Birds Of Britain - free ebook by J. Lewis (John Lewis) Bonhote

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Birds Of Britain

J. Lewis (John Lewis) Bonhote

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BIRDS OF BRITAIN

BIRDS OF BRITAIN

BY J. LEWIS BONHOTE M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION WITH 100 ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOUR SELECTED BY H. E. DRESSER FROM HIS ‘BIRDS OF EUROPE’ LONDON ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK 1907 Published November 1907 LONDON ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK 1907 Published November 1907 MISSEL THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Adult (right). Young (left)...

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PREFACE

PREFACE

The study of Nature has of late years enormously increased, and there is probably no branch of its varied and inexhaustible interests which appeals more strongly to young and old than the fascinating study of Birds. Every one feels more or less interested in Birds, whether it be from pure affection for the Robins and Tits which beg our hospitality during the winter months, or joy at the coming of the Swallow and Cuckoo as heralds of spring. For some the interest is perhaps merely a passing regre

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THE MISSEL THRUSH Turdus viscivorus, Linnæus

THE MISSEL THRUSH Turdus viscivorus, Linnæus

It was by the sea-coast, on a bleak and wind-swept hill covered with short grass and patches of heather and gorse, that our attention was first directed to a light-coloured bird of fair size which rose at our feet from behind a tussock, and uttering a curious wild churring note, darted away against the strong south-west wind. Well has he earned his name of “Storm Cock” from his wild note and rapid flight. Watch him now, sustained by quick, continuous wing-beats, and now as the wind slackens carr

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THE SONG THRUSH Turdus musicus, Linnæus

THE SONG THRUSH Turdus musicus, Linnæus

One of the first signs that winter is thinking of releasing its grasp, and that spring, if still some way off, is nevertheless on the way, is the clear melodious song of the Song Thrush. Soon after daybreak (having breakfasted off the early worm) this bird may be heard in almost every garden that can boast of a shrub large enough to conceal him and his nest. Any sort of cultivated country forms his home, either the broad fields, scanty hedgerows, the carefully-cultivated garden of the wealthy, o

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THE REDWING Turdus iliacus, Linnæus

THE REDWING Turdus iliacus, Linnæus

From the middle to the end of October, when the leaves are falling thickly from the trees, and the dull, dark days of winter are beginning to make themselves felt, we may be aware, while walking along a country lane or through a park, of a new arrival among our birds. There rises, probably from the ground, a dark-coloured bird, whose quick movement will at once catch our eye, and being in company with others similar to himself, we shall have no difficulty in recognising the Redwing. Tired possib

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THE FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris, Linnæus

THE FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris, Linnæus

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Adult (left and centre). Young (right) An unwonted note strikes our ears, a sort of “chack” or “chick,” and looking round we see that it proceeds from a flock of ten or a dozen birds flying on a straight course high in the air, with quick and regular wing-beats. At first sight they appear like Missel Thrushes, but their flight is less erratic, and their unmistakable note tells us that the last of our migrant Thrushes has arrived to spend the winter with us. Like the Redw

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THE BLACK-THROATED THRUSH Turdus atrigularis, Temminck

THE BLACK-THROATED THRUSH Turdus atrigularis, Temminck

This is an Eastern species, breeding in Siberia from the Ural Mountains eastwards, and wintering in Persia, Afghanistan, and India. Stragglers have frequently been obtained in Europe, and two or three examples have been taken in these islands. The adult is brown on the upper parts and whitish below, except for the chin, which is spotted, and the throat and breast, which are black. Length 9·75 in.; wing 5·45 in....

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WHITE’S THRUSH Turdus varius, Pallas

WHITE’S THRUSH Turdus varius, Pallas

A large Thrush, rather bigger than a Missel Thrush, and not unlike that species in its immature plumage. It is of extremely rare occurrence on our islands, and has only been obtained in about eight or nine counties of England, and on three occasions in Ireland. Young Missel Thrushes have been frequently recorded as belonging to this species. White’s Thrush may, however, always be distinguished by having fourteen tail feathers instead of twelve, and the under side of the wing, which in the Missel

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THE BLACKBIRD Turdus merula, Linnæus

THE BLACKBIRD Turdus merula, Linnæus

Mingling with the Song Thrushes on the lawn, but always recognisable by his much longer tail and darker colour, we may at all times of the year see the Blackbird. He is hardly so familiar as his neighbour the Thrush, and prefers to keep near the shrubbery, where, on the least sign of real or imaginary danger, he may retire, and by remaining motionless be secure from observation; but if we follow him, and approach too near, he will fly away, uttering his loud alarm-note of “Cluck, cluck!” He will

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THE DUSKY THRUSH Turdus dubius, Bechstein

THE DUSKY THRUSH Turdus dubius, Bechstein

This species breeds in Eastern Siberia, from the valley of the Yenesei to the Pacific. Several stragglers have been obtained at different times in Europe, but the only British example was shot in 1905 near Gunthorpe, Notts. The general colour is greyish brown above, streaked with darker, becoming more rufous on the rump. Quills broadly margined with rufous. Below white, breast and flanks boldly marked with black; under wing coverts and axillaries rufous....

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THE RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus (Linnæus)

THE RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus (Linnæus)

“Chuck, chuck”—“chuck, chuck, chuck!” The note is strangely reminiscent of the Fieldfare, but it is now June, and even the latest stragglers of that species have left us. We are on a hillside in Wales, below us lies the Irish Channel, with hardly a ripple on its surface, the hill itself is almost covered with a short growth of furze and heather, the intervening spaces being carpeted with short moss and grass, kept well cropped by the hardy race of sheep for which the Principality is justly famou

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THE ROCK THRUSH Monticola saxatilis (Linnæus)

THE ROCK THRUSH Monticola saxatilis (Linnæus)

The Rock Thrush is an Eastern species that breeds sparingly from Central Europe eastwards through Southern Siberia and North China, and southwards in Greece, the Balkans, Asia Minor, and Persia. It has only once been obtained in our islands, namely in Hertfordshire in 1843. The male is greyish blue on the head, neck, and mantle; white on the rump, tail and under parts bright chestnut. The female is speckled brown above, chin and throat whitish, breast and under parts buff mottled with brown. Len

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THE WHEATEAR Saxicola œnanthe (Linnæus)

THE WHEATEAR Saxicola œnanthe (Linnæus)

WHEATEAR Saxicola œnanthe Adult male (right). Female (centre). Young in autumn (left) Before the March winds have subsided, and while the trees and all vegetation are still in their winter sleep, the first of the Wheatears appears in the south-west of England. A lively and sprightly little chap is he, as he sits on a tussock of grass or on a fence, jerking his tail, or darting with a quick sharp flight to some other elevation, showing, as he does so, his conspicuous white rump, while his dark wi

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THE ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Saxicola isabellina, Rüppell

THE ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Saxicola isabellina, Rüppell

This is a south-eastern species inhabiting the plains of South Russia and Asia Minor in summer, and being a permanent resident in Palestine, Egypt, and East Africa. Only one example has been known in Western Europe; it was shot in Cumberland on November 11, 1887. This species very closely resembles the Common Wheatear, but may be distinguished as follows: It is more tawny, has more black in its tail, and the under wing coverts are white . Length 6·5 in.; wing 3·9 in....

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THE BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR Saxicola stapazina (Linnæus) nec Vieillot

THE BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR Saxicola stapazina (Linnæus) nec Vieillot

The home of this species is in Southern Europe and North Africa. It has occurred in Sussex on three occasions during both the autumn and spring migrations. Frontal line, lores, and a large patch extending backwards beyond the ear coverts, wings and wing coverts, black; mantle and breast rufous, rest of the plumage including the throat white. In the female the black is replaced by brownish and the upper parts are brownish grey. Length about 5 in.; wing 3·5 in. ( N.B. —The name stapazina has, unti

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THE BLACK-THROATED WHEATEAR Saxicola occidentalis, Salvadori

THE BLACK-THROATED WHEATEAR Saxicola occidentalis, Salvadori

This is a very common summer visitor to the south of Europe, breeding regularly in France as far north as the Loire. It has occurred here on two or three occasions only. In the male the crown and upper back are golden buff; wings black; under parts pale buffish white; under wing coverts black . The female is duller and browner. Length 5·6 in.; wing 3·5 in....

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THE DESERT WHEATEAR Saxicola deserti, Rüppell

THE DESERT WHEATEAR Saxicola deserti, Rüppell

This, as its name implies, is a southern desert species and is found widely distributed throughout North Africa and Egypt, to Persia and Afghanistan. It has been taken in Great Britain on at least three occasions—twice in Scotland and once in Yorkshire. It somewhat resembles the preceding species, but may always be distinguished by its tail, which is black almost to the base. Length 5·6 in.; wing 3·6 in....

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THE WHINCHAT Pratincola rubetra (Linnæus)

THE WHINCHAT Pratincola rubetra (Linnæus)

A merry little fellow is he, arriving in this country with our other summer migrants about the middle of April. His haunts are open fields and pastures, so that he does not often come across his near relation the Stonechat, whom in actions, and to some extent in dress, he clearly resembles. You will generally first have your attention drawn to him by hearing his well-known note of “u-tick” as you walk across the field, and looking round you will see a small thick-set bird, hanging on to some sle

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THE STONECHAT Pratincola rubicola (Linnæus)

THE STONECHAT Pratincola rubicola (Linnæus)

On any rough common, where furze or tangles of bramble form almost the only cover, you may see the Stonechat; summer and winter alike he is there, brightening with his deep chestnut breast and jet-black head and back the otherwise comparatively lifeless spot. You cannot miss him, or rather, he will not miss you, for as you approach he will rise and settle on the topmost spray of some furze bush, or possibly on the tall stem of grass or thistle. Jerking his tail with the quivering movement charac

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THE SIBERIAN STONECHAT Pratincola maura, Pallas

THE SIBERIAN STONECHAT Pratincola maura, Pallas

This is the representative of the preceding species in Northern Europe and Asia. One example only has been shot on our shores, viz. a male, in Norfolk, on September 2, 1904. It is characterised by the pure white rump, but in other respects closely resembles the Common Stonechat....

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THE REDSTART Ruticilla phœnicurus (Linnæus)

THE REDSTART Ruticilla phœnicurus (Linnæus)

Coming with the rush of our spring warblers, the Redstart, by its bright plumage, soon makes his arrival manifest. No one can mistake him, as with black head, white forehead, and red breast he sits on some tree in the garden, or on one of the pollard willows that fringe the stream, his tail vibrating with that curious sideway motion peculiar to his kind. It is in these early April days that he is seen to best advantage, staying in favoured spots till the advent of others of his tribe, a few days

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THE BLACK REDSTART Ruticilla titys (Scopoli)

THE BLACK REDSTART Ruticilla titys (Scopoli)

The Black Redstart occurs with us as a regular autumn migrant but only in small numbers, frequently remaining till well on in winter. On the Continent south of 52° it is an extremely abundant summer visitor, becoming more numerous in the east. In the southern limits of its range and in North Africa it is resident, though its numbers become augmented each season by individuals that have bred farther north. The male is extremely dark in appearance and may be easily recognised from the Common Redst

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THE BLUETHROAT Cyanecula suecica (Linnæus)

THE BLUETHROAT Cyanecula suecica (Linnæus)

There are two forms of this species, one in which the blue throat exhibits a red spot, and the other in which the blue throat exhibits a white spot. The former form is found breeding in Northern Europe and Siberia, wintering chiefly in South Asia and North-Eastern Africa; while the latter breeds in Central Europe south of the Baltic. The females and young of the two forms are practically indistinguishable. It seems probable that a few examples of this species occur annually on migration along ou

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THE ROBIN Erithacus rubecula (Linnæus)

THE ROBIN Erithacus rubecula (Linnæus)

Of all our British birds, none perhaps has gained so complete a hold upon our imaginations, and the more sympathetic side of our nature, than our red-breasted friend. He is a welcome guest in every home in the kingdom, and in turn acknowledges the compliment by trusting us as do few of our native birds. It is in winter perhaps that we know him best; however cold and stormy the weather, he always appears happy, cheerful, and sprightly, as he hops along the garden path or seeks his breakfast at th

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THE NIGHTINGALE Daulias luscinia (Linnæus)

THE NIGHTINGALE Daulias luscinia (Linnæus)

The name of this bird is familiar to every one—ornithologist or otherwise. Poets have sung his praises for centuries, and not in vain, for there are few who do not in consequence feel a desire to hear this unsurpassed musician of the bird world. Like all good things, however, our songster does not overwhelm us with his melody. On his arrival in this country, about the third week in April, he bursts forth, pouring out his ecstasy in glorious and varied song. What a thrill it gives us as we listen

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THE WHITETHROAT Sylvia cinerea, Bechstein

THE WHITETHROAT Sylvia cinerea, Bechstein

WHITETHROAT Sylvia cinerea Quiet and unobtrusive in his colouring, and like all his class retiring in his habits, this extremely common summer visitor is often hardly noticed. Early in April the Whitethroats begin to arrive, and from then to the end of the month populate our hedgerows in ever-increasing numbers. When he first comes he may be seen sitting on some outstanding twig or on the telegraph wires that border the road, trilling forth his short but pleasing song, which, like that of most w

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THE LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca (Linnæus)

THE LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca (Linnæus)

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca The Lesser Whitethroat arrives a little later than the preceding species, namely about the end of April, and at once disperses throughout our woods and coppices and sets to work nest-building. The nest is still more fragile than the Whitethroat’s and lacks the lining of horsehair. It is generally placed moderately high up, about four or six feet from the ground, in a bush or hedge bordering a coppice. The eggs, four to six, are of a light cream ground colour, wi

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THE ORPHÆN WARBLER Sylvia orphea, Temminck

THE ORPHÆN WARBLER Sylvia orphea, Temminck

This species nests abundantly in Spain and more sparingly in the South of France, but has been taken in this country on at least two occasions, on both of which the evidence pointed to its breeding or having bred with us. The eggs, except in size, are much like those of the Lesser Whitethroat. The bird itself much resembles a Blackcap, but the throat and breast are white and the three outer pairs of tail feathers show some white. The female is rather duller and browner. Length 6 in.; wing 3·1 in

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THE SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala, Gmelin

THE SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala, Gmelin

This small species, which is not unlike the Blackcap in general appearance, has a comparatively restricted distribution, being practically confined to the Mediterranean basin. The only British specimen that has hitherto been obtained was shot on June 3, 1907, in Sussex. General colour of upper parts dark grey, except the head, which is black. Lower parts white, greyish on the flanks. Length 5·5 in.; wing 2·5 in....

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THE BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla (Linnæus)

THE BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla (Linnæus)

Those whose good fortune does not allow them to live within earshot of the Nightingale, point to the Blackcap as having a song little, if at all, inferior to that of the prince of songsters. Comparisons are at all times odious and in this case misleading, for to our mind no comparison can possibly be made between the two; the song is not only different, but lacks also the passion and tone so characteristic of the Nightingale. Although a few Blackcaps sometimes winter in Devon, they are really mi

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THE GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis, Bechstein

THE GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis, Bechstein

In our minds this bird, for some reason which is not very clear, is always associated with the Blackcap. They are almost identical in habits and live in similar situations, but at the same time, although both species may often be found breeding together, the one is generally common in localities where the other is scarce and vice versa . It is rather a late arrival, rarely appearing in numbers before the end of April, and has never been known to winter in these islands. BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapil

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THE BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria, Bechstein

THE BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria, Bechstein

Making its summer home in South Sweden, Denmark, East Germany and Central Europe, our islands lie too far to the west for this species to be known except as a rare straggler. About a dozen examples are known to have occurred in our eastern counties, always in autumn; it has also been taken in Skye and on two occasions in Ireland. The general colour above is ash grey faintly barred with slate on the upper tail coverts. Under parts whitish barred with grey. The young bird is hardly barred at all a

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THE SUB-ALPINE WARBLER Sylvia subalpina, Bonelli

THE SUB-ALPINE WARBLER Sylvia subalpina, Bonelli

Breeding numerously in Spain and South-East France, this species has only once occurred here, namely on St. Kilda in June 1894. The upper parts are dull grey and under parts chestnut. There is a red ring round the eye and a conspicuous white moustache-like streak extending backwards from the bill. The female is much duller and the under parts are pale buff. Length 4·7 in.; wing 2·3 in....

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THE DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata (Boddært)

THE DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata (Boddært)

DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Male (above). Young (below) This bird, which is extremely rare and local with us, is the only resident member of its genus in these islands. Braving as it does our changeable and stormy climate, it is perhaps not surprising that its numbers are few, for, feeding almost entirely on insects, it must at times suffer severely from lack of food. Local, perhaps, is hardly a strong enough word to express the very stay-at-home habits of this cheery little fellow; he seems

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THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch

THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch

The Goldcrest is the smallest of all our birds, and though not often seen it is extremely abundant wherever a fir or cone-fir plantation is to be found. Here it spends its life hopping about restlessly in search of the small flies and insects on which it exists. It has hardly any song, and the call-note is a very feeble high-pitched squeak, which often may be heard when the bird itself is invisible. The nest is, perhaps, the neatest and most beautiful structure of any to be seen in our islands,

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THE FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus (C. L. Brehm)

THE FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus (C. L. Brehm)

This species is a rare wanderer to our southern counties during the winter months, although doubtless from its extreme similarity to the Goldcrest it may have been overlooked on several occasions. It nests throughout Southern and Central Europe, migrating southwards from its more northerly quarters on the approach of winter. In appearance it hardly differs from the Goldcrest, but may be distinguished at all ages by a yellow frontal streak that passes backwards over the eye, succeeded by a black

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THE YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus superciliosus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus superciliosus (J. F. Gmelin)

This is an Asiatic species breeding in North-Eastern Siberia and wintering in South China, Burma, and North-Eastern India. It has been obtained on several occasions in these islands. The upper parts are olive green, under parts pale yellow. There is a faint yellowish stripe along the crown of the head and a very conspicuous yellow stripe, which passes over the eye, from the base of the bill to the nape. There are two bands of lemon yellow across the coverts, and the inner web of the outer tail f

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PALLAS’ WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus (Pallas)

PALLAS’ WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus (Pallas)

A single example of this Asiatic species has been obtained in Great Britain, its true home being across Eastern Siberia, where it nests from Lake Baikal to the Himalayas and Northern China. It closely resembles the Yellow-browed Warbler, but its colours are brighter. The crown stripe is well marked. The inner web of the outer tail feathers is not margined with white, but its most distinctive feature is the bright lemon yellow rump. Length 3·7 in.; wing 2 in....

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THE GREENISH WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus viridanus, Blyth

THE GREENISH WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus viridanus, Blyth

In summer this species inhabits Western Siberia from the Urals to the Himalayas and has only occurred once in England. It is very similar to our Willow Warbler, but the tips of the greater wing coverts are whitish and form a distinct bar. Length 4·25 in.; wing 2·25 in....

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THE CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita, Vieillot

THE CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita, Vieillot

It has yearly been our delight to listen for the cheery “chiff chaff” which announces the first arrival of this bird. Winter is hardly over, the March winds still blow and the trees are bare, but still he comes to brave our inclement weather and retain his position as the first harbinger of spring. A small green Warbler of skulking habits, we will have to watch carefully if we wish to see him, for as we approach he will leave his post high up on some tree and hide in the undergrowth. For some we

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THE SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus tristis, Blyth

THE SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus tristis, Blyth

One example of this small warbler, that breeds in Western Siberia, migrating to Turkestan and India in winter, was obtained at a lighthouse off the Orkneys in 1902. It is rather smaller and browner than our common Chiffchaff and has the under parts buffish white. It may, however, always be recognised by the shortness of the second primary, which comes between the seventh and the eighth, or is even shorter than the eighth. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita [Vieillot] (above) WILLOW WREN Phyllosco

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THE WILLOW WREN Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnæus)

THE WILLOW WREN Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnæus)

The Willow Wren is closely allied to the Chiffchaff and so like it in general appearance as to need a critical examination, when dead, to enable it to be recognised. In habits also there is little difference to be noted. Its range is more extensive, for as far north as the birch woods extend, this hardy little wanderer makes his home, retiring at the end of summer to Southern Europe and Africa. Throughout our islands it is extremely common. Arriving about the last week of March, it at once makes

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THE WOOD WREN Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein)

THE WOOD WREN Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein)

Although a member of the same family as the last two species, this bird is much more local. It is not until the end of April that he reaches our shores and his clear and melodious little song, which may be syllabled as “chit, chit, chit, chit, tri-tr-tr-tre,” can be heard. His favourite haunts are suitable woods where large timber, especially beech, abound. Here he may be seen as, with the restless activity so characteristic of his family, he searches among the upper branches of the trees for th

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THE RUFOUS WARBLER Aedon galactodes (Temminck)

THE RUFOUS WARBLER Aedon galactodes (Temminck)

This handsome species is only a summer migrant to the South of Spain, and the few that have occurred in England are merely stragglers carried out of their course. It has been taken in Sussex and once in Devon, in all cases during the autumn. It is a conspicuous bird, like a large pale-coloured Nightingale, and may be recognised by its fan-shaped tail with black subterminal spots and white tips. Length 6·5 in.; wing 3·5 in....

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RADDE’S BUSH WARBLER Lusciniola schwarzi (Radde)

RADDE’S BUSH WARBLER Lusciniola schwarzi (Radde)

This species, which breeds in North-Eastern Siberia and migrates in winter to China and Burma, has only once been obtained in this country, namely in October 1898, by Mr. Haigh, on the Lincolnshire side of the Humber. Mr. Haigh’s attention was drawn to it by the loud and powerful note. The general colour above is olive brown, tinged with tawny on the rump. Under parts yellowish white. There is a broad white superciliary stripe, which ends abruptly in a manner characteristic of this species. Leng

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CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cettii, Marmora

CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cettii, Marmora

A single example of this species, whose home is in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin generally, was obtained in Sussex in May 1904. The upper parts are chestnut brown, darker on the wings and tail. There is a white superciliary stripe. Under parts white, turning to grey on the breast, flanks, and under tail coverts. Length 5 in.; wing 2·3 in....

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THE ICTERINE WARBLER Hypolais icterina (Vieillot)

THE ICTERINE WARBLER Hypolais icterina (Vieillot)

This fairly common European bird is only a rare visitor to our southern and eastern shores, and has once been taken in Ireland. It breeds in North-Eastern France, Denmark, Scandinavia, and throughout Northern and Central Europe, migrating south-eastwards in autumn, Italy forming apparently the western limit of its route. The eggs are very distinctive, being pale pink with black spots. The upper parts are greyish olive, the lores and a streak over the eye yellow. Under parts lemon yellow. Length

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THE MELODIOUS WARBLER Hypolais polyglotta (Vieillot)

THE MELODIOUS WARBLER Hypolais polyglotta (Vieillot)

Although the presence of this species had long been suspected, as well as the possibility of it having bred with us, it was not until 1897 that the first authenticated example was procured at Burwash in Sussex. It is a southern species, breeding abundantly in Spain, North Africa, and South-Western France. Its eggs very closely resemble those of the Icterine Warbler. Except for its smaller size, it is very difficult to distinguish this species from the preceding one, but its proportionately short

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REED WARBLER Acrocephalus streperus (Vieillot)

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus streperus (Vieillot)

A near ally to the Sedge Warbler, this bird seldom reaches this country till the beginning of May, and at once repairs to the reed-beds, where his whole life, except when actually migrating, is spent. Wherever suitable reed-beds occur in the southern and eastern parts of our islands, he is fairly abundant and reveals his presence by his song, which is a harsh medley of notes volubly rattled out, and somewhat like that of the Sedge Warbler. It is easy to hear him, but to see him is a task requiri

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THE MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris (Bechstein)

THE MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris (Bechstein)

This species resembles the preceding one so closely that even when examined in the hand, they are hard to distinguish. The general hue is, however, more greenish and less rufous than the Reed Warbler, and the legs are lighter in colour, being brownish flesh instead of yellowish brown. Alike as they are in appearance, their life history is very different. The Marsh Warbler is by no means confined to reeds, but may be found in osier beds, cornfields or coppices, being content, like the Sedge Warbl

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THE GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus turdoides (Meyer)

THE GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus turdoides (Meyer)

Although common on the neighbouring shores of the Continent, this species has occurred here very seldom. It is abundant throughout Europe in summer as far north as the southern shores of the Baltic, and nests commonly in France, Holland, and Belgium. It inhabits reed-beds or thick cover near the margins of streams, ditches, and ponds. It does not skulk like the Reed Warbler, but, on the contrary, is always sitting on the top of the tallest reeds and flying about from one clump to another. The up

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SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechstein)

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechstein)

The presence of a human being seems to spur this delicate species to song, for if, when strolling near some river or pond towards the end of April, we inadvertently pass this little songster, he will at once burst forth with his noisy chattering notes, as though loudly protesting against this unseemly invasion into his privacy. He is by no means shy, though he usually keeps to the low-growing alders, willows, or whatever other cover there may be, and should we come so close as to disturb him fro

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THE AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus aquaticus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE AQUATIC WARBLER Acrocephalus aquaticus (J. F. Gmelin)

The Aquatic Warbler is by no means scarce in Europe, but is one of those south-eastern species that extend north-westwards through France and breed sparingly in Holland and Denmark. From recent observations it seems probable that a few examples regularly pass through this country on migration every autumn, but owing to its resemblance to the Sedge Warbler, it has probably often been overlooked. In general colour it is lighter and paler than the Sedge Warbler, and the wing coverts have broad buff

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THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella nævia (Boddært)

THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella nævia (Boddært)

Though never very abundant, this skulking species is commoner than is usually supposed. Arriving towards the end of April, its peculiar trilling song, which has earned it many local names, may often be heard. It sounds, however, so much like the noise made by a grasshopper that the bird is frequently unrecognised. This species is rarely seen, for it loves to remain concealed in the thick undergrowth, either in a compact hedge or in large stretches of sedge and rough grass, but, if we trouble to

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SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella luscinioides (Savi)

SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella luscinioides (Savi)

This species was once a regular migrant to certain favoured localities in the East Anglian fens, but subsequent drainage has so affected its haunts that it is no longer to be found there. The last known British specimen was killed over fifty years ago. Possibly a few individuals may sometimes occur on migration, as it still breeds locally in some parts of Holland, but, except for historical interest, it can no longer be included among our British birds. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella nævia Adult

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THE HEDGE ACCENTOR Accentor modularis (Linnæus)

THE HEDGE ACCENTOR Accentor modularis (Linnæus)

Of dingy colour, quiet, unobtrusive, yet ever busy, the Hedge Accentor, vulgarly misnamed the “Hedge Sparrow,” resembles in his character those among us who are content, even in the bustle of our great cities, to go quietly on their way, doing good wherever they find opportunity and receiving uncomplainingly the kicks which their busier brethren are often only too eager to bestow. And so it is with the Hedge Sparrow; year in, year out, he is ever with us, quietly and diligently seeking his food

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THE ALPINE ACCENTOR Accentor collaris (Scopoli)

THE ALPINE ACCENTOR Accentor collaris (Scopoli)

The Alpine Accentor is an inhabitant of the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, and, like our Hedge Accentor, of very stay-at-home habits, rarely leaving its home until the snow forces it down into the valleys. In England and Wales it has occurred about a dozen times. In general colour above it is not unlike the preceding species, but the wing coverts are tipped with white, forming a double bar across the wing. Chin and throat white mottled with black, rest of under parts greyish

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THE DIPPER Cinclus aquaticus, Bechstein

THE DIPPER Cinclus aquaticus, Bechstein

Wherever a mountain torrent is to be found in these islands we are almost sure to find this bird, as he sits on a boulder which juts out among the rushing water. In shape he resembles the more familiar Wren, but he is essentially a water bird, and seeks most of his food, which consists entirely of aquatic insects and their larvæ, in the bed of the stream. Diving into the water it reaches the bottom by the aid of both wings and feet, and when there progresses, apparently, by its feet alone. The n

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THE BEARDED REEDLING Panurus biarmicus (Linnæus)

THE BEARDED REEDLING Panurus biarmicus (Linnæus)

Extremely scarce and local in our islands, being confined to not more than half-a-dozen localities, this charming little bird, more than any others perhaps of our rarer species, is worth a journey to see. Inhabiting large and extensive reed-beds, it used formerly to be abundant in the fens of Huntingdon, Cambridge, and other eastern counties, but with the reclaiming and draining of the land it has slowly died out, only holding its own in those few places where Nature still reigns supreme. Its ex

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THE LONG-TAILED TIT Acredula caudata (Linnæus)

THE LONG-TAILED TIT Acredula caudata (Linnæus)

There must be few of us who have not noticed this charming little bird when we are walking in winter along a hedgerow. We are attracted by a high-pitched “zi-zit” as the bird darts from the hedge in front of us, and after a few yards of undulating flight settles again. It is not alone, for another and yet another Tit follows till the whole family party are busy at work hopping and creeping about the hedge. Shortly the whole proceeding takes place again, the family procession moving on to search

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THE GREAT TIT Parus major, Linnæus

THE GREAT TIT Parus major, Linnæus

On a bright morning in winter, when the leafless branches of the trees bear white traces of the night frost, whose tonic power is felt by man, as well as the lower orders of Nature, we shall not walk far before the rasping “che-chi, che-chi” of the little Saw-sharpener, as he is often called, breaks on our ears. We soon see him climbing about on the branches of some wayside tree; never still, now hanging head downwards as he inspects a bud, seeking for the insect it may contain, or plucking some

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THE COAL TIT Parus ater, Linnæus

THE COAL TIT Parus ater, Linnæus

The Coal Tit is often found as a near neighbour of the Blue Tit, but is never so abundant and familiar. It prefers clumps of trees bordering open commons and moors, but it may sometimes be seen on the outskirts of woods. The nest is always placed near the ground, in either a hole of a post or tree, and not infrequently, when suitable holes are scarce, mouse-burrows in the ground itself are chosen. It is chiefly composed of moss and lined with hair and feathers, and the eggs, eight to ten in numb

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THE MARSH TIT Parus palustris, Linnæus

THE MARSH TIT Parus palustris, Linnæus

This bird is the rarest of our common species of Tits, although in some places it outnumbers the Coal. In habits it is very similar to its congeners, but is perhaps more partial to young alder and willow plantations than some of the others. Its name would lead us to suspect that it especially frequents marshy spots, but this is not the case. It chooses for its nesting-site a hole in some decayed stump which it not infrequently hews out for itself, and the nest consists of the usual materials, bu

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THE BLUE TIT Parus cœruleus, Linnæus

THE BLUE TIT Parus cœruleus, Linnæus

This bird is very similar in its actions to the Great Tit, but is more often seen in gardens than the latter. It is ever on the move and is extremely fond of a bit of suet—a piece hung on a string in the garden affords throughout the winter months endless opportunities of watching its pretty and fascinating ways. In summer, sunflower seeds are a great attraction; these are removed as soon as they ripen, and taken to some convenient post or branch; there he will hold one between his feet and spli

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THE CRESTED TIT Parus cristatus, Linnæus

THE CRESTED TIT Parus cristatus, Linnæus

A few favoured spots in Scotland are the only resorts of this bird in our islands. It is a forest species, haunting pine woods, from which it seldom wanders far. Like the Marsh Tit, it frequently excavates its own nesting-hole, which is generally at no great distance from the ground. In all its actions and habits it resembles its congeners. The sexes are alike. The general colour above is olive brown, beneath white, turning to buff on the flanks. The feathers of the head are black, broadly edged

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THE NUTHATCH Sitta cæsia, Wolf

THE NUTHATCH Sitta cæsia, Wolf

The Nuthatch is fairly well distributed over the woodland portions of our southern and midland counties, becoming rarer towards the north. In Scotland it has only been observed in a few counties, and has never been met with in Ireland. It is a very shy bird, but is most interesting to observe, as he runs up and down with extreme facility, assuming, as he does so, many graceful and curious positions. Unlike the Woodpeckers, which only run up the trees, it seems quite immaterial to this species wh

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THE WREN Troglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch

THE WREN Troglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch

There must be few people who have not heard a long and clear song sounding almost at their side, when walking along some garden path or along the edge of a wood, and on investigation have found that this song, so disproportionate in volume to the size of the bird that utters it, proceeds from one of the smallest of our birds, the Wren. Skulking as a rule in the thick hedge bottom, among undergrowth in woods, or in a tangle of brambles on a common, he will suddenly hop on to an outstanding spray,

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THE TREE-CREEPER Certhia familiaris, Linnæus

THE TREE-CREEPER Certhia familiaris, Linnæus

The Tree-Creeper is a common species, but from its quiet ways and dull colour seldom noticed. It is with us the whole year, spending its time in an unceasing search for small insects on the bark of trees. In its habits and food it is not unlike the Woodpeckers, climbing up with a series of jerks, and, when observed, shifting at once to the far side of the tree. It has a short but pleasing little song, which is not often heard, and the call-note is a low and plaintive “cheep.” It is solitary in h

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THE WALL-CREEPER Tichodroma muraria (Linnæus)

THE WALL-CREEPER Tichodroma muraria (Linnæus)

Very few examples of this species, whose home is in the mountainous regions of Europe, have occurred in these islands. It spends its life climbing over the bare and precipitous surfaces of rock, searching for spiders and other insects on which it feeds. The general colour is slate grey with crimson wing coverts and a black throat. The tail feathers are not stiff as in the preceding species. Length 6 in.; wing 3·9 in....

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THE PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla lugubris, Temminck

THE PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla lugubris, Temminck

“Chizzit, chizzit,” and looking round we see our little grey friend as he passes with his peculiar and characteristic dipping flight across the field towards the ivy-clad wall. Every year he comes with unfailing regularity to rear his brood near the same spot. It is an old red-brick wall, thickly covered with ivy, which has concealed the various nooks and crannies brought about by the winter’s frosts and the heat of the summer sun. In such a place the Pied Wagtail delights to build his nest. Alt

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WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba, Linnæus

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba, Linnæus

This is the Continental form of the preceding species, which passes through the country every year on migration and occasionally stays to breed. In habits it is precisely similar to its congener the Pied Wagtail. It may be distinguished by its rather lighter colour, and in summer it retains the light grey back but assumes the black chin. The females, however, of our own species frequently do not assume a black back, so that the colour of the back when seen in the field will not be sufficient to

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GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla melanope, Pallas

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla melanope, Pallas

The Grey Wagtail is a close inhabitant of rocky streams, and we have to go to the more mountainous parts of our islands to find this species “at home.” Like the Pied Wagtail it is a partial migrant, seeking the warmer portions in the south and west during the winter and moving back to the same rushing streams with the return of spring. The nest is placed in one of the loose stone walls so common near its haunts, or on the ground in some cleft of the rocks. The eggs resemble those of the Yellow W

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THE BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla flava, Linnæus

THE BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla flava, Linnæus

This species resembles the Yellow Wagtail very closely in all respects, and is the common Continental “Yellow Wagtail,” many different races of which are found. It occurs yearly in the south-east of England on migration and sometimes stays to breed. The adults may be distinguished from our Yellow Wagtail by having the upper part of the head and neck, including the cheeks, bluish grey and the stripe over the eye white . Young birds are practically indistinguishable from those of our common specie

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THE YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla raii (Bonaparte)

THE YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla raii (Bonaparte)

In the flat meadow-lands and pastures intersected by ditches or bordering some sluggish river, we may see this brilliant little fellow as he struts about under the feet of the cattle. At one moment he is running forward to pick some insect off the grass with an audible snap of his slender bill, and the next jumping up to seize, after the manner of the Flycatcher, some winged insect that has come within range of his sharp eyes. This bird is a true migrant, reaching our shores during the latter ha

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THE TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis (Linnæus)

THE TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis (Linnæus)

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis (left) MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis (right) Arriving in April with our other summer visitors, the Tree Pipit may be found fairly commonly throughout England and Scotland, but becomes scarcer in the north. It has not yet been known to visit Ireland. It may be heard singing its pretty little song near the outskirts of woods, or in fields bordered by trees. This is usually uttered on the wing when, having sprung some distance into the air, it descends with fluttering wi

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THE MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis (Linnæus)

THE MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis (Linnæus)

Bleak and dreary moorlands, or wide wind-swept marshes and water meadows form the haunts of this bird at all seasons of the year. Hatched in a neat nest, placed on the ground and carefully concealed under a tussock of grass, the young Meadow Pipit is assiduously fed by both its parents on insects, and his cradle would be most difficult to discover were it not that the parents, in their anxiety, hover round the spot calling out “peet, peet” in a plaintive and pained manner. The nest is made of gr

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THE RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus (Pallas)

THE RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus (Pallas)

Less than half-a-dozen individuals of this species, which breed in the far north of Europe and Asia, and winter in tropical Africa, have visited us, and with one exception they have all been taken on the shores of Kent or Sussex. It closely resembles the Meadow Pipit, but in the breeding season the sides of the neck and breast in both sexes are vinous chestnut. All our examples, however, have been immature birds, which are extremely difficult to distinguish from our common species. The feathers

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THE TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris (Linnæus)

THE TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris (Linnæus)

The Tawny Pipit is a regular summer visitor to the sand-dunes and arid wastes of Europe, breeding in some numbers no farther from our shores than the north of France and Holland. It winters in Africa. To England it has only been a scarce straggler, single examples having been obtained in autumn on our southern and eastern shores from the Scilly Islands as far north as Yorkshire. During the last year or two there is evidence that it may have bred in Sussex, adult pairs of birds having remained ab

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RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi, Vieillot

RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi, Vieillot

This eastern species breeds in Turkestan, Siberia, and Mongolia, but a large number yearly visit Europe during the autumn migration. In England a good many examples have been obtained, and closer observation may prove it to be a regular autumn migrant along our eastern and southern seaboard, as it is abundant on Heligoland every year. It has occurred once in Scotland and once in Ireland. It is a large bird and may be distinguished by its long hind claw; when seen on the wing it appears very dark

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THE WATER PIPIT Anthus spipoletta (Linnæus)

THE WATER PIPIT Anthus spipoletta (Linnæus)

The Water Pipit breeds in the Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain ranges of Central Europe, migrating in winter to the shores of the Mediterranean. A few odd stragglers have been taken in this country both in the spring and autumn migrations. The upper parts are of a uniform greyish brown; under parts buff, paler on the belly and browner on the flanks. There is a short light stripe immediately above the eye. The tail feathers are brown, except the outer vane of the exterior pair and the tips of t

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THE ROCK PIPIT Anthus obscurus (Latham)

THE ROCK PIPIT Anthus obscurus (Latham)

This species, which very closely resembles the Meadow Pipit but is slightly larger, is found along the rocky coasts of our islands. It is strictly an inhabitant of the sea-shore and never wanders inland, but finds its food, which consists of flies, small mollusca, and marine insects, on the beach and rocks or among the rough tangle of sea-weed left dry by the retreating tide. The nest is placed on the ground, in some crevice of the rocks, or in a grassy bank, and the eggs, large for the size of

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THE GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus galbula, Linnæus

THE GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus galbula, Linnæus

There is little doubt that this beautiful species, if unmolested, would become a regular summer visitor to this country. Every year during the spring migration several of these birds are seen and shot, chiefly in our southern and south-western counties, and there is no doubt that it has on several occasions successfully reared its young in this country. Its brilliant colouring unfortunately attracts the eye and the gun of those whose sole thought on seeing a rare bird is to kill it, and the larg

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THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor, Linnæus

THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor, Linnæus

Every autumn towards the end of October a certain number of these birds regularly visit us, occurring more commonly on our eastern coasts, but having nevertheless been taken in most of our counties. In habits it resembles its small congener the Red-backed Shrike, and may be seen sitting on some point of vantage from which it may dash off to attack its unsuspecting victims. This species, or various races of it, breed throughout Northern and Central Europe and Asia. It migrates on the approach of

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THE LESSER GREY SHRIKE Lanius minor, J. F. Gmelin

THE LESSER GREY SHRIKE Lanius minor, J. F. Gmelin

The main home of this species, of which only a few examples on migration have been taken in this country, is South and Central Europe as far west as the valley of the Rhone. In habits it does not differ from its congeners, and is excessively savage and pugnacious, especially during the nesting season. It roughly resembles the preceding species in plumage, but may be distinguished by its smaller size, black forehead, and the white bases to the tail feathers and primaries, which latter form a broa

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THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio, Linnæus

THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio, Linnæus

Arriving during the early part of May, this species is fairly common in our southern and south-eastern counties and in Wales during the summer months. In the northern counties its appearances are irregular, and on one occasion only has it been seen in Ireland. One can somehow feel but little affection for this fine but cruel bird; it is not his fault to be in that stage of evolution in which as an insect-feeder he aims at higher prey than that with which he is successfully able to deal. Bold and

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THE WOODCHAT Lanius pomeranus, Sparrman

THE WOODCHAT Lanius pomeranus, Sparrman

Single examples of this species have from time to time visited the southern and eastern counties of England during migration, and possibly they may have nested on one or two occasions. It is a common and abundant breeding species in Southern and Central Europe, from whence it migrates in winter to tropical Africa. The forehead, lores, ear coverts, and sides of the neck and back are black; crown of the head chestnut; scapulars white; wings blackish, primaries with white bases, secondaries and cov

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THE MASKED SHRIKE Lanius nubicus, Licht.

THE MASKED SHRIKE Lanius nubicus, Licht.

This is a south-eastern species, one example of which was shot in Kent in July 1905. It is a rather smaller bird than any of our other Shrikes. The upper parts are chiefly black; scapulars, speculum, and a band across the forehead white. Chin, throat, and under tail coverts white; flanks and breast ferruginous. Length 6·8 in.; wing 3·5 in....

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THE WAXWING Ampelis garrulus, Linnæus

THE WAXWING Ampelis garrulus, Linnæus

WAXWING Ampelis garrulus Adult (left). Young (right) Breeding as far north as the limit of tree growth will allow, the Waxwing is only known in these islands as an irregular winter visitor. It migrates yearly to South-east France, Italy, and Turkey, and only under stress of weather do its migrations extend westwards, so as to include our islands. Its food consists chiefly of berries, though insects also form no insignificant part of its diet. When in these islands it will usually be found in pla

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THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa grisola, Linnæus

THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa grisola, Linnæus

Dull in colour and lacking in vocal ability, this bird makes up for these deficiencies by his tameness and fascinating ways. It does not reach this country till early in May, while in backward seasons it is the end of that month before the main bulk of them have arrived at their summer quarters. It is common throughout these islands, nesting in gardens and woods, and feeds entirely on small insects, which are invariably captured on the wing. The nest, which is placed against a tree, in ivy near

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THE PIED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa atricapilla, Linnæus

THE PIED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa atricapilla, Linnæus

Similar in habits but different in appearance, the Pied Flycatcher is much rarer and more local than the preceding species. Its breeding haunts are chiefly in the west, in Wales, Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, though it has occasionally bred in other counties. As a migrant, however, it occurs regularly in the south and east, and, though not very numerous, a goodly number pass through the country, entering by the south coast and leaving again in the east from Norfolk northwards. A retu

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THE RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa parva, Bechstein

THE RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa parva, Bechstein

This species is of irregular and local distribution in Eastern Europe as far west as certain portions of Germany and South-east France, and it is only a few stragglers, driven out of their course by adverse weather or carried along by a rush of other migrants, that reach our coast. In size it resembles our common species of Flycatcher, but differs in coloration. The adult males are of a uniform greyish brown above, with ashy grey cheeks and with the chin and throat reddish orange. The females an

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THE SWALLOW Hirundo rustica, Linnæus

THE SWALLOW Hirundo rustica, Linnæus

Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries surrounding bird life, and awaking, even in the most unthinking, some sense of wonder, is the way in which some of the smallest and most delicate of birds cross enormous stretches of land and water twice a year. This mystery of migration has been especially typified in many countries and from olden times in the Swallow. Essentially a bird of the air, choosing the houses of man for nesting-places, and extremely abundant throughout our islands, he cannot fail

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RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo rufula, Temminck.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo rufula, Temminck.

This species is found in Southern Europe west of Italy through Asia Minor to Persia and Afghanistan. An adult male was picked up dead on Fair Isle near the Shetlands early in June 1906. It may easily be recognised from our own Swallow in having the tail black; rump, nape and sides of neck, rusty red; and the under parts rufous finely streaked with black. Length 7 in.; wing 4·8 in....

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THE HOUSE-MARTIN Chelidon urbica (Linnæus)

THE HOUSE-MARTIN Chelidon urbica (Linnæus)

More local and less abundant than the preceding species, from which it may always be distinguished by its white rump and shorter tail, the House-Martin is nevertheless sufficiently common to be familiar to every one. In habits, except for its method of nest-building, it closely resembles the Swallow. It arrives about a week later, and stragglers may sometimes be seen even as late as November, long after the bulk of their comrades have departed. These stragglers are either family parties that hav

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THE SAND-MARTIN Cotile riparia (Linnæus)

THE SAND-MARTIN Cotile riparia (Linnæus)

This hardy little wanderer, the smallest and dullest of the Swallow tribe, braves our climate ere the March winds have ceased. At first he is generally found in the neighbourhood of water, but he gradually spreads over the country and eventually assembles in the sand-pits or gravel banks, where he makes his home. Though not attaching himself to the dwellings of man, he is a sociable little bird and breeds in colonies, which are in some places very large. They nest in tunnels which they excavate

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THE GREENFINCH Ligurinus chloris (Linnæus)

THE GREENFINCH Ligurinus chloris (Linnæus)

Were it not so common, occurring abundantly throughout these islands, this bird would be appreciated as one of our prettiest songsters and by no means unattractive in plumage. The winter is spent in company with other Finches and Buntings in the fields or stackyards, where it feeds on the grain and other seeds, and we must confess that it performs its share in despoiling the farmer of his hard-earned produce, paying at the same time a sort of compensation in the destruction of numerous weeds. It

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THE HAWFINCH Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas

THE HAWFINCH Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas

This fine and handsome species, whose appearance is only marred by the excessive size of its beak, is by no means so rare as it is usually considered. It is found locally in most wooded districts of England, but becomes scarcer in the north and is decidedly rare in Wales. To Scotland and Ireland it is, however, only a rare and occasional wanderer. Extremely shy, avoiding the haunts of man, and keeping to the tops of high trees, its presence is very difficult to detect, and the call-note, which i

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THE GOLDFINCH Carduelis elegans, Stephens

THE GOLDFINCH Carduelis elegans, Stephens

A cold autumn day, the clouds hang lowering in the sky; on one side flows the river, sullen, dark, and swollen by the recent rains, on the other stretch wild and bare meadows whose flat level is broken by clumps of nettles, thistles, and other coarse plants distasteful to cattle. One thing alone breaks the general dreariness—it is a flock of Goldfinches, who, as they hang in strange attitudes on the thistle heads, show the bright yellow of their wings, making it appear as though some plant, forg

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THE SISKIN Carduelis spinus (Linnæus)

THE SISKIN Carduelis spinus (Linnæus)

Though nearly allied to the Goldfinch, this bird is very different in appearance, being much smaller and of a yellowish green with black markings. Scotland is its chief home, where it lives among the fir-trees, making excursions daily into the open country to seek its food. In winter it wanders through our islands, but is never very abundant and always irregular in its visits. It has occasionally nested in fir plantations in the South of England, but it is only in the north-east corner of Scotla

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THE CITRIL FINCH Chrysomitris citrinella (Linnæus)

THE CITRIL FINCH Chrysomitris citrinella (Linnæus)

The Citril Finch inhabits the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. A specimen was taken alive in January 1904 near Yarmouth. The nape and sides of the neck are greyish; back dull green with dusky streaks; wings and tail black; the whole of the rest of the plumage yellowish green. The female is rather duller. Length 4·8 in.; wing 3 in....

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THE SERIN Serinus hortulanus, K. L. Koch

THE SERIN Serinus hortulanus, K. L. Koch

Breeding throughout the greater part of Central and Eastern Europe, there is no great improbability that some, at all events, of the few examples of this species that have been obtained in England are genuine stragglers and not birds that have escaped from captivity. They have mostly occurred on our southern or eastern coasts, with the single exception of one taken near Dublin. The forehead, rump, throat, and breast are yellow; upper parts and flanks olive streaked with brown; belly white. The f

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THE HOUSE-SPARROW Passer domesticus (Linnæus)

THE HOUSE-SPARROW Passer domesticus (Linnæus)

Noisy, quarrelsome, and vicious, will perhaps sum up the character of this species. Cunning, crafty, hardy, and omnivorous, he is always literally in clover, and under such circumstances is it to be wondered at that his numbers have increased so as to be beyond all limits? Wherever man settles, there, sooner or later, will he make his appearance, sitting on the roof or in the shrubbery, and uttering, especially in the mornings, his monotonous and impertinent chirp. In spring he pulls up the croc

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TREE-SPARROW Passer montanus (Linnæus)

TREE-SPARROW Passer montanus (Linnæus)

TREE-SPARROW Passer montanus Although so closely allied to the preceding pest, the Tree-Sparrow is a bird of very different temperament and habits, and worthy to be numbered among our bird friends. Many spend the winter with us, but it is partially migratory, and their numbers are increased each spring by arrivals from abroad. It is a rather local and scarce bird, but even in places where they are common they are so shy that they are hardly ever seen, and are considered in consequence much rarer

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THE CHAFFINCH Fringilla cœlebs, Linnæus

THE CHAFFINCH Fringilla cœlebs, Linnæus

“Pink, pink!” Who among us does not know the Chaffinch with his bright “pink, pink,” and perky walk, as he goes down the garden path in front of us, or flies into the nearest shelter showing off the white bars on his wings as he does so. No matter how severe the winter or how hot the summer, he is always with us, a constant visitor to our gardens, and when we go into the woods and fields we shall still find him equally at home. Early in February he begins his song, which consists merely of a sho

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THE BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla, Linnæus

THE BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla, Linnæus

This bird, closely allied to the Chaffinch, is only a winter visitor to this country, visiting us in large numbers every autumn, when it will usually be found feeding on the beech-mast. In years when the “mast” is plentiful these birds seem to be much more numerous than in other seasons, but this is probably due to the fact that, tempted by the abundance of food, they elect to pass the winter with us instead of moving on southwards. Frequenting the open field in company with other Finches, it fe

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THE SNOW-FINCH Montifringilla nivalis, Linnæus

THE SNOW-FINCH Montifringilla nivalis, Linnæus

A single example of this bird, which inhabits the high mountains of Central and Southern Europe, was observed consorting with Larks near Rye in Sussex in February 1905. The head and neck are grey; upper parts brown with darker centres; wing coverts, secondaries, and the whole of the under parts white; tail feathers, except the central pair, which are brown, white tipped with black; chin black. Length 6·4 in.; wing 4·53 in....

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THE LINNET Linota cannabina (Linnæus)

THE LINNET Linota cannabina (Linnæus)

A delightful little bird of sombre plumage is the Linnet, and as a cage-bird he has long been a prime favourite. In this country he is generally distributed and fairly common. Almost any kind of country suits him—hedges near open and cultivated land, furze-clad commons, or the wild hillside all afford him shelter and food. In habits he is gregarious and may be seen during the winter in small parties of from eight to ten flying from place to place, with cheery twittering, and if the weather be se

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THE MEALY REDPOLL Linota linaria (Linnæus)

THE MEALY REDPOLL Linota linaria (Linnæus)

This species breeds in circumpolar regions far north above the limit of tree growth, wherever a few dwarf birch or willow afford it enough cover for nesting, and is only an irregular winter resident in our islands. It has been subdivided into various races by systematic writers, on differences which need not concern us here, but although the commonest form met with in these islands belongs, as we would naturally suppose, to the North European race, the Greenland form has also been noticed on sev

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THE LESSER REDPOLL Linota rufescens (Vieillot)

THE LESSER REDPOLL Linota rufescens (Vieillot)

This species is a regular resident with us and may be found in most of our counties. As a breeding bird, however, it becomes scarcer in the south of England and local in Scotland, its chief haunts at that time of year being the north of England, Wales, and Ireland. During the winter months it wanders about in large parties and its chuckling call-note may often be heard as they pass from one field to another. It nests chiefly in woods, the nest being placed against the trunk of some tree at a mod

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THE TWITE Linota flavirostris (Linnæus)

THE TWITE Linota flavirostris (Linnæus)

Inhabiting moorlands and breeding among the heather, this gregarious species may be found from the Midlands northwards. In England, however, it cannot be called common, but in parts of North Wales, Scotland, and Ireland it is abundant. It nests in colonies, the nests being placed on the ground or in a low bush; they are neatly made of rootlets, pieces of heather, and moss, lined with hair and wool. The eggs, like those of the other Redpolls, are blue spotted with red. Two broods are reared in th

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THE BULLFINCH Pyrrhula europæa, Vieillot

THE BULLFINCH Pyrrhula europæa, Vieillot

Better known probably as a cage-bird than as a wild inhabitant of our woods and gardens, the Bullfinch is nevertheless by no means rare. It inhabits woods, coppices, and thick hedgerows, and is rather a skulking species, but may be recognised when on the wing by its white rump. The call-note is a rather plaintive “whee-ou,” and it is easily attracted by imitating its call. Possibly it pairs for life, at least it is generally found in pairs, and even during the winter the male shows considerable

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THE SCARLET GROSBEAK Pyrrhula erythina (Pallas)

THE SCARLET GROSBEAK Pyrrhula erythina (Pallas)

The Scarlet Grosbeak breeds from Northern Russia across Siberia to Kamchatka, and in winter it is chiefly found in the Oriental region. As a straggler on migration, however, it has visited many places in Europe to the west of Russia, and one or two examples have been obtained in this country. The adult male has the greater part of its plumage rose red, browner on the mantle and flanks. Quills and tail dark brown with paler buffish margins. The female is olive brown with darker striations, the un

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THE PINE GROSBEAK Pyrrhula enucleator (Linnæus)

THE PINE GROSBEAK Pyrrhula enucleator (Linnæus)

This species, as its name indicates, is an inhabitant of pine woods and makes its home in the vast conifer forests of Northern Europe and Siberia. Over the rest of Europe it is very scarce and is only known from occasional stragglers. In this country about forty different occurrences have been recorded, but it is probable that a large number of them had escaped from captivity. The general colour of the male is a rich rose red all over, rather greyer on the flanks and belly. Wing coverts brown, e

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THE CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra, Linnæus

THE CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra, Linnæus

The Crossbill is by no means a common bird and very uncertain in its appearances. A fair number breed as early as March in the pine woods of Scotland, and during the rest of the year it wanders about in small parties. Feeding chiefly though not exclusively on the seeds of the pine, which the peculiar formation of its beak enables it to reach with ease, it will generally be found in plantations of evergreens. Essentially of a wandering nature, it never stays long in one locality, but leads a regu

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THE TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL Loxia bifasciata (C. L. Brehm)

THE TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL Loxia bifasciata (C. L. Brehm)

This species, whose true home is in Northern Russia and Siberia, has visited this country in small flocks on several occasions. It may easily be distinguished from the Common Crossbill by the two white wing-bars; it is also rather smaller in size. Length 6·25 in.; wing 3·7 in....

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THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala, Scopoli

THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala, Scopoli

The Black-headed Bunting must not be confused with the Reed Bunting, which is known in many parts of the country under the former name. The true Black-headed Bunting is an inhabitant of South-eastern Europe, but it occasionally wanders westwards and has been taken about four times in this country. The male has the head black, back brownish orange, and under parts bright lemon yellow. The female and young are yellowish brown, and the male in autumn has the bright colours obscured by rufous edging

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THE CORN BUNTING Emberiza miliaria, Linnæus

THE CORN BUNTING Emberiza miliaria, Linnæus

One cannot well mistake this species, as he sits on the telegraph wires bordering the road, uttering times without number the long drawn-out “dzree-e-e” that serves him for a song. In appearance he much resembles the Skylark, but, unlike that species, which is always so alert and ever on the move, the Corn Bunting spends most of his day sitting in an exposed situation on a hedge or on some tall plant in the open field. The nest is a fairly neat structure of grass, roots, and moss, with a lining

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THE YELLOW BUNTING Emberiza citrinella, Linnæus

THE YELLOW BUNTING Emberiza citrinella, Linnæus

Day after day throughout the spring and early summer months the Yellow Bunting may be found, sitting on the topmost spray of a hedge and repeating with monotonous frequency his little song, which has often been rendered by the words, “A little bit of bread and no cheese.” It is neither long nor pretty, there is no music in it, and it is delivered without soul or fervour, yet in open and cultivated country, where the songs of the woodland birds are absent, it forms on a warm summer’s day, a fitti

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THE CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus, Linnæus

THE CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus, Linnæus

This species is very similar to the Yellow Bunting in habits and plumage, from which it may be most easily distinguished by the black throat and a black line through the eye. In our islands, however, it is very local and chiefly confined to the southern counties, but stragglers have been met with as far north as Yorkshire. Although frequenting the hedgerows and open country it delights in trees, uttering its song from the higher branches of some hedgerow elm. The nest is placed near the ground a

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THE ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana, Linnæus

THE ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana, Linnæus

Up to within the last few years this bird was so freely imported alive to supply the wants of epicures that a large number of its supposed occurrences in these islands are open to suspicion. There seems, however, little doubt, that genuine wild examples have reached these islands from time to time. This species breeds sparingly in Scandinavia and thence southwards through Denmark, Germany, and France, but it is only in the south of Europe that it becomes common, migrating eastwards and southward

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THE MEADOW BUNTING Emberiza cia, Linnæus

THE MEADOW BUNTING Emberiza cia, Linnæus

This Bunting is found throughout Central and Southern Europe; it has only been recorded in this country during the last four years. The head is blue grey, with three dark stripes across it; wings and tail dark brown, the secondaries edged with rufous; the whole of the rest of the plumage pale cinnamon brown with darker stripes on the back. Length 6·2 in.; wings 3·1 in....

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THE SIBERIAN MEADOW BUNTING Emberiza cloides, Brandt

THE SIBERIAN MEADOW BUNTING Emberiza cloides, Brandt

This Asiatic species has only once been taken in Europe, namely at Flamborough Head in 1886. The colour of the upper parts is chiefly chestnut. There is a white superciliary stripe, and a white patch on the cheeks. The under parts are white with a chestnut band across the upper breast Length 6·5 in.; wing 3·4 in....

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THE RUSTIC BUNTING Emberiza rustica, Pallas

THE RUSTIC BUNTING Emberiza rustica, Pallas

This is an eastern species, nesting from Archangel eastwards across Siberia, migrating southwards in winter. Of late years it seems to have had a tendency to spread westwards, and stragglers have occurred throughout Europe, including Great Britain. The adult male is a very handsome bird; the head is black with the exception of a white stripe behind the eye; the upper parts and a band across the breast, chestnut. Under parts white striped with chestnut. The female has the head brown mottled with

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THE LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla, Pallas

THE LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla, Pallas

The Little Bunting has a breeding range similar to the last species and occurs almost yearly on migration in Southern Europe, the south-east of France forming its western limit. The male has the head chestnut with the exception of a black superciliary stripe; rest of the upper parts reddish brown streaked with darker. Chin and throat pale chestnut, under parts white streaked with black on the breast and flanks. The female is duller, and the young bird has the chestnut of the crown replaced by bu

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THE YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza aureola, Pallas

THE YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING Emberiza aureola, Pallas

This is an Arctic species, ranging in summer across Siberia eastwards from Archangel; in winter it migrates to Palestine and Southern Asia. An immature female was shot in Norfolk in September 1905. The adult has the forehead, cheeks, and chin black; rest of upper parts deep reddish brown, brightest on the rump; under parts bright yellow with a narrow chestnut collar across the upper breast. Length 5 in.; wing 3·1 in. The female is much duller, and in winter the colours in both sexes are obscured

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REED BUNTING Emberiza schœniclus, Linnæus

REED BUNTING Emberiza schœniclus, Linnæus

The Reed Bunting is an inhabitant of marshy places where osiers, alders, and long rough sedgy grass and reeds abound, and in such localities it is by no means uncommon. In summer the male may often be seen clinging to some reed stem, as he sings his very short and feeble song. Owing to his black head and white collar, which enable him to be very easily distinguished, he is known in some parts of the country as the Black-headed Bunting. The true Black-headed Bunting is, however, a very different

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THE LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus (Linnæus)

THE LAPLAND BUNTING Calcarius lapponicus (Linnæus)

This species is only known to us by the appearance of a few stragglers that have wandered here from time to time in autumn and winter, though during the last few years its occurrences have been more numerous and regular, especially along our eastern and south-eastern shores. In its winter dress it bears at a distance a superficial resemblance to the Lark, and from being found in situations, viz. salt marshes near the coast, where the latter is also abundant it has probably frequently been overlo

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THE SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis (Linnæus)

THE SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis (Linnæus)

Like the preceding species, the true home of this bird is also in the Far North; it has, however, a much wider breeding range, and a few pairs nest annually on the mountains of Scotland and in the Shetlands. The nest is placed on the ground, hidden in a cleft of the rock or among loose boulders, and, as is characteristic of nests in holes, is very loose in construction. It is made of moss and dry grass, and is warmly lined with feathers. About six eggs, of a very pale blue spotted and zoned roun

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THE STARLING Sturnus vulgaris, Linnæus

THE STARLING Sturnus vulgaris, Linnæus

Except that it commits depredations in the cherry orchards as the fruit ripens, nothing but good can be said of the Starling. Tame, confiding, no mean songster, and an excellent mimic, he is very welcome wherever found. In autumn he congregates in vast flocks, whose numbers reach many thousands, and there must be few people who have not noticed these flocks go through their aerial evolutions, now drawing close together in a compact mass, or spreading out in wedge-shaped formation, rising and fal

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THE ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR Pastor roseus (Linnæus)

THE ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR Pastor roseus (Linnæus)

Eastern Europe and Asia is the true breeding home of this species, which wanders about in immense numbers, breeding gregariously wherever it happens to find itself at that season. Stragglers from these flocks often join with other migrating hosts of birds, and thus this species occurs as an irregular wanderer over the rest of Europe. The farther west, however, the rarer it becomes, and its occurrences in our islands, though noted from most districts, are not very frequent. It is about the size o

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THE CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linnæus)

THE CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linnæus)

This bird is one of the handsomest and at the same time our rarest member of the Crow family. With its glossy black plumage and brilliant red legs and beak it forms a beautiful sight to the ornithologist as he watches it flying over the wild and wind-swept headland that juts out into the Atlantic. Its flight is extremely graceful and peculiar; a few beats of its wings, then it glides onward with outstretched pinions, the ends of the outer primaries being well separated from each other; its wings

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THE NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes (Linnæus)

THE NUTCRACKER Nucifraga caryocatactes (Linnæus)

A few stragglers of this species have occasionally visited our east and south-east coasts in autumn, and at least two examples have been recorded from Scotland, but it has not so far visited Ireland. Fir forests in Scandinavia and Central Europe form the home of this bird, where it is resident and breeds early in the year while the snow is still on the ground. In appearance it is quite unlike any of our other species of Crow, being pale umber brown profusely spotted, except on the crown, with tr

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THE JAY Garrulus glandarius (Linnæus)

THE JAY Garrulus glandarius (Linnæus)

Considering the ruthless war waged on this unfortunate species by every gamekeeper throughout the country, it is little short of marvellous that we can still hear his harsh scream in most of our woods. JAY Garrulus glandarius He is very wary and cautious, and spends most of his time, except when actually feeding, on the tops of the trees, flying off with many protestations to another part of the wood on the least sign of danger. His great supposed sin is the destruction of the Pheasants’ eggs, t

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THE MAGPIE Pica rustica (Scopoli)

THE MAGPIE Pica rustica (Scopoli)

This is another species against whom every man’s hand in this country is raised. Being much less a bird of the woods and preferring to make its home in high trees growing in hedgerows, or even in tall hedges, it has unfortunately suffered much more than the Jay and is now very local in its distribution. Bold and omnivorous, it finds little difficulty in procuring a livelihood, and if it settles in the neighbourhood of a poultry or game farm it must be conceded that it will do considerable damage

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THE JACKDAW Corvus monedula, Linnæus

THE JACKDAW Corvus monedula, Linnæus

Abundant and gregarious in most parts of the country, this species may in winter be found associating with flocks of Rooks in the open pastures and arable land. It is a noisy bird and the call-note “che-ak” will generally warn us of its presence. It is found in all kinds of situations and localities, being equally at home in the wild open country, along the coast, rocky or alluvial, or on arable land, in well-timbered districts, and even in the middle of our busy cities; but from certain apparen

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THE RAVEN Corvus corax, Linnæus

THE RAVEN Corvus corax, Linnæus

There are few birds that can compare with the Raven in the majestic curves and sweeps of its flight as it skirts the wild and rugged headland which forms its home, so that in spite of its occasional depredations on young and sickly lambs, it is unworthy of the persecution to which it is subjected. Scattered pairs are still to be met with round the rocky shores of England, while in the wilder parts of Scotland and Ireland it is still comparatively common. It chooses for its home some wild precipi

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THE CARRION CROW Corvus corone, Linnæus

THE CARRION CROW Corvus corone, Linnæus

With every man’s hand against it, the Carrion Crow, which as a scavenger might well be one of our most useful birds, leads a harassed existence. Singly or in pairs it wanders about the country, feeding on anything that comes in its way. Carrion is its chief delight, but in default of that it turns its attention to weak and sickly birds, mice, rats, etc., and, as is the case with other members of the Crow family, it does quite as much good by destroying vermin as it does harm by destroying eggs a

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THE HOODED CROW Corvus cornix, Linnæus

THE HOODED CROW Corvus cornix, Linnæus

The question as to whether this bird, which interbreeds freely with the Carrion Crow where their ranges overlap, is or is not a good species need not trouble us here. Suffice it to say that in England it occurs numerously as a regular winter immigrant, large numbers crossing the North Sea and arriving on our eastern coasts. Over the rest of our islands its distribution is somewhat capricious. In Wales and the western counties it is rare, whereas in Ireland and Scotland it is well distributed and

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THE ROOK Corvus frugilegus, Linnæus

THE ROOK Corvus frugilegus, Linnæus

There is no more delightful sound in early spring than the “caw” of the Rooks at their “rookeries,” as their breeding places are called. Year after year they return regularly to the same clump of trees, on the tops of which they build a fairly substantial nest of sticks, with an inner foundation of mud which is in turn warmly lined with roots, straw, and fine grass. The sites chosen for their homes are more frequently than not near human habitations or on clumps of trees near a highway, and exce

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THE SKYLARK Alauda arvensis, Linnæus

THE SKYLARK Alauda arvensis, Linnæus

Of all other birds the Lark is perhaps the one which typifies most thoroughly the freedom of life, and brings to our minds scenes of wide open country, where, bright, free, and unrestrained, he pours forth his song in the boundless expanse of the air. Hatched in a neat nest of bents and dry grass lined with finer materials and placed on the ground in the middle of an open field, the youthful Lark has early to contend with enemies. Mice and other ground vermin, or the heavy foot of some grazing c

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THE WOOD LARK Alauda arborea, Linnæus

THE WOOD LARK Alauda arborea, Linnæus

The Wood Lark is a much rarer bird than the Skylark, and very local in distribution. Rows of trees bordering open fields are the localities chiefly favoured by this species, which, except that it frequently perches, and may often be heard singing from the topmost branch of a tree, much resembles its commoner congener in habits. It feeds almost entirely on the ground, living chiefly on insects. The nest is placed a few yards from the hedge and composed of bents and grass, with a lining of finer m

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THE CRESTED LARK Alauda cristata, Linnæus

THE CRESTED LARK Alauda cristata, Linnæus

The Crested Lark is a common species on the Continent, even as close to our shores as the north of France, but very few examples have been known to stray to this country. It is not gregarious like the Common Skylark, and the song is not usually uttered on the wing, but in food and other habits it does not differ much from our well-known species. In general colour this species is much duller, and the beak is longer and stouter than the Skylark, but its chief characteristics are the long pointed c

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THE SHORT-TOED LARK Alauda brachydactyla, Leisler

THE SHORT-TOED LARK Alauda brachydactyla, Leisler

This bird is a resident, or partial migrant, throughout the whole of Southern Europe, but it has been known to occur in Northern Germany, Belgium, and the north of France. In Great Britain about half-a-dozen examples have been taken at various times in the south and east. Very similar in appearance to other Larks, but, as its name indicates, the hind claw is short. The under parts are white and unspotted except for a few streaks on the sides of the neck. Length 5·5 in.; wing 3·4 in....

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THE WHITE-WINGED LARK Alauda sibirica, J. F. Gmelin

THE WHITE-WINGED LARK Alauda sibirica, J. F. Gmelin

This species breeds across Central Russia and through the Kirghiz steppes as far as the Altai, migrating southwards in winter. Has only once occurred in England. The bill is short and stout, and this species may be at once recognised by the white inner primaries and secondaries, which form a conspicuous patch. Length 7·5 in.; wing 4·6 in....

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THE BLACK LARK Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (Forster)

THE BLACK LARK Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (Forster)

This species inhabits South Russia, Transcaspia, and Western Siberia. In the winter of 1906 a small flock, consisting of both males and females, arrived in Sussex, being presumably driven westwards owing to the severity of the weather. The male has the entire plumage jet black, but in winter this colour is largely obscured by broad sandy margins to the feathers. The female is pale sandy brown with darker markings, under parts white, spotted on the throat and breast. Length about 7·7 in.; wing 5·

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SHORE LARK Otocorys alpestris (Linnæus)

SHORE LARK Otocorys alpestris (Linnæus)

A very different bird is this from the other Larks with which we have been dealing. He is seldom seen in this country, and then only in small numbers and at irregular periods. The wide tundras of the North form his home, and there he may be found plentifully, but as the long Arctic day gives way to the cold black night, he reluctantly retires and passes the winter in the temperate portions of the northern hemisphere. In these islands we are just on the fringe of his wanderings, and almost every

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THE SWIFT Cypselus apus (Linnæus)

THE SWIFT Cypselus apus (Linnæus)

The causes that govern the migratory movements of birds are still unknown. Some species are doubtless impelled by stress of weather or lack of food to seek other quarters, but what power can it be that brings the Swift thousands of miles from another continent to lay its eggs and rear its young, and then precipitately to retire again when the flies on which they feed are most abundant, and the warmest month of the year has hardly begun? It is one of the last of the summer birds to arrive, May be

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THE ALPINE SWIFT Cypselus melba, Linnæus

THE ALPINE SWIFT Cypselus melba, Linnæus

This is a much larger species than our common Swift and has only visited these islands on very rare occasions, almost all the examples obtained having been taken in the south of England. It breeds in the high mountain ranges of Central and Southern Europe, and winters in Africa. From our common species it may be distinguished by its larger size, browner colour, and light under parts. Length 8 in.; wing 8·45 in. Another species, the Needle-tailed Swift ( Acanthyllis caudacuta ) has occurred on tw

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THE NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europæus (Linnæus)

THE NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europæus (Linnæus)

Arriving, the latest of all our migrants, towards the middle of May, and leaving again early in September, this strange bird is but little known to the majority of people, although by no means uncommon in suitable localities. Its favourite haunts are gorse commons, and moorlands on the edge of woods, especially where bracken grows freely, and in such situations it may be found throughout our islands. The best time to see it is at dusk, when it comes out to capture moths, beetles, and other crepu

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THE WRYNECK Iynx torquilla, Linnæus

THE WRYNECK Iynx torquilla, Linnæus

Under the name of the “Cuckoo’s Mate” this species is well known in our southern and south-eastern counties. Elsewhere in England it is rare or local, and in Scotland and Ireland it is of very irregular occurrence. The name “Cuckoo’s Mate” is derived from the fact that its arrival usually coincides pretty closely with that of the Cuckoo, namely during the first week in April, but in other respects it has no connection in habits or distribution with the better-known species. Owing to its dull and

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THE GREEN WOODPECKER Gecinus viridis (Linnæus)

THE GREEN WOODPECKER Gecinus viridis (Linnæus)

The cheery “pleu, pleu, pleu” of the Yaffle as it flies from one tree to another may be heard in most parts of England and Wales, though in Scotland and Ireland it is almost unknown. It is a moderate-sized and somewhat ungainly bird in its actions, spending its life among trees, though it by no means restricts itself to woods, especially in autumn, when it may frequently be seen ascending some hedgerow tree, with its characteristic jerking motion, the stiff and pointed tail feathers aiding it to

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THE GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major (Linnæus)

THE GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major (Linnæus)

Although it can nowhere be called abundant, this species is widely distributed in well-wooded districts as far north as Durham, but in Scotland it is a scarce bird, only nesting very sparingly in the south, and in Ireland it is almost unknown. A quiet and shy bird, it is rarely seen, keeping as it does to the higher branches of tall trees, and when possible keeping the trunk between it and any would-be observer. In its food and habits it resembles the Green Woodpecker, though it is comparatively

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LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor (Linnæus)

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor (Linnæus)

In many well-wooded localities in the south, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker may be almost considered common, though from its small size and partiality to the topmost branches of tall trees, it is but seldom seen. In Wales and north of the Midlands it becomes extremely local, and in Scotland and Ireland it has only been obtained as a rare straggler on a few isolated occasions. In food and habits it hardly differs from its larger congener, but the nest is generally hewn out in some dead tree. It ha

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THE KINGFISHER Alcedo ispida, Linnæus

THE KINGFISHER Alcedo ispida, Linnæus

In spite of the ease with which he may be caught, and the demand for his skin brought about by his fatal beauty, we are still able to reckon the Kingfisher as a generally distributed species. Representative of a family which is essentially associated with tropical climes, he still wears his brilliant dress in these northern latitudes, and resembles, as he darts with rapid flight down our rivers and streams, some huge turquoise. Having fixed on a favourite piece of water, he seldom wanders far af

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THE ROLLER Coracias garrulus, Linnæus

THE ROLLER Coracias garrulus, Linnæus

Although stragglers of this beautiful and brilliant species have frequently visited this country in both the spring and autumn migrations, it can by no means be considered as a regular visitor to our shores. It is very numerous in Southern Europe and breeds as far north as St. Petersburg and certain parts of Sweden; in the countries bordering the North Sea, however, it is decidedly rare. In winter it inhabits the southern portion of Africa, being numerous in Cape Colony and Natal. The sexes are

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THE BEE-EATER Merops apiaster, Linnæus

THE BEE-EATER Merops apiaster, Linnæus

A good many stragglers of this southern species have occurred from time to time, chiefly in the southern half of England, but a few have also been taken in Scotland and Ireland. In Southern Europe it is extremely abundant throughout the summer, wintering in Africa. The sexes are alike. The head, neck, upper back, and a bar across the secondaries are chestnut brown; forehead white, turning to green; lores and ear coverts black; tail green, two central feathers elongated and tipped with black. Thr

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HOOPOE Upupa epops, Linnæus

HOOPOE Upupa epops, Linnæus

In the spring of every year, with unfailing regularity, a few misguided individuals of this interesting bird seek the hospitality of our shores, and, were they unmolested, would eventually settle as one of our permanent summer visitors in the southern counties. Unfortunately, apart from its striking plumage, which cannot fail to arrest attention, it is of a very confiding nature, stalking about lawns and grass fields with its peculiar walk, while it prods the ground with its long bill in search

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THE CUCKOO Cuculus canorus, Linnæus

THE CUCKOO Cuculus canorus, Linnæus

The arrival of the Cuckoo, as heralded by his well-known note, is eagerly awaited by every one who lives in the country, ornithologist or otherwise, and so anxious are some to record his arrival, that they persuade themselves that they have heard him before the March winds have abated. There is little doubt, however, that this species rarely, if ever, arrives in March, and not before mid-April can his pleasing note be generally heard. Throughout the whole of our islands this bird is common and w

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THE GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Coccystes glandarius (Linnæus)

THE GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Coccystes glandarius (Linnæus)

On three or four occasions this bird has been obtained in England and Ireland. It is a native of North Africa and South Spain, where it breeds, migrating in winter to South Africa. Its eggs are almost always deposited in the nest of a Magpie, but other members of the Crow family are sometimes chosen. The general colour is greyish brown, most of the feathers tipped with white; under parts white. The crown is grey, with long pointed crest. Length 15·5 in.; wing 8 in....

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THE AMERICAN YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO Coccyzus americanus (Linnæus)

THE AMERICAN YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO Coccyzus americanus (Linnæus)

Some half-dozen examples of this American species have occurred on our western shores during the autumn migration. It is about the size of our Cuckoo, olive-brown above, and buffish white below. Each of the tail feathers are tipped with white. Length 11 in.; tail 6 in.; wing 5·40 in....

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THE BARN OWL Strix flammea, Linnæus

THE BARN OWL Strix flammea, Linnæus

After many years’ patient preaching, the Barn Owl is at last beginning to be recognised as a friend to be encouraged, rather than as an enemy to be slain, and it is now on the increase throughout England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland it has always been local in the south and rare in the north. The species is strictly nocturnal, and darkness has usually fallen before it sallies forth from its hiding-place in a barn, an old church tower, or a hollow tree. It feeds almost entirely on rats, mice,

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THE LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus (Linnæus)

THE LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus (Linnæus)

Though it is distinctly commoner in Scotland, this species is not rare in any of the wooded districts of our islands. It is very partial to fir woods or evergreen plantations, and early in the year takes possession of an old nest or squirrel’s drey in which to deposit its six white eggs. The young are chiefly fed on rats and mice, but moths and beetles are also eaten with relish, while small birds are not despised. The daytime is spent among the branches of the trees, and when alarmed by any noi

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THE SHORT-EARED OWL Asio accipitrinus (Pallas)

THE SHORT-EARED OWL Asio accipitrinus (Pallas)

Unlike the preceding species, this bird inhabits fens, marshes, and open moorlands. In Scotland it nests fairly commonly, but in England it is decidedly rare and local as a breeding species, while it has never been known to breed in Ireland. The nest is placed on the ground, at the foot of a small bush in long sedge, or among heather. No real nest is made, but a few bits of grass or heather are arranged round the eggs. These are usually five in number, and, like all Owls’ eggs, pure white. In so

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TAWNY OWL Syrnium aluco (Linnæus)

TAWNY OWL Syrnium aluco (Linnæus)

The Tawny Owl is a common inhabitant of the well-wooded parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, though in the north of the last-named country it becomes decidedly scarce and local. In Ireland it has not yet been obtained. It nests early in March, the eggs being usually placed in a hollow tree, though it often makes use of deserted nests of Rooks, Crows, or Hawks, and sometimes nests on the ground at the base of a tree. The eggs are white and glossy and much rounder in shape than those of the Barn

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TENGMALM’S OWL Nyctala tengmalmi (J. F. Gmelin)

TENGMALM’S OWL Nyctala tengmalmi (J. F. Gmelin)

This species is an inhabitant of the pine forests of Northern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. A few stragglers have occurred in these islands from time to time. The general colour above is umber brown, spotted and marked with white; the facial disk is white with a dark outer ring; under parts whitish, barred and streaked with brown. Length 9 in.; wing 6·5 in. TAWNY OWL Syrnium aluco The plumage of this species is exceptionally thick and downy; the feathers on the legs and toes especially

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THE LITTLE OWL Athene noctua (Scopoli)

THE LITTLE OWL Athene noctua (Scopoli)

This bird has undoubtedly occurred on many occasions as a straggler in this country, but its claim as a British Bird now rests on introductions which have been made in Kent, Northampton, Bedford, Yorkshire, and other places where it has more or less established itself as a breeding species, and is slowly extending its range from at least one of these centres. It is a small species, living chiefly on insects and mice, and is generally found in well-wooded country, where it may be often seen sitti

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THE SNOWY OWL Nyctea scandiaca (Linnæus)

THE SNOWY OWL Nyctea scandiaca (Linnæus)

The Arctic regions both in summer and winter form the home of this large and handsome species, though many wander southwards during the winter months. In the Shetlands and Orkneys it is a fairly regular winter visitor during severe weather, and it has frequently occurred in Scotland; to England and Ireland, however, its visits are few and far between. The plumage is pure white, spotted and barred with dark brown, the amount of which varies greatly in individuals. Length of male 22 in.; wing 15·5

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THE HAWK OWL Surnia funerea (Linnæus)

THE HAWK OWL Surnia funerea (Linnæus)

The Hawk Owl inhabits the pine forests of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. It has occurred here as a straggler on several occasions, the majority of examples having been shot in the western counties of England and Scotland, and belonging curiously enough to the American race, which has the bars of the under parts more ruddy than the European form. This latter form has, however, also been obtained on at least one occasion. The upper parts are brown, spotted with white; under parts whi

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THE SCOPS OWL Scops giu (Scopoli)

THE SCOPS OWL Scops giu (Scopoli)

A migratory species, wintering in Abyssinia and Northern Africa, and breeding in Southern Europe, the Scops Owl has occurred as a straggler to our islands a good many times. The general colour is grey, barred and vermiculated with brown; it has two conspicuous ear tufts. The female slightly exceeds the male in size. Length, male, 7·5 in.; wing 5·8 in....

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THE EAGLE OWL Bubo ignavus, T. Forster

THE EAGLE OWL Bubo ignavus, T. Forster

This large and fine species has been obtained several times in England and Scotland, but though some of the instances are undoubtedly those of genuine wanderers, it is so often kept in captivity that several occurrences must be looked upon as those of escaped birds. It is widely distributed throughout the wilder districts of Europe, both in forest and open country, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. The general colour is dark brown, mottled with brownish buff above, and yellowish brown strea

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THE GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus (J. F. Gmelin)

A single immature example of this species was taken in the spring of 1843, in Cork Harbour. The nearest breeding place of this species is in the Pyrenees, and thence eastwards it occurs throughout Southern Europe. The sexes are alike and their general colour is buffish brown; the head and neck are devoid of feathers but covered with buffish down, which is separated from the feathers of the neck by a broad ruff. Length 42 in.; wing 28 in....

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THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus (Linnæus)

THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus (Linnæus)

This is another South European species of which two examples have been obtained, one in Somersetshire and one in Essex. The adult is white with black primaries, the head and neck being bare of feathers and yellow in colour. The young bird is dark brown and does not acquire its full plumage for three years. Length 26 in.; wing 19 in....

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THE MARSH HARRIER Circus æruginosus (Linnæus)

THE MARSH HARRIER Circus æruginosus (Linnæus)

Formerly this species used to breed regularly in many places in England, where large stretches of marsh-land suitable to its habits were to be found. A pair or two may occasionally still try to rear a brood in East Anglia, but owing to the drainage of the fens, it is no longer known in any of its former haunts. In Ireland, where it was formerly fairly common, its breeding area is restricted to one locality. To Scotland it has always been an extremely rare visitor. On migration small numbers of t

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THE HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus (Linnæus)

THE HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus (Linnæus)

In England, thanks to the game-preserver, this species is now extremely scarce, and very few pairs, if any, are allowed to nest. In Scotland and Ireland, where it was formerly fairly plentiful, it is fast decreasing in numbers. On migration it is still not uncommon in the north, and the passage of stragglers through England is of yearly occurrence, but very few remain to spend the winter in any part of this country. It frequents large open moorlands, which, like all Harriers, it regularly quarte

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MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus cineraceus (Montagu)

MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus cineraceus (Montagu)

Although the commonest of our British Harriers, this species is nevertheless exceedingly scarce and local. It is a migrant, arriving towards the middle of April, and in some of the open moorlands and fenny localities in the south and south-east of England a few pairs yearly attempt to breed. The sight of this grand bird, as it quarters the ground backwards and forwards in search of food, is an exquisite pleasure to the true naturalist, but in spite of the protection afforded by law, it is ruthle

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THE COMMON BUZZARD Buteo vulgaris, Leach

THE COMMON BUZZARD Buteo vulgaris, Leach

Years ago this species might fairly have been called common in our islands, but the gamekeeper, who has much to answer for in the extirpation of many species, has not failed to wage war on this beautiful bird. If we still want to see him, as he soars round in graceful curves over his forest home, we shall have to journey to the wilder parts of Wales and Scotland, where alone he is still able to hold his own. Over the rest of our islands he is, as a breeding species, no longer extant, though ever

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THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo lagopus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo lagopus (J. F. Gmelin)

The Rough-legged Buzzard, which differs from the Common Buzzard in having the legs feathered to the toes, is a regular autumn migrant to this country, especially in the north and east of Scotland. In some years its numbers are much greater than in others, so that for a time it becomes common even down to the south and east of England. In Ireland it has only been noticed on a few rare occasions. It is a common and numerous species on the Continent, breeding within the limits of the Arctic Circle,

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THE SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila maculata (J. F. Gmelin)

THE SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila maculata (J. F. Gmelin)

At long intervals stragglers belonging to this species have been taken in these islands, all of them during the last three months of the year. This species is a summer migrant to Central and Southern Europe, from whence it migrates on the approach of winter to Africa, large numbers passing down the Nile Valley. The adult is of a warm brown all over, but the young bird has the feathers of the upper parts tipped with buff, and the lower parts striped with ochreous. Length of male 19 in.; the femal

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THE GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetus (Linnæus)

THE GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetus (Linnæus)

This magnificent bird has only been preserved to us as a breeding species owing to the strict protection afforded to the deer in the Highlands and some of the outlying islands off the west coast of Scotland. Thanks to this, it is slightly on the increase in some places, though, as it meets with a speedy death should it trespass over a grouse moor, it can never become generally common. It is a truly grand bird to watch as it soars and circles over the few miles of country to which it claims suzer

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THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaetus albicilla (Linnæus)

THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaetus albicilla (Linnæus)

This species, which was never common in any part of our islands, is now only found as a breeding bird on a very limited number of stations on the west coast of Ireland and Scotland. In autumn immature birds are frequently observed round our English coasts on their southward migration. The nest is placed usually on an inaccessible crag by the sea-shore, and is a vast accumulation of sticks and rubbish, which is yearly augmented. The eggs are two in number and dull white without any markings. The

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THE GOSHAWK Astur palumbarius (Linnæus)

THE GOSHAWK Astur palumbarius (Linnæus)

This species is common throughout the wooded districts of Northern and Central Europe, and has only occurred in these islands at long intervals, almost always on the east coast of Scotland or England. In Ireland it is practically unknown. In olden times falconers (for this species was in great demand for hawking) used to liberate adults in the spring in order to procure the young when they nested, and in this manner there is no doubt that it became established for several centuries, but it is no

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THE SPARROW-HAWK Accipiter nisus (Linnæus)

THE SPARROW-HAWK Accipiter nisus (Linnæus)

Numerous and abundant throughout our woodland districts, it must be confessed that this species, especially when rearing its young, does undoubtedly considerable damage among the pheasant coops, and there is less to be said in favour of this bird than is the case with most of the other birds destroyed by the game-preserver. Inhabiting woods, it is not so often seen as the wind-hovering Kestrel, nor is its flight powerful. When hunting, it flies low along a hedgerow or the outskirts of a wood, po

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THE KITE Milvus ictinus, Savigny

THE KITE Milvus ictinus, Savigny

Although once so abundant that it used, some two or three centuries ago, to feed on offal in the London streets, the remnant of our indigenous Kites are now reduced to some dozen individuals in the more remote parts of Wales. The gamekeeper, the egg-collector, and even the salmon-angler have all combined to destroy this noble species, and even now, when it is far too scarce to do any harm, a vandal has recently shot one of the remnant, and owing to a fault in the administration of the law has go

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THE BLACK KITE Milvus migrans (Boddaert)

THE BLACK KITE Milvus migrans (Boddaert)

This species, although a regular summer visitor to the valley of the Rhine and Moselle, has only once found its way to our shores. Its home is throughout Central and Southern Europe, migrating southwards from the more northerly portions of its range in winter. The head and throat are whitish, streaked with dark brown; rest of the plumage brown, more rufous on the breast. The female is rather darker on the head. Length 24 in.; wing 18 in....

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THE HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus (Linnæus)

THE HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus (Linnæus)

This migratory species, which is widely distributed throughout most of the wooded districts of Europe, visits us annually on both its spring and autumn migrations, and a few pairs generally attempt to nest in suitable localities. The greed of the egg-collector has sadly diminished the number of these summer residents, though with adequate protection moderate numbers might again be induced to spend the summer months in these islands. The adult has the head greyish; upper parts brown; under parts

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THE GREENLAND FALCON Falco candicans, J. F. Gmelin

THE GREENLAND FALCON Falco candicans, J. F. Gmelin

This species breeds in the Far North, in Greenland, Jan Mayen, and Novaya Zemlya, migrating southwards in winter. A good many examples have from time to time been taken in Great Britain, chiefly, as would be expected, in Scotland and Ireland. The adult is white, streaked on the upper parts with black, and sometimes slightly spotted below. Young birds are much more heavily marked. Length 21 in.; wing 14·5 in. The female is slightly larger. This Falcon may be distinguished in all ages by the preva

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THE ICELAND FALCON Falco islandus, J. F. Gmelin

THE ICELAND FALCON Falco islandus, J. F. Gmelin

This species is confined to Iceland, though very closely allied forms may be found in South Greenland and Labrador. Its visits to these islands have not been nearly so numerous as those of the former species. The general colour of the upper parts is brownish grey, becoming greyer with age, with pale buff markings. Under parts whitish, the flanks barred with dark brown. Length of male 21 in.; wing 14·5 in.; the female is rather larger....

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THE GYR FALCON Falco gyrfalco, Linnæus

THE GYR FALCON Falco gyrfalco, Linnæus

Two examples of this Scandinavian and North Russian species have been obtained in England. It is very closely allied to the Iceland Falcon, but the head is darker and the under parts are very thickly barred. Length 19·5 in.; wing 14 in....

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THE PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus, Tunstall

THE PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus, Tunstall

This noble species, the king of Falcons, is still, we are glad to say, by no means uncommon round our coasts, though as a breeding bird it has been banished from most of its inland eyries. To those who still keep up the ancient sport of hawking, an amusement, which to our minds comes nearer true sport than any of its latter-day substitutes, the Peregrine is the favourite bird, and a grand sight it is to see this beautiful species “ring up” above his prey and “stoop” at him with half-closed wings

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THE HOBBY Falco subbuteo, Linnæus

THE HOBBY Falco subbuteo, Linnæus

This species is very like a small Peregrine and comes to us yearly to rear its young. Although occurring throughout our islands, it is very local, being commonest in our southern and eastern counties. It very seldom nests north of Yorkshire, where it becomes rare. In the west of England and in Ireland it is almost unknown. In flight and habits it closely resembles the Peregrine, its food consisting chiefly of small birds and insects. An old Crow’s or Magpie’s nest is appropriated, and the eggs,

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THE MERLIN Falco æsalon, Tunstall

THE MERLIN Falco æsalon, Tunstall

On moorlands and cliffs by the sea-shore, the Merlin is tolerably abundant from Wales northwards, but in the south of England it is rarely seen. The nest is a mere “scrape” among the heather, or when near the sea-coast a former Crow’s nest on a cliff is frequently appropriated, and it has been known to lay its eggs in old nests on trees. The eggs are very like those of the Hobby and Kestrel, from which they can with difficulty be distinguished. The Merlin preys almost entirely on small birds; it

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THE RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus, Linnæus

THE RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus, Linnæus

This species is commonest in Eastern Europe, and is gradually extending its range northwards; it migrates to Africa in winter. Some thirty examples have at long intervals occurred in this country, chiefly in the east and south. The adult male has the head, throat, breast, and upper parts very dark lead grey; thighs and vent chestnut. The female has the head and nape chestnut; upper parts slate grey, with darker bars; under parts pale chestnut. Length 11·5 in.; wing 9·7 in....

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KESTREL Falco tinnunculus, Linnæus

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus, Linnæus

The Kestrel, or as it is sometimes called, “the Windhover,” is one of the most graceful and harmless of our small Hawks. Year in, year out, he is with us, and his beautiful flight may be observed throughout these islands. He may be seen on any fine day high up in the air, remaining apparently motionless, but ever and anon keeping his position by a few rapid and quivering wing-beats, he will then turn slowly sideways and, revealing as he does so a red back and dark quills, he will describe a wide

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THE LESSER KESTREL Falco cenchris, Naumann

THE LESSER KESTREL Falco cenchris, Naumann

Very few examples of this small Hawk have been taken in this country. It is a summer visitor to Southern Europe, but towards the east it breeds in higher latitudes. It may be distinguished from the Common Kestrel by its smaller size and white claws. Length 12·26 in.; wing 9·2 in....

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THE OSPREY Pandion haliaëtus (Linnæus)

THE OSPREY Pandion haliaëtus (Linnæus)

This species may occasionally be seen on our shallow bays and estuaries or on inland lakes during the autumn migration, but its large size and conspicuous flight soon call forth a gunner and it is either shot or frightened away. It was never common in England, but in the eighteenth century it used to nest in a few localities. Nowadays only one or two eyries are known in the British Isles, and these are situated in remote parts of the Highlands of Scotland and zealously protected. Its food consis

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THE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnæus)

THE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnæus)

With the Cormorant we come to quite another order of birds in which the feet, including the hind toe, are completely webbed. Their food consists entirely of fish, which they obtain by diving and of which they consume an immense quantity. The Cormorant is abundant round all our shores and nests in colonies on rocky cliffs. Its breeding places are very numerous and may be said to occur pretty generally wherever suitable localities are to be found. The nest is an untidy accumulation of seaweed, and

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THE SHAG Phalacrocorax graculus, Linnæus

THE SHAG Phalacrocorax graculus, Linnæus

The Shag is widely distributed round our coasts, especially those rocky portions abounding in caves, on the ledges of which it breeds. It is a smaller and more local species than the last, and is never found breeding inland and rarely in colonies. In all other ways it is a counterpart of its larger congener, with which it is often confounded by local fishermen. During the breeding season it is rather noisy, the note being a harsh “kraik, kraik.” The adult is of a uniform glossy bronze green and

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THE GANNET Sula bassana (Linnæus)

THE GANNET Sula bassana (Linnæus)

The Gannet is a local species, nesting in enormous numbers on certain rocks which have formed their home for centuries. These colonies are pretty well distributed round our coasts, especially in Scotland and Ireland, but in England, the Farn Islands on the east, and Grassholm in Wales, are their only strongholds, a former colony on Lundy Island being nearly, if not quite, exterminated. The Bass Rock, one of the largest and best known of these colonies, is, in summer, a sight never to be forgotte

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THE COMMON HERON Ardea cinerea, Linnæus

THE COMMON HERON Ardea cinerea, Linnæus

Owing to its shy, retiring, and wary habits, this bird is still fairly common with us. It spends the late summer and winter in marshes by the sides of sluggish rivers and ditches, patiently waiting for some unwary fish to come within striking distance of its formidable bill. Frogs, snakes, rats, and mice are also equally relished, and it is by no means dainty or particular as to its food. In former days it was strictly protected and used as quarry for hawking, in which chase the Hawk would often

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THE PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea, Linnæus

THE PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea, Linnæus

The Purple Heron inhabits marshes in South and Central Europe, building a nest low down in the reeds, its nearest nesting place to us being in Holland. A good many examples, mostly immature, have occurred along our east coasts. On the back the adult is dark slate grey with rufous and buff dorsal plumes. Neck reddish, with dark elongated stripe down either side. Under parts rich maroon red. Immature birds are rusty red on the neck and upper parts, brownish on the under parts. Length 33 in.; wing

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THE GREAT WHITE HERON Ardea alba, Linnæus

THE GREAT WHITE HERON Ardea alba, Linnæus

Very few examples of this large species have occurred in Great Britain. It breeds on the Danube and thence eastwards in South Russia. The plumage is pure white, legs and feet black. This species has become much scarcer owing to persecution for its plumes, known as “ospreys.” Length 33 in.; wing 17 in....

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THE LITTLE EGRET Ardea garzetta, Linnæus

THE LITTLE EGRET Ardea garzetta, Linnæus

This species breeds in Europe in the countries bordering the Mediterranean. It has only occurred in these islands on two or three occasions. Plumage pure white. Length 21 in,; wing 11·25 in....

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THE BUFF-BACKED HERON Ardea bubulcus, Audouin

THE BUFF-BACKED HERON Ardea bubulcus, Audouin

A scarce species in Southern Europe, but breeding in the marismas of Spain. It is often found perched on the backs of cattle. Only known in England from one example shot in 1805. Plumage white, except the crown, nape, and back, which are saffron yellow. Length 20 in.; wing 9·5 in....

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THE SQUACCO HERON Ardea ralloides, Scopoli

THE SQUACCO HERON Ardea ralloides, Scopoli

The Squacco Heron breeds in suitable localities throughout Central and Southern Europe, and has visited this country on a good many occasions, generally during the spring immigration. Head, neck, and back pale buff, the crown and nape streaked with dark lines. Sides and front of the neck buff; under parts white. Length 20 in.; wing 9 in....

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THE NIGHT HERON Nycticorax griseus (Linnæus)

THE NIGHT HERON Nycticorax griseus (Linnæus)

This species has frequently occurred on our south and east coasts at irregular intervals, and on one occasion eight adult birds were destroyed during the breeding season, when they might possibly have nested. It breeds chiefly in Southern and South-eastern Europe, but a few pairs still nest in Holland and Northern Germany. The crown, nape, and back of the adult are greenish black; the neck, tail, and wing coverts drab; the under parts greyish white. Length 23 in.; wing 12 in....

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THE LITTLE BITTERN Ardetta minuta (Linnæus)

THE LITTLE BITTERN Ardetta minuta (Linnæus)

This species is abundant in summer throughout Central and Southern Europe, migrating to Africa for the winter months. To Northern Europe it is only a scarce straggler, but in the United Kingdom it has been obtained fairly frequently, especially in our eastern and southern counties, and there is little doubt that it has on more than one occasion stayed to breed. It inhabits thick reed-beds, and when disturbed either creeps away with great speed through the vegetation or remains motionless with he

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THE COMMON BITTERN Botaurus stellaris (Linnæus)

THE COMMON BITTERN Botaurus stellaris (Linnæus)

Owing to drainage and cultivation, the Bittern, which used formerly to breed in various swamps and reed-beds, especially in our eastern counties, is now only known as a migrant. It still occurs yearly on our shores, and if unmolested it is probable that it would once more nest with us. The nest is a heap of reeds placed on the marsh in the thickest part of a reed-bed. The eggs are usually four in number and of a uniform brownish olive colour. In the breeding season it utters a loud “booming” noi

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THE AMERICAN BITTERN Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu)

THE AMERICAN BITTERN Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu)

This bird was, curiously enough, first described from a specimen killed in Dorset. It is a purely American species but a good many examples have been taken in all parts of the United Kingdom. It may be distinguished from the preceding species by its smaller size, darker coloration, and uniformly brown primaries. Length 24 in.; wing 11 in....

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THE WHITE STORK Ciconia alba, Bechstein

THE WHITE STORK Ciconia alba, Bechstein

It is curious that a bird so common and well protected on the Continent should not be of more general occurrence in these islands. It can only be considered a rare straggler, most of the examples having been seen in spring. BITTERN Botaurus stellaris The whole plumage is white, except the quills, which are black. Legs and bill crimson. Length 40 in.; wing 23 in....

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THE BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra (Linnæus)

THE BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra (Linnæus)

Some fourteen examples in all of this fine bird have been procured in England. It breeds in Sweden, Denmark and East Germany and thence eastwards in Central and Southern Russia. Like the White Stork, it is a migrant, wintering in Africa. The whole of the plumage is black, with metallic reflections, except the lower breast and vent, which are white. Length 38 in.; wing 21 in....

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THE GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus (Linnæus)

THE GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus (Linnæus)

In the southern and eastern parts of England this species used to be well known as an autumn migrant, but of late years it has become decidedly scarcer. It breeds commonly in the marismas of Spain and the marshes of the Danube. The head, neck, and under parts are a deep coppery brown; back, wings, and tail glossy brownish black. The bill is long and shaped like that of a Curlew. The sexes and young are alike in plumage. Length 22 in.; wing 10·75 in....

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THE SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia, Linnæus

THE SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia, Linnæus

This species used formerly to breed in several localities in England, but these have long been deserted. It, however, still occurs on migration, and a few annually visit the Norfolk Broads in spring, where, as they are now strictly protected, it is to be hoped that they may once again be induced to nest. It still nests in Holland, but in other districts where it used to occur it seems to have died out as a breeding species, and is now restricted to more southern localities, such as the south of

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THE FLAMINGO Phœnicopterus roseus, Pallas

THE FLAMINGO Phœnicopterus roseus, Pallas

This curious and well-known bird is only a very rare straggler to our shores. It breeds in the Camargue district at the mouth of the Rhone as well as in Spain, but its main breeding grounds are in Africa. It nests in colonies, the nests being conical structures, formed of mud, built near the edge of the water. It is now definitely ascertained that it sits with its long legs doubled up, and not straddle-legged as was stated by early travellers. The food consists of minute crustacea and other inse

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THE GREY LAG GOOSE Anser cinereus, Meyer

THE GREY LAG GOOSE Anser cinereus, Meyer

Although about a century ago this bird used to nest in the fens of Cambridge and Lincolnshire, it has long since ceased to do so, and the only places where it may still be found breeding in these islands are in the north of Scotland and in the Outer Hebrides. In winter it occurs on our coasts in company with other species of Geese, but it is by no means common, and the majority pass on to the south, reappearing on their way north in spring. The food consists chiefly of grass and other green food

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THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons (Scopoli)

THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons (Scopoli)

This Goose, whose chief breeding grounds are in Siberia, though it also nests across the whole of Northern Europe, visits us in fair numbers every winter, but it is more abundant in the south and south-west than on the east coast, and is everywhere very local in its distribution. It very closely resembles the Grey Lag Goose, but there is more white on the forehead; the bill is orange yellow with white nail, and the legs orange. Length 27 in.; wing 16 in....

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THE BEAN GOOSE Anser segetum (J. F. Gmelin)

THE BEAN GOOSE Anser segetum (J. F. Gmelin)

This species nests throughout Northern Europe and Asia. It is common on our coasts in winter, and is in fact the most abundant of our wild Geese. In Scotland, however, it is not so numerous as the preceding species. This bird feeds inland on grain and vegetation. The bill is black, with an orange band across the centre and a black nail; the amount of orange on the bill varies, however, in individuals, and several forms have been differentiated, though the matter requires further confirmation bef

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THE PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus, Baillon

THE PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus, Baillon

On the east of England and Scotland this species is very plentiful during the winter, but in the south of England and on our west coasts it is comparatively rare, and its occurrence in Ireland is not yet authenticated. It breeds in Northern Europe and is apparently the only “Grey Goose” breeding on Spitzbergen. The bill is black, with pink across the centre and a black nail. Legs pink. This pink colour has sometimes a yellowish tinge and so cannot be accepted as a definite character on which to

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THE SNOW GOOSE Chen hyperboreus (Pallas)

THE SNOW GOOSE Chen hyperboreus (Pallas)

This is a North American species, breeding in Arctic Regions and wandering south in winter. It has occurred several times in Ireland, and small flocks were seen in Cumberland, Northumberland, and Yorkshire during the severe winter of 1890-91. The adult is pure white, with black quills. The young is brownish grey on the back, lighter on the under parts. Length about 30 in.; wing 17 in....

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THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE Bernicla ruficollis (Pallas)

THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE Bernicla ruficollis (Pallas)

Only one or two examples of this rare Goose have been obtained in this country. It breeds in Eastern Siberia, whence it migrates southwards past the Ural and Caspian Seas. The general colour above is black; the ear patches, throat, and breast chestnut; lores and belly white; chin black. Length 21 in.; wing 14·5 in....

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THE BERNACLE GOOSE Bernicla leucopsis (Bechstein)

THE BERNACLE GOOSE Bernicla leucopsis (Bechstein)

Nesting abundantly in Greenland and in some numbers on Spitzbergen, the Bernacle Goose is by no means uncommon in winter along the west coast of the United Kingdom as far south as Lancaster, as well as on the north coast of Ireland. Elsewhere in these islands it is decidedly rare. It feeds on grass pastures near the sea, almost invariably by night. This species is commonly kept in captivity, where it breeds freely. The crown of the head, neck, and upper breast are black; mantle grey, barred with

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THE BRENT GOOSE Bernicla brenta (Pallas)

THE BRENT GOOSE Bernicla brenta (Pallas)

This species is one of the most abundant of our Geese, and is found in enormous flocks round our coasts throughout the whole winter. It breeds along the west coast of Greenland and also on the islands and northern coasts of Russia and Siberia. It feeds chiefly by day, and is fond of wading about in mud-flats or in shallow water feeding on aquatic vegetation. The whole plumage is chiefly black, except the tail coverts, which are white, and a white patch on each side of the neck. Length 22 in.; wi

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THE WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus musicus, Bechstein

THE WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus musicus, Bechstein

Formerly breeding in small numbers in the Orkneys, this species now only visits us during the winter, its numbers depending largely on the severity of the climate in Northern Europe. It frequents bays, estuaries, and inland lakes, feeding on weeds and aquatic vegetation. The note is a loud “whoop, whoop, whoop,” from which its trivial name has been derived, and is often uttered as they fly along the shore in a long straggling line. The sexes are alike in plumage, as are all palæarctic Swans, and

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BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus bewicki, Yarrell

BEWICK’S SWAN Cygnus bewicki, Yarrell

This species, which is smaller than the Whooper, visits us regularly every winter, and is in some places the commoner of the wild Swans. In Scotland it is abundant in some seasons as it is also in Ireland, but on the coasts of England and Wales it is always rather scarce. It breeds in the Far North to the east of the White Sea. It may be distinguished from the Whooper by its smaller size and the extent of the yellow on the beak, which does not quite reach the nostrils. Length about 46 in.; wing

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THE MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor (J. F. Gmelin)

THE MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor (J. F. Gmelin)

In this country the Mute Swan is only met with in a state of semi-domestication, having been introduced at some early period of history. It is now, however, widely distributed throughout our islands. Inhabiting lakes, rivers, and ornamental waters, it feeds on aquatic weeds and grain, and is extremely useful in preventing an undue growth of weeds in ornamental ponds and lakes. The nest is a huge structure of straw and rushes, built upon the edge of the water, or in the centre of a reed-bed. The

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THE COMMON SHELD-DUCK Tadorna cornata (S. G. Gmelin)

THE COMMON SHELD-DUCK Tadorna cornata (S. G. Gmelin)

Although somewhat local in its breeding haunts, this species is fairly abundant round all our coasts in winter. It is a Sea-Duck, being seldom found far inland, and its food consists of small mollusca and marine insects, which it seeks on our flat estuaries and along the shore. A rabbit-burrow in sand-dunes near the sea is chosen for a nesting-site, and lined with a little grass, to which is subsequently added an abundance of grey down from the body of the female. Occasionally it makes its own b

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THE RUDDY SHELD-DUCK Tadorna casarca (Linnæus)

THE RUDDY SHELD-DUCK Tadorna casarca (Linnæus)

The Ruddy Sheld-Duck is a South-eastern European species, breeding on the shores of the Levant and throughout Northern Africa, but it is rare on the north shores of the Mediterranean west of the Adriatic. It has several times been noted as a straggler to England, and in 1892 many flocks appeared in different parts of the country. SHELD-DUCK Tadorna cornuta The general colour is a deep orange brown, the head being rather lighter. The male has a narrow black collar during the nesting season. The f

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THE MALLARD OR WILD DUCK Anas boschas, Linnæus

THE MALLARD OR WILD DUCK Anas boschas, Linnæus

This is at once our commonest and most beautiful Duck. Owing to drainage of fen-lands and higher cultivation it is, perhaps, not so abundant as formerly, yet there are few marshes or low-lying lands of any extent in our islands, which do not afford a home to a few pairs of this species. It feeds chiefly by night on worms, aquatic insects, water weeds, and grain, and prefers ditches overgrown with weeds or shallow ponds to open stretches of deep water. Early in March it chooses a nesting site, us

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THE GADWALL Anas strepera, Linnæus

THE GADWALL Anas strepera, Linnæus

The Gadwall is a scarce visitor to our shores, occurring irregularly along the east coasts of Scotland and England, but it is very rarely seen in the west or in Ireland. In a few places in Norfolk, where it was originally introduced, it breeds, and has of late years considerably increased both there and in the surrounding counties. In habits it resembles the Mallard. The eggs are usually ten in number and of a delicate creamy pink. It may be easily recognised on the wing by its white speculum. O

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THE SHOVELLER Spatula clypeata (Linnæus)

THE SHOVELLER Spatula clypeata (Linnæus)

This bird is by no means rare with us in winter, when large numbers come over from abroad. It is essentially an inland species, preferring small and sheltered pieces of water rather than wide open stretches. Its most characteristic feature is the large flattened bill with which it feeds on the surface-swimming animalculæ and other insects, the broad lamellæ of the mandibles forming an efficient strainer. When feeding three or four will often follow each other in a circle, each feeding in the oth

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THE PINTAIL Dafila acuta (Linnæus)

THE PINTAIL Dafila acuta (Linnæus)

This species visits us in large numbers during the winter, arriving in September and not leaving our shores till April. During this period it is essentially a Sea-Duck, haunting shallow shores and estuaries, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation, crustacea, and other animal life brought in by each tide. It is commoner on the east coast than elsewhere owing to the large tracts of shore suited to its habits, but it may be found in smaller numbers on the west and in Ireland, wherever suitable locali

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THE TEAL Nettion crecca (Linnæus)

THE TEAL Nettion crecca (Linnæus)

This is the smallest of our native species of Duck, and is fairly common throughout our islands at all times of the year, but its numbers are largely augmented in winter by the arrival of vast flocks from abroad. It may be found in winter near the mouths of rivers and shallow estuaries as well as inland; its food consists of grain, insects, worms, slugs, and molluscs. It breeds throughout our islands, but more abundantly in the north. The nest is generally placed at some distance from water on a

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THE AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL Nettion carolinense (J. F. Gmelin)

THE AMERICAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL Nettion carolinense (J. F. Gmelin)

This species has only occurred three or four times in these islands. The male differs from the Common Teal in having some greyish vermiculated feathers on either side of the breast, and the buffish white lines on the face are very slightly defined. The female cannot be distinguished from our native species. Length 16 in.; wing 7·25 in....

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THE BLUE-WINGED TEAL Querquedula discors (Linnæus)

THE BLUE-WINGED TEAL Querquedula discors (Linnæus)

This American species has been taken at least once in the United Kingdom. The male has the throat, forehead, and crown dark lead colour, and a long crescentic patch of white in front of the eye. Cheeks and neck dull lavender grey. Length 16 in.; wing 7·25 in....

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THE GARGANEY Querquedula circia (Linnæus)

THE GARGANEY Querquedula circia (Linnæus)

This is one of our scarcest species, coming to us as a summer immigrant from April to September, and remaining in a few suitable spots to breed. It is commonest in Norfolk, and may also be found in Hants, Kent, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. Elsewhere its occurrences are rare and only consist of stragglers on migration. It breeds regularly on the Continent from Sweden southwards, becoming commoner in the east. The nest is usually placed in a dry and often open situation, where there is but little cover

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THE WIGEON Mareca penelope (Linnæus)

THE WIGEON Mareca penelope (Linnæus)

The Wigeon is one of our commonest winter visitors, arriving in large numbers from early in September onwards, and frequenting estuaries, bays, and tidal waters, but rarely wandering far inland. Although feeding also on marine insects and crustacea, it is chiefly a vegetable eater, living almost entirely upon Zostera marina . In Scotland a good many pairs remain to breed, and during the summer it frequents high moorlands and inland waters. The nest is placed in a tuft of rushes or among heather,

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THE AMERICAN WIGEON Mareca americana (J. F. Gmelin)

THE AMERICAN WIGEON Mareca americana (J. F. Gmelin)

One or two examples of this species have occurred in this country at long intervals. It may be distinguished from our Wigeon by the forehead and crown being dull white, the cheeks and neck whitish, speckled with brown, and a green stripe passing backwards from the eye. The female has the head and neck yellowish white, speckled with black. Length 19 in.; wing 10·25 in....

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THE RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina (Pallas)

THE RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina (Pallas)

The Red-crested Pochard, whose nesting home is in South-Eastern Europe, though it also nests sparingly in the Rhone delta and Spain, is only a rare straggler to these islands, and most of the examples have been obtained in Norfolk, where as recently as last year, 1906, a flock of eight appeared, and needless to say were soon all shot. It is a much larger bird than the Common Pochard, and may be distinguished by its rufous crest, red bill, and legs, though differing also in many other particulars

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THE COMMON POCHARD Fuligula ferina (Linnæus)

THE COMMON POCHARD Fuligula ferina (Linnæus)

With this and the preceding species we come to the second division of the Ducks, which are known as Diving Ducks, in contradistinction to the others which are known as surface-feeders, although quite capable, when alarmed, of diving. Diving Ducks may be recognised by having the legs placed further back on the body, thus rendering their progress on land rather difficult, and by the hind toe being lobed. The Pochard is chiefly a winter visitor to our shores, occurring not uncommonly in most season

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THE FERRUGINOUS DUCK Fuligula nyroca (Güldenstädt)

THE FERRUGINOUS DUCK Fuligula nyroca (Güldenstädt)

In England this species has been observed on a good many occasions, though some of the instances may have been those of escaped birds. It has also been obtained in Scotland and Ireland. It breeds fairly abundantly throughout Central and Southern Europe, where it is resident. The male has the head, neck, and upper breast rich chestnut brown, the rest of the upper parts brown, under parts white. The female is duller. It may always be recognised by the white irides. Length 16 in.; wing 7·75 in....

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THE TUFTED DUCK Fuligula cristata (Leach)

THE TUFTED DUCK Fuligula cristata (Leach)

This species is the commonest of our Diving Ducks, nesting in increasing numbers on many of our inland waters throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland. In winter, as is the case with most Ducks, large numbers arrive from abroad, and may be found in shallow bays, estuaries, and inland waters in company with other species. In food and habits it much resembles the Pochard, and is very good eating after it has been in inland waters for some time. The nest is placed on rushes, and the eggs, which so

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THE SCAUP DUCK Fuligula marila (Linnæus)

THE SCAUP DUCK Fuligula marila (Linnæus)

Breeding in the far north of Europe this species visits us in considerable numbers during the winter, feeding on molluscs, crustacea, and small fish, which are plentiful on our low, flat, alluvial shores. It goes about in large flocks, and although obtaining much of its food by diving, it is also fond of feeding on the soft ooze left bare by the receding tide. The note is a harsh “scaup.” It is only during the last two or three years that it has been proved beyond doubt to nest in a particular l

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THE GOLDEN-EYE DUCK Clangula glaucion (Linnæus)

THE GOLDEN-EYE DUCK Clangula glaucion (Linnæus)

Breeding in Northern Europe, this species generally arrives here in October, and may be found sparingly on inland rivers and lakes, as well as in estuaries, becoming commoner in the north. In food and general habits it much resembles the preceding species, but its nest is placed in holes of trees at some distance from the ground, the old hole of a Black Woodpecker being frequently made use of in Scandinavia. The Lapps, in order to obtain the eggs of this and other kindred species, place nest-box

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THE BUFFEL-HEADED DUCK Clangula albeola (Linnæus)

THE BUFFEL-HEADED DUCK Clangula albeola (Linnæus)

Only two or three examples of this North American species have been obtained in this country. In general coloration it bears a distant resemblance to the Golden-eye, but the male may be recognised by the presence of a large triangular white patch on the head, having its apex at the back of the eye. The female is a dull-coloured bird of various shades of brown. Length 15 in.; wing 6·75 in....

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THE LONG-TAILED DUCK Harelda glacialis (Linnæus)

THE LONG-TAILED DUCK Harelda glacialis (Linnæus)

Like many other of our Ducks this is a species which breeds in the north and only visits us in winter. It is fairly common in the north of Scotland and adjoining islands, and there is some evidence that it may occasionally have stayed to breed in the Shetlands. On the east of England immature examples are sometimes shot, especially in severe winters, and the same may be said for the north of Ireland. Over the rest of our islands it is decidedly a rare bird. Like most Diving Ducks, its food consi

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THE HARLEQUIN DUCK Cosmonetta histrionica (Linnæus)

THE HARLEQUIN DUCK Cosmonetta histrionica (Linnæus)

Iceland is the nearest breeding resort of this species, which nests also in Eastern Siberia, and only three or four examples have occurred on our coasts. It is a very peculiarly marked Duck; the general colour above is bluish black, with a white spot at the base of the bill and behind each ear; a white line runs backwards over the crown, and another down the sides of the neck. A white ring, bordered with black, encircles the lower neck, and there is another similar one across the breast; the und

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THE EIDER DUCK Somateria mollissima (Linnæus)

THE EIDER DUCK Somateria mollissima (Linnæus)

This exclusively Sea-Duck is not uncommon from Northumberland northwards, where it is resident, and breeds in all suitable localities; but over the rest of our coasts it is rare, and only met with occasionally. In food and habits it calls for no special comment. The nest is placed usually on low rocky islets among the herbage or in crevices of the rocks, but it is sometimes found at considerable distances from the water and often at some height above the sea. Five is the usual number in a clutch

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THE KING EIDER Somateria spectabilis (Linnæus)

THE KING EIDER Somateria spectabilis (Linnæus)

Essentially an Arctic species, and rarely wandering south even in winter, this species is a somewhat scarce visitor to our shores, though a good many examples have been taken, especially in the north. The large raised orange tubercle at the base of the bill and the dark clear-cut V mark underneath the chin, form fairly distinctive characters by which this species may be recognised, though an imperfect V mark is sometimes found on the Common Eider. The sickle-shaped secondaries are black and not

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STELLER’S EIDER Somateria stelleri (Pallas)

STELLER’S EIDER Somateria stelleri (Pallas)

This is an Arctic species, nesting sparingly in Europe and more commonly on the tundras of Eastern Siberia. It is not very rare on the coast of Norway in winter, where many migrate westwards. Two examples only have been obtained in Great Britain. It is the smallest of our Eiders. The male has the head white, with a bluish black patch across the occiput and on the chin. The rest of the upper parts are bluish black, except the falcate secondaries, which are striped with white. Under parts rufous c

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THE COMMON SCOTER Œdemia nigra (Linnæus)

THE COMMON SCOTER Œdemia nigra (Linnæus)

This species, except during the breeding season, is almost exclusively a Sea-Duck, spending most of its time some distance out at sea, only approaching the shallower water near the shore for food, and rarely entering bays or estuaries, except under stress of weather. It is very common round all our coasts, but commonest, perhaps, in the North Sea, where flocks of many thousands may often be seen during the winter months. The main breeding grounds are the wide tundras of Northern Europe and Siber

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THE VELVET SCOTER Œdemia fusca (Linnæus)

THE VELVET SCOTER Œdemia fusca (Linnæus)

This species closely resembles the last in habits, but is much scarcer round our coasts and generally keeps farther out to sea. It is a rather larger bird than the Common Scoter, and of a dense velvety black, with a small white spot behind each eye and a white bar across the wing. The bill is orange yellow, with a large black basal knob and a narrow dark line along the culmen. Legs orange. The female is brown, rather lighter underneath, and has a dull white patch before, and a smaller one behind

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THE SURF SCOTER Œdemia perspicillata (Linnæus)

THE SURF SCOTER Œdemia perspicillata (Linnæus)

This North American species has on several occasions occurred on our coasts. The male may be at once distinguished from the other Scoters by the presence of a broad patch of white on the forehead and another on the nape. In the female the nape patch is present though often indistinct. There is no white bar across the wing. Length 21 in.; wing 9·5 in....

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THE GOOSANDER Mergus merganser, Linnæus

THE GOOSANDER Mergus merganser, Linnæus

The Goosander is the first of the three species of “Sawbills” that are found in this country. Unlike other Ducks, the bill is moderately long and narrow, and both mandibles have a very rough toothed surface enabling them easily to secure and hold their prey, which consists entirely of fish. They are all expert divers. On the east coast of England this species is not uncommon during the winter months, frequenting estuaries and freshwater lakes, but in the south and west it is of irregular occurre

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THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator, Linnæus

THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator, Linnæus

Nearly allied to the preceding species, the Merganser is fairly common round our shores in winter, and nests in considerable numbers in Scotland, both on lakes and tarns, as well as on the coasts in the north and west. In Ireland it is a very common resident, breeding especially abundantly on the west coast. In habits and food it resembles the Goosander, but is less frequently found inland and far more partial to the sea than that species. The nest is not placed in a hole but in thick cover at n

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THE SMEW Mergus albellus, Linnæus

THE SMEW Mergus albellus, Linnæus

This species, the smallest and scarcest of the Sawbills, only comes to us in the winter, its breeding haunts being near the limit of tree growth throughout Northern Europe. It may be found on inland rivers and lakes, as well as in sheltered bays and estuaries on the coast. Immature examples with a red head, known as “Red-headed Smews,” far out-number the adults, and old males in full plumage are rarely seen. This is one of the species that occupies the boxes in Sweden and Lapland, and the discov

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THE HOODED MERGANSER Mergus cucullatus, Linnæus

THE HOODED MERGANSER Mergus cucullatus, Linnæus

This is a North American species, which has only very rarely visited our shores. It may be distinguished by a semicircular crest or hood over the head, the posterior half of which is white, with a dark edge. The general colour is dark brown above and white below. Length 19 in.; wing 7·75 in....

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THE WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus, Linnæus

THE WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus, Linnæus

Whereas in the case of many species one has to record their increasing scarcity and approaching extermination as far as these islands are concerned, with the Wood Pigeon the case is very different. Nesting in the woods throughout the country, where, owing to strict preservation, trespassers are forbidden and raptorial birds shot, this species has of late years increased with amazing rapidity and may be found in winter in flocks of thousands, which often do considerable damage to the crops. Altho

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THE STOCK DOVE Columba œnas, Linnæus

THE STOCK DOVE Columba œnas, Linnæus

The Stock Dove is rather smaller and considerably less common than the previous species, but is nevertheless by no means uncommon in England, and has greatly increased of late years, especially in Scotland. In Ireland it is still a rare and local species. The name “Stock Dove” is not due, as many erroneously suppose, to its being the race from which our domestic Pigeons spring, but to its habit of nesting in the stocks and boles of old timber. Such places are, however, by no means exclusively us

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THE ROCK DOVE Columba livia, J. F. Gmelin

THE ROCK DOVE Columba livia, J. F. Gmelin

The Rock Dove is the original species from which most of our domestic varieties have been derived. It is only on the wildest and most inaccessible parts of our coast that this species can now be found in its pure state, as in all the more inhabited portions it has become interbred with feral domestic birds. It is a resident with us, breeding in caves along the coast, although on the Continent it also frequents inland and mountainous regions. The nest, built of sea-weed, is placed on a small ledg

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THE TURTLE DOVE Turtur communis, Selby

THE TURTLE DOVE Turtur communis, Selby

This small species is only a summer immigrant with us, arriving early in May and leaving again for its winter home in Southern Europe and Africa in September. In England it is a common and widely distributed species, but in Scotland and Ireland it is rare, only occurring on migration, though it may sometimes have nested in the former country. TURTLE DOVE Turtur communis It frequents woods, coppices, and tall hedgerows, constructing a frail nest of twigs on which to lay its two white eggs. It fee

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PALLAS’ SAND GROUSE Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pallas)

PALLAS’ SAND GROUSE Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pallas)

The real home of this species is east of the Caspian, spreading through Asia to Mongolia and Southern Dauria. On several occasions during the last fifty years Europe has witnessed an extraordinary immigration of these birds, which spread westwards in countless numbers. The first wave to reach our islands arrived during the latter half of 1859, and four years later a larger invasion took place, the birds spreading throughout the country. The largest immigration, however, took place in 1888, in wh

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THE CAPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus, Linnæus

THE CAPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus, Linnæus

Although originally an inhabitant of Great Britain, this species became extinct over a hundred years ago from causes which are by no means clear. In 1837 it was introduced into Perthshire and a few other districts in Scotland, where it has increased largely, and is at the present time gradually spreading southwards through the pine, oak, and birch forests. It is essentially a forest-haunting species, rarely, if ever, wandering far from the woods, where its call of “peller, peller, peller,” may b

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THE BLACK GROUSE Tetrao tetrix, Linnæus

THE BLACK GROUSE Tetrao tetrix, Linnæus

On the moors and woods of Scotland this is a common species, and it is also found locally in a few places in the west of England, but in some of its other English haunts, notably the New Forest, it has died out. Like the Capercaillie, they are polygamous, and gather together in spring, the cocks fighting and showing off in a variety of evolutions to the hens. Eventually each cock retires with his hens, and breeding commences in earnest. The nest is merely a scrape in the heather or on the outski

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THE RED GROUSE Lagopus scoticus (Latham)

THE RED GROUSE Lagopus scoticus (Latham)

This is the only exclusively British species which is found nowhere else—if we except the local races of many of the smaller birds, which can only be distinguished on a very close examination. Our Grouse differs from the “Ryper” of Norway, which is its nearest ally, by its black primaries, and in the fact that it does not assume a white dress in winter. RED GROUSE Lagopus scoticus Male (left). Female (right) It inhabits moorlands from the limit of heather growth to the coast-line, and is general

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THE PTARMIGAN Lagopus mutus (Montin)

THE PTARMIGAN Lagopus mutus (Montin)

Closely allied to the Red Grouse, the Ptarmigan is found on the higher slopes of the Scottish Highlands from Perthshire northwards. Elsewhere in these islands it is unknown. In habits and food it hardly differs from the Grouse; the nest is placed among stones on the ground, and the eggs, except in being rather smaller and slightly lighter in colour, are undistinguishable from those of that species. The Ptarmigan passes through a complicated plumage cycle, having three distinct plumages; in summe

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THE PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus (Linnæus)

THE PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus (Linnæus)

This species is so well known that we need occupy but little space in dealing with it. It is now generally distributed throughout our islands, and was first introduced into England, to which it is not an indigenous bird, from a district of South Russia near the Black Sea, at some period previous to the Norman Conquest. To Scotland and Ireland it was imported during the latter half of the sixteenth century. During the last hundred years another species, the Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant, has been

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THE PARTRIDGE Perdrix cinerea, Latham

THE PARTRIDGE Perdrix cinerea, Latham

In England the Partridge is an exceedingly abundant species, but in Scotland and Ireland, although well distributed, it is much more local. It is strictly monogamous, pairing very early in the year, but nesting operations are rarely commenced before the end of April or early in May. The nest is a scrape in some hedge bottom, or on a grassy bank, and often contains as many as fifteen to twenty eggs, which are somewhat pyriform in shape, and of a uniform olive brown in colour. This species chiefly

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THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Caccabis rufa (Linnæus)

THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Caccabis rufa (Linnæus)

This species has been introduced into this country at various times from 1770 onwards, and is now well established in several districts. Its home on the Continent is the east and south of France, Spain, and North-western Italy, where it inhabits dry and mountainous districts. In this country it can only be called common in the East Anglian counties, though it is also found on both sides of the Thames valley and in some parts of the Midlands. The damp climate of the west does not suit it, and att

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THE QUAIL Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre

THE QUAIL Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre

This species is only a summer visitor to this country, though examples have been known to spend the winter with us. Never very abundant, it has of late years become decidedly scarcer, and can now only be considered an uncommon and local bird. Delighting chiefly in dry, broken, uncultivated land, it becomes scarcer in the north, but has been known to nest as far north as Caithness. The nest is a “scrape” in the grass, and the seven to twelve eggs are yellowish white blotched with umber brown. The

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THE LAND-RAIL Crex pratensis, Bechstein

THE LAND-RAIL Crex pratensis, Bechstein

Grass lands throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland form the summer home of this well-known and abundant species. It is a migrant, arriving towards the end of April and leaving our shores again in September, though a few individuals occasionally remain and pass the winter in Ireland and some of the western counties of England. It is always more abundant in the west, and during the last few years has become comparatively scarce and local in our eastern and south-eastern counties. The Rails are

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THE SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana maruetta (Leach)

THE SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana maruetta (Leach)

This is a smaller species than the preceding, and is found in marshes and swamps. They visit us in small numbers every summer, and remain to breed in suitable localities far more commonly than is usually supposed. It is, however, a very skulking species and its only note is a low “kwit, kwit,” so that it is seldom either seen or heard, and the few birds that are killed on migration are the only evidence we usually get of its presence. In Scotland it is rarer, but has been found nesting in Elgin

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THE LITTLE CRAKE Porzana parva, Scopoli

THE LITTLE CRAKE Porzana parva, Scopoli

The little Crake is a migrant breeding in Central Europe. To Great Britain it is a very rare straggler, and has only been taken about a dozen times, and only one instance is noted from both Scotland and Ireland. WATER-RAIL Rallus aquaticus It is a rather smaller bird than the preceding species, from which it may be readily distinguished by the absence of spots on the throat or breast. Length 8 in.; wing 4·2 in....

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BAILLON’S CRAKE Porzana bailloni (Vieillot)

BAILLON’S CRAKE Porzana bailloni (Vieillot)

This species has only been met with in these islands on the spring and autumn migrations; on one or two occasions it has been recorded as having bred in the eastern counties, but although there is no great improbability about this, British-taken eggs have never been thoroughly authenticated. On the Continent it breeds freely in Western Europe, from Holland southwards as far east as North Italy. In plumage it closely resembles the Little Crake, from which it may always be distinguished by having

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THE WATER-RAIL Rallus aquaticus, Linnæus

THE WATER-RAIL Rallus aquaticus, Linnæus

This species is tolerably abundant throughout Great Britain wherever swamps and sedge or reed-beds are sufficiently large to afford it cover. It is most abundant in winter, when our native birds receive large additions from the Continent, especially during severe weather. During the breeding season it is very noisy, making a loud and peculiar noise, known in some localities as “sharming.” Extremely loth to take wing, but swimming, and diving with great facility, it is very difficult to get a sig

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THE MOOR-HEN Gallinula chloropus (Linnæus)

THE MOOR-HEN Gallinula chloropus (Linnæus)

This is the commonest, tamest, and best known of the Rails, and occurs abundantly throughout the British Isles wherever some water surrounded by cover is found, even though it be a small ditch or pond. It has even penetrated into the heart of London, and may be watched as it comes out to pick up the crumbs thrown by the passer-by, and takes them back to her young concealed in the rushes. Their food consists of insects, worms, slugs, aquatic vegetation, and a certain amount of grain. In some dist

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THE COOT Fulica atra, Linnæus

THE COOT Fulica atra, Linnæus

The Coot is found on most of the open sheets of water throughout the country; it differs from its other congeners in being far less skulking and spending most of its time out on the open water, and procures much of its food by diving. Its feet are lobed, that is to say, have flat extensions of the skin which is constricted at the joints, down all the toes. The nest is a huge structure of reeds and rushes placed well away from the shore, in a small clump of reeds, and the eggs, which number seven

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THE CRANE Grus communis, Bechstein

THE CRANE Grus communis, Bechstein

Three centuries or more ago the Crane bred regularly in our eastern counties, and for long afterwards it used to appear as a regular migrant every winter. At the present time, however, it is an extremely scarce and irregular visitor. It still breeds in Southern Scandinavia and thence southwards and eastwards throughout the whole of Europe. Its general colour is dark slaty grey, devoid of any markings. The inner secondaries are long and drooping and conceal the tail. The adults have a red warty p

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THE GREAT BUSTARD Otis tarda, Linnæus

THE GREAT BUSTARD Otis tarda, Linnæus

In the early part of the sixteenth century the Great Bustard was well known and widely distributed throughout the moors and plains of England and the lowlands of Scotland. The increasing population, and cultivation of waste lands, gradually diminished localities suitable to its habits, and in 1838 the last eggs of our indigenous birds were taken. At intervals irregular wanderers still occur in different parts of our islands, and several attempts to reintroduce this fine species in recent years h

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THE LITTLE BUSTARD Otis tetrax, Linnæus

THE LITTLE BUSTARD Otis tetrax, Linnæus

The Little Bustard is only a scarce visitor, and has most frequently occurred on our southern and eastern coasts. It is a south European species, but breeds regularly on the plains of France, where it arrives in April and leaves in September. The general colour of both sexes is sandy brown, streaked and vermiculated with black on the upper parts; the under parts are chiefly white. In summer the male has the throat and upper breast black, shading to grey on the chin, and crossed with irregular wh

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MACQUEEN’S BUSTARD Otis macqueeni, J. E. Gray

MACQUEEN’S BUSTARD Otis macqueeni, J. E. Gray

This is an Eastern species, breeding from Asia Minor eastwards towards the Caspian and Aral Seas, and has only occurred on two or three occasions in these islands. This species may be recognised by having a crest of white feathers tipped with black, and a blackish ruff on the sides of the neck. The rest of the plumage above is buff, vermiculated with black, and the under parts are white. Length 38 in.; wing 15·5 in....

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THE STONE-CURLEW Œdicnemus scolopax (S. G. Gmelin)

THE STONE-CURLEW Œdicnemus scolopax (S. G. Gmelin)

The Stone-Curlew is a summer visitor to this country, frequenting wild, sandy “brecks,” and undulating chalky downs. It is therefore a somewhat local species, being commonest perhaps in the “breck” district of Norfolk and Suffolk; it is also found on the downs of most of the southern and eastern counties, as well as on the Chilterns and in one or two other counties to the north, but in the west of England, Scotland, and Ireland it is entirely absent, and has only occurred on very few occasions.

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THE PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola (Linnæus)

THE PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola (Linnæus)

The Pratincole is a native of Northern Africa, Asia Minor, and Palestine, but it also nests in certain suitable districts in South Europe, where it is only known as a summer visitor. In England it has not infrequently been taken on both spring and autumn migrations. The adult has the upper parts clove brown. Tips of secondaries, tail coverts, and bases of tail feathers white. Under wing coverts chestnut. Throat buff, margined with black; breast brownish, turning to white on the belly. Length 10·

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THE BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE Glareola melanoptera (Nordmann)

THE BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE Glareola melanoptera (Nordmann)

This is the Eastern form of the above, nesting from the shores of the Black Sea eastwards to the Altai. Two specimens, which came over in company with the commoner species, were shot in Kent in June 1903. It may be recognised by the under wing coverts being black and the absence of the white tips to the secondaries....

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THE CREAM-COLOURED COURSER Cursorius gallicus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE CREAM-COLOURED COURSER Cursorius gallicus (J. F. Gmelin)

Inhabiting dry and arid regions south of the Mediterranean, this species has nevertheless wandered up to our islands on several occasions, and curiously enough always on the autumn migration, between October and December. The general colour above and below is sandy buff; quills and under wing coverts blackish. There is a dark stripe behind the eye, and the nape is bluish black, this colour extending forward to the eye. Length 10 in.; wing 6·3 in....

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THE DOTTEREL Eudromias morinellus (Linnæus)

THE DOTTEREL Eudromias morinellus (Linnæus)

A lonely, bleak and bare wind-swept moorland, where the scanty herbage is kept short by the elements and the wandering flocks of mountain sheep; and where the sounds of nature are supplied on most days by the wind as it rushes down the valleys between the rounded hill-tops, to the accompaniment perhaps of the Curlew’s wild whistle, or where on the few calm days in summer a deathly silence prevails, broken only by the humming of a bee as it visits the purple heather, or the clear “go back, go bac

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THE CASPIAN PLOVER Ægialitis asiatica (Pallas)

THE CASPIAN PLOVER Ægialitis asiatica (Pallas)

Two examples of this eastern Plover, which inhabits the Caspian and Aral Sea region, were obtained near Yarmouth in May 1890. It is not unlike our Common Ringed Plover, but lacks all the black markings on the head, and the band across the breast is bright chestnut, edged along its posterior margin with black. Length 7·5 in.; wing 5·6 in....

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RINGED PLOVER Ægialitis hiaticola (Linnæus)

RINGED PLOVER Ægialitis hiaticola (Linnæus)

Few people can have walked along our shores without having their attention attracted by the plaintive whistle of this delightful little bird. It will suddenly be seen flying past, the dark ring showing up in contrast to its white breast, while as it gets farther away a light line across the outspread wing will also help to distinguish it. When it settles, especially if among stones and shingle, we shall have hard work to see it, while the oft-repeated note, sounding first on one side and then on

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THE LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Ægialitis curonica (J. F. Gmelin)

THE LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Ægialitis curonica (J. F. Gmelin)

This species breeds in Scandinavia and throughout Europe, being rather scarcer in the west. To our shores it is only a very occasional straggler, not more than half-a-dozen authenticated instances being known. It resembles the preceding species, but is rather smaller in size, paler in colour, and the bill is narrower, longer in proportion, and wholly black. The best characteristic, however, is that the shafts of all the primaries, except the outer ones, are dusky, whereas in the Ringed Plover th

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THE KENTISH PLOVER Ægialitis cantiana (Latham)

THE KENTISH PLOVER Ægialitis cantiana (Latham)

As the Ringed Plover is one of our commonest shore birds, so the present species is one of our rarest, and it will never be met with unless a special journey is made to that lonely stretch of shore, which is its only home in these islands. In habits it is almost the counterpart of the Ringed Plover, but is a true migrant, arriving in April and leaving in September. The note is a short monosyllabic whistle and quite distinct from that of the preceding species. It is a smaller bird than the Ringed

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THE KILLDEER PLOVER Ægialitis vocifera (Linnæus)

THE KILLDEER PLOVER Ægialitis vocifera (Linnæus)

Only two examples of this American species have been shot in England. It is a larger bird than any of our other Ringed Plovers, which it somewhat resembles, but it may be recognised by its rufous rump and upper tail coverts, a black subterminal bar and white tip to all the tail feathers except the central pair, and the presence of two narrow black bands across the breast. Length 9·5 in.; wing 6·5 in....

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GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius pluvialis, Linnæus

GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius pluvialis, Linnæus

The home of the Golden Plover is on the lower slopes of those hills the tops of which the Dotterel takes as his own, for the Golden Plover prefers the cover afforded by the tall heather and the more abundant and varied insect diet of the lower lands. As we walk up the hill we first hear his shrill whistle, and soon see him coming to meet us. Settling some yards ahead, he pipes his whistle incessantly, and then as we approach he flies on to some other upstanding boulder, and so on for perhaps hal

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THE LESSER GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius dominicus, P. L. S. Müller

THE LESSER GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius dominicus, P. L. S. Müller

This species is subdivided into two forms, one of which is found in Eastern Asia, while the other is an inhabitant of North America. Examples of both these forms have been shot in the United Kingdom, although the American form, as might be expected, has occurred the more frequently of the two. Both these forms may be distinguished from our common species, which they closely resemble, in having the axillaries smoke grey instead of white. Length about 9 in.; wing 6·75 in. GOLDEN PLOVER Charadrius

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GREY PLOVER Squatarola helvetica (Linnæus)

GREY PLOVER Squatarola helvetica (Linnæus)

Very similar to the Golden Plover in general appearance, but the yellow spots are replaced by whitish, and the hind toe is lacking. A few weeks in spring and autumn along the shore is all the time this bird spends with us; he passes the winter in the warm tropics of Africa, wandering southwards as far as the Cape, and then, obeying some mysterious impulse of which we can form no conception, he journeys in May northwards, and passing over many spots, which would to our ignorant eyes afford him fo

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THE SOCIABLE PLOVER Vanellus gregarius (Pallas)

THE SOCIABLE PLOVER Vanellus gregarius (Pallas)

This species is a native of South Russia and the Aralo-Caspian area. Until a few months ago, when a second example was procured in Kent, it had only once (in 1860) been taken in England. The general colour above is drab; crown of the head black, margined with white. Quills black; secondaries white; tail white, with a subterminal brown band. Chin white; throat buff; breast brown; belly black; flanks and under tail coverts deep chestnut. Length 12 in.; wing 8 in....

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THE LAPWING Vanellus vulgaris, Bechstein

THE LAPWING Vanellus vulgaris, Bechstein

No wild bird has perhaps to pay so large a tribute in eggs and individuals to man, and yet remains as common and abundant, as the Lapwing. Early in March he appears on the marsh or water-meadows, where he or his parents before him have been accustomed to spend the summer; sometimes dry fields at some distance from the water are chosen, but as a rule it is never far from a river, stream, or even a moderate-sized pond. Although many pairs often nest in the same field, fierce battles take place bet

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THE TURNSTONE Strepsilas interpres (Linnæus)

THE TURNSTONE Strepsilas interpres (Linnæus)

Breeding in the Far North as well as on some islands in the Baltic, the Turnstone is only a migrant to our shores, spending some weeks with us in autumn and returning again on a flying visit on its way to its breeding-quarters. A small minority spend the whole winter with us, and occasionally birds in full nuptial dress have remained in one locality all through the summer, but its nest has never yet been found in these islands. Although it may be met with along almost any part of the coast, it i

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THE OYSTER-CATCHER Hæmatopus ostralegus, Linnæus

THE OYSTER-CATCHER Hæmatopus ostralegus, Linnæus

No one who has been along the shore in winter can have failed to notice the large flocks of black-and-white birds—Sea Pies as they are often called—sitting on a sand-spit and, like Canute of old, defying the tide. There they sit, till, when the water is just about to touch their feathers, they all rise as though with one mind, and shrieking out their shrill call as they go, pass along to the next promontory which will afford them dry foothold for a few minutes longer. Such is the Oyster-Catcher

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THE AVOCET Recurvirostra avocetta, Linnæus

THE AVOCET Recurvirostra avocetta, Linnæus

If only the amasser of British killed specimens could be exterminated and the protection laws of this country more rigidly enforced, the Avocet might once more become a local breeding species in some of our counties. At present, however, a few birds arrive in our southern and eastern counties yearly, and it is to be feared that but few live to cross over to their breeding grounds in Holland. It used formerly to breed in considerable numbers in the marshes of Kent and Sussex, and along our flat e

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THE BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus candidus, Bonnaterre

THE BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus candidus, Bonnaterre

This species is only a very scarce straggler to our shores, generally during the summer months. Its chief breeding grounds are along the shores of the Danube and Black Sea, and in the marismas of Southern Spain, whence it migrates to Africa in winter. In the adult the mantle and wings are greenish black; tail grey; the rest of the plumage white. Bill black, and the long legs rose pink. Length 13·6 in.; bill 2·5 in.; wing 9·5 in.; legs 10 in....

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GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnæus)

GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnæus)

This species only appears as an irregular autumnal visitor on our south-eastern and southern shores, though it has been obtained both in Scotland and Ireland. In food and habits it resembles the Red-necked Phalarope, but its breeding range is more northerly, and is in fact circumpolar. It is extremely tame, and allows a close approach as it swims in shallow sheltered places a few feet from the margin of the shore, beach pools, or inland ponds, where it happens to be. Its visits to this country a

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THE RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linnæus)

THE RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linnæus)

The Phalaropes are delightful little birds of very aquatic habits, and form a splendid instance of how similar environment tends to the production of similar structure. They may be easily recognised from other limicoline or wading birds by their very close feathering, especially on the breast, and their lobed feet, while in the Grey Phalarope, especially, the bill is somewhat flattened, so that in these birds we find a tendency towards the flattened bill as in Ducks, lobed feet as in the Grebes,

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THE WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticula, Linnæus

THE WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticula, Linnæus

The Woodcock is best known in these islands from the vast numbers that annually arrive during October to pass the winter with us. Although fairly well distributed at this time of year, they are most abundant in Ireland and our western counties, where they form one of the chief objectives of the shooter. As its name indicates, the Woodcock spends most of its time in woods and plantations, flying every evening to wet meadows and marshes in the neighbourhood, where it feeds on worms and other insec

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THE GREAT OR SOLITARY SNIPE Gallinago major (J. F. Gmelin)

THE GREAT OR SOLITARY SNIPE Gallinago major (J. F. Gmelin)

A few individuals of this species, chiefly immature birds, visit our south and east counties yearly in autumn. Over the rest of the United Kingdom it is an exceedingly rare and irregular visitor. It breeds in Scandinavia and across Northern Europe, extending southwards into Russia, Poland, and North Germany; over the rest of Europe east of the Rhone Valley it is common on migration and during the winter months. It may be distinguished from the Common Snipe by its larger size, proportionately sho

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THE COMMON SNIPE Gallinago cœlestis (Frenzel)

THE COMMON SNIPE Gallinago cœlestis (Frenzel)

This bird is found wherever swamps, marshes, and damp meadows suitable to its habits are still left, and is a common resident throughout Great Britain, receiving large additions to its numbers from the Continent every autumn. Very early in April it begins to nest, making a fairly deep “scrape” in a damp spot, generally in some rough grass or other cover, and lining it with a few bents and leaves. The eggs, four in number, as is the case with all wading birds, are greenish olive, spotted and blot

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THE JACK SNIPE Gallinago gallinula, Linnæus

THE JACK SNIPE Gallinago gallinula, Linnæus

Breeding in the north-western corner of Europe, as far east as Archangel, the Jack Snipe is only a winter visitor to this country, arriving towards the end of October and often not leaving our shores till well on in summer, but there is no authenticated case of its ever having bred with us. In habits it closely resembles the Common Snipe, but lies much closer when being “walked up,” and then rising at one’s feet goes off at a great pace. It is a more solitary bird than the Common Snipe, and a si

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THE BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola platyrhyncha (Temminck)

THE BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola platyrhyncha (Temminck)

This species, although it may sometimes have been overlooked, is a very scarce wanderer to our shores. Nesting on the tundras of North Europe, it migrates eastward in winter to the shores of the Levant. Its general appearance in winter is much like the Dunlin, but its somewhat flattened bill and the small amount of white on the secondaries and upper tail coverts form distinctive characteristics. Length 6·5 in.; bill 1·2 in.; wing 4·25 in....

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THE AMERICAN PECTORAL SANDPIPER Tringa maculata, Vieillot

THE AMERICAN PECTORAL SANDPIPER Tringa maculata, Vieillot

The American Pectoral Sandpiper has occurred more frequently in Great Britain than any other of the American Sandpipers, some thirty or forty examples having been shot, and with two exceptions they have all occurred during the winter months. Its breeding range is in Arctic America, whence it migrates to the tropics of America for the winter, and presumably those examples that visit us have come via Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroes. The upper parts are brown, with lighter margins to the feather

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THE SIBERIAN PECTORAL SANDPIPER Tringa acuminata (Horsfield)

THE SIBERIAN PECTORAL SANDPIPER Tringa acuminata (Horsfield)

The Siberian Pectoral Sandpiper is very closely allied to the above. It breeds in Eastern Siberia and is found in winter down the Asiatic coast. Two examples have occurred in England. It differs from the American form in its smaller size and more rufous coloration, while the markings on the breast are arrow-shaped. Length 7·4 in.; wing 5·25 in....

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BONAPARTE’S SANDPIPER Tringa fuscicollis, Vieillot

BONAPARTE’S SANDPIPER Tringa fuscicollis, Vieillot

This is an American species, breeding in Arctic regions and migrating in winter along the whole of the Atlantic sea-board of America. About a dozen examples have been procured in England and one in Ireland. In appearance it is like a small Dunlin, but may be recognised by its smaller size, shorter bill, and white upper tail coverts. Length 7·25 in.; bill 0·9 in.; wing 4·75 in....

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THE DUNLIN Tringa alpina, Linnæus

THE DUNLIN Tringa alpina, Linnæus

Of all our shore-birds the Dunlin, or, as it is sometimes called, the Ox-bird, is the most numerous. At all times of the year and round all our coasts it may be seen running about and feeding on the animal life to be found among the rocks or in the soft muddy ooze recently left by the ebbing tide. It is almost always found in flocks, which are often made up of thousands of individuals, and when disturbed from one place they may be seen twisting and turning on the wing in graceful flight, prepara

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THE SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER Tringa pusilla, Linnæus

THE SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER Tringa pusilla, Linnæus

A single example, the first to be recorded in Europe, of this American species, was shot in Kent on the 17th September 1907. In general appearance it resembles a Little Stint, but is rather paler and more sandy in colour, and may easily be recognised by its longer bill and partially webbed toes. Length 5·6 in.; bill 0·85 in.; wing 3·7 in....

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BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Tringa bardi (Coues)

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Tringa bardi (Coues)

This is an American species, and has recently been twice obtained in England. In winter it closely resembles a Dunlin in general appearance, but is slightly streaked on the back. Its summer plumage is quite distinct. Length about 8 in.; wing 4·7 in....

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THE LITTLE STINT Tringa minuta, Leisler

THE LITTLE STINT Tringa minuta, Leisler

This, the smallest of our shore-birds, is not a very common species. It occurs yearly on the autumn migration, along our eastern and southern coasts, but on the west it is very irregular in its appearance and decidedly rare. Its breeding-grounds are the tundras of Northern Europe, though it is decidedly scarce as a breeding species in the north-west; it winters in the tropical regions of the Old World. In its habits and food it closely resembles the Dunlin, but its much smaller size enables it t

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THE AMERICAN STINT Tringa minutilla, Vieillot

THE AMERICAN STINT Tringa minutilla, Vieillot

This species has occurred in this country on two or three occasions. It is practically the counterpart of our species and can only be distinguished by its rather smaller size and darker colour. Length 5·25 in.; wing 3·5 in....

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TEMMINCK’S STINT Tringa temmincki, Leisler

TEMMINCK’S STINT Tringa temmincki, Leisler

Although nesting much nearer to our shores than the Little Stint, this species is a very rare and irregular visitor to this country. It breeds commonly in Norway as far south as Trondhjem and eastwards across Russia beyond the limit of tree growth. In winter it migrates eastwards as far as India. In appearance it is not unlike a very small Common Sandpiper, whereas the Little Stint resembles a small Dunlin. It may, however, be further recognised by the shaft of the outer primary being nearly whi

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THE CURLEW SANDPIPER Tringa subarquata (Güldenstädt)

THE CURLEW SANDPIPER Tringa subarquata (Güldenstädt)

This bird arrives on our shores from the middle of August onwards, leaving us again in October, and a few are met with on the return journey in May. Although by no means as numerous as many other shore-frequenting migrants, it is not uncommon on certain parts of the coast, especially on the east and south, but is much rarer in the west. It may be recognised by its white rump and by the partially decurved bill, to which it owes its trivial name. There is nothing to specially distinguish it in hab

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THE PURPLE SANDPIPER Tringa striata, Linnæus

THE PURPLE SANDPIPER Tringa striata, Linnæus

The Purple Sandpiper is a winter resident on our rocky shores, and if somewhat local is nevertheless well distributed wherever suitable localities are found. It has not yet been known to breed within the British area, but it is not unlikely that further investigation may prove that it does so on the Shetlands. Its nearest authenticated breeding-ground is on the Faroes; it breeds also in the north of Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and other circumpolar islands westward to Arctic America, but there i

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KNOT Tringa canutus, Linnæus

KNOT Tringa canutus, Linnæus

In autumn numbers of this species visit our shores, where for a few weeks it is one of the commonest birds, being found on all our coasts except in the west of Scotland. Large numbers leave us again after a few weeks’ sojourn, but a fair number remain with us in wide estuaries or sheltered bays throughout the winter. A return migration takes place in spring, the birds being then in the full red plumage of the breeding season; but these soon pass on and only a few weakly and non-breeding birds ar

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THE SANDERLING Calidris arenaria (Linnæus)

THE SANDERLING Calidris arenaria (Linnæus)

From its habit of frequenting sandy stretches along our shores, and less frequently near inland lakes, this species has gained its trivial name. To this country it is only a migrant, young birds arriving from their northerly breeding-grounds as early as the middle of August; the old birds follow a week or so later, many of them still retaining traces of the nuptial plumage. They stay with us only a short time, and early in October the majority have left us to winter on the shores of the Mediterr

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THE RUFF Machetes pugnax (Linnæus)

THE RUFF Machetes pugnax (Linnæus)

Formerly this species used to be a regular summer migrant to our shores, breeding in the fen countries and other suitable places, but now, although a few birds visit this country in spring, and possibly a few may still breed, it is only as an autumn visitor that it will be generally found. Even on passage it can hardly be called common, but on our east and south coasts a good many pass through, halting merely for a few days. On the west and in Ireland it is decidedly rare and irregular in its ap

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THE BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tringites rufescens (Vieillot)

THE BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Tringites rufescens (Vieillot)

Several examples of this American species have been obtained on our shores. This bird is somewhat like the preceding species although much smaller, but it may always be recognised by the black markings on both sides of the inner webs of the primaries and secondaries. Length 8 in.; bill 0·9 in.; wing 5·25 in....

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BARTRAM’S SANDPIPER Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein)

BARTRAM’S SANDPIPER Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein)

This is another North American species, of which some eight or ten examples have been procured in this country. Its general colour is pale tawny buff, barred and mottled with blackish. For a Sandpiper its tail is distinctly long and barred. Length 11·5 in.; bill 1·2 in.; wing 6·6 in. [We may note here that the Sandpipers we have hitherto been dealing with have had the tail plain, whereas in the remaining ones, which belong to the genus Totanus , the tail is barred.]...

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THE COMMON SANDPIPER Totanus hypoleucus (Linnæus)

THE COMMON SANDPIPER Totanus hypoleucus (Linnæus)

This inland species, which is a summer migrant to our islands, is common and well distributed along the margins of lakes and on the gravel shores of streams and rivers. In the south and east, where suitable localities are scarce, it only occurs on migration, but elsewhere it breeds regularly. The note is a plaintive “wheet, wheet, wheet,” generally uttered on the wing. It is a very pleasing bird in its actions, running along the margin of the water and moving its body with a peculiar and delicat

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THE SPOTTED SANDPIPER Totanus macularius (Linnæus)

THE SPOTTED SANDPIPER Totanus macularius (Linnæus)

This American species has been recorded on several occasions in these islands. It is closely allied to the Common Sandpiper and resembles it in plumage, but in the spring dress it is more spotted on the under parts, and in autumn it is greyer above, and lacks the bronzy tint of our native bird. All the secondaries are barred with ash brown, whereas in the Common Sandpipers the eighth and ninth are nearly white. Length 7 in.; wing 4·2 in....

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THE WOOD SANDPIPER Totanus glareola (J. F. Gmelin)

THE WOOD SANDPIPER Totanus glareola (J. F. Gmelin)

This species is a regular but somewhat scarce visitor to our shores on migration. In Ireland and the west it is extremely rare, but in the south-east corner of England it occurs in small numbers yearly, especially in autumn. Formerly a few pairs used to nest in one or two suitable localities, but they have long ceased to do so. In the west of Europe it does not breed south of the Baltic, but in the east it breeds in the valley of the Danube and also possibly in Northern Italy. The nest is placed

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GREEN SANDPIPER Totanus ochropus (Linnæus)

GREEN SANDPIPER Totanus ochropus (Linnæus)

This is a much commoner species than the last, and haunts inland streams, especially in the neighbourhood of trees and woods. It is most numerous during the autumn migration, but many pass the winter with us, and it has been suspected of breeding on more than one occasion, but positive proof of this has not been forthcoming. In the north and west of Scotland it is scarce, but otherwise it is widely distributed throughout the country. On the Continent it nests in marshy woods from the Arctic Circ

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THE SOLITARY SANDPIPER Totanus solitarius (Wilson)

THE SOLITARY SANDPIPER Totanus solitarius (Wilson)

This is an American species, which, like so many of its New World congeners, has occasionally and at long intervals straggled to these islands. Its nearest ally is the preceding species, from which it may be recognised by having all the tail feathers, except the central pair, boldly barred with black. Length 8·25 in.; wing 5·2 in....

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THE YELLOWSHANK Totanus flavipes (J. F. Gmelin)

THE YELLOWSHANK Totanus flavipes (J. F. Gmelin)

Two examples of this American species have been obtained, the first near Nottingham and the second at Marazion in Cornwall. In general appearance it is not unlike a young Redshank, but the legs are longer and more slender, and the axillaries are barred and not white. Length 10·75 in.; wing 6 in....

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THE GREATER YELLOWSHANK Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin)

THE GREATER YELLOWSHANK Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin)

A solitary example of this species was shot on the 16th September 1906 at Tresco in the Scilly Islands. It is an American species and is not unlike a very large Redshank, but the legs are longer in proportion and yellow in colour. Length 12·15 in.; bill 2 in.; wing 8 in....

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THE COMMON REDSHANK Totanus calidris (Linnæus)

THE COMMON REDSHANK Totanus calidris (Linnæus)

The Redshank is a common breeding species in suitable localities throughout our islands. In winter it occurs abundantly round all our coasts and causes much annoyance to shooters from its habit of flying up on the least alarm and warning all the other less wary fowl, with its shrill “tui too too.” The nest is usually situated on some inland marsh or low-lying grass field intersected with ditches. It is a very slight structure of grass and bents well concealed in a tussock of grass or tuft of rus

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THE SPOTTED REDSHANK Totanus fuscus (Linnæus)

THE SPOTTED REDSHANK Totanus fuscus (Linnæus)

The Spotted Redshank is a rare migrant on both the spring and autumn migrations. In Scotland, Ireland, and the west of England it is almost unknown, but in the eastern counties a few probably occur every year on passage, but their stay is of such short duration that they are often unnoticed. It breeds in the north of Scandinavia and Russia, laying its eggs in very dry situations at a considerable distance from its marshy feeding-ground. The young are, however, taken to the marsh as soon as they

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GREENSHANK Totanus canescens (J. F. Gmelin)

GREENSHANK Totanus canescens (J. F. Gmelin)

In a few places in Scotland where large tracts of pine forest exist some small boggy swamps varying in size from two or three acres to perhaps half an acre, may be found situated in the midst of the woods. These swamps form the summer home of the few Greenshanks that nest with us. The eggs are placed on a tussock in the centre of one of these bogs, so that to reach them is by no means an easy matter, and so cunning are these birds that they are seldom seen feeding on the swamp where they nest, b

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THE RED-BREASTED SNIPE Macrorhamphus griseus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE RED-BREASTED SNIPE Macrorhamphus griseus (J. F. Gmelin)

Some half-dozen examples of this American species have been met with in England, all of them during the autumn months. At this time of year, except in size, it resembles a Dunlin; but in spring the under parts are chestnut, spotted on the breast, and barred on the flanks with dark brown. The feathers of the back are black, edged and barred with rufous. Rump and upper tail coverts white barred with black. The shaft of the outermost primary is pure white. Length 10 in.; wing 5·5 in....

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THE BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica (Linnæus)

THE BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica (Linnæus)

On migration this species visits us in fair numbers, being found on low sandy shores and sheltered estuaries. A few remain throughout the winter, but by far the larger number pass on to Africa after a short sojourn. In May there is a return migration, especially along the east coast, the birds being then in full nuptial plumage. It breeds in the northern portions of Europe, and in winter it is found throughout Southern Europe as well as in Africa. The note is a loud “louey, louey.” In autumn the

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THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa belgica (J. F. Gmelin)

THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa belgica (J. F. Gmelin)

During the first half of last century this species used to nest in small but diminishing numbers in the fens and marshes of Lincolnshire and East Anglia. It is now only met with on passage, and even at such times it is by no means common, and in Scotland and Ireland it is scarce and its visits very irregular. On the Continent it breeds in South Scandinavia, Central Russia, Poland, North Germany, Denmark, and Holland, migrating during August to the Mediterranean basin. Their food consists of inse

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THE CURLEW Numenius arquata (Linnæus)

THE CURLEW Numenius arquata (Linnæus)

The Curlew is an abundant resident throughout the United Kingdom. In the winter it is essentially a shore-bird, moving about in large flocks, which may be found in the meadows and pasture-lands near the coast; these flocks journey to the shore twice daily to feed on the mud or rocks left bare by the ebbing tide. In April it leaves the coast to nest on the heath-covered moors, and though it breeds in larger numbers in Scotland it is well distributed in the north and west of England and Ireland. T

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THE WHIMBREL Numenius pheopus (Linnæus)

THE WHIMBREL Numenius pheopus (Linnæus)

The Whimbrel only passes through these islands on migration, though a few pairs breed on the Orkneys and Shetlands. The spring passage generally takes place in May, from which it is known in some countries as the May-bird. In habits and food it closely resembles the Curlew, but its note is very different, being a rather melodious rippling whistle, which may be syllabled as “telly, telly, telly, tet.” The fells of Arctic Europe form its chief nesting-grounds, whence it migrates in winter to the s

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THE ESKIMO CURLEW Numenius borealis (J. F. Forster)

THE ESKIMO CURLEW Numenius borealis (J. F. Forster)

The home of this bird is in Arctic America, and some eight or nine examples have been procured in this country. In appearance it is rather like a small Whimbrel, but it may be recognised by the absence of barring on the primaries, no white on the rump, transverse arrow-head markings on the under parts, and the axillaries being chestnut barred with brown. Length 14 in.; wing 8·25 in....

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THE BLACK TERN Hydrochelidon nigra (Linnæus)

THE BLACK TERN Hydrochelidon nigra (Linnæus)

Up till the middle of last century the Black Tern was a regular summer visitor to our shores, remaining to breed in the fens and marshes of England. For the last forty years, however, it has only occurred on passage, the adult birds passing through in April and May, and flocks in immature plumage being found along the east coast in the autumn. To the west of England and Scotland it is a very irregular visitor, and the same may be said of Ireland. It nests in colonies on inland marshes, the nest

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THE WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Hydrochelidon leucoptera (Schinz)

THE WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Hydrochelidon leucoptera (Schinz)

This species, which is nearly allied to the preceding, breeds in the marshes of Central and South-eastern Europe. It is a very scarce and irregular visitor to our eastern and south-eastern shores, especially in spring. In habits it resembles the Black Tern, from which it may be distinguished in summer by its red bill, white tail and tail coverts, and whitish wing coverts. The young may be distinguished from those of H. nigra by their longer toes and much paler rump and tail. Length 9·5 in.; wing

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THE WHISKERED TERN Hydrochelidon hybrida (Pallas)

THE WHISKERED TERN Hydrochelidon hybrida (Pallas)

This is a more southern species than its congeners, breeding in Spain, on the delta of the Rhone, and eastwards in Turkey, Greece, and South Russia. To our shores it is a very rare visitor, some half-a-dozen specimens only having been obtained. In summer it is not unlike the Black Tern, but it may be recognised by the bill, which is stouter and red; the black of the head and nape is sharply contrasted with the grey of the back. A broad white stripe runs backwards from the base of the bill. Chin

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THE GULL-BILLED TERN Sterna anglica, Montagu

THE GULL-BILLED TERN Sterna anglica, Montagu

With this species we come to the true Terns or Sea-Swallows, the preceding species being known as Marsh Terns. The Gull-billed Tern is only a very scarce straggler to our shores, being a southern European species though occurring yearly as far north as Denmark. In habits there is nothing to distinguish it from our commoner species. In summer the adult has the whole of the upper parts, including the tail, pearl grey; head and nape dense velvety black; primaries blackish. Under parts pure white; b

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THE CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia, Pallas

THE CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia, Pallas

This large Tern is, like the preceding, only a rare straggler to our shores. It nests in Denmark and various islands on the Baltic, as well as in the Mediterranean basin eastwards to the Aralo-Caspian area. Plumage much as in preceding species, but the tail nearly white. Bill vermilion red; legs black. Length 20 in.; wing 16 in....

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THE SANDWICH TERN Sterna cantiaca, J. F. Gmelin

THE SANDWICH TERN Sterna cantiaca, J. F. Gmelin

This species arrives on our coasts about the middle of April and at once repairs to its breeding-stations. In England these are very few in number and mostly in the north, but occurring equally on the east and west coasts. In Scotland the colonies are rather more numerous, while Ireland can only boast of one in the north. It nests on the bare shingle, the nests being usually placed quite close to each other. Two or three eggs of a pale stone colour, spotted and blotched with reddish brown and bl

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THE ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougalli, Montagu

THE ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougalli, Montagu

This Tern still nests in small numbers round our shores, but it is extremely scarce and somewhat erratic in its choice of breeding-quarters, which often vary from year to year. It arrives very late in May, and leaves our shores as soon as the young can fly, so that it is not often met with on migration. It breeds sparingly on the coast of France, but its chief breeding-quarters are along the Atlantic coast of the United States. In general habits it resembles its congeners, but it is an exclusive

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THE COMMON TERN Sterna fluviatilis, Naumann

THE COMMON TERN Sterna fluviatilis, Naumann

This species arrives in May and nests in colonies round the whole of the coast as well as on some inland waters. In England it is the commonest Tern, but in Scotland and Ireland the Arctic Tern is almost if not quite as numerous, and both species may often be found nesting on the same island or beach. Its food consists of small fish and crustacea, which it catches after the manner of all Terns by dropping down on them with closed wings from a moderate height. COMMON TERN Sterna fluviatilis Summe

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THE ARCTIC TERN Sterna macrura, Naumann

THE ARCTIC TERN Sterna macrura, Naumann

Except in a few minor points of plumage and in its distribution this species is the counterpart of the preceding one. In England it is only met with on migration, though a few pairs may nest in the north, but in Scotland it is the commonest Tern, breeding in increasing numbers northwards. In Ireland it breeds commonly, especially on the wind-swept islets of the north and west. Elsewhere it breeds in circumpolar regions, and has been met with in winter in Antarctic seas, so that it has a latitudi

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THE LITTLE TERN Sterna minuta, Linnæus

THE LITTLE TERN Sterna minuta, Linnæus

This is the smallest of our Terns and is a summer visitor, breeding in fair numbers on shingle beaches round the coast but becoming scarcer in the north. It may often be seen fishing in small parties at the tidal mouth of some small stream, especially when the tide is flowing. At such times it flies slowly towards the sea till it sees a fish, when it stops, hovers for a moment, and then drops on its prey, rising immediately from the water to resume its search; after progressing a short distance

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THE SOOTY TERN Sterna fuliginosa, J. F. Gmelin

THE SOOTY TERN Sterna fuliginosa, J. F. Gmelin

Stragglers of this tropical species have on two or three occasions been met with on our coasts. There is a white band across the forehead, which extends backwards over the eye on each side; rest of the upper parts deep sooty black; under parts white; outer web of outer tail feathers white. Bill and legs black. Length 17 in.; bill 2·1 in.; tail 7·5 in.; wing 11·75 in....

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THE NODDY Anous stolidus (Linnæus)

THE NODDY Anous stolidus (Linnæus)

Like the former, this is a tropical species, which has on two occasions wandered to our shores. The general colour is a dark chocolate brown all over except for the head, forehead, and crown, which are lavender grey. Length 16 in.; wing 10·5 in....

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SABINE’S GULL Xema sabinii (Joseph Sabine)

SABINE’S GULL Xema sabinii (Joseph Sabine)

This circumpolar species is a very rare autumnal visitor to our shores. Its chief breeding-grounds are the Arctic regions of North America, whence it migrates southwards, in winter. The adult has a slate grey back; the head and neck are very dark grey, tail and under parts white. In winter the forehead and crown are white. In their first autumn the young are ash grey on the occiput, nape, and back. The tail feathers have broad black tips. Length 13 in.; wing 10·75 in. This species may always be

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THE WEDGE-TAILED GULL Rhodostethia rosea, Macgillivray

THE WEDGE-TAILED GULL Rhodostethia rosea, Macgillivray

This extremely scarce Arctic Gull is said to have been obtained in Yorkshire on one occasion. It may be recognised by the wedge-shaped tail. The adult is grey on the mantle; the rest of the plumage, except for a narrow black ring round the neck, is pure white. Length 13·5 in.; wing 10·25 in....

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BONAPARTE’S GULL Larus philadelphia (Ordigny)

BONAPARTE’S GULL Larus philadelphia (Ordigny)

This is a common North American species, of which some three examples have been taken in the United Kingdom. In summer the adult has the head and neck black; mantle grey; tail and under parts white. The black on the head is lost in winter. Length 14 in.; wing 10·25 in. This species may always be recognised by the white margins to the inner webs of the two outer primaries....

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THE LITTLE GULL Larus minutus, Pallas

THE LITTLE GULL Larus minutus, Pallas

This species, which is the smallest of our Gulls, is an irregular autumn visitor to our shores. It breeds in Northern Russia and possibly on some of the islands of the Baltic, migrating in winter to the Black Sea and Mediterranean. In summer the head and neck are black; mantle grey, primaries grey edged with white, rest of plumage white except the underside of the wing, which is black and forms a distinctive characteristic in the adult. Length 11 in.; wing 8·75 in....

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THE BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus, Linnæus

THE BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus, Linnæus

The Black-headed Gull is an extremely abundant species throughout the United Kingdom at all times of the year. In summer it resorts to various inland marshes and bogs, where it nests in immense colonies, some of which have been in use for centuries. In autumn and winter it is found all along the coast and up tidal rivers, a great many coming to London, where they are extremely tame and show great agility in catching bread and other morsels of food thrown to them by pedestrians. The bird is pract

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THE MEDITERRANEAN BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus melanocephalus, Natterer

THE MEDITERRANEAN BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus melanocephalus, Natterer

This southern species has only once been taken on our shores, though, as it visits the west of France not uncommonly, there is no great improbability in its occurrence here. Its true habitat is the Mediterranean basin. It is slightly smaller than the preceding species, and the head is jet black, not brown. The beak is also stouter. In young birds the first five primaries are chiefly dark brown, whereas in our species the shafts and contiguous portion of the inner webs are white. Length 15·5 in.;

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THE GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaëtus, Pallas

THE GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaëtus, Pallas

This species is found in Egypt, the Levant, the Red Sea, and Persian Gulf, and only one example is known to have occurred on our shores. The large size and black head are sufficient to distinguish this species when adult; young birds may be recognised by the clear-cut dark band across the tail and by the white margins to the outer webs of the secondaries. Length of male 26 in.; wing 19 in. The female is much smaller....

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COMMON GULL Larus canus, Linnæus

COMMON GULL Larus canus, Linnæus

This bird is by no means the commonest of our Gulls, but may nevertheless be found in fair numbers along all our coasts in winter. It does not breed in England, and in Ireland there are comparatively few colonies; but in Scotland, on the low islets round the coast as well as on the lochs and tarns inland, it is abundant in summer as well as in winter. It usually nests in small colonies of six or eight pairs on some low-lying islet near the coast or on a lake, but it avoids during the breeding se

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THE HERRING GULL Larus argentatus, J. F. Gmelin

THE HERRING GULL Larus argentatus, J. F. Gmelin

This is the commonest of all our Gulls, and may be found abundantly throughout the year, round all our coasts. It nests in colonies, usually on the ledges of precipitous cliffs, although small low islets are occasionally resorted to. The nest is composed of grass, seaweed, and other vegetable débris, and the eggs, three in number, are greenish brown with brown and grey markings, but they are not infrequently of a uniform pale blue. Incubation is undertaken by both sexes. The young as a rule rema

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THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus, Linnæus

THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus, Linnæus

Very closely allied to the Herring Gull, this species is tolerably common everywhere, but is rather more local in the breeding season. In England it nests but sparingly and only in the west, but in Scotland it becomes much more abundant, and in some districts commits considerable havoc among the game-birds on the moors. It chooses for its breeding-quarters some grassy slope on the top of the cliffs or on an islet in one of the numerous firths in the west of Scotland. In Ireland it is generally d

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THE GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus, Linnæus

THE GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus, Linnæus

This species may be found during the winter on almost any part of our shores, but it is by no means so abundant as the Herring Gull. As a breeding species in England it is rather scarce, chiefly owing to lack of suitable places, but in Scotland it is abundant. It is a bold and majestic species, with a fine soaring flight, but we must acknowledge that it is terribly destructive to weakly lambs and young water-fowl. Practically omnivorous, nothing comes amiss to this rapacious bird, and its food c

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THE GLAUCOUS GULL Larus glaucus, O. Fabricius

THE GLAUCOUS GULL Larus glaucus, O. Fabricius

This large white-winged Gull is an annual visitor to the north of Scotland, but southwards it becomes scarcer, and it is only in very severe weather that it visits the south of England. Its breeding range is circumpolar, its nearest breeding-place to our shores being in Iceland. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Summer (right). Young, first autumn (left) The mantle and wings are pearl-grey, with white tips to the secondaries and outermost webs of the quills. Orbital ring vermilion. Legs pi

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THE ICELAND GULL Larus leucopterus, Faber

THE ICELAND GULL Larus leucopterus, Faber

This species is very closely allied in plumage and habits to the preceding. It is a winter visitor to the shores of Scotland, only coming south in severe weather. It breeds on Jan Mayen Islands and Greenland, and is only a winter visitor to the island whose name it bears. Except in size it is almost a counterpart of the Glaucous Gull, but the orbital ring is flesh-coloured, and the legs yellowish. Length 22 in.; wing 16 in....

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THE KITTIWAKE GULL Rissa tridactyla (Linnæus)

THE KITTIWAKE GULL Rissa tridactyla (Linnæus)

With the Kittiwake we come to a species of Gull which differs in its general build from those we have hitherto dealt with. It is rather shorter in the leg, which gives it a somewhat “squat” appearance, and it does not run about on land with the same facility. In correlation with this we find it to be a much more pelagic species, and though found commonly round our shores, it gets most of its food on the water and is rarely to be found among the large flocks of other Gulls that spend much of thei

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THE IVORY GULL Pagophila eburnea (Phipps)

THE IVORY GULL Pagophila eburnea (Phipps)

Some thirty or forty examples of this Arctic Gull have been taken in these islands; it is entirely circumpolar in distribution and breeds on Spitzbergen, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya, and other Arctic regions. The adult is entirely white; bill greenish grey with a red tip; legs black, the hind toe being well developed. The young bird is mostly white, but spotted on the back, wings, and tail with brownish black. Length 18 in.; wing 13 in....

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THE GREAT SKUA Megalestris catarrhactes (Linnæus)

THE GREAT SKUA Megalestris catarrhactes (Linnæus)

The Skuas are a group of birds closely allied to the Gulls, being very similar in general build, but both the claws and beaks are sharper and more hooked. As a rule they chase Gulls and Terns, compelling them by so doing to disgorge their last meal; this the Skua then devours, leaving the Gull in peace to hunt for more. They are not, however, always content with this second-hand dinner, but sometimes kill and eat the Gulls themselves; they also devour offal and carrion. The Great Skua is a scarc

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THE POMATORHINE SKUA Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temminck)

THE POMATORHINE SKUA Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temminck)

This bird, especially when immature, is not very rare on our eastern shores during the autumn migration in September and October, a few even wintering off our south coast. On the return migration in spring it is very rarely seen. It breeds in Eastern Siberia and thence eastward across Arctic America to Greenland. The adult has the head sooty black. The hind neck whitish with straw yellow acuminate feathers. Upper parts brown, two central tail feathers longer than the rest and twisted vertically.

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THE ARCTIC OR RICHARDSON’S SKUA Stercorarius crepidatus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE ARCTIC OR RICHARDSON’S SKUA Stercorarius crepidatus (J. F. Gmelin)

This is the commonest of the Skuas, occurring on all the Scottish coasts and being fairly common in the east of England every autumn. In Ireland and the west of England it is only an irregular straggler. It breeds in the Shetlands, Orkneys, and the north of Scotland, some moor at no great distance from the sea being chosen as a summer home. No nest is made, but a depression is formed in the moss or grass on which the two brownish green eggs, blotched with darker brown, are laid. The young when f

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THE LONG-TAILED OR BUFFOUS SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnæus)

THE LONG-TAILED OR BUFFOUS SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus (Linnæus)

This is a rare species to all our shores, but a few, chiefly immature birds, visit the east coast yearly, and in some seasons become quite common. It is a circumpolar species, breeding on the tundras throughout Europe, Asia, and America, and migrating in winter as far south as the basin of the Mediterranean. In its habits it resembles other Skuas, but in addition to robbing Gulls, it feeds largely on beetles and worms, and the young eat a large quantity of crowberries when in their summer-quarte

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THE RAZORBILL Alca torda, Linnæus

THE RAZORBILL Alca torda, Linnæus

The Alcidæ are pre-eminently pelagic birds that spend their whole life out on the ocean except for a few short weeks every year, when they assemble in thousands on precipitous cliffs to breed. During most of the year the Razorbill lives far out at sea in the Atlantic, never coming within sight of land unless driven inshore by some winters gale. It is an expert swimmer and diver, and though it flies well and swiftly with rapid beats of its small wings, it rarely avails itself of that means of pro

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THE GREAT AUK Alca impennis, Linnæus

THE GREAT AUK Alca impennis, Linnæus

So much has been written on this now extinct species that it need hardly be mentioned here. The last living example was killed off Iceland in 1844, and the last British example was captured in 1834 in Waterford Harbour. In former times it was abundant round Newfoundland, and especially on Funk Island, where the fishermen used to salt it down for food, and soon extirpated it. In appearance it was like a large Razorbill, but it had very small wings and was quite incapable of flight. The lores and

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THE COMMON GUILLEMOT Uria troile (Linnæus)

THE COMMON GUILLEMOT Uria troile (Linnæus)

In its habits, food, and actions this species closely resembles the Razorbill, and they are usually found breeding on the same cliffs. The numbers at a colony can only be reckoned in countless thousands, the birds sitting crowded together as close as possible. This species lays its egg on the bare open ledges and never seeks the nooks and recesses made use of by the Razorbill. The eggs are very pear-shaped, a wise provision which prevents their rolling off the narrow ledges on which they are lai

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BRÜNNICH’S GUILLEMOT Uria bruennichi, E. Sabine

BRÜNNICH’S GUILLEMOT Uria bruennichi, E. Sabine

This species breeds in the north of Iceland, Greenland, Spitzbergen, and on suitable cliffs throughout the Far North. Some three or four examples only have been taken off our shores. In habits and appearance it very closely resembles the preceding species, but it may be recognised by the general colour being much darker and lacking the brownish tint of the common species. The bill is stouter and black with a whitish line along the upper mandible from the nostrils to the gape. Length 18 in.; wing

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THE BLACK GUILLEMOT Uria grylle (Linnæus)

THE BLACK GUILLEMOT Uria grylle (Linnæus)

In England this species is rare even in winter, but in Scotland and Ireland it is fairly common, and breeds in suitable spots round all the coasts. The Black Guillemot differs in many respects from the other Auks and it is never found in vast colonies, though several pairs will often breed in close proximity. Some hole or recess in a cliff or among broken rocks on a steep slope is chosen and two eggs are deposited, which are whitish spotted with grey and brown and elliptical in shape. Both sexes

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THE LITTLE AUK Mergulus alle (Linnæus)

THE LITTLE AUK Mergulus alle (Linnæus)

This species is an inhabitant of Arctic seas, breeding in Greenland, Spitzbergen, and Franz Josef Land, but it does not occur in Arctic America nor to the east of the Kara Sea. In winter it migrates southwards and a few are found round our northern shores every year, but in severe winters it often occurs in considerable numbers, and many storm-driven birds are found in a dying condition far inland. There is a small white spot over the eye, but otherwise the plumage is sooty black on the upper pa

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PUFFIN Fratercula arctica (Linnæus)

PUFFIN Fratercula arctica (Linnæus)

One of the most fascinating points in connection with this quaint bird is that for at least six months in every year we know nothing, or comparatively nothing, of its habits or whereabouts. Towards the middle of April it suddenly appears at certain well-known haunts and proceeds forthwith to set up housekeeping. A hole or cranny in a rock or, where possible, a rabbit-burrow is fixed upon as its home, and the same entrance is often shared by several pairs as well as the rabbit. A weird little cre

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THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Colymbus glacialis, Linnæus

THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Colymbus glacialis, Linnæus

During autumn and winter this species is by no means rare along our coasts. It does not remain to breed on any part of Great Britain, but breeds to the north-west in Iceland, Greenland, and North America. It feeds entirely on fish, and the adults generally keep well out at sea, unless the weather be stormy, so that the individuals that frequent our shores are mostly immature. In autumn the young bird has the feathers of the back greyish brown with paler margins; under parts whitish. Bill brownis

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THE WHITE-BILLED NORTHERN DIVER Colymbus adamsi, G. R. Grey

THE WHITE-BILLED NORTHERN DIVER Colymbus adamsi, G. R. Grey

This species breeds in the Far North, wandering south in winter; two or three examples have been taken on our shores, and it is probable that owing to its resemblance to the preceding species it has been often overlooked. The chief characteristic is the bill, which is yellowish white at all seasons, and the lower mandible is also markedly upturned. The white streaks on the transverse throat bands are much fewer in number than in the preceding species. Length about 33 in.; wing 15·1 in....

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THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER Colymbus arcticus, Linnæus

THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER Colymbus arcticus, Linnæus

The Black-throated Diver is very rare in England, and the few examples that are obtained are usually immature. In Ireland it has only been taken at long intervals, but in Scotland it breeds locally throughout the north and west. The site chosen for the nest is usually an islet in some large loch, and the eggs, two in number, are olive brown, sparsely spotted with black and brown. The young when first hatched are of a uniform smoky grey-brown. In its habits it closely resembles the next species.

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THE RED-THROATED DIVER Colymbus septentrionalis, Linnæus

THE RED-THROATED DIVER Colymbus septentrionalis, Linnæus

This species is the commonest of the Divers and may be found along all our coasts during the winter months. In the breeding season, except for a few pairs that may still be found on some of the Irish loughs, it is restricted to Scotland so far as our islands are concerned. The eggs are laid close to the margin of some small tarn or on an islet in a large loch, but the former situation is the one preferred; they are elongate and olive brown, spotted with umber. The young leave the nest as soon as

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THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podicipes cristatus (Linnæus)

THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podicipes cristatus (Linnæus)

In the course of these pages we have often had to lament the extermination or decrease of many species, so that it is a real pleasure to have to record that a fine species like the present has increased abundantly of late years. This has been largely brought about by very strict protection, and although still local, there are many places where it is now common, and in Scotland it breeds on several lochs as far north as Aberdeenshire. In Ireland also it nests in several localities. It is practica

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THE RED-NECKED GREBE Podicipes griseigena (Boddaert)

THE RED-NECKED GREBE Podicipes griseigena (Boddaert)

On the east coast of England this species is not uncommon during the winter months, and in some seasons becomes quite abundant. Elsewhere in our area it is decidedly rare, and not more than five or six examples are recorded from Ireland. It is plentiful in the south of Scandinavia, the Baltic, and North Russia, whence it migrates southwards throughout Europe in the winter. In habits and food it does not appreciably differ from the preceding species. The crown and nape are blackish, upper parts d

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THE SLAVONIAN OR HORNED GREBE Podicipes auritus (Linnæus)

THE SLAVONIAN OR HORNED GREBE Podicipes auritus (Linnæus)

This is a northern species, breeding in Iceland, Scandinavia, and Russia, which visits our shores, especially in the east, annually, and in the north of Scotland it is quite common. Ireland is also regularly visited on migration every year. In summer the upper parts are dark brown; the crown, forehead, chin, and tippet black, and a tuft of elongated feathers on each side of the head chestnut. Secondaries white, except the three outer ones, which are dusky like the primaries ; neck, breast, and f

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THE BLACK-NECKED OR EARED GREBE Podicipes nigricollis, C. L. Brehm

THE BLACK-NECKED OR EARED GREBE Podicipes nigricollis, C. L. Brehm

Unlike the preceding species, this is a southern Grebe, stragglers of which are occasionally met with most frequently in spring, and there is evidence that it may have nested with us on more than one occasion. To Scotland and Ireland it is a very rare wanderer. The adult in spring has the head and neck black with a triangular patch of yellowish chestnut feathers on the ear coverts; upper parts dark brown; under parts white; flanks chestnut. All the secondaries white , and a good deal of white on

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THE LITTLE GREBE OR DABCHICK Podicipes fluviatilis (Tunstall)

THE LITTLE GREBE OR DABCHICK Podicipes fluviatilis (Tunstall)

The Little Grebe is abundant on rivers, streams, and ponds throughout the country, but becomes scarcer in the north of Scotland. It must be tolerably familiar to every one as a short squat little bird that dives at the smallest alarm, only coming to the surface again some distance away, most often among the reeds and aquatic vegetation near which this bird is always found. The nest is a fair-sized mass of dead weeds floating on the surface of the water and generally moored to some reed stems. Th

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THE STORM PETREL Procellaria pelagica, Linnæus

THE STORM PETREL Procellaria pelagica, Linnæus

This is the commonest of the Petrels which come to our shores to breed, for as a rule these birds live far out at sea and only visit the shore to breed or when driven inland by stress of weather or on migration. About their migrations little or nothing is known, but in October and November this species regularly strikes many of our lighthouses and lightships, being attracted by the light. It is found along the whole of the countries fringing the Atlantic, and nests from the Faroes southwards, an

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LEACH’S FORK-TAILED PETREL Oceanodroma leucorrhoa (Vieillot)

LEACH’S FORK-TAILED PETREL Oceanodroma leucorrhoa (Vieillot)

This species is a regular but not very numerous visitor to our shores every autumn, its numbers depending largely on the weather, and after heavy gales it is often found inland. It nests in small numbers on St. Kilda and some of the Outer Hebrides, and has also been found nesting off the coast of Kerry; and in time many other breeding stations will probably be found on the islands of our western shores. The single egg is white freckled with rusty spots. In its food and habits it resembles, so fa

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MADEIRAN FORK-TAILED PETREL Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt)

MADEIRAN FORK-TAILED PETREL Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt)

An example of this bird was picked up dead in Kent in December 1895. The home of this species is the islands lying off the west of Africa, viz. Cape Verde, Madeira, Desertas, Salvages, and Canaries, from whence individuals occasionally wander to Europe. This species very closely resembles Leach’s Petrel, but the tail is hardly forked; the upper tail coverts are white tipped with black; and the bases of the tail feathers are white. Length nearly 8 in.; wing 5·9 in....

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WILSON’S PETREL Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl)

WILSON’S PETREL Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl)

This bird is almost cosmopolitan in distribution, but perhaps the South Atlantic is its main home, and it is commoner up the North American coast than on this side. Several examples have been shot in this country. The legs and wings are longer than in the preceding species and the webs of the feet are yellow at their bases. The general colour above and below is sooty brown with white on upper tail coverts and thigh patches, and also at the base of the outer tail feathers. Length 7 in.; wing 6 in

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THE FRIGATE PETREL Pelagodroma marina (Latham)

THE FRIGATE PETREL Pelagodroma marina (Latham)

Of late years two examples of this Petrel have been washed up on our shores. The Salvages are the nearest breeding haunts of this species, but it is also found in the south seas. The crown, nape, and patch behind the eye are slate grey; upper parts grey; wing coverts brown; quills blackish. Tail black; under parts white tinged with grey on the flanks. Length 7·75 in.; wing 6·25 in....

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THE GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis, O’Reilly

THE GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus gravis, O’Reilly

This species is a fairly regular summer visitor to the waters round our coasts, but it does not often approach the land. Nothing is known of its breeding haunts, which are probably in the Antarctic seas. The upper parts are ash brown, mottled with white on the upper tail coverts. Under parts white, sometimes brownish on the belly. Legs pinkish. Length 19 in.; wing 12·7 in....

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THE SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus (J. F. Gmelin)

THE SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus (J. F. Gmelin)

This species visits us yearly but is much scarcer than the Great Shearwater. Its only known nesting haunts are in Chatham Islands and others near New Zealand, but the birds which visit us probably nest in the South Atlantic. The whole of the plumage is brown, rather greyer below and more mottled. Legs blackish outside, lilac grey within. Length 18 in.; wing 12 in....

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THE MEDITERRANEAN GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus kuhli (Boie)

THE MEDITERRANEAN GREAT SHEARWATER Puffinus kuhli (Boie)

A single specimen of this Atlantic and Mediterranean Shearwater was picked up on the Sussex coast in 1906. It is similar to the Dusky Shearwater but greyer, wings and tail blackish brown, under parts pure white. Length 17·25 in.; wing 12·75 in....

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THE MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus anglorum (Temminck)

THE MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus anglorum (Temminck)

The Manx Shearwater is the commonest of the Shearwaters that are found round our coasts. It is resident with us throughout the year, feeding chiefly on fish, offal, etc., that it finds on or near the surface. During the nesting season it retires to secluded parts of the coast, where it lays its single white egg in rabbit-burrows or other crevices. It is not known to breed on the east coast, but down the west from Wales northwards as well as in Ireland it breeds commonly, though from its nocturna

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THE LITTLE DUSKY SHEARWATER Puffinus assimilis, Gould

THE LITTLE DUSKY SHEARWATER Puffinus assimilis, Gould

This is another species inhabiting the Salvages and islands off the west coast of Africa. Some three or four examples have been obtained, which were originally wrongly identified as P. obscurus , an American species. The upper parts are slaty black and under parts white. Bill and legs blackish; webs yellow. Length 10·5 in.; wing 7·4 in....

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THE CAPPED PETREL Æstrelata hæsitata (Kuhl)

THE CAPPED PETREL Æstrelata hæsitata (Kuhl)

Extremely little is known of this species, which used to nest in the West Indies. It has occurred here on one occasion only. The crown, nape, and mantle are dark brown; hind-neck and upper tail coverts white; cheeks grey; forehead and under parts white; central tail feathers brownish black; the rest, white edged with brown. Length 16 in.; wing 11·3 in....

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THE COLLARED PETREL Æstrelata brevipes (Peale)

THE COLLARED PETREL Æstrelata brevipes (Peale)

A single example of this Petrel was obtained off the coast of Wales in December 1889. The southern and western Pacific appear to be its true home. The crown is slaty grey; rest of upper parts darker, becoming browner on the wing coverts. Forehead and throat white; rest of under parts white, sometimes tinged with grey. Length 11·5 in.; wing 8·7 in....

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BULWER’S PETREL Bulweria bulweri (Jardine and Selby)

BULWER’S PETREL Bulweria bulweri (Jardine and Selby)

This small Petrel is a common resident in the Canaries and neighbouring islands, but only one individual has straggled to our shores. The plumage is of a uniform sooty brown; tail wedge-shaped. Bill black. Legs reddish brown. Length 11 in.; wing 8 in....

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THE FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis (Linnæus)

THE FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis (Linnæus)

Although not very rare, this bird is seldom seen, as it spends most of its time at sea in attendance on the fishing-boats or on the banks where the fish abound. In Scotland it nests on St. Kilda and a few of the other islands of that group; while in the Shetlands, where it was first known to nest in 1878, it has now spread to several of the neighbouring stacks. The nest is placed on a ledge on the face of a precipitous cliff, and the single egg is pure white with a few reddish-brown spots. The y

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THE BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Diomedea melanophrys, Boie

THE BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Diomedea melanophrys, Boie

The true home of this species is in the southern seas near the Chatham Islands and New Zealand, but it has been known for some time past to occasionally visit the North Atlantic. A specimen was obtained near Cambridge on the 9th of July 1897. The adult has a short black band passing through and above the eyes; back and wings brownish black; tail feathers grey; rest of the plumage white. Length 27 in.; wing 17 in. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z...

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