerly provinces as a bird of passage.
PLATE 54. Fig. 1. Male bird. Natural size.
Bill brownish-black. Crown of the head, base of the bill, General
throat, wings, and tail velvet-black, tinged with violet- tion. np "
purple. \,'i|K> of the neck and back fine bluish-grey ;
VOL. I.
338 INSESSORES. STURNID^.
the feathers silky and loose. Cheeks, neck, breast, belly,
and flanks, bright tile-red. Rump and vent white.
Greater wing-coverts tipped and margined with pinkish-
white, forming a transverse bar across the wing. Legs
blackish-brown.
Fig. 2. The female, also of the natural size.
Female. Under parts of a pale broccoli-brown, slightly tinged with
tile-red. Upper parts bluish-grey, tinged with yellow-
ish-brown. In other respects marked like the male,
but with the colours not so bright.
FAMILY IT.- STURNID^E, VIGORS.
IN addition to the true Starlings (genus Stumus, Auct.)
we find a considerable number of groups (some confined to
the New and others to the Old Continent) allied to them in
habits, and preserving a continuous chain of affinities, which
together constitute the present family, considered one of the
typical divisions of the Conirostral tribe. By Mr SWAINSON
the subordinate groups that compose the circle of the family
are thus named, Stumina and Lamprotornina, the typical
groups (both of which are confined to the Old World) ; and
Agelaina, Icterina, and Scaphadurina, the aberrant groups.
These latter belong to the American Continent, and were,
for the greater part, formerly arranged by the earlier syste-
matists in the genus Oriolus. By means of certain species of
the subfamily Agelaina, in whom the bill is thick, pointed,
and finch-like, and whose habits are chiefly granivorous, a
close connection is sustained with the Fringillidce ; and the
passage from the one family to the other is rendered easy
and gradual. In Europe we can shew examples of but one
subfamily, viz. Stttrnina ; that of Lamprolornina being res-
tricted to the hot climates of Africa and Asia.
JNSESSORES. 8TUBNU&
GENUS STURNUS, LINN, STARE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strait, conical, with the culmen flattened ; rather ob-
tuse ; the base of the upper mandible advancing upon the
front ; the point very slightly depressed. Gape angulated.
Nostrils basal, lateral, and partly closed by a prominent rim.
Wings long, the first feather very short, the second and third
the longest in the wing, and of nearly equal length. Tarsi
strong, longer than the middle toe. Feet with three toes be-
fore and one behind ; the middle toe being united to the outer
one at the base. Claws tolerably strong, curved, and sharp.
Stares commonly associate and travel in societies. Insects
form their chief food, but they also eat grain and other seeds.
In addition to the general moult in autumn, they are subject
to a change in the colour of the bill and legs, and in the
lustre of their plumage, on the approach of spring, or the
season of pairing. Two species of this genus are now found
to inhabit Europe, Sturnus vulgaris and Sturnus unicolor ;
the latter lately detected in Sardinia. Other species are also
found in Asia.
340 INSESSORES. STURNUS. STARUX.
COMMON STARLING.
STURNUS VULGARIS, Linn.
PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 1.
Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 290. 1 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 801 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 321. 1 Rail Syn. p. 67. A. \.-Will. p. 144. t. 37.
Briss. 2. p. 439. 1 Id. 8vo. 1. p. 280.
Sturnus varius, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 208.
L'Etourneau, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 176. t. 15 Id. PL Enl. 75.
L'Etourneau vulgaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 132.
L'Etourneau commun, Cuvier, Ileg. Anim. 1. p. 395.
Gemeiner Star, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v, 3. p. 816 Frisch. Vog. t. 217-
Stare or Starling, Br. Zool. 1. No. 104. t. 46 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 331. A
LewrSs Br. Birds, 2. t. 56 Lath. Syn. 3. p. 2 Id. Supp. p. 137 Will.
(Ang.) p. 196. p. 37 Mont. Ornith. Diet Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 8
Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 88. Id. App. p. 14. young Low's Fau. Or-
ead, p. 54.
THE Starling is widely dispersed through Great Britain,
occurring as numerously in the Orkney and Shetland Isles as
in the southern parts of the kingdom.
In the autumnal and hyemal months, these birds gather in
immense flocks, and are particularly abundant in the fenny
parts of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, where they roost
among the reeds. Before they retire to rest, they perform
various manoeuvres in the air, the whole frequently describ-
ing rapid revolutions round a common centre.
This peculiar flight will sometimes continue for nearly half
an hour, before they become finally settled for the night.
Nest, &c. Upon the approach of spring they pair, and spread them-
selves over the country. They build in the holes of trees, or
in ruinous buildings, making an artless nest of dry grass or
hay, on which four or five eggs, of a bluish- green colour, are
Food, deposited. Their food principally consists of worms and
other insects ; but they also eat grain and various seeds. Ac
cording to Mr Lo\v, they feed in the Orkney Islands, du-
ring the severity of winter, upon the sea-louse (Onixcus ma-
STARLING 1NSESSORES. STURNUS. 341
rinus), which they obtain by turning over the small stonus
on the beach with their bills.
The Starling is a very imitative bird, and, when tamed,
may be taught to articulate very distinctly, and to whistle
tunes with much precision. In its wild state even, it may fre-
quently be heard endeavouring to imitate the cries of diffe-
rent birds and animals. Its own peculiar notes are a shrill
whistle, and chattering kind of noise. It is found through-
out Europe; and the same species appears to be common also
in Asia, as I have seen specimens from Nepaul that are pre-
cisely similar. The flight of the Starling is smooth and even,
without any saltatory motion ; and it walks with ease, like
the Lark or Wagtail, seldom or never using the hopping ac-
tion of the Thrush. These birds are often seen in company
with Rooks, Pigeons, and Jackdaws, and I have witnessed a
small flock of them associating for a considerable time with
a body of Lapwings ( Vanellus cristatus.)
PLATE 36. Fig. 1. A male bird, of the natural size.
General plumage black, with brilliant purple and golden- General
green reflections, the feathers tipped with triangular descrip-
white, or cream-yellow spots. Quills and tail-feathers
greyish-black, with the margins pale reddish-brown. Bill
lemon-yellow. Legs flesh-red ; in some inclining to
yellowish-brown.
The female differs in having a greater number of white
spots upon the back and belly.
The young birds, previous to autumn, or the first moult,
are of a uniform hair -brown colour, lightest upon the
throat and under parts. In this state it has been di>-
M-ribc'd by MONTAGU and BEWICK as a distinct species,
under the name of the Solitary Thrush.
342 INSESSORES. PASTOR.
GENUS PASTOR, TEMM. PASTOR.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL conical, compressed ; upper mandible slightly arched,
and the point emarginated. Base of the lower mandible
strong, and the gape slightly angulated. Nostrils basal, la-
teral, and oval, partly covered by a membrane, and clothed
with small feathers. Tarsus strong, longer than the middle
toe. Feet strong, gressorial ; with three toes before and one
behind ; the outer toe joined at its base to the middle one.
Claws rather stout, curved ; and that of the hind toe much
longer than the rest. Wings having the first quill very short,
and the second and third the longest.
This genus, first established by TEMMINCK, contains many
of the species of the genus Gracula of authors, and some
others, that were before improperly classed with the Star-
lings and Thrushes; amongst these are the Rose-coloured
Pastor, the Rose-coloured Ouzel (Turdus roseus), and Star-
ling (Sturnus roseus), of different ornithologists.
In manners the birds of this genus greatly resemble the
Starlings, with whom they frequently associate and live.
Their chief food consists of insects. They are natives of
the Old Continent.
PASTOR. INSESSORES. PASTOR. 343
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR.
PASTOR ROSEUS, Temm.
PLATE XXXVI. FIG. 2.
Pastor roseus, Temm. Man. d'Ornith 1. p. 136.
Turdus roseus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 294. 15 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 819. sp. 15
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v.'l. p. 344. sp. 59.
Sturnus roseus, Scop. Ann. 1. No. 191.
Turdus Seleucis, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 837- 1. sp. 26. female.
Merula rosea, Rail Syn. p. 67. 9 Will. p. 143 Brits. 2. p. 250. 20.
Merle couleur de rose, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 348. 22 Id. PL Enl. p. 251.
Le Iloselin, Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afric. v. 2. p. 96,
Martin Roselinj Temm. Man. d'Orn. v. 1. p. 136.
Rosenfarbige-Drossel, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 201 Bechst. Na-
turg. Deut. v. 3. p. 39. 3
Rose- coloured Ouzel or Thrush, Br. Zool. App. No. 5. t. 5 Arct. Zool.
2. p. 344. 9 Will. (Ang.) p. 194 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t, 64 Lath.
Syn. p. 50 Mont. Ornith. Diet Wall. Syn. 2. t. 196 Don. Br. Birds,
t. 24. Bewick's Ar. Birds, voL 1. and App. with figure of male.
THIS beautiful species can only be regarded as occasionally Occasional
visiting our island. The subject of the accompany ingrepre- vint *
sentation was shot out of a small flock of these birds, and
young Starlings intermixed, upon the sea-coast near Bam-
burgh Castle, in the month of July 1818. Another male
bird was taken, about the same time, in a tan-pit near New-
castle-upon-Tyne ; and other specimens are mentioned as
having been obtained in the neighbourhood of Ormskirk, in
Lancashire *. It is a native of the warmer parts of Asia and
Africa, where it is very common, living and feeding with the
Starling species. It is also a regular periodical visitant in
Italy, Spain, and the southern provinces of France. In its
mode of life, it is of great benefit in many countries, by prey-
ing on the larvae of particular insects ; in the search after Food,
which it displays great assiduity, and is, on that account,
highly esteemed and protected by the inhabitants. Its nest Nest, &c.
* Another beautiful male specimen was shot at West Ord, near Berwick
on Tweed, in July 1832.
344 INSESSORES. CORVID^.
is made in the holes of trees, and in old walls, but the num-
ber and colour of its eggs are not mentioned. The young,
in their nestling plumage, are very unlike the parent birds,
and greatly resemble the young of the Starling.
PLATE 36. Fig. 2. Natural size.
General Upper mandible of the bill and the point of the lower
descrip- one reddish-orange, the rest black. Irides brown. Head
adorned with a long pendent crest of loose silky feathers,
falling backwards, which, as well as the neck and upper
parts of the breast, are of a velvet-black, with violet and
green reflections. The whole of the belly and the back
are of a delicate peach-blossom red. Wings and taij
brownish black, with violet reflections. Under tail-co-
verts and thighs black. Legs flesh-red, very strong and
muscular.
The female is similar to the male bird in markings, but the
crest is shorter, and the red less pure in its tint. The
young of the year have the bill of a blackish-brown
colour. No crest. Head, and all the upper parts of
the body, hair-brown, tinged with grey. Wing-coverts
edged with greyish- white. Throat, and centre of the
belly white. Legs and feet wood-brown.
FAMILY III. CORVID.E, LEACH.
WE now enter upon the family which forms the second
typical group of the Conirostral tribe, and embraces, besides
other genera, the greater part of those included by TEMMINCK
in his order Omnivores. In the typical form, or True Crows,
the bill is in the shape -of a lengthened cone, very strong,
and with sharp cultrated edges. The legs and feet also are
strong, and fully developed, being thus equally adapted both
for walking upon the ground and for perching on trees. In
these birds, the appetite may be styled Omnivorous, as they
INSESSORES. CORVUS. 345
feed both upon animal and vegetable substances. Their
near connection with the Sturnidce is seen in the instance
of the Crow-Blackbirds (genus Quiscalus), which belongs to
one of the minor divisions of the latter family ; and where a
strong similarity to the Crows is exhibited in habits and colour,
as well as in the form of the bill, which organ loses in some
particulars the peculiar characteristics of that of the other
Sturnidse. From the want of species on which to ground a
proper analysis, the whole of the five minor groups have not
been satisfactorily ascertained. That of Corvina, containing
the Crows and Pies, is however easily recognised, and may
be considered as forming the first, or pre-eminently typical
group, while the Jays, or subfamily Garrulma of SWAINSON,
seems entitled to rank in the second or subtypical station.
The genus Frigilus (CuviEii) is considered by both SWAIN-
SON and VIGORS the probable representative of another sub-
family, into which the Birds of Paradise and other nearly
allied genera will enter. And the members of the genera
Crypserina, Glaucopis, &c. with shorter and weaker legs, will
probably constitute a fourth. The fifth remains to be dis-
covered.
GENUS CORVUS, LINN. CROW.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strong, conical, cultrated, strait at the base, but
bending slightly towards the tip ; nostrils, at the base of the
bill, oval, and open ; covered by reflected bristly feathers.
Wings pointed ; the first feather being much shorter than
tin- second and third, and the fourth being the longest.
Legs and feet strong, plated, with jthree toes before and one
behind. Claws strong, curved. Toes divided. Tarsus
longer than the middle toe.
This genus is widely spread, and some of the specie* arc
346 INSESSORES. CORVUS. RAVEN.
found in every quarter of the globe. In disposition these
birds are cunning, cautious, and very watchful. When ta-
ken young, they are easily domesticated, and in that state
soon become impudent and obtrusive. Are greatly addicted
to pilfering, and their attention seems particularly attracted
by glittering objects. Are very imitative, and may be
taught to articulate words. Are not nice in the selection of
their diet, feeding indiscriminately upon insects, carrion,
grain, eggs, &c. Many species live and travel in bands or
societies. Scarcely any difference in plumage is observable
between the male and female ; and they are subject to only
one moult in the course of the year.
RAVEN.
CORVUS COB AX) Linn.
PLATE XXVII.
CorvusCorax, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 155. 2. Fauna Suec. No. 85. Gmel. Syst.
p. 364. sp. 2 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 150. 1.
Corvus, Briss. 11. p. 8. 1 Rail Syn. p. 30- A. 1.
Le Corbeau, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p- 13. t. 2 Id. PL Enl. 495.
Corbeau noir, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 107.
Kolkrabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 148 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1.
p. 93.
Raven, Br. Zool. 1. p. 218. 74 Arct. ZooL 2. No. 134 Lewin's Br.
Birds, 1. t. 33. Lath. Syn. 1. p. 367. 1 Id. Supp. p. 74 Mont. Ornith.
Diet Id. Supp Bewick's Br. Birds Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 4. White,
Hist. Selb.
PROVINCIAL Corby.
THE Raven is the largest and strongest bird of this genus,
and is found in every quarter of the globe, and under all
climates, braving the snows of Greenland with as much ease
as it bears the sultry glances of the Torrid Zone. Its fa-
vourite places of habitation are in extensive woods, or in a
rocky and mountainous country.
It is sometimes seen in the neighbourhood of large towns,
Food, drawn thither by the allurement of carrion, and other offal.
RAVEN. INSESSORES. CORVUS. 347
Hut its appetite is not confined merely within these useful
limits, for it often commits great destruction amongst lambs
and sickly sheep, which it leaves to a miserable and lingering
death, after having picked out the eyes. Young ducks,
chickens, and goslings, also frequently fall a sacrifice to its
voracity. For the above reasons, perpetual war is made
upon the breed by the shepherds and husbandmen, and it is
perhaps in some countries only saved from extermination by
the secluded or inaccessible nature of the places in which it
builds its nest. The Raven is said to possess the sense of
smell in an exquisite degree of perfection, and to scent its
food at a surprising distance *. Even at Hudson's Bay,
where the severity of the frost very rapidly destroys the
effluvia of dead matter, these birds assemble in troops, from
all quarters, very soon after the slaughter of an animal, al-
though at the time it takes place not one of them is to be
seen on the wing. In a state of freedom, the Raven is very
wary, and can rarely be taken by surprise. When young it
is easily domesticated, and may be taught a variety of tricks,
as well as to articulate a few words. It is, however, always
bold and mischievous, and displays its natural cunning in
constantly pilfering. Any bright objects, as silver, glass,
&c. are particularly alluring ; and these it secretes in some
hole or crevice, thus establishing a regular depository for
its thefts. Some curious anecdotes relative to this subject
may be found in the works of authors on natural history (.
It builds upon the loftiest trees, or on steep and inacces- Nest, &c.
sible rocks. The nest is composed of sticks, lined with wool,
hair, &c. The eggs are of an oil-green colour, blotched with
darker stains ; are generally five or six in number, and
There are now great doubts about the perfection of this sense, both
with regard to the Vultures and Crows. From experiments made it should
appear, that the detection of their prey, &c. is attributable rather to their
acuteness of sight than of smell.
f See MONT. Ornith. Diet, article Raven ; WHITE'S Nat Hist, of Sel-
borne, &c. ; and " Northern Zoology," article Raven.
348 INSESSORES. CORVUS. RAVEN.
scarcely exceed in size those of the Carrion Crow. It breeds
very early in the year, commencing nidification about the
middle of February. During incubation, the female is regu-
larly attended; and fed by the male bird, who also occasion-
ally occupies her place. At this season they are very bold,
and will not permit any Hawk or other bird to approach
their haunt with impunity. They pair for life, and return
every year to the same spot to breed. When the young be-
come fully fledged, and are able to provide for themselves,^
the parent birds drive them away from the neighbourhood.
In fine weather, Ravens fly at a considerable height, and
perform various rapid manoeuvres ; and, whilst thus engaged,
they utter a peculiar and quickly repeated note, unlike their
usual hoarse and disagreeable croak. The Raven is a very
long lived bird ; but the period of its years has never been
accurately ascertained, and is probably a little exaggerated in
fable.
PLATE 67 *. A male, in the proportion of four-fifths of the
natural size.
General Bill very strong, nearly three inches in length, black.
Nostrils covered with bristly feathers, reaching to half
the length of the bill. Irides with two circles, the outer
one brown, the inner grey. The whole of the plumage
black, the upper part glossed with blue. Throat-fea-
thers narrow, raised and acuminated ; those of the hin-
der part of the neck being long, loose, and silky. Tail
more than half the length of the body, considerably
rounded at the end, and the feathers bent slightly up-
wards. Legs and toes plated, black. Claws black,
strong, and much curved.
CHOW. 1NSESSORKS. CORVUS. :54)
CARRION CROW.
CoRyvs CORONE, Linn.
PLATE XXVIII.
Corvu? corone, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 155. 3 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 365. sp. 3
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1/151. sp. 4.
Comix, Raii Syn. p. 39. A. 2 Will. p. 83.
"La Corneille noir ou Corbine, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 45. t. 5 Id. PI. EnL
483.
Corneille noir, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 108.
Krahen Kabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 117 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 94.
Carrion Crow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 75. t. 34 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 135 Lewin's
Br. Birds, 1 t. 34 White's Hist. Selb. p. 97 Will. (Aug.) p. 122 t. 18.
Lath. Syn. 1. p. 370. 3 Pull. Cat. Dorset, p. 4 Mont. Ornith. Diet.
_ Id. Supp Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1 Low's Fan. Oread Shaw's
Zool. v. 7- p- 345.
PROVINCIAL Black-Neb, Corby-Crow, Flesh-Crow, Gor-Crow,
Midden-Crow.
THIS species bears a strong resemblance in form and ha-
bits to the Raven, but is much inferior in size. It may be
readily distinguished from the Rook, by the greater strength
and curvature of its bill, and which is never deprived of the
bristly feathers that cover the base and nostrils, as is the case
with the latter ; its note also is hoarser, and the glossy tints
of its plumage are more inclined to greenish-blue, than to the
violet and purple of the Rook. Carrion Crows seldom asso-
ciate in numbers, but generally remain in pairs through the
year. They are omnivorous, feeding indiscriminately upon Food,
carrion, young birds or animals, eggs, roots, grain, &c., and,
when pressed by hunger, will sometimes attack birds upon
the wing. MONTAGU mentions, observing one in pursuit of
a pigeon, at which it pounced like a hawk, and another that
struck a pigeon dead from the roof of a barn. In the breed-
ing-season, they are mortal enemies to the young of all poul-
try.
They chiefly frequent wooded districts, but arc- common
350 INSESSORES. CORVUS. CROW.
Nest, &c. throughout the kingdom. They build on trees, forming a
nest of sticks, first plastered with clay, and then lined with
wool, hair, and other soft materials. The eggs, four or five
in number, are similar to those of the Raven. They breed
early in the year, usually commencing their preparations in
the beginning of February.
This species is common in the western parts of Europe,
but of rare occurrence in the eastern. According to TEM-
MINCK, it is seldom seen in Austria or Hungary. He also
observes, that in those countries where it is rare, as in Swe-
den, &c. a mixed breed is sometimes produced between it and
the Hooded Crow (Corvus comix).
PLATE 28. Figure of the natural size.
General Bill strong, black, and the base always covered with re-
tion. nP fleeted bristly feathers. Plumage entirely black, the
upper parts glossed with blue and greenish reflections.
Feathers of the throat narrow, small, and closely pressed
together, the barbs riot adhering at the margins. Tail
about half the length of the body, and rounded at the
extremity. Legs and toes black, the scales being in
lamina or plates. Claws black, hooked, and strong.
CROW. INSESSORES. CORVUS. 351
HOODED CROW.
CORVUS CORNIX, Linn.
PLATE XXIX.
Corvus comix, Linn. Syst 1. p. 156. 5 Fau. Suec. No. 88 Gmel Syst. 1.
p. 336. 5 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. 153. 7-
Comix cinerea, Briss. p. 2. 19. 4 Raii Syn. p. 39. A. 4 Will. p. 84. 1. 18.
and 77.
La Corneille mantelee, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 61. t. 4 Id. PI. Enl. 76 Cor-
neille Mantelee, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 199 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 95 Frisch, Vogel. t. 65.
Royston Crow, Will. Ang. 124. t. 18 Albin. 2. t. 23. Low's Fau. Oread.
p. 47.
Hooded Crow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 77 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 251. D Lewin's Br.
Birds, 1. t. 36 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 374. 5 Id. Supp. p. 77 Montagu's
Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. 69 Don. Br. Birds, v. t. 117
Pult. Cat. Dorset p. 5 Shaw's Zool. 7- p. 348.
PROVINCIAL Dun Crow, Grey-backed Crow, Bunting Crow.
THE birds of this species are indigenous in the western
and northern parts of Scotland, but are migratory in Eng-
land, where they arrive in October, and depart upon the ap-
proach of spring. I am assured, from the most authentic
information, that in those districts of Scotland where they
abound, there is no visible diminution of their number du-
ring the winter months : the inference then seems to be, that
the greater part of those which visit England come from
Sweden, Norway, and other countries situated in the north-
east. And this opinion is strengthened by the fact of their
generally arriving with the first flight of Woodcocks, which
birds always take advantage of a north-eastern breeze for
their journey. In Scotland they build in trees, rocks, or sea- Nest, &c.
cliffs, as may accord with the situation ; the nest being form-
ed of sticks, and lined with soft materials. They lay four
or five eggs, similar to those of Carrion-Crow. In the breed-
ing-season they are very destructive to the eggs and young
of the red grouse ; and, like the Raven, will frequently attack
lambs and sheep, when in a weakly condition.
352 INSESSORES. CORVUS. CROW.
In the northern counties of England they resort most to
Food. the sea-shore, where they feed upon shell-fish*, and substances
thrown up by the tides ; and will sometimes scoop out the
stalk of the sea-tangle (Fucus saccharinus), when detached
from the rocks by the violence of the waves. They frequent
the extensive downs in the southern counties, where they feed
in company with others of the genus, upon grain, worms,
and carrion. Their note is harsh, rather shriller than that
of the Carrion-Crow, and easily distinguished from it. Ac-
cording to TEM MINOR, they are found throughout the moun-
tainous districts of the east of Europe, and are common in
the Alps, where they breed.
PLATE 29- Figure of the natural size.
General Bill strong, and in shape very similar to that of the Raven,
tion." 1 an d not to that of the Rook, as PENNANT asserts, colour
black. Head, throat, wings, and tail black, with blue
and greenish reflections. Neck and the rest of the body
smoke-grey, the shafts of the feathers being dark. Tail
rounded at the end. Irides brown. Legs and toes
plated, black.
Sometimes this bird varies in colour, and is found entirely
white, or black.
* I have repeatedly observed one of these birds to soar up to a consider-
able height in the air, with a cockle or mussel in its bill, and then drop it
upon the rock, in order to obtain the included fish. Dr FLEMING, in his
" Philosophy of Zoology," considers instinct, in this degree, as bordering
closely upon intelligence, as implying a notion of power, and also of cause
and effect.
ROOK. INSESSORES. CORVUS. 353
ROOK.
CORVUS FRUGILEGUS, Linn.
PLATE XXXII.
Corvus frugilegus, Linn. Syst. 1. 156. 4 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 366. sp. 4
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 152. sp. 5.
Comix nigra frugilega, Rail Syn. p. 83. A. 3 Will. p. 84. t. 18.
Comix frugilega, Briss. 2. p. 16. 3.
Le Freu ou Frayonne, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 55 Id. PI. EnL 484.
Freux, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 110.
Saat-Uabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1199 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 97 Frisch. Vog. t. 64.
Rook, Br. Zool. v. 2. 221. 76 A ret. Zool. 2. p. 250. A Will. (Ang.)
p. 123 Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 35 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 372. 4 Id. Supp.
p. 76 Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 71 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 4. Shaw's Zool. v. 7- ? 347-
THE rook is in general rather larger than the Carrion-Crow,
from "which it greatly differs in habits. Its bill is also longer,
the upper mandible weaker, and not so much arched, and
the glossy tint of its plumage more inclined to purple.
In the adult state it is easily distinguished by the naked
and scurfy white skin at the base of its bill and on the chin,
produced by the abrasion of its bristly feathers, which, in
the young bird, cover this part and the nostrils * : These
feathers are generally worn off by constant thrusting of its
bill into the soil in search of worms and the larvae of the dif-
ferent insects, that form its principal food. It also eats grain Fo d.
and other seeds. The Rook has erroneously been viewed in
the light of an enemy by most husbandmen, and in several
districts attempts have been made either to banish it, or to
extirpate the breed. But wherever this measure has been
Mr BEWICK holds this to be an original peculiarity, and not produced
by the above mentioned cause ; and says, that the same appearance has
been observed in those brought up in a domesticated state, and not under-
going the usual method of subsistence. I have kept Rooks till they have
been more than a year old, without noticing any approach to this peculia-
rity ; and, in a wild state, it is usually apparent before that period.
VOL. I. Z
354 INSESSORES. CORVUS. ROOK.
carried into effect, the most serious injury to the corn and
other crops has invariably followed, from the unchecked de-
vastations of the grub and caterpillar. As experience is the
sure test of utility, a change of conduct has in consequence
been partially adopted ; and some farmers now find the en-
couragement of the breed of Rooks to be greatly to their in-
terest, in freeing their lands from the grub of the cockchafer
(Melolontha vulgaris), an insect very abundant in many of
the southern counties. In Northumberland I have witnessed
its usefulness in feeding on the larva? of the insect commonly
known by the name of Harry Longlegs (Tipula oleracea),
which is particularly destructive to the roots of grain and
young clovers. Rooks are strictly gregarious, not only breed-
ing, but living and seeking their food together, during the
whole year, in numerous societies. They breed on the same
trees, and generally occupy'the same nest through successive
years, and none but natives are permitted to become members
of each society *.
They frequent cultivated districts, and the loftiest trees in
the immediate vicinity of old country residences, are generally
chosen for their habitations. There are even many instances
of colonies being established in the middle of populous cities
and towns, where they have been allowed to breed unmo-
lested.
Early in the spring, as the season of pairing, and the period
of incubation approach, the rookery exhibits an amusing scene
of provident industry, which is described in WHITE'S Natu-
ral History of Selborne, with the author's characteristic and
strong touches.
During incubation the female bird is assiduously attended
and fed by the male, whose kind offices she receives with flut-
* A remarkable instance of their aversion to strangers is given by BE-
WICK in his history of the Rook ; and a curious account of the contentions
between two colonies of Hooks and Herons, is narrated in HUTCHINSON'S
History of Cumberland.
ROOK. INSESSORES. CORVUS. 355
tering wings, open beak, and the same interrupted note, that
must have been generally observed in the young birds.
The eggs of the Rook are four or five in number, of a Eggs.
bluish-green colour, blotched with darker stains. After the
young have taken wing, the old birds sometimes forsake the
nest-trees, but invariably return to them again in October, at
which time they are observed occasionally to repair their
nests.
The Rook is common throughout England, and the greater
part of Scotland. It is a native of most of the temperate
European regions, and of some parts of Asia. According to
LATHAM, it is migratory in France and Silesia, and he adds,
that it is a singular circumstance the Islands of Jersey and
Guernsey should be without Rooks, particularly when it is
ascertained that they frequently fly across the channel, from
this country to France.
PLATE 30. Figure of the natural size.
Bill bluish-black, the base, in the adult bird, denuded of General
feathers, and covered with a white scurf. Whole plu-
mage black, glossed with rich tints of blue and violet-
purple. Feathers on the back of the neck long, loose,
and silky. Legs and claws black.
This bird is subjected to considerable variation of plumage,
being sometimes found of a pure white, or of a piebald
appearance. I possessed two of a sienna-yellow colour,
with the wings and tail inclining to yellowish-grey, with
red irides, and with the bill, legs, and toes, flesh- red,
taken from the same nest, in which were also two of the
usual colour.
356 INSESSORES. CORVUS. JACKDAW*
JACKDAW.
CORVVS MONEDULA, Linn.
PLATE XXXI. FIG. 1.
Corvus monedula, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 156. 6 Fau. Suec. No. 89 GmeL
Syst. 1. p. 376. sp. 6 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 154. sp. 11 Brisg. 2.
p. 24. 6 Rail Syn. p. 40. t. 5 Will. p. 85. t. 19.
Le Choucas, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 69 Id. PI. Enl. 523.
Choucas, Temm. Man d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 111.
Die Dohle oder Turm-Ilabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1213. Frisch,
Vog. t. 67. and 68 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p 99.
Jackdaw, JBr. Zool. 1. No. 81. t. 34 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 251 White's Hist.
Selb. p. 59. and 60 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 378. 9 Id. Supp. p. 78 Lewies
Br. Birds, 1. t. 37 Will (Ang.) p. 125, t 19 Mont. Ornith. Diet
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 5 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. 73 Low's Fau. Oread.
p. 48. sp. 3 Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 350.
PROVINCIAL Daw, Jack.
THIS well-known species is an inhabitant of all the culti-
vated districts of England and Scotland. The belfries of
churches, old towers, and large deserted buildings, are its fa-
vourite abodes. These are its usual breeding places, but
wnere such situations do not occur, it has recourse to the
holes of decayed tress, or to the ledges of rocks, and has been
Nest, &o. known even to build in a rabbit burrow*. The nest is com.
posed of sticks, and lined with wool and other soft materials.
The eggs, which vary from four to seven, are of a pale green-
ish-blue, spotted with blackish-brown, rather confluent at the
Food. larger end. The Jackdaw is an omnivorous bird, feeding
upon worms, insects, grain, fruit, eggs of various birds, and
carrion. It is gregarious, often associating in considerable
numbers with Rooks during the autumn and winter. It can
be easily domesticated, soon becomes remarkably familiar, and
may be taught to articulate various words distinctly. It is,
however, at the same time very mischievous, and, like the
raven, has its peculiar hiding-places, where it not only de-
* See PENNANT'S British Zoology.
JACKDAW. INSESSORES. CORVUS. 357
posits part of its provision, but whatever it can purloin in the
course of its domestic rounds.
It is generally found throughout Europe, and, according
to TEMMINCK, is very abundant in Holland.
PLATE 31. Fig. 1. Natural size.
Bill black. Irides greyish-white. Top of the head black, General
with violet reflections, the feathers distinct and rounded, ticn."*
Back part of the head and nape of the neck dark smoke-
grey, the feathers open and silky in texture. Upper
parts greyish-black. Wing coverts and secondary quills
black, glossed with blue and violet. Under parts bluish-
black. Legs, toes, and claws, black.
White varieties are sometimes met with, and in these the Varieties.
irides are red. Others entirely black, or black and
white, are mentioned by different authors.
GENUS PICA, BRISS. PIE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL strong, compressed, with the upper mandible arched,
the tip slightly emarginate, and bent over that of the lower
one. Commissure gently arched. Nostrils basal, lateral,
round, hidden from view by incumbent setaceous feathers.
Thighs short, rounded ; the first quill-feather narrow, and
little more than half the length of the second ; the fourth
and fifth of nearly equal length, and the longest in the wing.
Tail long, and graduated,
Legs of mean length, with the tarsi and toes plated.
Outer toe joined at its base to the middle one. Claws strong,
and curved ; that of the hind toe the largest.
The Pies, although nearly allied to the Crows, differ suffi-
ciently from them in form and habits, to warrant the generic
separation first made by BRISSON, and since adopted by most
358 INSESSORES. PICA. MAGPIE.
ornithologists of the present day. Besides our well-known
bird, the Common Magpie, this genus contains several exotic
species, as Pica albicollis^ Pica ErythorynchoSj Pica vagabun-
da, &c. ; of all which the Magpie perhaps approaches nearest
to the true Crows, the bill being longer and less curved than in
the other species, and the texture of the plumage not so silky,
or decomposed. Its members are also nearly connected with
the Jays (genus Garrulus), by the intervention of certain
species of the latter, in which the tail, instead of being square,
becomes slightly rounded, or cuneated. Their flight, from
the roundness of their wings, differs from that of the Crows,
and is supported by short and quick strokes. They are
omnivorous, and birds of a bold character ; and (like most
of the Corvidce), when tamed, are much addicted to carrying
off any glittering objects. They have rough and disagree-
able voices, but may be taught to whistle, and even to arti-
culate words with tolerable distinctness.
MAGPIE.
PlCA MELANOLEUCA, Vieill.
PLATE XXXI. FIG. 2.
Corvus Pica, Linn. Syst. l.p. 157. 13 Fau. Suec. No. 92 Gmel. Syst. 1.
p. 373 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. 162. sp. 32 Rail Syn. p. 41. A. 1.
Will. p. 87. t. 19 Briss. 2. p. 35. 1 Wils. Amer. Orn. v. 4. p. 75. PL 35.
f. 2.
La Pie, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 85 Id. PL Enl. 488.
Pie, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 113.
Garten-Grabe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1207 Frisch, Vog. t. 14.
Magpie, Br. Zool. 1. No. 78. Arct. Zool. 2, No. 66 Lewin's Br. Birds,
t. 39 Will. (Ang.) p. 127- t. 19 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 392. 29 Id. Supp.
p. 80 Mont. Ornith. Diet BewicWs Br.' Birds Pult. Cat. Dorset.
p. 5 Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 95 Shaw's Zool. 7- p. 369 North. Zool. 2.
292. No. 95.
PROVINCIAL Pianet, Madge.
THIS common but handsome species is generally dispersed
through the united kingdom, except in very mountainous
districts. It is a bird of a crafty and restless disposition,
MAGPIE. INSESSORES. PICA. 359
and, although shy, and singularly wary, is frequently seen
near the habitation of man. In diet, it is omnivorous. No Food,
animal food, observes MONTAGU, comes amiss to its voracious
appetite. It preys indiscriminately upon young poultry,
eggs, and tender lambs, as well as the most offensive carrion.
Is very destructive to the young of all kinds of game, and
does not refuse grain, insects, and worms.
These birds are usually observed in pairs, and continue
together through the whole year. At times, however, they
appear to hold social meetings, during which T they are very
clamorous, and maintain a continued chattering. In winter,
they often assemble in numbers to roost in particular districts,
but separate again through the day. When an old bird of
this species has been shot, or caught in a trap, during the
breeding season, I have frequently been surprised at the short
period that intervened before the survivor was provided with
another mate, in some instances scarcely exceeding the space
of a day.
In the fabrication of its nest, the Magpie displays wonder- Nest, &c.
ful ingenuity, rendering it not only a sheltered and warm re-
sidence for its young, but even a secure fortress against ex-
ternal enemies. The outer part is 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. Over the
body of the nest is erected a covering or dome, composed of
the sharpest thorny twigs (those of the black or sloe thorn
being generally preferred), closely interwoven, so as to pre-
clude all entrance except at one or two small lateral holes,
barely large enough for the admission and egress of the
owners. The number of the eggs is from six to eight, of a
yellowish-grey colour, speckled with yellowish-brown. The
place selected for nidification varies, depending on the faci-
lities afforded, but always with a view to security. Where
trees abound, that which is loftiest, or difficult of access, is
chosen, and, in failure of these, the most impenetrable hedge
or thorn bush. If taken young, it soon becomes tame, and,
360 INSESSORES. PICA. MAGPIE.
like others of this genus, may be taught tricks, and the arti-
culation of some words. When alarmed, the Magpie gives
warning to all other birds and animals of the approaching
danger by its chattering note, the import of which appears to
be understood, and universally attended to. In the northern
parts of England, the lingering remains of popular supersti-
tion still attach to the appearance of this bird, and various
are the events predicted from the numbers seen together,
their mode of flight, &c. The species is found in most of
the temperate and northern regions of the Old Continent;
and in Asia, it is met with inhabiting the plains, in Siberia,
and as far as Kamtschatka. According to TEMMINCK and
Dr RICHARDSON, this bird exhibits also no specific difference
in many parts of North America.
PLATE 31. Fig. 2. Natural si'e.
Bill black, with a small notch at the tip. Irides dark
tion. brown. Head, neck, back and breast black. The fea-
thers on the throat very open in the texture, having but
few barbs, and terminating with a bristle. Scapulars
and belly white. Adjoining the tail-coverts is a bar of
greyish-white, loose silky feathers. Rump and vent
black. Wings glossed with blue and green reflections.
The central parts of the inner webs of the quill-feathers
white. First quill-feather very short, the fourth and
fifth being the longest. Tail about ten inches in length,
bluish-black, glossed with golden-green, blue, and pur-
ple, producing in diTerent lights the richest iridescent
reflections ; is very wedge-shaped, the feathers rapidly
decreasing in length to the outermost, which are scarce-
ly half the length of the two central feathers, which are
even. Legs and claws black. The female resembles the
male bird, but is generally inferior in size.
INSESSORES. GARRULUS. 361
GENUS GARRULUS, BRISS. JAY.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL shorter than the head, conical, slightly compressed,
strait at the base, rather deflected towards the tip, which is
faintly emarginated. The lower mandible of nearly equal
thickness, and having its culmen equally convex with that of
the upper. Commissure strait. Head crested. Nostrils basal,
lateral, hidden from view by short setaceous plumes.
Wings rounded, with the first quill-feather short; the
fourth, fifth, and sixth of nearly equal length., and the long-
est in the wing. Tail of mean length ; square, or slightly
rounded. General plumage loose and soft.
Legs weaker than in genus Corvus. Tarsi longer than
the middle toe. The outer toe joined at its base to the mid-
dle one, and longer than the inner. Hind toe strong, with a
dilated sole. Claws stout, moderately curved, and sharp ;
that upon the hind toe stronger and longer than any of the
rest.
The Jays form a well-distinguished group among the Cor-
vidae, and, with other nearly allied forms, are considered by
Mr SWAIXSON as composing one of the five minor divisions
of the family under the title of Garrulina. In their habits,
they are more arboreal, or addicted to perching, than the
preceding genera; and inhabit woods and forests. Their
food is not of so general a character, being more restricted
to insects, larvae, fruits, and pulse, though they occasionally
suck the eggs, and devour the young, of smaller birds. They
are of a restless and noisy disposition, and their notes are
usually harsh and unpleasant. The Jays belonging to the
Old World form a marked group, and bear a strong re-
semblance to each other. Those of the New Continent are
distinguished by the rich blues of their plumage, which
362 INSESSORES. GARRULUS. JAY.
prevails to a greater or less degree throughout most of the
species. It is probable that a strict examination may shew
the propriety of further division in this genus.
JAY.
GARRULUS GLANDARIUS.
PLATE XXXVI.
Corvus glandarius, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 256. 7 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 378 Lath.
Ind. Orn. 1. p. 157. 18 Rail Syn. p. 41. A. 2 Will. p. 88. t. 29.
Garrulus, Briss. 2. p. 49. 1.
Le Geai, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 107- t. 8 Id. PI. Enl. 481.-Geai, Temm. Man.
d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 114 Le Vaill. Ois. de Parad, etGeais. PI. 40. and 41.
Pica glandaria, Klein. Av. p. 61. 21.
Eichel Krahe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1243. Frisch, Vog. t. 55.
Jay, Br. Zool. 1. No. 79 Arctic Zool. 2. p. 252. E Will. (Ang.) p. 130.
1. 19 Lewirfs Birds, t. 38 Hayeks Br. Birds. Lath. Syn. 1. p. 384. 19.
Id. Suppl. p. 79 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. SuppL Pult. Cat. Dorset.
p. 5 Wale. Syn. 1. 1. 37 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1 Shaw's Zool v. 7-
p. 356.
PROVINCIAL Jay- Pie.
THE Jay may certainly be ranked as one of the handsomest
Food. of our indigenous birds. It is very common in many parts
of England and Scotland, particularly in districts where trees
are abundant, and is well known by its disagreeable cry.
Its food consists of acorns, beech-mast, grain, and various
productions of the garden, amongst which cherries and pease
are particular favourites. It also devours insects and worms,
and will often not only suck the eggs, but destroy the young
Nest, &c. of small birds. Its nest is generally placed in the closest
thickets of large woods, and is formed of sticks, lined with
the fibres of roots. The eggs are five or six in number, of a
pale blue colour, obscurely blotched with yellowish-brown.
The progeny are said by Mr PENNANT to follow the pa-
rent birds till the succeeding spring, but I have not been able
to satisfy myself as to this fact.
Although the usual notes of this bird are harsh and grating
to the ear, yet, we are told by MONTAGU, that it is capable
JAY. INSESSORES. GARRULUS. 363
of uttering a pleasant though low sort of song in the spring
time, introducing at intervals the bleating of a lamb, mewing
of a cat, the note of a hawk, the hooting of an owl, and even
the neighing of a horse, and these imitations given with such
exactness as to deceive many who have heard them. The
Jay is frequently tamed, not only on account of the beauty
of its plumage, but for the facility with which it learns to ar-
ticulate words, and to imitate a variety of sounds. BEWICK
mentions one that could perform the noise made by the ac-
tion of a saw, and another that had been taught to hound a
cur dog, on the approach of cattle.
These birds are found in most of the temperate parts of
Europe, and in France are even abundant, but seldom con-
gregate largely.*
PLATE 32. Natural size.
Bill black, conical, slightly notched at the tip. Commis- General
sure strait. Irides pearl-grey. Forehead and crown of ttolu *"
the head streaked with black, the feathers elongated and
narrow, and forming a crest, which it can erect or de-
press at pleasure. From the corners of the mouth are
black moustaches, pointing downwards. Chin white.
Hind part of the head, back, and scapulars light brown-
ish-purple-red. Rump, breast, and belly white. Lesser
wing-coverts brownish -orange. Greater coverts beauti-
fully barred with blue and black ; the feathers stiff and
compact. Greater quills dusky, the outer webs bluish-
grey. The six anterior secondaries black, having the
outer web white towards the base, the two next entirely
black, the rest brownish-red, tipped with black. Tail
black, square at the end, the middle feathers having one
or more pale grey bars at the base. Legs flesh-red,
* Several beautiful species of the Jay have lately been brought from
the Himalayan range of mountains, agreeing with the European type in
form, and, in a great measure, in the disposition also of their colours.
Some of these are figured in GOULD'S " Century of Himalayan Birds."
364 INSESSORES. FREGILUS.
tinged with yellowish-brown. The female is similar in
plumage to the male.
Accidental varieties are sometimes found of a pure white,
with the wing-coverts pale blue. In such instances, the bill,
irides, and legs are pale flesh-red.
GENUS FREGILUS, Cuv. CHOUGH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill longer than the head, strong at the base, arched,
slightly compressed, with the end of the upper mandible
rather subulated, drawn to a point without any emargina-
tion, and extending beyond that of the lower, which follows
the curve of the upper one, without showing any distinct
angle. Commissure arched. Tomia of both mandibles entire.
Nostrils basal, oval, hidden by closely-set incumbent seta-
ceous feathers. Head small, and flat. Wings long, extend-
ing to more than two-thirds of the length of the tail. First
quill-feather short ; the fourth and fifth the longest in each
wing. Tail square, or slightly rounded. Nostrils open,
basal, lateral and egg-shaped, hidden by the reflected bristles
at the base of the bill. Feet strong. Legs and toes plaited.
The tarsus longer than the middle toe. Toes four, three
before and one behind ; the outer toe united at its base to
the middle one. Claws strong, much curved ; that of the
hind toe double the size of the others.
The birds of this genus (which was established by CUVIER
for the reception of the Cornish Chough, and other exotic
species) are easily distinguished from the true Crows by the
peculiar form of the bill, which indicates a different econo-
my, and approaches near to that of Epimachus, and some of
the Birds of Paradise, and to which it seems to lead the
way. These birds are the inhabitants of lofty precipices on
CHOUGH. TNSESSORES. FREGILUS. 365
the sea-coast, and of alpine rocks in the interior of the coun-
tries to which they belong. They feed chiefly on insects and
larvae, sought for in holes and crevices, are of a bold and
inquisitive disposition, but at the same time very wary of
danger, seldom admitting of a near approach.
CORNISH CHOUGH.
FREGILUS GRACULUS, Cuv.
PLATE XXXIII.
Pyrrhocorax graculus, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 122.
Corvus graculus, Linn. Svst. 1. p. 158. 18 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 337 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 165. 41.
Corvus dociiis, Gmel. Syst 3. p. 385. t. 39.
Coracias, seu Pyrrhocorax, Ran Syn. p. 40. A. 6. Will. p. 86. t. 19
Briss. 2. p. 3. t. 1.
Corvus eremita, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 377 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 166. 42.
Le Coracias, ou Le Coracias Huppe ou sonneur, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 1. and 9.
t. 1 Id. PL Enl. 255.
Stein-Krahe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1238 Id. Tasschenb. Deut.
p. 91 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 101. Id. Vog. Deut. t. Heft.
Hermit Crow, Lath. Syn. 2. p. 403. 41 Gesner's Wood Crow, p. 396.
Cornish Chough, Albin. 2. t. 24 Wilt. (Ang.) p. 126. t. 19. Haye's Br.
Birds, t. (>. "
Red-legged Crow, Br. Zool. 1. No. 80. t. 35 Lewin's Br. Birds, 1. t. 41
Lath. Syn. 1. p. 401 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Suppl Pult. Cat. Dor-
set. p. 6 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. 80 Shaw's Zool. 7. p. 378.
PROVINCIAL Cornish Daw, Cornwall Kae, Killigrew, Chauk-Daw,
Market-Jew Crow.
THE Chough is far from being a numerous species in this
country, and is confined to particular districts. It is found
on the rocky coasts of Cornwall and Devonshire in England,
and in Flintshire, Denbighshire, and the Isle of Anglesea in
Wales ; and abounds in the Isle of Man. In Scotland, it
inhabits the precipices of some of the Hebrides, and the
western shores of the mainland.* On the Continent, it is
numerous in the Swiss Alps, and in the Tyrol, frequenting
It is also met with in the neighbourhood of Berwick-on-Tweed, upon
the high and rocky coast about Si Abb's Head, and Coldingham.
.366 INSESSORES. FREGILUS. CHOUGH.
the loftier regions, and the confines of the glaciers, where it
breeds, associated with the Alpine Chough (a species of the
nearly-allied genus Pyrrhocorax). With us, it is seldom
seen far inland, breeding OR the sea-cliffs, or in old castles
Nest, &c. and church-towers near the shore. The nest is formed of
sticks, lined with a great quantity of wool and hair. The
eggs are of a bluish- white colour, speckled at the larger end
with yellowish-brown. It is a bird of a lively gait, and of a
restless and crafty disposition, and, like many of the Crow
genus, its attention is particularly caught by glittering ob-
Food. jects. Its natural food principally consists of insects, even
the smallest of which it is enabled to reach in the crevices of
rocks and the joints of walls, by the aid of its slender and
sharp-pointed bill. It also eats grain and berries.
It has been remarked, that the Chough will not alight
upon the turf, if it can possibly avoid it, always preferring
gravel, stones, or walls. It is easily domesticated, when be-
gun with at an early period ; and an interesting account of
a tame bird of this species is given by MONTAGU, in the
Supplement to his Ornithological Dictionary, to which my
readers are referred.
PLATE 33. Natural size.
General Bill long, slender, and considerably arched, of a beauti-
tion nP ~ ^ or pi ment orange-colour. Irides yellowish-brown.
Whole plumage black, glossed with purple and blue.
Legs and toes the same colour as the bill. Claws black,
strong, and hooked.
The female is of a similar plumage to the male, but rather
less in size.
The young of this species, according to TEMMINCK, have
dark-coloured legs previous to the first moult ; but
MONTAGU asserts them to be orange-coloured from the
nest.
INSES$ORES. NUCIFRAGA. 367
GENUS NUCIFRAGA, BRISS. NUTCRACKER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL conical, longer than the head, and strait ; the
upper mandible having its culmen rounded, and longer than
the lower one ; both of them terminating in a slightly obtuse
point. The lower mandible of nearly equal thickness with
the upper one, and tapering gradually from the base to the
point. Commissure straight to the base ; from thence back-
wards slightly angulated. Nostrils in the base of the bill
round, open, and covered by the reflected frontal bristles.
Wings long, rounded ; the first quill short ; the fourth and
fifth equal to each other, and the longest in the wing-
Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Feet with three toes
before, and one behind. The outer toe joined to the middle
one at its base. Claws not much curved, but very sharp.
This bird has also been very judiciously separated from
the Crows by late ornithologists, essentially differing from
that genus, not only in the conformation of its bill, but in
its habits. In the latter respect it approaches nearer to the
Woodpeckers, and seems to form a connecting link between
the genera Corvus and Picus *. It is the only known spe-
cies of this genus ).
It forms apparently a still closer tie between the present and the
preceding families; its bill being very similar in shape to that of Cassicus.
Mr VIGORS makes this and Barita the introductory genera to the family
of Corvida. See VIGORS on Nat. Aff." p. 447.
f Another species has since been discovered in Central Asia, and
figured in GOULD'S " Century of Himalayan Birds."
368 INSESSORES. NUCIFRAGA. NUTCRACKER.
NUTCRACKER.
NUCIFRAGA CARYOCATACTES, JBriss.
PLATE XXXIII .
Nucifraga Caryocatactes, Sriss. 2. p. 59. t. 5. f. 6 Temm, Man. d'Ornith.
1. p. 117.
Corvus Caryocatactes, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 157. 10 Fau. Suec. No. 91
Gmel Syst I. p. 270 Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 164. t. 39 Raii Syn.
p. 42. 5 Will. p. 90. t. 20.
Caryocatactes Nucifraga, Nils. Orn. Suec. v. 1. p. 90. sp. 42.
Le Casse noix, Buff. Ois. v. 3. p. 122. t. 9. Id. PL Enl. 50.
Nussrabe, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 103.
Nutcracker, Br. Zool. Append, t. 1 Arct. ZooL 2. 252. D Will. (Ang.)
p. K-2. t. 50 Lewirfs Br. Birds, t. 49 Lath. Syn. 1. p. 400. 38 Id.
Supp. p. 82 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Bewick's Br. Birds
Wale. Syn. 1. t. 38. Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 80.
Nutcracking Crow, Shaw's Zool. v. 7- p. 353.
Rare visi- THE Nutcracker is a very rare visitant in Great Britain.
Not more than three or four instances are upon record of its
having been observed in this country. To these I may add
another, as this bird was seen in Netherwitton Wood, in the
county of Northumberland, in the autumn of 1819, by my
coadjutor in the delineations for this work, Captain ROBERT
MITFORD of the Royal Navy.
According to the accounts given of this species by orni-
thologists who have had the opportunity of attending to its
habits, it approaches, in many points, very closely to some of
the genus Picus, particularly to those of foreign locality.
Like them, it ascends the trunks of trees with facility, feed-
Food, ing on the various insects and larva? that inhabit the bark
and wood, which its long straight bill aptly enables it to
reach, performing a similar office to the long extensile tongue
of the Woodpecker. It feeds also upon the seeds of the dif-
ferent kinds of fir *, and upon nuts, which, like the Nut-
* My brother, during an excursion in Switzerland, September 1825,
met with a large flock of Nutcrackers, in a forest mostly composed of
pinasters and stone pines. These birds were all busily engaged, feeding
upon the seeds contained in the cones. They were not wild, but allowed
of a near approach.
NUTCRACKER. INSESSORES. NUCIFRAGA. 369
hatch, it breaks by repeated strokes of the bill. It selects Nest, &c.
for nidification the hole of a decayed tree, and this, by the
labour of its bill, it frequently enlarges. It lays five or six
eggs, of a yellowish-grey colour, with a few spots of yellow-
ish or wood-brown. It inhabits woods and forests, in moun-
tainous regions, and is very numerous in many of the northern
parts of Europe, living in large flocks. It is abundant in Foreign
Norway, Sweden, and parts of Germany, and in some dis-
tricts is a regular bird of passage. It is common also in
Russia ; and, in Northern Asia, it occurs in Siberia and
Kamtschatka.
PLATE 33*. The figure is represented of the natural size,
from a British specimen in the Edinburgh Museum.
Bill black. Irides brown. The bristly feathers covering General
the nostrils brown. Crown of the head and nape of the t ion.
neck blackish-brown. Quills black. Tail black, with a
broad white bar at the end. The rest of the plumage
of a deep reddish-brown, inclining to umber-brown, va-
ried upon the back with white guttiform spots. Those
upon the under parts are disposed longitudinally upon
each feather. Legs and claws black.
TRIBE IV. SCANSORES, AUCT.
No members of the fourth and fifth families of the Coni-
rostres (Bncerida and Musophagi&e) being known in Bri-
tain, or even in the European Continent, we pass over to
the Scansores, a fourth tribe of the order Insessores. This
tribe (as its name imports) contains all such birds as are
eminent for their grasping and climbing qualities, most of
them distinguished by their feet having the toes disposed in
pairs; although many genera (exhibiting similar habits, and
closely connected by affinity) are necessarily admitted, which
have the feet formed upon the general plan, but so modified
VOL. I. A a
370 INSESSORES PICID^E.
as to render them fit instruments for climbing. Such are the
members of the family Certhiada, answering to TEMM INCH'S
order Anisodactyll. The five primary divisions or families
that compose the circle of the tribe, are, the Psittacida and
Picida (being the typical groups), the Certhiada, Cuculida^
and Ramphustida (the Aberrant).* We possess examples
in Britain of only three of these families, viz. Picidae, Cer-
thiadae, and Cuculidae.
FAMILY II. PICIDAE, FIG.
THE Picidae, one of the typical families of the Scansores,
contains, besides the true Woodpeckers, other genera nearly
allied to them in habits, and which, from the variation in
structure of the bill, support the necessary connection with
the other families of the tribe. Such is the genus Pogonias
(ILLTG.), which, from the deep and curved form of the bill,
seems to lead back to the Psittacida ; and nearly allied to it,
follows that of Bucco (LiNN.), where the bill makes a nearer
approach to that of the true Woodpeckers. The Wrynecks
(genus Yunx, LINN.) are also properly included in this fa-
mily, as well as that group of which the genus Oxyrynclios
(TEMM.) is the type. The farther division of it has been
noticed by Mr SWAINSON, who points out four of its sub-
families, named by him Piciana, Bucconina, Yunxina, and
Oxyrynclima ; the type of the fifth is yet unknown. I have,
however, from the deficiency of species rendering it impos-
sible to institute the minute examination and analysis neces-
sary, described our three Woodpeckers under the title Picus,
merely adverting to the genera under which they ought to
be arranged, according to their affinities, as given by Mr
SWATNSON.
* To comprehend the affinities which unite the various groups of this
tribe with each other, and their connexion with the contiguous orders and
families, I refer my readers to the writings of Mr VIGORS and Mr
SWAINSON.
WOODPKCKEH. INSESSORES. PICUS. 371
GENUS PICUS, LINN. WOODPECKER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL as long as, or longer than, the head, straight, conical,
compressed, culminated, angular, and wedge-shaped at the
point. Tongue long and extensile, worm-shaped. Nostrils
basal, oval and open, concealed by the reflected, bristly fea-
thers at the base of the bill. AVings with the first quill very
short, the second of mean length, the third and fourth the
longest. Tail composed of twelve, sometimes ten, elastic,
stiff', and sharp-pointed feathers. Feet robust, formed for
climbing ; two toes before, and two behind ; the two anterior
ones joined at their base, the posterior ones divided (or with
three only, two before and one behind) ; armed with very
strong and hooked claws. The birds of this genus inhabit
the forests, and live solitary. Are true climbers, and move
along the trunks and branches of trees readily, but always
in an upward direction. They feed on the various insects
and larvae that find a nidus in the bark and decayed wood,
and which they obtain by means of their strong angular bill,
and long extensile tongue, armed at the point with sharp-
reflected bristles. They build in holes of trees, occasionally
of their own formation. The males are distinguished by an
occipital band, generally of a red colour, or by moustaches.
Their moult is simple, and the young differ from the adults
only during the interval that elapses from quitting the nest
to the first (or autumnal) moult. Their stomach is mem-
branaceous, and they are without the caecum.
A a 2
372 INSESSORES. PICUS. WOODPECKER.
GREEN WOODPECKER.
PICUS VIRIDIS, Linn.
PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 1.
Picus viridis, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 175. 12 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 433. sp. 12
Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 234. sp. 27 Rail Syn. p. 42. A. 2 Will. 93.
t. 21 Briss. 4. p. 9. 1.
Le Pic vert, Buff. Ois. v. 7- p. 23. t. 1 Id. PI. Enl. 371. and 879. Temm.
Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 391.
Grunspecht, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1007 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 2. p. 118 Frischj t. 35.
Green Woodpecker, Br. Zool. 1. No. 84 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 277. B
Lewies Br. Birds, 2. t. 51 Will. (Angl.) p. 135. t. 21 Haye's Br.
Birds, t. 18. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 577- 25 Id. Supp. p. 110 Mont. Ornith.
Diet. Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 6. Don, Br. Birds, 2. t. 37 Bewick's Br.
Birds, 1. p. 116 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 183.
PROVINCIAL Woodspite, Rain Bird, High-Hoe, Hew-Hole, Awl
Bird, Yappingall, Yaffer, Popinjay.
THIS species, the type of that group of Woodpeckers dis-
tinguished by their olive or green plumage, and forming Mr
SWAINSON'S genus Chrysoptilus 9 is a common inhabitant of
all the wooded parts of England and Scotland, and is well
known by its loud and peculiar cry, which, frequently re-
peated, is supposed to prognosticate rain, and from which it
has obtained the provincial name of the Rain Bird.* The
Food. Green Woodpecker feeds chiefly upon the insects that live
in the bark, or that form their receptacles by boring the de-
* I may take this opportunity of observing, that the habits of animals
and birds are perhaps, when thoroughly understood, the best barometers
we possess. There is no doubt that their bodily temperament, from not
being acted upon by mental affections, and being preserved by regularity
of diet in a more uniform state, is far more equably susceptible of the ap-
proach of changes of weather than our own. That domestic animals ex"
hibit sometimes irritability, and sometimes heaviness, previous to such
changes, is very evident. Our observations on the feathered tribe are of
course more limited; but such influence has been remarked in the habits
of domestic pigeons, and in rooks, and I have before noticed a similar effect
in my account of the Golden Eagle.
WOODPECKER. INSESSORES. PICUS. 373
cayed wood of trees ; which last it is well enabled to reach
by the aid of its strong and wedge-shaped bill, penetrating
without difficulty to the nidus of the larva. Its long vermi-
form and extensile tongue is also of service in extracting the
smaller insects from the crevices of the baric, where they so
often lie concealed. This singular instrument, in addition
to a glutinous substance constantly exuding from its surface,
is armed at the point with sharp reflected bristles, acting
like the barbs of an arrow in preventing the escape of its
prey. The above description shews the tongue to be well
adapted for the capture of the ant, an insect of which the
Green Woodpecker is particularly fond, and on which ac-
count it is oftener seen on the ground than the other species.
Under a deficiency of its usual food, it will eat nuts. It
scales the trunks and branches of trees with facility and
swiftness, either in an upright or a spiral direction ; but
none of the species that frequent this country are able, as
has been asserted, to descend, as well as to ascend, with
equal readiness. When they wish to descend, it is effected
by moving backward, as I have repeatedly observed. This
peculiarity of motion seems to be the consequence of the
structure of the bird, in which the preponderance is thrown
considerably forward. The legs of this bird are short and
strong, and, by the disposition of the toes, and the form of
the claws, it is enabled to maintain a firm hold in a perpen-
dicular direction, in which position it is materially assisted
by the stiff-deflected tail-feathers. It lays its eggs in trees,
perforating a round hole, sometimes of considerable depth ;
for which purpose it selects those in a decaying state, or of
the softer kinds of wood, such as the aspen (Populus tre-
mula), to which it is very partial. When thus engaged, the
strokes 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
* It also makes a jarring noise in the spring, which may be heard at some
distance, and which appears to be a note-call of both sexes to each other.
374 INSESSORES. PICUS. WOODPECKER.
Nest &c. nest, but the eggs, four or five in number, and of a bluish-
white colour, are deposited on the bare wood, at the bottom
of the hole.
PLATE 38. Fig. 1. natural size.
General Base of the bill, nasal bristles, and region surrounding the
eyes, black. Crown of the head and moustaches arterial
blood-red ; the base of the feathers bluish-grey. Hind
part of the neck, upper part of the back, and wing-
coverts siskin-green, inclining to sap-green. Lower part
of the back and rump gamboge-yellow. Under parts
yellowish -grey, inclining to asparagus -green. Quills
barred with dusky black and yellowish-grey. Tail
barred with oil-green and blackish-brown. Irides grey-
ish-white. Bill bluish-black, two inches long, and wedge-
shaped. Tarsi and toes blackish-grey. Claws much
hooked, black.
The red upon the head of the female is not so bright, and
the moustaches are generally black.
The young birds, when they quit the nest, have the head
of a yellowish-grey colour, with a few red feathers in-
terspersed. The green of the upper parts is duller, and
varied with grey. The moustaches are also imperfect.
The lower parts yellowish-grey, with darker transverse
bars. The irides are bluish-grey.
WOOPECKER. INSESSORES. PICUS 3;5
GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER.
PICUS MARTfUSy Linn.
PLATE D. FIG. 4.
Picus martius, Linn. Syst. 1. 173. 1 Gmel. Syst. 1. 424 Lath. Ind. Orn.
1. 224. 1.
Picus niger, Briss. 4. 21. 6.
Picus maximus, Raii Syn. 42. 1.
Le Pic noir, Buff. Ois. 7. 41. t. 2 Id. PI. EnL 596.- Temm. Man. d'Orn.
1. 390.
Great Black Woodpecker, Will. (Angl.) 135 Albin, 2. t. 27 Penn. Arct.
Zool. 2. 296 Lath. Syn. 2. 552. 1 Id. Sup. 104 Lewin's Br. Birds,
2. t. 46 Mont. Orn. Diet Rennie's Mont. Orn. Diet.
IN the former edition of this volume, the Great Black
Woodpecker was omitted, as I felt uncertain whether its
claim to rank as a British bird was sufficiently established
to warrant its being placed upon the list, even as an occa- Occasional
sional visitant. It appears, however, that, besides the two ^
or three specimens mentioned by PULTENEY, as killed in
Devonshire, instances have occurred in other parts of Eng-
land ; among which may be mentioned a bird shot in Lan-
cashire by Lord STANLEY; and another obtained in the
neighbourhood of Battersea Fields, near London. These
several instances, therefore, (following the course adopted
throughout this work, of describing and adding to our
Fauna every bird found in its natural state of wildness),
give this Woodpecker a claim to be considered as one of our
rare visitants. It belongs to Mr SWAINSOX'S restricted ge-
nus Picus, and is one of the typical forms. In dimensions
it greatly surpasses any of our native species, nearly equal-
ling in size its congeners of America (Picus principals and
Picus pileatus). It inhabits the forests of the northern and
eastern parts of Europe, and extends its residence as far as
Siberia. In the more southern and western provinces it is
comparatively of rare occurrence. Its habits are, in most
376 INSESSORES. PICUS. WOODPECKER.
respects, similar to those of the other species, and it procures
Food, its food, consisting of larva? hatched in the bark and decayed
wood of trees, bees, and other insects, by scaling the trunks
and branches, which it does with the same ease and rapidity
Nest, &c. as the other species. It breeds in deep holes, which are
hewed by the power of its bill, frequently even out of the
solid wood, and, like the other Pici, lays three or four
white eggs.
PLATE D. Fig. 4. represents the male bird, of the natural
size. Length nearly eighteen inches.
General Bill, with the upper part, bluish- white, and the tip pass-
descrip- j n g j n t o bluish-black. The whole of the plumage deep
black ; except the crown of the head, which is bright
arterial blood-red. Iris yellowish-white. Legs and toes
bluish-black ; the outer hind toe longer than the cor-
responding front one. Claws semicircular, strong, and
very sharp.
GREAT-SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
PICUS MAJOR., Linn.
PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 2.
Picus major, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 176. 17 __ Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 436. sp. 17.
Faun. Suec. No. 100 __ Lath. Ind. Ornith. 1. p. 228. 13.
Picus varius major, Rail Syn. p. 43. A. 4. Will. p. 94. t. 21. Briss. 4.
p. 34. 13.
Le Pic varie ou Pic Epeiche, Buff. Ois. v. 7. p. d^.Id. PI. Enl. 196. and
595. male and female Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 595.
Die Bunt-specht, Bechst. Naturg. Deul. v. 2. p. 1022 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 121 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. t. male and female Frisch.
t. 36. male.
Greater-spotted Woodpecker, Br. Zool. 1. No. 85 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 162.
Will. (Ang.) p. 137. t. 21 Lewin's Br. Birds, t. 47 Lath. Syn. v. 2.
p. 564. 12. Id. Supp. p. 107 __ Mont. Ornith. Diet Pnlt. Cat. Dorset.
p. 6 Don, Br. Birds, 2. t. 37 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. t. 118.
THE species now given, and which is one of the members
of Mr SWAINSON'S genus Picus, although not so numerous
WOODPECKER. INSESSORES. PICUS. 377
as the preceding, is rather generally diffused through the
woody districts of our island. I have seen it in Scotland,
on the banks of the river Spey, and amid the wild scenery of
the Dee. In Northumberland, scarcely a year passes with-
out some of these birds being obtained in the months of Oc-
tober and November. This induces me to suppose that they
are migratory in some of the more northern parts of Europe,
perhaps in Norway and Sweden. They arrive about the
same time as the Woodcock and other equatorial migrants ;
and generally after stormy weather from the north or north-
east. They moult at a late period, as several of those which
have come into my hands have been in that state as late as
the I Oth of November. In habits, this species greatly re-
sembles the Green Woodpecker. It feeds on the different Food,
insects that are found in the interstices of the bark of trees,
but, according to TEMMINCK, does not strictly confine itself
to them, as it eats also nuts, and seeds of various kinds. It
rarely descends to the ground in search of food, or makes an
attack upon ant-hills, like the former species. In the spring,
and during the breeding season, it very frequently makes
the jarring noise mentioned in the foregoing description ;
and MONTAGU relates that a female bird, which he found
some difficulty in driving from her nest, immediately flew to
the decayed branch of a neighbouring tree, and began that
sound ; which was answered by the male from a distant part
of the wood, who very soon joined her, and both continued
to make these vibrations. The most sonorous branches, or
those in a particular stage of decay, are always chosen for
the purpose. The eggs of this bird, to the number of four Nest, &c.
or five, and of a clear bluish-white, are laid in a deep hole,
in the trunk or large branch of some decaying tree, which it
excavates for itself; and which excavation has in general
two openings, to facilitate the inhabitants' escape in case of
sudden danger. The young, on quitting the nest, and prior
to the first moult, have the crown of the head red, and the
occipital band black, in which state it has, by some writers,
378 INSESSORES. PICUS. WOODPECKER
been mistaken for the Picus Medius, a distinct species, and
not found in England.
PLATE 38. Fig. 2. A male of the natural size.
General Bill bluish-black, about one inch and a quarter long.
Irides purplish-red. Forehead greyish-white. Crown
of the head black. Occiput arterial blood-red. Cheeks
and ear-coverts white. From each corner of the lower
mandible a streak of black passes towards the nape of
the neck, another band of black proceeds from the
middle of this, and passes down the side of the neck ;
the two opposite ones almost meet upon the upper part
of the breast. On each side of the back part of the
neck is a white patch. Back and lesser coverts velvet-
black. Scapulars, and part of the adjoining wing-
coverts, white. Throat, breast and belly white. Quills
black, each web being spotted with white. Tail stiff,
cuneated, the four middle feathers black, the rest with
more or less white, and spotted near the tip with black.
Vent and under tail- coverts aurora-red. Tarsi and toes
blackish-grey. Claws much hooked, and black.
The female bird is without the red occipital band, and in
other respects similar to the male.
WOODPECKER. INSESSORES. PICUS. 379
LESSER-SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
PICUS MINOR, Linn.
PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 3.
Picus minor, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 176. 19 Faun. Suec. No. 102. Gmel. Syst
1. p. 493. sp. 19 "Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 229. sp. 15.
Picus varius minor, Briss. 4. p. 41. 15.
Picus varius tertius, Rail Syn. p. 43. 6 Will. p. 94. t. 21.
Le Petit Epeiche, Buff. Ois. v. 7. p. 62 Id. PL Enl. 598. f. 1. and 2.
Pic Epeichette, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 399.
Grass-pecht, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1039 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 124 Frisch, Vog. t. 37- male and female.
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Br. Zoo\. 1. No. 87. t. 37 Arct. Zool. 2.
p. 278. E Levin's Br. Birds, t. 49 Lath. Syn. 2. p. 566. 14 Id.
Sup. p. 107 Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Sup Wale. Syn. 1. t. 50 Pult.
Cat. Dorset, p. 6 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 120 '-Don, Br. Birds, 2.
t. 36 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 166. t. 34. bad figure of male.
PROVINCIAL Hickwall, Crank Bird.
THIS small species of Woodpecker (also belonging to
SWAINSON'S restricted genus Picus), is less numerous than
the others, and seems to be only partially distributed. I
have met with it in Herefordshire, and it is well known in
the neighbouring counties of Gloucester and Wilts. In the
northern and eastern parts of England it is very rare ; and,
although said by TEMMINCK to resort particularly to forests
of fir-trees, I have not been able to trace it in those dis-
tricts of Scotland where woods of that description abound.
In habits it resembles its congeners, obtaining its food in Food,
the same manner, which consists of the smaller insects. Its
note is also similar but not so loud. It breeds either in the
natural hole of some tree, or in one of its own excavation,
the orifice of which is always correspondent with the small
size of the bird, and the passage is often of some depth.
The eggs arc laid on the rotten wood, without any fabri- Eggs.
cated nest ; they are of a clear pinkish- white, and amount
to five or six.
380 INSESSORES. YUNX.
PLATE 88. Fig. 3. Represents a male bird, in the natural
size.
General Forehead greyish- white. Crown of the head aurora-red.
descrip- Streak over the eye, occiput, and nape of the neck,
black. Cheeks and sides of the neck white. From the
corners of the lower mandible a black streak proceeds
downwards towards the shoulder. Upper part of the
back and lesser wing-coverts glossy black. Middle re-
gion of the back and scapulars white, barred with black.
Quills black, spotted with white. Rump and the four
middle tail-feathers black ; upon the rest, the black de-
creases to the outer feather, which is wholly white, ex-
cept a black spot near the tip. Under parts greyish-
white, with a few dusky spots upon the sides of the
breast. Legs bluish-grey. Bill grey, darker towards
the tip. In the female bird, the crown of the head is
white, in other respects similar to the male.
GENUS YUNX, LINN. WRYNECK.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL short, straight, conical, and depressed; the ridge
rounded. Mandibles of equal length, sharp, and not emar-
ginated. Nostrils basal and lateral, naked, and partly closed
by a membrane. Tongue long, lumbriciform, and armed at
the point with a horny substance. Feet with two toes be-
fore, and two behind ; the anterior ones joined at their base.
Tail consisting of ten soft and flexible feathers. Wings of
mean length, the first feather a little shorter than the second,
which is the longest in the wing.
This genus contains at present three species, and forms a
connecting link between the Cuckoos and Woodpeckers;
having the long flexible tail of the former, and approaching
WRYNECK. INSESSORES. YUNX. 381
to the straight bill and long extensile tongue of the latter.
They are unable, from the want of the stiff deflected tail, to
scale the trunks of trees like the Woodpecker genus, but the
form of their feet gives them the power of supporting them-
selves against the tree, while busied in detaching the insects
from the bark with their tongue. They are often seen upon
the ground in the neighbourhood of ant-hills, the inhabitants
of which form their favourite food.
WRYNECK.
YUNX TORQUILLA, Linn.
PLATE XXXVIII. FIG. 4.
Yunx torquilla, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 172 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 233
Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 423.&IM Syn. p. 44. A. 8 Will. p. 95. t. 22 Briss.
4. p. 4. t. 1. f. 1.
Le Torcol. Buff. Ois. v. 7- p. 84. t. 3 Id. PL Enl. 698.
Torcol ordinaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 403.
Die Wendehals, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1048 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 127 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 1. t. Heft. 9.
Wryneck, Br. Zool. 1. No. 83 Arct. ZooL 2. 267. B Will. (Ang.)
p. 138. t. 22 Lewin's Br. Birds, 2. t. 43. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 248. t. 24
Id. Sup. p. 103. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp 'Wale. Syn. 1. t. 44
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 6 Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 83 Bewick's Br. Birds,
v. 1. 1. Ill Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 143.
PROVINCIAL Long-tongue, Emmet Hunter.
THE Wryneck is a very regular periodical visitant, and Periodical
usually arrives in England a few days before the appearance visitant -
of the Cuckoo. In the southern, eastern, and midland coun-
ties, it is very equally, but not numerously, diffused in the
wooded parts of the country. According to MONTAGU, it is
rare on the western side of England. In the northern
counties, I have traced it as far as Morpeth in Northumber-
land, where a few are seen every year. Its arrival is soon
made known by its peculiar and oft- repeated note, which
rather resembles that of the Kestrel, and other small species
of Hawks. The chief food of the Wryneck consists of ants Food.
382 INSESSORES. YUNX. WRYNECK.
and their larvae ; and we accordingly find that, at the period
of its arrival, the hybernation of these remarkable insects has
yielded to the influence of the vernal sun, and the societies
are busily employed near the surface of their little mounds
in the various duties, so admirably described by HUB EH,
and the authors of the " Introduction to Entomology.''
Its departure is also regulated by the same laws, as it leaves
us when these insects, upon the approach of autumn or cold
weather, again retire to the recesses of their subterraneous
habitations. A very interesting description of this bird is
given in the Ornithological Dictionary *, as the author was
fortunate enough to take a female alive, which he retained in
a cage for some days. It was fed with ants and their eggs,
contained in a quantity of mould ; and these were extracted
with singular velocity and unerring aim by its long extensile
tongue, not being transfixed by the horny appendage, but
retained by the tenaceous gluten, provided by Nature for
that purpose. While feeding, the body remains motionless,
the head alone being turned from side to side. The bill is
seldom used, except to remove the earth, with the view of
reaching the insects ; and, where the earth is hollow, the
tongue is thrust into the crevices, to rouse the ants.
Nest, &c. The Wryneck breeds in the holes of decayed trees, laying
its pure white eggs, to the number of nine or ten, upon the
bare rotten wood. When surprised upon the nest, it uses,
says MONTAGU, a singular action of defence, stretching itself
at full length, and erecting the coronal feathers, it suddenly
rises, making at the same time a short hissing noise. It has
its name from the particular manner in which it turns its head
alternately over the shoulders. In this motion, the black
streak on the dorsal mesial line of the neck gives it a curious
twisted appearance.
According to TEMMINCK, it is found as far north as Swe-
den, is common in the southern and midland provinces of
* Vol. ii. article Wryneck.
INSESSORES. CERTHIAD^E. 383
Europe, but very rare in Holland. It occurs also in Asia,
and in Africa, where probably it takes up its winter resi-
dence.
PLATE 38. Fig. Natural size.
Bill yellowish-brown. Ground colour of the head, back, General
wing-coverts, and rump, yellowish-grey, beautifully
mottled with brown specks, and arrow-shaped black
bars. A list or streak of blackish-brown runs down the
upper mesial line, commencing at the nape of the neck,
and reaching to the lower part of the back. Tail long,
rounded, grey, mottled with brown, and with four black
bars. Wings barred with brownish-black, and wood-
brown. Chin and throat yellowish -white, with trans-
verse black bars. On each side of the breast is a patch
of wood-brown. Breast and belly white, with nume-
rous arrow-shaped black spots. Legs and toes wood-
brown. Irides chestnut-brown.
The female differs in no respect from the male bird.
FAMILY III CERTHIAD^E, FIG.
THE members of this family, nearly allied to the prece-
ding in their general habits of climbing, are separated from
them by the form of the feet, which, instead of having the toes
divided into pairs, have them disposed in the usual manner,
that is, with three toes before and one behind ; their length
and structure, however, (particularly that of the hind toe),
is such, as to render them equally efficient instruments for
scaling perpendicular surfaces, and even with the additional
power of moving in either an upward or downward direction.
This family, besides the genus Certhia (represented by our
native Creeper), contains various others, among which may
be enumerated Dendrocalaptes (HERM.), some species of
which, in the forms of the bill and tail, approach near to
384 INSESSORES. SITTA.
the true Woodpeckers ; Climacter'is (TEMM.), Ticliodromv
(!LL.), Sitta (LiNN.), Xenops (HOFFMAN.), &c. Mr SWAIN-
SON also thinks that the Wrens (genus Troglodytes) strictly
belong to this family, and not to the Syhnada. In this opi-
nion I concur, and have accordingly transferred our Common
Wren to a station in the present group.
GENUS SITTA, LINN. NUTHATCH.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL straight, cylindrical, slightly compressed, subulated,
upper mandible rather longer than the lower one, the tip
acuminated. Tongue short, horny, and armed at the point.
Nostrils basal, and rounded, partly hidden by reflected
bristles. Feet with three toes before, and one behind, the
outer toe being joined at its base to the middle one ; hind
toe of the same length as, or longer than, the middle toe,
with a long and hooked claw. Tail consisting of twelve
feathers. Wings rather short : the first quill very short, the
third and fourth being the longest.
The several species of this genus are climbers, and differ
from the Woodpeckers, in being able to ascend or to descend
the trunks of trees with equal readiness.
They feed upon insects, in every state, and also on nuts
and seeds. They breed in the natural cavities of trees, or
in the deserted holes made by Woodpeckers.
The sexes are similar in plumage, and they are subject to
only one moult in the year. Europe possesses but one spe-
cies.
NUTHATCH. INSESSORES. SITTA. 385
NUTHATCH.
SITTA EUROPMA, Linn.
PLATE XXXIX. FIG. 1.
Sitta europaea, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 177 Fauna Suec. No. 104. Gmel. Syst-
1. p. 440 Lath. Ind/Ornith. v. 1. p. 261. Raii Syn. p. 47. A. 4 Will.
p. 98. t. 23.
Sitta caesia, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 128.
La Sitelle, ou Torchepot, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 460. t. 20 Id. PL Enl. 623.
Sitelle Torchepot, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 407.
Kleiber, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1061 Frisch, Vbg. t. 39.
Nuthatch, Br. Zool. 1. No. 89. t. 38 Will. (Ang.) p. 142 Lewn's Br.
Birds, 2. t. 53 Albin. 2. t. 28. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 648 Id. Supp. p. 117.
Mont. Ornith. Diet BewicVs~Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 121 Pult. Cat. Dor-
set, p. 5 Don, Br Birds, 4. t. 81.
THIS is the only European, as well as British species. In
England it is confined to certain districts ; and, according to
MONTAGU, is not met with in Cornwall. I have not been
able also to trace it farther north than the banks of the Wear
and Tyne. It is an indigenous bird, and generally frequents
wooded and enclosed situations. It runs without greater
difficulty both upwards and downwards on the trunks and
branches of trees, in which respect it differs from the Wood-
peckers, whose ability is limited to an ascending direction.
In the Nuthatch, the tail is flexible, and is therefore never
used as a support in climbing. It feeds upon the insects and Food,
their larvae, that infest the bark of trees, and also upon nuts,
and other hard seeds. Its method of arriving at the kernel
of hazel-nuts or filberts is curious : having detached the nut
from its husk, and afterwards fixed it firmly in a crevice of
the bark of some tree, it places itself above it, with its head
downwards, and in this position splits the nut by reiterated
strokes of its bill. In the autumn, many of these broken nut-
shells may be seen in the open bark of old trees, in places
where these birds abound, as they return repeatedly to the
same spot for this purpose. It breeds in the holes of trees-
VOL. i. B b
386 INSESSORES. SITTA. NUTHATCH-
commonly making use of the deserted habitation of a Wood-
pecker ; and MONTAGU tells us, that its first step is that of
contracting the orifice by a plaster of clay, so as barely to ad-
Nest, &c. mit of a passage for itself. The nest is composed of the dead
leaves of the oak and other trees, put together without much
regularity ; and it lays from five to seven eggs, of a greyish-
white, spotted with reddish-brown colour, and very similar to
those of the great Titmouse. During incubation, the female
sits very close, and it is almost impossible to drive her from
the nest ; she defends it to the last extremity, striking with
her bill and wings, and making at the same time a hissing
noise. In the spring, this bird produces a loud and shrill
whistle ; but the singular noise attributed to it by Dr PLOTT,
in his History of Oxfordshire, has been ascertained to pro-
ceed from the true Woodpeckers. It is found throughout
Europe, and is stationary in all climates.
PLATE 89. Fig. 1. Natural size.
General Upper part blackish-grey. Bill with the upper mandible
descrip- blackish-sreVi and the under one white at the base,
tion. '
Irides brown. From the posterior angle of the bill, a
black streak proceeds, past the eye, and through the ear-
coverts, down the sides of the neck. Chin and sides of
the face white. Breast and belly buff-orange. Sides
and thighs reddish-brown-orange. Under tail-coverts
white, and deeply margined with reddish-brown. Quills
blackish-grey. Tail composed of twelve short flexible
feathers ; the two middle ones grey ; the four outer ones
black, with a white spot or bar ; the tip ash-grey. Legs
yellowish-grey. The hind toe long ; claws hooked, and
large. The female and the young of the year vary but
slightly from the above description.
INSESSORES. CERTHIA. 387
GENUS CERTHIA, ILLIGER. CREEPER.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL of mean length, curved, triangular, compressed,
slender and sharp-pointed. Tongue short. Nostrils basal,
pierced horizontally, naked, and partly covered by an arched
membrane.
Feet with three toes before and one behind, which last
is strong, and longer than the middle toe. The outer toe
united at its base to the middle one. Tail wedge-shaped,
composed of twelve stiff, sharp-pointed, and deflected feathers.
Wings having the first quill short, and the second and third
shorter than the fourth, which is the longest of all.
The genus Certhia, as now formed by ILLTGEK, contains
only such species as exhibit the essential generic characters
above given : the other numerous species, classed by LA-
THAM, GMELIN, and other naturalists in their genus Certhia,
being now separated, and arranged under the genera Csereba,
Nectarinia, Climacteris, &c.
Creepers scale trees in the same manner as Woodpeckers,
and, like them, are supported behind by their stiff deflected
tail. They are insectivorous. The plumage is similar in both
sexes. Europe furnishes but one species.
388 INSESSORES. CERTHJA. CREEPER.
COMMON CREEPER.
CERTHIA FAMILIARIS, Linn.
PLATE XXXIX. FIG. 2.
Certhia familiaris, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 184. 1. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 469. sp. 1
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. 280.
Certhia, Ran Syn. p. 47. A. 5 Will p. 100. t. 23 Briss. p. 603. 1 Id.
8vo. 2. p. 2.
Le Grimpereau, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 581. t, 2L f. 1 Id. PL Enl. 681. f. I
Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 410.
Gemeine Baumlaufer, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 2. p. 1085 Meyer, Tas-
schenb. Deut. v. p. 130 Frisch. Vog. t. 39. f. 1. and 2.
Common Creeper, Br. Zool. 1. No. 92. t. 39 Arct. Zoo\. 2. No. 174.
Lewirfs Br. Birds, 2. t. 55 Alton. 3. t. 25. Lath. Syn. 2. p. 701 Id.
Supp. p. 126 Mont. Ornith. Diet. 1 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p. 125
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 5. Wale. Syn. 1. 54 Shaw's Zool. v. 8. p. 186.
THIS bird, like the preceding one, is the only European
species of its genus. It is indigenous, and very generally
dispersed throughout England, being found wherever trees
grow abundantly. It is common also in Scotland : I have
noticed it in the woods at Blair in Athole, and at Dunkeld.
With the exception of the Golden-crested Regulus, it is the
smallest of our native birds, and weighs scarcely two
drachms. It is an excellent climber, and is constantly in
motion, on the trunks and branches of trees, always in a
perpendicular or spiral ascent, and, like the Woodpeckers,
using its stiff, sharp-pointed, and deflected tail, as an aid for
Food. tnat purpose. It feeds entirely upon small insects, finding
Nest, &c. them in the seams and crevices of the bark. Its nest is
made in some hole of a decayed tree, and is formed of grass,
and the dry inner bark, with a lining of feathers. The eggs
vary in number, from seven to nine, and are white, speckled
with reddish-brown. In the summer, the Creeper may be
frequently heard, repeating its weak and monotonous note,
which differs but slightly from that of the Regulus. Ac-
cording to TEMMINCK, it is common throughout Europe,
though in some parts migratory.
CREEPER. INSESSORES. CERTHIA. 389
PLATE 39. Fig. 2. Natural size.
The upper mandible of the bill dusky, the lower yellowish- General
white. Head and upper parts pale yellowish-brown, in-
termixed with black, brown, and greyish- white. Rump
pale gallstone-yellow. The first four quills dusky, the
rest having a broad reddish- white band in the middle ;
the tips white. Tail yellowish-grey, tinged with brown ;
the feathers long, stiff, and acuminated. Above the eyes
is a whitish streak. Throat, breast, and belly, white,
passing towards the vent into pale ochreous-yellow.
Legs and toes yellowish-brown.
GENUS TROGLODYTES, Cur. WREN.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL slender, slightly compressed, curved, or rarely strait.
Nostrils basal, oval, half-covered by an arched and naked
membrane. Wings short, rounded, having the first quill
very short ; second considerably shorter than the third ;
fourth and fifth of equal length, and the longest in each
wing. Tail short, rather rounded, and carried erect. Legs
strong. Tarsus of the same length as the middle toe ; toes
three before and one behind ; the outer toe joined at its base
to the middle one ; the outer and inner ones of equal length ;
the hind toe long, and armed with a strong hooked claw.
After an attentive consideration of the character and habits
of our Common Wren, as well as those of its American con-
geners, I agree with Mr SWAINSON in the propriety of re-
moving them from the Sylviada, amongst which they have
hitherto been arranged, and placing them as an aberrant
group in the scansorial family of the Certliiada. The plu-
mage of the different species is plain, and mostly confined to
shades of brown. Their form is short and thick. They are
birds of retired habits, and arc usually seen solitary, or in
390 INSESSORES. TROGLODYTES. WREN.
pairs. The Common Wren is the only European species,
but America produces several others
COMMON WREN.
TROGLODYTES EUROPJSUS, Cuv,
PLATE XLVII. FIG. 5.
Troglodytes europaeus, Cuv. Reg. Anim.
Sylvia Troglodytes, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 547. sp. 148.
Motacilla Troglodytes, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 337- 46 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 993.
sp. 46 Raii Syn. p. 80. A. 11 Will. p. 164. t. 42.
Regulus, Briss. 3. p. 425. 24.
Le Troglodyte, Buff. Ois. v. 5. p. 352. t. 16. f. 1. Id. PL Enl. p. 631. f. 2.
Troglodyte ordinaire, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 233.
Zaun-Sanger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut v. 1. p, 215. A.
Wren, Br. Zool. 1. No. 154 Arct. Zool. 2. No. 322 Will (Ang.) p. 229.
t. 42 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 506. 143 Lewin's Br. Birds, 3. t. Ill Mont.
Ornith. Diet Wale. Syn. 2. t. 242 Pult. Cal. Dorset, p, 7 Bewick's
Br. Birds, 2. p. 227.
PROVINCIAL Kitty Wren, Kitty.
THE Wren is indigenous, and is found in all parts of this
kingdom; inhabiting even the Northern Isles of Scotland,
as it is classed by Low, in his " Fauna Orcadensis," as a
constant resident there. Although, like the Redbreast, it
frequently approaches our out-houses and gardens, it is yet
a bird of very retired habits, and is generally seen alone,
except during the immediate pairing season. Its song is
powerful in note, and sweetly varied ; and when uttered (as
is frequently the case) during the gloom of winter, acquires
an additional interest. -This little warbler begins to prepare
Nest, &c. its nest as early as the month of March, of curious structure,
and generally placed under the thatch, or other covering of
out-houses, against the stem of an ivy-clad tree, or in some
cavity under an impending branch, or prominent piece of
rock. It has been observed by an eminent ornithologist,
that the Wren varies from other birds in the construction of
its nest ; not proceeding, as is usually done, by raising the
WREN. INSESSORES. TROGLODYTES. 391
fabric from the base upwards ; but by first tracing the gene-
ral outline of an oval form, against the tree, bank, or other
place it may have selected, firmly fixing it by the upper part,
and back, in its required position. After this it proceeds
gradually to enclose the sides, leaving only a small neatly-
finished aperture near the top. The inside of this mansion
then receives a warm lining of feathers.
It is worthy of remark, that the external materials of the
nest are always admirably adapted in colour to the situation
it is to occupy. Thus, on trees over-run with ivy, the outer
coat is entirely composed of the fresh and greener mosses ;
but on a stump, or rock-grey with lichens and withered grass,
the nest will be found to be built either of those substances,
or of others coinciding in general effect. In this secure de-
pository it lays from six to eight eggs, of a yellowish-white,
speckled, principally at the larger end, with reddish-brown.
The young, if undisturbed, continue to return at roosting-
time to the nest in which they were bred for a considerable
time after they are able to fly, and provide for themselves.
In very severe winters, particularly such as are attended by
great falls of snow, numbers of these birds perish, from the
failure of their appropriate food. Under these circumstances,
they retire for shelter into holes of walls, and to the eaves of
corn and hay stacks ; and I have frequently found the bodies
of several together in old nests, which they had entered for
additional protection and warmth during severe storms.
The food of the Wren consists of various winged insects, Food.
of worms, and of larvae. Its flight is generally very low, and
limited to short distances, and it seems to depend less upon
that for safety, than on the facility with which it can creep
from observation into small holes and crevices.
PLATE 47. Fig. 5. Natural size.
Bill much curved, colour brown. Irides chestnut-brown. General
Head and upper parts of the body pale chestnut-brown, descrip-
inclining towards the tail-coverts to reddish-brown, and
392 INSESSORES. UPUPA.
faintly marked with transverse bars of a deeper shade.
Greater coverts and secondaries barred with blackish-
brown. Greater quills barred with blackish-brown, and
reddish- white. Over the eyes is a pale whitish or wood-
brown streak. Under parts pale wood-brown. Legs
yellowish-brown. Tail short, reddish-brown barred with
blackish-brown, and always carried erect.
The female does not vary from the male bird in colour or
markings.
GENUS UPUPA, LINN. HOOPOE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL long, compressed, slender, subulated, and curved.
Nostrils basal, egg-shaped, and open. Feet with three toes
before, and one behind ; the tarsus short ; the outer toe join-
ed to the middle one as far as the first joint ; hind toe strong.
Claws short, sharp, hooked, and deeply grooved beneath.
Tail composed of ten feathers, square at the end. Wings
long and ample ; having the first quill short ; the third and
sixth nearly equal ; and the fourth and fifth the longest.
This genus contains only two species. The others (inclu-
ded in the genus Upupa of LATHAM, &c. and known by the
name of Promerops), have, as possessing essentially different
generic characters, been formed into a separate genus.
Some other birds also, improperly introduced into this genus,
have been removed, and classed according to the true cha-
racters and affinities they exhibit.
HOOPOE. INSESSORES. UPUPA. 393
HOOPOE.
UPVPA EPOPS, Linn.
PLATE XL. FIG. 2.
Upupa epops, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 183 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 466. Lath. Ind.
Ornith. v. 1. p. 27?. Rail Syn. p. 48. A. 6 Will. p. 100. t. 24 Briss.
2. p. 455. t. 43. f. 1.
La Huppe, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 439. t. 21. Id. PI. Enl. 52 Temm. Man.
d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 415 La Vaill. Ois. de Parad. et Prom. v. 3. pL 22.
Gebauduter Werdehope, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. 114 Frisch. Vog.
t. 43.
Hoopoe, Br. Zool. 1. No. 90. t. 39 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 283. A Will.
(Ang.) p. 145 Albin. 2. t. 42, 43 Edw. t. 345 Lewies Br. Birds,
t. 54 Lath. Syn. 2. p. 687. 1 Id. Supp. p. 122 Mont. Ornith. Diet
Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. 123 Pult. Cat. Dorset, p l. Walc. Syn. 1.
t. 53 Don. Br. Birds, 1. t. 9 Shawls Zool. v. 8. p. 135.
A FEW of these handsome birds generally visit Great Occasional
Britain every year, during their periodical migrations ; and Vlsltant
instances are recorded of their having even bred in this coun-
try. MONTAGU makes mention of a pair that had begun a
nest in Hampshire, but, upon being disturbed, forsook it,
and went elsewhere ; and LATHAM, in the Supplement to his
General Synopsis, adverts to a young Hoopoe, shot in the
month of June.
The specimen in my possession, and from which the figure
in this work is taken, was caught, after some severe weather,
and overcome by fatigue, upon the sea-coast of Northumber-
land, near to Bamburgh Castle. It lived but a few days after
its capture, sickening and dying for want of proper food.
Whilst undisturbed, it carried its beautiful crest in a decum-
bent state, but the feathers were immediately erected upon
the least alarm. This bird is abundantly met with in the
south of Europe, during the summer months, and is also
common in Holland, in the northern parts of Germany, in
Denmark, and as far north as Sweden. In the winter, it
retires to Asia and Africa, where it is also found as a per-
394 INSESSORES. UPUPA. HOOPOE.
manent resident, being known to breed in the towns and
villages of Egypt.
In this latter country, it has been observed, that the wild
or migrating birds of this species never associate with those
which are indigenous (and which inhabit the towns in nu-
merous flocks), but frequent, during their stay, remote and
solitary places. The Hoopoe affects low and moist situa-
tions, in the neighbourhood of woods or thickets, and is
mostly engaged upon the ground in hunting after its food,
Food. viz. insects and worms.* Of the former, those of the coleop-
terous order are its chief favourites. It may sometimes be
seen hanging from the branches of trees, in search of the in-
sects that chiefly dwell on the under sides of the foliage. It
Nest, &c. builds in the holes of decayed trees, but when these situa-
tions cannot be obtained, will make use of the crevices of
walls and rocks. The nest is formed of dry grass, lined
with feathers, or other soft materials ; and it lays four or five
eggs, of a greyish-white, spotted with hair-brown. The nest
becomes very fetid, from the accumulation of remains of the
insects with which it feeds its young, and probably also from
the droppings of the latter.
PLATE 40 Fig. 2. Natural size.
General Bill black, pale flesh-red towards the base. Irides umber-
descnp- brown. Crest composed of two rows of elongated fea-
thers, orange-brown, passing in many specimens into
white adjoining the tip, which is black, and which it
can erect or depress at pleasure. Head, neck, and
breast, of a reddish-grey colour. Upper part of the
back of a very pale broccoli-brown, tinged with grey ;
the lower part black, with a mesial band of white, of
* A specimen shot at Falloden in Northumberland, in October 1832
(and which, upon dissection, proved to be a male), had the stomach, which
is a membranous bag, rilled with the larvae of Tipulce and Phalance ; no
remains of perfect insects, nor any shards of beetles being visible. The
intestines were of considerable diameter, but short.
INSESSORES. CULCULIDJE. 395
ail angular form, stretching from the exterior margin
of each wing. Wings having the greater quills black,
with a bar of white within about an inch of their tips.
The two inner secondaries and tertials barred with
black and white. Tail black, with a large V-shaped
white mesial bar ; abdomen white ; the flanks having a
few longitudinal brown streaks. Legs grey, tinged with
broccoli-brown.
The Female differs in having the crest shorter, and the
tints of her plumage not so bright as those of the Male
bird.
FAMILY IV. CULCULIDJE.
THE Culculidse, which form the fourth family of the Scan-
sorial tribe, is typified by the genus Cuculus, as now re-
stricted, containing only such species as agree in characters
and habits with our well known summer visitant, the Com-
mon Cuckoo. By the earlier writers a great variety of birds,
connected no doubt by direct affinity, but differing in parts
of their organization, as well as in their economy, were all
included under the same generic title Cuculus ; thus forming
an extremely artificial group. The most striking of these
have since been separated, and made the types of new genera ;
but much still remains to be done in tracing out the affinities,
and determining the precise situation in which other aber-
rant species should stand. The following are some of the
genera already established, viz. Coccyzus (VIEILL.), nearly
allied to the true Cuckoos in form of bill and general ap-
pearance, but differing in economy, and confined to the New
World ; Indicator (VIEILL.), containing the Honey-guide,
with a short, strong, depressed bill, and natives of Southern
Africa ; Centropus (!LLIG.), also African, distinguished by
a strong and arched bill, harsh plumage, and the inner hind
toe armed with a long, straight, subulated claw ; Phanico-
396 INSESSORES. CUCULUS.
phaus (ViEiLL.), belonging to the warmer regions of the
ancient continent, with the bill very large and arched, form-
ing the medium by which this family becomes immediately
connected with the Ramphastida, the family with which the
circle of the tribe commences ; Leptosomus (VIEILL.) repre-
sented by Cuculus afer (Auct.). The genus Crotophaga
(LiNN.), also appears to stand upon the confines of the Cu-
culidae, and to connect them with the Musophagid< 9 a fami-
ly, according to Mr SWAIN SON, belonging to the Conirostral
tribe, buf included in the present one by Mr VIGORS " On
the Arrangement of the Genera of Birds."
In Britain we find but one species of the genus Cuculus,
as now restricted, a periodical summer visitant, well known
from its peculiar cry, and as being the harbinger of spring.
GENUS CUCULUS, LINN. CUCKOO.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL rather compressed, slightly curved, of mean length.
Gape wide. Lower mandible following the curve of the up-
per. Nostrils basal, round, margined by a naked and pro-
minent membrane. Wings of mean length, acuminate, the
first quill-feather short, the third being the longest. Tail
more or less wedge-shaped. Feet with two toes before, and
two behind, the outer hind-toe partly reversible ; the anterior
toe joined at the base, those posterior entirely divided. Tarsi
very short, feathered a little below the knee.
The members of this genus are natives of the warmer
regions of the Old Continent. They construct no nest, but
deposit their eggs in the nests of small birds, to whom they
consign the care of hatching and rearing their young. They
are fierce in disposition, and live solitary. The food of the
genus is principally composed of the larvae of the lepidopte-
rous order of insects.
3
CUCKOO. INSESSORES. CUCULUS. 397
COMMON CUKOO.
CUCULUS CANORUS, Linn,
PLATE XXXVII. AND PLATE XLV. FIG. I.
Cuculus cariorus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 168. 1. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 409. sp. 1
Rail Syn. p. 23 Will. p. 6. t. 10. 27 Briss. 4. p. 105. I. Lath. Ind.
Ornith. v. 1. p. 207. 1.
Cuculus hepaticus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 1. p. 215. sp. 25.
Le Caucou gris, Buff. Ois. v. 6. p. 305. Id. PI. Enl. 811.
Le Vaill. Ois. d'Afric. v. 5. pi. 202. and 200 TVwzrw.vMan. d'Ornith. v. 1.
p. 382.
Asch-Grauer order gemeine Kukuk, Bechst. Naturg. Deut, v. 2. p. 1120.
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 110 Frisch. Vog. t. 40.
Cuculus canorus rufus, Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 409. sp. 1. var. B. Lath. Ind.
Ornith. v. 1. p. 208. var. B.
Common Cuckoo, Br. Zool. 1. No. 82. pi. 36 Arct.jZool. 2. p. 266. A.
Lewiu's Br. Birds, t. 42 Haye's Br. Birds, t. 17. 18 Lath. Syn. 2.
p. 509. 1 Id. Supp. p. 98 Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp. Bewick's
Br. Birds, p. 108 Shaw's Zool. v. 9. p. 68.
PROVINCIAL Gowk.
THE Cuckoo makes its appearance with us in the month Periodical
of April, and departs again about the latter part of June, or
the beginning of July. But the young birds are often ob-
served to remain for a much longer period, and I have shot
them as late as in the month of September. The reputed
story of the Cuckoo making no nest of its own, but deposit-
ing its egg in that of some other bird, to be hatched, and the
young one reared by foster-parents, has, within these late
years, been fully substantiated, and found to have its origin
in fact. A very interesting paper on this subject, by Dr
JEXNEU, is given in the Philosophical Transactions for 1788,
to which, and the very apposite and curious observations of
Mr MONTAGU on the economy of this bird, in the Introduc-
tion to his Ornithological Dictionary, I beg to refer my
readers. It appears that the nest of the Hedge-Accentor
(Accentor modularis), is the one most frequently selected by
the Cuckoo in the south of England; sometimes, however,
that of the Yellow-hammer (Embcriza citrmella), the Wag-
S98 JNSESSORES. CUCULUS. CUCKOO.
tail (Motacilla alba), and the Meadow-Pipit (Antlius praten-
sis), answer its purpose.
In Northumberland, constant experience tells me, that the
nest of the last mentioned bird is the one almost always cho-
sen. Taking advantage of the absence of its dupe, during
the time of laying (which generally occupies four or five
days), the Cuckoo deposits its egg among the rest, abandon-
ing it, from that moment, to the care of the foster-parent.
As the same period of incubation is common to both birds,
the eggs are hatched nearly together, which no sooner takes
place, than the young Cuckoo proceeds instinctively to eject
its young companions, and any remaining eggs, from the
nest. To effect this object, it contrives to work itself under
its burden (the back, at this early age, being provided with
a peculiar depression between the shoulders), and shuffling
backwards to the edge of the nest, by a jirk rids itself of the
incumbrance ; and this operation is repeated, till the whole
being thrown over, it remains sole possessor. This particu-
lar tendency prevails for about twelve days, after which the
hollow space between the shoulders is filled up ; and when
prevented from accomplishing its purpose till the expiration
of that time, as if conscious of inability, it suffers its compa-
nions to remain unmolested. The egg of the Cuckoo is very
small in proportion to the size of the bird, which circum-
stance is in close connection with the instinct, that directs it
to choose for its depository the nest of a smaller species. If
it selected that of a larger bird, the offspring that its young
one would have to contend with, being its equal, perhaps its
superior, in size and weight, would consequently frustrate
the design, and the young Cuckoo would perish in the vain
endeavour at the sole possession of the nest. It is an opinion
very commonly entertained, that this bird sucks the other
eggs in the nest, where it deposits its own, but there appears
to be no reason for supposing this to be the case ; the belief
has, without doubt, arisen from the fact of the young Cuc-
koo being so often found sole tenant, after the expulsion of
CUCKOO. INSESSORES. CUCULUS. 399
its copartners. It has been suggested by MONTAGU, and I
should think, with great probability, that the Cuckoo may
possess the power of retaining its egg in the oviduct at plea-
sure, otherwise it would be difficult to account for some phe-
nomena connected with its history.
The continuation of the species appears to require such a
provision to have been granted, for, as he observes, if the
Cuckoo was obliged, like other birds, to lay its eggs, five or
six in number, successively day after day, it is hardly pro-
bable it should find (within that time) sufficient nests in the
exact state to receive them ; much less, if it laid a greater
number of eggs, as has been suggested. The rare occurrence
of the Cuckoo's egg being found, gives additional strength to
this supposition, for although the old birds may be seen in
abundance, such a discovery has seldom been made.
Naturalists have been puzzled to account for this bird
not performing the office of incubation, but as their re-
searches have principally been directed to the anatomical
structure, in which point it does not essentially differ from
many others that perform this office, we arrive by these
means at nothing satisfactory. The above peculiarity of this
remarkable genus must not probably be looked for in any
principle of conformation, but must be explained from their
habits and economy.
Let it be remembered these birds are migratory, and that
the period during which the adults remain with us, is very
short ; but the propagation of the species must be effected
during that period. Now, as their arrival does not take
place before the month of April, and the egg is seldom ready
for incubation before the middle of May, there would not be
a sufficient length of time for the young to be hatched, or
(making every allowance,) sufficiently fledged to accompany
the old birds at the period of their departure, which seldom
or never extends beyond the first week in July.
The egg requires a fortnight's incubation, and the young
400 INSESSORES. CUCULUS. CUCKOO.
are not able to fly in less than five or six weeks, which facts
have been ascertained from repeated observation.
From what has been above written, it will be evident that
I do not lean to the opinion of those who think that the
Cuckoo remains in this country during the winter, in a state
of torpidity, concealed in the hollows of trees, or in the thick-
est parts of furze-bushes. One or two instances of such an
occurrence are not sufficient authority upon which to build
a general assertion, with respect to the species ; and I should
conceive that those denuded Cuckoos mentioned by WIL-
LOUGHBY and BEWICK as thus discovered, must have been
young birds of late hatchings, not sufficiently strong to leave
this country even at the latest period of migration. Attempts
to rear the Cuckoo have often been made, but hitherto un-
successfully, as it never reaches to the succeeding spring *.
I have not been able to keep them alive beyond the month
of February, although supplied with abundance of natural
food ; and it is scarcely necessary to add, that they never
shewed any signs of torpidity, nor any wish to hybernate.
The natural food of the Cuckoo consists of insects, particu-
larly the hairy larvae of same of the lepidopterous order :
one of these it first kills, by passing it through the sharp
tomia, or edges of its mandibles, it then adroitly cuts off
the hinder end, and, by repeated jerks, frees the caterpillar
of the intestinal canal, after which it swallows it whole. The
well-known notes of the Cuckoo are confined to the male,
the female making only a chattering noise. It is a bold and
fierce bird, and when handled, even at an early age, ruffles
its feathers, and defends itself with eagerness.
PLATE 37. Figure of the natural size.
General Bi}} blackish-brown, yellowish at the base. The corners
tion. of the mouth, and the rim round the eyes, orange.
Irides gamboge-yellow. Gape orange-red. Head, neck,
* I have since learnt that the Cuckoo has been kept over winter, and at-
tained maturity in confinement.
CUCKOO. INSESSORES. CUCULUS. 401
breast, and upper parts, deep bluish- grey, darkest upon
the wing- coverts. The whole of the belly, thighs,
and under tail-coverts white, with transverse black bars.
Inner webs of the quill-feathers with oval white spots.
Tail black, with a few small white oblong spots along
the shafts of the feathers, the tips white. Legs lemon-
yellow, the outer hind-toe being reversible. The female
differs in no respect from the male.
PLATE 43. Fig. 1. Represents a young Cuckoo, as receiving
food from its foster-parent, a Meadow-pipit.
The upper parts of the plumage are of a deep clove-r^rown General
colour, tinged with grey, margined and spotted with t^n" 1
reddish-brown. Feathers upon the forehead margined Young
with white, and on the hind part of the head is a patch
of white. The oval spots on the inner-webs of the
quills reddish-brown. Throat and under parts yellow-
ish-white, with transverse black bars. Irides liver-
brown. Legs and toes primrose-yellow.
The young females have more of the reddish-brown dis-
posed over their plumage, and have little or no appear-
ance of the white patch upon the forehead and hind part
of the head. In this plumage, and till after the second
moult, they answer to Cuculus hepaticus.
VOL. I. C C
(402 )
ORDER III
RASORES. ILLIG.
As no members of the fifth or Tenuirostrdl Tribe of the
Insessores are found in Britain, we are next led to the Ra-
sores of ILLIGER, forming the Third Order of the Class
Aves, which order, in addition to the Gallinaceous birds
(Gallince of former authors), embraces the Columbae. kind,
and the Struthiones ; this last group containing some of the
largest species of the feathered race, as the Ostrich, Casso-
wary, &c. As those orders whose members exhibit a struc-
ture the most generally perfect, that is, adapted for the most
extensive sphere of action, are considered the typical repre-
sentatives of this class, the one now under consideration ha-
ving its members generally deficient both in the power of
flight and in the faculty of grasping with the feet, and ex-
hibiting a corresponding weakness in particular parts of their
anatomy, forms what is called the Aberrant Division of the
Class. It is not, however, to be inferred that the structure
of these last birds, so far as it is calculated to promote their
peculiar economy, is less perfect than that of the typical or-
ders ; for, although deprived, by the shortness of their wings,
of that extensive power of flight possessed by the Raptores
and Insessores^ and unable, from the formation of their feet,
to perch with the same firmness and security, these disad-
vantages are admirably counterbalanced by the peculiar and
powerful structure of such parts as are most necessary to
their welfare in the station they hold. Thus we find, in the
groups of this order, whose security principally depends up-
on the swiftness and continuance of their running, that the
limbs are fully developed, and furnished with muscles of ex-
traordinary power, and the feet constructed upon a plan
11 A SORES. 403
Widely different from what we behold t in the former orders ;
the toes being short, and strengthened by a membrane con-
necting them at the base ; with the hind toe either entirely
wanting, or but imperfectly developed. Where this latter
does exist, it is not articulated upon the same plane as the
other toes (as we have seen it in the former orders), but up-
on the tarsus, at a height greater or less, according to the
cursorial powers of the species.
The five prominent divisions or families, which seem to
compose the circle of this order, are the Columbidce, Phasia-
nidte, Tetraomdce, Struthwmdce, and Cracidce, all (except
the fourth and fifth) connected together by a beautiful chain
of affinities. By the Columbidae, whose feet, in some of its
component groups, approach nearest in structure to those of
the preceding orders (but whose anatomy and general habits
class them among the typical Rasores), the necessary con-
nection is sustained with the Insessores. This conformation
of the feet, however, we see decrease as the species approach
gradually nearer in form and habits to the true gallinaceous
birds, exemplified in the Great-crowned Pigeon (Lopliyrus),
the Nicobar Pigeon, &c. The near connection of the Phasiani-
dae (or perhaps, as it ought to be called, the Pavonidce) with
the Tetraonidse, is too apparent to require comment. The
passage from the latter family to the Struthionidae seems to be
effected through the genus Tinamus, and other nearly allied
birds ; where the feet are tridactyle, and the bill approaches
very closely in form to that of the American Rhea, a bird
almost equalling the Ostrich in size, and, like it, deprived of
the power of flight. The immediate bond of union between
the Struthious birds and the Cracidse is not at present so
apparent, requiring the intervention of some connecting
form (perhaps the Didus, or Dodo, now supposed to be ex-
tinct) ; but the affinity of the latter group to the Columbidae,
with which the circle commenced, is shewn in the structure
of the feet, and in other particulars of form, as well as in
habits, of certain species of the genera Penelope, Ortaluia,
c c2
404 RASORES. COLUMBID^.
&c. Of the fifth family of the present order (Cracidne) we
have no examples in Europe.
FAMILY I, COLUMBIDJE, LEACH.
THE birds of this family (which forms the first of the Ra-
sorial Order), were arranged by the earlier systematists al-
ternately among the Passerine and Gallinaceous birds ; or
even as an order separate from both, and holding as it were
an intermediate station. A close investigation, however, of
their anatomy, both external and internal, of their habits
and food, evidently proves that their affinity to the Gallina-
ceous or typical Rasores is much stronger than that which
connects them with the Insessores, though the latter is suffi-
ciently strong to support the required connection between
the two. By former writers, the various birds contained in
this family were arranged under one genus (Columba), not-
withstanding the difference of character and form exhibited
by many groups, particularly apparent in such as approach
nearest to the Gallinaceous families. Others, after the ex-
ample of TEMMINCK, have adopted a sectional division ; but
I prefer the plan of distinct genera, as countenanced by se-
veral eminent ornithologists of our day. In addition to the
genus Columba, as now restricted (of which Columba Mnas
maybe regarded as the type), the present family contains
the genus Vinago (Cuv.), in which the bill is much thicker
and stronger, and the feet better adapted for perching ;
Ptilonopus ( SWAINS.) ; and Lophyrus (ViEiLL.), in which
genus the wings become concave, short, and rounded, the
tarsi lengthened, and the whole form more assimilated to the
birds of the next family. The food of the Columbida? con-
sists of grain and seeds, as well as the fruit, or mast, of cer-
tain trees and shrubs. Some of the species build their nests
in trees, and lay but two eggs (incubated by both sexes al-
ternately), and the young are there reared till able to fly.
RASORES. COLUMBA. 405
Others, which approximate nearer to the typical groups (as
the Nicobar and Carunculated Pigeons), breed upon the
ground, laying several eggs, and the young, when hatched,
are covered with down, and follow their mothers like Chick-
ens, or young Partridges. In Britain, we only possess ex-
amples of the genus Columba, as now restricted.
GENUS COLUMBA, LINN. DOVE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL of mean strength, strait at the base ; with the tip or
horny point compressed and deflected. Base of the upper
mandible covered with a soft protuberant cartilaginous sub-
stance, in which the nostrils are lodged towards the middle
of the bill, forming a longitudinal cleft. Feet with three
toes before, entirely divided, and with one hind toe, articu-
lated on the heel. Claws short, and strong ; blunt. Wings
of mean length, and acuminate ; the first quill rather shorter
than the second, which is the longest.
The observations made upon the family are equally appli-
cable to the genus, and to the particular species found in
Britain, all of which belong to that section styled by TEM-
MIKCK* and CUVIER " Colombes, ou Pigeons Ordinaires."*
The moult of the four European species is simple, and the
plumage of both sexes nearly similar. It is from this genus,
and from a particular species (Columba livid) that our com-
mon dove-cot pigeon has sprung ; as well as the other nume-
rous varieties so highly cultivated and prized by pigeon-
fanciers.
* See Mons. TEMMINCK'S splendid work, entitled, " Histoire Natu-
relle generale des Pigeons et Gallinacees."
406 RASORES. COLUMBA. RING-DOVE.
RING-DOVE OR CUSHAT.
COLUMBA PALUMBUS, Linn.
PLATE LVL FIG. 1.
Columba Palumbus, Linn. 1. p. 282. sp. 19 Faun. Suec. No. 208 Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 796. sp. 19 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 601. sp. 32 Briss. 1.
p. 89. 6.
Palumbus torquatus. Ran Syn. p. 62. A. 9 Will. p. 135. t. 35.
Le Pigeon Ramier, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 531. t. 24 Id. PL Enl. 316 Temm.
Pig. et Gall. v. 1. p. 78 Id. foL pi. 2.
Colombe Ramier, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 444.
Ringel Taube, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 949 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 286 Frisch, Vog. t. 138.
Ring Duif, Sepp. Neperl. Vog. v. 1. t. p. 9.
Ring Pigeon, Br. Zool. 1. No. 102 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 329. B Will.
(Angl.) p. 185. t. 35 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 635. 29 Id. Supp. p. 198
Lewin's~Br. Birds, 4. t. 129 Albin. ll.t. 46. Putt. Cat. Dorset, p. 7
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 187.
Ring Dove, Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. 1. p. 270.
PROVINCIAL Quest, Wood Pigeon, Cushat.
THE Ring-Dove is the largest of the European species. It
is indigenous with us, and is met with in all wooded and en-
closed parts of the kingdom, and is not anywhere migratory,
as has been supposed and asserted by some of our naturalists.
It is amongst the earliest breeders of our native birds, usual-
ly pairing, and uttering its cooing notes, towards the latter
part of February, at which time it also commences a peculiar
flight, by rising and falling in the air, and, when at its great-
est elevation, bringing the upper surfaces of its wings so for-
cibly into contact as to be heard at a considerable distance.
This mode of flight is confined to the male bird.
The Cushat usually produces two or three broods in the
course of the year, but never more than two young birds at
the same hatching.
Nest, &c. The nest is wide and shallow formed of small twigs loosely
put together, and placed in an upper fork, or amidst the
close branches of some moderately tall tree, those of the fir
tribe being chiefly preferred ; and the ivy encircling them,
RING-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 407
or creeping over the face of rocks, is not unfrequently select-
ed for its site. The eggs, two in number, are of an oval
form, and white. Both sexes sit alternately upon them, and
the young are fed from the macerated contents of the pa-
rent's craw. In winter these birds assemble in very numerous
flocks, resorting, during open weather, to the stubble-lands ;
at which time their flesh is excellent, strongly resembling,
and being little inferior to, that of the Grouse (Tetrao Sco-
ticus) for the table.
As severe weather advances, and the ground becomes co-
vered with snow, they are obliged to subsist on the tops of
turnip, rape, and other cruciform plants of the same family,
as well as on holly berries ; which diet soon renders their
flesh strong and unpalatable. At this season^they roost to-
gether in large woods, preferring those which abound in fir,
or lofty ash trees, the stiff branches of which offer both a
firm and horizontal perch during the hours of repose.
The Cushat feeds upon all kinds of grain, and is particu- Food.
larly fond of pease and the other leguminous plants. In the
south of England, where beech-mast and acorns are abun-
dant, these form its principal support during the autumn,
and, from the weak texture of its bill, it is compelled to swal-
low them whole.
Many attempts have been made to domesticate this species,
but without success*; for, although they may be rendered
very tame when in confinement, they will not breed either by
themselves, or with the Common Pigeon ; and, upon being
set at liberty, immediately betake themselves to their natural
haunts, and return no more.
The species is found throughout the greatest portion of
Europe, but more abundantly in the southern parts, where it
is sedentary. In the northern regions they are commonly
migratory birds.
* See MONTAGU'S dflfcripUoo of this bird in the lh>i volume <:f the
Ornithological Diet ionar y.
408 RASORES. COLUMBA. RING-DOVE.
PLATE 56. Fig. 1. Natural size.
General ^^ oran g e 5 tne basal or soft part covered with a white
descrip- mealy substance. Head, cheeks, neck, and lower parts
of the back bluish-grey. Upper part of the back and
wing-coverts deep bluish-grey. Quills blackish-grey,
margined with white. On the side of the neck is a
patch of white. Breast and belly brownish-purple-red,
with glossy green reflections. Thighs and under tail-
coverts bluish-grey. Legs and toes pale purplish-red.
Irides yellowish-white.
STOCK-DOVE.
COLUMBA JEN AS, Linn.
PLATE LVL* FIG. 1.
Columba ./Enas, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 279. 1. B Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 769. sp. 1
Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 589. sp. l.Briss. Orn. v. 1. sp. 6 Rail Syn .
p. 62. A. 10. Will. p. 136. t. 35.
Colombe colombin, Temm. Pig. et Gall. v. 1. p. 118 Id. edit. fol. pi. 11.
Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 445.
Holtz Taube, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 957 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 287,Frisch, Vog. t. 139.
Derbosh Duif, Sepp. Vog. v. 5. t. p. 407-
Stock- Pigeon, Br. Zool. 2. App Arct. Zool. 2. p. 329. A Witt. (Angl.)
p. 185 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 604. 1 Id. Supp. p. 197.
FEW of our writers, when describing the Columba JEnas,
seem to have been aware of the specific distinction that exists
between it and the Columba livia of BRISSON (Rock-Dove),
but have mixed up the history and individuality of both,
considering them either as the same bird, or, perhaps, as
mere varieties of the same species. MONTAGU'S description,
in the Ornithological Dictionary (under the article c Rock-
Dove'), refers only to the Columbia livia, although the Latin
synonyms of the other species are attached to it ; and it does
not appear that the true Columba ^Enas ever came under his
observation.
The present species is indigenous to this country, but
STOCK-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 409
limited to certain districts. It is common in Hertfordshire,
and some of the midland counties, but I have not been able
to trace it into any of the northern parts of the island, nor
does it appear to be bred in those counties farther to the
south or west ; although I am inclined to believe, that the
vast flocks mentioned by PENNANT and MONTAGU, as fre-
quenting the beech- woods during the winter, must have been
of this species ; probably visitants, or in a course of migra-
tion from some of the northern provinces of Europe. In its
habits this bird resembles the Ring-Dove, and is a constant
inhabitant of woods, breeding in the hollows of old and pol- Nest, &c.
lard trees. The eggs are white, similar in size and shape to
those of the Common Pigeon. This species has erroneously
been considered the original of our tame pigeons, the suc-
ceeding one (the Rock-Dove) being, without doubt, the true
parent stock ; many of our varieties still retaining the dis-
tinctive marks of that species, in the white rump, and the
double black band or bar across the closed wings.
In winter, Stock- Doves assemble in large flocks, which are
sometimes found associated with the Ring-Dove.
Like the latter, they feed upon all grain and seeds, and Food.
for their winter's supply have recourse to the same diet.
They are very abundant in the southern parts of Europe ;
but always found to inhabit woods in the interior of each
country. In Germany, and in some parts of France, they
are regularly migratory. They occur also in Africa, but do
not extend to the southward of the Tropic.
PLATE 56.* Fig. 1 . Natural size.
Head and throat deep bluish-grey. Sides of the neck General
glossed with different shades of green and purple ; the tion. np ~
feathers shorter, more distinct, and stifFer than those of
the Rock- Dove. Lower parts of the neck and breast
pale lavender-purple. Belly, thighs, and under tail-
coverts bluish-grey, with a slight purplish tinge. Back
deep bluish-grey. Wing-coverts paler, and some of the
410 RASORES. COLUMBA. ROCK-DOVE.
greater ones spotted and barred with black, but not
forming any defined bar, as in the above-mentioned spe-
cies. Quills blackish-grey; the outer webs, near the
base of the feathers, passing into bluish-grey. Lower
part of the back and tail-coverts bluish-grey. Tail
bluish-grey, with a broad black bar at the end ; and
having the outermost feather margined with white.
Wings, when closed, reaching to about half the length
of the tail. Irides brownish-red. Legs and toes bright
cochineal-red.
The female scarcely differs from the male bird, except
that the iridescent reflections upon the neck are not so
bright.
ROCK-DOVE,
COLUMBA LIVIA, Linn.
PLATE LVI. FIG. 2.
Columba livia, Briss. Ornith. v. 1. p. 82. sp. 3 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2.
p. 590. sp. 2. var. B.
Colombe Biset, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 498 Id. PL Enl. 510 Temm. Pig. et
GalL v. 1. p. 125 Id. edit. fol. pi. 12 Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 446.
Haustaube, Secfut. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 971 Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut.
v. 1. p. 288.
Biset, and White-rumped Pigeon, Lath. Syn, 4. p. 605. 2. A.
Rock Dove, Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup.
The Wild Pigeon, Bewick, 1. p. t. 26?.
The Common Pigeon, or Wild Dove, Low's Faun. Oread, p. 52.
PROVIN ci AL Rockier.
ALTHOUGH this species seems to have fallen frequently
under the notice of our ornithologists (as may be gathered
from their descriptions, and the localities they have given to
it), yet it has evidently always been attended by the original
supposition of this and the preceding species being- identical.
In form and size they very nearly agree; the Rock-Dove
being, perhaps, rather more slender. The predominant
shades of each are also much the same; the principal varia-
ROCK-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 411
tions consisting in the colour of the rump, which, in the
Columba ^Enas, is invariably bluish-grey, but in the present
species generally white ; in the two distinct bands or bars
crossing the wings of the latter bird ; and in the colour of
the breast and belly, which, in the former, is more of a
purplish-red. The dissimilarity of their habits, however,
marks even more strongly the specific difference between
them, than the proofs drawn from the plumage, since (as I
have already mentioned the Stock-Dove to be a constant in-
habitant of woods, and to frequent the interior of the coun-
try), the species now under consideration is, in its wild state,
always met with inhabiting rocky places, and those princi-
pally on the sea-coast. In Britain, it is found in various
cliffs along the wide extent of our shores, of which I may
here mention those of Caldy Island, in South Wales ;* and
is also a never-failing resident in the wild precipices of the
Orkneys, breeding in the caves, which are there numerous,
and of large dimensions ; and where, according to Low, it
retires to the inmost recesses, beyond the situations chosen
for incubation by the Auks, Gulls, and other aquatic fowls.
It is very numerous in the rocky islands of the Mediter-
ranean, where it also lives and breeds in caverns on the shore;
and is equally abundant in the north of Africa, especially in
the Island of Teneriffe, where it is met with in incredible
numbers.
With us, and indeed throughout Europe, it is better
known as in a state of voluntary subjection, inhabiting build-
ings made purposely for its reception, or betaking itself to
ruinous edifices, church towers, &c. It is from this species
that most of our curious varieties of Pigeon have arisen ; for
some later ones may have been derived from crosses with
other species. Of these various kinds, LATHAM enumerates
* It also inhabits the caves in the cliff at St Abb's Head, on the Ber-
wickshire coast, in considerable numbers , as well as those in the Isle of
Bass, in the Frith of Forth.
412 RASORES. COLUMBA. ROCK DOVE.
upwards of twenty,* all of which are highly prized by con-
Eggs, noisseurs. The Rock-Dove lays two white eggs, of an oval
form, and breeds twice or thrice in the year ; but probably
Food, oftener in its tame state. It feeds upon all sorts of grain
and seeds, and, according to MONTAGU, is very fond of the
different Limaces, particularly of that which inhabits the
Helix virgata.
PLATE 56.* Fig. 2. Natural size.
ctescrY 3 ! Bil1 blackish -brown. Irides pale reddish-orange. Head
tion. and throat deep bluish-grey. Sides of the neck, and
upper part of the breast, dark lavender-purple, glossed
with shades of green and of purple-red. Lower part of
the breast and belly blue-grey. Upper part of the back
and wing-coverts pale pearl-grey. Greater coverts and
secondaries barred with black, and forming two broad
and distinct bands across the closed wings. Lower part
of the back white. Rump and tail-coverts bluish-grey
Quills grey at the base, but passing into bluish-grey to-
wards their tips. Tail deep bluish-grey, with a broad
black bar at the end. Legs pale purplish-red. Wings,
when closed, reaching to within half an inch of the end
of the tail.
* Via. The Biset Pigeon, and the Rock, Roman, Rough-footed, Crested,
Norway, Barbary, Jacobine, Laced, Turbit, Broad-tailed and Narrow-tailed
Shaker, Tumbler, Helmet, Persian, Carrier, Pouter, Horseman, Smiter,
Turner, and Spot Pigeons.
TURTLE-DOVE. RASORES. COLUMBA. 413
TURTLE DOVE.
COLUMBA TURTUR, Linn.
PLATE LVI. FIG. 2.
Columba Turtur, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 284. sp. 32 Gmel Syst. 1. p. 786. sp. 32-
Lath. Ind.Ornith. v. 2. p. 605. sp. 47 Rail Syn. p. 61. A. 2 Will.
p. 134. t. 35 Briss. 1. p. 92. 7.
Turtur auritus, Rail Syn. p. 184. t. 26.
La Tourterelle, Buff, Ois. v. 2. p. 545. t. 25 Id. PL Enl. 394 7Vw,m.
Pig. et Gall. v. 1. p. 305 Id. edit. fol. pL 42 Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2.
p. 448.
Turtel Taube, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1076. Meyer -, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 289. Frisch, Vog. t. 140.
Tortel Duif, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. v. i. t. p. 11.
Common Turtle, Br. Zool. No. 103. t. 45 Albin, 2. t. 47. & 48, Will.
(Angl.) p. 183. t. 35 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 644. 40. var. A, B, C, D Id.
Supp. p. 199. Hayeks Br. Birds, [t. 14 Lewies Br. Birds, 4. t. 130
Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 7 Wale. Syn. 2. t 188.
Turtle Dove, Mont. Ornith. Diet Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. t. 272.
THIS delicate bird is only a visitant of this country during periodical
the summer, arriving on our shores about the latter part of vlsltant -
April, or the beginning of May, and departing, after incu-
bation, as early as in the commencement of September. Its
distribution here is even limited to two or three of the south-
ern, and some of the midland counties. It is found most
plentifully in Kent, where it breeds in the thickest woods ;
and is sometimes seen in flocks of twenty or more, frequent-
ing the pea-fields as soon as the produce begins to ripen.
MONTAGU states that it is found, though rarely, as far to
the westward as Devonshire. I have never met with it in
the northern counties as a summer resident, but a few indi-
viduals have been killed in Northumberland in the autumn,
which were in all probability driven out of the course of
their equatorial migrations from some of the northern pro-
vinces of Europe. The specimen that furnished the present
drawing was killed upon the coast near to North Sunderland,
in the above mentioned county, in the autumn 1818, and is
now in my collection. BEWICK mentions a flock seen at
414 RASORES. COLUMBA. TURTLE-DOVE.
Prestwick Car, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the autumn
of 1794, and describes one of them that was shot, which ap-
pears to have been a bird of that year, as it wanted the black
Nest, &c. patch on the side of the neck. The Turtle-Dove builds in
the closest woods, forming a shallow nest of small twigs, and
laying two eggs (as is the case with the whole of this genus),
of an oval shape, white, and almost half the size of those of
the Common Pigeon.
It is found through all the temperate parts of Europe ;
but does not extend within the Arctic Circle. It is sedentary
in some few of the southern provinces, but in most of them
periodically migratory.
Food. It feeds upon all sorts of grain and seeds. Its cooing notes
are particularly plaintive, and are very frequently repeated
during the months of spring and summer.
PLATE 56. Fig. 2. Natural size.
General Head, neck, breast, and back, light wood-brown, tinged
tion." 1 w ^ tn pearl-grey. On each side of the neck is a patch
of black feathers, margined with white. Scapulars and
wing-coverts black, passing into bluish-grey, and deep-
ly edged with buff orange, inclining to orpiment-orange.
Greater quills brownish-black ; secondaries bluish-grey.
Belly and under tail- coverts white. Two middle tail-
feathers clove-brown ; the rest with their tips white ; as
is also the exterior web of the outermost feather. Irides
reddish-orange. The naked space behind the eyes and
ears pale purplish-red.
The wing-coverts of the female are not margined with so
bright a colour as those of the male bird ; and her head
is of a deeper wood-brown.
RASORKS. PHASJAMDJE. 415
FAMILY II. PHASIANHXE. VIGORS.
THE members of this natural and well-marked family are
birds of a bulky and heavy form ; their bodies abounding in
muscular fibre, remarkable for its sweetness and excellent
quality as food. Their short and concave wings, as well as
other peculiarities of anatomical structure, render them unfit
for distant or long-continued flight ; but their strong limbs
are perfectly adapted for speed, or continued exertion on foot.
Their principal food consists of grain and seeds ; but, in ad-
dition to these, some few eat roots, berries, or the buds of
trees ; and most of them devour insects. In the whole fa-
mily the food undergoes maceration in the craw, previous to
its entering the stomach or gizzard, which is, in this and the
succeeding family, a receptacle possessing great muscular
grinding power. Some members of the different genera that
this group comprises, are polygamous ; others pair regularly
every year. Their nest is placed on the ground, amidst the
herbage, and formed without much art. Their eggs are nu-
merous, and the young, when first excluded, are covered
with a soft down, and are immediately able to follow their
parents, and to feed themselves. They scratch the earth
with their feet in search of food ; and are all addicted to the
peculiar habit of rolling in dust, and working it into their
feathers.
It is from this family that we have obtained our highly-
prized domestic poultry, and all its varieties, together with
the Peacock and Turkey ; but we only possess one member
in a natural or wild state, viz. the Common Pheasant (Pha-
slanus colchicus.)
416 RASORES. PHASIANUS.
GENUS PHASIANUS, LINN. PHEASANT.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL of mean length, strong ; upper mandible convex,
naked at the base, and with the tip bent downwards. Nos-
trils basal and lateral, covered with a cartilaginous scale.
Cheeks and region of the eyes destitute of feathers, and co-
vered with a verrucose red skin. Wings short, the first
quills equally narrowed towards their tips ; the fourth and
fifth the longest. Tail long ; remarkably wedge-shaped ;
and composed of eighteen feathers. Feet having the three
anterior toes united by a membrane as far as the first joint,
and the hind toe articulated upon the tarsus, which, in the
male birds, is furnished with a horny, cone-shaped, sharp
spur.
The only wild European species of this genus, although
originally a native of Asia, has for so many years been na-
turalized in this quarter of the globe, as to entitle it to hold
a station in its Fauna ; and the same apology may be offered
for its introduction into the Ornithology of the British Islands.
The sexes of this genus differ greatly in plumage ; but in
all the moult is ordinary and simple. The males are distin-
guished by the brilliancy of their plumage, and by various
accessory ornaments ; the other sex is clothed in fainter and
more sombre hues. They are polygamous. The female
makes an artless nest upon the ground, amongst the herbage,
and lays a great number of eggs. The flesh of these birds
is white, delicate, and highly esteemed.
PHKASAXT. RASORES. PH A SI ANUS. 4.17
COMMON PHEASANT.
PHASIANUS COLCIIICUS, Linn.
PLATE I, VI I.
Phasiamis colchicus, Linn. Syst. I. p. 270. 3 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 741. JBriss.
1. p. 262. 1 Raii Syn. p.' 50. A. 1 Will. p. 117. t. 28.
Le Faisan vulgaire, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 328. Id. PL Enl. 121. and 122
Temm. Pig. et Gall. v. 1. p. 289 Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 453.
Dergemeine Fasan, Bechst. Naturg. Dent. v. 3. p. 11 CO Meyer, Tasschenb.
v. 1. p. 2f)l Frisch. Vog. t. 123.
Common Pheasant, Albin, 1. t. 25, 2fi Will. (Angl.) p. IG3. t. 28 Lath.
Syn. 4. p. 712. 4 Hayeks Br. Birds, t. 20 Lewies Br. Birds. 3. t. 31.
Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Id. Supp. Wale. Syn. 2. t. 178 Pult. Cat.
Dorset, p. 7 Don, Br. Birds, v. 5. t. 101 Bewick's Br. Birds, v. 1. p.
t. 282, ring-necked var.
ALTHOUGH the Pheasant has been for such a length of time
a naturalised inhabitant of this country, the cause of its pre-
servation must be referred, not so much to the wildness of
its nature, as to the care and expense bestowed to that end
by noblemen, and other considerable landed proprietors,
without which the breed would, in all probability, have been
long since extinct. Independent of the beauty of its plu-
mage as an object of idle acquisition, the high estimation it
bears at the tables of the wealthy and luxurious proves too
tempting an inducement for the poacher, whose facilities of
capture are greatly increased by the peculiar habits of the
species.
Thick underwood, abounding in brambles and long grass,
is the favourite resort of the Pheasant, and here it lies coiv-
cealed during the day, its times for feeding in the adjoining
fields being at the dawning, and at sunset. In its progress
to the feeding-ground it always runs, and, on this account,
is very easily taken by wire- snares set in the narrow paths
that it makes through the long grass, and which it constant-
ly frequents. Its habit of roosting upon trees is, however,
still more fatal to this bird, siiuv, from being an object of
VOL. i. D d
418 RASORES. PHASIANUS. PHEASANT,
considerable size, readily to be distinguished also by its long
tail, and at the same time not easily frightened from its perch,
it offers a sure mark during moonlight nights to the gun of
the poacher ; and it is chiefly from this mode of destruction
that such incredible numbers are sent to the London market,
in defiance to all the severe enactments of the Game Laws.
The roosting-place of the male bird is very easy of observa-
tion, for he almost invariably chuckles when first he trees, or
goes to perch ; and the female usually utters a faint chirp on
the same occasion. During summer and the period of moult-
ing. I have remarked that the Pheasant rarely perches, but
retires for the night to the longest grass, and other thick co-
ver, and does not begin to mount again until towards the end
of September or the beginning of October, having at that pe-
riod renewed its plumage. Where Pheasants are numerous,
the males are in general found associated during the winter,
and separate from the females ; and it is not until about the
end of March that they allow the approach of the latter with-
out exhibiting signs of displeasure, or at least of indifference.
At the above-mentioned time, the male bird assumes an al-
tered appearance ; the scarlet of his cheeks, and around his
eyes, acquires additional depth of colour, and he walks with
a more measured step, with his wings let down, and with his
tail carried in a more erect position.
Being polygamous, he now takes possession of a certain
beat, from whence he drives every male intruder, and com-
mences his crowing, attended with a peculiar clapping of the
wings, and which answers as the note of invitation to the
other sex, as well as of defiance to his own.
Nest, &c. The female makes a very inartificial nest upon the ground
in long grass, or thick underwood, and not unfrequently in
fields of clover, and lays from ten to fourteen eggs, of a clear
oil-green colour. The young are excluded during the
months of June and July, and continue with the hen till
they begin to moult, and to assume the adult plumage ;
which, commencing about the beginning of September, is
PHEASANT. RASORES. PHASIANUS. 419
perfected by the middle of the following month, and after
this period the young males are only to be distinguished
from the older birds by the comparative shortness and blunt-
ness of the tarsal spur.
In many of the large preserves of Pheasants in the south-
ern counties of England, the breed is supported by great
numbers being hatched under domestic fowls, and reared in
confinement ; then set at liberty as soon as they are fully able
to provide for themselves. But, in the northern counties,
this mode of replenishing the stock is seldom attempted, as
these birds are prepared, by their natural economy, to in-
crease very rapidly, and will do so wherever due attention is
paid to their preservation. It would appear, indeed, that
the northern parts of the kingdom are particularly suitable
to them, as they are making considerable progression, and
have, within a comparatively short space of time, spread
themselves over the whole county of Northumberland. In
this district the ring-necked variety is most prevalent, and
has nearly superseded the common kind.
The principal food of the Pheasant in the winter months Food,
is grain and seeds, but in spring and summer it lives more
upon roots and insects. I have observed that the root of the
Bulbous Crowfoot (Ranunculus bulbosus), a common but
acrid meadow plant, is particularly sought after by this bird,
and forms a great portion of its food during the months of
May and June. The root of the garden tulip is also an ar-
ticle of diet, which it omits no opportunity of obtaining, and
which, by means of its bill and feet, it is almost certain to
reach, however dee}) it may be buried.
The Pheasant, like most of the gallinaceous tribe, is very
liable (especially in a state of confinement) to the disease
called the Gapes (provincially, in Northumberland, the Nax) y
so destructive to broods of chickens and young turkeys in
particular situations. It is occasioned by an intestinal worm
of the genus Fasciola (the Fasciola Trachea of MONTAGU),
which, lodging in the trachea, adheres by a kind of sucker
Dd 2
420 RASORES. PHASIANUS. PHEASANT.
to its internal membrane, and causes death by suffocation
from the inflamed state of the part. Many recipes for the
cure of this fatal malady have been suggested, but none of
them seem to be effectual except the one recommended by
MON T TAGU,* viz. fumigation by tobacco, found to be an in-
fallible specific when administered with due care and atten-
tion.
In the wild state, as well as under confinement, the female
Pheasant is frequently subject to that singular lusus naturae,
the acquisition of a plumage resembling that of the male
bird ; the cause of which change, it should appear from the
investigations hitherto made, may be attributed to the ad-
vanced age of the individual ,, or, in younger birds, to some
derangement of the generative organs ; as the birds which
have experienced this change in a confined state have ever
afterwards proved barren.* The same phenomenon occurs
in the Pea-hen, and the common domestic fowl, and proba-
bly, on further inquiry, the same tendency will be found pre-
vailing, not only in birds of this order, but in all species, as
the natural effect of age, sterility, or other peculiar changes
of constitution.
The Pheasant is now found numerously distributed through
a great part of Europe; and in its native limits, the empires
of Asia, it is very abundant.
PLATE 57. Male and female Pheasants ; the latter of the
natural size, the former of about three-fifth parts.
General Bill pale wine-yellow. Irides pale brownish-orange.
tion nP ~ Cheeks naked, papillose, of the brightest scarlet-red,
Male.
* Sea Supplement to Ornith. Diet, article Pheasant, where will be
found some interesting particulars respecting this disease, and also the
change of plumage to which the females of the gallinaceous order are sub-
ject.
f- A very interesting paper on the change of plumage in hen birds, by
JOHN BUT TEH, Esq. F. L. S., M. W. S. ? is to be found in the 3d vol. of
the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, to which my readers are referred.
PHEASANT. RASORES. PHASIANUS. 421
with minute black specks. Crown of the head bronzed
green ; the feathers rather elongated and silky. On
each side of the occiput is a tuft of dark golden-green
feathers, that can be erected at pleasure, and are very
conspicuous in the pairing season. Upper part of the
neck dark green, with purple and violet-blue reflections.
Lower part of neck, breast, and flanks, deep reddish-
orange, shewing, in some positions, beautiful light pur-
ple reflections ; the feathers heart-shaped, or cloven to-
wards the tip, bordered and terminated with pansy-pur-
ple. Middle of the belly and thighs blackish-brown ;
in younger birds mixed with reddish-brown. Exterior
border of the upper back and scapular feathers deep
reddish-orange, glossed with purple ; within which is a
yellowish-white band ; and the centre of each feather
black, or spotted with brownish-black. Lower, back,
and tail-coverts green, of different shades, intermixed
with brownish-orange, tinged with purplish-red; the
feathers long, pendent, and of open texture. Tail very
long ; the feathers rapidly decreasing from the centre to
the exterior; their middle part of a wood- brown, with
transverse black bands, fringed with reddish-brown, and
tinged with purple. Legs and toes greyish-black. Spur
upwards of half an inch in length, pointed, and very
sharp in adult birds.
General colour of the plumage yellowish-brown, mixed Female,
with different shades of grey, and brown and black.
Cheeks covered with small closely-set feathers. Upper
part of the neck shewing, in some lights, iridescent re-
flections.
Pied and white varieties of the Pheasant are very common.
422 RASORES. TETRAO.
FAMILY III. TETRAONID^E, LEACH.
NEARLY allied to the preceding family follows that of the
Tetraonidse, distinguished by the entire or partial absence
of those naked and carunculated appendages that ornament
the head and cheeks of the Phasianidcs, and by the con-
struction of the hind toe, which becomes gradually shorter
and weaker, and is at length entirely lost in such groups as
lead immediately to the succeeding family of the Struthio-
nldce. The preceding observations upon the habits of the
Phasianidce are in a great degree applicable to the members
of the present family. Like them, some species are polyga-
mous, others are in habit of annually pairing. They con-
struct their nests upon the ground, and lay a great number
of eggs. Their food consists of grain, seeds, roots, the harder
tops of heath and other plants, and of insects. Some of
the groups, as the genera Tetrao, Lagopus, &c. inhabit
mountainous regions, braving the inclemency of the severest
arctic winters. Others, as the genera Francolinus, Turnix^
Tinamus, &c. are natives of the warmer latitudes of both
worlds ; and the genera Pterocles, Syrrhaptes, he. are only
found on the sandy and rocky deserts of the African and
Asiatic continents.
GENUS TETRAO, LINN. GROUS.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL short, strong ; the upper mandible convex, and
arched from the base to the tip. Nostrils basal, and lateral ;
partly closed by an arched scale, and hidden from view by
small closely-set feathers. Eye-brows naked, and adorned
with a red papillose and fringed skin. Wings short; the first
quill much inferior in length to the second, which is shorter
than the third and fourth. Tail of sixteen feathers. Feet
BLACK GROUS. RASORES. TETRAO. 423
with three toes before, united as far as the first joint ; and
one toe behind short ; the edges of all of them fringed, or
furnished with rough prominences. Tarsus feathered to the
toes.
The species forming this genus are polygamous, and in-
habit the forests of the mountainous and colder regions.
They are natives of high northern latitudes, and of the
highest mountains of central Europe. They feed upon the
seeds of alpine grasses and low shrubs, the tender shoots of
pines and firs, birch, &c. Their flesh is generally juicy,
and of high flavour.
BLACK GROUS.
TETRAO TETRIX, Linn.
PLATE LVIII. and LVIII .
Tetrao Tetrix, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 272. 2 Fau. Suec. No. 202 Gmel. Syst.
1. p. 748 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 635. 3.
Urogallus minor, Raii Syn. p. 53. A. 2 Will. p. 124. t. 31 Briss. 1.
p. 18G. 2.
Petit Tetras, ou Coq de Bruyere a queue fourchue, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 210.
t. C Id. PL Enl. 172. and 175.
Tetras Berkhan, Temm. Pig. et Gall. v. 3. p. 140 Id. Man. d'Ornith.
v. 1. p. 401.
Gabel Schwanziges Waldhuhn, Bechst. Naturg. "Deut. v. 3. p. 1319
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. I. p. 205 Frisch, Vo'g. t. 109. male Sup.
No. 109. female.
Black Grous, Black Cock, Black Game, Br. Zool. 1. No. 93. t. 42 Arct.
Zool. 2. No. 314. C Will. (Ang.) p. l?3. t. 31 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 733. 3.
Id. Sup. p. 213 Albin. \. t. 22 Leu-ins Br. Birds, 4. t. 133 Mont.
Ornith. Diet Id. Sup Pull. Cat. Dorset, p. 7. Wale. Syn. 2. t. 181.
Don, Br. Birds, 4. t. 97 Bewick's Br. Birds.
PROVINCIAL Heath-Cock, Heath-Poult.
THE extirpation of that noble bird the Capercail *, or
Cock of the Wood (Tetrao Urogallus), which formerly in-
* The last individual of this species in Scotland was killed, about forty
years ago, near Inverness ; previous to which date the breed had become
extinct in Ireland.
4-24 RASORES. TETRAO. BLACK Giious.
habited the forests and mountainous districts of Scotland
and Ireland, has placed the Black Grous at the head of this
genus in the British Fauna. The present species is now
confined, in the southern parts of England, to a few of the
wildest uncultivated tracts, such as the New Forest in Hamp-
shire, Dartmoor and Sedgemoor in Devonshire, and the
heaths of Somersetshire. It is also sparingly met with in
Staffordshire, and in parts of North Wales, where it i-s under
strict preservation. In Northumberland it is very abundant.,
and has been rapidly increasing for some years past, which
may be partly attributed to the numerous plantations that,
within that period, have acquired considerable growth in the
higher parts of the county, as supplying it both with food
and protection. It abounds throughout the Highlands of
Scotland, and is also found in some of the Hebrides. The
bases of the hills in heathy and mountainous districts, which
are covered with a natural growth of birch, alder, and wil-
low, and intersected by morasses, clothed with long and
coarse herbage, as well as the deep and wooded glens so fre-
quently occurring in such extensive wastes, are the situations
best suited to the habits of these birds, and most favourable
to their increase. During the months of autumn and winter,
the males associate, and live in flocks, but separate in March
or April ; and, being polygamous, each individual chooses
some particular station, from whence he drives all intruders,
and, for the possession of which, when they are numerous,
desperate contests often take place. At this station he con-
tinues early every morning and in the evening during the
pairing season, repeating his call of invitation to the other
sex, and displaying a variety of attitudes, not unlike those
of a Turkey Cock; accompanied by a crowing note, and by
another similar to the noise made by the whetting of a scythe.
At this season his plumage exhibits the richest glosses, and
the red skin of his eye-brows assumes a superior intensity of
colour. With the cause that urged their temporary separa-
tion, their animosity ceases, and the male birds again asso-
ciate, and live harmoniously together.
BLACK GROUS. RA8OKES. TETRAO. 425
The female deposits her eggs in May; they are from six Nest,&c.
to ten in number, of a yellowish-grey colour, blotched with
reddish-brown. The nest is of most artless construction,
being 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 young of both sexes at first resemble each
other, and their plumage is that of the hen, with whom they
continue till the autumnal moult takes place ; at this time the
males acquire the garb of the adult bird, and, quitting their
female parent, join the societies of their own sex. The food Food,
of the Black Grous, during the summer, chiefly consists of
the seeds of some species of Juncus, the tender shoots of
heath, and insects. In autumn, the crowberry, or Craw-
crook (Empetrum nigrum), the cranberry (Vaccinium oxy-
coccos), the whortleberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and the
trailing arbutus (Arbutus uva-ursi), afford it a plentiful
subsistence. In winter, and during severe and snowy wea-
ther, it eats the tops and buds of the birch and elder, as well
as the embryo shoots of the fir tribe, which it is well enabled
to obtain, as it is capable of perching upon trees without any
difficulty. At this season of the year, in situations where
arable land is interspersed with the wild tracts it inhabits,
descending into the stubble grounds, it feeds upon grain.
In the adult state, the Black Grous displays great shyness
of character, and, after the autumnal moult, is not easily ap-
proached within gunshot. Frequent attempts have been
made to domesticate this bird, but without success; and,
through all the trials that have taken place, it has never been
known to breed in confinement. It seems to be a species
more widely dispersed throughout the central parts of Eu-
rope than any of the rest, and is found tolerably abundant
in Germany, France, and Holland. In the more northern
countries, Denmark and Sweden, Norway and Russia, it is
very common.
The flesh of this bird is sweet and well favoured, not of so
426 RASORES. LAGOPUS.
deep a colour as that of the Red Grous, and the internal
pectoral muscle, which is remarkably white, is esteemed the
most delicate part.
PLATE 58. Male bird of the natural size.
General "Q{\\ black. Head, neck, breast, back, and rump, black,
'; on . with blue and purple reflections. Belly, wing-coverts,
tfale - and tail, pitch-black. Secondary quills tipped with
white, and forming, with the adjoining coverts, a band
across each wing. Under tail-coverts pure white.
Eyebrows naked, vermilion-red. Legs clothed with
blackish-grey feathers to the toes ; which last are fur-
nished with lateral fringed appendages.
PLATE 58*. The female. Natural size.
Female. Head and neck ochreous-yellow, rayed with black. Upper
parts orange-brown, barred and speckled with black.
Greater wing-coverts tipped with white. Breast pale-
orange or chestnut-brown, barred with black. Belly
greyish-white, barred with black and brown. Under
tail-coverts white, rayed with black. Tail slightly
forked, orange-brown, spotted with black ; the tip
greyish- white.
The young, until the autumnal moult, resemble the fe-
male.
GENUS LAGOPUS, VIEILL. GROUS-PTARMIGAN.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL very short, clothed at the base with feathers ; the
upper mandible convex, and bent down at the point. Nos-
trils basal, lateral, partly closed by an arched membrane,
and nearly hidden by the small closely-set feathers at the
base of the bill. Eyebrows naked, as in genus Tetrao.
Wings short, concave, with the third and fourth feathers the
GRO US-PTARMIGAN. RASORES. LAGOPUS. 427
longest. Tail generally square at the end. Tarsi and toes
completely feathered ; hind toe very short, and barely touch-
ing the ground with the tip of the nail. Nails long, and
nearly strait.
The members of this genus (separated by VIEILLOT from
the preceding), are principally distinguished, partly by ha-
ving the tarsi and toes entirely clothed with hairy feathers,
and the sides of their toes without fringes or pectinations ;
the hind toe is also shorter, consisting of little more than a
nail, which barely touches the ground. They also differ in
their habits, and affect the more exposed parts of the regions
where they dwell. They are natives of the colder climates,
and are found in very high latitudes within the arctic circle.
Their food is composed of the young shoots of heath, the
seeds of various grasses, and the several fruits of Empetrum
nigrum, Vaccmium vitis-idcea, Arbutus alpina^ and other
similar plants. The birds of this genus are all subject to a
double moult.
RED GROUS-PTARMIGAN.
TETRAO SCOTICUS, Lath.
PLATE LIX. FIG. 1.
Tetrao Scoticus, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 641. sp. 15.
Bonasa Scotica, Briss. 1. p. 199. 5. t. 22. f. 1.
Tetrao Lagopus, var. y and 8. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 750.
Poule de Marais Grous, Cuv. Reg. Anim. v. 1. p. 450.
Tetras rouge, Temm. Mad. d'Ornith. v. 1. p. 450.
Tetrao Saliceti, aestate, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 1st ed. only.
Tetras des Saules, Temm. Pig. et Gall. v. 3. pi. 9. f. 5.
Red Game, Moor-Cock, Gor-Cock, Rail Syn. p. 54. A. 3 Will. (Ang.)
p. 177 Albin. 1. t. 23. 24.
Red Grous, Br. Zool. 1. No. 94. t. 43. La^. Syn. 4. p. 746. 13 Id. Sup.
p. 216 Levin's Br. Birds, t. 135. Mont.' Ornith. Diet. Id. Sup
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 183 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t 301 Low's Faun.
Oread, p. 51.
THIS beautiful species, so exclusively British, (as its geo-
graphical distribution has not been hitherto found to extend
428 RASORES. LAGOPUS. GROUS-PTARMIGAN.
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 share
of the Highlands of Scotland. It is also scantily met with
in the mountainous districts of South Wales, and inhabits
the moors and bogs of Ireland. Tracts strictly heathy are
the situations peculiarly favourable to the nature of this bird;
for it neither affects the lower, more swampy, and grassy
places frequented by the Black Grous, nor does it resort to
the high stony regions that are the appropriate locality of
the Common Ptarmigan.
It is monogamous, pairing every spring, and this at. a very
early period, usually during the month of January, but some-
times, in very mild seasons, even previous to that time. The
female begins to lay in March or April, placing her nest
Nest, &c. upon the ground in a tuft of heath. The nest (scarcely de-
serving that appellation) consists but of a few withered stems
of heath and grass, that line the shallow cavity wherein the
eggs are deposited. These are from eight to twelve in num-
ber, of a greyish-white, blotched with umber-brown. The
female only performs the office of incubation ; the male bird,
however, remaining in the immediate neighbourhood of the
nest, and joining the brood as soon as they are excluded ;
after which he is as assiduous in his attention to them as the
female parent. The whole continue united till the great law
of nature prompts them, on the return of spring, to separate
and pair. Where they are very numerous, Grous often
congregate in large packs during the latter part of autumn,
and through the winter ; and when thus associated become
very wild, not easily to be approached by the gun within
Food. killing distance. The food of this species consists of the
tender tops of the heaths, the fruit of the crowberry, trail-
ing arbutus, and cranberry ; and I have found them occa-
sionally upon the oat stubbles, where arable land has hap-
pened to approach the boundary of their heathy haunts. In
the Highlands of Scotland during the months of August and
September, the slaughter of the Red Grous is immense ; but
GROUS-PTARMIQAN. RASORES. LAGOPUS. 429
the great care bestowed upon their protection through the
rest of the year, and the comparatively small number re-
quisite to replenish the stock, owing to the numerous broods
derived from each pair, is at present a sufficient guarantee
against the final extinction of a species, which, as the pe-
culiar property of our islands, should be most carefully con-
tinued.
The Red Grous is more easily tamed and kept in confine-
ment than the Black Grous, and has been known to breed
in that state *. They feed readily upon oats, meal, &c. but
thrive better when frequently supplied with tufts of heath.
Varieties of a cream colour, or with different degrees of
white, are often met with ; and there has for many years ex-
isted, upon the moors of Blanchland, in the county of Dur-
ham, a cream-coloured or light-grey variety, spotted more or
less with dark brown and black ; but from the anxiety of
sportsmen to procure specimens, these birds have not been
allowed to increase, as they otherwise, in all probability,
would have done.
PLATE 59. Fig. I. Male bird. Natural size.
Bill black ; half hidden by the small feathers that cover General
the nostrils. Above the eyes is a naked fringed skin of
a bright scarlet colour. I rides chestnut-brown. Orbits
of the eyes, and a small patch at the posterior angles of
the lower mandible, white. Head, neck, breast, and
belly, deep chestnut-brown ; in many instances marked
with fine undulating black lines, and frequently spotted
with white. Back and wing-coverts reddish or chestnut-
brown, with variously sized black spots. Tail having
the four middle feathers reddish-brown, with transverse
black lines; the rest entirely brownish-black. Legs
and toes thickly clothed with greyish-white feathers.
Claws long and flat, their colour yellowish-grey.
See Mo NT. Supp. to Ornith. Diet. art. RedGraus.
430 RASORES. LAGOPUS. PTARMIGAN.
The female varies from the male bird in having the brown
of a lighter tint, and more varied with ochreous-yellow,
and yellowish-white.
COMMON PTARMIGAN.
LAGOPUS MUTUS, Leach.
PLATE LIX. FIGS. 2, and LXIX *.
Tetrao Lagopus, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 274. 4 Faun. Suec. No. 203. Gmel.
Syst. 1. p. 149,Raii Syn. p. 55. 5 Will. p. 127 Briss. 1. p. 216. 12.
Le Lagope'de, Buff. Ois. v. 9. p. 264. t. 9 Id. PL Enl. 129. female in win-
ter plumage, and PL 494. female assuming the summer plumage.
L'Attages blanc, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 2G2.
Tetras Ptarmigan, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 468.. Id. Pig. et Gall.
v. 3. p. 185. t. anat. 10. f. 1. 2. and 3.
Haassenfussige Waldhuhn, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1347- Meyer,
Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 298 Id. Vog. Deut. v. 2. t. Heft. 19. winter
arid summer plumage.
Ptarmigan, Br. Zool. 1. No. 95. t. 43 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 315. D Lewin's
Br. Birds, 4. t. 134 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 741. 10 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 182
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Don. Br. Birds, 1. t. 12.
White Grous, Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 303. old male.
ACCORDING to PENNANT and earlier writers, this species
seems, at one period, to have inhabited some of the moun-
tainous ridges of Cumberland and Westmoreland. It is
now, however, totally extinct in England, and is only found
in the Highlands of Scotland and its isles. It lives on the
highest mountains, particularly those of which the summits
are covered with fragments of rock ; and, by resembling these
(amongst which it is always found) so closely in colour, it is
enabled to escape its numerous inferior enemies, and even, in
a great degree, to escape the piercing eye of the Eagle. It
is not of the shy nature that characterises the Red Grous, but
will permit of a near approach ; indeed, so unwary is it, as
frequently to be knocked down with a stick by the shepherds.
It pairs early in spring, and the female lays her eggs upon
the bare ground amongst the stones. They are in number
from eight to fourteen or fifteen, of an oblong form, larger
PTARMIGAN. RASORES. LAGOPUS. 431
than those of a Partridge, and of a greenish-white colour,
speckled and blotched with brown and brownish-black. The
brood not only continue together till the succeeding spring,
but in winter several families associate, forming small flocks ;
and at this season they burrow in the snow, under which they
find a warm and secure habitation, and are thus enabled, by
pursuing the surface of the earth, to obtain a sufficient sup-
ply of food during our most severe winters. Alpine berries, Food,
such as those of the crawcrook, cranberry, and cloudberry or
knoop (Rubus chamaemorus), with the seeds and tender shoots
of alpine plants, form their food.
The flesh of the Ptarmigan is rather drier than that of
the Red Grous, and not so highly flavoured ; the latter being
considered for the table superior to any other of our feathered
game.
This species has been reared in confinement without much
difficulty, and has been known to breed in a tame state. It is
widely spread, being found in all the alpine districts of cen-
tral Europe ; and in the more northern latitudes it is very
abundant. The Common Ptarmigan of North America does
not appear to differ in any respect from the European.
The common call or alarm note of the Ptarmigan is not
unlike that of the missel-thrush, but rather harsher in sound.
PLATE 59. Fig. 2. A male in the winter plumage, and of
the natural size.
A streak past the eye, lateral tail-feathers, and shafts of General
the quills black ; the rest of the plumage pure white,
Above the eyes is a scarlet fringed membrane. Irides
yellowish-brown. Bill and claws black.
The female in winter plumage differs from the male in
being without the black streak before and behind the
eye, and also in wanting the red fringed membrane.
PLATE 59 *. Ptarmigans in spring and summer plumage.
Natural si/e.
432 RASORES. PERDIX.
Spring and In spring the plumage becomes varied on the upper and
plumage. under parts with black and deep ochreous yellow ; but
the quills, through all its changes, remain white, and
their shafts invariably black. Towards autumn the
ochreous-yellow gives place * to a greyish- white ; and
the black spots (which in the spring are large and dis-
tinct) become broken, and assume the appearance of
zig-zag lines and specks. These again, as the season
advances, give place to the pure immaculate plumage,
which distinguishes both sexes during the winter.
GENUS PERDIX, LATH. PARTRIDGE.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
Bill short, strong, naked at the base ; upper mandible con-
vex, with the point bending considerably downwards. Nos-
trils basal, and lateral ; pierced in a large membrane, and
partly concealed by an arched naked scale. Wings short,
and concave ; the three first quills shorter than the fourth
and fifth, which are the longest. Tail of fourteen or eighteen
feathers, short, and generally bending towards the ground.
Feet with three toes before, united by a membrane as far as
the first articulation, and with one hind-toe. Tarsus, in the
male bird, frequently furnished with one, or more than one,
spur or tubercle.
This genus was first established by LATHAM, who very
Mr "Ross, gunsmith in Edinburgh, (who, as a preserver of animals,
has had hundreds of Ptarmigans through his hands, and at all seasons of
the year) assures me, that he never met with an individual that had not
young (or imperfect) feathers on some part of the body. This fact would
imply, that the moulting of the Ptarmigan (and perhaps of other alpine
birds, or such as live in high latitudes) is different from the usual course,
in being constant and progressive, instead of the plumage undergoing a
total change at a particular season. May not this be a wise provision,
that such birds shall not be too much exposed at any given time, as would
be the result of an entire renewal of plumage ?
PARTRIDGE. RASORES. PERDIX. 433
properly separated the different species that compose it from
the genus Tetrao^ in which it had been left by LINNAEUS,
GMELIN, and others. Most of the species are natives of the
temperate and warmer climates, and in some countries they
are sedentary, in others regularly migratory. Most of the
birds of this genus pair, and the male assists his mate in the
care and protection of the brood, which continue united till
the following spring. They inhabit cultivated countries,
feeding upon grain, seeds, bulbous roots, and insects. Their
moult is simple, but the males may generally be distinguish-
ed by a superior richness of plumage.
In the British Fauna, we reckon but two species of this
genus, the Common or Cinereous Partridge, belonging to
TEMMINCK'S second section ; and the Common Quail, in-
cluded in the fourth.
COMMON PARTRIDGE.
PERDIX CINEREA, Lath,
PLATE LXI.
Perdix cinerea, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 645. sp. 9.
Tetrao Perdix, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 276. 13 Faun. Suec. No. 205 Gmel
Syst. 1. p. 757. sp. 13.
Perdix cinerea, Rail Syn. 57- A. 2 Will. 118. t. 28 Briss. 1. 219. 1.
Perdix montana, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 646. sp. 11. \
Tetrao montanus, Gmel. Syst. p. 788. sp. 33. (Local
Perdix Damascena, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 646. sp. 1 0. /varieties.
Tetrao Damascena, Gmel Syst. p. 758. )
La Perdrix Grise, Buff. Ois. v.2. p. 401 Id. PL EnL 27. female Temm.
Pig. et GalL v. 3. p. 378 Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 488.
La Petite Perdrix, Buff: Ois. v. 2. p. 417.
Perdrix de Montagne, Buffi Ois. v. 2. p. 419 Id. PI. EnL 136. a local
variety.
Gemeines oder Graues Feldhuhn. Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1361.
Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 303 Frisch. Vog. t. 114. male, t. 114.
B. red variety, and t. 115. white or cream-coloured variety.
Common Partridge, Br. Zool. 1. No. 96 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 319. A.
Will. Angl. p. 166. t. 28 Albin. 1. t. 27 Lath. Syn. 4. p. 762. 8
Mont. Ornith. Diet. Id. Supp. Lewin's Br. Birds, 4. t. 136. Wale.
Syn. 2. t. 184, Pult. Cat. Dorset. 7 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 305.
'Damascus Partridge, Lath. Syn. v. 4. p. 764. 9. ) Local
Mountain Partridge, Lath. Syn. v. 4. p. 765. 10. j varieties,
VOL. I. EC
434 RASORES. PERDIX. PARTRIDGE.
THIS well-known species of game is abundant throughout
the kingdom, except in some of the mountainous and rnoory
wastes in the northern counties of England, and in the High-
lands of Scotland, the peculiar localities of the preceding
genus. Districts well interspersed with arable land are the
most favourable to the habits and economy of the Partridge ;
thus, an extended cultivation, which has rendered many of
our British birds comparatively rare, and has caused indeed
the extinction or banishment of some, has tended greatly to
its increase ; and we accordingly find the species most plenti-
ful, where agriculture has received the greatest encourage-
ment, and attained the highest perfection. The Partridge
begins to pair in February, and at this season obstinate con-
tests occur between the males for the possession of the other
sex. The female seldom produces her eggs before the latter
part of May, and the greater portion of the young break the
shell about the middle of July.
Eggs. The eggs are deposited on the ground in a shallow hole
scratched for the purpose, and under cover of a tuft of grass,
whin-bush, or other brush-wood ; and not unfrequently in
fields of clover, or amongst standing corn. They amount to
from twelve to twenty, of a pale wood-brown colour.
Incubation, which occupies three weeks, is performed solely
by the female, who sits very closely, and is with difficulty
driven from her eggs. MONTAGU mentions an instance, in
which a Partridge, on the point of hatching, was taken, to-
gether with her eggs, and carried in a hat to some distance ;
she continued to sit, and brought out her young in confine-
ment. Several other parallel cases are related, and some not
very dissimilar have come under my own observation. As
soon as the young are excluded, the male bird joins the covey,
and displays equal anxiety with the female for their support
and defence. There can be few persons conversant with
country affairs who have not witnessed the confusion pro-
duced in a brood of young Partridges by any sudden alarm ;
or who have not admired the stratagems to which the parent
PARTRIDGE. RASORES PERDIX. 435
birds have recourse, in order to deceive, and draw off the in-
truder. Their parental instinct, indeed, is not always con-
fined to mere devices for engaging attention ; but where there
exists a probability of success, they will fight obstinately for
the preservation of their young, as appears from many in-
stances already narrated by different writers, and to which
the following may be added, for the truth of which I can
vouch. A person engaged in a field, not far from my resi-
dence, had his attention arrested by some objects on the
ground, which, upon approaching, he found to be two Par-
tridges, a male and female, engaged in battle with a Carrion-
Crow ; so successful and so absorbed were they in the issue
of the contest, that they actually held the Crow, till it was
seized, and taken from them by the spectator of the scene.
Upon search, the young birds (very lately hatched) were
found concealed amongst the grass. It would appear, there-
fore, that the Crow, a mortal enemy to all kinds of young
game, in attempting to carry off one of these, had been at-
tacked by the parent birds, and with the above singular suc-
cess.
By a careful attention to diet, Partridges may be easily
reared in confinement, and become very tame*, but they have
never been known to breed in this state. In some parts of
England great numbers are annually hatched under domestic
fowls, and brought up by hand ; which are afterwards set
at liberty, to increase the stock upon preserved grounds. In
the above process the gapes has been found very fatal, but
since the discovery of a specific -f- for this distemper, the loss
from such a cause may be easily prevented.
The Partridge is found to vary considerably in size,
according to situation, and the different nutritive qualities
of food ; thus, the largest are met with in districts where
an abundance of grain prevails, whilst, upon the precincts
* See MONTAGU'S Supplement to Ornith. Diet, article Partridge.
j- See preceding account of the Pheasant.
E e 2
436 RASORES. PERDIX. PARTRIDGE.
of moors, where but an inconsiderable portion of arable land
is offered to them, they are much inferior in size, although
perhaps by no means evincing a similar inferiority in point of
flavour. The feeding time of these birds (as of all the other
members of the Gallinaceous order, in a wild state) occupies
two or three hours after sunrise, and again before sunset.
During the middle of the day, they retire to bushes, or bask
in the sun on the dry banks of hedges, and are busily en-
gaged in dusting, and afterwards in preening their feathers.
They roost upon the ground, generally about the middle of
a field, chusing a part very scanty in herbage, or other cover
likely to draw the attention of night-feeding animals of prey ;
and the whole covey sit closely crowded together. They
go to rest (or jvg 9 as it is frequently termed) a little after
sunset, previous to which they may be heard calling and
answering each other, after having been separated in feed-
ing, or by any accidental cause.
This species is found throughout the greater part of Eu-
rope, but is most abundant in the temperate and northern
parts. It also visits Egypt and the coast of Barbary, being
migratory in some countries.
PLATE 61. Male and female. Natural size.
General Bill pale bluish-grey. Irides brown. Behind the eye is a
descrip. naked red papillose skin. Cheeks, throat, and eye-brows
Male. pale brownish-orange. Neck and breast bluish-grey,
with fine zig-zag black lines. On the belly is a large
patch of deep reddish-brown, in the shape of a horses
shoe. Flanks grey ; the feathers banded with pale
orange-brown. Back, wings, rump, and upper tail-
coverts brown, with transverse black lines and spots.
The scapulars and wing-coverts have the shafts of the
feathers yellowish-white, edged with black. Quills
blackish-grey, with brown bars. Tail reddish-orange.
Legs and toes bluish-grey.
Female. The female differs from the male bird in having less of the
QUAIL. RASORES. PERDIX. 437
brownish-orange upon the head and throat. The fea-
thers upon the crown of the head are also edged with
white ; and the upper parts of the plumage have more
black spots and bars. The orange-brown mark upon
the belly is also generally ill-defined, paler in colour, or
entirely wanting.
White, pied, and cream-coloured varieties are not un-
common.
COMMON QUAIL.
PERDIX COTURNIX, Linn.
PLATE LXII.
Perdix Coturnix, Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 651. sp. 28.
Tetrao Coturnix, Linn. Syst 1. p. 278. 20 Faun. Suec. No. 206 Gmel
Syst. 1. p. 765 Raii Syn. p. 58. A. 6 Will. p. 121. t. 29 Briss. v. 1.
p. 247.
Coturnix major, Briss. v. 1. p. 251.
La Caille, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 449. t. 16 Id. PL EnL 17/0 Temm. Pig. et
Gall. v. 3. p. 478 Id. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 491.
Le Crokiel, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 255.
\Vachtel Feldhuhn, Becfist, Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1402 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 306 Frisch, Vog. t. 117- male and female.
De Wachtel, Sepp. Nederl. Vog. t. p. 143.
Common Quail, Br. Zool. 1. No. 99 Arct. ZooL 2. p. 320. B Albin. 1.
t. 30 7Ptft.(Angl.) p. 169 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 4. t. 138 Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 779. 24 Id. Supp. p. 222 Mont. Ornith. Diet. v. 2 Id. Supp.
Wale. Syn. 2. t. 185. Pult. Cat. Dorset, p. 7 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1.
p. t. 308. male.
THE Quail, which is found in most parts of the Old Con-
tinent, is a migratory species, changing its abode at fixed pe-
riods, and obeying in that respect the same laws that regulate
the movements of so many of the feathered race. In Britain Periodical
these birds make their first appearance in May, and continue V
with us till after the breeding-season, and till their young are
able to accompany them in their autumnal migration to more
southern latitudes, winch usually takes place during the month
of October. Some few are said to remain through the whole
year in the southern counties, and in the vicinity of the sea ;
438 RASORES. PERDIX. QUAIL.
but these probably (as suggested by MONTAGU) are indivi-
duals of a later brood, who have been unable to accompany
the main body at the time of their departure. During their
abode in this country? they inhabit the champaign and well-
cultivated districts ; but they now visit us in much fewer
numbers than they formerly did, and their appearance in the
midland and northern counties of England, has of late years
been a rare occurrence. They are polygamous ; and on their
first arrival, the males are readily discovered by the whistling
call-note they utter, and which is repeated thrice successively,
after short intermissions.
Nest, &c. The female makes scarcely any nest, depositing her eggs
upon the ground in a very shallow receptacle, scratched for
the occasion, and generally in fields of green wheat. They
vary in number from six to twelve or fourteen in this country,
but are said frequently to amount, on the Continent, to eigh-
teen or twenty. Their colour also fluctuates from a leek to
a bluish and an oil green, sometimes marked with large black-
ish-brown blotches ; at other times with very small specks of
that colour.
Quails are very abundant on the Continent during the
summer, but migrate in autumn to the warmer latitudes of
Asia and Africa. Portugal is the only exception ; in which
country they are met with throughout the year, but more
numerously in winter than in summer ; and from which fact
it would appear, that this particular situation answers as a
winter retreat to some of the birds that are bred in the more
northern provinces of Europe. During their periodical flights
between Europe and Africa, they visit the islands of the
Archipelago, and the shores of Italy and Sicily (upon which
they alight for rest) in myriads. The quantity sometimes
killed under these circumstances is astonishing, as may be
judged from the record of one hundred thousand having
been destroyed in one day on the coasts of the kingdom of
Naples*. In Sicily their autumnal arrival is anxiously ex-
* See MONTAGU'S Ornith. Diet, and Suppl. art. Quail.
QUAIL. RASORES. PERDIX 439
pected, and the inhabitants are represented as taking parti-
cular delight in the sport of shooting them ; the shores being
at this particular time lined with people carrying fowling-
pieces, and the strait covered with boats similarly filled, all
eagerly watching for the arrival of their spoil. In France
great numbers are taken alive by means of a call made to
imitate their whistle, and which entices them under a net ;
but by this device males only are taken, thus accounting for
the few female specimens to be found amongst the many
hundreds kept in confinement by the London poulterers, and
which are received from France.
Quails are naturally very pugnaceous, and will fight with
determined resolution in the manner of our game cocks ; they
were kept for this express purpose by the Greeks and Ro-
mans, who delighted in the amusement ; and the fighting of
quails still continues to be a favourite pastime with the Chi-
nese. These birds feed on grain, and seeds of various kinds ; Food.
as well as upon insects and worms. In confinement they are
principally fed with hemp-seed, upon which diet they soon
become loaded with fat, and are esteemed delicious eating.
PLATE 62. Natural size.
Bill blackish-grey. Crown of the head, occiput, and nape General
of the neck, black ; the feathers margined with chestnut- descrip-
brown. Down the middle of the head and neck is a Male,
cream-yellow streak. Over each eye, and proceeding
down the neck, is a white streak. Space between the
bill and eyes and ear-coverts pale chestnut-brown. Chin
and throat, and streaks turning upwards towards the
ear-coverts, chestnut-brown, mixed with blackish-brown;
the rest of the neck and cheeks white. Back, scapulars,
and wing-coverts, black ; the feathers margined and va-
ried with brown ; and each having its shaft and central
parts sienna.yellow. Breast and belly pale buff-orange ;
the shafts and margins of the feathers yellowish-white.
Flanks having the feathers similar in disposition of co-
440 RASORES. PERDIX.
lours to those of the back. Tail blackish-brown ; with
the shafts, tips, and bars, cream-yellow. Legs and
toes pale yellowish-brown.
The female differs in not having any black or brown
on the neck and throat. Her breast is spotted with
blackish-brown ; and the general tints of her plumage
are paler.
FAMILY IV. STRUTHIONID^l, FIG.
THE passage from the preceding to the Struthionidae, the
fourth family of the order, is (as I have before observed,
when speaking of the present Order,) effected by certain
species of the Tetraonidce, where the bill acquires the de-
pressed form and shape of that of the American Rhea and
the Emeus of Australia, and where the feet, if not tridactyle,
exhibit at least great weakness and deficiency in the struc-
ture of the hind toe. In the present family, the typical
groups attain a height and bulk far surpassing the rest of
the feathered race ; but having wings so short and imperfect-
ly developed as to be totally unfit for the purposes of flight.
Their anatomy also exhibits a corresponding variation, the
os furcatorms being wanting, and the sternum itself desti-
tute of the keel, and presenting the appearance of a flat
plate, or buckler. Nearly allied to them, but possessing the
power of flight, ranks the genus Otis, by certain species of
which the immediate passage to the order Grallatores is ef-
fected. The birds of this family are inhabitants of the
plains, and frequently of sandy deserts, feeding upon herbs,
grain, and insects. They all run with great swiftness and
for a long continuance, and which appears to be their usual
mode of progress. Such of the family as are capable of
flight, when in this action, stretch out their legs behind
them. In disposition they are shy, savage, and stupid.
RASORES. OTIS. 441
They are polygamous. In Britain we only possess two spe-
cies, both belonging to the genus Otis.
GENUS OTIS, LINN. BUSTARD.
GENERIC CHARACTERS.
BILL of mean length, nearly straight, compressed, or de-
pressed at the base, and having the point of the upper man-
dible curved. Nostrils removed from the base ; lateral, oval,
and open. Legs long, naked above the knee. Tarsus reti-
culated. Toes three, all forward, short, united at the base,
and bordered with membranes. Wings of mean length ; the
third quill-feather the longest in each wing.
The heavy form of the Bustards, and the shape of the bill,
approximate them to the true Gallinaceous birds ; but their
long and naked legs, and the appearance and flavour of their
flesh, also bring them near to the order Grallatores.
They inhabit open countries, living amongst the grass,
corn, or low brushwood. Their food is herbage, grain, and
insects. They run swiftly, and fly but seldom. They are
polygamous; and the females, after fecundation, separate
from the males. Their moult is double, and the males of
this genus are distinguished from the other sex by a brighter
and more varied plumage, or by the accession of extraordi-
nary ornaments.
442 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD.
GREAT BUSTARD.
OTIS TARDA, Linn.
PLATE LXIV.
Otis Tarda, Linn. Syst. 1. p. 264. 1 Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 722. sp. 1 Lath.
Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 658. sp. 1 Raii Syn. p. 58. A. 1 Will. p. 129.
t. 32 Biiss. 5. p. 18. 1.
L'Outarde, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 1. t. 1 Id. PL Enl. 245. male.
Outarde barbue, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 506.
Der Grosse Trappe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1432 Meyer, Tasschenb.
Deut. v. 1. p. 308 Frisch, Vog. t. 106. female, and No. 106. Sup. the
male.
Great Bustard, Br. Zool. 1. No. 98. t. 44. male, bad figure Arct. Zool.
2. No. 186 Id. Sup. p. 63 Will. (Ang.) p. 178. t. 32 Lath. Syn. 4.
p. 796 Albin, 3. t. 28, 39 Edw. t. 79, 80 Lewirfs Br. Birds, 4. t. 139.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Sup Wale. Syn. 2. t. 173 Pult. Cat. Dor-
set. p. 6 Bewick's Br. Birds, 1. p. t. 314. correct figure of male.
THIS fine species, the largest of the British land birds,
(having been met with weighing from 28 to 30 Ib.) was for-
merly common in many parts of England; and its range
extended at one period even to Scotland, as we learn from
HECTOR BOETIUS and Sir ROBERT SIBBALD. Within the
last thirty or forty years, however, the increased population
of the country, and the consequent extension of agriculture,
aided by the growth of luxury (the desire of gratifying which
increases as the object becomes difficult of attainment), have
so reduced the breed, that it is extinct in many places where
it was tolerably plentiful before the above-mentioned period.
Its appearance is now, I believe, exclusively confined to some
parts of the county of Norfolk, particularly where the enclo-
sures are extensive, and the soil of a dry sandy character.
It is to be hoped that protection will there be given to the
few that survive, and that no endeavours will be spared to
prevent the total extinction of so noble a native bird; although
probably, in consequence of the present scarcity of males,
and the destruction of the eggs, arising from the improved
RASORES. OTIS. 443
practice of hand-hoeing the corn, all endeavours may prove
ineffectual.
Upon Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire (where it used formerly
to abound), we are told by MONTAGU, that, from the great
price obtained for the eggs and young, to hatch and rear in
confinement, it had become very rare ; and, in the Supple-
ment to his work, published in 1813, he says that not a single
Bustard had been seen for two or three years previous to that
date, even in their most favourite haunts. As, from the an-
swers to all inquiries on this subject, I am not able to state
their reappearance, it must be concluded that the breed is
now extinct upon those extensive downs, of which it once
formed the appropriate ornament. The Bustard resides in
its native haunts through the whole year, frequenting the
corn-fields in summer, and being found amongst turnips in
the winter season ; and, in very severe storms of snow, when
the ground may be deeply covered, it is sometimes compel-
led (in small flocks) to seek for more sheltered situations, or
to visit the maritime parts of the country. But these migra-
tions too often prove fatal, so large an object soon attracting
attention ; and it rarely escapes from the number of its pur-
suers.
The female deposits two eggs upon the bare ground (oc- Eggs.
casionally amongst clover, but more frequently in corn-fields)
early in spring ; which rather exceed those of a turkey in
size, and their colour is a yellowish-brown,' inclining to oil-
green, with slight darker variations. Incubation lasts four
weeks, and the young, as soon as excluded, follow their pa-
rent, but are incapable of flight for a long time. The Bus-
tard lives chiefly upon the various grasses, trefoils, &c. ; it Food,
will also feed on seeds and grain, and is particularly fond of
green corn and the tops of turnips, which last constitute its
chief winter's supply. It also eats worms, and has been
known to devour mice and young birds, which are swallowed
whole. The stomach is membranaceous, and able to contain
a great quantity of food.
444 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD.
The adult male of this species differs in its anatomical
structure from the other sex, in possessing a pouch, situated
down the fore part of the neck, capable of holding a consi-
derable supply of water,* and having its entrance under the
tongue. This is considered as destined to the provident pur-
pose of securing the bird from the effects of thirst in the ex-
posed and dry situations it inhabits, or for the benefit of the
female and young during the breeding season, which takes
place at a time when little water is to be found upon their
usual -places of resort ; but this latter supposition does not
carry with it much probability, as the male is never seen in
close company with the female bird, except previous to incu-
bation.
It is also supposed to make use of this reservoir as a de-
fence against birds or animals of prey, by ejecting the water,
by muscular compression, in the face of the enemy, and thus
baffling pursuit. Although in a state of confinement, the
Bustard becomes tolerably tame to those who are in the ha-
bit of attending it ; yet it displays at all times considerable
ferocity towards strangers, and all attempts to continue the
breed in that state have been without success. With respect
to its habits in the wild state, it is so shy as seldom to be ap-
proached within gun-shot ; invariably selecting the centre of
the largest inclosure, where it walks slowly about, or stands
with the head reposing backwards upon the bare part of its
neck, and frequently with one leg drawn up. Upon being
disturbed, so far from running in preference to flight (as has
been often described), it rises upon wing with great facility,
and flies with much strength and swiftness, usually to ano-
ther haunt, which will sometimes be at the distance even of
six or seven miles. It has also been said, that, in former
days, when the species was of common occurrence, it was a
practice to run down the young birds (before they were able
to fly) with greyhounds, as affording excellent diversion. So
* MONTAGU mentions three or four quarts, which probably may be the
utmost allowance ; although other writers say as many as seven.
BUSTARD. RASORES. OTIS. 445
far from this possibility existing with respect to the present
remnant of the breed, the young birds, upon being alarmed,
constantly squat close to the ground, in the same manner
as the young of the Lapwing, Golden Plover, &c., and in
that position are frequently taken by hand ; indeed, this is
even the habit of the female during the time of incubation.
The flesh of the Bustard is dark in colour, short in fibre,
but sweet and well-flavoured, and is held in high estimation ;
on which account, and its rarity, this bird has always brought
exorbitant prices.
Upon the Continent, it is found in some provinces of
France and in parts of Germany and Italy. It is common in
Russia, and on the extensive plains of Tartary. According
to TEMMIXCK, it is rare in Holland.
PLATE 64. A male bird, about one-sixth of the natural size.
The specimen from which the figure is taken was shot,
about six years ago, by the Reverend ROBERT HAMOND
of Swaff'ham, in the county of Norfolk, and is now in
his possession, as well as two females, and a young bird
of a month old. When killed, it weighed twenty-eight
pounds, and is a particularly fine specimen, being a full-
grown bird. The figure represents the attitude that
the bird assumes previous to flight ; or for a short time
after alighting, when its habit is that of not immediately
closing the wings.
Bill strong, greyish- white ; the under mandible palest. General
Head, nape of the neck, and ear-coverts, bluish-grey,
A streak of black passes along the crown of the head, Male.
reaching to the occiput. Chin-feathers and moustaches
composed of long wiry feathers, with the barbs disunited
and short. Fore part of the neck clothed with a naked
bluish-black skin, extending upwards towards the ear-
coverts, and covering the gular pouch. Sides of the
neck white, tinged with grey ; lower part of the neck
fine reddish-orange. At the setting on of the neck, or
446 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD-
between the shoulders, is a space destitute of feathers,
but covered with a soft grey down. Scapulars buff-
orange, barred and spotted with black. Back, rump,
and tail-coverts reddish-orange, barred and variegated
with black. Lesser wing-coverts fine buff-orange, bar-
red with black. Greater coverts, and some of the se-
condaries bluish-grey, passing towards the tips into
greyish- white. Quills brownish-black, with their shafts
white. Tail-feathers white at their bases, passing to-
wards the middle into brownish-orange, with one or two
black bars ; the tips often white, and, when the feathers
are spread laterally, forming a segment of a circle. Up-
per part of the breast reddish-orange ; lower part, belly,
and vent white. Legs black, covered with round scales.
Irides reddish-brown.
Female. Pi. ATE 64*. The female bird has the head, and the fore
part of the neck, of a deeper grey ; and is without the
moustaches and gular pouch. The back of the lower
part of the neck reddish-orange. The other parts of her
plumage are similar to the male. Is seldom more than
one-third of the size of the other sex.
Young. The young, at a month old, are covered with a buff-co-
loured down, barred upon the back, wings, and sides,
with black.
RASORES. OTIS. 447
LITTLE BUSTARD.
OTIS TETRAX, Linn.
PLATE LXV.
Otis tetrax. Linn. Syst. 1. p. 264. 3 Faun. Suec. No. 196 Gmel Syst.
1. p. 723. sp. 3 Lath. Ind. Ornith. v. 2. p. 659. sp. 3.
Otis minor, Rail Syn. p. 59. 2 Will. p. 129. t. 32 Briss. v. 2. p. 24. 2.
t. 2. f. 1. 2.
La Petite Outarde ou Cannepetiere, Buff. Ois. v. 2. p. 40 /rf. PI. EnL 25.
old male, and pi. 10. female.
Outarde Cannepetiere, Temm. Man. d'Ornith. v. 2. p. 507-
Der Kleine Trappe, Bechst. Naturg. Deut. v. 3. p. 1446. t. 45. female
Meyer, Tasschenb. v. 1. p. 309.
Little Bustard, Br. Zool. 1. No. 99 Arct. Zool. 2. p. 321. A. Lath.
Syn. 4. p. 799. 2 Lewies Br. Birds. 4. t. 40 Wale. Syn. 2. t. 174.
Mont. Ornith. Diet Id. Supp Bewick's Br. Birds. 1. t. p. 330. fe-
male,
!H
THIS is a bird of a very handsome plumage, and must be Occasional
considered one of our rarest visitants. Recurring only to the
product of later years, two specimens are mentioned by BE-
WICK, as having fallen under his inspection, one of which,
now in the collection of JOHN TREVELYAN, Esq. of Walling-
ton, was taken alive upon Newmarket Heath, and survived
for a very few weeks in confinement. MONTAGU alludes to
three or four instances of its capture ; and I am enabled to
add two more, of individuals that were killed in Northum-
berland. One of these, in the possession of his Grace the
Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND, and from the tints of its plu-
mage, apparently a female, was shot near Wark worth, in the
autum of 1821 ; the other was killed on the 1st of Febru-
ary 1823, near Twizell, and is placed in my collection. This
bird, although destitute of the peculiar markings about the
head and neck that distinguish the male in his adult state, or
rather perhaps at a particular season, proved, however, to be
of that sex, by the unerring test of dissection. This fact,
corroborated by the case mentioned in the Supplement to Dr
LATHAM'S General Synopsis, of a bird of this species, killed
448 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD.
in Sussex, having the apparent plumage of the female, but
also, on dissection, proving otherwise, has led me to doubt
the assertion of various writers, that all the individuals killed
in Britain had been of the female sex ; and I can only ac-
count for the assertion, by concluding it to have arisen from
the contrast observable between these specimens and the male,
as seen in his summer attire, without the more certain crite-
rion above mentioned having been attempted.
Whether this feminine plumage is confined to young
birds, or is the proper garb of the males of all ages during
the winter, I am sorry that I cannot, from my own experi-
ence, determine, but I feel inclined to lean to the latter opi-
nion *, and which is considerably strengthened by the infor-
mation I have received from Captain ROBERT MITFOKD,
R. N., who, during a long station in the Mediterranean, had
opportunities of examining the Little Bustard at all seasons
of the year, and who does not recollect having killed any
in the winter with a black neck, and other distinguishing
marks which a male invariably possesses during the summer
or pairing season (.
Food. This species is graminivorous, and its digestive organ is
membranaceous and very large. In the specimen I have be-
fore alluded to, it was distended with a mass of various
grasses and the stems of clover, intermixed with the seeds of
cow-parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium), and of other umbelli-
ferous plants. No gravel, or other hard substance, generally
used by birds possessing strong muscular stomachs or giz-
zards, was contained in it ; from which it appears that MON-
TAGU'S views are correct J, and that the gastric juice alone is
I have since ascertained that the male Little Bustard undergoes a
change of plumage every spring, when he assumes the black neck and col-
lar (as afterwards described). His winter plumage resembles that of the
female bird.
f TEMMINCK, in his remarks on the Bustard Genus, intimates his
suspicion, that the males in winter may resemble the other sex in plu-
mage.
$ See Supplement to Ornith. Diet, article Little Bustard.
BUSTARD. RASORES. OTIS. 449
sufficiently powerful, without attrition, to effect the complete
dissolution of the food in many herbivorous or granivorous
birds. The Little Bustard will also feed eagerly upon grain,
and it is said to devour worms and insects.
It lays its egg upon the bare ground under the cover of Eggs.
the herbage, or low plants, such as the cistus, &c. growing
upon the plains it usually frequents. The eggs are from
three to five in number, and of a clear shining grass-green
colour, without spot or stain.
When suddenly disturbed, this bird immediately takes
wing, flying with considerable strength and velocity, from
fifty to a hundred yards, raised but little above the surface
of the ground ; and, upon alighting, runs off with great
swiftness, by this mode generally eluding the pursuit.
It is a common inhabitant of the champaign and arid parts
of Spain, Italy, and Turkey ; is tolerably abundant in the
south of France, and very numerous on the coasts of Bar-
bary. In Switzerland and Germany it is a rare bird. Its
flesh is excellent, and surpasses in flavour that of our most
esteemed gallinaceous game.
PLATE 66. A male bird, in the young or winter plumage,
and of the natural size.
Length, when extended, one foot five inches and a half. General
Breadth, along the extended wings, two feet ten inches tion.
and a half. Bill blackish-brown ; the upper mandible
emarginated. Irides saffron-yellow. Crown of the head
and occiput cream-yellow, speckled and spotted with
black. Chin and throat white. Neck cream-yellow ;
the centres of the feathers, and a cross bar in them,
black. Hind part of the neck destitute of feathers, and
covered with grey down. The whole of the upper parts
scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts, beautifully barred
and mottled with buff-orange, cream-yellow, and black.
Greater wing-coverts white, with two black bars. First
four quills half white, half black ; fifth entirely white,
VOL. i. v f
450 RASORES. OTIS. BUSTARD.
except the tip, which is spotted with black ; the next
four white, with one black bar near the tips ; those
next to the body long, white, with three black bars.
Breast and sides white, transversely barred with black.
Middle of the belly, thighs, and vent, white. The roots
or downy bases of the feathers of the under parts are
flesh-red. Tail of eighteen feathers ; the four middle
ones cream-yellow, with four black bars ; the rest white,
barred and spotted with black. Legs yellowish-grey,
reticulated ; toes short. First quill-feather about half
an inch shorter than the second and third, which are of
equal length.
The female resembles the male in the above state, except
that the black spots and bars upon the upper parts of
the body are not so intense.
The male, in the adult state, or perhaps during the pair-
ing-season only, has a white collar upon the upper and
lower region of the throat, and the intermediate part
black. In other respects as in the winter plumage.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
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