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NESTS AND EGGS OF FAMILIAR BRITISH BIRDS, DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED; WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE FEATHERED ARCHITECTS, AND THEIR TIMES AND MODES OF BUILDING; SECOND SERIES.
NESTS AND EGGS OF FAMILIAR BRITISH BIRDS, DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED; WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE FEATHERED ARCHITECTS, AND THEIR TIMES AND MODES OF BUILDING; SECOND SERIES.
BY H. G. ADAMS. Author of "Favorite Song Birds," "Beautiful Butterflies," "Humming Birds," &c., &c. WITH EIGHT COLOURED PLATES OF EGGS, CONTAINING THIRTY-EIGHT DIFFERENT SPECIES. LONDON: GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS, 5, PATERNOSTER ROW. M DCCC LVII. It may at first strike our young readers that this is a question very easily answered; if they think so, let them try what sort of an answer they can give to it, and if they break down in the definition, we will endeavour to help them, as w
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OVOLOGY.
OVOLOGY.
As we have told you in the first volume of this series, Oology is another term for this science, which has occupied the attention of many learned men, who have gone deeper into Eggs than ever you or I shall, and told us such strange things about them, as would scarcely be believed by the very hens that laid them. Little does the happy mother think, when she goes cackling about the yard, proclaiming the event, that she has produced such a wonderful object. It looks a simple affair enough, one mig
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HOW TO PRESERVE EGGS FOR THE CABINET.
HOW TO PRESERVE EGGS FOR THE CABINET.
For this purpose eggs which are newly laid should always be chosen, as any decomposition of the contents will, probably, cause a discolouration of the shell. Make a hole at the smaller end, with an awl, or some other pointed instrument, and another at the larger end, which should be as small as possible, merely a pin hole will do; to this latter the mouth must be applied to blow out the contents. If the yolk does not come out readily, get a cup full of water, and immersing the sharp end into it,
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EGGS USED AS COIN.
EGGS USED AS COIN.
The want of any copper coin in Peru has given rise to a curious practice of which Lieutenant Maw was informed at Truxillo. A person coming to the market of that city, and not wishing to spend a real upon every article, purchases a real's worth of eggs, with which he or she proceeds to market; buying an egg's worth of vegetables from one, and so on from others, till all that was wanted has been obtained. The eggs are taken as current payment, and finally purchased themselves by those who require
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ILLUMINATED NESTS.
ILLUMINATED NESTS.
The birds that build hanging nests are at Cape Cormorin numerous. At night each of their little habitations is lighted up, as if to see company. The sagacious little bird fastens a bit of clay to the top of the nest, and then picks up a firefly, and sticks it on the clay to illuminate the dwelling, which consists of two rooms. Sometimes there are three or four fire-flies, and their blaze of light in the little cell dazzles the eyes of the bats, which often kill the young of these birds.— Dr. Buc
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AN EGG WITHIN AN EGG.
AN EGG WITHIN AN EGG.
A few years since, M. Seguin submitted to the Academy of Sciences at Paris, a hen's egg of extraordinary size, in which was a second egg. Its dimensions were eighty-eight millimetres by fifty-nine, or nearly three inches and a half by two and a quarter. More recently, in 1855, there appeared in an English scientific journal, an account of a similar oological curiosity, produced in Scotland, in the case of a turkey's egg....
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A BOY REPROVED BY A BIRD.
A BOY REPROVED BY A BIRD.
A correspondent of "The Youths' Instructor" relates the following anecdote, to which our young readers are earnestly requested to pay especial attention:—"When quite young, in my boyish days, I had watched some sparrows carrying materials to build their nests, (in the usual season,) under the eaves of a cottage adjoining our own; and although strict orders had been issued that none of us should climb up to the roofs of the houses, yet birds' eggs formed a temptation too powerful to be easily res
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CROSSBILL. EUROPEAN OR COMMON CROSSBILL. SHELL OR SHIELD-APPLE. FIGURE 1.
CROSSBILL. EUROPEAN OR COMMON CROSSBILL. SHELL OR SHIELD-APPLE. FIGURE 1.
Of those curious birds called Crossbills, from the peculiar construction of the bills, the points of which cross each other, there are three species known in this country, but two of them, namely, the Parrot and White-winged Crossbills, are very rare, only a few specimens having been taken here. The more common kind is a migratory bird, coming in large flocks at very irregular intervals, and visiting more especially those parts of the country where there are woods and plantations of fir and pine
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STARLING. COMMON STARLING, OR STARE. FIGURE 2.
STARLING. COMMON STARLING, OR STARE. FIGURE 2.
This handsome and well-known bird is sometimes called, when young, the Solitary Thrush. Its scientific name is Sturnus vulgaris , which is simply the Latin for the Common Starling. It may be met with in all parts of Britain, even in the Orkney and Shetland Isles, where it sometimes breeds in rocky caves, and fissures, and holes in the turf. More towards the south its nest is found in hollow trees, cavities in chalk-pits, sandy banks and old buildings; it is large and rudely fashioned of straw, r
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CHOUGH. CORNISH CHOUGH. RED-LEGGED, MARKET-JEW, OR HERMIT-CROW. RED-LEGGED JACKDAW. GESNER'S WOOD-CROW. CORNISH, CHAUK, OR CLIFF-DAW. CORNWALL KAE, OR KILLEGREW. FIGURE 3.
CHOUGH. CORNISH CHOUGH. RED-LEGGED, MARKET-JEW, OR HERMIT-CROW. RED-LEGGED JACKDAW. GESNER'S WOOD-CROW. CORNISH, CHAUK, OR CLIFF-DAW. CORNWALL KAE, OR KILLEGREW. FIGURE 3.
Plenty of names here for one bird. Oh, stay, here's another—Long-billed Chough; not to count the scientific names, the most common of which is Corvus graculus , that is a Chough Crow, or a Crow Chough, whichever may be preferred. Some naturalists use a longer specific name, and say Pyrrhocorax , which comes from the Greek pyrrhos , red, and Corax , a Crow. A fine handsome fellow is this, with his sable plumes, over which shimmers a steely blue reflection; his bright eye, and long red bill, and l
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RAVEN. CORBIE. CORBIE CROW. GREAT CORBIE CROW. FIGURE 4.
RAVEN. CORBIE. CORBIE CROW. GREAT CORBIE CROW. FIGURE 4.
Scientific name, Corvus corax , the first being the Latin, and the second Greek, for a Crow. This is the largest, as it is also one of the best known of the Crow tribe or family. It is found in nearly all parts of the world—in the coldest as well as the hottest climates—amid the wild mountainous regions of everlasting snow, in the depths of the gloomiest forests, and on the wide prairies and sandy plains, its hoarse cry may be heard; as well as on the lonely island, whose shores are lashed by th
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CARRION CROW. GOR. GORE, OR FLESH CROW. BLACK NEB. HOODY BRAN. FIGURE 5.
CARRION CROW. GOR. GORE, OR FLESH CROW. BLACK NEB. HOODY BRAN. FIGURE 5.
Everybody knows the Common Crow that goes caw-cawing over the fields through the long summer day, and hunts in the freshly-turned furrows for grubs and wire-worms, and settles down upon the marshes where the white flocks are feeding, dotting them here and there with great black spots, as though some literary giant had taken too much ink in his pen, and scattered it out over the landscape before he began to write. Oh yes, everybody knows the familiar Crow, called by scientific people Corvus coron
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HOODED CROW. ROYSTON. GREY, GREY-BACKED, DUN, BUNTING, HEEDY, OR SCARE-CROW. HOODY. FIGURE 6.
HOODED CROW. ROYSTON. GREY, GREY-BACKED, DUN, BUNTING, HEEDY, OR SCARE-CROW. HOODY. FIGURE 6.
The Hooded Crow, so called, most probably, on account of the distinct black covering of the head and neck, is not a very common bird in England generally, although it may often be found in certain localities, and at certain seasons, for it is partly migratory, frequenting the southern parts of the island only in winter, usually from October to April. In the north of Scotland, and the Hebrides and other islands, they are always to be found, and in great numbers. In its habits the Hooded Crow rese
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ROOK. BARE-FACED CROW. YDFRUN, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 7.
ROOK. BARE-FACED CROW. YDFRUN, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 7.
Naturalists term this bird Corvus frugilegus . With the meaning of the first, or generic name, our readers are already well acquainted; the specific name comes from the Latin fruges —fruits, and lego —to collect or gather, and from this we learn that it is a frugiverous or fruit-eating bird; it is not, however, altogether so, for it feeds much on insects, worms, slugs, and such small animals, in search of which it digs or delves with its large and strong beak, all around the base of which is bar
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JACKDAW. DAW. KAE. FIGURE 8.
JACKDAW. DAW. KAE. FIGURE 8.
Corvus monedula is the scientific name of this species, the latter, or specific title, being derived, as Mr. Morris supposes, from moneo , to warn; the Daw, like most of the Crow tribe, having been formerly considered a creature of evil augury. A pert bold fellow is the Jackdaw, restless, inquisitive, and loquacious; ever poking and prying into every hole and corner, and purloining whatever he can lay his claw or his bill on. He seems to delight in mischief, and to consider that to pick and stea
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MAGPIE. PIET. PIANET. MAG. MADGE. FIGURE 9.
MAGPIE. PIET. PIANET. MAG. MADGE. FIGURE 9.
Pica caudata , Pica melanoleuca , and Corvus pica are the several names given by naturalists to this bird; the first word is Latin, and means simply a pie; in the same language caudus signifies a tail, and a splendid tail our handsome Magpie possesses, long and broad, and like the beautiful pinions, all shot with green and purple reflections. Melanoleuca is compounded of two Greek words, meaning black and white, and no one can deny that this is very appropriate, although it is not so commonly us
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JAY. JAY PIE. JAY PIET. FIGURE 10.
JAY. JAY PIE. JAY PIET. FIGURE 10.
In scientific language Corvus glandarius , or Garrulus glandarius ; the specific name is from the Latin, and signifies of or belonging to acorns; the second generic name is also Latin, and means chattering or talkative, a leading characteristic of this bird, whose harsh cry is frequently heard amid the stillness of the solitary woods. "Proud of cerulean stains From heaven's unsullied arch purloined, The Jay screams hoarse," says Gisborne, in his "Walks in a Forest," and all persons who are accus
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GREEN WOODPECKER. LARGE GREEN WOODPECKER. NICK-A-PECKER. ECLE. HIGH-HOE. HEW-HOLE. AWL, OR RAIN-BIRD, OR FOWL. POPINJAY. WHITTLE. YAFFLE. YAFFER. YAPPINGALL. WOODSPITE. WOODWALL, OR WELE. FIGURE 11.
GREEN WOODPECKER. LARGE GREEN WOODPECKER. NICK-A-PECKER. ECLE. HIGH-HOE. HEW-HOLE. AWL, OR RAIN-BIRD, OR FOWL. POPINJAY. WHITTLE. YAFFLE. YAFFER. YAPPINGALL. WOODSPITE. WOODWALL, OR WELE. FIGURE 11.
We have in England six species of Woodpeckers, namely, the Black, the Green, the Greater Spotted, the Lesser Spotted, the Hairy, and the Three-toed, but only the one above-named is at all common. It is a handsome bird, with green and brown plumage, prettily marked and barred with white; the bill is large and black, which colour extends over the sides of the head and part of the throat; there is a light-coloured rim round the eye, and a crest like a crimson cap, also a few feathers of the same ri
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WRYNECK. CUCKOO'S MATE, MAID, OR MESSENGER. RINDING, SNAKE, TURKEY, BARLEY, OR TONGUE BIRD. EMMET-HUNTER. LONG-TONGUE. FIGURE 12.
WRYNECK. CUCKOO'S MATE, MAID, OR MESSENGER. RINDING, SNAKE, TURKEY, BARLEY, OR TONGUE BIRD. EMMET-HUNTER. LONG-TONGUE. FIGURE 12.
This bird, which appears to be a kind of connecting link between the Woodpeckers and Cuckoos, having some of the characteristics of both, is only a summer visitant of this country, generally arriving in April. Its scientific name is Yunx torquilla ; the first is undoubtedly Greek, but its meaning is not very obvious; the second comes from torqueo —to turn or twist, and refers to a singular habit which the bird has of twisting its neck with a kind of slow undulating motion, like that of a snake;
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NUTHATCH. NUT-JOBBER. WOODCRACKER. FIGURE 13.
NUTHATCH. NUT-JOBBER. WOODCRACKER. FIGURE 13.
The Sittine Birds, or Nuthatches, are little short-bodied creatures, with large heads, and very small tails; the bill is tolerably long, straight, and slender, pentagonal, or five-sided at the base, or part where it is inserted into the head. They are pretty lively birds, and seem to occupy a position between the Certhias , or Tree Creepers, and the Parine Birds or Tits. We have but one species in this country, known as the Sitta Europæa , or European Nuthatch; the generic name being derived, as
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CUCKOO. COMMON, OR GREY CUCKOO. GOWK, OR GECK. COG, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 14.
CUCKOO. COMMON, OR GREY CUCKOO. GOWK, OR GECK. COG, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 14.
Of the Cuculine Birds, or Cuckoos, none are permanently resident in countries subject to severe winter cold. They feed mostly on insects, worms, or soft fruit, gliding amid the trees in search of their food in a peculiarly rapid and noiseless manner. In passing from branch to branch they generally leap; they do not climb like the Woodpeckers and Creepers, although they have much the same conformation of feet, the outer toe being directed backwards, as well as the first; this is called Zy-go-dac-
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KINGFISHER. COMMON KING, OR KINGFISHER. GLAS Y DORIAN OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 15.
KINGFISHER. COMMON KING, OR KINGFISHER. GLAS Y DORIAN OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 15.
The Kingfishers belong to the order called Jaculatrices , or Darters, and to the family Alcedinæ ; so they are Alcedine birds. These terms are not very easy of explanation. Alcedo hispida is the name of the Common Kingfisher. The second term may mean either rough, or hairy, or wet, all of which are quite applicable to this bird, which must be familiar to many of our readers; for although by no means common in any part of Britain, and very rare in the north, it is yet to be found, all the year th
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SWALLOW. RED-FRONTED, COMMON, OR CHIMNEY SWALLOW. FIGURE 16.
SWALLOW. RED-FRONTED, COMMON, OR CHIMNEY SWALLOW. FIGURE 16.
The Hirundine Birds, or Swallows, form a very distinct group; they have slender bodies, and large, powerful wings, which enable them to fly with great velocity, skimming over the moist meadows, where their insect food most abounds, and wheeling and circling about trees and buildings in a swift and easy manner, which appears to be the very perfection of motion. They are all migratory birds, coming to us from Africa and the south of Europe to breed, and returning to those warm climates to pass the
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MARTIN. WHITE-RUMPED, WINDOW, HOUSE, OR MARTIN SWALLOW. MARTINET. HOUSE OR WINDOW MARTIN. MARTLETT. FIGURE 17.
MARTIN. WHITE-RUMPED, WINDOW, HOUSE, OR MARTIN SWALLOW. MARTINET. HOUSE OR WINDOW MARTIN. MARTLETT. FIGURE 17.
This is the Hirundo urbica of naturalists, the latter term coming from the Latin urbs —a city. Its plumage is of a more decided purple tint than the Common Swallow, from which it is also distinguished by the absence of chestnut brown on the forehead, throat, and under parts, which in this species are pure white. In its habits the Martin closely resembles its congeners, than which it is, perhaps, even more a house and city bird; hence its specific name. It reaches our island generally a few days
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SWIFT. COMMON, OR BLACK SWIFT. BLACK, OR SCREECH MARTIN. SWIFT-SWALLOW. DEVELING. SCREECH. SCREAMER. SQUEALER. CRAN. MARTIN DU, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 18.
SWIFT. COMMON, OR BLACK SWIFT. BLACK, OR SCREECH MARTIN. SWIFT-SWALLOW. DEVELING. SCREECH. SCREAMER. SQUEALER. CRAN. MARTIN DU, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 18.
Like the rest of our Swallows, this is a migratory bird, and it remains with us a shorter time than most of the others, generally arriving in May, and departing in August. Its scientific name is Hirundo apus , meaning a Swallow without a foot, derived no doubt from the small size of the feet, and the little use it seems to make of them, being almost constantly in the air, where its evolutions are peculiarly rapid and graceful, even for one of its family. The rapidity with which it skims and dash
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NIGHTJAR. GOATSUCKER. EUROPEAN OR NOCTURNAL GOATSUCKER. DOR, OR NIGHT-HAWK. FERN, CHURN, OR JAR-OWL. NIGHT-JAR, OR NIGHT-CHAR. WHEELBIRD. PUCKERIDGE. RHODWR AND ADERYN V DROELL, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 19.
NIGHTJAR. GOATSUCKER. EUROPEAN OR NOCTURNAL GOATSUCKER. DOR, OR NIGHT-HAWK. FERN, CHURN, OR JAR-OWL. NIGHT-JAR, OR NIGHT-CHAR. WHEELBIRD. PUCKERIDGE. RHODWR AND ADERYN V DROELL, OF THE ANCIENT BRITISH. FIGURE 19.
To the above long list of names, we might add two or three others by which different naturalists distinguish this remarkable bird, but the most common of its scientific designations will be sufficient; this is Caprimulgus Europæus , the first name being derived from the Latin caper —a goat, and mulgio —to milk; it having been at one time supposed that the poor innocent bird was in the habit of sucking the teats of the goats to obtain the milk; and there are, we believe, some ignorant persons in
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RING DOVE. RINGED DOVE, OR CUSHAT. QUEEST, OR CUSHIE. WOOD PIGEON. FIGURE 20.
RING DOVE. RINGED DOVE, OR CUSHAT. QUEEST, OR CUSHIE. WOOD PIGEON. FIGURE 20.
Of the Columbine birds, or Doves, we have in this country four distinct species, three of which are permanent residents, and one a summer migrant. There is also a member of the family, although classed in a different genus, of which a few specimens have been taken in this country, namely, the Passenger Pigeon of North America. All these are extremely beautiful birds, and general favourites on that account, as well as for their pleasing habits and manners, which have mainly contributed to make th
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STOCK DOVE. BLUE-BACKED OR WOOD DOVE. FIGURE 21.
STOCK DOVE. BLUE-BACKED OR WOOD DOVE. FIGURE 21.
Columba ænas is the scientific name of this species. The first term, as you are aware, means simply a Dove, the etymology of the second is not so clear, most likely it comes from oinos —relating to wine, and alludes to the ruddy or vinous tinge of the breast. This is a somewhat stouter bird in the body than the last, and it wants the white patches which so vary and enliven the plumage of the Ring Dove, than which it is less elegant, although perhaps its plumage is more rich and splendid, with th
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ROCK DOVE. WHITE-BACKED DOVE. WILD, OR ROCK PIGEON. FIGURE 22.
ROCK DOVE. WHITE-BACKED DOVE. WILD, OR ROCK PIGEON. FIGURE 22.
Scientific name Columba livia ; the latter name probably from livida —livid, blue, or lead-coloured. It is held by some that this species, and not the Stock Dove, has the best claim to be considered the original of the Common Pigeon; others have confounded the species, although there appears to be a very clear mark of distinction in the white patch over the tail, which is never absent, the broad black band across the grey wings, and the more deep and distinct marking of the plumage altogether. B
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TURTLE DOVE. RING-NECKED TURTLE. FIGURE 23.
TURTLE DOVE. RING-NECKED TURTLE. FIGURE 23.
This is perhaps the most beautiful, as it is also the smallest and rarest of our native Doves; naturalists term it Columba turtur , of which its English name is simply a translation; sometimes the specific name auritus —golden, is applied to it, and this well describes the plumage of the bird, which has a rich golden tinge throughout most parts of the plumage, the chief colours of which are brown and grey, running off into yellow and white, flushed at places with red, and elegantly marked with b
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PHEASANT. COMMON OR RING-NECKED PHEASANT. FIGURE 24.
PHEASANT. COMMON OR RING-NECKED PHEASANT. FIGURE 24.
This glorious bird is the Phasianus Colchicus of naturalists, the first term meaning a Pheasant, and the second of Colchis, the ancient name of a country of Asia Minor, from whence it is said the bird was originally brought into Europe, by the old Greek navigators, called the argonauts, say some—those who in the ship Argo, sailed the seas under the command of Jason, and went through a series of surprising adventures connected with the bearing away of a certain golden fleece from the King of Colc
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BLACK GROUSE. BLACK GAME. BLACK COCK. FEMALE—GREY OR BROWN HEN. FIGURE 25.
BLACK GROUSE. BLACK GAME. BLACK COCK. FEMALE—GREY OR BROWN HEN. FIGURE 25.
The meaning of the generic name of this bird— Tetrao , is by no means clear, neither is that of its specific name tetrix : are they not both derived from the Hindostanee word Tetur ? is the query of Morris, who does not tell us what this tetur means. The Black Grouse, conspicuous for its large size, glossy black plumage, forked tail, turning out like the flakes of an anchor, and noble bearing, is, with the exception of its near relative, the Capercaillie, or Cock of the Woods, now only to be fou
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RED GROUSE. GOR, OR MOOR-COCK. MOOR, OR MUIR-FOWL. RED-GAME. RED, OR BROWN PTARMIGAN. FIGURES 26 & 27.
RED GROUSE. GOR, OR MOOR-COCK. MOOR, OR MUIR-FOWL. RED-GAME. RED, OR BROWN PTARMIGAN. FIGURES 26 & 27.
Tetrao , or Lagopus Scoticus is the scientific name of this species; the meaning of the first term is already explained, the second comes from Lagos —a hare, and pous —a foot, and is given to this bird because it has the lower joints of the leg, and even the toes, feathered, differing in this respect from the other kinds of Grouse. Scoticus means Scotch, and indicates the country in which the species most abounds, although it is also found in various parts of England and Wales; it is, however, p
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PTARMIGAN. WHITE GAME, OR GROUSE. IN GAELIC, PTARMICHAN. FIGURE 28.
PTARMIGAN. WHITE GAME, OR GROUSE. IN GAELIC, PTARMICHAN. FIGURE 28.
Rich as is the plumage of the Red Grouse, with its beautiful markings, and warm sienna tint, which prevails throughout every part except the snowy legs, yet we are inclined to give the preference to this, its close relative, for elegance of appearance. It is all over of a pure delicate white, except just the points of the toes, the larger tail feathers, the bill, and a patch on each side of the head, which surrounds the eye, all of black; there is also, as in every other species of Grouse with w
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PARTRIDGE. COMMON OR GREY PARTRIDGE. FIGURE 29.
PARTRIDGE. COMMON OR GREY PARTRIDGE. FIGURE 29.
This is one of the best-known and most-esteemed of our native game birds; its scientific name is Perdix cinerea , the first term meaning a Partridge, and the last ash-coloured, the prevailing tint of the plumage of this species being ashy grey and brown, with a reddish tinge throughout. Beautifully marked and mottled is the dress of the plump little Partridge, as our readers know well,—delicately barred, and pencilled, and variegated, as if to shew what glorious effects may be produced with two
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QUAIL. COMMON OR WANDERING QUAIL. FIGURE 30.
QUAIL. COMMON OR WANDERING QUAIL. FIGURE 30.
The Quail can scarcely be called a common bird with us, although it may be found occasionally in various parts of both England and Ireland, and sometimes, though very rarely, in Scotland. It is migratory, generally arriving in May and departing in September; some few remain throughout the year, and scraping together a few bits of dry grass, clover, or straw, make a rude nest in a hollow place on the ground, and there deposit their eggs, which are of a yellowish, greenish, or reddish white, blotc
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BUSTARD. COMMON OR BEARDED BUSTARD. FIGURE 31.
BUSTARD. COMMON OR BEARDED BUSTARD. FIGURE 31.
If you can fancy a bird in general conformation something between an Ostrich and a Goose, you will have a pretty fair notion of the Great Bustard— Otis tarda as naturalists call it, the first term meaning a Bustard, and the second slow or lazy; yet lazy as he may be, this long-legged stalker is by no means slow in his movements when once roused to action; he runs with great swiftness, and, when he does take wing, which he appears to do with difficulty, has a strong and sustained flight. This is
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GOLDEN PLOVER. WHISTLING, YELLOW, GREEN, GREY, OR BLACK-BREASTED PLOVER. FIGURE 32.
GOLDEN PLOVER. WHISTLING, YELLOW, GREEN, GREY, OR BLACK-BREASTED PLOVER. FIGURE 32.
Of the Pluveline Birds, or Plovers, we have several species in this country, and the one above named is the commonest. Naturalists call it Pluvialis aurea , the first term meaning a Plover, and signifying rainy, or pertaining to rain, and the last golden; or Charadrius pluvialis . Of the meaning of this generic name we are obliged to confess our ignorance; by some it is, applied to all the Plovers, and by others to the Sand Plovers only. This Golden species is a very remarkable bird, both in its
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DOTTEREL. DOTTREL. DOTTEREL PLOVER. FIGURE 33.
DOTTEREL. DOTTREL. DOTTEREL PLOVER. FIGURE 33.
This, the Charadrius morinellus of naturalists, is another lively and beautiful bird, more so, perhaps, than the species last described, having greater variety and more distinct markings in the plumage. The crown and sides of the head are black, with a white band proceeding from above each eye, running down into a point, and nearly meeting another band from the back of the head; the throat is white, tinged and spotted with grey, which is the colour of the breast, which is divided from the orange
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RINGED PLOVER. RING, OR STONE PLOVER. RINGED DOTTEREL. SAND LARK, OR LAVROCK. DULL-WILLY. SANDY-LOO. FIGURE 34.
RINGED PLOVER. RING, OR STONE PLOVER. RINGED DOTTEREL. SAND LARK, OR LAVROCK. DULL-WILLY. SANDY-LOO. FIGURE 34.
Charadrius hiaticula is the scientific name of this species; we have already confessed our ignorance of the meaning of the first term; according to the old naturalist Pliny, it is "a bird the seeing of which cures those that have the jaundice;" but we must say that we are extremely doubtful if the sight of any bird included by modern naturalists in the genus Charadrius would have such a wonderful effect. The Latin dictionary tells us that the term comes from the Greek, and that one of its meanin
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LAPWING. COMMON, CRESTED, OR, GREEN LAPWING. GREEN PLOVER. LAPWING SANDPIPER. PEWIT. TEWIT. TEACHET. PEESE-WEEP. FRENCH PIGEON. FIGURE 35.
LAPWING. COMMON, CRESTED, OR, GREEN LAPWING. GREEN PLOVER. LAPWING SANDPIPER. PEWIT. TEWIT. TEACHET. PEESE-WEEP. FRENCH PIGEON. FIGURE 35.
Vanellus cristatus is the scientific name of this beautiful bird; the first term may perhaps come from vannus —a fan, and be given to it on account of the graceful fan-like motion of its glossy green pinions, as it skims along the shore, or over the wide heaths, or low-lying marshes, which it most frequents; the specific name means crested, and has reference to the crest of long black feathers which adorn the head, and can be raised nearly straight up or depressed at pleasure. We have called thi
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TURNSTONE. COMMON, OR COLLARED TURNSTONE. HEBRIDAL SANDPIPER. FIGURE 36.
TURNSTONE. COMMON, OR COLLARED TURNSTONE. HEBRIDAL SANDPIPER. FIGURE 36.
This is a very remarkable bird with regard to personal appearance, having a variegated dress of black, white, and brownish red, with little fading or running off into the other, so that the colours are strongly contrasted; it has a tolerably heavy body, a strong stout bill of moderate length, and longish thick legs, which are of a dull orange colour, the toes terminating in strong black claws, very useful in what appears to be the chief occupation of the bird, namely, turning up the stones and p
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