THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
THE NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 fHE BIRDS OF IRELAND. 
 

THE 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BIRDS OF IRELAND, 
 
 INDIGENOUS AND MIGRATORY, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HABITS, MIGRATIONS, OCCURRENCE, AND 
 ECONOMY, OF THE 261 SPECIES COMPRISED IN THE FAUNA. 
 
 JOHN J. WATTEKS, 
 
 ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY ZOOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. 
 
 DUBLIN: 
 JAMES M'GLASHAN, 50 UPPER SACKVILLE-ST. 
 
 WILLIAM S. ORR AND CO., LONDON. 
 JOHN MENZIES, EDINBURGH, 
 
 1853. 
 
DUBLIN : 
 
 at tfa 2Rniberstii) 
 
 BY M. H. GILL. 
 
k- 
 
 TO 
 
 KOBEKT BALL, LL. D,, 
 
 AS 
 A MARK OF PROFOUND ESTEEM 
 
 FOR 
 THE MANY AND SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS MADE BY HIM 
 
 TO PROMOTE THE STUDY 
 
 OF 
 NATURAL SCIENCE IN IRELAND, 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 M366809 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 THE present Natural History of the Birds of Ireland 
 has been the result of many years' observation of their 
 habits. Collecting and arranging that information, I 
 have ventured, with considerable diffidence, to place it 
 before the public. The late William Thompson, Esq., 
 of Belfast, whose friendship I for many years enjoyed, 
 on various occasions expressed a desire to see a cheap 
 work on the subject published, regretting at the same 
 time the unavoidable expense attending his own, which 
 had prevented its circulation to the extent expected. 
 
 For the purpose of making this book as popular and 
 comprehensive as possible, many scientific technicalities 
 have been left out, as tending to confuse the general 
 reader without conferring any additional information, 
 whilst such generic or specific names, essential to the 
 subject, have in every instance their English significa- 
 tion attached. Intended to be within the comprehen- 
 sion of the general reader, it is hoped at the same time 
 to be as available to students, and particularly to per- 
 sons commencing or pursuing this branch of Natural 
 History : for that purpose many details will be found 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 through the work, recording the occurrence of the rarer 
 visitants to our island, and in every instance specifying 
 the habitat or country they are indigenous to. This 
 arrangement might have been difficult were it not for 
 the assistance afforded by the works of Temminck, Deg- 
 land, and Schlegel, together with those of other distin- 
 guished naturalists, whose information is acknowledged 
 in the text. Mr. Thompson's work has afforded me 
 considerable facility in referring to notices of species 
 which I had previously transmitted to him, which was 
 fortunate, as in many cases I had no copy except what 
 occurred in my correspondence with that gentleman, 
 and which he has so amply acknowledged in his work. 
 
 For the further information of the student the mo- 
 dern French scientific names have been added, together 
 with a carefully revised and copious index to the sys- 
 tematic names in both languages ; whilst in several 
 instances notices have been introduced of the appearance 
 of the same species in other countries, for the purpose 
 of illustrating some peculiarity of habit not observable 
 in our own. 
 
 For the better economy of space and consequent 
 saving of expense, I have omitted a description of the 
 plumage of the birds, preferring to give a familiar de- 
 scription of their habits and migrations rather than to 
 occupy the work with a quantity of matter not suffi- 
 ciently attractive to the general reader. 
 
 I cannot omit the present opportunity to express my 
 thanks to those kind friends from whose observation so 
 much benefit has been received: to Mr. Eichard Glennon 
 for much valuable information about the birds frequent- 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 ing the western coast of Ireland, and for many experienced 
 observations when engaged setting up specimens for my 
 collection; to Joshua Lamprey, Esq., T. C. D., for many 
 interesting notices upon the habits of birds, and for 
 many valuable specimens procured by him ; to William 
 Yarrell, Esq., F. L. S., &c., my thanks are especially 
 due, for the prompt and kind manner with which the 
 notice of the dusky shearwater (Puffinus obscurus) was 
 placed at my disposal. 
 
 J. J. W. 
 
 DUBLIN, September, 1853. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 INTERESTING as are all sciences, perhaps none offer more in- 
 ducements to study than that of ornithology. The varied 
 forms and beautiful plumage of the feathered tribes, the plea- 
 sures derived from their song, and the general interest of their 
 habits, render it one continually presenting us with the most 
 attractive images of nature's handiwork. 
 
 To the naturalist, perhaps, no country in Europe affords 
 more interest in its Fauna than that of Ireland. Insular in 
 position, and comprising upon its surface every variety of 
 natural character, its mountains, lakes, rivers, and bogs, its 
 precipitous ranges upon the northern and western coasts, and 
 the sloping sandy levels of the east and south, combine in 
 offering localities admirably adapted to the habits of the 
 various tribes frequenting them. Of equal interest from the 
 fact of its situation in being placed at the extremity of Western 
 Europe, and nearest to the great American continent, it offers 
 peculiar interest to the researches of the ornithologist. But 
 unfortunately these advantages, so prized in other countries, 
 are neglected in our own ; a peculiar apathy appears to oc- 
 cupy the minds of a great portion of the classes, which invests 
 the study of natural history with many fancied difficulties ; 
 though at the present time the observation made by the ex- 
 cellent rector of Selborne, some seventy years since, that 
 
Xll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 " Ireland was a new field, and a country little known to the 
 naturalist," has been refuted by the labours of those men 
 whose names have become synonymous with the sciences they 
 had enlightened, and whose research is appreciated in every 
 scientific circle in Europe. Yet we must recollect, with some 
 regret for our own unworked energies, that in England and 
 Scotland there are found men, like those weavers of Spital- 
 fields, who, self-taught and well-informed, have cast addi- 
 tional light upon the science whose study they had made a 
 pleasure and recreation. 
 
 Natural history, whose study has attracted the attention 
 and displayed the energies of Linnaeus, and Cuvier, and 
 Buifon whose characteristics were thought worthy of note 
 in the age that produced the Stagyrite and Pliny whose prin- 
 ciples we see followed by those great minds, linked thought in 
 thought, from the earliest days of civilized history to the age 
 which sufficiently indicated its progress by ushering in the 
 master mind of Humboldt many and worthy have been its 
 describers. Natural history has even had its martyrs, who 
 sacrificed their lives for the advancement of a cherished 
 science, penetrating to unknown regions in defiance of health, 
 already worn by unremitted labours and unwearied exertions. 
 Thus we have seen the ardent and illustrious Peron, expiring 
 after producing the first offerings of his talent ; and, sinking 
 under his exertions, the weaver of Paisley, whose name, as the 
 ornithologist of America, is familiar to every one. In our own 
 day we have seen Audubon depicting nature in the back 
 woods of America, and Gould adding to our knowledge in 
 the remoteness of our antipodes. 
 
 Many men neglect natural history from the mere ina- 
 nity of their minds, but there are none so wilful as to close 
 their eyes and refuse to behold the noblest of those forms 
 which have been created to afford them raiment and food, 
 occupation in tending, and a constant source of pleasure in 
 
INTRODUCTION. Xlll 
 
 observing. This, to a philosophic mind, appears more criminal 
 when the observer is placed in a situation circumscribed in 
 extent, without any of those drawbacks met with in pursuing 
 science upon the area of a continent. And for the same 
 reasons so much more additional honour is attached to those 
 classes in England and Scotland, who, acquainted with the 
 natural productions of their country, value opportunities un- 
 heedingly neglected in our own. 
 
 It is not in our province to write a dissertation upon the sub- 
 ject ; but it must be a matter of regret that, with the excep- 
 tion of an honoured few, the light emanating from natural 
 history has not as yet dawned in Ireland. Many are these 
 neglected opportunities, which are found amid the gray, mist- 
 clad summits of our mountain ranges, where the silence is 
 alone broken by the " kleeking" of the golden eagle, or the 
 inspiriting challenging of the grouse. Along the towering pre- 
 cipices of the west, Europe's first barrier against the fury of 
 the Atlantic ; tenanted during summer by myriads of sea- 
 fowl, whose confused cries alone equal the frothing of the 
 waves, rushing half-way up each cliff; localities where the 
 sea eagle sails past as if in wonder at our intrusion, and where 
 the raven topping the pinnacle of the rock stands stately as 
 if on the mast of some old Norse viking. But we have yet 
 fair plains inland, where the skylark seems untiring in its 
 melody ; where far below at the brookside the heron wades 
 watchful and silent, his course marked with the air bubbles 
 floating downwards upon the stream ; whilst on some moss- 
 grown cairn the cuckoo sways itself, uttering the joyous call 
 that some few days before had sounded gleefully under the 
 acacias of a more favoured land. Again, we have great rivers 
 rolling to the sea, whose only argosies are the wild fowl con- 
 gregated in thousands upon their surface. All are there ! the 
 stately and snow-white hooper ; thebernacle crowded together 
 in a countless multitude ; the long strings of the various ducks 
 b 
 
XIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 calling clamorously in their flight ; whilst, glancing through 
 the uncertain haze, immense flocks of shore birds are mo- 
 mentarily seen ere they as suddenly disappear. Truly Spenser 
 said rightly, "It is yet a most beautifull and sweete countrey 
 as any under heaven." 
 
 In summer thousands of birds, attracted by various causes, 
 leave the quarters they had occupied during winter, and en- 
 liven each hedgerow with their melody. The gannet ap- 
 pears upon the sea, and the tern occupies in hundreds each 
 islet, to commence the cares they had arrived for ; whilst far 
 away on remote rocks by the ocean, where the surge rolls over 
 during winter, the summit is carpeted by hundreds of cu- 
 rious shapeless forms, screaming incessantly for food. All 
 is enjoyment ! even the stormy petrel has left her boundless 
 dominion to take a short rest, and again lead out her pro- 
 geny to forage amidst the tumult of a tempest they had evoked 
 by their unhallowed presence. 
 
 Winter arrives, and with it many changes. We hear no 
 more the " craking" of the land-rail, or see with delight the 
 swallow skimming over the river-side. The imperative ri- 
 gours of an Arctic season have replaced those varied forms 
 with others which harmonize with her latitudes, and whose 
 strange cries sufficiently indicate the remoteness of the lands 
 they had sojourned in. At once each available locality is te- 
 nanted by its army of occupation ; the inland lake, the shel- 
 tered estuary, and the deep water outside the shore-line, has 
 its garrison. In the day the eye is attracted by strange co- 
 lumns and lines of wild- fowl, rapidly urging their way as if 
 eager to escape from those regions which had refused them 
 sustenance ; whilst at night the ear is charmed by the loud 
 rushing sounds of their pinions over head, and by their start- 
 ling call-notes, clearly and distinctly borne upon the frosty air p 
 
 When we arrive to examine more minutely those forms, 
 we are struck with the admirable adaptation which Nature has 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV 
 
 exhibited in the situations she has intended them to live in. 
 The eagle, placed amidst lone and remote solitudes upon the 
 mountain ; the goldcrest, in the inland and sheltered planta- 
 tion ; the dunlin, upon the bleak and barren extent of shore; 
 and the seagull, floating securely upon that element where it 
 obtains subsistence, each form is pregnant with meaning : 
 the hooked bill and sharp talons of the merlin ; the wide 
 mouth and great extent of wings of the swift; the long, 
 curved beak and corresponding length of tarsi of the curlew ; 
 and the broad, mud-sifting bill of the mallard, have each 
 their history; there is no intricacy or attempt at conceal- 
 ment ; Nature has hidden nothing, but has placed all things 
 before our understanding, with the intention of displaying 
 those manifold forms which have been created by the Al- 
 mighty to minister to our wants and pleasures. 
 
NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BIRDS OF IRELAND. 
 
 ORDER L RAPTORES (BIRDS OF PREY). 
 FAMILY I. VULTURIDJE (VULTURES). 
 
 GENUS I. VULTUR (VULTURE). 
 
 SPECIES 1 THE GRIFFON VULTURE. 
 
 Vultur fulvus. Briss. 
 Le Griffon. Temm. 
 
 ^ jpHE GRIFFON VULTURE is a species of such extreme rarity 
 JL that it has not as yet been added to the Fauna of England 
 or Scotland. Obtained in a single instance in Ireland, which was 
 captured in a living state, on the estate of the Earl of Shan- 
 non, in the county of Cork, it came into the possession of 
 that nobleman, and was offered by him to the collection in 
 the Gardens of the Zoological Society, but, unfortunately, it 
 died before arrangements were completed for its transmission. 
 By the direction of Lord Shannon it was carefully pre- 
 served, and then added to the collection in Trinity College. 
 From that nobleman Mr. R. Ball (now Dr. Ball) learned 
 that the bird was purchased by his steward for 2s. Qd. of a 
 peasant, who caught it upon the sea shore in the neighbour- 
 hood. Its plumage being in good order tended to indicate 
 that it had not escaped from confinement.* 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson, 
 
2 FALCONIDJE. 
 
 FAMILY II. FALCONID^E (FALCONS). 
 
 GENUS II. FALCO (FALCON). 
 SPECIES 2 THE GYR FALCON. 
 
 Falco gyrfalco. Linn. 
 
 Faucon gerfaut. Temm. 
 
 Gerfalcon. Greenland Falcon. Norwegian Falcon. 
 
 THE GYR, the largest and most powerful of the falcons, is a 
 species very unusual in its occurrence in our Fauna. Of great 
 beauty in the plumage of the adult, but two instances have 
 occurred in Ireland : the first specimen,* shot in the county 
 of Donegal, when on wing above a rabbit warren ; and the 
 second by the gamekeeper of Lord Gormanstown, on the 
 estate near Drogheda, in the winter of 1851. Of equal 
 rarity in the plumage of the immature bird, two specimens 
 have also been obtained, one in the north of Ireland, and 
 the other, a male bird,f shot at Ballina, county of Mayo, by 
 C. Knox, Esq., towards the end of December, 1847 ; the 
 light blue tarsi of which offered a curious contrast with the 
 usual yellowish colour observable in the other falcons. A 
 native of northern latitudes, the true habitat of this falcon 
 is around the precipices that fringe the coasts of Greenland 
 and Norway, where, breeding in remote and inaccessible eyries, 
 it finds a constant supply of food amidst the countless multi- 
 tudes of sea-fowl which frequent these shores during summer 
 for the purposes of incubation. Possessing the greatest cou- 
 rage, we see the admirable compactness of form, great sweep 
 of wing, and talons of corresponding size and strength, which 
 have placed the gyr as the most powerful of the family it 
 belongs to. 
 
 The most prized and valued of the many hawks which 
 during the middle ages furnished such a source of amusement 
 to the high and princely : to obtain its earliest notice we must 
 retrograde in thought to that period when the hands of their 
 feudal possessors replaced for a time the sword and gauntlet 
 with the glove and falcon. Protected by laws, and offering 
 equal attractions to the Court as to the Church, the king 
 waived the routine of Court ceremony to enjoy the flight of 
 some favourite falcon, whilst the mitred prelate thundered 
 from the pulpit against the hawk-stealers who had invaded 
 
 * Thompson. t In the author's collection. 
 
THE GYR FALCON. 3 
 
 his sanctuary. Penetrating even into the precincts of con- 
 ventual life, we find the falcon attracting the admiration of 
 the most noble of the inmates ; and to so much advantage that 
 in the fifteenth century the prioress of Slopewell nunnery 
 gave the result of her observations to posterity in the " Book 
 of St. Albans." Possessing a peculiar nicety of discrimination, 
 we observe in it the various hawks employed for hawking, 
 adapted to the different ranks of those privileged to keep 
 them. Thus we have u the hawks belonging to an emperor, 
 the eagle, vulture, and merloun ; to a king, the gyr falcon, 
 and tiercel of the gyr falcon ; to a prince, the falcon gentle, 
 and the tiercel gentle ; to a duke, the falcon of the rock ; to 
 an earl, the falcon peregrine ; to a baron, the bustard ; to u 
 knight, the sucre and sucret ; to an esquire, the lanere and 
 the lanerd ; to a lady, the merlyon ; to a young gentleman, 
 the hobby ; to a priest, the sparrow-hawk ; to a holy- water 
 clerk, the musket; to a yeoman, the goshawk; to a poor 
 man, the tercel of the goshawk ; to a knave or servant, the 
 kesterel." Possessing the minds of all those classes, their love 
 for the falcon became a complete mania, so much so that it 
 was nothing unusual for knights proceeding to church to 
 have their missal in the shape of some u goodly falcon" sus- 
 tained upon the wrist ; whilst the clergy became so enamoured 
 of hawking that their undisguised admiration of it caused 
 them to be the subjects of the lampoons and satires of the 
 poets of the day. 
 
 The present species, receiving the distinctive appellation 
 of Norwegian falcon, became of such rarity and value that 
 kings did not hesitate to receive them as presents and bribes 
 from their subjects. u King John, having received two 
 Norwegian hawks from Geoffry Fitzpierce, for allowing one 
 Walter le Madena permission to import a hundred-weight of 
 cheese ; and another merchant, Nicholas the Dane, agreed to 
 give the king a hawk every time he came to England, that he 
 might have liberty to traffic through the king's dominions." 
 
 Valued in our own day for the purposes of hawking, the 
 late Sir Charles Giesecke once mentioned, in a lecture, of 
 having been present at a hawking party in Norway where a 
 gyr falcon was flown at a hare ; the bird clutched the hare 
 with one foot, and the stump of a tree with the other, with 
 such tenacity that, from the speed of the hare, the leg of the 
 gyr falcon was torn from its socket, and being unable to ex- 
 tricate its claws, both perished. Better attended to in Persia, 
 where the gyr falcon is trained to the chase, each bird before 
 flight is defended with stout leather trowsers to prevent a 
 B 2 
 
4 FALCONID^E. 
 
 like casualty, it being the habit of the gyr falcon to seize 
 with one leg and drag the other along the ground in search 
 of an obstacle to arrest its course.* 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 3 THE PEREGRINE FALCON. 
 
 Falcon peregrinus. Lin. 
 
 Faucon pellerin. Temm. 
 
 Goshawk. Blue Hawk. Cliff Hawk. 
 
 SMALLER in size than the gyr, the peregrine is possessed of 
 the same compactness of form, and determined courage in 
 its pursuit after the quarry, which distinguish the other. 
 Occurring in limited numbers around the precipitous head- 
 lands of our island, the peregrine is by no means a common 
 bird, and is seldom observed except during the breeding 
 season, and then within some distance of the eyrie, whence 
 both birds sally out to foray for themselves and young. At 
 one period, more plentiful in our own immediate vicinity, the 
 peregrine had four breeding stations, Bray Head, Howth, 
 Ireland's Eye, and Lambay, all of which are now deserted 
 except Lambay, where a pair occasionally nidify. 
 
 The natural position of Ireland in the ranges of lofty pre- 
 cipices which partly fringe the coasts must have afforded a 
 secure shelter to those falcons, so eagerly sought after in the 
 feudal ages, and which we find prohibited from being exported 
 by the laws of Henry IV., 1481. " Whatsoever merchant 
 shall carry any hawk out of Ireland shall pay for every gos- 
 hawk, 13s. 4d. ; for a tiercel, 6s. Sd. ; for a falcon lOs., and 
 the poundage upon the same pain. And the person that 
 bringeth any such hawk or hawks to the king shall have a 
 reasonable reward, or else the same hawk or hawks for his 
 trouble." 
 
 Occurring in many of the old annals of the country, the 
 hawk which we find mentioned is, doubtless, the peregrine, 
 of which Roderick, king of Connaught, presented several to 
 Henry II. ; and in Henry VIII. 's time we find a present to 
 the Marquis Dessarages, a Spanish grandee, consisting of two 
 Irish hawks and greyhounds. Presented to kings, and by 
 kings to their nobles, as we have seen this falcon, it was re- 
 served for Gerald Fitzgerald (Silken Thomas) to give the 
 peregrine a more elevated flight, when he dispatched Sir 
 Dominick Poer to the Emperor Charles V. u with twelve 
 
 * Malcolm's " Sketches of Persia." 
 
PEREGRINE HOBBY. 5 
 
 great hawks, and fourteen fair horses or hobbys," as an in- 
 ducement to assist him in his warfare against the Pale.* 
 
 Indeed, we can scarcely wonder at the interest that hawk- 
 ing excited in a bygone time, when we see the falcon in the 
 present day belled and tasselled upon his block, his form stiff 
 and upright, and each dignified movement made as if with a 
 perfect consciousness of the terrible powers he is possessed of. 
 With the peregrine the form is well adapted to the immense 
 velocity which it is known to attain, and which, in the full 
 rushing swoop after the quarry, has been calculated at a ratio 
 of fifty to one hundred and fifty miles in an hour. Thus 
 we might imagine one of those birds swooping from an alti- 
 tude in the air and hurling to the earth the heron or the 
 mallard it had pursued. However, to all water birds the 
 water is a sanctuary never invaded by the peregrine, ducks 
 generally succeeding in escaping by diving, an instance of 
 which is afforded by a simile of Dante 
 
 " Thus dives the mallard underneath the flood, 
 By the fleet falcon on the lake pursued 
 Baffled, the bird ascends, and seeks his lord." 
 
 On one occasion a mallard, not so fortunate as the one in- 
 stanced by Dante, was found " in possession" of a male pere- 
 grine, which was shot, and stretched lifeless upon the quivering 
 form of his prey, where life was not yet extinct. Retribution 
 had at least dealt sternly, and overtaken him " red-footed" in 
 the strife. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 4 THE HOBBY. 
 
 Falco subbuteo. Linn. 
 
 Faucon hobereau. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, which we might designate as a peregrine in 
 miniature, is of extreme rarity in its occurrence, one spe- 
 cimen, obtained in 1822,f being the only authentic intance 
 we have, which was shot by Mr. Parker, of Cork, on the 
 garden wall of the family mansion at Carrigrohan. Rare in 
 its distribution in England, the hobby appears only as a rare 
 summer visitant, where its habits have been remarked as simi- 
 lar to the other falcons, excepting a marked predilection which 
 it exhibits in the pursuit of the skylark. 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 * Annals of the Four Masters. t Thompson. 
 
SPECIES 5 THE ORANGE-LEGGED HOBBY. 
 
 Falco Rufipes. Bechstein. 
 Faucon a pieds rouge ou Hober. Temm. 
 
 THIS elegantly marked falcon, so extremely beautiful in its 
 adult plumage, has never been obtained in that state in Ire- 
 land ; but, similar with the hobby, it has only occurred in a 
 single instance in immature plumage, which was shot in the 
 county of Wicklow in the summer of 1832, and is preserved 
 in the collection of T. W. Warren, Esq., of this city, having 
 been presented to that gentleman by the shooter, who killed 
 it in his own yard, whither it had the temerity to follow and 
 strike down a pigeon fully its own size. Rarely met with in 
 England ; it has never occurred in Scotland. 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 6 THE MERLIN. 
 
 Falco cesalon. Ray. 
 
 Faucon emerillon. Temm. 
 
 Sparrow-hawk. 
 
 THIS beautiful and spirited little falcon, the smallest and 
 most courageous of the Irish falconidse, is very unusual in its 
 occurrence, and appears to frequent principally the moun- 
 tainous portions of the island. Occasionally a specimen may 
 be obtained about Dublin, but rare in its occurrence, we 
 seldom observe it at any time nearer than the Dublin and 
 Wicklow mountains, where it breeds. Now perched and form- 
 ing an apex to some projecting crag, his eye keenly observant 
 of approach, he remains unwilling to fly until the last moment, 
 when, skimming down, and again rising on the wing, he shoots 
 along with the utmost rapidity, a motion of the tail and 
 wing, and he sweeps along closer to the ground, each hedge- 
 row in his way he approaches closely, rises, and dips over, and 
 displays as long as he continues in sight the same easy, gliding 
 motion. Exhibiting the most determined courage and perti- 
 nacity of purpose, once the merlin succeeds in starting his 
 quarry, every movement of the doomed bird is followed up in 
 a succession of rushes upon the wing, until the prey is clutched, 
 and both come to the earth almost stunned and breathless. 
 In one instance, remarked by a friend at Belgard, near the 
 Dublin mountains, a merlin was observed to glance over a 
 park wall at the same instant that a woodquest took flight 
 from the centre of the field. Both birds escaped his view in a 
 
MERLIN KESTREL. 7 
 
 moment, and were no more thought of until his return home, 
 when a workman brought in a female merlin and a woodquest, 
 both of which were killed by the one discharge, and although 
 obtained nearly a mile and a half distant, they were doubt- 
 less the birds which had been first remarked by my infor- 
 mant. 
 
 Prized in the days of falconry, the merlin was selected as 
 the hawk most suited to the fair admirers of hawking, equally 
 from its beauty of plumage as its courage, both of which ap- 
 peared so well fitted to typify the attractions of the gallant 
 cavalier who in most instances had presented it. Admired 
 by them with a perfect enthusiasm, it was as much the com- 
 panion of the boudoir and drawing-room as of the chase ; so 
 that we find in the " Lay of the Last Minstrel" a lady repre- 
 sented with a merlin upon her wrist during the celebration 
 of her marriage rites : 
 
 " The Ladye by the altar stood, 
 Of sable velvet her array, 
 
 A merlin sat upon her wrist, 
 Held by a leash of silken twist." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 7 THE KESTREL. 
 
 Falco tinnunculus. Linn. 
 Faucon cresserelle. Temm. 
 Wind-hover. Sparrow-hawk. 
 
 THE KESTREL is the only falcon that we can denominate com- 
 mon, as it is widely distributed in any situation which affords 
 it food and shelter. Not confined to locality, it is found equally 
 at home amidst the bold basaltic columns of the north, as 
 when tenanting the immense precipices of the western coast ; 
 and, in inland situations, it occupies for an abode the ruined 
 and ivy-clad tower and castle, where the u Reiving Baron" of 
 the feathered tribes still holds the sway once exercised by its 
 feudal possessor. Very common about Dublin, the kestrel 
 has usurped the breeding places where the peregrine once 
 reared its brood, and breeds at Lambay, Bray Head, and 
 Howth, in considerable numbers ; indeed, so common are they 
 at the last locality, that there are few who have visited its bold 
 precipitous rocks who have not observed its habits. 
 
 In the summer of 1852 I had the pleasure of observing a 
 male and female, accompanied by their three young, all 
 
FALCONIDJE. 
 
 of which remained in sight during the two hours I ob- 
 served them. The male, perched upon a projecting rock, at 
 intervals vociferously uttered his shrill " kleeking" note, whilst 
 the female remained in the air with her young family, each 
 displaying to the utmost advantage the peculiarity of their 
 flight, which has obtained for the kestrel the appellation of 
 wind-hover. Now motionless on the wing they appeared almost 
 fixed objects in the air, and the next moment, gliding on some 
 twenty feet or so, the hovering was again performed as if 
 resting upon the wing. Whilst in search of food this beauti- 
 ful evolution is mostly performed, more especially when 
 examining a field for small glires, or the heath, in search 
 of some basking lizard. Less courageous than the other hawks, 
 the kestrel mostly preys upon mice, insects, and at times small 
 birds, remains of which I have found in the stomachs of several 
 dissected by me. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS III. ACCIPITER (HAWK). 
 
 SPECIES 8 THE GOSHAWK. 
 
 Accipiter palumbarius. Linn. 
 
 ISAutour. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, the first recorded instance of whose occur- 
 rence is the present, was obtained in the autumn of 1846 in 
 the county of Longford, and was found upon dissection, by 
 Mr. R. Glennon, to have been an immature male bird. 
 
 A considerable deal of confusion appears respecting this 
 bird, as the peregrine and harriers have been confounded with 
 it under the term of goshawk, that name being applied to all 
 the large raptorial birds in the country ; whilst the term of 
 sparrow-hawk is applied to the smaller falcons. The present 
 species is of extreme rarity in England, and of occasional oc- 
 currence in Scotland. 
 
 Habitat Central Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 9 THE SPARROW-HAWK. 
 
 Accipiter nisus. Linn. 
 
 i' Epervier. Temm. 
 
 THE most common of our birds of prey, the sparrow-hawk, 
 is well known, and exists in considerable numbers in any 
 thickly wooded portion of the country. It is characterized and 
 at once distinguished from the true falcons by its slender form, 
 
THE SPARROW-HAWK. 9 
 
 colour of the irides, shortness of wings, and length of tail and 
 tarsi. Its food consists of leverets, young rabbits, mice, par- 
 tridges, and pigeons, with an endless variety of smaller birds. 
 
 For its spirit and daring, few of the more noble falcons can 
 compete with it ; its unparalleled audacity rendering none of 
 the smaller animals safe from its depredations. All places are 
 alike to him : at one time, plundering the dove-cot ; at another, 
 skimming over the farm-yard, he purloins a chicken ; again, 
 dashing furiously against the cages in the public streets ; and 
 lastly, following his terrified quarry, when the latter seeks a 
 refuge in the presence of man, fearless of all obstacles, it is 
 pursued through the open window, clutched up and away. 
 The farmer takes his gun, and vows vengeance upon the plun- 
 derer of his-dove cot, as he looks on the scattered feathers of 
 some favourite pigeon. The mistress calls the household about 
 her in fruitless wrath, when she sees her pet chicken unwil- 
 lingly performing an aerial excursion ; whilst the fair owner 
 of the outraged cage-bird, more frightened than hurt, looks 
 unutterable things after the foiled plunderer, as he wings away ; 
 which, however, is not always the case, as he sometimes ex- 
 changes his h'fe for his temerity, striking himself with violence 
 against the bars of the cage. 
 
 Ask the gamekeeper if there are sparrow-hawks in his 
 neighbourhood, and you are shown the door of some outhouse 
 covered with the mutilated remains of many, and with an 
 askance look, asked pithily, " What's them?" Yet, notwith- 
 standing that every man's hand is against him, we observe 
 no apparent diminution of numbers. 
 
 Even when brought to the ground wounded, the courage of 
 the sparrow-hawk remains unabated. Lying on his back, he 
 prepares to take no quarter, and determines to sell his life as 
 dearly as possible. The convulsive clutching of his talons, his 
 loud screams, and glistening eye, intimidate, and render a near 
 approach not desirable ; and when taken at last he inflicts 
 sundry ugly gashes on the hands of the incautious tyro. 
 
 Early in spring the sparrow-hawk looks out for a suitable 
 place to nidify, and, like the kestrel, seldom forms a nest for 
 itself, but takes possession of one deserted by the magpie 
 or rook. It will also rear its brood in the fissures and clefts 
 of rocks; the number of eggs varying from three to five, 
 in colour bluish white, spotted or blotched with reddish 
 brown. 
 
 When the young are in an advanced state, the parent birds 
 prove abundant caterers, and destroy an immense number of 
 small birds to satisfy their endless craving. Some idea may 
 
10 FALCONIDJE. 
 
 be formed from the fact, mentioned by an eminent author, 
 that in one nest the number of sixteen dead birds lay piled 
 about the gaping young. 
 
 When searching for food the sparrow-hawk flies a short 
 distance from the ground, and if unsuccessful perches on some 
 commanding situation to observe. 
 
 There! look at that old gate, and the little slim pirate 
 perched almost upright upon the topmost bar, his bright eye 
 observant of everything about him. A blackbird hops out 
 from the hedge, and prepares to make a meal of some stray 
 worm. But, alas! for the expectations of men and merles, 
 both being doomed to disappointment, the worm survives 
 another day. A slight move of the hawk is seen by the black- 
 bird, and the blackbird's loud, startled cry of alarm is uttered 
 in terrified haste. A whir, and down with lightning-like ra- 
 pidity darts the hawk, and away with the pursuer and the 
 pursued, both for life ; one to take, the other to save it. The 
 blackbird's sanctuary is close at hand in the hedgerow, and 
 every nerve is strained to reach it ; but a hurried clutch, a 
 short cry, and the unequal race is over. The sparrow-hawk 
 stands over his prostrate prey, and screams his exulting war- 
 whoop like the red man by the Ohio. His wings fall like a 
 curtain, and enfold the death-struggle of the lovely songster, 
 while his sharp talons are finishing the strife beneath. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS IV. AQUILA (EAGLE). 
 SPECIES 10 THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 
 
 Aquila chrys&tos. Linn. 
 Aigle royal. Temm. 
 
 Black Eagle. Ring-Tailed Eagle. 
 
 THE most majestic of our native birds, the appearance of the 
 golden eagle is one of the most beautiful sights nature affords 
 to the observer. The same when sailing down the valley 
 from his eyrie on the mountain, we look upon his well- 
 braced and muscular proportions, when reft from his " pin- 
 nacle of power," and lifeless upon the table of the anatomist. 
 
 Stamped by nature as a robber, his commission for plunder 
 is exhibited in the powerful talons she has armed him with, 
 and the strong, hooked bill which aids him in destroying the 
 objects of his pursuit. 
 
 In Ireland we might denominate the golden eagle as a rare 
 bird, so seldom is it obtained by the bird-preservers of the 
 city. Frequenting the most remote and inaccessible haunts 
 
THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 11 
 
 it can obtain, the golden eagle is only found tenanting our 
 highest mountain ranges, where, ever watchful of approach, 
 an opportunity is rarely presented to the shooter. The greater 
 number of instances where I have known eagles to be obtained 
 have been by chance shots. A fine adult male in my own 
 possession was thus obtained in the county of Kerry. A gen- 
 tleman, grouse-shooting upon the hills, observed the eagle 
 pursued by two hooded crows, and all passing him within some 
 twenty yards ; he fired, and the eagle fell to the charge des- 
 tined for the next grouse that sprung. 
 
 An eagle was at onetime captured in the county of Meath by 
 a gamekeeper, who, surprising the bird sleeping after a sur- 
 feit off a dead sheep in the neighbourhood, conceived the idea 
 of taking him alive, and for that purpose approached noise- 
 lessly and clasped the bird in his arms. The eagle recover- 
 ing, and unable to use his wings, clutched with his talons, 
 one of which entered the man's chest, the hind claw meeting 
 the others underneath the flesh. The man, unable to disen- 
 gage the claw, strangled the bird, but the talons were yet too 
 firmly clutched to open ; taking out his knife, he severed the 
 leg from the body, and walked with the protruding member 
 to the village dispensary to have it removed.* 
 
 An immature golden eagle once offered to me for sale was 
 purchased by a friend for five shillings ; it was as large as the 
 adult, and became very tame in confinement. Having the 
 range of a large stable, the lichen-covered rock he had perched 
 upon on the mountain was exchanged for the top of a wicker 
 crate. His favourite food was cats, contributions of which 
 were constantly furnished by his friends ; but these soon fall- 
 ing short, all the quiet tabbies in the neighbourhood were 
 seduced from their firesides and flung to the eagle. In some 
 little time, however, the inquiries were so pressing for vari- 
 ously described cats, which had strayed in the vicinity, and 
 the circumstance of a velvet collar being found in a back lane, 
 together with the fact of the eagle constantly prating his 
 " whereabouts," induced the owner to part with him. 
 
 When a cat was flung to him, it was instantly seized, the 
 body of the eagle thrown forward; his wings and tail en- 
 folded the animal, whilst the bird's eye was keenly directed 
 upon its observers, keeping the same position whilst it was 
 aware of being watched. The cat in no instance attempted 
 to cry out after being flung to him, but appeared to have 
 been at once killed, the eagle never appearing to take a se- 
 
 * Mr. Glennon. 
 
1 2 FALCONID.E. 
 
 cond grasp, but to clutch more firmly its unfortunate prey. 
 But yet the menagerie, or the confined cage, is but a poor 
 substitute for his home on the mountain, plunderer and spoiler 
 though he be. Perched upon the rock of his native wilds, 
 he stands motionless, the neck closely retracted to the shoul- 
 der, and, like a true pirate, concealing his weapons of de- 
 struction : the talons are almost completely enveloped with the 
 feathers of the abdomen. The lanceolate feathers on his 
 neck resemble a golden collar, as if placed there by nature, 
 to symbolize his royalty, whilst he remains perching for 
 hours upon the same rock he had frequented for an age. But 
 now, amid the silence of those grey rocks, the wings are 
 slightly drooped, and he utters his shrill, impatient, "kleeking" 
 note. Again they are folded up, each feather trimmed, and 
 the crusted blood rubbed from his beak as he glides down, 
 and, after a few hurried flaps, sails majestically to his foray. 
 True for thee, O Ossian : "It was a source of delight to be- 
 hold the eagle, and listen to her lonely scream." 
 
 Associated with the grandest sublimity of nature in the 
 haunts he frequents, the nobility of this " strong sovereign 
 of the plumy race" has been acknowledged equally in the 
 eagle and hawk-headed divinities of the ancient Egyptians, 
 as in the bird of Jove of the heathen mythology. Prized 
 by rude and uncivilized nations, as presenting to their minds 
 the most perfect resemblance of their own lawless living, 
 the young Indian brave watches eagerly for the auspicious 
 moment that its feathers should adorn his head-dress or his 
 calumet ; and, similarly, the Highland chieftain, or the na- 
 tive prince of our own land, would as soon have been desti- 
 tute of dirk or skene as the feathers that graced the bonnet 
 of one, and the " beareadh" of the other. Symbolized by the 
 warlike nations of every age, the eagle has been displayed 
 upon their banners and standards as an emblem of their 
 power ; and yet is he worthy of the notice which has been 
 lavished upon him, even although a Bedouin of the hill side, 
 with each man's hand against him. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 11 THE SPOTTED EAGLE. 
 eAquila .ncevia. Briss. 
 
 ' V /(- .*!, 
 
 . _3 eagle, of such excessive rarity that asingle 
 
 specimen has only been obtained in Great Britain, was captured 
 in January, 1845, in Cork. Coming under the notice of Mr. 
 R. Davis of Clonmel, it was shot whilst preying upon a rab- 
 
SPOTTED EAGLE SEA EAGLE. 13 
 
 bit, on the estate of the Earl of Shannon. u Another eagle 
 of the same species, and said to be similarly marked, but ra- 
 ther lighter in colour, had been killed a few days before. The 
 two birds had been observed for several weeks previously 
 sweeping over the low grounds between Castlemartyr and 
 Clay castle, near Youghal."* 
 
 The present specimen is now preserved in the Museum of 
 the University of Dublin. 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 12 THE SEA EAGLE. 
 
 Aquila albicilla. Will. 
 
 Aigle pygargue. Temm. 
 
 White-tailed Eagle. 
 
 THIS fine species, more widely distributed than the golden 
 eagle, is found in any locality where its solitary haunts remain 
 unmolested, and where it can obtain a sufficiency of food. 
 Differing from the golden eagle in the localities it frequents, 
 we observe the sea eagle tenanting those immense precipices 
 which, on the north and west coasts, overhang the ocean in 
 every variety of picturesque confusion. 
 
 With the exception of the natural associations connected 
 with its presence, the sea eagle has neither the elegance of 
 form which distinguishes the golden eagle, nor the same in- 
 terest attached to it. Larger in size, and more robustly 
 formed, there is a truculency of aspect conveyed in its ap- 
 pearance which at once reminds us of the vulture. The most 
 pusillanimous of our larger birds, the merlin has more courage 
 packed up in his little form than a dozen sea eagles. But 
 yet we doubtless see in that the wise provision of nature 
 in not bestowing sufficient courage upon those birds to make 
 use of their immense strength, when we recollect the gyr falcon, 
 nearly a third less in size, will " assail the swan in its airy 
 flight, and bring it to the earth as if shot with a ball."f If 
 the eagles possessed the similar impetuous daring of the fal- 
 cons, they would be indeed formidable enemies. Laying the 
 shore under contributions, he is generally observed sailing along 
 in the vicinity of the precipice, or standing upon some pro- 
 jecting peak over the ocean, his keen eye directed upon the 
 immense multitude of sea-fowl who are performing their busy 
 work of incubation. Apparently having regular hunting- 
 
 * Thompson. t Scaliger. 
 
14 FALCONHXE, 
 
 grounds, Mr. Glennon, when engaged in mineralogical ob- 
 servations in Achill, could almost tell the hour when an adult 
 sea eagle would sweep round the base of the cliff', where he 
 was engaged in search of ore. Its appearance was singularly 
 fine ; the immense sweep of wing, the snow-white colour ol 
 the tail, and the head slowly moving round as if upon a pivot 
 whilst he deigned to glance upon the intruder of his territory. 
 When shouted at, the head slowly regained its position, and 
 he winged away as slowly and sedately as he had appeared 
 at first. Preying upon sea-fowl and rabbits, for which he 
 stoops, and bears off* when standing at their burrows, so in- 
 stantly, that ere the rabbit can attempt a dash into his refuge, 
 he is u 'twixt earth and sky," some thousand feet over the 
 ocean. At times, when forced by hunger, the sea eagle ven- 
 tures to attack domestic fowl and sheep. One, shot in imma- 
 ture plumage upon the Galway coast, in our possession, 
 was killed in company with an adult bird by the same shot, 
 whilst feeding upon a sheep which had fallen over the cliffs. 
 The adult bird, falling into the water, was carried away by the 
 tide ere a boat could reach it. 
 
 At one period more common upon our eastern coasts, 
 eyries were, within the last century, at Bray Head and Lam- 
 bay, both of which localities afford many strange stories of 
 the contrivances adopted to obtain the eggs or young. In 
 many parts of Ireland projecting rocky peaks have received 
 the appellation of the " Eagle's Rock," from either species 
 having at one time frequented them. We have also many 
 tales, common alike in the highlands of Ireland and Scot- 
 land, of children being carried off by eagles, which may 
 have been either the golden or sea eagle when pressed by 
 hunger. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS V. PANDION (OSPREY). 
 
 SPECIES 13 -TuE OSPREY. 
 
 ,/>**./. 
 
 Haliceetus pandion. Linn. 
 Aigle balbuzard. Temm. 
 
 THIS interesting species is one of great rarity in its occur- 
 rence having only been obtained in five or six instances, 
 two of which were at a pond near the Dublin and Kings- 
 town Railway, in October, 1849.* Differing in a remarkable 
 degree in its habits from all our raptorial species, the osprey, 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
THE OSPREY. 15 
 
 in the fullest sense of the word, is u the sea eagle ;" the bird 
 known by that title is not maritime, excepting in the haunts 
 it frequents, being, more correctly speaking, a shore eagle, as 
 the golden eagle is the representative of the land. 
 
 Almost similar to the gannet, in the osprey we observe the 
 same method of obtaining food : hovering at a considerable 
 height over the sea, with the head directed downwards, and 
 watchful of the slightest movement of his finny prey, which, 
 when being discerned, the wings are instantly closed, " and 
 he descends like a perpendicular torrent into the sea, with a 
 loud rushing sound, and with the certainty of a rifle ; in a few 
 moments he emerges, bearing in his claws his struggling prize, 
 which he always carries head foremost, and having risen a 
 few feet above the surface, shakes himself as a water-spaniel 
 would do, and directs his heavy and laborious course directly 
 for the land."* 
 
 Abundant during the summer along the coasts of North 
 America, its presence is hailed by the fishermen with the 
 same feelings of satisfaction as the appearance of the gannet 
 upon our own shores. 
 
 " True to the season, o'er our sea-beat shore 
 The sailing osprey high is seen to soar, 
 With broad unmoving wing, and, circling slow, 
 Marks each loose straggler in the deep below, 
 Sweeps down like lightning ! plunges with a roar ! 
 And bears his struggling victim to the shore." 
 
 The most certain of all indices, the appearance of the 
 osprey is awaited with the utmost anxiety by the fishermen 
 of those coasts ere they commence the toil and labours 6f 
 their season. Protected by them as the other harbingers of 
 summer are upon the land, to molest one in the vicinity of a 
 fleet of fishermen might be attended with unpleasant conse- 
 quences. As an instance of the feelings with which they 
 hail its appearance, we give insertion to the following lines 
 by Wilson, the ornithologist of America, entitled u The 
 Fisherman's Hymn :" 
 
 " The osprey sails above the sound ; 
 
 The geese are gone ; the gulls are flying ; 
 The herring shoals swarm thick around; 
 
 The nets are launched ; the boats are plying. 
 Yo, ho, my hearts ! let's seek the deep, 
 
 Raise high the song, and cheerly wish her, 
 Still as the bending net we sweep, 
 
 * God bless the fish-hawk and the fisher !' 
 
 * Wilson. 
 
16 FALCONID^:. 
 
 " She brings us fish ; she brings us spring, 
 
 Good times, fair weather, warmth, and plenty ; 
 Fine store of shad, trout, herring, ling, 
 
 Sheep's head and drum, and old wives' dainty. 
 Yo, ho, my hearts ! let's seek the deep, 
 
 Ply every oar, and cheerly wish her, 
 Still as the bending net we sweep, 
 
 ' God bless the fish-hawk and the fisher !' 
 
 " She rears her young in yonder tree, 
 
 She leaves her faithful mate to mind 'em ; 
 Like us, for fish, she sails to sea, 
 
 And, plunging, shows us where to find 'em. 
 Yo, ho, my hearts! let's seek the deep, 
 
 Ply every oar, and cheerly wish her, 
 While the slow bending net we sweep, 
 
 * God bless the fish-hawk and the fisher !' " 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS VI BUTEO (BUZZARD). 
 
 SPECIES 14 THE COMMON BUZZARD. 
 
 Buteo vulgaris. Bechstein. 
 La Buze. Temm. 
 
 Kite. Goshawk. 
 
 THIS fine species appears chiefly confined to the north of Ire- 
 land, where it occurs in limited numbers, breeding along the 
 basaltic precipices of the coast. The very few cases received 
 by Mr. Glennon for preservation have been forwarded from 
 the northern counties invariably. 
 
 Of large size, and characterized by habits the most inac- 
 tive of the family, the buzzard possesses little of that energy 
 and determination so remarkable in the preceding birds. In- 
 capable, from the broad, rounded shape of the wings, of per- 
 forming the same rapid flight as the falcons, the prey is never 
 attempted to be obtained by pursuit ; but almost similar to 
 the barn owl, we observe the light, buoyant flight of the 
 buzzard performed at a short distance from the ground, cir- 
 cling several times the same spot in its search, over the field 
 or the heath of the hill side, and dropping instantly upon 
 whatever gives evidence of life beneath ; possessing little dis- 
 crimination, the partridge with wings extended in the stubble 
 field, the lizard basking upon the heath, or the frog by the 
 margin of the water, are indifferently stooped to. Yet inac- 
 tive as the buzzard may occasionally appear, during the season 
 
COMMON BUZZARD. ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. 17 
 
 of incubation its movements are extremely beautiful ; ascend- 
 ing with a spiral flight to an immense altitude, it almost re- 
 calls to mind the appearance presented by some of the larger 
 gulls when, in a similar manner, moving imperceptibly in 
 the upper regions of the air. Even by the poet the taineness 
 of its habits has been recognised : 
 
 " The noble buzzard ever pleased me best ; 
 Of small renown, 'tis true, for, not to lie, 
 We call him but a hawk by courtesy." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 15 THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. 
 
 Buteo lagopus. Briss. 
 Buse pattue. Temm. 
 
 THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD differs but little from the 
 common species, except in the tarsi being feathered, almost 
 similar to the golden eagle. Of extreme rarity in its occur- 
 rence, but few specimens have been obtained in Ireland. 
 
 One adult male, purchased by Dr. Marshall in 1831, was 
 captured near Dundonald, in the county of Down, "by being 
 knocked upon the head with a stick when gorged. On dis- 
 section, the remains of birds, and a full-grown rat, torn into 
 four pieces, were observed in the stomach."* 
 
 Another very fine specimen, which came under our own 
 notice in Mr. Glennon's, was purchased by Dr. Ball for the 
 University Museum. It was shot in Kildare, and, on dissec- 
 tion, the stomach was found empty. Described by Audubon 
 as possessing even more sluggish habits than the preceding, 
 he has observed of it : " The greatest feat I have seen them 
 performing was scrambling at the edge of the water to secure 
 a lethargic frog ; and I have frequently put up one that 
 seemed watching for food at the edge of a ditch, long after 
 sunset." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS VII. PERNIS (BEE HAWK). 
 SPECIES 16 THE HONEY BUZZARD. 
 
 Pernis apivorus. Cuvier, 
 Buse londree. Temm. 
 
 EQUAL in rarity to the rough-legged, the honey buzzard 
 has occurred in about the same number of instances. Of 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
 c 
 
18 FALCONIDJE. 
 
 great interest to the ornithologist, from the description of 
 food on which it occasionally preys, and from which it has 
 received the appellation of honey buzzard, it differs from 
 the entire raptorial family in that respect ; and although 
 we may see the kestrel prey upon insects, and find their re- 
 mains in the stomach of the common buzzard, yet, in this 
 species, we have a form where nature has employed her de- 
 signs in placing a protection from the stings of those insects 
 whose habitations it may attack. This protection we see in the 
 close, scale-like feathers which defend the eyelids and the loral 
 space, and which forms an impervious covering at a point so 
 vulnerable to its winged assailants. Of what value this must 
 be, we may instance the bird captured by Mr. Selby in Nor- 
 thumberland, which had torn out from under the roots of a 
 platanus a wasp's nest, tearing the comb to pieces, u and 
 clearing it of the wasp, grubs, and immature young, with 
 which it had been filled." Two steel traps, baited with comb 
 from another nest, were placed in proximity to the one de- 
 stroyed ; and on the next day the honey buzzard was found 
 secured by its leg in one of the traps."* Another instance 
 of its capture, occurring near Belfast, is recorded as having 
 " the bill and forehead covered with cow dung in such a man- 
 ner as to lead to the supposition that the bird had been 
 searching for insects."f Another specimen, shot near Kil- 
 ruddery, county of Wicklow, came into the possession of Mr. 
 Warren. In some instances preying upon the same food as 
 the majority of the rap tores, one instance came under our 
 own observation from a male bird, sent in May, 1849, by 
 Captain C. Dunne, of Baronstown, to Mr. Glennon, to be 
 preserved, and which had been observed by that gentleman 
 to have been there for several succeeding seasons, summer and 
 winter. Having on many occasions observed it feeding upon 
 the bald coots which frequented the lake, he had one killed 
 and poisoned with strychnine, as a bait for the honey buz- 
 zard ; and on the next day it was found poisoned at some 
 distance from the spot. It is now preserved in the collection 
 at Baronstown. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 * Selby. t Thompson. 
 
MARSH HARRIER. HEN HARRIER. 19 
 
 GENUS VIII. CIRCUS (HARRIER). 
 SPECIES 17 THE MARSH HARRIER. 
 
 Circus ceruginosus. Linn. 
 Buzard harpaye ou de Marais. Temm. 
 Moor Buzzard. Kite. Brown Hawk. 
 THE MARSH HARRIER, the most abundant of our larger birds 
 of prey, appears also to be one widely distributed in its oc- 
 currence. An inland species, it is commonly found in the 
 vicinity of whatever marsh or bog is sufficiently large to af- 
 ford it a good hunting-ground. More plentiful in some loca- 
 lities than in others, five and seven birds have been trapped 
 at the same time near the lake of Ballynacargy, and on the 
 estate of Sir W. Levinge in Westmeath. More active in its 
 habits than the buzzard, the moor harrier may be constantly 
 observed upon the wing in those localities where it occurs. 
 Skimming along close to the marsh, it pounces, like the com- 
 mon buzzard, upon whatever small animal or bird is observed 
 moving below. The water rat and aquatic reptiles are seized 
 by this bird also ; and occasionally even the teal and mallard are 
 surprised and struck down, for which reason in some parts 
 of the country they are destroyed by the gamekeepers. 
 Differing from the great number of the raptores we have exa- 
 mined, we find the breeding-place selected by the harriers to 
 be in every instance upon the ground, concealed in a tuft of 
 herbage, or hidden in some reed-bed. 
 
 Although, perhaps, not of great interest, yet we may ob- 
 serve at all times the adaptation of the locality to the habits 
 of the bird. Thus, we find the peregrine nidifying upon the 
 maritime precipices of the coast ; the sparrow-hawk upon 
 the topmost extremity of the tree in woodland situations ; 
 whilst the family of harriers rear their young amidst the 
 marshes, where food is at all times attainable. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 18 THE HEN HARRIER. 
 
 Circus cyaneus. Selby. 
 Buzard Saint Martin. Temm. 
 
 White Hawk. Ringtail. Blue Hawk. 
 THIS species appears to be of considerable rarity upon the 
 eastern portion of the island, although it occurs in considera- 
 ble numbers both north and south. Presenting an unusual 
 appearance in the colouring of the sexes, we observe the 
 c2 
 
20 FALCONID.E. 
 
 male of a beautiful greyish -blue colour, whilst the plumage 
 of the female is composed of various shades of dark brown ; 
 also considerably exceeding the male bird in size ; it has been 
 distinguished as a separate species by the earlier writers on or- 
 nithology, under the appellation of the ringtail hawk. Nearly 
 similar to the marsh harrier, this species selects the more ele- 
 vated heathy sides of the mountain for its habitation ; where, 
 although smaller in size than that bird, it exhibits more deter- 
 mination in its habits, and is perhaps the most falconine of 
 its family in pursuing the prey which it has started. Search- 
 ing for food at a later hour than any of the hawks, the hen 
 harrier is repeatedly observed at twilight circling and search- 
 ing over the fallows as minutely as the owl ; hunting in pairs, 
 each bird selects a separate beat, traversed so correctly that, 
 observing the birds passing a particular place, by returning 
 at the same time on the succeeding evening, the bird is cer- 
 tain to occur to our observation.* In some instances, similar 
 to the peregrine in determined daring, it has at times for- 
 feited life by its fearless audacity. An old sportsman once men- 
 tioned to me the annoyance he had received, before the intro- 
 duction of the double-barrelled gun, by birds of this species 
 watching him when engaged snipe-shooting, and instantly, 
 on the bird falling, seizing his prize before he could obtain 
 it ; and yet so watchful were they, that no approach was per- 
 mitted until the gun had been discharged ; however, after 
 they had experienced the effect of a double-barrelled gun, 
 the remaining birds changed their tactics, and left the snipe- 
 shooter to himself. 
 
 Breeding amidst the heath of the Wicklow mountains, we 
 have, on a few occasions, observed blue hawks, as they are 
 commonly denominated, whilst skimming closely and ra- 
 pidly over the heath in search of prey. One sent to Mr. Glen- 
 non for preservation was shot whilst carrying off a water-hen. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 19 MONTAGU'S HARRIER. 
 
 Circus cineraceus. Selby. 
 Buzard Montagu. Temin. 
 
 THIS extremely rare species has only occurred in two in- 
 stances in Ireland, one of which was shot near Bray, and the 
 other at the Scalp, county of Wicklow. The stomach of the 
 last specimen contained the remains of frogs. Smaller and 
 
 * Fennell. 
 
MONTAGU'S HARRIER. WHITE OR BARN OWL. 21 
 
 more elegant in appearance than the hen harrier, its habits 
 have been described as similar to those of that bird. The 
 eggs, which on one occasion I had the pleasure of seeing, 
 when forwarded to London in a recent state from Cambridge- 
 shire, are rather small in size, and resembled those of the 
 preceding birds in their bluish-white colour. 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY III.STRIGIDyE (OWLS). 
 
 GENUS IX. STRIX (BARN OWL). 
 
 SPECIES 20 THE WHITE OR BARN OWL. 
 
 Strix flammea. Linn. 
 Chouette effraie. Tenim. 
 
 THE BARN OWL is the most common and widely distributed 
 of all our nocturnal raptores, and appears to be equally abun- 
 dant in all parts of the island. Its food in a great measure 
 consists of small birds resting on the ground, rats, insects, and 
 even fish ; but it principally depends for existence on mice, of 
 which it annually destroys a vast number. Were it not for 
 the disproportionate size of the head, and shortness of the tail, 
 the form of this bird might be called elegant. The chasteness 
 of the plumage, and the aerial lightness of its flight, added 
 to its benefits to the farmer, compensate for its defects, and 
 render it one of our most useful and yet most persecuted 
 birds. It has, however, like many others, attained an unen- 
 viable notoriety ; and that from the earliest ages, being figu- 
 ratively employed in Holy Writ as an emblem of desolation, 
 and rendered an unclean bird by the Mosaic Law ; the fable- 
 loving Greeks seized eagerly on the owl ; and, although they 
 have symbolized it as an emblem of wisdom, yet the majority 
 of their writers have instanced it as the most perfect type of 
 wretchedness in existence. 
 
 All the poets have followed in the beaten track laid down 
 by Ovid, and, perhaps, inferring from the Levitical law, and 
 mythological lore, that it was a fair subject for attack, have 
 endeavoured to outdo each other in vituperation. And as for 
 our own degenerate days, no " deed without a name" can be 
 enacted, without the potent assistance of the harmless owl. 
 No witch's charm by any possibility can be efficacious, unless 
 the " obscure bird of night" contributes its influence. 
 
22 STRIGID^. 
 
 Horace's witch, Canidia, uses the plumage of the owl in her 
 incantation, and, doubtless, Macbeth had ne'er been king, if 
 the owlet's foot was not introduced into the bubbling cauldron ; 
 so that we see, from remote antiquity to the present time, 
 all agree in selecting the undeserving and harmless owl as a 
 mark on which to heap unfounded and ignorant prejudices. 
 
 Did the barn owl but pursue its nightly avocations under 
 the broad glare of day, many prejudiced opinions respecting 
 it would necessarily be refuted, and the farmer and agricul- 
 turist would join in offering an asylum to this much persecuted 
 bird. 
 
 But it is otherwise, the time chosen by the great and de- 
 structive tribe of the Rodentia to continue their depredations 
 is, when 
 
 " the knell of parting day" 
 
 leaves no disturber to prevent the damages committed by those 
 destructive pests. 
 Then 
 
 " doing her good deeds in the dark," 
 
 the owl silently leaves her ivied nook, and on noiseless pinions, 
 " winnowing the air," successfully scours along the places fre- 
 quented by her nimble prey. 
 
 Gliding along in silence, the open field and the hedgerow are 
 carefully searched over, until the chief place of his operations 
 is approached the corn-stacks in the barn-yard. Onlv ob- 
 served at intervals, he circles each stack so noiseless in his 
 flight, and so quickly lost to view in the dusk of twilight, that 
 you can scarcely credit having seen him until he has vanished. 
 
 Nor are the excursions of the barn owl confined to the country 
 districts, as we have frequently observed it skimming in the 
 most central parts of the city of Dublin, and remarked spe- 
 cimens which were shot in the Coburg Gardens and Stephen's- 
 green. The latter place I have known the barn owl to fre- 
 quent regularly every evening during summer, and on several 
 occcasions believed it to be feeding upon the large ghost moth, 
 which occurs there in great abundance during the season. 
 Some years since, one of those birds selected for residence a 
 nook in the tower of St. Patrick's Cathedral, where it might 
 be observed at dusk preening itself in preparation for its 
 nocturnal ramble. 
 
 An owl of this species, captured alive, and for which I was 
 indebted to the kindness of a friend, made its exit from my 
 
WHITE OR BARN OWL. LONG-EARED OWL. 23 
 
 possession in the following manner. Having brought it to a 
 drawing-room, and explained the curious manner of its flight 
 to some friends present, a lady proposed to remove it from its 
 cage to illustrate its peculiarity ; which being done, after the 
 owl made the circle of the room, perhaps attracted by the 
 draught from the firegrate, it as noiselessly disappeared up 
 the chimney, and took to wing when emerging at the top> 
 not the least incommoded by the glare of daylight. 
 
 The number of old ruined castles, towers, and abbeys which 
 everywhere rise to view, and form such a prominent feature 
 in our isle, offer a secure retreat to this species, and afford 
 it a concealment sufficiently remote from disturbance during 
 the day. Indeed, the presence of the owl is inseparable from 
 the mouldering pile of antiquity in every country, the same 
 dweller along the fortress-like tombs of the Roman Way, as it 
 is amidst the ruins of the Alhambra, its appearance has oc- 
 cupied the minds of each people, and obtained it a place in the 
 traditions of every land : 
 
 " If thou would' st view Melrose aright, 
 Go view it in the pale moonlight ; 
 When the distant Tweed is heard to rave, 
 And the owl to hoot o'er the dead man's grave." 
 
 In Norway the flesh of the owl is eaten, and is esteemed a 
 dainty, its excellency having even passed into a proverb, ' ' tender 
 as a boiled owl." The Tartars pay it divine honours, attri- 
 buting the preservation of their founder, Genghis Khan, to 
 the fact of a bird of this species settling over the place where 
 he was hiding from his pursuers ; and to a similar circumstance 
 the preservation of Mahomet was owing. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS X. OTUS (EARED OWL). 
 
 SPECIES 21 THE LONG-EARED OWL. 
 
 Otus vulgaris. Fleming. 
 Hibou moyen due. Temni. 
 
 THIS common species is nearly as abundant as the barn owl 
 in its distribution ; at least, judging from the numbers sent to 
 the bird preservers, I have seen an equal number of the long- 
 eared owl. 
 
 Of great beauty, it is the most attractive of our common 
 nocturnal raptores ; and it is only when in confinement that 
 we have an opportunity of observing the great depth of colour 
 in the rich orange irides of the bird. 
 
24 STRIGID^E. 
 
 Frequenting woods, it seeks the shelter of the upper branches 
 in any dark situation where it can remain concealed during 
 the day, and on the approach of evening it may be observed 
 gliding spectral-like through the intricacies of the branches, 
 as it emerges upon its grand feeding-ground, the meadow. 
 There, similar to the barn owl, it preys upon small birds, 
 mice, and insects. Resting at times upon the top of the field- 
 gate, a shrill plaintive cry is uttered, and again it glides off, as 
 noiseless as it came. 
 
 Rarely observed flying during the daytime, occasional 
 instances have occurred to us where specimens were shot 
 when apparently engaged searching the meadows for food 
 during midday. 
 
 In confinement this owl becomes very tame and familiar, 
 and also a most industrious mouser. A bird of this species, 
 at one time in the possession of a friend, appeared untiring 
 in this pursuit, and considerable amusement was always af- 
 forded when a number of mice were captured. The first 
 thrown to him was clutched in one foot, and the second was 
 secured by the other, whilst the third was caught in the bill. 
 Thus laden, he hobbled away to any dark place to feed, and 
 seemed to be at all times unwilling to depart unless he had 
 received his full complement. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 22 THE SHORT-EARED OWL. 
 
 Otus brachyotus. Forster. 
 Hibou brachiote. Temm. 
 
 Woodcock Owl. Fern Owl. 
 
 THE SHORT-EARED OWL is a species of great interest from 
 being the only migratory bird comprised in the entire order 
 of the raptores. The most unusual of the common species in its 
 occurrence, it occasionally appears about Dublin, but always 
 in damp, marshy situations : along the wet meadows of the 
 iNorth Lots we have met with it, and also upon the exposed 
 grounds in the vicinity of the Pigeon House Wall. Resting 
 in most instances upon the ground, the majority of speci- 
 mens forwarded to Mr. Glennon for preservation have been 
 obtained by snipe-shooters, who procured them in bogs fre- 
 quented by the snipe. 
 
 Occurring over the island in very limited numbers, it ap- 
 pears at the same time that the great influx of winter mi- 
 grants arrive ; departing at the same time as those birds, it is 
 
SHORT-EARED OWL. EAGLE OWL. 25 
 
 seldom observed after April, and in no authenticated instance 
 has it been known to remain and breed. Best known in Ire- 
 land by the appellation of woodcock owl, the name is most 
 probably derived from its arriving at the same time as that 
 bird, and not from preying upon it. Although instances have 
 occurred where this species has been shot with a common 
 snipe " in possession," yet the woodcock is too large a bird to 
 be struck down by a mousing owl. 
 
 A bird at one time in my possession, which had been 
 slightly wounded, employed a curious place for stowing 
 away his provender. On the occasion of a mouse being flung 
 to him, in most cases it was instantly caught by the bill, and 
 held there whilst he was aware of being watched ; on the head 
 being averted, the mouse disappeared in an instant between 
 the wing and body, and his orange irides, with the nictitat- 
 ing peculiarities of the owl, appeared almost as if winking at 
 his own success. A second mouse was disposed of under the 
 other wing, whilst a third lay neglected before him until he 
 was left undisturbed to dispose of his hidden spoil. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XI BUBO (EAGLE OWL). 
 
 SPECIES 23 THE EAGLE OWL. 
 
 Bubo maximus. Sibbald. 
 Hibou grand- due. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, remarkable for its great size and the 
 beauty of its plumage, has in no instance been actually ob- 
 tained in Ireland, our knowledge of its occurrence being 
 limited to four birds, which were observed in Donegal after 
 a great storm from the north, when the ground was covered 
 with snow. 
 
 The same informant, Mr. J. Y. Stewart, from whose cata- 
 logue of the birds of Donegal the above has been obtained, has 
 also observed, " that he was informed a pair of them bred in 
 Tory Island, about nine miles from the north of this coast, 
 whence it is probable they came from that island." 
 
 Respecting their breeding in that locality, in such vicinity 
 to the main land, Mr. Thompson has remarked: " It must be 
 a mere fancy on the part of the individual who made the 
 communication to Mr. Stewart." 
 
 One of the largest of its family, the strength of the eagle 
 
26 
 
 owl is proportionate to its size, so that we might well suppose 
 its being a dangerous enemy to hares and grouse in the coun- 
 tries of Northern Europe and America, where it frequents. 
 
 Like the other birds comprised in this interesting family, 
 the superstitious ideas of various countries have firmly clung 
 to it. Increasing their fear in proportion to its size, we ex- 
 press no astonishment whilst reading of the Indian medicine 
 man, who represents the awe and reverence which should be 
 experienced towards him by the stuffed figure of the great owl, 
 when we remember that Rome, on two occasions, underwent 
 lustrations for the purpose of purifying the city after the ap- 
 pearance of this inauspicious bird. 
 
 Commonly observed in the United States, Wilson has 
 given us the following anecdote respecting its habits in con- 
 finement : "A very large one, wing-broken while on some 
 foraging excursion, was kept about the house for several 
 days, and at length disappeared, no one knew how. Almost 
 every day after this, hens and chickens also disappeared one 
 by one, in an unaccountable manner, till in eight or ten days 
 very few were left remaining. The fox, the minx, and weasel 
 were alternately the reputed authors of this mischief, until one 
 morning the old lady herself, rising before day to bake, in 
 passing towards the oven, surprised her late prisoner the owl 
 regaling himself on the body of a newly killed hen. The thief 
 instantly made for his hole under the house, from whence 
 the enraged matron soon dislodged him with a brush handle, 
 and without mercy despatched him. In this snug retreat 
 were found the greater part of the feathers, and many large 
 fragments of her whole family of chickens." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XII. SCOPS (Scors OWL). 
 
 SPECIES 24 THE SCOPS-EARED OWL. 
 
 Scops Aldrovandi. Will. 
 
 Hibou scops. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful little owl is one of extreme rarity, only two 
 specimens, properly authenticated as being obtained in Ire- 
 land, having come under the notice of Mr. Thompson. Of 
 these the first was noticed by R. Ball, Esq., of Dublin, from 
 a specimen shot in the month of July, by the gamekeeper at 
 Lough Crew, county of Meath, the seat of J. L. W. Naper, 
 Esq. Another scops-eared owl was observed by Mr. J. Poole, 
 
SCOPS-EARED OWL. SNOWY OWL. 27 
 
 of Killiane, Wexford, which had been killed near Kilmore, in 
 the south of that county. 
 
 Very common in Italy during summer, Mr. Spence, the ce- 
 lebrated entomologist, has noticed it during his residence in 
 Florence, from one which established itself in the garden at- 
 tached to his house, where it became remarkable in con- 
 stantly uttering its cry from nightfall to midnight, at intervals 
 between each other, as regular as the ticking of a clock.* 
 
 In France we have the authority of Buffon, who states 
 that they arrive in flocks about the same time as the swallow, 
 and take their departure after them. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XIII SYRNIA (SNOWY OWL). 
 
 SPECIES 25 THE SNOWY OWL. 
 
 Syrnia nyctea. Selby. 
 Chouette harfang. Temm. 
 
 THIS noble -looking bird, of which as many as eight or nine 
 instances have been recorded as having occurred in Ireland, 
 is the most magnificent in its appearance of the family to 
 which it belongs. 
 
 Extremely powerful and muscular in its conformation, it 
 differs from the strigidse in many particulars. Bold and de- 
 termined in its habits, the prey is indifferently captured in the 
 broad glare of day, or during the dusk of twilight. Possessing 
 also a degree of courage not observable in other species, it 
 gives chase to the object of pursuit upon the wing, and gains 
 upon it by rapid sweeps of the wing, striking it somewhat in 
 the manner of the peregrine. 
 
 At times even emulating that noble falcon in its audacity, 
 Dr. Richardson informs us that in the northern latitudes of 
 America it has been known to watch the grouse-shooters for 
 a whole day for the purpose of sharing the spoil. On such 
 occasions it perches on a high tree, and when a bird is shot, 
 skims down and carries it off before the sportsman can get 
 near. 
 
 The plumage of the adult is extremely beautiful, the fea- 
 thers being pure white, accasionally tipped with the deepest 
 black. 
 
 Its form is so completely enveloped with down and feathers 
 that the bill and claws are but discernible. In this provision 
 
 * Loudon's Magazine of Natural History. 
 
28 LANIAM. 
 
 we may also recognise the admirable adaptation of nature in 
 giving it such an adequate protection against the rigors of 
 the northern latitudes, which it frequents. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 . ORDER II INCESSORES (PERCHING BIRDS). 
 
 SUB-ORDER DENTIROSTRES (NOTCHED-BILLED 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY IV. LANIAD.E (SHRIKES). 
 
 GENUS XIV LANIUS (SHRIKE). 
 
 SPECIES 26 THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE. 
 
 Lanius excubitor. Linn. 
 Pie-grieche grise. Temm. 
 
 Butcher Bird. Grey Shrike. 
 
 THIS family, represented in our island by the occasional oc- 
 currence of a single species, is one offering the greatest inte- 
 rest to the ornithologist. Linking, in an admirable manner, 
 the great orders of the raptores and incessores, its affinity to 
 one is indicated by its habits, and to the other by the gene- 
 ral form of the species. 
 
 The present shrike, the largest in size visiting the British 
 isles, has only occurred in our own island in about fifteen se- 
 parate instances* in various localities, north and south ; all 
 of which were obtained during autumn. 
 
 Resembling the other species comprised in this family in 
 habits, the food of the great grey shrike consists of small 
 birds, mice, and insects, which, when killed, are impaled, or 
 otherwise fastened, upon a thorn, and rent into pieces by 
 this handsome little tyrant. 
 
 Occasionally, like the flycatcher, it selects a prominent po- 
 sition upon the outer branches of the hedgerow, whence it 
 sallies into the air in pursuit of its insect prey. As noted in 
 Mr. Thompson's work upon the Irish Fauna, we had the 
 pleasure of observing a bird of this species at Montpelier, one 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
GREAT GREY SHRIKE. WATER OUSEL. 29 
 
 of the Dublin mountains, but from its excessive wariness in 
 admitting approach, we were unable to obtain it, although 
 we fired twice unsuccessfully. Its flight was strong and buoy- 
 ant, and apparently resembled that of a wagtail in its waver- 
 ing character. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 FAMILY V MYOTHERIN^E (ANTCATCHERS). 
 
 GENUS XV. CINCLUS (DIPPER). 
 SPECIES 27 THE WATER OUSEL. 
 
 Cinclus aquations. Bechstein. 
 Cincle plongeur. Temm. 
 
 Kingfisher. Dipper. Water Blackbird. River Pye. 
 THE WATER OUSEL, although a local species, is commonly 
 found in all suitable localities over the island, and perhaps in 
 few situations in the same abundance as along the Dodder 
 river, some nine miles from the city. 
 
 Possessed of very singular habits, the most curious of which 
 is its power of progressing for a short distance along the 
 bottom of the stream or river, a habit we have many times 
 observed when watching them by the margin of the streams 
 flowing from the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. 
 
 Perching upon some water-worn stone, it at once attracts 
 attention by its compact appearance and the snowy white- 
 ness of the breast ; introducing itself to our notice by a pecu- 
 liar ducking and jerking of the body, we see it suddenly 
 glide from its perch and disappear under the water opposed 
 to the current ; in a moment after, we observe it at some dis- 
 tance above, again perched, ducking and bowing as if ren- 
 dering thanks for having received our observation during the 
 performance. A fact which occurred to our own notice may 
 not be devoid of interest, illustrating, as it does, the admira- 
 ble provision which nature has provided to enable the plumage 
 of this species to resist the water so effectually. 
 
 Having, at one time, obtained specimens of the common 
 blackbird and water ousel, for the purpose of investigating some 
 anatomical differences, by some oversight both were forgot- 
 ten, and rendered useless for the purpose. Upon both birds 
 being plucked, a curious difference was exhibited for, whilst 
 the blackbird was devoid of a single plumelet, the entire body 
 
30 
 
 of the water ousel was covered with a thick soft down, which 
 was, doubtless, intended to form the impervious covering 
 which enables it at all times to enter the water and search 
 for food beneath its surface. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 FAMILY VI MERULESLE (THRUSHES). 
 
 GENUS XVI. ORIOLUS (ORIOLE). 
 
 SPECIES 28 THE GOLDEN ORIOLE. 
 
 Oriolus galbula. Lin. 
 Loriot. Temm. 
 
 THIS elegantly marked species, with its bright hues of gol- 
 den yellow and deep black, is, as we might suppose, too 
 beautiful to be a native of our ungenial clime. Of great 
 rarity, we can only give it a place in our Fauna from the oc- 
 currence of six or eight specimens, in various parts of Ire- 
 land. Closely resembling the thrushes, it has received the 
 appellation of golden thrush from several authors who have 
 described it, and who have also agreed in describing its habits 
 as similar to those of the true merulinge. 
 
 In the summer of 1851 we had the pleasure of examining, 
 in a fresh state, a very beautiful male, in the establishment 
 of Mr. Lefevre,* who kindly informed us of its having been 
 trapped in the vicinity of St. Cloud, some few miles from 
 Paris. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XVIL TURDUS (THRUSH). 
 SPECIES 29 THE MISSEL THRUSH. 
 
 Turdus viscworous. Linn. 
 Merle draine. Temm. 
 
 Jay. Big Felt. Missel Bird. Storm Cock. 
 
 THE largest of the thrushes. This species is a general resi- 
 dent with us ; but during spring and summer, from its habit 
 of breeding in the upper branches of lofty trees, it appears 
 of greater rarity than it really is. Found in pairs during 
 the breeding season, and on the approach of winter forming 
 
 * Naturaliste, Quai Malaquais, Paris. 
 
MISSEL THRUSH REDWING. 31 
 
 into large flocks, the great numbers of which occasionally 
 induces us to believe that large accessions are received at 
 that season from more northern latitudes. Depending princi- 
 pally for existence upon the berries of the hawthorn, dur- 
 ing winter we may frequently observe thirty or forty missel 
 thrushes amongst the boughs, accompanied with redwings ; 
 the missel thrushes expressing satisfaction at intervals, by ut- 
 tering their hoarse, grakle-like call-note. 
 
 Few localities are more frequented than the old hawthorn 
 woods in the Phoenix Park, where they congregate in great 
 numbers from the " watch and ward" extended to them by 
 the keepers. 
 
 Exceeding in size our European song-birds, the song of the 
 missel thrush is very beautiful ; and although it may not 
 equal the deep mellowness of the blackbird, or the more va- 
 ried notes of the thrush, yet it is one of the wildest in its 
 character, and at the same time softest in its modulation of 
 the various songs for which the entire family is remarkable. 
 
 Well known for the habit of singing immediately preceding 
 a storm or high wind, it has obtained, in some parts of the coun- 
 try, the appellation " storm cock." But even beautiful as is 
 the song then, it is far exceeded by the combined melody of 
 a flock, perhaps consisting of eighty or a hundred birds, all 
 singing in harmonious unison, as if murmuring some low, 
 sweet melody, which comes more acceptable to us at a season 
 when snow and frost hold every thing confined. 
 
 Timid in disposition, during the season of incubation it 
 becomes courageous and determined in defence of its young, 
 and scruples not to attack any marauding magpie suspected 
 to possess sinister designs upon its progeny. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 30. THE REDWING. 
 
 Turdus iliacus. Linn. 
 
 Merle mauvis. Temm. 
 
 Swinepipe. Felt. 
 
 THE REDWING might be mistaken for the song thrush, to 
 which it bears a considerable resemblance, were it not for a 
 broad white streak over the eye, by which it may be at 
 once distinguished. Occurring with us in very considerable 
 numbers during winter, on the approach of spring, they 
 again betake themselves to their native wilds in Norway. 
 Similar in habits to the missel thrush, with which they asso- 
 ciate in flocks, the redwing, perhaps, of the two species, ex- 
 
32 MERULIN.E. 
 
 hibits more timidity ; and as it has never remained in any 
 authenticated instance, for the purpose of nidification, we 
 have no opportunity of hearing that exquisite melody which 
 has obtained for it the proud appellation the " nightingale 
 of Norway." 
 
 Whether its melody was admired by the ancients we know 
 not ; but it is certain, its flesh was held in great estimation. 
 As we are told, the Romans kept great numbers in aviaries, 
 feeding them upon bruised figs and flour to improve their 
 flavour, and consequently sold at a high price, their ave- 
 rage value being about three denarii, or two shillings sterling 
 each. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 31 THE FIELDFARE. 
 
 Turdus pilaris. Linn. 
 
 Merle litorne. Temm. 
 Blue felt. Big felt. Feltyfare. 
 
 THIS beautifully plumaged species, like the redwing, is only a 
 winter visitant to our shores, and occurs in smaller numbers 
 than any of our migratory thrushes. On their arrival, gene- 
 rally in October, they form into large flocks, and, apparently 
 more wary than either the redwing or missel thrush, give the 
 preference to the open field, where they are usually seen feeding 
 and resting, adopting, for preservation's sake, the motto, 
 44 A fair field and no favour," with the reverse of which u A 
 field fare and no favour" they seem to be equally well ac- 
 quainted, as they are most difficult of approach ; so much so, 
 that sentinels are placed on any lofty trees in the vicinity to 
 give instant tidings of the approach of their enemy, man. 
 
 The most watchful of the thrushes, it is also the most silent, 
 as, with the exception of occasional bickerings whilst feeding, 
 it remains in silence, and this fact doubtless drew Woods - 
 worth's attention when he remarked : 
 
 " The fieldfare's pensive flock." 
 
 From observing, in the month of June, an adult female which 
 had been shot on the island of Lambay by A. Carmichael, 
 Esq., we conclude the species may in some rare instances re- 
 main and breed. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
THE SONG THRUSH. 33 
 
 SPECIES 32 THE SONG THRUSH* 
 
 Turdus musicus. Linn. 
 Merle grive. Temrn* 
 
 Throstle. Mavis. 
 
 THE common thrush is the most generally distributed of all 
 our song birds, few localities in our island being totally des- 
 titute of them. It is apparently esteemed a favourite with 
 the community, doubtless from its harmless habits and me* 
 lodious voice. Its food consists of insects, worms, snails, larvae, 
 and berries of various kinds, and when in the vicinity of the 
 shore it finds sustenance in the smaller shell-fish. When 
 searching for food, the thrush hops slowly along the ground, 
 and when an earthworm is observed, in a like manner with the 
 lapwing, it leaps in the vicinity, to startle and induce the 
 worm to emerge from its refuge, when it is instantly seized, 
 broken up, and swallowed. 
 
 The song of the thrush is the first to herald the bright and 
 vernal footsteps of the spring ; and even in winter, when the 
 earth is covered with snow and ice, its inspiriting notes awake 
 the melody of the silent songsters. 
 
 The thrush breeds early, and has generally two broods 111 
 the season. The first seldom comes to maturity on account 
 of the exposed and easily attained situation in which the nests 
 are built ; rarely escaping the prying eye of the village school- 
 boy, her beautifully marked eggs forming a temptation diffi- 
 cult to be resisted. 
 
 The nest, generally placed in a holly tree, or other thick 
 bush, is at a small height from the ground, strongly and firmly 
 constructed, externally of roots, twigs, and mosses, firmly in- 
 terwoven ; and internally, thickly plastered with mixed clay 
 and cow-dung ; the eggs are generally five, and are of a bright 
 green colour, dotted with numerous small black spots. 
 
 The familiar name by which the thrush is known in the 
 country is the u throstle," and by the poets, the " mavis," 
 
 " Take thy delight in yonder goodly tree, 
 Where the sweet merle and warbling mavis be." 
 
 The thrush is found in the most sterile and barren parts of 
 our island, differing from the blackbird, which is seldom found 
 at a distance from cultivation. To those who object not to 
 its loud and shrill melody, as a cage-bird this species is un- 
 exceptionable, and when kept clean becomes a pleasing song- 
 ster and an agreeable pet. When an unbroken snail is placed 
 
34 MERULINJE. 
 
 in its cage, it is amusing to witness its efforts to break it, 
 the snail-shell being held by the bill, and struck repeatedly on 
 the nearest hard substance, in most cases to the detriment of 
 sundry earthen vessels. This species, when pursued by rapto- 
 rial birds, familiarly seeks a refuge in the habitations of man. 
 
 Poets may eulogize, and dwell with rapture on the love- 
 sick strains of the "Bulbul of eastern tales," as, perching on 
 her favourite thorn, she pours to "Night's dull ear" her 
 matchless melody, subduing the ardent imagery of the volup- 
 tuous and effeminate oriental ; travellers may extol the mag- 
 nificent and wondrous melody of the u Mocking-bird of the 
 far West," when, from some primeval pine of her native wilds, 
 she momentarily gladdens the proud yet bursting heart of 
 the stoical wanderer of the prairie, when sadly and finally 
 regarding the furrowed and whitened relics of his fathers, ere 
 he takes for his last route the direction of the setting sun : 
 but equally privileged as the denizens of those climes go to 
 our lonely wilds of the west, where the grey mists hang over 
 the heath-clad hills where the blackened crags frown in 
 eternal defiance over the foaming Atlantic where stand our 
 mystical round towers, whose origin is wrapped in the mists 
 of ages, and there listen with attuned thought to the wild 
 and varied melody of the thrush, as, poured from the summit 
 of some lichened rock, it is wafted by the perfumed breeze to 
 the attent ear, allaying by its magic influence the empty as- 
 pirations of ambition, and diffusing over the humbled soul 
 sweet thoughts of empyreal brightness, till, forgetful of earth, 
 the enfranchised spirit is insensibly wafted, and soars to where 
 the speckled warbler addresses its evening hymn. And, oh ! 
 when awakening from that dream of unalloyed bliss and hap- 
 piness, how the chilled and seared spirit recoils from entering 
 again the precincts of a distrustful world ! Yet all have their 
 separate charms. An almighty and beneficent Providence has 
 placed peculiar pleasures in every clime, to minister to our 
 happiness, and soothe our earthly woes. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 33. WHITE'S THRUSH. 
 
 Turdus Whitii. Eyton. 
 Merle a White, Temm. 
 
 THROUGH the critical knowledge of Dr. Allman, Professor of 
 Botany, Trinity College, Dublin, a single specimen of this 
 species, so extremely rare in any continent, has been added 
 to our Fauna, in the instance of one obtained in the winter of 
 
WHITE'S THRUSH BLACKBIRD. 35 
 
 1842, near Bandon, in the county of Cork. In the Fauna of 
 that county the gentleman at whose place it was obtained, 
 saw what he believed to be another of the same species there, 
 but when is not mentioned.* Of such excessive rarity is this 
 species over the European and Asiatic continents, that only 
 in the island of Java it occurs in any numbers. f 
 Habitat Asia. 
 
 SPECIES 34 THE BLACKBIRD. 
 
 Turdus merula. Linn. 
 Merle noir. Temm. 
 
 Merle. 
 
 OF the many birds rendered remarkable for their melody, this 
 species stands pre-eminent, and being very widely distributed, 
 has become a universal favourite with all classes. 
 
 The blackbird frequents the vicinity of gardens, shrub- 
 beries, low brushwood, and, indeed, any locality affording 
 good cover and secure shelter. However, the blackbird, al- 
 though as widely distributed as the thrush, appears not so 
 common. Its retired and shy habits, and unwillingness to 
 perch aloft, make it appear more scarce than it really is. In 
 like manner with the thrush, its food consists of snails, slugs, 
 worms, and berries ; and in the spring it is an unwelcome 
 visitor to the orchard. However, its extreme fondness for 
 fruit is amply recompensed by its delightful song, and its 
 services in destroying many pests of the gardener. Rambling 
 on a country road, or in a shrubbery, we seldom fail to become 
 acquainted with the blackbird by its giving instant notice 
 of our approach in a singularly loud and startling alarm-cry, 
 which, when heard for the first time in an unfrequented loca- 
 lity, we believe few persons do not show evident symptoms of 
 disquietude, and it has generally happened that the blackbird's 
 terror becomes transferred to the unconscious intruder. 
 
 This species is frequently caged, and learns to whistle the 
 first notes of tunes, which generally is the amount of its 
 ability. Remarkable, when wild, for its shy habits, when 
 caged it loses its natural timidity, and becomes a bold and 
 forward pet, unlike the song thrush, which, when wild, is a bird 
 of bold habits, but when caged generally shy and timid. 
 
 In a recent work on Natural History the author has re- 
 marked of the blackbird, " that its flesh is most singularly 
 unpalatable, and even refused by tame hawks." We have 
 
 * Thompson. t Temminck. 
 
 D2 
 
36 MERULIN.E. 
 
 tasted it, and found it equal to any of the thrushes. Perhaps 
 
 the writer argued from the mythic belief of the Sonnah : 
 
 u That the souls of those in Purgatory were in the crops of 
 blackbirds, exposed to hell fire morning and evening, until 
 the Judgment Day." As for tame hawks refusing them for 
 food, they may, but wild hawks seem to think them a sin- 
 gular relish. 
 
 This species, like the thrush, pairs early, and generally has. 
 two broods during the season. The nest is a large bulky 
 structure, composed of grasses and twigs, and lined inside 
 with mud, and is usually placed in a hawthorn or holly bush, 
 and as often amongst long grass by the ditch side ; the eggs 
 average from four to six, in colour pale green, speckled with 
 rusty browTi. 
 
 The lover of nature knows few greater pleasures than, 
 during the summer months, to listen to the blackbird's de- 
 lightful melody. Generally, this is poured forth during the 
 calm hours of early morning, and again towards sunset for, 
 like a good musician, conscious of his powers, he waits for 
 silence to commence. 
 
 The mowers have departed from their fragrant toil, a few 
 faint rays still linger on the hay-field, all is silent ! except 
 the occasional hum from the distant village ; even wearied 
 nature seems exhausted. Then! breaking the oppressive 
 silence, comes the wild and varied melody of the dusky merle 
 a few low notes form a prelude to his strain ; gradually the 
 volume is increased, mellow and softened he pours his soul in 
 song ; an interval of silence, and presently at the distance 
 of a mile, like an echo of the former, a rival blackbird takes 
 up the strain. There comes no interruption ; and the com- 
 bined chorus of many now swell the sweet strain : in eager 
 haste they pour forth a flood of melody, and, with the fading 
 reflections of the departing sun, their united melody 
 
 " Comes like a hymn from heaven along," 
 
 singing, as it were, a requiem for the passing day. Well 
 might our own Ossian have sung: u It was pleasant to hear 
 the blackbird singing sweetly on the top of the thorn." Or 
 in the Glossary of Cormac : 
 
 *' Sweet the warbling of the blackbird 
 About the lonely Rath of Fiach." 
 
 So much was thought of the melody of the woods by the 
 
THE BLACKBIRD. 37 
 
 so-called " wilde and savage Irishe," that we find the bard 
 Benean commands the kings of Ulster, A, D* 400, 
 
 " To listen to the birds of the valley 
 
 Of Lough Saillach (Swilly), the noble melodies." 
 
 In the will of Cathair Mor, one of his sons is mentioned in 
 a manner difficult to understand : 
 
 " Criomthan, my boyish hero, 
 He is like a lock on the blackbirds of the meadow."* ! 
 
 Among the many relics of antiquity of the Seven Churches 
 was the figure of a man having a bird on his outstretched 
 hand. Nothing was known respecting it until the following 
 story was extracted from a dubious tradition : "St. Kevin 
 once, whilst praying in a supplicating posture with one hand 
 outstretched, a blackbird descended and dropped her eggs in 
 the palm ; the saint, being compassionate about the bird, 
 never removed his hand until the eggs were hatched !" It 
 must be admitted, nothing can exceed that, not even the mi- 
 racle of Moses at Raphidim. 
 
 Impelled by the truth and beauty of a passage, from the 
 original Irish, of an admired melody, " The Coolin," trans- 
 lated by Hardiman, we are induced to give it. 
 
 Alas ! "tempora mutantur" how can the present equal the 
 past with the following lines before us : 
 
 " Oh, sweeter is her mouth's soft music 
 
 Than the lark or thrush at dawn, 
 Or the blackbird on the green bough singing 
 Farewell to the setting sun." 
 
 That the early Greeks were acquainted with the blackbird 
 is, doubtless, correct, as many of their admired authors have 
 remarked it ; among them Theocritus 
 
 " "When vernal blackbirds through the sprays 
 Shook their shrill notes a thousand ways. ' ' 
 
 Pleasurable as the blackbird's song is, it is not unattended 
 with use, as it is believed when " the mellow blackbird's note 
 is shrill," to be a sure prognostic of rain. 
 
 Subject to variation, the plumage of the 
 
 " Ousel cock, so black of hue, 
 With orange tawny bill," 
 
 is not at all times like that the poet described. So that the 
 * Leabhap na g-Ceapc, The Book of Rights. 
 
38 MERULINJE. 
 
 occurrence of cream-coloured and white-marked varieties are 
 nothing unusual, although we have the testimony of Pliny 
 in recording specimens exhibited at Home, under the appel- 
 lation of lt white blackbirds." 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 35 THE RING OUSEL. 
 
 Turdus torquatus. Linn. 
 Merle a plastron. Temm. 
 
 Cowboy. Mountain Stare. Whistler. 
 
 THIS distinctive and handsomely marked species occurs in 
 smaller numbers than any of our other migratory thrushes, and 
 differs from them in being a summer visitant to our shores, 
 which it frequents for the purposes of nidification. Possessing 
 the same elongated and elegant form which distinguishes the 
 blackbird, we might name the ring ousel the white -breasted 
 blackbird. 
 
 Frequenting localities where it is seldom disturbed on ac- 
 count of the solitude which it delights in, we only find the 
 ring ousel occupying the more extended mountain ranges of 
 our island. Distributed in limited numbers in those locali- 
 ties, it is a species but little known ; and when occurring dur- 
 ing autumn in the cultivated districts which it then frequents 
 on its homeward passage, it is generally procured for its 
 strange appearance. However, the ring ousel is a well-known 
 species to those persons whose pleasure or occupation leads 
 them to the mountains during summer. Perched on some 
 elevated crag, he utters his loud, deep song, which, although 
 composed of few notes, has a pleasing, and generally a melan- 
 choly, tendency. Occasionally, after singing, he utters that 
 loud, clear whistle which has obtained him the complimen- 
 tary appellation of u cowboy" and u whistler," by which 
 names it is well known upon the Wicklow mountains. 
 
 During September the ring ousel is often observed at 
 Howth and Lambay, but rarely on the main shore. Some- 
 times we observe the adults and young together, the pure 
 white gorget of the old male looking beautifully conspicuous. 
 Rarely molested in its retired breeding haunts, we had, on 
 one occasion, the pleasure of discovering in the heath, near a 
 river side, on the Dublin mountains, a nest containing four 
 eggs. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
GOLD-VENTED THEUSH. REDBREAST. 39 
 
 SPECIES 36 THE GOLD-VENTED THRUSH. 
 
 Turdus aurigaster. Viellot. 
 Turdus chrysorhcens. Temm. 
 
 OF great rarity in its occurrence, this beautiful species 
 claims a place in our Fauna from a specimen in the pos- 
 session of Dr. Burkitt, of Waterford : "It was purchased 
 by that gentleman from a country lad who brought it into 
 Waterford, in 1838, with a number of blackbirds (Turdus me- 
 rula) and snipes, and who believed it to be a hen blackbird ; 
 he shot it at Mount Beresford, three miles and a half from 
 Waterford."* The unusual interest attached to this specimen 
 may at once be understood, from its being the only bird of 
 the kind ever obtained in Europe. Even in its own country 
 we are ignorant of its habits and history. 
 Habitat Western Africa. 
 
 FAMILY VII. SAXICOLINJE (STONECHATS). 
 
 GENUS XVIII. ERITHACUS (KEDBREASTS). 
 SPECIES 37 THE COMMON REDBREAST. 
 
 Erithacus rubecula. Linn, 
 Bee Jin rouge-gorge. Temm. 
 
 THIS privileged, pert, and lively little fellow is a general fa- 
 vourite with all ; and of nearly a hundred perching birds 
 occurring in Ireland, it is the only species which places un- 
 bounded confidence in man. True it is, that the swallow 
 and martin exhibit a decided preference for the neighbour- 
 hood of civilization, and are found to nidify in the immediate 
 vicinity of man, yet they are as fearful of his presence as the 
 most solitary and timid of our native birds. The boldness of 
 the redbreast may be at once traced to the fact of its never 
 being molested, and its fearless familiarity seldom taken ad- 
 vantage of; as, " confiding in his ruddy breast," 
 
 " Half afraid at first, 
 
 Against the window beats, then brisk alights 
 On the warm hearth, then, hopping on the floor, 
 Eyes all the smiling family askance, 
 And pecks, and starts, and wonders where he is, 
 Till, more familiar grown, the table crumbs 
 Attract his slender feet." 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
40 SAXI COLIN JE. 
 
 Even to the reckless scapegrace who indulges In practical 
 ornithology by causing sundry unfledged sparrows to perform 
 extraordinary aerial feats, u nolens volens," or collecting an 
 amazing number of small eggs to perform tricks with them 
 which far outdo the egg problem of Columbus, even to this 
 outlaw to all good feelings, the nest of the redbreast is sa- 
 cred ; his hands would no more despoil it than would the 
 Hollander the nest of his favourite stork, or the Egyptian 
 the chickens of Pharoah.* Wild and untutored, ask him his 
 reasons for allowing it to remain in safety, and in many parts 
 of Ireland you are simply answered : 
 
 " The robin and the wren 
 Are God's two holy men.*' 
 
 Right was the quaint poet who wrote 
 
 " Sacred is the household bird 
 That wears the scarlet stomacher." 
 
 So many anecdotes are recorded of the tamenessof this bird, 
 that it would require a reasonable volume to recount them. 
 But as perfection is unattainable among the human race, so 
 it is with the robin he has equally his vices as his virtues. 
 His determined pugnacity, and love of tyranny over birds 
 even larger than himself, have been remarked by all its ob- 
 servers. We are even told by an old Latin proverb, " Two 
 robins feed not on the same tree together. " Indeed, we can 
 scarcely think that the same bird who pleads before us for a 
 crumb, with its mild humid eye beaming with meekness, 
 should, on the appearance of a rival, attack it with all the in- 
 tensity of hatred possible for any bird to assume, and often- 
 times to carry its struggles for superiority so far, that the 
 lives of either or both are forfeited. A very common species, 
 it is abundantly distributed in all parts of our island, and 
 principally so in the immediate vicinity of man. Its food 
 consists of earthworms and insects during summer, and 
 crumbs of bread and refuse of all kinds are appropriated in 
 winter. The nest is of neat structure, and is placed under 
 a bush, or against a bank ; the eggs average four to five, 
 reddish white, speckled with light brown. 
 
 * The numbers of Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) 
 who perform the duties of scavengers in all the cities of the East, 
 unmolested by the inhabitants, are called "chickens of Pharoah" in 
 Egypt and Turkey. 
 
COMMON REDBREAST WHEATEAR. 41 
 
 The delightful melody of this " last lone songster of the 
 fading year" possesses another claim to our notice. 
 
 Singing in all seasons, it is one of the first to commence its 
 matin song, and at intervals continuing during the day, it 
 again prolongs it into midnight. But it is only when " sweet 
 sounds are rare" when the warm days of summer have 
 passed, and the falling foliage of autumn leaves the branches 
 bare and leafless, that we hear the strange, plaintive song of 
 the redbreast, which, from its depth of sorrow, appears to 
 bewail the approaching desolation. So sad its song, that in 
 Germany, it is stated, prisoners have died from grief within 
 their dungeons from hearing the thrilling sensations of lone- 
 liness conveyed in the song of the redbreast. 
 
 Its song also appeals to our feelings, partly superstitiously, 
 partly religiously, as we have never seen the graveyard no 
 matter how retired, or how long disused but we find the 
 same mourner always there, as if singing a requiem for the 
 departed dead. 
 
 When visiting the ruins of Monasterboice some years 
 since, a feeling of unutterable sadness, occasioned by the 
 song of a pair of redbreasts, pervaded our entire party. 
 
 Yet, melancholy as its song is, it does not soften the hearts 
 of the Italian bird-venders, as Mr. Waterton remarks in his 
 agreeable work : " Having seen fifty redbreasts exposed for 
 sale near the Rotundo at Rome, ' Is it possible,' said I, c that 
 you can kill and eat these pretty songsters?' c Ay,' replied 
 the fellow, with a grin, c and if you take a dozen of them 
 home for your dinner to-day, you will come back for two 
 dozen to-morrow.' " 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XIX. SAXICOLA (STONECHAT). 
 
 SPECIES 38 THE WHEATEAR. 
 
 Saxicola cenanthe. Linn. 
 Traquet moteux. Temm. 
 
 Stonechat. 
 
 THIS lively and interesting summer visitant is one of those 
 birds which uniformly attract our attention by their cleanly 
 disposed plumage, and activity and gracefulness of their 
 movements. Usually arriving about April, it takes its de- 
 parture towards the end of August ; and during its sojourn 
 with us, it is found scattered in pairs along the sea-shore, 
 
42 SAXICOLIN^E. 
 
 in the vicinity of sandhills, and also frequenting the slopes 
 and pastures of our mountain ranges. 
 
 Attractive in habits, we have often felt grateful to the 
 wheatear for its company on our shore rambles. Watchful 
 and suspicious in its manner, a single bird will often accom- 
 pany the fancied intruder for half a mile, flying on before 
 him, then dropping on a stone ; the tail is jerked up, the 
 body bent, and the wings assuming a depressed position, it 
 utters its impatient " check, check ;" from the sound of which 
 note it is best known as the stonechat ; or in the Irish dis- 
 tricts of the island, on the authority of Mr. Thompson, as 
 " custeen fayclough," meaning, " the cunning little old man 
 under the stone ;" and in other localities as " casur clock," 
 which signifies the " stonehammer." All of these names are 
 aptly adapted to the bird, as well from its wildness and timi- 
 dity as from its call-note, which bears an exact resemblance 
 to the striking together of two stones. The song of the 
 wheatear is wild and varied, but is seldom heard, from the 
 timidity of its habits. We have many times observed the 
 male hovering like a pipet over the nest of its mate, singing 
 whilst on the wing its wildly modulated melody. 
 
 The breeding places selected by the wheatear vary accord- 
 ing to situation ; the preference is generally given to holes 
 and chinks in embankments and stone walls. However, along 
 the eastern side of Lambay, where they breed in considerable 
 numbers, we have taken the eggs from the holes of the 
 rabbit -burrows. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 39 THE STONECHAT. 
 Saxicola rubicola. Linn. 
 Traquet rubicole. Temm. 
 
 Blackcap. 
 
 THE STONECHAT, although a resident, appears of such rarity 
 during the winter months, that we are inclined to believe 
 they receive accessions to their numbers at the same time 
 that the other members of the family arrive upon our shores. 
 Although its short, bulky, little figure presents very slight 
 claims to the elegant in nature, yet the stonechat is pos- 
 sessed of many pleasing habits interesting to the ornithologist. 
 Nearly similar in habits to the wheatear, it is, however, 
 seldom found in the same situation, but generally on com- 
 mons or waste land, or, indeed, any locality where its favourite 
 cover, the furze or gorse, exists. There, on its topmost twig, 
 we can always observe the stonechat, its deep black head and 
 
STONECHAT. WHINCHAT. 43 
 
 reddish breast contrasting with the golden glories of the 
 broom, in a manner which at once displays its beauish pre- 
 tensions. 
 
 Restless and active as are all this family, perhaps the stone - 
 chat is the most so. Indolence cannot be laid to his charge, 
 as he is ever flitting from bush to bush, uttering his monoto- 
 nous clicking 
 
 " "Where scarce the foxglove peeps, or thistles beard, 
 The restless stonechat all day long is heard." 
 
 Thus Wordsworth, describing the stonechats of Cumberland, 
 has described our own. Occasionally, during the breeding 
 season, we hear the short and hurried song of the stonechat, 
 uttered when hovering over the bush where the female is 
 incubating. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 40 THE WHINCHAT. 
 
 Saxicola rubetra. Linn. 
 Traquet tarier. Temm. 
 
 Stonechat. Furzechatter. 
 
 THE WHINCHAT resembles the wheatear in being a summer 
 visitant to our shores, and occurs in much more limited num- 
 bers than either of the preceding species. 
 
 To a casual observer it is almost similar to the stonechat 
 in its marking ; but it may at once be distinguished by the 
 white streak over the eye. Resembling that bird also in its 
 choice of situation, it resembles the wheatear in many of its 
 habits. Like that species, the whinchat possesses the habit of 
 preceding any intruder on its territory, flitting in a like man- 
 ner from twig to twig ; and with the same impatient jerking 
 of the tail, and repeated " u-teek, u-teek," it endeavours 
 to decoy you from its nest. During the season of incubation 
 the whinchat is observed constantly hovering over the bush 
 where the female is brooding, and beguiles her care with its 
 cheerful and hurried song. Occasionally singing when perched 
 on a twig, it will spring hurriedly into the air, and, flitting 
 over the bush, sing in a furious manner, or, as a countryman 
 once observed of it, " Like a trooper." 
 
 Among the most amusing of its habits are its sallies into 
 the air after whatever insects may happen to pass close by it ; 
 in all of which endeavours it is usually successful. Very little 
 difference is exhibited between its eggs and those of the stone- 
 chat, those of the latter being more spotted at the end. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
44 SAXICOLIN.E. 
 
 GENUS XX EUTICILLA (REDSTART). 
 
 SPECIES 41 THE COMMON REDSTART. 
 Euticilla phcenicurus. Linn. 
 Bee fin de murailles. Temm. 
 
 THIS elegantly formed species is one of extreme rarity in its 
 occurrence, and has only been obtained in three or four in- 
 stances in different localities on the island. 
 
 Interesting in habits, and beautiful in plumage, it is a matter 
 of regret that it is not a companion with the many other sum- 
 mer visitants to our shores. 
 
 Exhibiting a peculiarity in the horizontal motion of the 
 tail, many of its observers have disagreed in describing that 
 motion, whether it be horizontal or vertical. Its song is de- 
 scribed as being remarkably low, sweet, and mellow, and 
 uttered when perching on the projecting twig of some low 
 bush. When in confinement it is docile, and is occasionally 
 taught to whistle. One in the possession of Mr. Sweet went 
 through the Copenhagen waltz with admirable precision, 
 " only that it would sometimes stop in the middle of it and 
 say, c chipput,' a name by which it was generally called, and 
 which it would always repeat every time I entered the room 
 where it was, either by night or day." The nest is a large 
 clumsy structure, and the eggs average four or six, fine bluish- 
 green. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 42 THE BLACK REDSTART. 
 
 Ruticilla tithys. Linn. 
 Sec Jin rouge-queue. Temm. 
 
 THE BLACK REDSTART possesses the same qualifications of 
 beauty, form, and plumage, which so much distinguish the 
 last species. Like it, also, it is of great rarity in occurrence, 
 having only been obtained in a few instances. Its habits, 
 song, and eggs, resemble those of the common redstart. 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
BLACKCAP. GARDEN WARBLER. 45 
 
 FAMILY VIII SYL VIABLE (WARBLERS). 
 
 GENUS XXI. CURRUCA (WARBLER). 
 
 SPECIES 43 THE BLACKCAP. 
 
 Curruca atracapilla. Jardine. 
 Bee fin a tete noire. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful songster, whose melody is so delightful as to 
 have gained for it the distinctive appellation of the mock 
 nightingale, we but seldom hear in our island, from the rarity 
 of its occurrence. Possessing the same slight slimness of figure 
 that is so much observed in the family of the Sylviadae, the 
 blackcap is the most decided in its marking of all those spe- 
 cies. Occasionally observed, on two occasions we had the 
 pleasure of hearing the song of the blackcap in its wild state, 
 once in the vicinity of Glasnevin, and the other at Avoca, in 
 the county of Wicklow. A male specimen in our own collec- 
 tion was shot by Dr. Gilgeous at Donnybrook, near Dublin, 
 in October, 1846. As the nightingale has left our island un- 
 visited to the present, we must regret the rarity of its imi- 
 tator : 
 
 " The sonorous blackcap from the ivy nook, 
 Superior to the woodlark and the thrush, 
 And next to Philomela, of the train 
 Of warblers, pours his sweet, melodious strain." 
 
 The blackcap was well known to the ancients, and holds 
 an honourable place in the pages of Aristotle and the elder 
 Pliny. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 44 THE GARDEN WARBLER. 
 Curruca hortensis. Bechs. 
 Bee fin fauvette. Temm. 
 
 NOT so much favoured as England in the number and occur- 
 rence of different species of the summer-seeking Sylviadae, we 
 can only include the garden warbler as another of those rare 
 wanderers which occasionally appear in a few isolated in- 
 stances in different parts of Ireland. 
 
 In Mr. Thompson's Fauna of Ireland we find an interesting 
 notice, from the pen of Mr. R. Parker, of Cork, a gentleman 
 whose pencil has become familiarized in delineating the native 
 birds of his own country with that perfection of touch and 
 
46 SYLVIAD^E. 
 
 tint which only a worshipper of the science could attain, in 
 which he remarks, that of late years the garden warbler has 
 been a regular summer visitor to some of the rich gardens in 
 the vicinity of Cork. Resembling the nightingale in its shy 
 and skulking habits, the garden warbler alone " prates of his 
 whereabouts," by his beautiful mellowed intensity of song, 
 singing as if he were wrapt up in his own melody, he allows 
 us to approach and observe, but when ended, glances into the 
 underwood out of sight. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 45 THE WHITETHROAT. 
 Curruca cinerea. Bechs. 
 Bee fin grisette. Temm. 
 
 THE irritable and harmonious whitethroat is one of the most 
 widely dispersed of our summer warblers, and occurs in all 
 parts of the country, frequenting every hedgerow which 
 affords it shelter. 
 
 Curious and interesting in its habits, which resemble those 
 of the family to which it belongs, the whitethroat is a shy, re- 
 tired species, always skulking away on being approached, 
 and uttering its hoarse guttural alarm-cry in displeasure at 
 being followed. Yet, when not alarmed, 
 
 " The sportive whitethroat, on the twig's end borne, 
 Pours hymns to freedom and the rising morn." 
 
 Doubtless ! For if ever a feathered exponent of freedom 
 sung its principles, it is the whitethroat. Earnestly wild in 
 the intensity of its song, its appearance whilst singing is no 
 less remarkable. Perching upon the thorn, with roseate breast 
 almost perceptible in the sun, he gushes out his hurried song, 
 and as if in delight at the beauty of his own strain, performs 
 the most curious gesticulations. Now, with every change of 
 attitude possible for bird to assume, the head shakes from 
 side to side, every feather on it and the throat widely dis- 
 tended. Again, he throws himself up into the air and quivers 
 about, singing away violently as if performing some mystic 
 dance; and then, as if wearied with his exertions, drops stone- 
 like into the thickest of the hedgerow, uttering his loud, 
 scolding alarm-cry. So - 
 
 " The whitethroat' s lay 
 Flitting from hedgerow, spray to spray ; 
 Or, gently mounting through the air, 
 To mark his bosom silvery fair 
 Invite us." 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
THE WILLOW WARBLER. 47 
 
 GENUS XXII. SYLVIA (WARBLER). 
 
 SPECIES 46 THE WILLOW WARBLER. 
 
 Sylvia trochilus. Latham. 
 
 Bee Jin pouillot. Temni. 
 
 Sallypicker. Golden Wren. 
 
 OF the many migratory birds which for a short period so- 
 journ with us, the beautifully formed willow warbler is the 
 most abundant, frequenting almost every locality, and enli- 
 vening our plantations and woodland copses with its simple 
 and unwearied melody. This modest little bird, both for ap- 
 pearance and unobtrusive habits, is regarded by all with a 
 favourable eye ; and is a frequent and useful visitant to the 
 orchard, examining carefully the apple and pear trees when 
 in blossom, in search of aphides, for which reason it holds a 
 high place in the estimation of the nurseryman, who extends 
 to him his patronage and protection in return for the unceas- 
 ing services performed by his tiny assistant. 
 
 In a short period after their arrival, they commence prepar- 
 ing their nest, which is placed on the ground amongst loose 
 herbage, at the root of a bush or a sloping declivity, and is 
 of a round loose form, having a small opening near the top. 
 The eggs average from five to seven, in form nearly oval, and 
 of a white colour, with red and brownish spots. When dis- 
 turbed, or the nest approached, the parent flies a short dis- 
 tance, uttering her plaintive call of distress. 
 
 Of the many qualities possessed by this interesting species, 
 we must not omit the mellowness of its song, which, for the 
 small size of the bird, can be heard at a considerable distance. 
 In England and on the Continent it is highly and justly 
 prized as a cage bird, soon becoming used to confinement, 
 and singing melodiously in a few days after being taken. 
 When warbling it erects the crest, swells out the throat, and 
 vibrates the body in accordance with its notes. 
 
 The earliest of our summer visitants, the melody of this 
 bird, heard for the first time in the season after spring has 
 showered with a bounteous hand her blossoms o'er the grate- 
 ful earth, its " unpremeditated lay," poured forth in fitful 
 bursts of melody, comes with surprise on the ear, and forms 
 a brilliant contrast to the few notes of those birds remaining 
 with us during winter. 
 
 According to Herodotus, the trochilus remained in the vici- 
 nity of the crocodile, and when the animal had made his repast, 
 the bird entered his open mouth to rid him of the parasites 
 
48 SYLVIAD.E, 
 
 abounding there. Dear, then, should be the memory of the 
 willow warbler to the gourmand, as it indubitably was the 
 origin of the tooth -pick. 
 
 A favourite haunt of this species appears to be the pictur- 
 esque glen which extends across the further end of the Fifteen 
 Acres in the Phoenix Park, a sylvan scene, that would be va- 
 lued more highly were it treble the distance from the city, and 
 which gives shelter to numbers of the "feathered choir" to 
 utter their u wood-notes wild" in security. There the snowy 
 blossoms of the whitethorn contrast with the yellow bloom 
 of the " golden gorse," seeming to entice the sportive 
 bee to revel in their beauties, and woo each passing gale to 
 bear them forth and scatter them in " golden showers." The 
 lovely broom ! bright with the associations and recollections 
 of the warlike Plantagenets (the beautiful flower which the 
 father of science, Linnaeus, prostrated himself before, enrap- 
 tured at the sight when he beheld it for the first time). Be- 
 low, the u babbling brook" prattles merrily o'er the polished 
 stones, disturbed but when the timid deer come down to 
 drink. 
 
 Of the old glen I am an ardent admirer, and say, with 
 Burns 
 
 " Their groves o' sweet myrtle let foreign lands reckon, 
 Where bright beaming summers exalt the perfume ; 
 Far dearer to me yon lone glen o' Green Brechan, 
 Wi* the burn stealing under the lang yellow broom." 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 47 THE CHIFF-CHAFF. 
 
 Sylvia Jdppolais. Selby. 
 
 Bee fin veloce. Temm. 
 
 Sallypicker. 
 
 THE least in size of those migratory warblers which add so 
 many attractions to our summer, the diminutive chifF- chaff is 
 one of the most favourite in the estimation of the ornitholo- 
 
 fist, and, with the exception of the sand martin, is generally 
 rst in its appearance upon our shores. 
 
 At no time attracting our sympathies more than when 
 heard on some cheerless April morning, uttering its pleasant 
 call-notes, as if nature had sent, as her prophet to announce 
 the advent of summer, this little trouvere, who trolls his lay 
 as merrily as when, a short time previous, a sojourner in ano- 
 ther laud. 
 
HIFF-CHAFF. SEDGE WARBLER. 49 
 
 More local in distribution than the willow-warbler, it is 
 found also in much smaller numbers, and frequents occasionally 
 the vicinity of lofty trees, from the utmost height of which 
 we hear the ceaseless repetition of its short, hurried song. 
 This song, which bears a resemblance to its name, can be 
 heard at a great distance, as in clear calm weather it sounds 
 distinctly at the distance of half a mile. 
 
 When captured the chiff-chaff becomes very familiar in 
 confinement, as, according to Mr. Stuart, it will perch on the 
 finger of the person to whom it may be accustomed, learn to 
 drink milk from a teaspoon, and follow its favourite round 
 the room on the wing. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 GENUS XXIII. SALICARIA (SEDGE BIRDS). 
 
 SPECIES 48 THE SEDGE WARBLER, 
 
 Sallcaria phragmites. Selby. 
 Bee Jin phragmite. Temm, 
 
 Irish Nightingale. Sallypicker. 
 
 THIS little songster, whose love for melody is so varied that, 
 not contented with its own simple lay, it adds notes, and pur- 
 loins portions of the song of whatever species may happen to 
 interrupt it. Thus we have heard on many occasions the ele- 
 gantly formed sedge warbler along the Tolka river near 
 Dublin, where at some places they occur in such numbers as 
 if small colonies were unanimous in selecting their summer 
 quarters. 
 
 From its preferring any impervious shelter, where it may 
 skulk along the bottom of the reeds without attracting ob- 
 servation, it is not so well known as other species, and only 
 attracts attention by its changing polyglot melody, which is 
 generally performed in " shadiest covert hid." 
 
 At times, when seated by the banks of that river which 
 Swift and Stella, Steele and Sheridan, Parnell and Addison, 
 have hallowed by their presence, and made it classical, has 
 the song of this species brought with it the most pleasing re- 
 collections of the many legends and traditions which invest 
 our classic Tolka, 
 
 But pardon, gentle reader, for our digression. We will 
 observe their habits. There, by the sedges of the river side, 
 as if melody had returned to her primal reed, we hear the 
 peculiar shrill " charring" of the sedge warbler. Now, sus- 
 picious of our intentions, one ventures stealthily to a reed- 
 E 
 
50 SYLVIADJE. 
 
 top, and again drops to shelter, grating its harsh alarm-note. 
 The swallows skiin past, uttering their merry twitter, and 
 instantly, in an excess of bird indignation for its silence being 
 trespassed upon, the sedge warbler mounts to the highest 
 reed, and pours forth the swallow's melody, nearly as well 
 denned as the original. 
 
 Then comes a medley as each intruder interrupts him, the 
 notes of the linnet and chaffinch, and the twitter of the spar- 
 row. But now the sun glances out brightly, and the lark 
 
 " Higher still, and higher, from the earth now springeth ; 
 Like a cloud of fire, the blue deep he wingeth, 
 And, singing still, doth soar, and soaring, ever singeth." 
 
 But the sedge warbler is silent, and, unable to imitate per- 
 fection, the entire colony make common cause, and express 
 their disapprobation by a succession of harsh, grating notes. 
 
 However varied the sedge warbler's powers of imitation, its 
 own natural song is possessed of considerable merit, and from 
 its habit of singing after dusk and during midnight, it is well 
 known by the names of " night-singer" and u Irish nightin- 
 gale." 
 
 From the impervious situation in which it nidifies, the nest 
 is very difficult of being discovered. However, on several 
 occasions we have obtained it, well concealed amongst sedges, 
 along the Tolka. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. , 
 
 SPECIES 49 THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, 
 
 Salicaria locustella. Selby. 
 Bee Jin locustelle. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, which is believed to be a regular summer visi- 
 tant to our island, and of which some few specimens have been 
 obtained in various localities, appears to be of excessive rarity 
 along the eastern portion of the island, so much so that it 
 has never passed under my own observation, or that of Mr. 
 Richard Glennon, who has had some forty years' experience 
 of the distribution of our native and migratory species. Shy 
 and retired in habits, as are many of the birds comprised in 
 this family, the grasshopper warbler is the most so. Possessing 
 a peculiar call-note, which bears a close resemblance to the 
 note of the mole cricket (Grilla talpa), it hides itself so com- 
 pletely from view, that an opportunity is rarely presented of 
 observing it ; never leaving the impenetrable shelter it has 
 chosen, neither will any inducement cause it to take wing, 
 
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER GOLDEN- CRESTED WREN. 51 
 
 threading its way with the greatest rapidity along the roots 
 and branches of the bushy jungle it inhabits. 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XXIV REGULUS (KING BIRD). 
 
 SPECIES 50 THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 
 
 Regulus cristatus. Ray. 
 Roilelet ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 THE goldcrest is not only the most diminutive of our native 
 birds, but also one of the most beautiful, and worthy indeed 
 to top that apex of which the queenly hooper might be the 
 base, already honoured with its regal crown of rich orange, 
 yellow, and velvetty black. 
 
 Widely distributed over our island, the goldcrest gives the 
 preference to young plantations, woods, and shrubberies, 
 where we observe it during all seasons, but chiefly in autumn, 
 when, accompanied by its young brood, it makes the branches 
 of the old pines and hawthorns melodious by its singularly 
 low, sweet song, which sounds like an echo of some distant 
 melody. Indeed, we are most inclined to name it the humming- 
 bird of our cold latitudes, as the sun, glancing upon the yel- 
 lowish plumage and golden crest, when flitting from pine to 
 pine, makes it rather resemble some creation of the insect 
 world, with its song, ceaseless humming, than the smallest 
 and most pleasing of our warblers. The nest is usually of a 
 penduline form, remarkably elegant in its structure, and con- 
 cealed by overhanging foliage. On being discovered in a low 
 situation, and approached, the female flits about the vicinity, 
 uttering her weak, sibilous cry, as if, to her at least, 
 
 " Her eggs within the nest repose, 
 Like relics in an urn." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 E2 
 
52 PARING. 
 
 FAMILY IX PARING (TITS). 
 
 GENUS XXV PARUS (TIT). 
 
 SPECIES 51 THE GREAT TIT. 
 
 Parus major. Linn. 
 Mesange charbonniere. Temm. 
 
 Blackcap. Oxeye. Tomtit. 
 
 THE great tit is the largest in size of the family to which it 
 belongs, and, next to the blue tit, the most common of the 
 Parinae in Ireland. Frequenting woods and thickets, it re- 
 sorts to the vicinity of the garden during summer, where its 
 visits become " more free than welcome," and might well be 
 dispensed with, were it not for the services it renders in de- 
 stroying aphides. Although all the Irish titmice are more or 
 less distinguished by their curious patchwork of colouring, the 
 burnished steel blue of the head, pure white cheek-patches, 
 and the yellow breast of this species, all singularly neatly 
 arranged, give a clean -looking appearance, which, perhaps, 
 exceeds in beauty the other members of its family. 
 
 The great tit is also, though in a very small degree, a poly- 
 glot, changing from its own loud u tee, tee," to the merry 
 u pink, pink," of the chaffinch ; or, again, catching up the 
 prolonged u waait" of the willow wren, it essays the "if hee," 
 u if hee," of the cole tits in the adjoining plantation. During 
 the season of incubation the great tit repeats a peculiar grating 
 note, closely resembling the sound produced by sharpening a 
 saw, and which may be heard at a considerable distance. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 52 THE BLUE TIT. 
 
 Parus cceruleus. Linn. 
 Mesange bleue. Temm. 
 
 Stonechat. Tomtit. Bluebonnet. 
 
 THIS gaily-marked little fellow is a most common species, 
 and abundantly distributed over the 'island. Fearless and 
 familiar, it is generally to be found in the vicinity of culti- 
 vated districts, and, unlike the robin (a settled pensioner on 
 our bounty), this wandering Bedouin settles down on whatever 
 oasis appears first in view, and becomes at once perfectly at 
 
THE BLUE TIT. 53 
 
 home. As among raptorial birds we observe the little merlin 
 possessed of more spirit and courage than the large and more 
 powerful eagles, in like manner, among the perching birds, 
 we find the blue tit to be one of those possessed of such indo- 
 mitable courage as at once to give it victory over its grosser 
 antagonists. 
 
 It is during winter that we have the best opportunities for 
 observing most of the species comprised in the family of Pa- 
 rinse ; although to be seen in gardens, orchards, and planta- 
 tions during all seasons, yet when deprived of their usual 
 food by the rigours of winter, they are forced for sustenance 
 to our immediate vicinity. Thus we see the present species 
 pick up a living in the centre of large cities, or in the country, 
 boldly disputing with the poultry of the farmyard for the 
 possession of a tit-bit. 
 
 Its food consists of insects, larvae, and seeds, but when in, 
 the neighbourhood of the farm it becomes adapted to circum- 
 stances, and even lowers its woodland taste so far as to relish 
 the good things of civilized life. Indeed, we have at times 
 surprised it picking a bone, and it appeared more glad than 
 otherwise, as if affording us an idea in what artistic manner 
 such things are executed by a coxcombical " blue stocking." 
 
 Such preference does it exhibit for this fare, that the cele- 
 brated Gilbert White, during his youth, remembers catching 
 twenty in a morning in snap mouse-traps baited with suet. 
 During spring the great portion of its sustenance is obtained 
 by destroying aphides and other insects, which exist in the 
 buds, principally of the apple-tree. For these services the 
 harmless bluebonnet is badly repaid. The gardener becomes 
 furious at seeing his blossoms destroyed, and at once writes 
 to some Farmers' Gazette about the best means of destroying 
 tomtits alas ! for natural history. The editor humours his 
 correspondent, and at once suggests a method short, sharp, 
 and decisive, to exterminate these troublesome little vermin. 
 Again, it is arraigned for cruelty, acts of piracy, &c. &c., 
 and accused of killing small birds by splitting their skulls ! 
 And horrible ye bee-keepers u Bluebonnet" stands sentry 
 at the entrance of your apiary, and destroys the contents of 
 whole hives ! 
 
 Certainly, we confess our total ignorance of any of those 
 heinous charges, and believe the locality must be barren and 
 desolate indeed not to afford a profusion of other food with- 
 out deranging the contents of their stomachs by a meal of 
 birds and bees. 
 
 The nest is generally placed in a chink, or hole in a wall or 
 
54 PARING. 
 
 tree, which habit in this country has procured for it the name 
 of stonechat. It is composed of moss, wool, and hair, lined 
 with every available feather. The eggs average from eight to 
 twelve, in one instance eighteen were obtained in a single 
 nest.* They are transparent reddish white, dotted with light 
 brown. 
 
 So strong is the attachment of this bird to its eggs or 
 young, that when sought for, it prefers remaining on the nest 
 rather than escape. In many instances we have thus captured 
 the female when striving to defend her young, pecking deter- 
 minedly at the hand, and uttering her sibilous notes. She 
 offers her own life to save her progeny. So extraordinary 
 are the sites often chosen by this species to nidify, that they 
 are frequently noticed in the public prints. One instance 
 came under the notice of a friend of the author as follows : 
 
 u A plaster cast of Milton, exposed in a garden, had its eye 
 destroyed by the arrow of a mischievous urchin, which, when 
 the classic interior became exposed, was at once selected by 
 a pair of these birds, and where they succeeded for many 
 years in rearing their broods in safety. Never was greater 
 indignity offered to the poet than the present; his solemn 
 bust profaned by these noisy vagrants." 
 
 So volatile are the attitudes of this bird, that we never for 
 a moment observed it stationary, and when a number are 
 observed concentrated on one tree searching for food, their 
 appearance is delightful in the extreme ; every change of at- 
 titude possible for bird to make is at once effected by this 
 comical little droll, all constantly enlivened by a note the very 
 soul of merriment. Even the usually sedate Wordsworth ap- 
 pears infected with the joyous spirit of 
 
 " That giddy sprite, 
 Bluecap, who, with his colours bright, 
 Hung-head, pointing towards the ground 
 Fluttered, perched, into a round 
 Bound himself and then unbound ; 
 Lithest, gaudiest harlequin ! 
 Prettiest tumbler ever seen !" 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 * Hewitson. 
 
COLE TIT. MARSH TIT. 55 
 
 SPECIES 53 THE COLE TIT. 
 
 Parus ater. Linn. 
 Mesange petite charbonniere. Temm. 
 
 Tomtit. 
 
 THIS lively little species, which resembles the blue tit in size, 
 and the great tit in general form of colouring, is well distri- 
 buted over the island, but occurs in much smaller numbers 
 than either of the other species. One locality, where, from the 
 presence of old hawthorn, a constant variety of this family may 
 be observed, is the fine old woods in the Phoenix Park, where, 
 during all seasons, an endless opportunity is afforded for exa- 
 mining the interesting habits of the animated and merry little 
 titmice. In habits like the blue tit, it frequents more the 
 plantation and shrubbery, and seldom ventures to the vicinity 
 of the farmyard, unless forced by the severity of winter. Very 
 social in its relations with its own species, it is no less so with 
 others, as we frequently observe them adding to the numbers 
 of a flock composed of the blue and long-tail tit, goldcrest, 
 and, perhaps, the creeper. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 54 THE MARSH TIT, 
 
 Parus palustris. Linn. 
 Mesange nonnette. Temm. 
 
 THIS titmouse, which closely resembles the preceding in 
 size and form of colouring, is a species of great rarity in our 
 island, as few specimens have passed under the observation 
 of the late William Thompson, Esq., of Belfast. To our own 
 observation it has never occurred in a recent state ; although, 
 on referring to notes made on some species of our birds, rare 
 in Ireland, but common in England, we find recorded the 
 fact of observing it, during the summer of 1848, when visiting 
 the admirable collection of Charles Waterton, Esq., of Wal- 
 ton Hall, in Yorkshire, at which locality they appeared so 
 abundant as to usurp the place of the cole tit (Parus ater). 
 
 The bearded titmouse (Parus biarmicus) is said to have 
 occurred on one occasion, but is not sufficiently authenticated 
 to have a place in our Fauna. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
56 PARING. 
 
 SPECIES 55 THE LONG-TAILED TIT, 
 
 Parus caudatus. Linn. 
 Mesange a long queue. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful species,, as remarkable for elegance of form as 
 from its interesting habits, has been at all times taken under 
 the especial care of the ornithologist. Rather unusual in its 
 occurrence, it is found in much smaller numbers than any of 
 the species already described, perhaps owing to its wandering 
 and migratory habits, seldom remaining for any length of time . 
 in the same locality. The admirable grace with which a troop 
 of these birds traverse the greenwood, and the varied at- 
 titudes they display when in search of food, are eminently in- 
 teresting to the observer. 
 
 Possessing a peculiarity in flight, from the great length of 
 tail to which this species owes its name, its appearance on the 
 wing has been likened by many writers to the rapid glancing 
 of a feather -tipped arrow through the uncertain light of the 
 leaf- clad grove. 
 
 The nest is a very beautiful structure, and resembles that 
 of the goldcrest in its penduline form, as also that of the 
 goldfinch, in the exquisite manner with which the outside is 
 covered by the many varied particles of lichen. The inside is 
 generally lined with feathers, and this fact has obtained for 
 it the common name of the u feather poke." 
 
 The long-tailed tit is entirely destitute of any of that bold- 
 ness so characteristic of the great and blue tits, and the utmost 
 severity of winter fails in forcing it to leave its lonely haunts in 
 the plantation or shrubbery to seek refuge in the vicinity of 
 man ; and in captivity it has such a quiet melancholy and 
 loving deportment towards its fellow -prisoner, as almost to 
 justify the appellation of love-bird. A pair once in our pos- 
 session evidenced this, for, on the approach of night, the 
 female uniformly crept close to the male, inserting her head 
 beneath his wing, and, nestling in security and shelter, thus 
 passed away the darksome hours of night. 
 
 The eggs of the long-tailed tit are next in size to that 
 of the minute goldcrest, and resembles the eggs of all titmice, 
 in being of a whitish colour, speckled with red. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
HEDGE ACCENTOR. PIED WAGTAIL. 57 
 
 GENUS XXVI. ACCENTOR (CHANTER). 
 SPECIES 56 THE HEDGE ACCENTOR. 
 
 Accentor modularis. Selby. 
 
 Accenteur mouchet. Temm. 
 Hedge-sparrow. Reefouge. Black Wren. 
 THIS unobtrusive and modestly attired species is found in all 
 suitable localities, and although not occurring in numbers, is 
 yet so widely distributed as to be commonly met with. Its 
 favourite haunts are hedges, in the vicinity of the farmhouse 
 and garden, where it threads its way through the intricacies. 
 Even in the centre of large towns, as in the public squares of 
 Dublin, the hedge-sparrow can be observed at all times. Its 
 habits are as unobtrusive as its song is sweet and simple ; 
 and on this species nature has unfortunately bestowed the 
 privilege of possessing those beautiful bluish-green eggs which, 
 in most counties in Ireland, are sought after with such 
 avidity by juvenile bird-nesters ; so much so, that it is their 
 ambition to surround each of those elaborate designs, " where 
 tawdry yellow strives with dirty red," with a chaplet of the 
 hedge-sparrow's eggs. In a cottage in the county of Wick- 
 low we have counted as many as 115 eggs of this harassed 
 and hapless little warbler. However, this is not the only in- 
 convenience the persecuted parent meets with ; for to her care 
 the u parasitic" cuckoo but too often confides her offspring, 
 and then, with ceaseless toil, the hedge-sparrow labours to 
 provide sustenance for her foster-child, of such ungainly 
 growth that thousands of larvae from the sod beneath the 
 shady hedgerow must be immolated to appease the mighty 
 hunger of her giant child. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 FAMILY X. MOTACILLIK^E (WAGTAILS). 
 
 GENUS XXVII. MOTACILLA (WAGTAIL). 
 SPECIES 57 THE PIED WAGTAIL. 
 
 Motacilla Yarrellii. Gould. 
 
 Bergeronnette grise. Temm. 
 
 Willy Wagtail. Devil's Bird. Deviling. 
 
 THE most common and widely distributed of the Motacillinae, 
 the pied wagtail is found in all localities. Equally at home 
 by the margin of the retired mountain rivulet as it is in the 
 
58 MOTACILLDOE. 
 
 centre of the stirring streets of the metropolis, it is a well- 
 known species, and a favourite with all classes, perhaps from 
 the apparent independence of its motions on the ground, or 
 its pugnacity when occasionally intruded upon by any unin- 
 tentional feathered interloper. 
 
 This wagtail is one of those lively and cleanly-plumaged 
 birds which has ever found favour in our sight. Whe- 
 ther observed when quietly wagging upon some projecting 
 stone by the river side, and uttering its brief attempt at a 
 song, or when gracefully attending upon the footsteps of 
 cattle, spreading out its fan -shaped tail, and flying upwards 
 for a few feet, in active pursuit of those insects disturbed from 
 the earth by the motion of the cattle. During winter it be- 
 comes more permanent in its relations with the city, and 
 frequents stables and outhouses, or those yards or locali- 
 ties where it can glean subsistence during the rigour of the 
 season. 
 
 With the usual fate of a bad architect, the nest is a clumsy 
 structure, and is usually placed in the interstices of an old 
 stone or ivy-clad wall. The eggs are greyish -white, mottled 
 with brown, and bear a close resemblance to those of the 
 house-sparrow. When discovered, they are generally allowed 
 to remain in safety, as a curious belief amongst children pro- 
 tects them and their parent from their all-appropriating 
 grasp, the u uncanny" motion of the tail having gained it the 
 rather dubious appellation of devil's bird. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 58 THE GRAY WAGTAIL. 
 
 Motacilla boarula. Linn. 
 Bergeronnette jaune ou boarule. Temm. 
 
 Yellow Wagtail. 
 
 THIS beautiful wagtail occurs in similar localities as the pre- 
 ceding ; perhaps giving the preference to retired mountain 
 streams, and often found in solitary situations where the pied 
 species would not be observed at any season. 
 
 More graceful in form than that bird, it is undoubtedly 
 more beautiful in plumage. The bright Indian yellow of the 
 breast, and its gorget of deepest black, with the light bluish- 
 grey of the upper parts, combine to render the male, in his 
 wedding dress, the most elegant of his species, whilst the 
 eternally moving parti-coloured tail secures for him the title 
 of " most dainty bridegroom." 
 
 Along the banks of the Dodder the gray wagtail is con- 
 
THE GRAY WAGTAIL. 59 
 
 stantly to be observed ; and few species, which from their 
 habits we might designate u semi-water birds," add more to 
 the picturesque than a pair of these wagtails, so replete with 
 grace and beauty. 
 
 The breeding places generally chosen are ivied walls, cre- 
 vices in bridges, or old buildings, which are overhung with 
 decayed herbage, under whose cover the nest is formed, and 
 the eggs deposited. 
 
 At no time are we compelled more to bestow our fullest meed 
 of approbation on this species than when observed searching for 
 food by the river side. Now picking its steps as daintily as any 
 boarding-school miss upon a wet day, it ventures cautiously 
 into the water. But, careless of the admirers of its under- 
 standing if it does hold up its long-tailed feathers, and show 
 a portion of its tiny leg, it is only a matter of necessity, and 
 nothing more. Now picking up the water insects which had 
 rested in fancied security beside that tuft of green herbage, 
 it becomes so overjoyed that, unable to walk composedly, it 
 actually launches its tiny form into the air for an aerial ex- 
 cursion, and is not completely sobered until blown down the 
 river before the wind for some hundred yards. It now 
 alights demurely upon some wall, and commences the rapid 
 wagging motion of that ever graceful tail. 
 
 Perhaps at no time had a small bird appealed more directly 
 to our feelings of sympathy than on the following occasion. 
 In the autumn of 1845, whilst passing along our noble line of 
 quays, near Essex-bridge, a male of this species flew within 
 a few yards of our face, screaming its shrill alarm-cry, and, 
 from the intensity with which it was uttered, it appeared to 
 have been held in the clutches of some hawk or cat. It was 
 joined with a mate also, in the same terror as the male, both 
 birds screaming and flying backwards and forwards with their 
 beautiful fan-shaped tails widely extended. On looking to- 
 wards the centre of the river we observed their nest floating 
 down with the tide ; from the sides of the frail ark occa- 
 sionally protruded the head of one or other of the ill-fated 
 young, as every motion of the water seemed to threaten its 
 dissolution. Soon many were attracted to the painful spec- 
 tacle, witnessing this sad picture of maternal care ; and who 
 would not feel moved at a sight so sad, or look on with indif- 
 ference ? 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
60 AMPELIN.E. 
 
 SPECIES 59 THE YELLOW WAGTAIL. 
 
 Motacilla flava. Selby. 
 Bergeronnette flaveole. Temm. 
 
 THE YELLOW WAGTAIL is a more delicately formed species 
 than the grey ; but, from the shortness of the tail, is deficient 
 of that grace which is so peculiar to the other. 
 
 The rarest of our three Irish wagtails, we can only announce 
 it as a very local summer visitant to our island, and that prin- 
 cipally to the shores of Lough Neagh, in the north of Ireland.* 
 Very similar in habits to the other species, it frequents more 
 the vicinity of fields and meadows, where it occasionally nidifys. 
 On one occasion we had the pleasure of meeting with it on 
 the banks of the Dodder, near Irishtown. It was perfectly 
 tame ; walking and feeding along the pathway, and admitting 
 of a very near approach, and, when at last disturbed, flew to 
 the branches of a willow tree overhanging the water, where 
 it uttered its pleasing call-note. About the same time ano- 
 ther specimen was taken alive by a cabin-boy, on board a 
 coal-vessel entering the harbour of Dublin. 
 
 The occurrence of this species in the north is a matter of 
 surprise to us, as we should have suspected a more southern 
 locality, owing to the vicinity of the point of migration. 
 
 A male and female in our possession, obtained at Lough 
 Neagh, were kindly presented by James R. Garrat, Esq., of 
 Belfast, a gentleman whose critical research on many interest- 
 ing points of our ornithology are so fully appreciated in the 
 pages of Mr. Thompson's Fauna of Ireland. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XI. AMPELIN.E (CHATTERERS). 
 
 GENUS XXVIII BOMBYCILLA (WAXWING). 
 
 SPECIES 60 THE BOHEMIAN WAXWLNG. 
 
 Bombycilla Garrula. Linn. 
 Grand Jasuer. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, unusual in its occurrence, has been obtained in 
 some fifteen or twenty authenticated instances in various 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
THE BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 61 
 
 parts of Ireland. And as a general departure from that rule, 
 where we chiefly find our most beautiful plumaged species to 
 be summer visitants, we observe an exception in this instance, 
 , as the beautiful waxwing is only forced from other latitudes, 
 an unwilling visitor to our shores, by the rigours of a severe 
 winter. 
 
 A fine male specimen in our collection was obtained during 
 severe weather, near the old castle of Timmon, within a few 
 miles of Dublin, on the 21st of January, 1851, accompanied 
 with another of the same species, both birds associated with 
 missel thrushes which were feeding on the berries of the 
 whitethorn. After some time the missel thrushes attacked 
 the waxwings, and by their combined efforts forced them to 
 retire from what they considered their rightful property. Both 
 the luckless wanderers taking refuge in a ploughed field, the 
 male was shot, and on dissection the stomach was found 
 completely filled with the forbidden fruit. 
 
 Another waxwing, obtained about the same time, was shot 
 in company with a flock of redwings and fieldfares, in the 
 county of Longford. 
 
 The name waxwing, by which this beautiful wanderer is 
 known, is acquired from the secondary quill feathers being 
 tipped with curious scarlet, wax-like appendages. This un- 
 usual appearance, remarked by the ancients, caused it to re- 
 ceive the title of Incendiaria avis, the name bestowed by Pliny. 
 Invested with many fables, it was believed to frequent the 
 Hyrcanian forest, where, during night, it illuminated the 
 woods with its flame -spotted wings. Admired only at a dis- 
 tance, Rome, on several occasions, underwent lustrations after 
 having been frightened from its propriety by flocks of the 
 harmless waxwing. 
 
 Not only has this species excited the interest which we 
 have seen, but its breeding haunts, to the present day, have 
 been hidden in the greatest obscurity, as in no country have 
 they ever been discovered. Many suppositions have been 
 formed, but, in the words of Lucien Bonaparte, the scientific 
 Prince of Canino : u There are circumstances involved in 
 darkness, and which it has not been given to any naturalist 
 to ascertain." The same ornithologist observes : " In Italy 
 their appearance in the large flocks, in which they are gene- 
 rally seen there, make the people look upon them with super- 
 stitious awe, as the precursors of war, pestilence, and other 
 public calamities." 
 
 The si&e of those flocks, large though they be, can scarcely 
 
62 MUSCICAPIDJE. 
 
 exceed those which Gesner has remarked to " occur in such 
 numbers as obscuring the sun." 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XII MUSCICAPID.E (FLYCATCHERS). 
 
 GENUS XXIX. MUSCICAPA (FLYCATCHER). 
 
 SPECIES 61 THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. 
 
 Muscicapa grisola. Linn. 
 Gobe-mouche gris. Temm. 
 
 THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER is a species which demands con- 
 siderable attention from the ornithologist, not only from the 
 singularity of its habits, but also from being the sole represen- 
 tative of its family with us. 
 
 Living chiefly upon insect prey, the form of the flycatcher 
 is eminently adapted to its pursuit, and usually attracts our 
 attention by its sallies into the air after whatever luckless in- 
 sect may pass. Perching motionless on its favourite stand, 
 the top of a gate-post, or thorn in the hedgerow, it patiently 
 awaits their appearance. A pair of the beautiful orange tip 
 (Pontia cardamines) approach, flitting from side to side of 
 the hedgerow in their playful pastime, at one moment close 
 together, at the next widely separated, they look even more 
 to advantage than that gaudy red admiral ( Vanessa atalanta) 
 which has just swept past : gradually they are nearing the 
 spoiler, who hurriedly springs into the air, and tells us his 
 success in the loud clicking snap of the mandibles. Returning 
 to his perch, he again watches the circles of the now solitary 
 orange tip in search of her lost mate. 
 
 The spotted flycatcher, to our own observation, in the 
 eastern counties appears rather unusual in its occurrence, 
 and is very seldom remarked in any of the counties about 
 Dublin. In the neighbourhood of Cork and Kilkenny I have 
 observed it to occur in more abundance. Having on several 
 occasions received the nest and eggs from Dr. Barker's pro- 
 perty at Stirling, near Dublin, I was informed by the gar- 
 dener, Mr. C. Coghlan (who is perfectly conversant with all 
 our native birds, and in whose collection this bird holds an 
 honoured place), that the flycatcher occasionally appears, 
 and selects any crevice in the wall as a site for the nest. 
 
FLY-CATCHER. RAVEN. 63 
 
 This species is also one of the latest of our summer migrants 
 appearing upon our shores ; and on its arrival at once pre- 
 pares for the duties of incubation ; and, so limited is the time 
 allotted, that we are almost tempted to believe they had 
 paired upon their passage. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SUB-ORDER CONIROSTRES (CONE-BILLED- 
 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XIIL CORVID.E (CROWS). 
 
 GENUS XXX CORVUS (CROW). 
 
 SPECIES 62 THE RAVEN. 
 
 Corvus corax. Linn. 
 Corbeau noir. Temm. 
 
 THE RAVEN is one of the most interesting of our Irish birds, 
 as well from its grave, noble, and dignified appearance, as 
 from the interest attached to it by legend, history, and poetry, 
 all of these having invested this solemn -looking bird with their 
 various attributes. 
 
 The raven is a species but rarely coming under our notice 
 in the vicinity of Dublin, although believed to be more com- 
 mon than it really is, from other birds of the family being 
 confounded with it. 
 
 To seethe raven in its native home we must look towards the 
 precipices of our northern and western coast, where, unmolested 
 in its haunts, and not subjected to any wanton annoyance, it 
 seems worthy of the honours and dishonours which have been 
 heaped so unsparingly upon it. Although not possessing the 
 graceful bearing and deportment distinguishing the noble 
 falcon, there is something in the austere dignity of the raven 
 which awes us into admiration. His black and gloomy ap- 
 pearance is in admirable accordance with the lonely and de- 
 solate haunts it frequents. Perched upon some rifted crag, 
 beneath the shadow of the precipice, he seems the seneschal of 
 the shore, watching whatever prey is cast upon its terri- 
 tory. Adapting himself to all localities, he lives indifferently 
 upon carrion, stranded fish, worms, insects, and young birds ; 
 and in spring, occasionally, young lambs may be treated ra- 
 ther dubiously with the raven's protection ; generally, how* 
 ever, no kind of putrid or decayed animal matter comes amiss. 
 
64 CORVIDJI. 
 
 When taken young, and reared from the nest, it becomes 
 familiar and even playful, and in the stable is of utility in 
 checking the increase of vermin, seldom permitting a rat to 
 escape, but unfortunately extends the same equivocal pa- 
 tronage to early poultry, or a young kitten or puppy. 
 
 Possessing great aptitude and unequalled powers of obser- 
 vation, the thousand anecdotes of their sagacity and prudence 
 would require a more extended area than the limits of our 
 space afford. 
 
 Coming down to us from remote antiquity, at a period 
 nearly coeval with man, the history of the raven commences 
 and is handed down with the legends and traditions of every 
 age and of every country. In Genesis we find Noah send- 
 ing forth a raven to ascertain if the waters had abated, and, 
 not returning, it was consequently reckoned an unclean bird 
 by the Mosaic law : and yet we find the raven appointed by 
 heaven to succour the hidden Elijah by the brook of Cherith. 
 And again, Solomon, in his Canticle of Canticles, describing 
 the Messiah, says, " His head is as the finest gold; his locks 
 as branches of palm trees, black as a raven." 
 
 The Chaldeans, in their favourite pursuit of augury, drew 
 omens from the appearance of the raven ; and subsequently 
 the Romans dedicated it to Apollo, as the god of divination, 
 noting every particular relating to it with superstitious awe. 
 Strange it is, then, with so many admirers, to see Mahomet 
 infringing on the holiness of the route to Mecca by allowing 
 his believers to destroy it, the only bird, except the kite, 
 to which that liberty was accorded.* 
 
 Perhaps it may have been in detestation of the raven which 
 initiated Cain to the disposal of his brother's body, of which 
 we have the following version in the Koran : "And God sent 
 a raven which scratched the earth to show him (Cain) how 
 he should hide the shame of his brother. For he (Cain) not 
 knowing where to conceal it, it stank horribly. And God sent 
 a raven, who killed another raven in his presence, and then 
 dug a pit with his beak and claws, and buried him therein." 
 
 Thus, after having reflected the shadow of his wing alike 
 over the Bible and the Koran, we next find the form of the 
 raven transferred to the banners of the piratical sea-kings of 
 Norway, and every Saga of their Skalds replete with allu- 
 sions to this black and gloomy emblem, which, from its ill- 
 omened appearance so often upon our own shores, does not 
 surprise us at the interest it had demanded from the bards 
 and poets of the day. 
 
 * Sale's Koran. 
 
THE RAVEN. 65 
 
 Occasionally, among those old remnants of the bardic min- 
 strelsy of our island, we find many curious allusions to this 
 bird. We might instance that of the bard Benean, who lived 
 about the year 400. In singing of the rights of the kings of 
 Cashel, he mentions one tributary province which should pre- 
 sent the king yearly " a thousand goodly cows, not cows of 
 ravens,"* the implied meaning being, that they should be in 
 good condition, and not weak or sickly, or in any way liable 
 to be attacked by those birds ; which occurs to us as being a 
 very original method of indicating the merits of cattle. 
 
 Held in veneration in most countries, the raven was seldom 
 injured. Legend and tradition had surrounded it with a kind 
 of halo, which was but rarely infringed upon. Cervantes has 
 told us the unwillingness of the English to injure a raven, for 
 centuries after the death of King Arthur, from the tradition 
 of his transformation into a bird of this species. 
 
 After having attracted so much notice at an early age, we 
 find, as the world became more enlightened, that the few good 
 graces possessed by the raven had retrograded, so much so, 
 that he appears before us " black as Erebus," on the title-page 
 of the u Mirakel Buch" of the celebrated Faust. And in a 
 short time the author's name was forgotten, and the book 
 was only known by the name of " Die Schwartze Rabe," 
 The Black Raven. 
 
 Gracing the poet's song from an early age, all have selected 
 the " infausta comix" as the most fitting mark on which to 
 heap their obloquy. It is, perhaps, Shakspere who makes 
 most frequent mention of the raven. In " The Tempest" 
 Caliban says : 
 
 " As wicked dew as e'er my mother brush' d, 
 With raven's feather, from unwholesome fen, 
 Drop on you both !" 
 
 And in the " Moor of Venice," Othello : 
 
 " It comes o'er my memory, 
 As doth the raven o'er the infected house, 
 Boding to all!" 
 
 And Lady Macbeth, thus : 
 
 " The raven himself is hoarse 
 
 That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan 
 Under my battlements!" 
 
 * Leabhap na g-Ceapc, The Book of Rights. 
 
66 CORVID.E. 
 
 But more severe, and yet more beautiful, is Marlowe, in 
 the " Jew of Malta :" 
 
 "The sad presaging raven tolls 
 The sick man's passport in her hollow beak ; 
 And in the shadow of the silent night 
 Doth shake contagion from her sable wing !" 
 
 After so much censure, we must return to the days of Ap- 
 pius Vindemiator, who is, perhaps, alone in his praise of the 
 
 " O, raven ! croaking on the tree, 
 "Woe to the man who injures thee ! 
 Thou brought'st the persecuted food, 
 Friend of the prophet, child of good, 
 Maligned, but little understood ; 
 "Woe to the man who injures thee ! 
 Childless he is, or childless he shall be." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 63 THE CARRION CROW. 
 
 Corvus corone. Linn. 
 Corneille noire. Temrn. 
 
 THE rarest of the Corvidse in its occurrence, the carrion crow 
 is a species very local in its distribution, and appears to fre- 
 quent principally the northern portions of the island. Of 
 similar habits as the raven, it employs even more sagacity in 
 its search for food, as the following instance, occurring to Mr. 
 F. Fielding, of Norwich, abundantly testifies. u A heronry, 
 from which I had on many occasions received heron's eggs, 
 broken in a manner difficult to account for, and in most in- 
 stances found upon the ground, induced me to watch in the 
 vicinity, when, in the absence of the heron, a carrion crow 
 dived into the elm tree where the nest was situated, and bore 
 off an egg in triumph. On shouting, he made away more ra- 
 pidly, but retaining his hold upon his ill-gotten plunder." 
 
 After many years of close attention to the species occurring 
 in our eastern counties, we have never had the good fortune 
 to meet with this bird. Our only opportunity of observing 
 it was in the summer of 1846, when two specimens in a re- 
 cent state came under notice with Mr. Glennon, to whom they 
 had been forwarded from the county of Clare. Both birds 
 had the bills and heads deeply encrusted with soft earth, and, 
 as remarked in Mr. Thompson's work, when examined on 
 similar occasions, they were completely swarming with sin- 
 
CARRION CROW. HOODED CROW. 67 
 
 gular unpleasant-looking parasites. On one occasion Mr. 
 James Garrett, of Belfast, has remarked to us their occasional 
 occurrence in that neighbourhood during autumn. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 64 THE HOODED CROW. 
 
 Corvus comix. Linn. 
 Corneille mantalee. Temm. 
 Scald Crow. Praheen Cark. Carrion Crow. 
 OF the true predatory crows, this is our most common species ; 
 and, from occurring in almost every locality, we may observe 
 it during all seasons. Regular in its attendance upon the 
 shore in Dublin Bay, it may be observed daily, varying in 
 numbers from a single pair to five or six, all actively engaged 
 in examining the " rejectamenta" of the receding tide, and 
 occasionally making use of its curious and well-known habit 
 of obtaining food by breaking the shell of the cockle or muscle, 
 which it effects in the following manner. The bivalve is 
 seized by the bill, and the crow flies upwards in search of a 
 large stone, which, being selected, the cockle is dropped from 
 an altitude, and its contents becoming exposed by the fall, 
 the ingenious rogue descends to enjoy the prize his sagacity 
 has so worthily earned. 
 
 The breeding places of the birds frequenting Dublin Bay 
 are at Bray Head, Howth, and Lainbay, the nest being placed 
 in clefts and fissures of the rock. Inland, the preference ap- 
 pears given to old woods, where the highest and most isolated 
 tree is chosen for the purpose. That the character of the 
 hooded crow would stand clear of the many charges alleged 
 against it is doubtful, as the old henwives in the country re- 
 gard it with especial abhorrence, asserting the injury done to 
 their fowl while in a weak state, and the plunder of the eggs 
 of every vagrant duck betaking itself to the fields to lay. 
 For these reasons, in the Irish districts, it has received its 
 best-known appellation of " praheen cark," the hen crow. 
 On one occasion, at Howth, we observed a hooded crow 
 closely pursued by six or eight sea-gulls, all clamouring a 
 complete u hue and cry" after this disreputable character. 
 Arguing from the silence of the pursued, and its previous bad 
 character, it was doubtless about to put its thieving propen- 
 sities in practice, by abstracting the eggs or young, when it 
 was discovered and pursued. From the observation of se- 
 veral gamekeepers, we find all agree in condemning this 
 species for destroying the eggs of the grouse in the breeding 
 F 2 
 
68 
 
 season. Watching at a distance after having discovered a 
 nest, they await the absence of the hen bird, when the pair of 
 plunderers hasten to the spot, and in a few moments the work 
 of devastation is accomplished. A keen sportman once related 
 the following occurrence to the author. 
 
 Whilst crossing for pleasure a portion of mountain strictly 
 preserved, and where grouse were breeding in considerable 
 numbers, he startled a pair of scald crows from the remains 
 of young grouse which had just emerged from the shell. The 
 hen grouse appeared to have struggled to preserve her pro- 
 geny, as, before my informant had startled them, he had ob- 
 served one of the crows diving in the air near the place, pos- 
 sibly to attract her attention from the young. Since that time 
 the same gentleman informed me that many of these birds had 
 been immolated by him, as he would prefer giving one the 
 contents of a barrel rather than the best grouse that ever rose 
 to his gun. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 65 THE ROOK. 
 
 Corvus frugilegus. Linn. 
 Corleau freux. Temm. 
 
 Praheen Crow. 
 
 THIS familiar, well-known species is widely distributed in all 
 portions of the island, and occurs in flocks of considerable 
 magnitude. Their habits as regards injury and benefit to the 
 farmer having been so often discussed, both by parties who are 
 perfectly competent to do so, and by others as equally incom- 
 petent, that we could fill many pages with the doubtful de- 
 cisions of the rook's various advocates for good or evil. How- 
 ever, we think that country must be poor indeed not to allow 
 a few abstracted potatoes and grains of seed to be set opposite 
 as a remuneration for the incalculable services it performs, 
 by consuming such quantities of wire worms which constitute, 
 in nine cases out often, the usual food found in the crop. But, 
 unfortunately for the rook, it has obtained such a bad name, 
 that all the learned disquisitions in the world could not suc- 
 ceed in removing a prejudice, in some classes religiously be- 
 queathed from father to son. The farmer's mind has become 
 so tinged with thoughts of this " gentleman in black," that 
 Cromwell is discarded, and the " curse of the crows" substi- 
 tuted in his place. 
 
 Unfortunate bird, the doom of Ishmael is determinedly 
 enacted against it. Persecuted at all times, and by every 
 
ROOK. JACKDAW. 69 
 
 one, eacli field ventured into has some ill-fated comrade 
 gibbeted, as if the greatest felon in existence. Let him en- 
 deavour to do good by stealth, and instantly the music of a 
 clapper is ringing for his departure. Well for him, indeed, 
 that his exquisite watchfulness enables him to baffle the many 
 stratagems intended for his destruction. 
 
 Few persons profess to observe the least particle of beauty 
 about the rook because it is so common, yet it has always 
 been a favourite with us, both from its interesting habits and 
 burnished black plumage, glowing with its various shades of 
 purple and blue. 
 
 In many parts of Ireland young rooks are shot after a 
 certain day in June, and concocted into a dish dignified by 
 the name of a " crow pie," the merits of which is believed to 
 be considerably enhanced if eaten in ignorance of the contents. 
 
 The evolutions of rooks on the wing are often extremely 
 curious : rising and dipping, and occasionally, when amo- 
 rously inclined, cuffing and striking each other in the air. 
 Seldom observed to more picturesque advantage than on their 
 evening return, when we see " the blackening trains of crows 
 to their repose" hastening from all sides to the shelter of the 
 rookery, which, during the continuance of the breeding season, 
 affords such a stirring scene of bustle, noise, and excitement, 
 that even the great Florentine, in his " Divina Commedia," 
 has not disdained to depict, in his own beautiful language : 
 
 "As the rooks, at dawn of day, 
 Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill 
 Some speed their way afield, and homeward some, 
 Returning, cross their flight, while some abide 
 And wheel around their airy lodge." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 66. THE JACKDAW. 
 
 Corvus monedula. Linn. 
 Corbeau choucas. Temm. 
 
 THIS species is as well known as the rook, and only differing 
 in being held blameless for the trivial, or in most cases fancied, 
 injury it occasions. 
 
 Choosing a habitation in towns, and being fond of society, 
 it has obtained quite an artificial character, and conducts it- 
 self in such a manner, as evidently proving the usages of soci- 
 ety have not been lost upon its observation. Watchful of 
 appearances, it affects neither the grave austerity of the raven, 
 
70 CORVIDjE. 
 
 nor the loquacity of the magpie, but pursues a regularity of 
 conduct essentially its own. Cool when occasion requires, 
 confident at all times, and impressed with an equal idea of its 
 own worth,' and of turning everything to advantage, it gets 
 on well in the world. Doubtless owing to its looking so high, 
 as, to-day it builds in the church steeple, and to-morrow in 
 the chimney of the castle ; and again, as if u ennuyed" of city 
 life, affecting a taste for the antiquities of the country, and 
 retiring to the top of some of our round towers to nidify, as, 
 out of six which we had the pleasure of visiting, four were, 
 tenanted by small colonies of jackdaws. 
 
 Few birds assimilate so well as this species with the ruins 
 of those castles and churches which appear before us on every 
 side, studding the island to point out where the footsteps of 
 the soldier and the churchman had been imprinted. These are 
 the strongholds of the jackdaw, as, perched upon some gable 
 or watch-tower, it appears, with its greyish-black plumage 
 looking as if it had been at one time black, but since changed 
 to typify more perfectly the ruin of which it alone is the pos- 
 sessor. Under the battlements of the ruined castle of Dun- 
 moe, standing over the Boyne, we have counted as many as 
 ten nests occurring in a small space, the parent birds, flying 
 off upon our approach, and again returning when we left, 
 appeared the only garrison with which time seemed careless 
 of disputing. 
 
 The jackdaw breeds also in the clefts andfissures of rocks, and 
 in considerable numbers at Bray Head, Howth, and Lambay, 
 at the eastern side of which island we have observed a few 
 pairs appropriating as breeding sites the rabbit holes which 
 abound in that locality. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXL PICA (PIES). 
 
 SPECIES 67 THE MAGPIE. 
 
 Pica caudata. Brisson. 
 
 Pie ordinaire. Degl. 
 
 WE might say of the magpie that nature has only bestowed 
 so much loquacity, in order to make amends for the tacitur- 
 nity and gravity that distinguish so many members of its fa- 
 mily. Of a graceful form and beautiful plumage, it is untiring 
 in the display of its attractions, and as it is common in the 
 most populous and cultivated districts, it is familiarly known 
 and universally admired. 
 
THE MAGPIE. 71 
 
 Attracting attention from its peculiar chattering note, 
 the Greeks, with conscious irony, represented certain talk- 
 ative ladies as changed into magpies, a transformation which 
 they believed would sufficiently explain the reason for its 
 loquacity, and other habits peculiar to its lost sex. This 
 vocal uproar time has made no improvement in, as we see to- 
 day, 
 
 " From bough to bough the restless magpie roves, 
 AncL chatters as he flies," 
 
 with the same unmusical note that centuries ago induced 
 Dante to name them 
 
 " "Wretched birds of chattering note." 
 
 Of an extremely restless disposition, we seldom observe the 
 magpie stationary for any length of time, but either flying 
 from place to place, or perching on the roadside, and hop- 
 ping in its peculiar manner along the ground. Although 
 one of our most common birds, it is exceedingly difficult to 
 approach within shot, and at all times conducts itself with 
 such caution as if aware of its personal attractions, and, like 
 other good people in the world, the value of preserving 
 them. 
 
 Not content with its own assured safety, it watches over 
 that of other birds. But, possessing excellent observation, it 
 discriminates their character before its protection is extended 
 over them. To the owl whom it surprises at noonday, a 
 most determined exposure is offered ; and even to the fox or 
 cat, stealing along with the very perfection of care at the 
 bottom of the ditch, the magpie becomes perfectly odious : 
 chattering and calling, it will not stop until attention is di- 
 rected to them, or, by its continued outcries, forces them to 
 leave their cover. To-day perched upon the old beech tree 
 over the farmhouse, it looks after the farmer when passing 
 him, and honours him with a chatter of recognition ; to-morrow 
 the master goes to shoot, and away " mag" flies, chattering 
 a bulletin of caution to the neighbourhood. Admirable in 
 its calculations, it waits until the farmer has just gained the 
 range of the woodquests who are luxuriating so freely upon 
 his wheat, when, raising his alarm, the plunderers escape 
 .by the vigilance of their friend the pie. The gamekeeper 
 cares not for the excuse of their being "vermin," noted 
 thieves, and of a very exceptional character, but he remem- 
 bers the loss of many a good opportunity by the vigilance of 
 
72 CORVIDJ;, 
 
 the magpie, and endeavours on every occasion to add a 
 trophy to the many others nailed against the outhouse do'or. 
 
 As the food of the magpie consists of larvae and insects, it 
 commits no injury upon the farmer, who only disagrees with 
 it for abstracting some sickly chicken, or being over watchful 
 of the ducks' eggs laid about the farmyard. Of both these 
 charges the magpie is guilty ; but as they are circumstances 
 which rarely happen, they should not prejudice his character. 
 To such perfection does it carry the hardihood of roguery, 
 that it constructs its nest and rears its brood as near to the 
 farmyard as possible, and fears not the slightest danger of 
 being molested, for, with infinite caution, he changes the scene 
 of his thefts to some other farmyard situated at a distance 
 from home. 
 
 In the park attached to the College situated in the centre 
 of our metropolis, the magpie yearly rears its brood. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXII. GARKULUS (JAYS). 
 
 SPECIES 68 THE JAY. 
 
 Garrulus glandarius. Linn. 
 Geai ordinaire. Degl. 
 
 HANDSOME as is the magpie, with its resplendent reflections, 
 and decided markings of black and white, it is fully equalled 
 by the tints and colours of this beautiful bird. 
 
 A species of very rare occurrence in the northern portions 
 of the island, the jay is only to be found indigenous in some 
 few of our southern counties, and in very limited numbers. 
 We have abundant testimony that they once existed in much 
 greater numbers over portions of the island than at present, 
 as Rutty, in his History of the County of Dublin, mentions 
 the jay as a species occurring about the city in his own day, 
 a locality which for the last twenty years has not produced a 
 specimen. However, an ornithological friend assured us of 
 the occurrence of two specimens, some years since, at Rane- 
 lagh,* near Dublin. Several specimens, which have passed 
 under our own observation, in a recent state, appear to have 
 been all forwarded from their principal stronghold in Ireland 
 about Portarlington, where a gentleman who has shot them 
 in that locality remarks, " that, although they are rare, if 
 well sought for they can be obtained at all seasons." 
 
 * Mr. Kinahan, 
 
JAY. CHOUGH. 73 
 
 The habits of the jay in its wild state closely resemble those 
 of tne magpie, but of a more retired and skulking disposition ; 
 as its food is similar, it also resembles that bird in being a 
 most notorious plunderer, closely watching the nests of the 
 smaller birds for an opportunity of the parents' absence to 
 destroy either the eggs or young. 
 
 When tamed they become amusing and agreeable pets, and 
 by attention are taught to imitate many sounds so completely 
 as to deceive the hearer, in some instances, unfortunately 
 for itself, too well, as the following anecdote testifies : " A 
 bird of this species, kept by the wayside in the north of Eng- 
 land, was taught to set on a cur-dog at cattle by whistling 
 and calling him by his name. One winter's day, during a 
 severe frost, the dog was incited to attack a cow big with 
 calf, when, by the dog's annoyance, the cow fell upon the ice 
 and was severely injured. The jay was indicted as a nuisance, 
 and consequently destroyed." 
 
 So perfect is this mimicry, even in a wild state, that, on 
 the authority of Montague, it has been known to introduce 
 into a partial song the bleating of a lamb, and mewing of a 
 cat, together with the various notes of both hawks and small 
 birds with the most perfect exactitude. 
 
 In the summer of 1848 we had the pleasure of observing 
 jays on several occasions, in the vicinity of Sandal Castle, in 
 Yorkshire, and usually surprised them, like the magpie, when 
 hopping in search of larvae, in the vicinity of a hedgerow. 
 
 GENUS XXXIII. FREGILUS (CHOUGH). 
 
 SPECIES 69 THE CHOUGH. 
 
 Fregilus graculus. Linn. 
 Crave ordinaire. Degl. 
 
 Red-legged Crow. Cornish Chough. Sea Crow. 
 
 THIS species, the most elegantly formed and graceful of the 
 Corvidae, is common, and to be met with in any situation 
 guitable to its habits. Thus, around the stupendous precipices 
 which defend the west coast from the fury of the Atlantic, we 
 observe the chough in considerable numbers flying in the 
 vicinity, and occasionally feeding a considerable distance in- 
 land. 
 
 A friend, writing from Newport, remarks of this species : 
 " The chough is very common here, and is one of the most beauti- 
 ful of the birds which frequent the sea-coast and the lofty preci- 
 
74 CORVID^S. 
 
 pices in our neighbourhood. I have been admiring this fore- 
 noon the graceful attitude and glossy plumage of some eigHt or 
 ten, which are now the only tenants of the old Castle of Doona, 
 once so celebrated as the stronghold of the dark lady, Grace 
 O'Malley. The eggs which you inquire about are most diffi- 
 cult to obtain, as the daws build in the most dangerous and 
 inaccessible situations around the coast." 
 
 Rarely noticed in the immediate vicinity of our Dublin 
 coast, we have on two occasions observed a pair at the island 
 of Ireland's Eye ; and in the summer of 1852, when proceed- 
 ing round the eastern extremity of Lambay, three birds of 
 this species appeared on the wing, and in all probability had 
 nests in the fissures of the rock. 
 
 Delicate in form, and beautiful in appearance, as is this 
 bird, its haunts are alone where nature exists surrounded by 
 the grandest sublimity of her powers. Thus, has it appeared 
 to us incongruously placed, living and rearing its brood by 
 those bleak, towering precipices which we see so often, as if 
 leaning out over the sea, listening to the eternal murmuring 
 of the ocean at their base, and from which the only prospect 
 we observe is the boundless horizon. Well might we say, 
 
 " How fearful ! 
 
 And dizzy 'tis to cast one's eyes so low. 
 The crow and chough, that wing the midway air, 
 Seem half as gross as beetles." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXIV. STURNUS (STARE). 
 
 SPECIES 70 THE STARE OR STARLING. 
 
 Sturnus vulgaris. Linn. 
 Etouneau vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 THE STARE is a species of such common occurrence and re- 
 markable plumage as to be well known to every one. Widely 
 distributed over the island, it occurs in the most varied and 
 different situations. Thus, they will frequent and breed in 
 numbers under the thatch of a cottage, without the slightest 
 fear of the inmates ; or they will congregate and frequent 
 the dark, uninviting interior of caves, which lie open and ex- 
 posed along the sea-shore. 
 
 Of inoffensive habits, they are always regarded with a fa- 
 vourable eye, excepting during winter, when, formed into large 
 flocks, they offer to the tyro a mark too tempting to be with- 
 stood. At that season we also observe them in considerable 
 
STARE OR STARLING. PASTOR. 75 
 
 numbers exposed for sale in the different markets of the 
 city. 
 
 Like the jackdaw, the stare is found as constant in its at- 
 tendance upon the old crumbling ruin as in more natural 
 places. Thus, those who have been in the vicinity of our 
 round towers must have been surprised at the harsh grating 
 cry of the starling from the interior, in some of which they 
 form perfect colonies, as instanced in the round towers of 
 Monasterboice and Donaghmore, in the counties of Louth 
 and Meath ; through whose narrow windows we have seen 
 them passing in and out, flying amicably over the jackdaws 
 perched at the entrance. 
 
 At the same time, as much prized for its beauty and varying 
 colours as for its powers of mimicry, the stare is a favourite 
 cage-bird with many, and learns with some care to speak many 
 words distinctly enough to be understood, of which powers Mr. 
 Macgillivray, in his British Birds, affords us the following ex- 
 ample : u When I entered the room where the stare was, he 
 cried out ' Come in, sir, and take a seat ; I see by your face 
 you are fond of the lasses. George, send for a coach and six 
 for pretty Charley. Be clever, George, I want it immedi- 
 ately.' " 
 
 Sensible, without doubt, were the sounds the caged pri- 
 soner uttered ; but we have never seen a bird of this species 
 caged without the " I can't get out," " I can't get out," of 
 Sterne's starling ringing in our ears. 
 
 So different is the change of plumage between the young 
 bird and the adult that many naturalists have confounded 
 them, and described the young by the name of the " solitary 
 thrush." Like other species, the habits of the stare lead it to 
 the vicinity of cattle, or where the ground has been broken 
 up by the spade or plough. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXV. PASTOR (PASTOR). 
 
 SPECIES 71 THE ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR. 
 
 Pastor roseus. Linn. 
 Martin roselin. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful bird has been obtained in about twenty diffe- 
 rent instances over Ireland, varying in locality from the 
 neighbourhood of Dublin to the remotest isles of Arran, on 
 the Galway coast. According to Degland :* " Le martin 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
76 FRINGILLIDJE. 
 
 roselin se nourrit de sauterelles et d' autres insects, dont 11 fait 
 une immense consommation. n rend, sous ce rapport, le plus 
 grands services a 1'agriculture. H est essentiellement voy- 
 ageur, se migrations se font toujours en grandes troupes." 
 These accounts perfectly agree with the description of food 
 found in the stomachs of British killed specimens, excepting 
 that many of the birds obtained in Ireland have exhibited a 
 considerable partiality for fruit, some having been captured 
 by a fish-hook baited with a cherry.* 
 
 In this species the purplish black of the head, wings, and 
 tail, contrast in a beautiful manner with the delicate light 
 rose-red of the body. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 FAMILY XIV. FRINGILLIDJE (FINCHES). 
 
 GENUS XXXVI. COCCOTHRAUSTES (GROSBEAK). 
 
 SPECIES 72 THE HAWFINCH. 
 
 Coccothraustes vulgaris. Fleming. 
 
 Gros-bec vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 AFTER passing in succession the preceding sub -orders of the 
 Dentirostres and Conirostres, we arrive at one of the most in- 
 teresting groups comprised in the order of Incessores. The 
 birds composing it are chiefly remarkable for beauty of plum- 
 age and song, and at the same time render a conside- 
 rable benefit to the agriculturist by destroying an immense 
 quantity of larvae and insects during the breeding season. 
 
 The first of those species coming under our notice is the 
 hawfinch, one of those birds without the slightest pretensions 
 to beauty or elegance of form, owing to the immense dispro- 
 portion between the size of the head and body. 
 
 The rarest of its family in Ireland, it is only obtained oc- 
 casionally in various parts of the country, and therefore sel- 
 dom comes under the notice of any except the practical orni- 
 thologist. On two occasions we have been so fortunate as to 
 have observed it, on one at the Scalp, near Dublin, and the 
 other in the Phoenix Park, in the years 1848 and 1852. In 
 both localities the food was similar, the berry of the haw- 
 thorn ; and from the tameness of the birds in the Park, where 
 as many as three had assembled, we had every opportunity of 
 
 * Thompson. Glennon. 
 
HAWFINCH. GREEN FINCH, OR GREEN LINNET. 77 
 
 observing their habits. The berry seemed in all instances to 
 be taken sideways with the beak, and broken with the same 
 movement that forced it from the stem, and this, too, with the 
 greatest apparent ease. This feat, when we recollect the 
 amount of exertion required to break those berries by our- 
 selves, affords a very good idea of the immense strength of the 
 mandibles. During mild seasons it is not improbable that 
 the hawfinch may remain and breed, having on one occasion 
 obtained a single egg, sent with others more common, from 
 the county of Meath, and which, on comparison, was found 
 similar to continental specimens in our collection. 
 
 From accounts of the habits of this species, remarked by 
 other observers, ah 1 agree in its being a most wary and watch- 
 ful bird to approach ; yet those observed by us, on both 
 occasions, were remarkably tame, and free from the least 
 timidity. 
 
 The stomach of one examined by us was entirely filled with 
 the kernel of the plum, the strong stone of which had been 
 first broken by the bird. 
 
 According to some describers the hawfinch is possessed of 
 a low, plaintive melody ; but, however, from the immense size 
 of the bill, it can be of very little value, and is remarked by 
 Degland, when frequenting the gardens about Lille, to be un- 
 cared for by the bird-catchers from its naturally silent dispo- 
 sition.* 
 
 Habitat Central Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 73 THE GREEN FINCH OR GREEN LINNET. 
 
 Coccothraustes chloris. Selby. 
 Gros-bec verdier. Temm. 
 
 THIS common species is to be met with during all seasons, 
 and in almost every locality, but seldom found at a distance 
 from cultivated lands ; it appears more frequently in the vici- 
 nity of the farm and garden. The natural resort of the green 
 finch appears to be close hedges lying at the foot of hills, 
 and its favourite breeding place in such localities, the tangled 
 upper branches of underwood. However, as it approaches 
 the cultivated districts, its habits change and it frequents the 
 shrubbery and garden, and, in some instances, almost resem- 
 bles the sociable grosbeak of Africa, in its amicability in 
 breeding together. As one instance noticed in the shrub- 
 bery of Dr. Barker, at Stirling, near Dublin, as many as 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
78 FRINGILLID^E. 
 
 seven of the nests of this bird were situated in a single ever- 
 green, and, although unusual for so many of this species to 
 breed so closely together, yet when birds are not persecuted 
 they become most familiar. 
 
 A habit of the green finch, which has not escaped the ob- 
 servation of ornithologists, is the peculiar flight, evincing its 
 pleasure during the season of incubation, and which is gene- 
 rally performed at early morning, or rarely a few hours be- 
 fore sunset. Rising from the vicinity of the nest, with a 
 seeming heavy, laborious flight, performed with long sweeps 
 of the wing, analogous to the homeward flight of the rook, 
 and uttering at the same time a very restricted song, with a 
 low and agreeable cadence, it is abruptly ended, and the 
 green finch falls, as it were, through the air, and flutters to 
 its perch. 
 
 During winter the green finch congregates in large num- 
 bers, and associates with flocks of other birds, to search the 
 fallow grounds and farmyard for food. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXVII. LINARIA (LINNET). 
 
 SPECIES 74 THE GRAY LINNET. 
 
 Linaria candbina. Linn. 
 Gros-bec linotte. Temm. 
 
 THIS pleasing species, more remarkable for the richness 
 of its song than the beauty of its plumage, is the most 
 prized and valued of our smaller song-birds. And if, in 
 the olden days of chivalry, the emblem of the rich and 
 princely was the noble falcon, the bird the poor man has 
 claimed especially as his own is the unobtrusive, humble, 
 and yet melodious little linnet. With ourselves it has 
 always been a favourite, whether when perched upon the 
 gorse-bush by the sea-side, timing his low, plaintive song 
 with the splash of each successive wave, or perching on the 
 ivy projecting from some time-worn tower, u where now the 
 linnet only sings," it seems as if animated with the spirit of 
 some love-lorn damsel who had died there, so very plaintive 
 is its melody. 
 
 A common bird, it appears to be distributed in equal num- 
 bers in almost every locality, and during winter, like the pre- 
 ceding species, it forms into large flocks, and frequents similar 
 localities, always attracting attention by its manner of alight- 
 
THE GRAY LINNET. 79 
 
 ing and rising, and by the entire flock simultaneously uttering 
 their short pleasing cry when disturbed. 
 
 On the approach of spring the flocks break up and the in- 
 dividuals betake themselves to their breeding quarters, in- 
 differently choosing the bleak hill or the wayside bush ; they 
 but rarely select the garden or shrubbery as a nursery for 
 their young. 
 
 During spring also great numbers of linnets are captured 
 by professed bird-catchers, indefatigable shoemakers, and 
 tailors, all three of whom we see on Sunday mornings wend- 
 ing their way home, laden with well-filled cages and their 
 other requisites. The great proportion of these are captured 
 with bird-lime and a call-bird, for one of which, on the 
 authority of an English naturalist, the sum of five guineas 
 has been given. 
 
 After the breeding season is over, another bird-lime battue 
 is commenced upon the young birds, then denominated 
 44 branchers." 
 
 When visiting some of those stores of song-birds, we have 
 unfortunately been pointed out, in many instances, some hap- 
 less linnet which, remarkable for its song, had been barba- 
 rously blinded, in the mistaken belief that the unfortunate 
 little minstrel would increase its melody, and, whether from 
 bewailing the sad loss it had sustained, or that it felt its cap- 
 tivity more lonely in its blindness, its plaintive song seems so 
 increased as if anxious to expire in the very delirium of 
 melody. 
 
 An ornithological friend, corresponding with us from Achill, 
 writes of this species : u In my opinion the linnet has the 
 most melancholy song of all our native birds, as, indeed, I am 
 not ashamed to confess, it has occasionally moved me to tears: 
 many times I have been sitting by the heath side on the hills 
 of Achill, when the entire bosom of the Atlantic appeared 
 one molten sheet of silver, prismed with the rainbow reflections 
 of the setting sun ; and, suddenly heard breaking the solemn 
 silence of the place, fifty or a hundred linnets (which from their 
 numbers would even appear to have crossed from the main- 
 land to gain their last look of the setting sun) singing in one 
 united chorus a burst of seraphic melody. The shadow of the 
 sea eagle floating homeward to his eyrie never disturbed 
 them, but their minstrelsy of nature rung out heart-thrilling 
 until the sun had left but a broad glare in the horizon." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
80 FRINGILLIDJi. 
 
 SPECIES 75 THE LESSER REDPOLE. 
 
 Linaria minor. Linn. 
 Gros-bec sizerin. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful linnet, which we know not whether to admire 
 most for its diminutive form, elegant shape, or pleasing habits 
 in confinement, occurs in much more restricted numbers than 
 the preceding, and in summer is found sparingly about the 
 hedgerows in the vicinity of the city. Appearing of more 
 rarity during winter, we are unable to account for their dis- 
 appearance ; whether it is that they form into flocks as the 
 common linnet, and retire into the midland counties, or seek 
 in a partial migration some more genial clime, we are in 
 doubt ; but it is a species rarely indeed met with in any loca- 
 lity observed by us at that season. 
 
 From having many opportunities of observing them in con- 
 finement, in a large aviary in the possession of Mr. Thomas 
 Watters, and where there were as many as ten of these birds, 
 none were more amusing or attractive in their habits, so 
 much so that we might justly designate them the titmice of 
 their family, so varied their attitudes and powers of climbing. 
 
 Possessing all the heedlessness, but none of the boldness 
 which distinguishes the tits, we have frequently remained 
 under a tree where an entire flock was feeding without oc- 
 casioning them the slightest alarm ; continuing their search 
 along the bough, and clinging to it in every conceivable atti- 
 tude, they approach within a few feet of whatever observer is 
 admiring them. 
 
 The nest is an exceedingly small structure, and is placed 
 in the fork of some bush. The eggs resemble the bird in 
 being very neatly formed and small in size. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 76 THE MOUNTAIN LINNET, OR TWITE. 
 
 Linaria flavirostres. Linn. 
 Gros-bec de Montague. Temm. 
 
 OF our three Irish linnets this is the rarest in its occurrence, 
 and in Dublin and the surrounding counties is only occasion- 
 ally to be met with. Easily distinguished from the other 
 two species by the yellow colour of the bill, and its peculiar 
 call note of " twaite," it frequents the hillside and moun- 
 tain pastures. 
 
 The only specimens of the twite coming under our own 
 notice are those obtained by the bird-fanciers in different 
 
TWITE. GOLDFINCH. 81 
 
 counties about Dublin, and exposed for sale in the metropolis. 
 On a few occasions it has been noticed by us in a wild state 
 at Bray Head, Lambay, and at Queenstown in Cork ; but 
 although well sought for in each locality, the nest in no in- 
 stance was obtained. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XXXVIII CARDUELIS (GOLDFINCH). 
 
 SPECIES 77 THE GOLDFINCH. 
 
 Carduelis elegans. Selby. 
 Gros-bec chardonneret. Temm. 
 
 THE GOLDFINCH, as regards its varied colours of bright yel- 
 low, black, and vermillion, is the most beautiful of our finches, 
 and, at the same time, the most self-opinionated little fellow 
 in the entire order ; perfectly cognizant of its beauish perfec- 
 tions, it takes every opportunity of displaying its attractions, 
 but possessing the most harmless, lively, and docile habits, 
 we overlook its faults, if any, and at once admit it to our con- 
 fidence. 
 
 Like the twite, we seldom observe the goldfinch unless in 
 the cages of the " fancy," and, though occasionally we meet 
 with it in a wild state in the county of Dublin, it is always 
 
 ire, and only increases in numbers as we approach Meath. 
 At one time much more common than at present, the conti- 
 nual forays of the bird-catchers have so thinned their num- 
 bers that now they are but rarely seen. 
 
 The habits of the goldfinch, where they occur in plenty, 
 are well worth our attention, and the evolutions of a large 
 flock are interesting in the extreme. Arriving at a field well 
 provided with ban chere of thistles and ragwort, they sweep 
 round or half across its extent, as if perfectly heedless of the 
 banquet below ; approaching the extremity, and apparently 
 changing their intention, they return, and, suddenly dropping 
 towards the ground, each bird flutters and shows its beautiful 
 plumage to the best advantage, while hovering over the 
 thistles with which the field is covered. In a moment the 
 entire flock, yielding to the temptation, are actively engaged 
 pulling and tearing at the thistles in search of the pericarp, 
 whilst all are making the field musical with their blithe, mel- 
 low call-notes of satisfaction. 
 
 The song of the goldfinch, although pleasing, is deficient of 
 the mellow and beautiful modulation of the more humbly at- 
 tired linnet ; and it is, perhaps, chiefly for its plumage and 
 
82 FRINGILLIDJE. 
 
 aptness for instruction, that it is such a favourite cage-bird. 
 At times we see its docility painfully turned to advantage in 
 confinement, by causing it to minister to its own wants in 
 drawing up the vessels containing its food and drink, the bird 
 being secured by a chain and a link fastened on the breast, 
 and its only enjoyment, the complacent admiration of itself in 
 the looking-glass attached to the back of the cage. 
 
 Sometimes in winter the goldfinch furnishes a small contin- 
 gent to the large flocks of linnets and other species. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 78 THE SISKIN. 
 
 Carduelis spinus. Selby. 
 Gros-bec tarin. Temm. 
 
 Aberdevine. 
 
 THIS species is only an occasional winter visitant to our island, 
 and most uncertain in its periodical visits, it occurs either in 
 large flocks, or as often individually. 
 
 During the winter of 1847 they appeared in many districts 
 in the neighbourhood of Dublin, and in considerable numbers, 
 particularly at Ranelagh, where they came under the obser- 
 vation of Mr. G. Kinahan, Jun. Smaller in size than the 
 goldfinch, it resembles it in habits and song, and has also the 
 same elegant compactness of form which distinguishes that 
 bird. 
 
 By the dealers of cage -birds the siskin is occasionally ob- 
 tained, and is generally captured by means of limed twigs 
 and a call-linnet or finch. From the accounts given by those 
 persons, they are described as being tame and easily ap- 
 proached. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XXXIX. FRINGILL^E (FINCH). 
 
 SPECIES 79 THE CHAFFINCH. 
 
 Fringilla ccelebs. Linn. 
 Gros-bec pinson. Temm. 
 
 THE CHAFFINCH, as familiar as it is beautiful, is widely dis- 
 tributed over the greater portion of the island. 
 
 One of the first to herald the approach of spring, we hear 
 it enlivening every grove and plantation with its reiterated 
 and monotonous " pink, pink" challenging each other by 
 their song, the entire wood re-echoes with their short thril- 
 
THE CHAFFINCH. 83 
 
 ling notes, which, although not possessing the compass or 
 inflection that distinguishes some of the birds of this family, is 
 yet pleasing and agreeable. In Germany few birds are so 
 much prized for their musical powers as the chaffinch, so 
 much so that the most extravagant prices are given for birds 
 when possessing first-rate powers, the style and class of 
 each being adapted from the execution of the songs they 
 sing. Amongst some of the most admired of their songs in 
 Germany are : 1. The Double Thrill of the Hartz. 2. The 
 Reitezong, or Riders' Song. 3. The Wine Song, divided into 
 four kinds. 4. The Brautigan, or Bridegroom's Song. 5. The 
 Double Thrill. 6. The Gutzhan, or Good-Year Song. 7. 
 The Quakia Song. 8. The Pithia, or Trewithia.* Few would 
 suppose the common chaffinch to enjoy such distinction, yet 
 a German proverb tells us, " such a chaffinch is worth a cow," 
 from the story of a cutler in Ruhl having exchanged one for 
 a well-known songster. 
 
 And Deglandf also informs us that, at Lille, in France, 
 " La gloire d' avoir le pinson qui chante le plus souvent, 
 n'est comparable qu' a celle d'avoir le coq le plus terrible dans 
 les combat ;" and that, to increase its melody, the chaffinch 
 is frequently deprived of sight. The same author also men- 
 tions the occurrence of a singing match between chaffinches 
 at Tournay, in 1846, where three birds sung 1118 times in 
 the hour : one, 420 times ; the other, 368 times ; and the 
 third, 330. 
 
 In the formation of its nest the chaffinch seems to have 
 determined to invest it in some degree with its own beauty, 
 as, perhaps, its structure is the most elaborate and beautiful 
 of all our native birds. Placed, in most instances, in some 
 fork or cleft in an apple-tree, it is constructed with the 
 greatest taste ; the gay hues of different coloured lichens 
 contrasting with the green moss, or whatever foreign sub- 
 stance it can appropriate. 
 
 " Mark it well within, without 
 No tool had he that wrought ; no knife to cut ; 
 No nail to fix ; no bodkin to insert ; 
 No glue to join ; his little beak was all. 
 And yet how neatly finished ! what nice hand, 
 With every implement and means of art, 
 And twenty years' apprenticeship to boot, 
 Could make me such another ?" 
 
 So closely at times does the outward colouring of the nest 
 
 * Bechstein. t Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
 G 2 
 
84 FRINGILLID.E. 
 
 coincide with the appearance of the bough, that, but for the 
 appearance of the female on the nest, it could not be identi- 
 fied from it. 
 
 During winter the chaffinch collects in flocks, and becomes 
 a regular attendant at the farmyard and highway, and is an 
 occasional intruder on the localities monopolized by the spar- 
 row, so that we often observe it, at that season, feeding in 
 the streets and public thoroughfares, with other visitors from 
 the country, driven in by the severity of winter. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 80 THE MOUNTAIN FINCH. 
 
 Fringilla montifringilla. Linn. 
 Oros-bec des Ardennes. Temm. 
 
 THIS handsome and cleanly plumaged finch is only an occa- 
 sional winter visitant, and, like the siskin, varies considerably 
 in numbers. 
 
 Occurring in a greater proportion in the north of Ireland, 
 it gradually decreases as it approaches the south, where it 
 is only obtained during unusually severe weather. 
 
 Sometimes occurring about the eastern portion of the 
 island, a few specimens are occasionally obtained in the vici- 
 nity of Dublin. Its habits and manner of living are said to 
 resemble those of the chaffinch, which it also resembles in 
 general form. 
 
 Resorting to large plantations where the beech is plentiful, 
 and by the Danube, where this tree luxuriates, 100,000 of 
 these birds often assemble together, and frequent its vicinity 
 during autumn ; and, according to Degiand, so plentiful are 
 they in winter, in their migrations on the French coast, that 
 he has seen them killed by thousands near to Dunkirk. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XL PASSER (SPARROW). 
 
 SPECIES 81 THE COMMON SPARROW. 
 Passer domesticus. Linn. 
 Gros-bec moineau. Temm. 
 
 THE SPARROW is the best known of all our native birds ; 
 not only on account of its more frequent occurrence, but 
 for its independent air and determined pertinacity in accom- 
 panying man to the remotest solitude. Perfectly at home in 
 
THE COMMON SPARROW. 85 
 
 the midst of the most populous city, it never suffers itself to 
 be neglected, but adapts itself to situations. In aristocratic 
 quarters foraging on the scattered bread-crumbs of the 
 window-sill, and in less elevated localities contenting itself 
 with the refuse of the street or outyard. 
 
 Not possessing much beauty of plumage, or perfection of 
 form, the sparrow appears perfectly well aware of these de- 
 fects, and seemingly not in the least discontented with its ple- 
 beian appearance, it never tires attracting our attention by 
 its noisy and inharmonious twitter. 
 
 In the country the sparrow has the same amount of good 
 feeling extended towards it as the rook, and perhaps for bet- 
 ter reasons, for it destroys a quantity of grain and seeds of 
 which the amount of caterpillars also destroyed offers but 
 little requital. Constant in its attendance on the farmyard, 
 it indicates its vicinity, long before we approach the homestead, 
 by the incessant chatter of the flocks. 
 
 A perfect cosmopolitan, it rears its brood with the same 
 satisfaction beneath the roof of the peasant's cottage as 
 among the ornate mouldings in the palace of the sovereign. 
 
 Perhaps no other bird in the world has chosen so many 
 varied places to nidify. From our own observation we have 
 seen the sparrow breeding in the same tree as the rook, and oc- 
 casionally even intruding on the domain of the heron, taking 
 up its quarters some twenty yards below, and making amends, 
 by its noisy bustle, for the gravity of its more silent neighbour. 
 The same at St. Patrick's as at Notre Dame, we see them 
 tenanting every available place, and crowding in numbers the 
 parks of London as the orange trees fringing the Champs 
 Elysees at Paris. At times, too, the sparrow conveys an ex- 
 cellent idea of the ludicrous from the sites chosen to nidify 
 in, as we have seen the bulls' heads which grace the enta- 
 blature around the Rotundo in Dublin with the hollowed 
 eye-sockets filled up, and a joyful young brood twittering 
 away merrily in both. And again, at Rouen cathedral, and 
 Notre Dame in Paris, we see the monster's mouths forming 
 the water-spouts of these old buildings well wedged with a 
 goodly bulk of hay, from the interior of which proceed sounds 
 which had never entered into the artist's idea of the sublime. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
86 FRINGILLIDJE. 
 
 GENUS XLI EMBERIZA (BUNTING). 
 
 SPECIES 82 THE COMMON BUNTING. 
 
 Emberiza miliaria. Linn. 
 Bruant proyer. Temm. 
 
 Bush Lark. Hornbill Bunting. 
 
 THIS species, although denominated common, occurs in much 
 less numbers than the yellow bunting, and appears from its 
 habits to be well known in those localities which it frequents. 
 
 About Dublin the shore districts near Malahide appear a 
 locality where they exist in the greatest numbers. Dull in 
 habits as it is in plumage, the common bunting sits motion- 
 less on the topmost twig of the hedgerow, uttering at inter- 
 vals its protracted and melancholy call-note, and, possessed 
 of a determined pertinacy, it will remain for hours without 
 the slightest change either in attitude or song. A habit pecu- 
 liar to this species, we observe a curious dangling of the legs 
 when flying off from its perch, the bunting rising a few feet 
 in the air, with the tarsi hanging out in such a heavy, stiff 
 manner as at once to remind us of the heron. 
 
 The breeding localities most favoured by the common 
 bunting about the eastern coast appear to be potato fields, 
 and occasionally meadow lands. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 83 THE YELLOW BUNTING. 
 
 Emberiza citrinella. Linn. 
 
 Bruant jaune. Temm. 
 
 Yellowhammer. 
 
 THE YELLOW BUNTING, or YELLOWHAMMER, as it is most 
 commonly denominated, occurs plentifully, and is one of those 
 well-known species, like the lark and chaffinch, which do not 
 require the pen of the ornithologist to point out their specific 
 distinctions. Smaller in size than the preceding, it is also more 
 beautiful in its markings, and possesses in an eminent degree 
 the same unchanging, lugubrious strain. 
 
 A curious habit of the yellowhammer is the exact regularity 
 with which it utters, at a certain hour during the day, its few 
 mournful notes. Thus, we might say, the hour of three in 
 the afternoon exercises quite a magic influence on the yellow 
 bunting ; for, no matter how situated, it will at once com- 
 mence its changeless and interminable chant. 
 
YELLOW BUNTING REED BUNTING. 87 
 
 In winter small numbers of this species congregate with 
 flocks of chaffinches and linnets, and, when forced by the 
 severity of the weather, take up a residence for a short time 
 in the streets of the suburban districts. The yellowhammer 
 manifests the greatest anxiety when the neighbourhood of the 
 nest is approached, and at such times is seen to the best ad- 
 vantage, hovering about the vicinity with the tail feathers 
 fanned out and extended, uttering those cries which a Scotch 
 naturalist has imagined to resemble the words, " deil, deil, 
 deil," take ye (that is, the nesters). The nest is generally a 
 loose, careless structure, placed against a bank, or bottom of 
 a hedge. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 84 THE REED BUNTING. 
 
 Emberiza schceniculus. Linn. 
 Bruant de roseaux. Temm. 
 Reed Sparrow. Blackcap. 
 
 THE REED BUNTING is the most beautiful in its plumage, 
 and also the smallest and most elegantly formed of the genus. 
 Differing considerably in its habits, it frequents the vicinity 
 of reeds and sedge, or those hedges overhanging fences filled 
 with moisture. When observed in such localities, the reed 
 bunting is a handsome species ; its black head and white collar 
 rendering it conspicuous at a considerable distance, which 
 appearance, joined to its habit of perching on some twig for 
 hours with the same pertinacity of purpose, whilst it continues 
 its call-note (equally remarkable as the others for sameness), 
 renders it a species well known where occurring. Exhibit- 
 ing when the nest is approached, the same anxiety as the 
 yellow bunting, the appearance of the male and female is 
 often very beautiful, their expanded tail showing the white 
 margin feathers as they remain momentarily hovering in the 
 air, displaying anxiety and terror for their young. 
 
 The eggs of the reed bunting are very curious, presenting 
 a black mottled appearance, so very deep in intensity of 
 colouring as if they had been splashed with ink. Other va- 
 rieties are veined with black, similar to those of the yellow 
 bunting. 
 
 Frequenting similar situations as the sedge warbler, the 
 reed bunting has, on many occasions, received the credit due 
 to that bird for its midnight song. Some years since, in 
 the " Dublin Penny Journal," a woodcut of the reed bunting 
 appeared, to which was appended the name of " night singer," 
 with a long description of the melodious song of the bird. 
 
88 FRINGILLIDJE. 
 
 The mistake was, however, rectified in a succeeding number 
 by Mr. Glennon, who clearly asserted the rights of the sedge 
 warbler, with justice, restoring it the melody which some ad- 
 mirer of the reed bunting had borrowed. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XLII PLECTROPHANES (SNOW BIRD). 
 
 SPECIES 85 THE SNOW BUNTING. 
 
 Plectrophanes nivalis. Myer. 
 Bruant de neige. Temm. 
 
 Tawny Bunting. Mountain Bunting. 
 
 THE SNOW BUNTING is, perhaps, the least known of the spe- 
 cies we have described, which may be accounted for by the 
 situations it frequents, and by occurring with us during 
 winter only. About the Dublin coast we may constantly 
 observe them, during that season, generally congregated in 
 small flocks of from ten to thirty. A favourite locality, which 
 is at all times frequented by them, is the road leading to the 
 Pigeon House Fort, where they associate with the sparrows 
 and chaffinches in examining the refuse of the road-side, and 
 when disturbed, whilst perching on the wall, they disappear 
 over the opposite side, and continue their flight for some dis- 
 tance, and again appear in a similar manner as the whinchat, 
 and occasionally the robin. 
 
 When examining the "rejectamenta" of the tide, their habits 
 are very pleasing. Hopping like the sparrow, they advance 
 along the shore, carefully examining every thing about, and, 
 on being alarmed, the entire flock rise together, and show in 
 a beautiful manner the white markings of their wings and 
 tail. From the considerable variation between the plumage 
 of the adult and young, a great deal of confusion has existed 
 about the species ; the male, in the different stages of summer, 
 winter, and immature plumage, being described as snow, 
 tawny, and mountain bunting. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XLIII. PYRRHULA (BULLFINCH). 
 
 SPECIES 86 THE COMMON BULLFINCH. 
 
 Pyrrhula vulgaris. Selby. 
 JBouvreuil commun. Temm. 
 
 THE BULLFINCH occurs in very limited numbers over our 
 island, and in no locality in actual plenty. More common 
 about Dublin than the goldfinch, we have many times observed 
 
COMMON BULLFINCH PINE BULLFINCH. 89 
 
 it in the old hawthorn woods of the Phoenix Park, and easily 
 decoyed them to our vicinity by imitating their melancholy 
 whistle. 
 
 From its decided and beautiful colouring of velvety black, 
 pure white, grey, and bright red, the bullfinch is a very hand- 
 some species, and one much sought after as a cage -bird. The 
 song, when heard in its wild state, is very low and plaintive, 
 but the call -note of 
 
 " The mellow bullfinch, 
 Answering from the grove," 
 
 is the one we are most acquainted with. However sweet and 
 mellow, it cannot be classed with the other members of the 
 Fringillidae remarkable for song ; and it is only when taught to 
 whistle that it attains such an enviable position as a songster. 
 
 From Germany thousands of these birds are exported to 
 London and Paris every spring, where they bring prices ave- 
 raging from one to ten pounds, according to the excellence 
 of their pleasing piping melody. In many instances a paper 
 containing a description of the songs piped is handed to the 
 purchaser. With such skill and labour are these birds taught, 
 that they will pipe at the desire of the teacher ; and so docile, 
 that the greatest delight is displayed when noticed by the kind 
 and attentive owner. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 87 THE PINE BULLFINCH. 
 
 Pyrrhula enudeator. Selby. 
 Bouvreuil dur-bec. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, so exceedingly rare in its occurrence in the 
 British islands, has been obtained in one single instance in 
 the vicinity of Belfast, December, 1819* (in the neighbour- 
 hood of which town so many rare wanderers have been re- 
 marked). 
 
 It is a fine-coloured species, and the largest in size of the 
 family to which it belongs, and by its describers is recorded 
 as being similar in habits to the preceding, and'in being also 
 possessed of a full deep tone whilst singing. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
90 FRINGILLID^E. 
 
 GENUS XLIV LOXIA (CROSSBILL). 
 SPECIES 88 THE COMMON CROSSBILL. 
 
 Loxia curvirostra. Linn. 
 Bec-croise des pins. Temm. 
 
 THE CROSSBILL is one of the most interesting of those birds 
 which excite attention by their irregular appearance, some- 
 times only occurring after a considerable period, and again as 
 unexpectedly spreading themselves in numbers over different 
 portions of the island. 
 
 Possessing equal interest from the curious manner in which 
 both mandibles are crossed, it has obtained a greater amount 
 of notice than the majority of the occasional migrating birds 
 which visit Ireland. Usually appearing during winter, it 
 obtains abundance of food on the seed and cones of the Scotch 
 fir, larch, and other pines, and occasionally on the berries of 
 the hawthorn. 
 
 Few birds coming under the observation of the ornitholo- 
 gist are more curious in habits than the crossbill. Feeding 
 in flocks upon the pine cones, they allow us to approach di- 
 rectly beneath them without the slightest indication of alarm, 
 and so unsuspecting are they of danger, that dozens have been 
 obtained without disturbing the birds feeding beside them, in 
 the following manner. A fishing rod is raised up gently 
 towards the birds, with the upper joint limed with birdlime, 
 and, tipping the nearest bird lightly with it, it is captured, and 
 so on until one has obtained any number. Sometimes, also, 
 they are procured by a horsehair noose attached to the end 
 of a rod, and jerked off their perch with the greatest ease. 
 Equally interesting when in confinement, it transfers its 
 scansorial habits to the cage, and climbs in all directions, with 
 its beak and claws labouring assiduously to discover an open- 
 ing to regain its liberty. Indeed, as regards its powers of 
 climbing, we might challenge the parrot (in this respect) to 
 excel the crossbill in confinement. In some rare instances 
 the crossbill has been noticed as breeding in Ireland.* In 
 Germany the. crossbill has been made the subject of a very 
 beautiful myth, in allusion to its blood-red colour, the legend 
 of which, translated by Longfellow from the original of Mosen, 
 we place before our readers :f 
 
 " On the cross the dying Saviour 
 
 Heavenward lifts his eyelids calm, 
 
 Feels, but scarcely feels, a trembling 
 
 In his pierced and bleeding palm. 
 
 * Thompson. t Longfellow's Works. 
 
COMMON CROSSBILL. WHITE- WINGED CROSSBILL. 91 
 
 " And, by all the world forsaken, 
 
 Sees he now, with zealous care 
 At the ruthless nail of iron, 
 A poor bird is striving there. 
 
 " Stained with blood, and never tiring, 
 
 With its beak it doth not cease ; 
 From the cross 't would free the Saviour 
 The Creator's Son release. 
 
 " And the Saviour speaks in mildness : 
 
 * Blest be thou of all the good; 
 Bear, as token of this moment, 
 Marks of blood and holy rood.' 
 
 " And that bird is called the crossbill 
 Covered quite with blood so clear ; 
 In the groves of pine it singeth 
 
 Songs, like legends, strange to hear.'* 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 89 THE WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL, 
 
 Loxia leucoptera. Linn. 
 Bec-croise leucoptere. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare crossbill has, in a similar manner with the pine 
 bullfinch, only occurred in a single instance in Ireland, and that 
 also in the vicinity of Belfast, January, 1802 ; since that time 
 it has been obtained, in a few rare instances, in England. Si- 
 milar in habits to the preceding, it even appears to be more 
 careless of danger, as its describers record the fact of its being 
 frequently captured by the hand during snow time. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XV. ALAUDIN,E (LARKS). 
 
 GENUS XLY. ALAUDA (LARK). 
 
 SPECIES 90 THE SKYLARK. 
 Alauda arvensis. Linn. 
 
 Alouette des champs. Temm. 
 
 OF the many birds passing under the notice of the ornitholo- 
 gist, all are found adequately endowed by nature ; some with 
 a perfection of form, and others with beauty and brilliancy 
 of plumage. Some there are which to a casual observer 
 
92 ALAUDIN.E. 
 
 nature would appear to have neglected, and left destitute of 
 any attractions. To which we might answer, she has done so, 
 but only to lavish all her resources in enriching them with a 
 matchless and over- compensating melody. To this class be- 
 long the unrivalled songsters of every clime : the mocking- 
 bird of the far west ; the redwing of Norway ; the nightin- 
 gale of England ; and the skylark of our own country. 
 
 Thus is the skylark introduced to our notice, not as the fa- 
 vourite of a class, but of the community ; its admirers ranking 
 equally amongst the noblest as the lowliest. Unobtrusive in 
 habits as in its plumage, its crouching attitude in the mea- 
 dow and stubble-field, concealed during summer by the height 
 of the meadow grass, and in winter by inequalities of the 
 broken earth, together with its habit of never perching upon 
 trees, might cause it to appear more sparingly distributed 
 than it really is, were it not for its impatient song, which 
 prompts it to bid farewell to fear, and soar heavenward with 
 its melody. 
 
 Breeding on the ground, its most favourite place to nidify 
 in is the impressed footmarks of cattle, made in damp 
 soil, which offers, when hardened by the sun, a sufficient pro- 
 tection for the young. It must be a matter of surprise that 
 the brood of the skylark, apparently so inadequately pro- 
 tected, should escape the stray footsteps of cattle, or the nu- 
 merous enemies the open situation exposes it to. 
 
 As to the song of this species, so pre-eminently delightful, 
 we might well feel delicate in venturing on a subject which 
 has formed a favourite theme with the poets of all Europe. 
 From the quaint style of Chaucer to the u bonnie lark" of 
 Burns, all have selected this u neebur sweet" as the most 
 worthy of their choicest praise. 
 
 When singing on the earth, before and after the breeding 
 season, a clod or bank is the station generally chosen, from 
 which it pours forth its melody. But it is at daybreak that 
 
 " His large heart in little breast exulting sings." 
 Then, amid the silence of early dawn 
 
 " Up springs the lark, 
 
 Shrill-voiced and loud, the messenger of morn. 
 Ere yet the shadows fly, he, mounted, sings 
 Amid the dawning clouds, and from their haunts 
 Calls up the tuneful nations." 
 
 Although generally the song of the lark is associated with 
 morning, on several occasions we have heard it so late as mid- 
 night ; but these were nights of unusual moonlight and bright- 
 
THE SKYLARK. 93 
 
 ness, and at such times, if disturbed, the skylark utters a few 
 hurried notes whilst flying off. Its song, whilst on the ascent 
 and descent, is so varied, that many persons can easily detect 
 the difference without observing the bird, the notes in the 
 ascent being of a gushing impatience, hurried out, as it were, 
 from an excessive overflow of melody, which, becoming gra- 
 dually modulated when at an elevation, as if satisfied with 
 its efforts, it sinks gradually towards the earth, with a sadder 
 and more subdued strain. None of the poets have been at- 
 tentive enough to observe this except the great Florentine, 
 who, in his Divina Comedia, 
 
 " Like to the lark, 
 
 That, warbling in the air, expatiates long ; 
 Then, thrilling out her last sweet melody, 
 Drops, satiate with the sweetness." 
 
 If the term bird-worship be allowable, we know no people 
 of any country in the world to which it is more applicable 
 than our own, nor any bird more worthy of that eminence 
 than the skylark. 
 
 Mentioned in a recent work on Natural History as being 
 so valuable for its song as to bring the extravagant price 
 of twelve or fifteen shillings in London, if the author had 
 the opportunity of pricing some of the birds exposed at the 
 windows of the working shoemakers in this city, he would find 
 that in Dublin they would average from one to three pounds, 
 and the majority could not be purchased for " love or money." 
 Such has been the answer of many who would starve them- 
 selves, if necessary, to feed their worshipped bird. Such was 
 the answer of Huggart, a poor chandler in Belfast, who refused 
 the offer of a cow for his favourite skylark.* 
 
 We know that the emigrant, who, having reared some fa- 
 vourite lark, takes it with him to another land, with a sod of 
 Irish earth placed beneath it, that one day a portion of clay 
 from the old land may cover him. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
94 
 
 SPECIES 91 __ THE WOODLARK. 
 Alauda arbor ea. Linn. 
 Alouette lulu. Temm. 
 
 THE WOODLARK, although indigenous, is found in so very 
 few localities that we might almost account it a rare bird, at 
 least from our observation in the eastern counties : a recent 
 specimen has never been observed by us. A resident in li- 
 mited numbers in some few counties, both north and south, 
 it has come under the notice of Mr. J. H. Lamprey in the 
 county of Wicklow, and has been repeatedly observed by that 
 gentleman in woods fringing the Vale of Ovoca, where it is 
 commonly observed whilst singing in its favourite position on 
 a branch, and is nearly as much appreciated by the people in 
 the vicinity for its song, as the better known species we have 
 described. 
 
 In conversing with dealers of cage -birds, who are con- 
 stantly employed procuring song-birds of every species, they 
 all appear unacquainted with this individual. 
 
 Although Rutty, in his History of the County of Dublin, 
 mentions the woodlark as a species found here, yet, in later 
 years, it has become exceedingly rare. 
 
 Its habits are described as nearly similar to those of the 
 skylark, and its song, although not so diversified, as more 
 melodious : it is also continued a longer time, and the bird 
 perches indifferently upon bush or tree whilst singing. 
 
 An allied species, the crested lark (Alauda crestata). is be- 
 lieved to have occurred in a single instance, at Taney, near 
 Dublin ; but the specimen was not preserved. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XL VI. ANTHUS (PIPIT). 
 
 SPECIES 92 __ THE MEADOW PIPIT. 
 
 Anthus pratensis. Bechstein. 
 
 Pipit farlouse. Temm. 
 
 The Titlark. 
 
 THE TITLARK, the most common and widely distributed of 
 its species, frequents the sea-shore and vicinity of mountains 
 in considerable numbers. 
 
 Of the most unobtrusive plumage, we might suppose it a 
 species little known to the general observer, but it is gene- 
 rally successful in attracting notice from its peculiar habits. 
 The same either on the hill-side or on the sea- shore, the titlark, 
 
MEADOW PIPIT. ROCK PIPIT. 95 
 
 when disturbed, rises gently in the air, and times the beat of 
 its wings to its harmonious though monotonous call-note. 
 After attaining a considerable altitude, it alights on the heath 
 or sandhill, and having rested awhile, again commences its 
 renewed ascent. 
 
 The titlark is a more elegantly-shaped bird than either of 
 the larks we have described, and, although seldom caged, 
 bears confinement equally well. Subject to great variations 
 in the colour of the eggs, we seldom observe two similar in ap- 
 pearance, all differing in various shades, from dark cream to 
 a rich purplish red colour. 
 
 Another allied species, the tree pipit (Anthus arbor eus), 
 is believed to have been observed in Ireland ; but as a speci- 
 men has not been obtained, its occurrence is doubtful. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 93 THE ROCK PIPIT. 
 
 Anthus aquations. Bechstein. 
 Pipit spioncelle. Temm. 
 
 Rocklark. 
 
 THE ROCK PIPIT, larger in size, and of nearly similar habits, 
 as the preceding species, seldom occurs inland, or at a dis- 
 tance from the vicinity of the shore. 
 
 Found in considerable numbers on the northern side of the 
 Dublin coast, the rock pipit attracts our attention in a simi- 
 lar manner to the last species, when flying off and uttering 
 its call -note. 
 
 We were on one occasion considerably amused by the ma- 
 noeuvres of two of these birds, on the rocky shore near Port- 
 rane. Having a dog with us, which had possibly intruded 
 on their domain, the male and female instantly commenced 
 an angry attack on the animal. Hovering over it, and vocife- 
 rously uttering their call-notes, they succeeded in completely 
 puzzling him : the dog continued so abstracted, looking from 
 one to the other, that it could pay no attention to our whist- 
 ling, but sat with its eyes riveted upon the excited pipits. 
 
 Amongst the breeding places of this bird we may mention 
 rocky islets, to which it often sallies out nearly a distance of 
 ten miles from the main land, as at the Rock a Bill, on the 
 Dublin coast, where we observed two nests of this bird, both 
 occupied with young, when visiting the place to obtain spe- 
 cimens of the sternidce (terns). 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
96 SCANSORES. 
 
 FAMILY XVL SCANSORES (CLIMBERS). 
 
 GENUS XLVII PICID.E (WOODPECKERS). 
 
 SPECIES 94 THE GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 
 Picus major. Linn. 
 Pic epeiche. Temm. 
 
 THIS handsome species is of very unusual occurrence, having 
 only been obtained in fifteen or twenty instances in various 
 localities over the island. 
 
 In no instance having the pleasure of observing its habits in 
 Ireland, it came under our notice in several parts of England ; 
 and, during the summer of 1851, we had the satisfaction of 
 observing it and the hoopoe in the forest of Fontainbleau. 
 
 From the stomachs of several which we had the pleasure of 
 examining with our friend Mr. Glennon, the contents, in all 
 cases, were minute worms and larvae, which had probably in- 
 fested some tree. 
 
 When observed wild, the motions and attitudes of this bird 
 are remarkably elegant. Glancing rapidly through the glades 
 of the forest, it flies directly towards some old time-decayed 
 tree, and, alighting near the base, ascends, its stiff tail held 
 closely in, and its ascent made with a hurried, impatient, jerk- 
 ing motion, tapping with the bill rather loudly on the bark 
 in search of some decayed portion, where its favourite food 
 is always found in abundance. 
 
 The breeding place generally selected is a hollow in some old 
 tree. The eggs are very beautiful, of a pure satin -white 
 colour, and are seen collected in great numbers in Paris to 
 supply the various dealers in oology who require them. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 95 THE LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 
 
 Picus minor. Linn. 
 Pic epeichette. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, more rare in occurrence than the preceding, 
 appears only to have been obtained in six or seven instances, 
 all of which came under the critical observation of Mr. Ri- 
 chard Glennon in a recent state. Of these specimens the two 
 last in occurrence we had the pleasure of examining, one an 
 adult male, obtained on the 21st September, 1848, in the 
 
SPOTTED WOODPECKER. GREEN WOODPECKER. 97 
 
 county of Wicklow; and the other, an immature female, 
 shot in the same county during the autumn of 1847. Mr 
 Thompson has recorded the above facts in the Appendix to 
 vol. iii. as the only information known to him on the subject. 
 
 From different data since collected, we believe this species 
 to have been at one period indigenous to our island, as the 
 name of woodpecker is well understood in the country, al- 
 though incorrectly applied to several other species, as the 
 creeper and the titmice. 
 
 As the family of the Picidae only thrive in woods of 
 large growth, we might expect the occurrence of the wood- 
 pecker in those large forests with which, in remote ages, 
 Ireland was identified, and which were destroyed to aid in the 
 subjugation of the island ; necessarily, their shelter being re- 
 moved, the species declined in numbers, and became rare and 
 at last lost in a country where at one time it existed in 
 numbers. 
 
 Rutty, in his Natural History of the County of Dub- 
 lin, mentions " Picus varius minor," the lesser spotted wood- 
 pecker, as occurring commonly about Dublin ; and proceeds 
 to describe its food as consisting of grubs and small worms 
 found under the bark of trees. By Smith, its occurrence is 
 also noted in the county of Waterford. From these different 
 sources, which constitute all that we know of its occurrence 
 in Ireland, we may presume that it was at one time indigenous. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 96 THE GREEN WOODPECKER. 
 
 Picus viridis. Linn. 
 Pic vert. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautifully marked woodpecker has even occurred in 
 fewer instances than the preceding, which is, perhaps, some- 
 what curious, as it is the more widely distributed of the two 
 in England. 
 
 An adult male, in the author's collection, was obtained at 
 Sallymount, in the county of Kildare, on the 27th September, 
 1847. The gentleman who procured it remarked that some 
 weeks previously he had observed two birds of this species 
 frequenting some plantation adjacent to his house; but at 
 the time, his gun being in Dublin undergoing repairs, he was 
 under the necessity of waiting for some ten or twelve days, 
 during which time both woodpeckers remained in the neigh- 
 bourhood.* 
 
 * Mr. R. Glennon. 
 H 
 
98 SCANSORES. 
 
 From a note in Mr. Thompson's work, furnished by Mr. 
 Eobert Montgomery, another is stated to have been captured 
 by a gamekeeper in the county of Longford, in the presence 
 of Drs. Gordon and Edgeworth. 
 
 It is a matter of regret that our Fauna does not reckon at 
 least one resident species of this family, as few birds look 
 to more advantage than this very beautiful woodpecker, with 
 its bright and varied colours of black, crimson, green, and 
 yellow. 
 
 The call-note of this species is exceedingly loud and shrill ; 
 and, as remarked by Jardine, when heard in a retired and 
 lonesome place for the first time, the bird being unseen, it 
 strikes the hearer as most remarkable and startling. 
 
 That the woodpecker was known to the ancients we have 
 abundant testimony, as the elder Pliny has referred to it as 
 a common species ; and by Aristotle it was remarked as never 
 perching upon the ground, but striking lustily at the oak- 
 tree to rouse the worm and insect to emerge from their con- 
 cealment. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 GENUS XLVIII. CERTHIA (CREEPER). 
 SPECIES 97 THE CREEPER. 
 
 Certhia familiaris. Linn. 
 Grimpereau familier. Temm. 
 
 Woodpecker. Tomtit. 
 
 THIS elegantly shaped and delicate little species is met with 
 in favourite localities, and occurs all over the island wherever 
 there is sufficient plantation or wood to afford it shelter and 
 food. 
 
 Its habits 
 
 " To him who muses through the woods at noon," 
 
 are, perhaps, as full of interest as those of the majority of our 
 smaller birds. Resembling, as it does, the woodpecker in its 
 scansorial powers, we are always gratified by observing its 
 motions. Tame and familiar as it is harmless, we can often 
 approach within a few paces and watch its interesting habits. 
 Glancing past us with a rapid wavering flight, it alights on 
 the base of some rough, uneven oak, and, jerking from side to 
 side, works its way up, occasionally enlivening the journey 
 with its low, weak, sibilous cry. Chancing to observe an in- 
 truder on its solitude, we see an instant gleam of its silvery 
 and satin -white breast as it passes round to the opposite side 
 
CREEPER. WREN. ( J9 
 
 of the tree, whence it peers cautiously to seeif,the intruder be 
 still there. Again we observe it pursuing its way along the 
 upper branches, and then, suddenly glancing down, proceeds 
 to explore another tree. 
 
 A pair of these birds built a nest, for six successive years, 
 near to a door in the garden of Dr. Barker, at Stirling, 
 and on one occasion successfully attacked a marauding blue 
 titmouse that had ventured to disturb their serenity. The 
 eggs, as might be expected from the small size of the bird, 
 are very diminutive, and of a glossy white, dotted with pur- 
 plish red. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XLIX. TROGLODYTES (WREN). 
 SPECIES 98. THE COMMON WREN. 
 
 Troglodytes Europceus. Linn. 
 Troglodyte ordinaire. Temrn. 
 
 IN this species we have an instance of a bird not remarkable 
 for beauty of form or plumage, which possesses an advantage 
 over others, attracting notice for the external elegance of 
 their appearance. The wren is one of those which, by the 
 quiet simplicity of its habits, has so firmly entwined itself 
 round man's affection, that in every country it has been 
 taken under his protection. Preserving its wildness no mat- 
 ter how closely it approaches him, it is invariably an atten- 
 dant upon his presence ; and although in every season we 
 may observe it an occasional dweller in the forest, and in the 
 recesses of the deepest wood, yet it is alone " the wren" when 
 in the neighbourhood of the cottage. 
 
 Diminutive in size, it is one of the hardiest of our small 
 native birds ; and in the greatest depth of winter we may 
 hear their shrill chirp, remote from cultivation, in frost- 
 bound localities, promising little in the way of food. 
 
 In comparison with its diminutive size, the song of the 
 wren is the loudest of all our Irish birds, and during all sea- 
 sons it may be heard outpouring hurriedly its notes, and at 
 each conclusion jerking up the tail in a curious manner, and 
 diving, when alarmed, into the thickest of the hedgerow. 
 
 A peculiarity of the wren, mentioned by many authors, is 
 its habit of constructing several nests during spring, and then 
 deserting them, returning and making use of them during 
 winter for warmth sake. 
 
 " The very nest 
 Is warmed through winter by her feathery breast." 
 
100 CUCULID^:. 
 
 The number of eggs sometimes found in their nests might 
 almost exceed belief. We have ourselves obtained as many 
 as eleven and thirteen, and, by some authors, fourteen and 
 eighteen have been observed in one nest. 
 
 Well known for the persecution it receives on St. Stephen's 
 day, the following reason has been assigned by Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hall, in their work on Ireland : 
 
 " It is traditionally said, that, in the ' ould ancient times,' 
 when the native Irish were about to catch their Danish ene- 
 mies asleep, a wren perched upon the drum, and woke the 
 slumbering sentinels just in time to save the entire army; 
 consequently the little bird was proclaimed a traitor, outlawed, 
 and his life declared forfeit whenever he was encountered." 
 
 On that day half the parish turn out to " hunt the wran," 
 which, when obtained, is secured to an ivy bush, decorated 
 with ribands, and carried about by a crowd of urchins, for 
 the purpose of obtaining money, each shouting lustily the fol- 
 lowing lines : 
 
 " The wran, the wran, the king of all birds, 
 St. Stephen's Day was cot in the furze ; 
 Although he is little, his family's grate, 
 Put your hand in your pocket, and give us a trate. 
 Sing holly, sing ivy, sing holly, sing ivy, 
 A drop just to drink it would drown melancholy; 
 And if you dhraw it of the best, 
 I hope in heaven yer sowl will rest ; 
 But if you dhraw it ov the small, 
 It won't agree wid the wran-boys at all." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 FAMILY XVIL CUCULID^ (CUCKOOS). 
 
 GENUS L. CUCULUS (CUCKOO). 
 SPECIES 99 THE CUCKOO. 
 
 Cuculus canorus. Linn. 
 Coucou gris. Temm. 
 
 INTERESTING as are many of our native birds, few claim the 
 same notice as the summer-loving cuckoo. True, we may 
 cherish the redbreast and wren as intimate companions for 
 their attendance in our vicinity, and select the swallow and 
 martin of all others for the confidence they repose in man ; 
 yet to all classes, either the shepherd on the hill- side, or the 
 confined artisan on his Sunday ramble, the almost magic call- 
 note of this bird is the most prized. 
 
THE CUCKOO. 101 
 
 Coming to us after a sojourn in another land, we only hear 
 its glad notes when the earth has attired herself in her brightest 
 dress, and her flowers have perfumed the nooks and dells 
 which the cuckoo delights to visit. Then, chanting those 
 glad notes which make boyhood gleeful, and age thoughtful, 
 her simple harmony seems a universal epithalamium of na- 
 ture, as she herself is one of those harbingers of summer which 
 had been employed by the Great Giver from the commence- 
 ment, speaking a common tongue, intelligible in all countries 
 and to all men, to the savage as to the civilized. Not only 
 prized by the community, who delight in the associations re- 
 called by its music, it offers more attractions to the student 
 of nature in its habits than any bird we know of. Shy and 
 vigilant, it is ever watchful ; and, seldom remaining in one lo- 
 cality for any length of time, there is considerable difficulty in 
 observing its peculiarities. Nature has formed the cuckoo for 
 a true wanderer ; and, to do so more effectually, has deprived 
 it of the entire of that parental instinct which all birds more 
 or less bestow upon their young. To this is owing its strange 
 habit of dropping its egg into the nest of other birds, and 
 where, in most cases, the duped foster-mother bestows the 
 same care upon it as on her own more natural offspring. In 
 time, as the young bird increases in size and strength, it sum- 
 marily ejects the weaker and less fortunate occupants of the 
 nest, and succeeds at last in becoming the sole tenant of its 
 unjustly obtained property. The nest chiefly selected for this 
 purpose is that of the titlark ( Ant hus prat ensis), and this is 
 the species we generally observe foUowing the cuckoo, in 
 order to see it well off its own possessions. 
 
 The cuckoo generally makes its appearance with us about 
 the end of April, or, in the words of the country doggrel, to 
 follow its appearance and departure : 
 
 " In April 
 Come he will ; 
 In May 
 
 He sings all day ; 
 In June 
 
 He alters his tune ; 
 In July 
 
 He prepares to fly ; 
 In August 
 Go he must." 
 
 Either in the plumage of the adult or young, the cuckoo is an 
 eminently handsome species, and few birds can claim a more 
 elegant perfection of form. 
 
102 CUCULID.E. 
 
 During the first days of August, in 1852, we were gratified 
 by observing twenty or thirty cuckoos unusually grouped to- 
 gether, with willow warblers and other migratory species, in 
 the vicinity of the old ruined church, which adds so much to 
 the picturesque, on the small island of Ireland's Eye. On one 
 or two occasions they uttered their call- note, but with such a 
 gruff, hoarse intonation, as almost to have dispelled our esteem 
 for the species. This unusual assemblage of so many birds 
 argued some preparation for the u great flight." 
 
 In the " Book of Rights"* we find a curious notice of 
 the cuckoo, in one of the commands of the sages of the nation 
 to the King of Cashel, wherein he is directed " to plunder 
 the cattle of Cruachan when the cuckoo sings ;" in all pro- 
 bability the cattle being at that time in the best condition, 
 and more fitted for a profitable foray. 
 
 Musical as is the call of the cuckoo, it is never more curious 
 than when heard at midnight, coming from the depths of 
 some neighbouring wood or plantation with a harsh guttural 
 intonation, very different from the pleasing manner in which 
 it is generally heard. A species well known to the earliest 
 writers on the subject, Pliny bears testimony to the fact of 
 the delicious flavour of the flesh, so much so that no bird 
 could compare with it. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 100 THE GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO. 
 
 Cuculus glandarius. Linn. 
 Coucou geai. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, of which a single authenticated specimen 
 has occurred in the British isles, was obtained in Ireland 
 during the month of March, 1842, and now graces the col- 
 lection of native birds in the Museum of Trinity College, 
 Dublin. 
 
 The only information we can give of this rarity is the fol- 
 lowing note, furnished to Mr. Thompson by Mr. Ball, from 
 the correspondence of the gentleman who obtained it : 
 u The cuckoo, pursued by hawks, was taken by two per- 
 sons walking on the island of Omagh. It flew into a hole 
 in a stone, or fence, or wall ; was caught alive, and lived four 
 days on potatoes and water. The inhabitants of this country 
 had never seen any bird like it before, and, as they are con- 
 stantly in the habit of fishing at Bonn and Arran island, if 
 
 * Leabhap na -Cecrpc. 
 
SPOTTED CUCKOO. AMERICAN CUCKOO. HOOPOE. 103 
 
 'the bird were to be met with, no doubt they would have re- 
 cognised it. The bird, when chased by the hawks, appeared 
 weak, fatigued, and emaciated, as though it had taken a long 
 flight, as woodcocks and other birds of passage do on their 
 arrival." 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 101 THE YELLOW-BILLED AMERICAN CUCKOO. 
 
 Cuculus Americanus. Linn. 
 Coucou cendrillard. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare wanderer from the shores of the "great continent" 
 has only occurred in two instances in Ireland, one coming 
 under the notice of Dr. Ball at Youghal, the other obtained 
 at Bray in the autumn of 1852. 
 
 Its habits are somewhat similar to those of our common 
 species, only that it has a greater development of that mater- 
 nal kindness so deficient in the cuckoo of Europe, rearing 
 its brood and bringing them forth with all the solicitude of 
 a parent. Its call-notes are not so melodious or musical as 
 those of our own species, and have been likened to the syllable, 
 " cow, cow," " cow, cow," repeated very often, and for which 
 it has obtained in the United States its common name of 
 " cow bird." 
 
 It has likewise been remarked by its describers to vary its 
 diet, by occasionally preying upon young birds and eggs.* 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SUB-ORDER TENUIROSTRES (SLENDER-BILLED 
 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XVIII UPUPID^E (HOOPOE). 
 
 GENUS LI UPUPA (HOOPOE). 
 
 SPECIES 102 THE HOOPOE. 
 
 Upupa epops. Linn. 
 Huppe puput. Temm. 
 
 THIS really elegant bird, exceedingly beautiful in plumage, and 
 no less so in the perfection of its form, has occurred during 
 different seasons in various portions of the island, from the 
 suburbs of Dublin to the remotest isles of Arran, on the 
 Galway coast. Few persons can form any idea of its beauty 
 
 * Audobon* 
 
104 
 
 without actually having observed it. The long pendent crest, 
 capable of being erected at pleasure, of a rich orange-brown 
 colour, edged with black, the black-barred wings and tail, 
 and the body of a clear reddish gray, give it an appearance 
 at once novel and interesting to the beholder. Described 
 centuries ago by Ovid, he has beautifully depicted its trans- 
 formation and appearance : 
 
 " Tereus, through grief and haste to be revenged, 
 Shares the like fate, and to a bird is changed ; 
 Fixed on his head the crested plumes appear, 
 Long is his beak, and sharpened as a spear." 
 
 The hoopoe was also well known to Aristotle and Pliny, and 
 occurs in their works upon the subject. This species has 
 come under our own notice in five separate instances, all of 
 which passed through the hands of Mr. Glennon, the well- 
 known taxidermist. In the vicinity of Rouen we had also the 
 pleasure of observing a hoopoe apparently engaged picking 
 seeds upon the ground in the neighbourhood of a farm-house. 
 The crest was carried so close to the head as to cause doubt, 
 for a short time, of its identity, the bird presenting an ap- 
 pearance so slight. Amongst the many birds which grace the 
 cages of the dealers in Paris, the hoopoe is a favourite, and at 
 the grand " entrepot," from whence the tradesman and the 
 grisette are supplied with their favourite birds, and grisettes of 
 a more advanced age with their eternal poodle dog, we see 
 the hoopoe exposed for sale, with numbers of shrikes, wood- 
 peckers, and other rare visitants to our own country. 
 
 Fond of variety in many things as are the French, they 
 extend a particle of it to the locality chosen by their u mar- 
 chands des oiseaux." Situated on one of the quays in the most 
 populous part of Paris, the cages are placed in close order 
 along a dead wall (truly so, for it is one of the divisions of 
 La Morgue), against the other side of which the bodies of 
 the unclaimed dead are resting. There the dainty grisette, 
 bargaining with some dealer, expatiating on the hidden value 
 of some small song-bird, takes a turn in La Morgue, and looks 
 at the new arrivals whilst she makes up her mind regarding 
 its purchase. 
 
 By the Arabs the claim of the lapwing is disputed as not 
 being the bird Mahomet intended to have meant in the Koran, 
 and the hoopoe is thus called upon to receive the honours 
 assigned, of being the messenger of the amorous Queen of 
 Sheba. The nest is formed in hollow or decayed trees, and 
 the number of the eggs average from two to three, pale bluish- 
 white in colour. 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
BEE- EATER. ROLLER. 105 
 
 SUB-ORDER FISSEROSTRES (WIDE-MOUTHED 
 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XIX. MEROPID.E (BEE-EATERS). 
 
 GENUS LIT MEROPS (BEE-EATERS). 
 
 SPECIES 103 THE BEE-EATER. 
 
 Merops apiaster. Linn. 
 Guepier vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful and rare visitant has only occurred in four or 
 five instances, the greater proportion of which were obtained 
 during the summer months. One of these, in the collec- 
 tion of the author, was procured in the summer of 1848, in 
 the county of Wexford. The gentleman who obtained it 
 stated he had seen it frequenting his garden for some five or 
 six days, and that it became quite remarkable to the gardener 
 and workmen for the unusual brilliancy of its colours, for 
 which reason they named it a foreign kingfisher. Like the 
 habits of the species in its own country, he believed it to have 
 been more free than he had wished with his bees.* 
 
 It is a matter worthy of remark that the eggs of this spe- 
 cies resemble those of the hoopoe ; and that most of those 
 birds of brilliant plumage have eggs of the same glossy satin - 
 like colour, and in some cases transparent white, which dis- 
 tinguish those of the kingfisher and the roller. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 GENUS LIII. CORACIUS (ROLLER). 
 
 SPECIES 104 THE ROLLER. 
 
 Coracius garrula. Linn. 
 Rollier vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 THE ROLLER is another of those elegantly shaped and plu- 
 maged birds which favour our isle with a rare visit. Of larger 
 proportions than any of those occasional visitants, the roller 
 somewhat resembles the bee -eater in the general distribution 
 of its colours. The first and only specimen of this bird ever 
 obtained in Ireland, we had the pleasure of examining in Mr. 
 Glennon's establishment, on the 8th of October, 1849. It was 
 an adult male, and was obtained by the Earl of Courtown's 
 gamekeeper, in the county of Wexford. By that nobleman 
 it has since been presented to the Museum of Irish Industry, 
 
 * Mr. Glennon. 
 
106 
 
 Stephen's-green. The stomach contained the remains of 
 large beetles closely adhering together. 
 
 Beautiful as the roller is, its gay colours afford it no pro- 
 tection against the gourmand, as it is frequently observed in 
 the public markets at Malta and Sicily. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XX ALCEDINJE (KINGFISHERS). 
 
 GENUS LIV. ALCEDO (KINGFISHER). 
 
 SPECIES 105 THE KINGFISHER. 
 
 Alcedo ispida. Linn. 
 Martin pecheur pie. Temm. 
 
 THE KINGFISHER is generally allowed to rank as the most 
 beautiful of our native birds, yielding to none of the bright 
 species of the tropics for brilliancy of plumage, but yet, in like 
 manner with the bird of paradise, it is strangely deficient in 
 elegance of form, as the bill is long and thick, the neck short, 
 the feet very small, and the body disproportionately large. 
 It is also a permanent resident with us, and in some situations 
 occurs in considerable numbers, although in no localities in 
 actual abundance. 
 
 Seldom met with in the vicinity of large rivers, it is 
 in some retired, well -sheltered glen the lovely halcyon is 
 most frequently found : there we may observe it during all 
 seasons in the bright sunshine of the summer passing us, 
 with its rainbow hue, like a meteor; in the dreariness of winter 
 perched on a decayed bough, watching intently over the half- 
 frozen pool, its bright plumage contrasting as in mockery with 
 the cold and cheerless prospect of the surrounding snows. 
 The food of this bird consists of small fishes, principally min- 
 now and fry ; indeed, in some localities they have been banished 
 on account of their injury to trout fry, but we can only say, 
 the proprietor must be narrow -hearted indeed to resent an 
 injury which, in most instances, is more fancied than real. 
 
 Few have observed this bird in a state of nature without 
 bestowing on it their unqualified admiration, so very beau- 
 tiful are its movements when in pursuit of prey: hovering 
 slowly, it proceeds at a short distance from the water until its 
 attention becomes arrested by the movements of the silvery 
 gleaming minnow, then, quick as thought, before we have 
 time to calculate the plunge, the kingfisher emerges with its 
 prey held firmly in its beak ; alighting on a stone, the minnow 
 
THE KINGFISHER. 107 
 
 is deprived of life, and swallowed entire. Again it hovers and 
 watches unsuccessfully, until it alights on the bough of yon 
 bending willow. The tall and graceful blossoms of the vestal 
 lily wave in accordance with the sultry breeze ; the banks 
 are covered with emerald moss, through which tufts of the 
 blue forget-me-not stand conspicuous ; u pale, unmarried prim- 
 roses," oxlips, and the foxglove, unite in embellishing the 
 margin of the stream ; dragon -flies of many hues play over 
 the sunlit surface ; afar the note of the cuckoo sounds plain- 
 tively through the glen ; but yet is the kingfisher motionless, 
 alike heedless of the splashing of the dusky water-hen, 
 or the cries of her duskier young ; a cloud of ephemera 
 dance their intricate medley over the centre of the pool, oc- 
 casionally falling a prey to the droves of minnow below, and 
 gradually approaching the kingfisher, the sportive fish leap 
 gleefully after the retiring insects, a sudden plunge, a flash 
 of sunshine on its plumage, as, disappearing for an instant, it 
 again emerges with its prey. 
 
 Towards the approach of spring the kingfisher prepares for 
 the important task of incubation, and for that purpose gene- 
 rally selects the unoccupied burrow of a water-rat, the bottom 
 of which is usually found strewed with pellets of small fish- 
 bones, probably ejected by the bird. The eggs are five or seven 
 in number, round in form, and of a most beautiful transparent 
 white. Before the young are fledged, the nest is often liable 
 to detection in consequence of the fetid odour proceeding 
 from it. 
 
 Indeed, it appears strange how this bird maintains its num- 
 bers, selecting as it does such a breeding place, without pro- 
 tection, and liable to the nocturnal visits of the water-rat, 
 and the lithe and implacable enemy of both, the stoat. The 
 note of this bird we have never heard ; it is said to be shrill 
 and piercing. The flight is also extremely rapid. 
 
 The ancients regarded the kingfisher with pleasure and 
 gratitude, as they believed that, as long as the female sat on 
 the eggs, no storm or tempest disturbed the face of the ocean. 
 
 " As firm as the rock, and as calm as the flood, 
 Where the peace-loving halcyon deposits her brood." 
 
 Long ago, in the studios of those of the occult science who 
 had an u alligator stuffed," the halcyon was hung up with a 
 thread, and allowed the highest place. The skin was believed 
 to turn its bill to whatever point the wind blew from ; arid we 
 believe it is Shakspere who makes use of it in that sense : 
 
 " Disown, affirm, and turn their halcyon beaks 
 With every gale and vary of their masters." 
 
108 CAPRIMULGIDJE. 
 
 The principal localities frequented by this bird in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Dublin are the picturesque rivers in its vicinity, 
 the Dodder and the Tolka. It may likewise be observed, that 
 it is owing to the feathers of this bird that the " Limerick 
 flies" have obtained their European celebrity. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 106 THE BELTED KINGFISHER. 
 
 Alcedo alcyon. Linn. 
 Martin pecheur alcyon. Degland. 
 
 THIS fine-looking species, as appears from its strong, robust 
 size and shape, is a native of the other side of the Atlantic, 
 and is only found by those great rivers of the American con- 
 tinent where it is more adapted to the scene, owing to its 
 more bulky proportions. In two instances this rare wanderer 
 has been obtained upon our shores, and were the first occur- 
 rence of the species upon the European continent. Both 
 birds, through the kindness of Mr. Glennon, we had the gra- 
 tification of examining and noting in a fresh state. One of 
 these specimens, obtained by J. C. Campion, Esq., is pre- 
 served in the collection of Mr. T. W. Warren ; the other is 
 in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 FAMILY XXL CAPRIMULGID^. 
 
 GENUS LV. CAPRIMULGUS (GOATSUCKER). 
 
 SPECIES 107 THE GOATSUCKER. 
 
 Caprimulgus Europeans. Linn. 
 Engoulevant ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 Fern - owl. Night -j ar . 
 
 THIS species is not common, but in favourite localities occurs 
 in limited numbers. Although not remarkable for its bright 
 and varied colours, it is yet one of those unobtrusive, chastely- 
 coloured birds in which the plumage is so beautifully blended 
 as to render it difficult to describe. Closely allied to the 
 swallows by its small bill and feet, together with the great 
 expansion of the mouth, andlts feeding on insects, it as closely 
 resembles the owl in its nocturnal flight, largeness of the eyes, 
 and soft appearance of the plumage. 
 
 So closely do the various species comprised in the Capri- 
 mulgine family correspond in all countries, in the distribution 
 
THE GOATSUCKER. 109 
 
 of their marking, that a description of one might nearly answer 
 for all. 
 
 This species is one which has come down from antiquity to 
 the present time, loaded with many of the strange prejudices 
 of the ancients ; all equally as preposterous as the tales of 
 the fabulous roc, or the ideal regeneration of the phoenix, 
 handed down from Rabbinical tradition. 
 
 In the infancy of research after nature, this bird was ac- 
 cused of injuring the teats of cows and goats, and depriving 
 them of their milk, for which in remote ages it received the 
 stupid name which it is still known by. Described by Aris- 
 totle under the name segothelas, a little larger than a black- 
 bird, and a little less than a cuckoo, it lays eggs, to the num- 
 ber of two or three at most, in the neighbourhood of the 
 mountain. Slothful in its nature, it flies upon the goats and 
 sucks them, whence the name ; after which the animal is 
 sure to die. It is similarly noticed by -ZElian. Pliny embellishes 
 its history with the fact of the goats becoming blind after 
 being sucked by this bird. Once prejudice exists, so difficult 
 is it to be removed, that in many places in England and Ireland 
 the inhabitants believe it still capable of the same power, and 
 also of infecting cattle with the cow-leech ! 
 
 A more enlightened research in later times disproved 
 those strange opinions, and dispelled much of the darkness 
 which obscured natural history. But as the nightjar pos- 
 sessed a curious serrated claw, and numerous strong bristles 
 at the base of the bill, and being seldom seen or heard except 
 Curing the night, all this necessarily perplexed its describers, 
 who believed that the serrated comb on the foot served both 
 to hold its insect food, and to brush the remains of its repast 
 from the bristles on the base of the bill. It is now the re- 
 ceived opinion, that as many of the species are troubled with 
 parasites, the use of the pectinated claw may be to rid them- 
 selves of those unwelcome guests. 
 
 The goatsucker, like the swallow, is a migratory visitor, 
 generally arriving with us towards the end of May or begin- 
 ning of June, and taking its departure at the end of August. 
 In Ireland it appears to resort to similar localities as in Eng- 
 land retired woods and plantations, but principally waste 
 lands, well covered with fern, furze, and heath. In the neigh- 
 bourhood of our city the only locality frequented by them ap- 
 pears to be Bray Head and some of the Wicklow mountains, 
 although, some fifty years since, they were regular visitors to 
 the banks of the Dodder, near Miltown.* 
 
 * Mr. J. MCullogh. 
 
110 CAPRIMULGID^:. 
 
 Its food consists of large insects, moths, and beetles, which 
 at twilight are hawked for on the wing, a fact not unob- 
 served by the attentive Wordsworth, who remarks, 
 
 " The busy dor-hawk chases the white moth 
 With burring note." 
 
 During the day the goatsucker generally rests upon the 
 heath, or, in a few instances, it is found perching on a bough, 
 a habit at variance with the structure of the feet, as, when 
 perching, it differs from most of our native birds by sitting 
 on the branch lengthways, or in the direction of the branch, 
 and not transversely, as all our insessoral birds do, with the 
 exception of the cuckoo, this bird also sitting and swaying 
 his body whilst uttering his note. When resting on the ground 
 in the daytime, a near approach does not appear to startle 
 or alarm this bird, so that if stealthily approached at noon 
 the female may be captured on the nest. The eggs are gene- 
 rally two in number, and rarely exceed three, and, like the 
 bird, are mottled with various shades of ash-grey, brown, and 
 black. The nest is formed in any natural hollow, or in one 
 scraped for the purpose, and is surrounded with fern and 
 heath. The young are described as being at first covered 
 with long whitish down. 
 
 Towards dusk the goatsucker throws off its inactivity, and 
 rises softly in the air, where, in the pursuit of its insect prey, 
 it displays a beauty of flight and rapidity of movement scarcely 
 to be equalled by the swallow, at intervals enlivening its aerial 
 excursions with an occasional repetition of a curious note, 
 which, from the whirring sound, resembles the action of a 
 spinning-wheel. This strange, burring note, when heard on 
 lone desolate heaths, has, in some parts of Ireland, im- 
 pressed a belief that it is caused by the fairies, when engaged 
 in manufacturing some tribute of their skill to adorn the per- 
 son of their Titania. 
 
 The poet of Rydal Mount has well described this bird when 
 engaged in hawking for its prey 
 
 " The burring dor-hawk round and round is wheeling, 
 That solitary bird 
 Is all that can be heard 
 In silence, deeper far than deepest noon." 
 
 Like that of the corn-crake, this bird has also a peculiarity 
 in its call, as, at one moment, we hear it at a distance, and the 
 next in our immediate vicinity. The call is also capable of con- 
 
GOATSUCKER. SWALLOW. Ill 
 
 siderable variation, on which a writer, describing the lakes 
 of Cumberland, commences a sonnet observant of its change : 
 " The night-hawk is singing his frog-like tune." 
 
 Not only in our own country have these birds been rendered 
 mysterious, but even in Africa and Australia they are invested 
 with preternatural attributes. In the last country the colo- 
 nists have named one the devil-bird, from its horribly gro- 
 tesque appearance and cry. 
 
 In the western hemisphere the most remarkable of the 
 many strange species of that land are the " whip-poor-will," 
 and " chuck- will's -widow," both of which nearly resemble 
 our own species in size and colour. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXII. HIRUNDINJE. 
 
 GENUS LVI. HIRUNDO (SWALLOW). 
 
 SPECIES 108 THE COMMON SWALLOW. 
 
 Hirundo rustica. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de cheminee. Temm. 
 
 THIS sweet harbinger of summer has from the earliest ages 
 been protected by man ; and, unlike the generality of birds, 
 who nidify and rear their broods in inaccessible situations, 
 remote from man, the swallow banishes all fear, and, reposing 
 confidence in him, becomes a familiar attendant in all situa- 
 tions. The kraal of the Hottentot, the hut of the Esquimaux, 
 the minarets of Cairo, and the peasant's cot of our own island, 
 receive in turn the visits of the summer-loving swallow. 
 
 Its migrations have been remarked at an early era, and 
 are mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testa- 
 ment. It was also attentively observed by many of the half 
 barbarous nations of antiquity ; its habits and migrations 
 noted ; and speculations entertained, by its early coming, on 
 the value and products of the ripening harvest. 
 
 On the authority of Edwards, it was a great favourite with 
 the Greeks, particularly at Rhodes, where a festival was kept 
 called u %\i^6via," which was a holiday for the Greek boys, 
 who carried about young swallows, and sung a song pre- 
 served in the works of Meursius, which has been thus rendered 
 in English : 
 
 " He comes ! he comes ! who loves to hear 
 Soft sunny hours, and seasons fair : 
 The swallow hither comes to rest 
 His sable wing and snowy breast." 
 
112 HIRUND1NJE. 
 
 Nearly similar to that of Meursius we have another song, 
 which the ingenious young rogues made use of as an excuse to 
 levy contributions on the good nature of their fellow-citizens, 
 and which the happiness of the day gave them almost the li- 
 berty of enforcing : 
 
 " The swallow, the swallow, has burst on the sight; 
 He brings us gay seasons of vernal delight : 
 His back it is sable, his belly is white. 
 
 Have you nothing to spare 
 That his palate may please, 
 
 A fig, or a pear, 
 Or a slice of rich cheese ? 
 Mark ! he bars all delay : 
 At a word, my friend, say, 
 Is it yes, is it nay ? 
 Do we go ? do we stay ? 
 One gift, and we're gone : 
 Refuse, and anon 
 On your gate and your door 
 All our fury we pour ; 
 Or our strength shall be tried 
 On your sweet little bride . 
 From her seat we will tear her, 
 From her home we will bear her : 
 She is light, and will ask 
 But small hands to the task. 
 Let your bounty then lift, 
 
 Help and aid, too, our mirth ; 
 And whatever the gift, 
 
 Let its size speak its worth. 
 The swallow, the swallow, 
 
 Upon you doth wait, 
 An almsman and suppliant, 
 
 He stands at your gate. 
 Set open, set open, 
 
 Your gate and your door ; 
 Neither giants nor grey-beards 
 
 Your bounty implore."* 
 
 A favourite with the poets, all have sung the praises of this 
 " fleet messenger of summer days," the same to-day as when 
 Anacreon sung : 
 
 " Once in each revolving year, 
 Gentle bird, we find'thee here 
 AVhen nature wears her summer vest 
 Thou com'st to weave thy simple nest, 
 And, when the chilling winter lours, 
 Again thou seek'st the genial bowers 
 Of Memphis, or the shores of Nile, 
 Where sunny hours for ever smile." 
 
 * Mitchell's Knights of Aristophanes. 
 
THE COMMON SWALLOW. 113 
 
 Thus with us, as in that olden time, the swallow never knows 
 a winter. Rendered classical from the many associations 
 which cling to it, from the time of Ovid's Philomela and 
 Progne to the day when Dante, alluding to the fable, wrote of 
 its song as 
 
 " In that hour, 
 
 When near the dawn the swallow her sad lav, 
 Remembering, haply, ancient griefs, renews." 
 
 The story is well known of a thin brass plate having been 
 fixed on a swallow, with the inscription : 
 
 " Prithee, swallow, whither goest thou in winter ?" 
 The bird returned next spring, with the answer subjoined : 
 " To Anthony, of Athens ; why dost thou inquire ?" 
 The swallow generally arrives with us early in April, and 
 about a month after its arrival prepares its nest, which is 
 placed against the rafters, or under the eaves of a barn 
 or out-house. Sometimes the face of rocks or quarries are 
 chosen as a place for incubation. At variance with its habits 
 in our island, in England the swallow builds a nest some 
 short distance down the chimney (whence the name), a place 
 scarcely ever resorted to in Ireland. The nest is rather strong, 
 and is formed of mud or clay, intermingled and strengthened 
 wifli straws, and lined with feathers, the site being usually 
 returned to yearly by the same birds. 
 
 The eggs are four or five in number, in colour reddish 
 white, spotted with purplish red. In some parts of the country 
 there exists a curious prejudice against taking the eggs of 
 this harmless bird, the alleged consequence attending the act 
 being the cows losing their milk ; and hardy is the venture- 
 some urchin who, in defiance of the acknowledged authority, 
 determines to possess himself of a prize attended with such 
 consequences, with the perfection of ingenuity first trying 
 the experiment in some neighbour's barn, in hopes of escaping 
 the supposed punishment. The food of this species consists 
 of gnats, flies, and the various ephemera which in summer 
 fill the air to a great extent, and which, if suffered to exist, 
 would render man miserable, and, finally, the earth uninha- 
 bitable. No wonder, then, is it that man protects and looks 
 with gratitude on his little preserver from the Egyptian 
 plague ; or, in the language of the philosopher, Sir Humphrey 
 Davy, who, speaking of the swallow, says : " He is the con- 
 stant destroyer of insects, the friend of man, and, with the 
 stork and the ibis, may be regarded as a sacred bird." 
 
 It is a lovely sight on a quiet evening to observe a num- 
 i 
 
114 HIRUNDIKE. 
 
 ber of swallows skimming over some pool for insects, appa- 
 rently gliding along on motionless wings without an effort ; 
 the curving sweep, the abrupt and graceful turn, and the 
 pleased twitter, varied at intervals by the sudden snap of the 
 mandibles closing on some luckless insect ; or, occasionally, 
 in a circling sweep, snatching from the surface of the water 
 some drowning fly, 
 
 ** The restless swallow's arrowy flight is seen, 
 Dimpling the sunny waves, then lost amid the green." 
 
 The swallow is a fearless little fellow, and not to be intimi- 
 dated by the approach of any of the birds of prey. The in- 
 stant one is observed intruding on their feeding grounds, a 
 shrill alarm is quickly sounded, as a note of preparation to 
 the surrounding birds, who join in a body, give chase, buffet, 
 strike, and finally drive off the unsuccessful tyrant. The fox 
 stealing stealthily along the briery ditch, the cat silently work- 
 ing her way through the clustering ivy both on murderous 
 deeds intent do not escape the watchful eye of the attentive 
 swallow, who with loud clamour compels them unwillingly to 
 depart. 
 
 Nor is the swallow destitute of song, its short and simple 
 melody being amongst the first to herald in the morning * it 
 is also uttered when on the wing, and in the neighbourhood 
 of the nest. 
 
 Another note of the swallow is its shrill alarm, which 
 Homer has likened to the sound of Ulysses' bow amongst the 
 suitors, when 
 
 '* From his essaying hand the string let fly, 
 
 Twang' d short and sharp, like the shrill swallow's cry." 
 
 Towards the end of summer the swallows collect in consi- 
 derable numbers, admonished by the fading foliage, and the 
 chill blast of the autumnal eve, and prepare to bid a reluctant 
 farewell to the scenes of their once busy cares. Happy bird, 
 in a few days it glides among the flowery acacias of a more 
 genial clime ! 
 
 We may observe that some of the finest gems of modern 
 German melody are written on the return of the swallow. In 
 France and Italy their many claims to protection are disal- 
 lowed, and they are there offered for sale, like plover in our 
 own markets, to satisfy some fastidious palate. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
THE WINDOW MARTIN. 115 
 
 SPECIES 109 THE WINDOW MARTIN. 
 
 Hirundo urbica. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de fenetre. Temm. 
 
 THE beautiful window martin is the most decidedly marked 
 and cleanest looking in plumage of the interesting family to 
 which it belongs. Like its neighbour, the swallow, it is never 
 molested, or receives annoyance from man ; although occa- 
 sionally, when it carries its familiarity too far, and is on the 
 point of becoming more u free than welcome," by taking 
 possession of a window, and building nest beside nest, with 
 the most determined pertinacity in excluding the light, it is 
 generally pardoned, and allowed to bustle away for the short 
 sweet time it sojourns with us. Cleanly and beautiful in 
 plumage, as it is harmless and interesting in its habits, the 
 martin is found in the most opposite localities over the island : 
 equally at home when flying along the streets of the city as 
 by the wayside of the country village, it is an invariable at- 
 tendant upon the great and sublime in nature ; as, around the 
 immense precipices which fringe the western coast of Ireland 
 we observe their tiny forms winging along, 
 
 " Half as gross as beetles," 
 
 midway those bleak and eternal-looking rocks ; and often, 
 when entering a cave situated remote and solitary, we can 
 scarcely believe that those birds, which are clustering about 
 their nests overhead, can be the same sociable companions 
 we hear chirping at daybreak from their " domed palaces" 
 in the window corner. 
 
 Among the many interesting habits which have so much 
 endeared the martin to the community, is the wonderful and 
 beautiful instinct with which it is endowed, returning every 
 year to its primal birthplace. No matter how changed the 
 locality by decay or improvement, the old hallowed spot is 
 found out, and year after year they return, pass over cities and 
 towns, and, by that extraordinary instinct implanted by Pro- 
 vidence, reach at last their old haunts, and seem almost to 
 twitter with a pleased feeling of recognition at the sites of 
 the nests where they had first found life. 
 
 Varied as are its breeding haunts, the window of the country 
 inn and the fissured cavern by the sea-side, we had much 
 pleasure in observing their choice of breeding places in other 
 countries. Over the great doorwaysj of the cathedrals of 
 Notre Dame, at Paris, and St. Ouen, at Rouen, we see im- 
 mense spaces filled up and occupied in those sculptured and 
 i2 
 
116 
 
 bas-relief figures of saints, projecting forward in a prominent 
 manner from the surface. 
 
 There, crowded by entire colonies, the martins are ever 
 congregated, giving an air of the ridiculous to the sublimity 
 which invests the workmanship so profusely decorative, by 
 the complication of projecting straw and hay which sets its 
 artistic appearance at nought : for instance, at Notre Dame, 
 where the central figure has the arms outstretched in an at- 
 titude of prayer, three pair of saucy martins, determined to 
 " sleep in the bosom of Abraham," yearly rear their broods 
 in the cavity of the arms. 
 
 At the grand arch of triumph, near the barrier D'Etoile, we 
 see the nests crowding the spaces occupied by the names of 
 Kellerman, Suchet, and Kleber, almost blotting them from 
 view, with the others whose names are inscribed upon it. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 110 THE SAND MARTIN. 
 
 Hirundo riparia. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de rivage. Temm. 
 
 THE SAND MARTIN, the smallest and plainest coloured of the 
 Hirundinse, is not so widely distributed, or occurs in such num- 
 bers, as the more common species, but it is yet found in con- 
 siderable numbers in such localities as are suited to its habits. 
 The earliest in appearing upon our shores of any of its con- 
 geners, we may occasionally observe a few individuals cheer- 
 lessly skimming over the water-side as early as the end of 
 March, which must appear somewhat strange to the ornitho- 
 logist when we are informed by Degland : " Cette espece 
 arrive dans le nord de la France apres ses congeneres et re- 
 part avant elles."* 
 
 Arriving in flocks, they occupy at once their breeding 
 haunts ; and in places, where for days we had unsuccessfully 
 watched for their coming, on some morning we find, per- 
 haps, some fifty individuals, chitting with all the sangfroid 
 of a swallow, perfectly unconcerned after their long voyage ; 
 they appear as if they had never left the locality (an absurd 
 idea still clung to by the ignorant). 
 
 Differing from all the swallows, the sand martin is the most 
 unsocial of its family in its relations with man, leaving his vici- 
 nity, and taking up its quarters by the loamy side of the sand- 
 pit, or against the face of some abrupt hill-side, which shows 
 exposed some layers of soft sand, suited for its habitation. 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeeime. 
 
SAND MARTIN. PURPLE MARTIN. COMMON SWIFT. 1 1 7 
 
 Beautiful as are the evolutions of these volatile birds, from 
 the bold sweeping flight of the stately swift to the easy glid- 
 ing one of the martin, the present species yields to none for 
 the elegance of its aerial motion. Although keeping at a dis- 
 tance from man, we might suppose the sand martin difficult 
 of access ; but the entire colony will often allow an intruder 
 to watch their mining operations without the least alarm ; 
 and it is a curious sight where some dozen birds, supporting 
 themselves with their feet and tail, and scooping a hole with 
 their bills, resemble so many feathered augers twisting and 
 turning at the hole they are engaged in excavating. 
 
 Frequenting some localities in considerable numbers, we 
 might instance the many quarries along the side of the Tolka 
 river, and the northern side of the Hill of Howth, where the 
 perpendicular face of the sand exhibits a most curious appear- 
 ance from the many perforated holes worked by these arti- 
 sans of nature. The eggs are from five to six in number, 
 deposited at the end of the burrow, and have the same pearly- 
 white appearance that so much distinguishes the window 
 martin. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 111 THE PURPLE MARTIN. 
 
 Hirundo purpurea. Linn. 
 Hirondelle pourpre. Degland. 
 
 THIS rare species has only occurred in a single instance, a 
 specimen obtained near Kingstown sometime in 1839. It 
 was forwarded to Dr. Scouler, a few hours after being pro- 
 cured, for the purposes of dissection, and was afterwards 
 placed in the Museum of the Royal Dublin Society. It oc- 
 curs in considerable numbers during summer in the United 
 States and Canada, from which distant lands this rare 
 wanderer had visited our shores. 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 GENUS LVII CYPSELUS (SWIFT). 
 
 SPECIES 112 THE COMMON SWIFT. 
 
 Cypselus apus. Linn. 
 Martinet de muraille. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, which seems almost to have been solely 
 formed for living in the air, is one of the most interesting of 
 the many species which gladden our shores by their presence 
 during summer. The largest of our common species, it is 
 
1 1 8 HIRUNDIN^E. 
 
 the latest in arriving, and the first to take its departure. Ad- 
 mirably fitted for the flight nature has intended it to endure, 
 its glossy-green plumage harmonizes beautifully with its bold, 
 sweeping, and desultory flight. 
 
 Similar as are all the swallows in their habits, no other fa- 
 mily differ so widely in the structure of the nest. We have 
 already seen the mud-built domicile of the swallow, the win- 
 dow-corner domed structure of the martin, and the dark 
 dwelling in the sandpit of the sand martin, with the swift 
 we see none of these localities selected, but, searching for 
 some crevice in the time-rent tower, or an entrance under 
 the eave of some church or castle, it nidifys there, and rears 
 its small brood of voyageurs. 
 
 We might call the swift the rarest of the family in its oc- 
 currence in Ireland, excepting, of course, those species which 
 have only appeared in one or two instances. 
 
 On its arrival, like the sand martin and swallow, it gene- 
 rally selects its breeding haunts at once, in most cases the 
 same the bird had employed the preceding year. 
 
 From notes taken on different ornithological tours, we have 
 observed the swift to occur in greater numbers in the city of 
 Dublin than either London or Paris, or any of the large 
 towns of either countries visited. True, we may see the swift 
 dashing with its impetuous flight about the most populous 
 districts of London ; and in every Continental town, from the 
 spire of St. Gedules, at Brussels, to the Cathedral of Strasburgh, 
 observe small parties with the same headlong speed hawking 
 in the air about their vicinity ; yet, in almost all the princi- 
 pal streets of Dublin the swift lives and u forays" on the 
 wing in the greatest abundance ; so much so, that we have, 
 on many occasions, observed crowds of car-boys and others 
 striking at them on the wing with whips, or other mis- 
 siles, in the neighbourhood of the quays, frequented for their 
 insect food ; and, unfortunately, from the harmless and un- 
 suspecting nature of the bird, with too much success ; as on 
 one occasion we saw eight of those unfortunate birds u living 
 in death," with their wings broken, and their bodies covered 
 with blood, offered to the curious for the merest trifle. 
 
 The swift is well known to the inhabitants of Dublin, at- 
 tracting their attention by its loud, shrill, piercing scream, 
 uttered when sweeping past upon the wing, and often so loud 
 and startling as to alarm equestrians for their safety in the 
 public streets. On one occasion, in a sultry evening in July 
 last, some swifts rushed past a horse's head, in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Westmoreland-street, screaming so loudly that 
 
COMMON SWIFT. ALPINE SWIFT. 119 
 
 the horse became excited, and endeavoured to dismount his 
 rider, and at last took fright and galloped up Sackville- street. 
 
 Exceedingly reckless in the impetuosity of its flight, a 
 swift in our possession was obtained by striking itself vio- 
 lently against a gentleman's hat in Suffolk-street, falling 
 stunned and senseless at his side. To this habit, occasionally 
 observed by the ancients, we are, doubtless, indebted for the 
 idea of the swift's blindness, remarked by Aristotle and 
 Pliny. 
 
 Resembling the window martin in the great variety of its 
 breeding sites, we see many window sills of the principal 
 houses in the squares and streets of Dublin with two or three 
 pair of swifts tenanting the crevices beneath. 
 
 Along Bray, Howth, and Lambay Island, we may observe 
 the natural breeding places of the swift in crannies of the 
 rock or precipices overhanging the sea. 
 
 Occasionally we may see the swift breeding in company 
 with the jackdaw and starling, in the Round Towers of the 
 country, as at Lusk, Monasterboice, and Kildare. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 113 THE ALPINE SWIFT. 
 
 Cypselus Alpinus. Linn. 
 Martinet a ventre blanc. Temm. 
 
 THE ALPINE SWIFT, easily distinguished from the common 
 species by its more extended sweep of wing and the white 
 colour of the under parts, has only been obtained in a very 
 few instances. The first accredited specimen ever occur- 
 ring in the British isles was taken off Cape Clear, some short 
 distance from land ; a second specimen was procured at Rath- 
 farnham, near Dublin, in the spring of 1833, and was eventu- 
 ally added to the collection of Mr. T. W. Warren. The last 
 specimen, shot in the county of Cork, came under the notice 
 of Robert Warren, Esq., of Castlewarren, in the same county. 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
120 COLUMBINE. 
 
 ORDER TIL RASORES (SCRAPING BIRDS). 
 FAMILY XXIII COLUMBINE (PIGEONS). 
 
 GENUS LYIII. COLUMBA (PIGEONS). 
 
 SPECIES 114. THE RINGDOVE. 
 
 Columba palumbus. Linn. 
 Colombe ramier. Temm. 
 
 Woodquest. Cushat. 
 
 THE RINGDOVE is the largest and most widely distributed of 
 our native pigeons, and in the neighbourhood of Dublin oc- 
 curs in considerable numbers. Beautiful in plumage, its 
 amatory notes are among the first to announce a release from 
 the severity of winter, and are listened to with pleasure by 
 every resident in the country, and when heard in concert 
 with many of our song-birds, appear as if wooing the flowery 
 dalliance of spring. 
 
 The food of the woodquest consists of grains and seeds of 
 all kinds, wheat, oats, barley, and particularly turnips. On 
 account of its extensive depredations on the latter in winter, 
 the woodquest receives little favour from the hands of the 
 farmer ; and, during that season, when they congregate in 
 large flocks, the damage occasioned by them to the young 
 green crops is often serious and considerable, and their cap- 
 ture forms a small equivalent to recompense the agricultu- 
 rist for their extensive damages. On the approach of spring 
 they break up and separate in pairs, to provide for the im- 
 portant task of incubation ; then it is that the woodquest 
 begins those agreeable blandishments of love for which the 
 family of Columbine are remarkable : 
 
 ** As when the ringdove by his mate alights, 
 In circles each about the other wheels, 
 And, murmuring, coo their fondness," 
 
 so the enamoured ringdove rises rapidly in the air, and, 
 after attaining a considerable altitude, the points of the wings 
 are brought forcibly together, producing a sharp and rather 
 loud sound ; falling gracefully through the air, he repeats his 
 seductive wiles ; or, perching on the branches of a lofty sy- 
 camore, fills the echoes of the woods with his pleasing mo- 
 notony, investing many of the sombre and solemn woods 
 
RINGDOVE. ROCK DOVE. 121 
 
 which they frequent with almost preternatural attributes. 
 Having succeeded in selecting and winning a partner " to 
 honour and obey," the ringdove selects a suitable situation 
 for building, although few places come amiss, as their nests 
 are found within a few feet from the ground in a stunted 
 blackthorn, or some thirty feet high on the branches of the 
 fir-tree. 
 
 The nest is a flat, plate -like structure, formed of twigs 
 rudely woven together in a circular form, without any raised 
 margin to prevent the young from falling out. The eggs are 
 usually two in number, in colour pure white, and glossy in 
 appearance. Two broods are reared during the season, the 
 first seldom coming to maturity, from the exposed situation in 
 which they build. 
 
 The love-note of the woodquest has, in the northern parts 
 of Europe, been made the subject of a well- adapted and beau- 
 tiful myth. It is said that a dove perched in the neighbour- 
 hood of the holy cross when the Redeemer was expiring, 
 and, wailing its notes of sorrow, kept repeating the words, 
 u Kyrie ! Kyrie !" to alleviate the agony of His dying mo- 
 ments. 
 
 Some idea of the occurrence of this beautiful species about 
 Dublin may be formed from the fact, that we have observed 
 twenty-seven occupied nests in a demesne not many miles 
 distant from the metropolis. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 115 THE ROCK DOVE. 
 
 Columba lima. Linn. 
 
 Columbe biset. Temm. 
 
 Sea Pigeon. Rock Pigeon. 
 
 THIS species, very local in its distribution, is as beautifully 
 marked as the preceding, and to it we must look for the ori- 
 ginal of our domestic pigeon. Widely differing in habits 
 from the ringdove, which is only found inland, we might cha- 
 racterize the rock dove as the pigeon of the sea, from its fre- 
 quenting those precipices which overhang the ocean around 
 the coast ; and although sometimes seen feeding in small flocks 
 in the stubble and turnip fields, yet we observe them more 
 constantly flying backwards and forwards between those huge 
 giants of stone which defend our coasts. 
 
 Rarely occurring about Dublin, we have only observed a 
 few pair breeding at Lambay, or occasionally a stray wan- 
 
122 COLUMBINE. 
 
 derer glancing past Ireland's Eye, on its way to the feeding 
 ground at Howth, where at times they join the company of 
 the ringdove, starling, and jackdaw. 
 
 This species it is that has received " a local habitation and 
 a name" in the pages of the poet, of Anacreon, of Tasso, 
 and Ariosto, as being the messenger employed to carry dis- 
 patches from leaguered cities, or on more tender occasions, 
 perhaps as critical, from hearts in love. 
 
 We have remarked, when treating of the ringdove, con- 
 cerning the legend attached to its call-note : to the rock dove 
 there is none ; but few who have heard its prolonged mur- 
 murings have hastily forgotten it. Thus, to ourselves it is 
 connected with so many recollections of the beautiful that we 
 introduce to the reader one of those scenes of quiet enjoyment 
 at all times presented to the student of nature. Near one 
 of those green knolls which make Lambay so picturesque 
 on an autumnal evening, no sound disturbs the sublime and 
 solemn stillness of the place, except the faint muttering 
 of the waves lazily splashing the rocks below ; far away 
 towards Skerries lies a fleet of Cornish luggers, their large red 
 sails spread out uselessly in the air ; the radiance of a de- 
 clining autumn sun lighting up faintly the top of Clogher 
 Head, and drooping more mellow in its tint until it kindles 
 the waves around the island into a bright phosphoric glow ; 
 at intervals a solitary white speck of some lagging gull sails 
 silently upwards from the sea before us, as if unwilling to 
 break the religious solemnity of the scene. A solitary thrush, 
 some " Crusoe" from the main land, perched upon a tir-tree 
 beside the old castle, seems recording to the spirit-world 
 some legend tinged with holiness ; now a loud startling report, 
 like ordnance, booms from the rocks below, caused by the 
 sudden entrance and exit of water into a cavern, and, ere 
 its echoes die away, the melancholy cooing of many rock 
 doves echoes like a response to the summons they had re- 
 ceived. Rich as was the melody of the thrush, yet it seemed 
 one of those songs which we may hear at all times, but the 
 saddened murmuring of these rock doves seemed the very 
 essence of melody, and appeared so solemn, as to fitly har- 
 monize with the bleak precipices that tower over the ocean, 
 as it were, chiming an eternal response to the unison of the 
 waves breaking upon the rugged shore of rocks below. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
TURTLE DOVE. COMMON PHEASANT. 123 
 
 SPECIES 116 THE TURTLE DOVE. 
 
 Columba turtur. Linn. 
 Columbe tourterelle. Temm. 
 
 THE TURTLE DOVE, the smallest of the Irish Columbinae, is 
 the only migratory visitant of its family, and occurs with 
 us occasionally. Four specimens have passed under our 
 notice, and amongst them a female, for the sternum of which 
 we are indebted to Mr. Richard Glennon, and notes taken at 
 the time of dissection. From the size of the eggs in the ovary, 
 and from being obtained so early in June, we might, doubt- 
 less, conclude it was preparing a nest in the locality when 
 obtained. It was shot in the vicinity of Ovoca, in the county 
 of Wicklow. 
 
 Though the smallest, it is also the most beautiful of the 
 species, and is possessed of the same harmless habits that so 
 much distinguish the rock dove. The eggs are of a pure white, 
 glossy and satin -like, resembling those of the preceding spe- 
 cies, but smaller in size. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 FAMILY XXIV. PHASIANID^E (PHEASANTS). 
 
 GENUS LIX. PHASIANUS (PHEASANTS). 
 
 SPECIES 117 THE COMMON PHEASANT. 
 
 Phasianus colchicus. Linn, 
 Phaisan vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 THE widely-spread family of the Phasianidae is only repre- 
 sented in Ireland by a single species. Introduced into the 
 country, and liberated from many preserves, the nume- 
 rous progeny have spread themselves widely in the neigh- 
 bourhood ; and being comparatively destitute of the many 
 enemies which destroy such numbers in the English pre- 
 serves, they are more common than many persons would 
 suppose. 
 
 It is generally believed that the original locality whence 
 the pheasant was introduced into Europe was the banks of 
 the Phasis (whence the name), a river of Colchis, in Asia 
 Minor, discovered by the adventurous Argonauts. It was 
 afterwards introduced into Greece, which, when swept by the 
 
124 PHASIANIM. 
 
 tide of Roman power, was eagerly secured by the conquerors 
 to add another luxury to the magnificence of their country, 
 where in a short period they multiplied to such an extent, that 
 we find the Emperor Heliogabalus, in barbaric ostentation 
 causing the lions of the amphitheatre to be fed with them. 
 Possessing the same capacious stomach and congenial dispo- 
 sition with his lions, he satiated himself with the brains of 600 
 ostriches, and the tongues of some hundred nightingales ! 
 
 The varying and resplendent hues with which this bird is 
 covered justifies the stoical answer of the philosopher Solon. 
 Being asked by Croesus, the Lydian king, when in the centre 
 of his court, and surrounded by all the gorgeous accompani- 
 ments of oriental splendour, " What sight could he behold so 
 splendid?" he rejoined, " that, after regarding the glowing 
 plumage of the pheasant, the meretricious adornments of art 
 could never equal the magnificence of nature." 
 
 Of the common pheasant we have two varieties, one pos- 
 sessing a white ring on the neck, which, in the opinion of the 
 celebrated Temminck, was originally a separate species. 
 However, they are now known to be merely varieties, as 
 we have found in one preserve specimens of both ; which the 
 gamekeepers remark breed freely together, and the greater 
 proportion produced, when arrived at mature plumage, is 
 generally destitute of the ring. 
 
 In 1299 the pheasant was introduced into England, and 
 valued at four pence. And at the gorgeous u intronazation" 
 of Archbishop Neville, about the year 1400, 200 " fesauntes" 
 constituted a part. Of its introduction into Ireland we have 
 no record, nor is it mentioned in any of the ancient chronicles 
 of the country. We find the beauties of the pheasant ex- 
 tolled in many of the Provencal lays, and it was equally a 
 favourite with the early Norman " Trouveres," from which 
 source we obtain a glance of the ideas and customs of chi- 
 valry in that early age. The body of a peacock or pheasant, 
 elegantly prepared, being introduced, it was customary for 
 the assembled knights and barons to make a vow (considered 
 an oath of the greatest solemnity) to uphold and protect the 
 honour of their ladies ; and even on more important occasions 
 we find kings engaging their sometimes unwilling lords to vow, 
 in a similar manner, to extend their aid in any projected war- 
 like enterprise.* 
 
 The flesh of the pheasant is deliciously delicate, and has 
 
 * Froissart's Chronicles. 
 
THE COMMON PHEASANT. 125 
 
 been noted by Rutty to possess additional flavour when killed 
 by a hawk. 
 
 Its food consists of all kinds of grain, potatoes, wheat, tur- 
 nips, insects, and their larvse ; and, on one occasion we dis- 
 covered the remains of a field mouse in the stomach of a fe- 
 male. 
 
 About the middle of March the plumage of the pheasant 
 receives additional lustre : the scarlet of his cheeks becomes 
 more vivid, and his tail is carried more to advantage. Con- 
 scious of his present beauties, his usual skulking habits are 
 abandoned, and he struts slowly and proudly in the covered 
 glades of the preserve, courting the advances of the female 
 with his amorous crowing, he is prepared to battle with any 
 male intruder who seeks to display his rival beauties in the 
 presence of the more sombre dressed lady. 
 
 The nest is formed in a slight hollow, and is generally co- 
 vered with long grass or underwood ; the eggs average from 
 five to ten in number, and are pale green in colour. When 
 disturbed, the pheasant occasionally emits an alarm- cry, and 
 either rises and flies directly off, or runs with celerity to the 
 nearest cover. Only during the brumal months the phea- 
 sant is to be found perching at night, when it affords an easy 
 opportunity to the practised poacher. In the summer and 
 moulting season it frequents the open covers, at night resting 
 on the ground, an advantage considerably in favour of the 
 prowling fox. 
 
 Few of our birds, when observed in a state of nature, appear 
 to such advantage as the pheasant ; a principal feature in its 
 favour being the usual picturesque appearance of the vicinity 
 which it frequents, large woods of ancient growth, the 
 margin of streams covered with underwood, or the borders of 
 a meadow or shrubbery. The instant erection of the head, 
 the brilliant eye and scarlet cheeks, and while he rapidly threads 
 his way through the tangled underwood, the flashing of his 
 plumage in the broken rays of the sun so bewilder the casual 
 observer, that he can scarcely believe he has seen a pheasant 
 until he is gone. 
 
 *' See, from the brake the whirring pheasant springs, 
 And mounts exulting on triumphant wings. 
 Short is his joy he feels the fiery wound 
 Flutters in blood, and, panting, beats the ground. 
 Ah ! what avail his glossy, varying dyes, 
 His purple crest and scarlet-circled eyes? 
 The vivid green his shining plumes enfold, 
 His painted wings, and breast that flames with gold !" 
 
1 26 TATRAONID^E. 
 
 FAMILY XXV. TATRAONID.E (GROUSE). 
 
 GENUS LX. LAGOPUS (PTARMIGAN). 
 
 SPECIES 118 THE RED GROUSE. 
 
 Lagopns Scoticus. Selby. 
 Tetras rouge. Temm. ' 
 Black Cock. 
 
 THIS beautiful species, possessing so many claims on the no- 
 tice alike of the sportsman and the naturalist, is one we might 
 call essentially Irish. Adapted from its habits, and harmo- 
 nizing with its plumage, to the solitudes of the hill-side, on 
 which it is found, it is the representative of our heath-clad 
 hills, as much as the eagle typifies our grey misty mountains, 
 or the skylark the green valleys of our island. 
 
 Interesting to the naturalist from the fact of its being a 
 species indigenous to the British Isles, found in no other 
 country in the world, and maintaining its ground success- 
 fully against all the engines of slaughter directed against it, 
 the peculiarities of the grouse are so prominent that the most 
 indifferent to the picturesque in nature must admit her beau- 
 tiful adaptation in clothing the hill-side with its heather, and 
 then placing the magnificent grouse the presiding genius of 
 her solitudes. 
 
 Occurring in considerable plenty in those localities we have 
 mentioned, in favourite districts it nearly equals the numbers 
 of the strictest Highland preserves in Scotland ; and, strange 
 as it may appear to many, we may even hear to-day the lordly 
 challenge of the grouse within a few miles of the city of Dub- 
 lin, on the mountains fringing the southern side of the city. 
 This fact is possessed of considerable interest when we re- 
 member the attraction to poachers, herdsmen, and gossoons, 
 endowed with a most oblivious memory respecting the many 
 wise laws duly made and enacted for the preservation of 
 our game. Annoying as it is, we might even pardon the 
 occasional abstraction of a " black cock" from the preserve ; 
 but when (as occurred in an instance to ourselves) we saw 
 the eggs roasted in the hot furze ashes of the peasant's cot, 
 it is a perfection of barbarism unfortunately occurring too 
 often. 
 
 Easily tamed in confinement, it becomes a most agreeable 
 pet. A male bird, at one time in the possession of T. Grier- 
 
THE RED GROUSE. 127 
 
 son, Esq., of Rathfarnham, county of Dublin, kept " watch 
 and ward" for thirteen long years, and never allowed the 
 " entree" to any stranger without challenging as high 
 and haughty as if he were the true chatelain of the castle. 
 Another male bird, in the possession of W. M. Patten, Esq., 
 became so familiar as to follow that gentleman outside the 
 house in his walks, challenging in like manner any stranger 
 upon the high road. 
 
 Few have heard or attached such pleasure to the wild, in- 
 spiriting call or challenge of the grouse, as the naturalist and 
 sportsman, uttered so loud and unexpectedly as he rises, that 
 steady indeed are the nerves of that tyro who succeeds in 
 knocking over the first old bird that whirrs up before him, 
 fluttering and screaming as he hurries past. 
 
 Many as are the various incidents replete with interest at- 
 tendant upon grouse- shoo ting, occurring to the sportsman, one 
 habit of the grouse is most beautiful, that witnessed when 
 the old cock runs before the dogs, his neck protruded to the 
 utmost, and his curved wings stiffly extended like sails on 
 either side, presenting an appearance of courageous prudence 
 rather than natural fear. 
 
 We had once the pleasure of observing a male bird of this 
 species in a most amusing manner. Proceeding along a 
 mountain bridle-path closely fringed with heather, we stood 
 to observe a place where there had been some apparent mo- 
 tion ; suddenly up rose a scarlet -crested head, and a neck of 
 such exceeding length as to induce the belief of a new spe- 
 cies. Down and up again, his grouseship seemed wondering 
 at our impudence in intruding upon his territory, until, wearied 
 and in evident disgust, he challenged and flew off*. The 
 sound of its common cry we might syllable by the words : 
 " Go, go, go, go back, goo back ;" a remark made by all 
 its describers. According to Macgillivray, the " gor-cock" 
 being the bird of the Highlands, the Celt naturally imagines 
 he recognizes Gaelic in the sound, and interprets the words 
 " Co, co, co, co, mo chlaidh, mo chlaidh," which is " Who, 
 who" (goes there), "my sword, my sword." If the language 
 be really Gaelic, which we do not dispute, still the call of the 
 grouse with us is represented as equally heroic. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
128 PERDRICIN^:. 
 
 FAMILY XXVI. PERDRICIN.E (PARTRIDGES). 
 
 GENUS LXI PERDRIX (PARTRIDGE). 
 
 SPECIES 119 THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 
 
 Perdrix cinerea. Linn. 
 Perdrix rouge. Teinm. 
 
 THE PARTRIDGE occurs in smaller numbers than any of our 
 other game birds, and is now rarely or seldom seen in some 
 localities where once it existed in considerable numbers, as 
 in .the county of Meath, we have been informed by sportsmen 
 who remember it occurring in the greatest abundance, 
 some thirty years since, in places where now the spring of a 
 single covey is rarely met with. Leaving the mountain to 
 the grouse, and the woodland glade to the pheasant, we must 
 look for the partridge in the stubble and the pasture -field, 
 in the vicinity of cultivation, where, usually associated with 
 plenty, the partridge, when occurring in any numbers, con- 
 fers an appearance of comfort on those cultivated districts 
 in which alone it delights. 
 
 Pairing early, it more often selects unusual breeding sites 
 than any other of the Rasores. One, pointed out to us in the 
 demesne of Carton, was placed within three or four inches of 
 a foot-path where horses and carts were hourly passing. 
 Sheltered by an evergreen bush, the female expressed no con- 
 cern when it was raised to observe her, but looked up to the 
 intruder perfectly assured of safety, and happily the confi- 
 dence she had thus placed in man was not taken advantage 
 of, for she reared her brood successfully and in safety. 
 
 Generally choosing some site in the open stubble-field, 
 where, exposed to the view of every enemy, from the stoat to 
 the magpie, it is surprising how she succeeds in protecting 
 and rearing her charge. 
 
 Perhaps the most curious and interesting of its habits are 
 the beautiful stratagems and feints which the male makes use 
 of to withdraw attention, whilst the poor female, with some 
 ten or fifteen young, are hurrying from danger. When thus 
 surprised, the male rises some six or eight feet high in the air, 
 and drops down with a heavy motion, his wings drooping and 
 his flight wavering, and at times even falling on the ground as 
 if wounded, he feigns death ; at all times perilling his own 
 safety in his solicitude for the numerous little family he has 
 succeeded in rearing so far. 
 
PARTRIDGE QUAIL. 129 
 
 When a number of partridges feeding have moved some 
 distance off, leaving some lagging gleaner behind, we are sur- 
 prised to see the speed with which he runs along the ground 
 to join his companions, which he no sooner does than the 
 entire covey in most cases spring into the air with a whirring 
 sound that finds an echo in every sportsman's heart. 
 
 An allied species, the French or red-legged partridge (per- 
 drix rufd), has been introduced into the country, but in al- 
 most every instance failure has been the result. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS LXII. COTURNIX (QUAIL). 
 
 SPECIES 120 THE QUAIL. 
 
 Coturnix vulgaris. Flem. 
 
 Caille ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 THIS, the smallest, best known, and most familiar of our 
 
 ame, is also the most common in its occurrence, and resem- 
 les the partridge in selecting the cultivated districts. 
 
 It is the most interesting of its family, from the fact of its 
 being the only species which migrates from that " great Con- 
 tinent," which pours forth such a combination of form to 
 gladden our latitudes, either with the melody of their song 
 or the beauty of their plumage. 
 
 The quail appears, from comparing notes as regards 
 England and our own country, to exist here in a proportion 
 of 10 to 1 ; and, stranger yet, a small portion remain with 
 us, and winter in Ireland. In summer it is so abundant in 
 the fields, that, in the suburban streets of the city, we may 
 constantly hear their pleasing call-notes. Differing from the 
 rest of its family, which seldom call unless alarmed, the vici- 
 nity of the quail is always known by the constant repetition 
 of its singularly loud note, which might be syllabled to resem- 
 ble the words, "whit, whit, wheet:" or, as Mr. Thompson has 
 correctly remarked, to resemble the words, " wet my foot, 
 wet my foot." 
 
 So pleasing is its cry or call-note, that several pair which 
 were exposed on the window-sill of a fishing-tackle shop on 
 the quays attracted the greatest attention from every class, 
 claiming a look from the barrister passing to the Law Courts 
 in its vicinity, and receiving endless imitations from all the 
 idle " gamins" congregated to hear them. 
 
 The eggs of the quail exceed in beauty and variety all 
 those of our native birds ; and we have on many occasions 
 K 
 
130 OTIDJE. 
 
 succeeded in obtaining nests in the county of Dublin which 
 had been set by a dog. 
 
 In Germany and Holland the quail is admired for the sim- 
 ple beauty of its call-note (or song, as they are pleased to term 
 it), and it is caged and suspended from the windows of every 
 class. In England it is fattened for the table, and we see 
 it caged in the shops of the London poulterers, enjoying 
 the same unenviable distinction as the ortolan, to furnish a 
 luxurious morsel to the epicure. 
 
 This species is believed to have been the bird sent in such 
 countless flocks to preserve the Israelites in the Desert, both 
 from the Mosaic account and the tradition of the Arabs, who 
 name the quail, " salwa," and who also believe it to have had 
 no bones, and to have been eaten whole. Transferred from 
 Holy Writ to the Koran, we find the following passage in ac- 
 cordance with the above : " And God caused manna and 
 quails to descend upon you."* 
 
 We might scarcely wonder at its abundance there, when it 
 occurs in such numbers in the south of Europe, that during 
 the time of its passage across the Mediterranean, 100,000 
 are said to have been captured in a single day ; so much so, 
 that in Sicily half the population turn out, en masse, to enact 
 a novel Sicilian vesper upon the myriads of unfortunate quails 
 arriving upon their shores ; and so lucratively do they dis- 
 pose of them that the principal revenues of the Bishop of 
 Capri is said to be derived from the proceeds. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 FAMILY XXVIL OTID^ (BUSTARDS). 
 
 GENUS LXIII. OTUS (BUSTARD). 
 
 SPECIES 121 THE LITTLE BUSTARD. 
 
 Otis minor. Willoughby. 
 Outard canepetiere. Temm. 
 
 THIS handsomely plumaged species, with its very minute 
 and beautiful markings, is one invested with considerable in- 
 terest, from the fact of its being the only representative of 
 
 * Sale's Koran. 
 
LITTLE BUSTARD. COMMON HERON. 131 
 
 the great family of the ostrich and cassowary that has ever 
 visited our shores. 
 
 Of the greatest rarity, but a single specimen has been ob- 
 tained in Ireland, which occurred in August, 1833, in the 
 county of Wicklow ; it was in company with another of the 
 same species, and both birds were associated with golden 
 plover. The attention of the gentleman who obtained it was 
 attracted in consequence of its singular cry or call-note. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 ORDER IV. GRALLATOKES. (WADING BIRDS). 
 FAMILY XXVIII. ARDEAD^E (HERONS). 
 
 GENUS LXIV. ARDEA (HERON). 
 
 SPECIES 122. THE COMMON HERON. 
 
 Ardea cinerea. Linn. 
 
 Heron cendre. Temm. 
 
 Crane. Coreisk. 
 
 WE commence the great and diversive order of the waders 
 with the most perfect type of the family, the common heron, 
 a species possessing every attribute that attracts notice and 
 admiration, and at the same time occurring in such numbers 
 that it is well known to the majority of observers. 
 
 Attractive in its habits, either when standing patiently by 
 some lone mountain lough, or wheeling past us on its ample 
 wing from the shadow of some ancestral wood, we at all times 
 associate the heron and his more noble pursuer, the falcon, 
 with the palmy old days of chivalry, when the laws of a feudal 
 age were extended to this u noble quarry" and " bird of the 
 great night." 
 
 Strictly preserved by statutes which each succeeding king 
 made more severe, the heron was selected as the most noble 
 of those birds which, from their size and power of flight, were 
 the only desirable quarry worthy of being struck down by the 
 belled and tasselled falcon. 
 
 From the general moist character of our island, and its 
 numerous mountain loughs and solitary streams, the heron 
 has considerably increased and multiplied. 
 
 K2 
 
132 ARDEAD.E. 
 
 Found equally at home in the most complete solitude as 
 in the immediate vicinity of the most populous city, we may 
 at all times discern its stately form upon the strand in the 
 vicinity of our city at Clontarf. 
 
 Indifferent to locality, it becomes adapted to whatever 
 place chance may lead it to. Thus we observe it on thelevel 
 strand of the sea-shore, napping along heavily, and pushing 
 itself down, as it were, on the ground, stalking along slowly in 
 search of any food left by the receding tide, or small fish ap- 
 pearing in the shallows, usually with its long neck carried 
 upright, watchful against surprise. At times, as at Malahide 
 estuary, we may observe some nine or ten standing knee-deep 
 in the water along the embankment, apparently resting after 
 repletion, and rising heavily and silently on the approach of 
 every railway train. But the home the heron has essentially 
 made its own is the retired and lonely tarn on the mountain. 
 There, standing on a stone slightly raised above the water, 
 it remains motionless, with the neck retracted, and the glis- 
 tening eye eagerly directed downwards. Watch for an hour, 
 and yet he stirs not. The baldcoot sails past and trumpets 
 its curious note unheeding. A hen harrier dips into the hol- 
 low, and glances over the hill-brow. The sand martins, which 
 have mined the hill-side above, glide silently past, but he stirs 
 not, seeming as he were under the spell of some sprite or fairy, 
 to remain there in statu quo for ever. But, pshaw ! you lost 
 him. Instantaneously, and, like a lightning flash, the bill is 
 plunged into the water, and the next minute he is wading up 
 and down, with his crest erect, andhis golden irides more bright 
 than ever, seeming eagerly to shake off the fatigue of his long 
 pent-up energies, rejoicing, at the same time, at his success. 
 
 We know the flesh of the heron to be despised in our 
 own days, yet, at a former period, it was alone reserved 
 for the tables of kings and princes. We even find it men- 
 tioned in the annals of our own country.* At the banquets at 
 Dublin Castle, where it appeared by the express orders of 
 Henry II., to entertain the Irish kings who were invited, 
 u cranes' flesh, i. e. herons," were placed before those native 
 princes, who, surprised at its unusual appearance, were un- 
 willing to eat until the king himself tasted some of those suspi- 
 cious-looking dishes. We again find them appearing amongst 
 the good things provided at the enthronement of George 
 Neville, Archbishop of York, in the reign of Edward IV., 
 and can scarcely envy the gastronomic sensations attending 
 
 * Annals of the Four Masters. 
 
COMMON HERON. PURPLE HERON. EGRET. 133 
 
 the disposal of the 400 heronshaws, which records inform us 
 were placed upon the tables. Protected at that time by strin- 
 gent laws, the person who destroyed their eggs was visited 
 with a fine of twenty shillings, or a penalty was enforced often 
 shillings if detected handling a young bird in the nest ; whilst 
 to kill the bird itself was forbidden under a penalty of one 
 month's imprisonment. 
 
 Differing in an unusual manner from almost all the birds 
 comprised in the order to which it belongs, the heron selects 
 a tree for the breeding place, an arrangement which, from 
 its length of legs and bulky form, appears eminently ridi- 
 culous. Breeding like rooks in communities, the possession 
 of a heronry is an ornament much coveted by the owner of 
 the ancestral wood they frequent. 
 
 Although generally difficult of approach, and distrustful 
 in their habits, we observe them in the breeding season select 
 the unusual vicinity of inhabited buildings, as at Malahide 
 Castle, county of Dublin, where their nests are placed almost 
 within bowshot of the walls. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 123 THE PURPLE HERON. 
 
 Ardea purpurea. Linn. 
 Heron pourpre. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare heron has occurred in a single instance, which came 
 under the observation of Mr. Richard Glennon in a recent 
 state, being obtained somewhere in the neighbourhood of 
 Carrickmacross. At one time amongst the rarities of Mr. 
 Harrington's celebrated collection, it now graces that of Mr. 
 Warren. 
 
 Rather thinly scattered over Europe, it occasionally appears 
 in great numbers in France during its passage north, so much 
 so, that on one occasion numbers were captured at Lille, 
 having dropped from over-fatigue near the Hall of Justice, 
 and the fosses of the fortifications.* 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 124 THE EGRET. 
 
 Ardea garsetta. Linn. 
 Heron garsette. Temm. 
 
 THE EGRET, another heron, alike remarkable for rarity and 
 beauty, has only occurred in some five or six instances in 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
134 ARDEAM. 
 
 Ireland. Very beautiful in plumage, which is of a spotless 
 white colour, with two long pendant feathers falling grace- 
 fully from the head, we must regret its less frequent occur- 
 rence in our island. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 125 THE SQUACCO HERON. 
 Ardea comata. Linn. 
 Heron crdbier. Temm. 
 
 THE SQUACCO HERON is of equal rarity as the purple heron, 
 and, like that species, has also occurred in one instance, in the 
 vicinity of Youghal, during the summer of 1849, and which 
 we had the pleasure of examining through the kindness of 
 Mr. Samuel Moss, of Youghal. For the same reasons as the 
 preceding, the habits of this species are but little known, from 
 its rarity, and the difficulty of observing it in its native 
 country. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 GENUS LXV. BOTAURUS (BITTERN). 
 
 SPECIES 126 THE COMMON BITTERN. 
 
 Botaurus stellaris. Selby. 
 Heron grand butor. Temm. 
 
 Bog Drum. 
 
 THE COMMON BITTERN, a species yielding to none of the 
 birds we have already described, either in beauty of plumage 
 or interest in its history, is now rarely or seldom observed in 
 our island, where at one time it existed inconsiderable numbers. 
 Its disappearance may be easily accounted for in the drainage 
 and improvement of the many morasses and bogs which had 
 previously furnished it with shelter and a home. 
 
 Differing in the appearance of its plumage from the gray 
 and white shades peculiar to the herons, we see in this species 
 that beautiful blending of several dark colours the charac- 
 teristic of the bitterns. Also, unlike the heron in its habits, 
 the bittern is a skulking, close-lying species, of shy and re- 
 tired habits during the day, and only regaining its activity 
 on the approach of twilight. 
 
 Invested with the privileges of the heron, in the olden time 
 the bittern ranked as another of the birds of the " great 
 flight." As the meaning may be somewhat ambiguous, we 
 
THE COMMON BITTERN. 135 
 
 transcribe Turberville's elucidation : " There is yet ano- 
 ther kynde of flight to the fielde which is called the great 
 flight, as to the cranes, wild geese, bustard, birde of paradise, 
 bittours, shovelars, hearons, and many other such like (1611)." 
 Protected also by similar statutes as the heron, one year's 
 imprisonment, and a forfeiture of eightpence for each egg, 
 was the punishment awarded to those who destroyed or took 
 away the eggs of the " bittour." 
 
 Like that bird, its flesh was held in the highest estimation, 
 and, becoming expensive as a luxury, it graced the tables of 
 the princely and magnificent, and was even valued at one 
 shilling during the reign of Henry VIII. Attracting more 
 attention than any other species comprised in the entire order, 
 by an extraordinary booming noise peculiar to the male, so 
 deep and solemn in intensity that it may be often heard clearly 
 and distinctly beyond the circuit of a mile, it is thus that the 
 bittern makes few friends, as that class in whose vicinity its 
 occurrence is most frequent, unable satisfactorily to account 
 for its strange powers, unanimously arrived at the conclusion 
 that the bittern is not " canny ;" indeed, we may scarcely 
 express surprise at such a decision when we see writers sagely 
 explaining how the bittern placed its bill in the cavity of a 
 reed, and thus produced the booming sound : 
 
 " The bittern knows his time, with bill engulfed, 
 To shake the sounding marsh." 
 
 Thus, a puzzle to all, the bittern is invested with many super- 
 natural attributes, and the peasant, on a dim twilight evening, 
 hearing a sound without a name, has no resource but the 
 banshee, and, accordingly, in the harmless booming of the 
 bittern we doubtless recognise the first origin of the wailing 
 banshee, 
 
 " For in the bittern's distant shriek 
 I heard unearthly voices speak." 
 
 The bittern has now become so rare, it is but seldom observed, 
 although occasionally, as in December, 1850, we saw eight 
 specimens obtained from various counties in the course of a 
 single week. 
 
 In Goldsmith's time they must have been of usual occur- 
 rence, when he remarked 
 
 " Along the glades, a solitary guest, 
 
 The hollow-sounding bittern guards her nest ; " 
 
1 36 ARDE AD.E. 
 
 at the present time it is a matter of the greatest doubt 
 whether the bittern ever nidifys in our island. 
 
 We may scarcely wonder at the fear instilled by this spe- 
 cies into the minds of the uneducated, when we see in it the 
 bird of an offended Deity, selected to typify more perfectly 
 the desolation He has caused to fall upon those mighty cities 
 which had rebelled against His will. Thus 
 
 " When at evening, o'er the swampy plain, 
 The bittern's boom comes far : 
 Distinct, in darkness seen, 
 Above the horizon's lingering light, 
 Rose the near ruins of old Babylon." 
 
 Remarked, during the breeding season, for its peculiar 
 spiral ascending flight in the air, it is to this it is indebted 
 for the beautiful poetic name bestowed upon it by the Latins, 
 " Heron of the Stars," or " Starmounter," an idea quaint in 
 its beauty, as is the German " Earthspurner" for the sky- 
 lark. With Aristotle, however, it was different, as he re- 
 marked that those birds were such lazy sluggards as to have 
 been at one time slaves, and afterwards metamorphosed into 
 bitterns. 
 
 When wounded the bittern presents no ordinary antago- 
 nist, and woe to the unhappy dog sent to retrieve the wounded 
 quarry. 
 
 Even the sportsman momentarily recoils when he perceives 
 the keen, undaunted look and sharp claws of the wounded 
 bittern, its yellow eye glistening with anger, and watching 
 for a stroke to deprive its enemy of sight. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 127 THE AMERICAN BITTERN. 
 
 Botaurus lentiginosus. Mont. 
 Heron lentigineux. Temm. 
 
 WITH this bittern we have another instance in which we find 
 an occasional wanderer from the great American continent, 
 appearing upon our coasts in a similar manner with the 
 American cuckoo and belted kingfisher. Only appearing on 
 our shores on one occasion, it frequented some sedge-bot- 
 toms in the vicinity of Armagh, where it was observed by 
 the son of the distinguished astronomer, Dr. T. Romney Ro- 
 binson, who succeeded in obtaining it, and at once remarked 
 it as not possessing the usual wariness so characteristic of the 
 common bittern. 
 
 Of its fitness for the table we have the testimony of Dr. 
 
AMERICAN BITTERN. LITTLE BITTERN. 137 
 
 Robinson to this effect : " That the bird was very fat and 
 very good eating, for we roasted it." The skin was, how- 
 ever, presented to the Belfast Museum by the same gentle- 
 man.* 
 
 Occurring in North America in considerable numbers, this 
 bird occupies the place of the common species in the Euro- 
 pean Continent. Similar in its habits, its describers have 
 differed in their opinions respecting the booming noise which 
 is so remarkable in our own, some ornithologists denying it 
 the power, which others have as strenuously insisted on. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SPECIES 128 THE LITTLE BITTERN. 
 
 Botaurus minutus. Linn. 
 Heron blongios. Teimn. 
 
 HAVING been obtained more often than any of the rarer 
 herons we have described, this elegant little species is a per- 
 fect miniature of the others, but still uniting all the beauty of 
 plumage and form so much distinguishing the birds of its 
 family. 
 
 Occurring in six or seven instances over various parts of 
 the island, one or two specimens were obtained in the vicinity 
 of Sandymount marsh, near Dublin, and another as far west 
 as Galway. 
 
 Exchanging in captivity many of the habits which add 
 grace to it in its wild state, we see it in confinement skulk- 
 ing or walking lazily about, with the neck so much retracted 
 that the head appears rising from the shoulders without the 
 slightest semblance of a neck ; occasionally also, in its wild 
 state, indulging in a variety of attitudes, one of which is 
 exceedingly curious : perching on a bough, the head, feet, 
 and body forming almost a perpendicular line, it re- 
 mains immovable for a considerable time in the same posi- 
 tion.f We have also the authority of Audobon, who, having 
 specimens in confinement, remarks that they were fed upon 
 small shell-fish and strips of pork, and constantly exhibited 
 their scansorial powers in attempting to escape from the win- 
 dows, as they would climb with ease from the floor to the top 
 of the curtains by means of their feet and claws. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 * Thompson. t Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
138 ARDEAD^. 
 
 GENUS LXVI. NYCTICORAX (NIGHT HERON). 
 
 SPECIES 129 THE NIGHT HERON. 
 
 Nycticorax gardenii. Selby. 
 Sihoreau a manteau noir. Temm. 
 
 THE NIGHT HERON, or, to follow its generic name more cor- 
 rectly, the night raven, so denominated from its hoarse, croak- 
 ing cry, is a species of extreme rarity, and we admit it to a 
 place in our Fauna from a few specimens captured in the 
 country at different periods of the year. Two specimens in 
 adult and immature plumage have come under our own obser- 
 vation, one, a very beautiful male specimen, obtained in the 
 county of Louth, and preserved in the collection of Robert J. 
 Montgomery, Esq. ; the other, in immature plumage, pur- 
 chased by Dr. Ball for the Dublin University Museum. 
 
 In habits, perhaps, more nocturnal than the other species 
 of the Ardeadae, it frequents marshes, or any locality where 
 sufficient herbage will admit of its skulking unobserved in 
 the daytime ; and in North America, where it is frequent, it 
 is known as the " qua bird." Breeding in flocks in the vici- 
 nity of swamps and cane-brakes, the flesh of the young birds 
 is esteemed equal in flavour to pigeons, so that they are eagerly 
 sought after by the settlers and their other enemies, the 
 raptorial birds. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 GENUS LXYII. CICONIA (STORK). 
 
 SPECIES 130 THE WHITE STORK. 
 
 Ciconia alba. Brisson. 
 Cicogne blanc. Temm. 
 
 WE might class the stork amongst the rarest and yet the 
 best known of the many rare visitants we have already seen 
 comprised in the great family of the Ardeadae. Only occur- 
 ring in two instances in Ireland, the first of which was ob- 
 tained in the county of Cork, in 1846, and which we had the 
 pleasure of seeing in the collection of Dr. Harvey of that city; 
 and the second obtained in the vicinity of a marsh near the 
 sea-shore in Wexford, during the autumn of the same year. 
 
 Protected and preserved in continental towns, we see the 
 stork familiarly standing on the housetop and at dusk sail- 
 ing over the half marshy fields in the vicinity of the dykes. In- 
 
WHITE STORK. WHITE SPOONBILL. 1 39 
 
 deed, in a similar manner as we observe the more gigantic 
 members of this family walking completely at home amidst the 
 population in the warm climates of Southern Asia, we may also 
 see the stork in Holland and Belgium performing the duties 
 of a scavenger, at early dawn flying over the streets, and 
 stopping to pick up whatever garbage may appear. 
 
 Very common in temperate Europe, the stork occa- 
 sionally appears in considerable flocks whilst performing its 
 migrations ; and at times becoming so fatigued that, according 
 to M. Hollandre, they appeared in hundreds in a wood be- 
 tween Gorze and Rezonville, and were so unable to proceed 
 that nearly forty were killed, and numbers taken with the hand.* 
 
 Possessing great affection for its young, instances have oc- 
 curred where the house in which the stork had its nest acci- 
 dentally caught fire, and the parent, unable to save its off- 
 spring, perished with them. 
 
 This species, although not possessing that compactness of 
 plumage which we see in the other herons, and not, perhaps, 
 of so graceful an appearance, yet few of the birds admitted to 
 a place in our Fauna have the colours more chastely disposed 
 than the stork : its crimson-red bill and legs contrasting 
 beautifully with the spotless white plumage of the body, and 
 the glossy black of the wing-covers. 
 
 On many occasions we have seen the stork strung up like 
 a feathered felon in the London markets, and could not help 
 contrasting the position of the birds there and in Holland, 
 where we see them tamed, and walking amidst the purchasers 
 in the public markets. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 GENUS LXVIII. PLATALEA (SPOONBILL). 
 SPECIES 131 THE WHITE SPOONBILL. 
 
 Platalea leucorodia. Linn. 
 Spatule blanche. Temm. 
 
 IN the spoonbill we again see the white colour of the plumage 
 similar to the stork and egret, which it also resembles in 
 the rarity of its occurrence. 
 
 Attracting more attention for the curious spoon -shaped 
 bill than others of the family not possessing such a remarka- 
 ble appearance, is, perhaps, the reason why the spoonbill has 
 been obtained in a greater proportion than the others, as no 
 less than twelvef have been shot and preserved in various 
 
 * Faune de la Moselle. t Thompson. 
 
140 ARDEAD.E. 
 
 collections over Ireland. Strange, also, from appearing in 
 small flocks, as many as seven birds have been observed 
 frequenting marshes in the county of Wexford ; but all 
 the birds composing the flock exhibited such wariness as not 
 to admit of sufficient approach to obtain one. Observed also 
 so far to the west as Kerry, where three specimens were ob- 
 tained out of a flock of five, on the strand of Rogerstown, 
 county of Dublin, two were remarked in company, one of 
 which fell to the gun of Mr. Patrick Boylan, of this city, by 
 whom it was presented to Mr. T. W. Warren, of Blessing- 
 ton-street. 
 
 In habits nearly similar to the preceding species, the spoon- 
 bill occasionally becomes remarkably tame in confinement. 
 
 A male bird, at one time in the possession of an ornitholo- 
 gical friend,* became so familiar as to proceed up stairs and 
 enter the breakfast -room regularly during meal hours, and ap- 
 propriate to itself, at all seasons, the hearth-rug, where it 
 would nestle down and enjoy the warmth of the fire. Hav- 
 ing at one time been scalded by accident, it ever after 
 evinced the utmost horror of the tea-urn, rising quickly 
 from its resting position, and walking away indignantly, not 
 returning until its enemy had been displaced, when it resumed 
 its position. If annoyed by young children, it walked quickly 
 round the room and selected an unoccupied chair, if at a dis- 
 tance from the wall, and, perching upon it, would take bread 
 from the hand, or bread and milk in a teacup. Its usual rest- 
 ing-place was the top of an old pump in the centre of an out- 
 yard, on which perch it would often remain motionless for 
 hours. 
 
 Not an uninteresting circumstance connected with the 
 spoonbill is the immense number of eggs which we see in the 
 stores of the dealers in London and Paris. In the latter 
 city, during the summer of 1851, we remarked nearly 200 in 
 the boxes of a single dealer. 
 
 Breeding at a remote period in the marshes of England, 
 it is now only known as an extremely rare visitant, although 
 incorrectly remarked by Degland as breeding at the present 
 time in considerable numbers in the fens of Lincolnshire. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 * Mr. D. S. Bryan. 
 
THE COMMON CRANE. 141 
 
 GENUS LXIX. GRUS (CRANE). 
 
 SPECIES 132 THE COMMON CRANE. 
 
 Grus cinerea. Bech stein. 
 
 Grue cendre. Temm. 
 
 WE now come to the noblest-looking of the many birds we 
 have described. Although all, from the heron and bittern to 
 the spoonbill, claim attention, either from their connexion 
 with the chase, their curious booming cries, or some remark- 
 able development in their appearance, yet they become de- 
 ficient of interest when the majestic crane is introduced to 
 our notice. 
 
 Of the most commanding stature, the crane stands nearly 
 four feet in height, with that great length of limb and neck 
 which reminds us of the ostrich and cassowary. 
 
 Connected alike with scriptural lore as it has been with 
 the offerings of the poets of Southern Europe, with all a fa- 
 vourite from Homer to the days of Dante and Calderon 
 we see their migrations the same to-day, in their beautiful 
 regularity, as they were in those ages when the Great Giver 
 said : " The crane and the swallow knoweth the appointed 
 time of their coming." 
 
 Extremely fearful and watchful, these migrations are per- 
 formed in large flocks, at an immense altitude in the air, and 
 so cautious are they, that on perceiving their enemy man, even 
 at a great distance, the entire flock utter loudly their strange 
 alarm-cries.* 
 
 A considerable doubt exists respecting the previous occur- 
 rence of this species in our island, as they have been supposed 
 by many to have been plentiful at a remote period, and at 
 last to have disappeared in the same manner that the giant 
 deer and wolf became extinct. 
 
 We have the authority of Giraldus de Barri, who mentions 
 them as plentiful, and that flocks consisting of a hundred 
 birds were a common sight. He again introduces it to our 
 notice when remarking the barbarous ideas and the ignorance 
 of the Irish princes, in expressing their repugnance and dis- 
 gust against cranes' meat when presented before them by the 
 king ! Again, when speaking of the Church of St. Benean, 
 he describes it as situated in the mountains, where cranes, 
 grouse (gruta), and other birds, built their nests in great 
 numbers, on account of the security of the locality. 
 
 * OrnithologieEuropeenne. 
 
142 IBIDINJE. 
 
 Whether the bird indicated by Giraldus, and other writers 
 of his time, be the same as the subject under consideration, 
 is a matter of considerable doubt. Although the remark of 
 the flocks in which they were seen induces us to believe them 
 to have been cranes, and not common herons, which are still 
 erroneously known over the entire island as cranes, and to 
 which the majority of persons pertinaciously attach that un- 
 meaning name, we should also recollect, that the crane at 
 that period was widely spread over the extensive marshes of 
 England, as even in Henry VI. 's time we find a forfeiture de- 
 clared of twenty pence for each egg of the crane taken or 
 destroyed; and again, at Archbishop Neville's feast 204 
 goodly cranes were served, and were valued so highly as 
 sixteen pence each. At the present time the crane has only 
 occurred in some five or six instances, two specimens of which, 
 obtained in the county of Cork, we had the pleasure of 
 examining. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 FAMILY XXIX IBIDINJ2 (IBISES). 
 
 GENUS LXX. IBIS (!BIS). 
 SPECIES 133 THE GLOSSY IBIS. 
 
 Ibis falcinellus. Linn. 
 Ibis falcinelle. Temm. 
 
 NOT inferior in interest to any of the preceding species is the 
 ibis, the only representative in our country of the wide-spread 
 and beautiful family to which it belongs. 
 
 Like the spoonbill, it has chiefly occurred in autumn and 
 winter, and like that bird also in nearly similar proportions. 
 
 One specimen of the ibis, obtained by Mr. P. Boylan, and 
 presented to the Dublin Natural History Society's Museum, 
 has come under our notice. Few of the wanderers from other 
 lands, occurring either by contrary winds, or the caprice of 
 the individual, have been so hallowed by time as this spe- 
 cies, being one of those birds selected as worthy of adoration 
 by the ancient Egyptians ; and although the present species is 
 not the white or sacred ibis which was in all cases honoured 
 by the priests of Egypt, yet the body was frequently embalmed, 
 and in some instances the eggs, which, after a lapse of some 
 thousand years, present little variation from recent specimens. 
 Well known to the Egyptians of the present day, both species 
 
GLOSSY IBIS. CURLEW. 143 
 
 have received the appellation of " Abou menzel," literally sig- 
 nifying " Father Sickle-bill," from the bill being curved like 
 that implement. The beautiful scarlet ibis, so much admired 
 in most museums, and which occurs plentifully along the great 
 rivers of tropical America, is also a member of this family. 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 FAMILY XXX. SCOLOPACIDJE (SNIPES). 
 
 GENUS LXXI. NUMENIUS (CURLEW). 
 SPECIES 134 THE CURLEW. 
 
 Numenius arquata. Latham. 
 
 Courlis cendre. Temm. 
 
 Whaup. 
 
 THE CURLEW is one of our most common and widely distri- 
 buted birds, frequenting the sea-shore in large flocks, and 
 feeding on marine insects, mollusca, Crustacea, and larvae, for 
 which it probes the soft muddy ooze with its long and admir- 
 ably adapted bill. 
 
 In Dublin Bay the immense flocks of curlew afford conside- 
 rable attraction to the shore sportsman, both from their 
 changing evolutions when on the wing, and the fine, bold, 
 spirited call -note of the species. Watchful and vigilant, we 
 see no other shore bird exhibit the same suspicious habits as 
 the curlew, and, what annoys the sportsman is that, not con- 
 tent with its own safety, it extends its protection over all 
 the flocks feeding in its vicinity. Possessing the loudest call- 
 note of all our grallatorial birds, no flock is so adventurous as 
 to remain feeding after the shrill, startling whaup of the curlew 
 has echoed along the shore. 
 
 Of great interest in its habits, the curlew enlivens and makes 
 cheerful whatever coast it frequents, no matter how desolate 
 may have been its previous appearance. Thus do we see it 
 in our own Bay during autumn and winter, occurring along 
 the entire shore range from Clontarf to Malahide, in flocks 
 of the greatest abundance. Feeding together, they present 
 the mpst diversified appearance in their attitudes upon the 
 mud or ooze. But yet so easily alarmed are they that the 
 sportive leap of a wanton fish, the rustling of a leaf blown 
 past upon the strand, or, when feeding during night-time, 
 the snapping of a gun in their neighbourhood, serves to alarm 
 
144 SCOLOPACID^E. 
 
 the entire flock, which at once rises with that peculiar light- 
 ness and ease so eminently possessed by the curlew, and wing 
 rapidly their flight from the way of danger, each bird utter- 
 ing the loud prolonged " courlieu," or the harsh and guttural 
 " whaup," so indicative of danger, and which is heard so 
 beautifully modulated both by sound and distance. Never to be 
 approached upon an open shore, the only chance possessed by 
 the shooter is by concealment in the vicinity of their flight, 
 or when observed waiting the falling of the tide in fields bor- 
 dering the shore, the proximity of the hedgerow allows an 
 approach to some portion of the flock. 
 
 Much as we admire the wild beauty of its call-note, it is 
 never heard to more advantage than when passing to its 
 feeding stations along the shore at night-time, uttered singly 
 in long echoing whistles, with another occasional call-note 
 more hurried, which serves to bring in stragglers to the main 
 flock. They impart one of the most beautiful of the many 
 attractions which nature has so profusely scattered for our 
 enjoyment. Sometimes also we hear amid the deep silence of 
 the night some old veteran curlew, which has become a very 
 Nestor in its precautions for safety, and its voice a deep bass, 
 from years of constant whauping, utter a long-drawn whistle, 
 so intense in expression, loudness, and solemnity, that even 
 coast-guards stationed in the vicinity have left their domiciles 
 to observe if the sea was burdened with a wreck. Even in 
 our own vicinity, at Rob's Wall, near Malahide, the guard in 
 custody of the Martello Tower represented to us having at 
 times started from his bed to ascertain the cause of such an 
 unearthly whistle : 
 
 " Soothed by the murmurs of the sea-beat shore, 
 His dun-grey plumage floating to the gale, 
 The curlew blends his melancholy wail 
 With those hoarse sounds the rushing waters pour." 
 
 Feeding upon the shore in winter, during autumn the cur- 
 lew lives for a short time upon seeds and berries, so much so 
 that we have had the pleasure of examining, with Mr. Glennon, 
 the stomachs of curlews, on two different occasions, which 
 were entirely filled with blackberries, the action of which had 
 not only discoloured the intestines, but changed the natural 
 colour of the bones to a light purplish hue. 
 
 In some request as food, the curlew is often exposed in the 
 markets, and seldom fails in producing the average value 
 affixed by the old adage upon it : 
 
 " Be she white, or be she black, 
 She carries ten pence on her back." 
 
CURLEW. WHIMBREL. 145 
 
 Towards the approach of spring the great flocks which we 
 had seen during winter, apparently thinned and diminished 
 in number, separate into detached bodies, and depart inland 
 to seek a suitable place for nidification. 
 
 On some barren and desolate moor, tenanted by the grouse, 
 the moor harrier, and lizard, the curlew prepares an artless 
 nest on the ground, in a dry tuft of grass or rushes, lined with 
 withered herbage. Sometimes it is formed in a natural hol- 
 low or depression, smoothed by the bird and lined with leaves, 
 where the eggs are deposited, four in number, of a pale green, 
 blotched with brown. During the breeding season these so- 
 litary tracts frequented by the curlew appear replete with 
 animation. From early dawn to the last hour of twilight their 
 incessant screaming, and repeated motion, afford a relief to 
 the otherwise changeless and dull monotony of the scene ; on 
 the nest being approached, the male and female assail the 
 obnoxious intruder with noisy screams, beating at him with 
 quivering wings, and, that failing, run and skulk before, in 
 hopes of decoying and deluding him. 
 
 The male curlew in spring has a habit analogous to the 
 bleating of the snipe, which is usually performed at early 
 dawn. Rising slowly in the air, and sailing in easy flight, 
 and at times rapidly descending, the amorous curlew utters 
 at intervals the loud, shrill, quivering whistle peculiar to the 
 breeding season ; and at daybreak the moving forms of 
 curlew, rendered large and indistinct by the fog, the oft- 
 repeated whistles of many birds on the wing at the same time, 
 the challenging of the mountain grouse, and the hoarse croak 
 of welcome from the raven sailing to its foray in the valley, 
 form one of those little episodes intrinsically so trifling in ap- 
 pearance, but yet replete with such interest, to greet the ob- 
 server of nature. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 135 THE WHIMBREL. 
 
 Numenius pheopus. Linn. 
 Courlis corlieu. Temm. 
 
 Maybird. Jack Curlew. Little Whaup. 
 
 THE WHIMBREL, or, as it is more usually termed in Ireland, 
 the Maybird, from its appearing during that month in greater 
 abundance than at any other time, occurs in much smaller num- 
 bers than our common species, and is only to be found upon 
 
146 SCOLOPACID.E. 
 
 our shores whilst performing its usual migration to and from 
 its breeding stations. 
 
 Appearing generally upon the eastern coast range about 
 the end of April or the first week of May, they remain but 
 a short time to recruit their strength, and then disappear. 
 Returning about July or August, the whimbrel move down 
 from their northern breeding haunts in small flocks, averag- 
 ing from five to twenty, accompanied by their young, both 
 of which, from their small size in comparison with the com- 
 mon curlew, are generally believed to be the young of that 
 bird. 
 
 Few species might attract more attention from their re- 
 markable migrations than this species, illustrating in such a 
 beautiful manner the admirable instinct which the Creator 
 has given them, all leaving at a certain season their place of 
 abode, and passing, like a feathered exodus, so many strange 
 lands, to reach at last a locality where their further flight is 
 limited, there to perform the duties of incubation, and after 
 these cares are over, to return again in increased numbers to 
 the more favoured land they had left. Yearly returning 
 to those breeding stations, they exemplify in a beautiful man- 
 ner the Providence that guides them so unerringly. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXII. SCOLOPAX (SNIPE). 
 
 SPECIES 136 THE WOODCOCK. 
 
 Scolopax rusticola. Linn. 
 Becasse ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 THE WOODCOCK is the largest and finest-looking in appear- 
 ance of the true Scolopacidae frequenting our island, and is a 
 species widely distributed during winter, occurring in fa- 
 vourite localities in much greater numbers than when simi- 
 larly situated in England or Scotland, the obvious reason 
 of which is the admirable adaptation of the marshy nature of 
 the country to their habits. 
 
 Shy and retired, we seldom observe the woodcock, like the 
 majority of our grallatorial birds, whilst feeding or flying to 
 any favourite haunt, which we may partly account for by its 
 semi -nocturnal habits, as during the day we in most cases ob- 
 serve them haunting close -fringed brakes, sides of glens, and 
 the outskirts of woods and plantations, where they remain 
 sluggish and indifferent until the approach of twilight, when 
 
THE WOODCOCK. 147 
 
 they regain activity, sally out and search actively for food, 
 which in a great measure consists of worms and insects, ob- 
 tained by the bill being thrust into the earth, often so far 
 that we repeatedly observe specimens in the markets of the 
 city, with the feathers of the forehead marked and crusted 
 with the dried soil. 
 
 Generally arriving in Ireland about the middle of October, 
 it is to be found for a few days in the vicinity of the shore, 
 weak and wasted in condition after its long flight, and at 
 times so much fatigued as to have been captured by the hand 
 unable to fly. 
 
 From its rarity in Ireland during the summer months, it 
 was long a doubtful question whether the woodcock remained 
 to breed. Of this fact we have now direct testimony from 
 many parts of the country, where an occasional pair has been 
 known to remain and nidify. 
 
 On the demesne of the Earl of Roden, Tollymore Park, the 
 woodcock has become resident during summer, remaining in 
 considerable numbers, and bringing up their young. It is 
 supposed the woodcock rears but a single brood during the 
 year, yet on one occasion we had the satisfaction of seeing a 
 second recorded, from having received the leaves composing 
 the nest and four eggs, on the 2nd of July, 1851, which were 
 forwarded from Tollymore Park by his Lordship's orders, for 
 our collection. 
 
 Occasionally remaining to breed in France, we are told by 
 Degland* of a woodcock being shot near Lyons, by a game- 
 keeper, who on taking up the bird discovered three young 
 hidden beneath the wing of the parent, and which had been 
 killed by the same discharge which deprived the female of 
 life. The same author also mentions the extraordinary ra- 
 pidity with which the woodcock runs on the ground, so nimbly 
 as to avoid the dogs of the chasseur who have started it. 
 
 As with many other migratory birds, the occurrence of the 
 woodcock early or late in the season gives rise to many prog- 
 nostics respecting good or bad weather to those versed in 
 such matters : 
 
 " The woodcock's early visit, and abode 
 Of long continuance in our temperate clime, 
 Foretells a liberal harvest." 
 
 The woodcock occurs in such numbers in Ireland that in 
 good covers a couple of guns may procure as many birds in a 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 L2 
 
148 SCOLOPACID^:. 
 
 few weeks as the best covers in England or Scotland would 
 afford during the entire season so much so that, in a southern 
 county, for a considerable wager, fifty couples were bagged 
 in one day, and by a single gun, this, too, perfectly well 
 authenticated in the newspapers of the day. 
 
 Resembling the great majority of night-feeding birds, the 
 woodcock often betrays its proximity, when in cover, by its 
 large staring eye : a fact taken cognizance of by Hudibras in 
 the accompanying couplet : 
 
 " Fools are found by looking wise 
 As men find woodcocks by their eyes." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 137 THE GREAT SNIPE. 
 
 Scolopax major. Linn. 
 Becassine double. Ternm. 
 
 THE GREAT SNIPE is a bird of rather unusual occurrence in 
 our island, and we can only reckon an average of one speci- 
 men obtained for every three or four winters. 
 
 Found either in pairs or single birds, it has obtained the 
 name of solitary or silent snipe, from its unwillingness to cry 
 or utter any alarm note when disturbed. A gamekeeper on 
 the property of Mr. Herbert, of Muckruss, in Kerry, has ob- 
 tained this bird on two occasions, and named them woodcock 
 snipe, from their large size, heavy flight, and fanned tail whilst 
 flying. 
 
 More frequently observed during autumn, an adult female 
 in our collection was obtained in the county of Kildare, in 
 1849. We might also remark the perfect accordance of its 
 Irish name with its habits and appearance, u cpououp ceou^h 
 beg," the little woodcock. 
 
 This species may be easily distinguished from the common 
 snipe by its larger size, sixteen feathers in the tail (fourteen 
 in the common species), and the marking on the abdomen 
 being closer, and more resembling the barring of the woodcock. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 138 THE SABINE SNIPE. 
 
 Scolopax sabinii. Vigors. 
 Becassine sabine. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare snipe, so extremely curious in its distribution, has 
 been a complete puzzle to its describers, as we know of no 
 other species in the world so restricted in occurrence. 
 
SABINE SNIPE. COMMON SNIPE. 149 
 
 Of well-defined distinctive marks to admit it to the specific 
 qualification of a species, the sabine snipe has never occurred 
 in any instance outside the range of the British Islands. In 
 England some three or four instances are noted, but in Scot- 
 land it has never been observed, whilst in Ireland as many as 
 fourteen authenticated instances have occurred, in various 
 counties, during autumn and winter. In the fine collection 
 of birds in the University Museum, as many as four of these 
 rare snipe are preserved, all of which were obtained by the 
 assiduity of Dr. R. Ball, who collected them. 
 
 In the course of Mr. R. Glennon's practice he has preserved 
 no less than six of this species, which were familiarly known 
 to the persons who obtained them as u black snipe." 
 
 Regarding its breeding haunts and habits all ornithologists 
 are totally ignorant. 
 
 Habitat unknown. 
 
 SPECIES 139 THE COMMON SNIPE. 
 
 Scolopax gallinago. Linn. 
 Becassine ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 Heather Bleat. 
 
 THE COMMON SNIPE is a species so well known in Ireland 
 that few are entirely unacquainted with it. 
 
 Interesting to the naturalist as it is familiar to the sports- 
 man, it is scattered over the island in an abundance to which 
 the sister kingdom can offer no comparison. 
 
 Indifferent as to locality during winter, the snipe frequents 
 any piece of water, open drain, or marshy field, where it can 
 obtain food ; at times in such proximity to cities that we 
 have known some hundreds to be taken collectively during 
 many years' observation around the outskirts of the city of 
 Dublin. 
 
 Retiring inland during summer, the snipe enlivens every 
 locality in which it nidifies with its curious habits, which 
 bear a close resemblance to those of the peewit in the grace 
 and beauty of aerial motion. Ascending high in the air, 
 with a half circular, sweeping flight, varied by an occasional 
 dip downwards in the air, it performs the most extravagant 
 variations on the wing, all accompanied with that peculiar 
 drumming noise which has obtained for it the name of hea- 
 ther bleat, which in every country has been similarly con- 
 nected with a goat's bleat, as the Scotch, Irish, and Welsh 
 names for it signify the air goat, and it is similarly distin- 
 guished in Continental Europe. 
 
150 SCOLOPACID^:. 
 
 Most naturalists are in doubt respecting the manner in 
 which this singular sound is produced ; seme arguing in fa- 
 vour of its being caused by the peculiar downward quivering 
 of the wings, which, striking against the air, produce the 
 sound ; others have as plausibly maintained it to be the note 
 of the bird when sounded at a considerable elevation. 
 
 We frequently have observed these birds perform their 
 beautiful nuptial flight, and heard their drumming sound, 
 and believe it to be produced both by the voice of the bird 
 and the action of the wings at the same time. 
 
 Valued by the sportsman for the variety of flight presented 
 to him as each bird rises to his gun, snipe -shooting is, on 
 this account, a favourite sport. Although not equal in 
 dignity to grouse or woodcock-shooting, yet, where snipe oc- 
 cur in numbers, few sports are more exhilirating. Tyros are 
 deterred by the fancied difficulty of its flight ; a little atten- 
 tion and practice, however, to the peculiar turn or twist 
 which the snipe invariably makes when flying off, is alone re- 
 quisite to produce a good snipe-shot. 
 
 Distributed according to the character of the locality, 
 snipe are more numerous in moist countries. In the county 
 of Cork fifty brace have been shot with a single gun, in one 
 day, an occurrence which no preserve of equal extent in Eng- 
 land or Scotland could produce. 
 
 More subject to variety than any of the Scolopacidse, we 
 repeatedly see the snipe with patches of various colours on 
 the plumage and wings, and sometimes one of a cream-colour 
 attracts notice as a "white snipe." One in this state of 
 plumage was presented to our collection by Mr. Glennon, of 
 Dublin, having been shot in company with a common snipe 
 at the Bog of Allen, county of Kildare. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 140 THE JACK SNIPE. 
 
 Scolopax gallinula. Linn. 
 
 Becassine sourde. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, the smallest in size and most beautiful in plumage 
 of all the elegantly-marked birds comprised in this family, is, 
 however, of rare occurrence. In the markets of the city its 
 proportion is about 1 to 10. It arrives with the first of our 
 winter visitants, and is one of the last to depart. Having 
 observed specimens obtained in the months of June, July, 
 and August, in the rich plumage of the nuptial season (in 
 one of which the feathers of the breast were wanting), it is 
 
JACK SNIPE. BLACK-TAILED GOD WIT. 151 
 
 not improbable that, like the woodcock, it may breed with 
 us in limited numbers. 
 
 More sluggish and indolent in habits than the common 
 snipe, the Jack exhibits few of the watchful characteristics 
 of that bird, but in its unwillingness to take wing often al- 
 lows one to approach within a few feet before attempting to 
 rise, and then, selecting a suitable place to pitch, rising in the 
 air, it drops like an arrow to the ground ; in no case ever 
 venturing to take wing for a long flight until after being dis- 
 turbed some three or four different times. 
 
 A curious idea is possessed by many sportsmen, as well 
 as by the market dealers, respecting this species, all believing 
 it to be the male of the common snipe ; distinguishing it by 
 the appellation of Jack, as they give the other the name of 
 Jill snipe. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXIIL LIMOSA (GODWIT). 
 
 SPECIES 141 THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. 
 
 Limosa melanura. Selby. 
 Barge a queue noir. Temm. 
 
 Red Godwit. Whelp. 
 
 THIS fine-looking species is an autumnal and winter visitant 
 to our coasts, and only occurs in very limited numbers ; at 
 times their occurrence on the eastern shores of the island is 
 of great rarity ; although, during some years, they are found 
 scattered in considerable numbers along the sea-coast about 
 Dublin, and in such plenty that, in the autumn of 1849, they 
 were exposed for sale by the hawkers of wild fowl in the 
 city, tied together in long strings like the more common snipe 
 and plover. 
 
 Few species exhibit a more varied change of plumage, at 
 different seasons of the year, than the birds comprised in the 
 present genus. The beautiful and showy plumaged bird of 
 the summer exchanging its gay tints, and adapting its appear- 
 ance to the rigours of winter from the many varying hues of 
 reddish-orange and yellowish-red to the more unobtrusive 
 shades of pale gray and white. 
 
 On one occasion, when observing a flock of sea-birds on 
 the coast at Malahide, during the autumn of 1852, with the 
 aid of a pocket telescope, fifteen godwits were discerned occu- 
 pying a portion of an exposed sandbank, and awaiting in com- 
 
152 8COLOPACID.E. 
 
 posed dignity for the main shore to be uncovered. The assis- 
 tance of the glass, and a previous acquaintance with the appear- 
 ance of the species, enabled us to identify the godwits com- 
 posing this group, looking so strange, with the neck retracted 
 and the form huddled up as if perishing from the eifects of 
 cold. Whilst they remained, nine of the beautiful oyster 
 plovers alighted, and commenced circling the edge of the 
 bank in an even line, running in file, and attentively examin- 
 ing every little object uncovered by the receding tide. 
 
 Strangely differing in association, we have also seen num- 
 bers of these beautiful godwits cribbed and confined in the 
 London markets, where, crowded together in cages, they are 
 fattened for the table. Pitiable in the appearance of their 
 resigned tameness, they seemed to bear their captivity with 
 the same quiet manner which distinguishes them in their 
 wild state. 
 
 Habitat Western Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 142 THE COMMON GODWIT. 
 
 Limosa rufa. Briss. 
 Barge rousse. Temm. 
 
 Red Godwit. Yarwhelp. Godwyn. 
 
 THIS is another handsome species, although not possessing 
 the more elegant proportions of the melanura, or the same 
 brilliancy of plumage. Common on the coast during winter, 
 we observe it in the immediate vicinity of the city, frequent- 
 ing the shore where the strand is soft and oozy, probing and 
 searching the mud for insect food and marine worms with 
 their long, admirably adapted beak. 
 
 During the severity of winter we see them congregated with 
 knots and dunlins, frequenting the " slob" which the inten- 
 sity of the frost had not succeeded in hardening. 
 
 They are well known on the coast from their familiar 
 cry, resembling the syllable " whelp," which is invariably ut- 
 tered when alarmed before taking wing. 
 
 On the strand in the vicinity of Baldoyle, much frequented 
 by various shore-birds, we were once gratified by the obser- 
 vance of a large flock, composed of nearly three hundred 
 godwits. They exhibited much tameness, feeding on a muddy 
 bank within some few yards of a mill situated there, the 
 creaking sound of whose machinery echoed loudly, unno- 
 ticed by them. Their appearance was interesting in the ex- 
 
COMMON GOD WIT. RUFF. 153 
 
 treme, no two birds in the same position or attitude ; some 
 actively engaged probing for food, and others running in dif- 
 ferent directions searching for a suitable place to commence 
 operations ; the great portion of the flock enjoying their ease, 
 standing upon one leg, with the bill completely buried in the 
 plumage of the back. 
 
 In summer the plumage bears a resemblance in its reddish 
 colour to the last ; it is, however, seldom observed on our 
 shores at that season, taking its departure to northern lati- 
 tudes for the breeding season. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXIV MACHETES (RUFF). 
 SPECIES 143 THE RUFF. 
 
 Machetes pugnax. Cuv. 
 
 Combattant variable. Temm. 
 
 Reeve. 
 
 THE RUFF is the most remarkable in appearance and curi- 
 ous in habits of our occasional migrating shore-birds. Oc- 
 curring with us in very limited numbers, it is seldom obtained 
 unless a chance specimen forwarded to the markets in the 
 city ; which, in most instances, is in the plumage of the female 
 or young, very rarely occurring with the beautiful ruff en- 
 circling the neck, for which the male bird has obtained the 
 name. Of extreme rarity,; in that stage, four or five speci- 
 mens are the utmost we can reckon as having occurred in 
 Ireland. 
 
 Remarkable for the pugnacity of its disposition, it has been 
 separated by Cuvier from the more sociable sandpipers into 
 a separate genus, characterized " Machetes," the literal trans- 
 lation signifying Fighter. The peculiarity of the ruff is re- 
 marked during the breeding season when the males, adorned 
 with the long sweeping plumes which form their nuptial at- 
 traction, and which spring from the plumage of the neck, at 
 that period assemble upon any spot of rising ground conti- 
 guous to the stations where they intend to nidify. Standing 
 in proximity to each other, they watch every movement to act 
 as an excuse for contention ; this obtained, the head is instantly 
 lowered, and the large ruff thrown forward round the head, 
 both birds flying upwards at the same time, and striking with 
 the action of a domestic cock. The whole time the females 
 or reeves enjoy the admirable graces of the combatants, 
 
154 scoLOPAcm/E. 
 
 doubtful of the success which will give them a lord, as they 
 permit the victor alone to associate with them. Even in con- 
 finement this pugnacity is continued, and their appearance 
 might be amusingly contrasted with the godwits similarly 
 caged at the Leadenhall market, but separately confined in 
 long boxes. The placid stand and an occasional piping note 
 from the timid godwits, contrasted with the ruifs, who seem 
 in their pugnacity to have adapted for their motto, " Toujours 
 pres" to do battle with or without cause ; displaying also in 
 confinement their favourite attitude of standing upon one leg, 
 they are so lazy, that, when wishing to move forward, they 
 hop upon the one leg rather than put down the other, a fact 
 likewise noted by Degland.* At the termination of the breed- 
 ing season the males lose the sexual plumage which adds so 
 strangely to their appearance, and change to the more sub- 
 dued tints of the female. 
 
 A remarkable fact is the colour of the ruff on the neck, two 
 specimens being seldom observed exactly similar in appear- 
 ance. From two specimens which we obtained in the month 
 of July, 1850, from the neighbourhood of the Bog of Allen, 
 it is not improbable that in some rare instances this species 
 may remain and nidify. 
 
 Habitat Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXV TOTANUS (TATTLERS). 
 
 SPECIES 144 THE SPOTTED REDSHANK. 
 
 Totanus fuscus. Jard. 
 Chevalier arlequin. Temm. 
 
 Spotted Snipe. Dusky Sandpiper. 
 
 THIS handsome species is of the greatest rarity, and has only 
 been obtained in a single authenticated instance, obtained, too, 
 by a describer worthy of its rarity, the late William Thompson, 
 Esq., of Belfast, from whose work on the " Natural History 
 of Ireland" we transcribe : 
 
 " When a very young sportsman, and out shooting in Hol- 
 lywood rabbit-warren, bordering Belfast Bay, on the morning 
 of the 22nd of August, 1823, I perceived at a distance a soli- 
 tary bird, whose call resembled that of a redshank, but was 
 somewhat different, winging its way over the sea towards 
 Belfast. To my surprise and delight, however, the stranger 
 made a sudden turn, and alighted on the beach at a short 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
SPOTTED REDSHANK REDSHANK. 155 
 
 distance, which was scarcely done when it became my victim. 
 Immediately on lifting the bird, though I had never seen one 
 before, I knew it to be the spotted redshank, from recollection 
 of Bewick's beautiful figure of that species. It was admirably 
 killed for being stuffed, not a speck of blood being on any 
 part of its plumage, or a wound anywhere visible. To pre- 
 vent the possibility of its plumage being even ruffled from 
 contact with my pocket, the bird was carried in my hand, 
 and when I reached home was most carefully (as I believed) 
 laid aside, preparatory to my absence for a few hours. Alas ! 
 however, on my return the beauteous prize was missing, but 
 was eventually discovered served up at the dinner table in 
 company with a curlew and other vulgar denizens of the shore. 
 My boyish mortification may easily be imagined, as my good 
 fortune in having obtained so fine a specimen of a bird never 
 known to visit the Irish coast, had been the all-engrossing 
 thought of the day." 
 
 Closely resembling the next species in its winter plumage, 
 it may have occurred upon our shores unnoticed. More com- 
 monly observed in France, we are informed by Degland of its 
 habit of standing in water reaching to its abdomen, and peck- 
 ing at water insects as they rise to the surface.* 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 145 THE REDSHANK. 
 
 Totanus calidris. Bechs. 
 
 Chevalier gambette. Temm. 
 
 Pool Snipe. Redlegged Snipe. 
 
 THIS species, the most common of the Irish Totani, is 
 found during all seasons around the coast. Although never 
 occurring in the immense flocks we see the true Tringidse col- 
 lect in, we sometimes observe the redshank in rather consi- 
 derable numbers, and, like the godwit, giving the preference 
 to oozy situations, where the mud is soft and easily probed 
 or penetrated. 
 
 In such places the habits of the redshank are not unworthy 
 of our notice, and when engaged searching for food a flock 
 impart something of animation to the shore ; boring and feed- 
 ing in the sand, they are never stationary for an instant, for 
 when we might suppose one resting for a moment, the body 
 is invariably shaken with a vibrating and tremulous motion. 
 The most favourite of all situations with the redshank is the 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
156 
 
 deposit of alluvial matter carried down to the sea by rivers, 
 and about which we constantly see troops of the restless and 
 active redshank. Attractive from the bright red colour of the 
 legs, from which it derives its name, it is easily distinguished 
 on the shore or in flight. 
 
 During summer it is of more rarity, only a few isolated in- 
 dividuals out of the large flocks observed on the shore in winter, 
 remaining to breed. In the vicinity of the Dublin coast two 
 instances of its riidification have occurred to us, one on the 
 sandbanks near Rush, and the other on the Wicklow coast 
 near Greystones. In one nest three eggs were obtained, and 
 the other was tenanted by the same number of young ; of 
 which the male, in the beautiful spotted breeding plumage, 
 was unfortunately shot. 
 
 On the small islands situated before Skerries we have ob- 
 served flocks of the redshank crowding every little projecting 
 rock, patiently awaiting the falling tide to leave the main- 
 shore line exposed. Vigilant and suspicious when feeding, 
 the least alarm is sufficient to cause the entire flock to take 
 wing, each bird uttering at the same time its loud and pierc- 
 ing alarm -cry. 
 
 Habitat Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 146 THE GREENSHANK. 
 
 Totanus glottis. Jard. 
 
 Chevalier aboyeur. Temm. 
 
 Greenlegged Horseman. 
 
 NOT occurring in any proportion like the redshank, we might 
 characterize the greenshank as a species occasionally obtained 
 upon our eastern coast. Although one of those birds not 
 remarkable for bright or showy plumage, yet we can never 
 fail admiring the chaste and beautiful harmony of its sub- 
 dued colour. Thus it has appeared to us as one of our most 
 elegant shore-birds from the unsullied and spotless white of 
 the under parts, contrasting so elegantly with the dark and 
 delicately marked plumage of the back. 
 
 Frequenting similar situations with the redshank, it is only 
 remarked during winter and autumn in pairs, or occasionally 
 in small flocks, averaging from five to ten individuals. 
 
 Of great wariness, we have observed individuals feeding 
 on the Clontarf strand taking flight and screaming vocife- 
 rously their alarm-cry at the sound of a horn or the whistle of 
 a railway train, a sound to which the knots, dunlins, and red- 
 shanks, feeding in the vicinity, never paid at any time the 
 
GREEN SANDPIPER. COMMON SANDPIPER. 157 
 
 least attention. Although less remarkable than the redshank, 
 we observe the same quivering of the body that so much dis- 
 tinguishes that bird. At times it wades out so far after the 
 tide that the water often covers the knee-joint, and, when 
 alarmed in such places, the legs are dangled more than usually 
 behind, similar to a habit of the common bunting and heron. 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 147 THE GREEN SANDPIPER. 
 
 Totanus ochropus. Linn. 
 Chevalier cul blanc. Temm. 
 
 THE rarest in occurrence of the more common Totani, the 
 green sandpiper is seldom met with in our island, and is prin- 
 cipally observed during winter in the markets of the city, 
 there attracting the attention of our hawkers of wild fowl, 
 possessed of a certain amount of discrimination to enable 
 them to fix upon an absurd price for a species they believe so 
 very rare, from its seldom coming under their observation. 
 
 Frequenting inland localities, three specimens in our col- 
 lection, obtained from dealers, were forwarded from inland 
 situations. 
 
 Possessing more distinctly marked plumage than the green- 
 shank, we see the same spotless white of the under parts of 
 this bird, whilst the upper plumage is dotted with whitish 
 spots upon the rich and deeply bronzed feathers of the back. 
 Of great rarity in its occurrence during summer, two spe- 
 cimens obtained in that season came under our own observa- 
 tion, both of which were shot in the county of Kildare, each 
 habited in the full adult breeding plumage. Another spe- 
 cimen was obtained on the Merrion strand, associating with 
 the dunlins and knots, a locality for which they affect bu 
 little partiality. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 148 THE COMMON SANDPIPER. 
 
 Totanus hypolcucus. Linn. 
 
 Chevalier guignette. Temm. 
 
 Sand-lark. 
 
 THIS beautiful little species is one of our most interesting 
 birds, and appears of more rarity than it really is, on account 
 of the unfrequented localities it selects. Its delicate form 
 and elegant proportions seem to render it unable to bear the 
 rigour of our winters, so that, like the majority of our migra- 
 
158 SCOLOPACID^:. 
 
 tory visitors, it arrives with us in the beginning of May, and 
 takes its departure in September. 
 
 On the arrival of this elegant visitant, it immediately be- 
 takes itself to the neighbourhood of small rivers, mountain 
 streams, and the sandy margins of lakes. In our own vici- 
 nity we find them distributed sparingly along the Dodder, 
 becoming more frequent as we approach its source, and dis- 
 persed in a similar manner along the retired rivulets of the 
 .Dublin and Wicklow mountains. 
 
 In such localities it continues in safety ; its haunts rarely 
 intruded on except by the occasional footsteps of the angler, 
 or the shrill halloo of some rustic goatherd. To both its 
 presence is at once pleasing and amusing ; indeed so much so 
 that we have at times surprised the mountaineer, heedless of 
 any charge, reclining on the sunny turf, his eyes radiant with 
 pleasure, and his feet beating in unison with the changing 
 attitudes of the sandpiper. So harmless are its habits, that 
 all who have the pleasure of its acquaintance regard it as an 
 agreeable favourite. Few anglers who, in pursuit of their 
 favourite pastime, ascend towards the source of our picturesque 
 trout streams, do not recognise their cheerful companion with 
 the same pleasurable sensations with which we regard the re- 
 turn of the cuckoo and the swallow. 
 
 Its food consists of small insects, animalculae, and molluscse, 
 abundance of which is furnished in such localities. When 
 in pursuit of its prey it displays an endless and elegant va- 
 riety of attitudes, enlivened with its peculiar piping whistle 
 
 " Along the river's rocky marge 
 The sand-lark sings a joyous song." 
 
 Unlike the sea-larks of the coast, which are generally 
 congregated in large flocks, this species only occurs in 
 pairs. Even on their arrival we have never observed more 
 than six together. The observation of the habits of the sand- 
 piper has always afforded us pleasure. At times seated by 
 the river's margin in some retired glen, quiet and secluded, 
 where 
 
 " The only visitant's a straggling sheep, 
 The stonechat or the glancing sandpiper" 
 
 break in upon the solitude, a pair shoot rapidly past us, 
 alighting on the river's edge ; stiffening their wings above the 
 back, they run with astonishing celerity along the gravel, and, 
 flitting to some exposed stone in the river, they utter their 
 prolonged amatory note. Now startling the water-ousels from 
 
COMMON SANDPIPER. DUNLIN. 159 
 
 their station, they imitate the dipper by the peculiar duck- 
 ing of the body ; when a gaudy dragon-fly displays its wings 
 it is at once pursued and captured by the untiring sandpipers. 
 The nest is soon formed, and is generally a hollow in the sand, 
 or placed in some bank at a distance from the water. The 
 eggs are usually four, enormously disproportionate in size to 
 the bird, cream-coloured, blotched and spotted with brown 
 and purple. After the cares of the breeding season, we see 
 the parents and their young collected in a small flock, moving 
 down the river to the sea, there to await a favourable wind 
 for their return to a more favoured clime. 
 
 An allied species, the wood sandpiper (Totanus glareola) 
 is believed to have been observed in Ireland, on the autho- 
 rity of Dr. Robert Ball, who remarks having observed a spe- 
 cies of Totanus during several years frequenting a stream in 
 the neighbourhood of Youghal and Cork during the month 
 of June.* 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXVI. TRINGA (SANDPIPER). 
 
 SPECIES 149 THE PURRE OR DUNLIN. 
 
 Tringa varidbilis. Linn. 
 Becasseau brunette ou variable. Temm. 
 
 Sea-snipe. Sea-lark. Stint. 
 
 THE preceding species we have observed occasionally forming 
 in flocks ; we now arrive at the true sandpipers. Always 
 occurring in immense flocks, but differing from them, we 
 see an approximation to the godwits in the seasonal change 
 of the plumage from gray to red or brown. 
 
 Of these birds the dunlin occurs in the greatest abundance 
 on our coast ; and, large as are the flocks of curlew, their 
 number is small in comparison with those of this species. 
 Found along every variety of shore, they appear indifferently 
 upon the mud and ooze, or on the hard and sandy level in 
 both situations, finding an equal abundance of food in prob- 
 ing the mud or following the receding tide upon the other- 
 wise destitute strand. The dunlin is exceedingly interesting 
 in its habits, and its observation presents at all times an at- 
 traction to the ornithologist, and an amusing incident to the 
 casual observer. 
 
 Crowded together, they occupy some sandbank, rock, or 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
160 SCOLOPACID^:. 
 
 any embankment in the neighbourhood of the shore, where 
 the entire flock remain with the utmost resignation and pa- 
 tience, their numbers considerably increased by other " tide 
 waiters," in the shape of ring dotterels and knots ; all mo- 
 tionless, the great majority stand upon one leg, with the other 
 drawn up and hidden in the plumage, and although appa- 
 rently inattentive, all are watchful when the least portion of 
 the strand is uncovered. That being observed, instantly 
 the entire flock rise with a single motion, and sweep rapidly 
 over to the exposed sand; rising in the air for a few feet be- 
 fore alighting, the flock drop like a single bird upon the strand, 
 each, expressing satisfaction by piping its melodious note, sets 
 at once actively to work ; and, running after the retiring 
 waves with the greatest eagerness, at one moment springing 
 up to avoid the splash, and the next running along the strand 
 with their wings extended to their utmost, as if to dry the 
 spray which had fallen on them. Sometimes an intruder of 
 larger size may alight beside them, but it is not regarded ; at 
 times even a heron may flap its starved bulk along and pitch 
 down into the centre of the flock, but even its dignity is not 
 consulted, and they continue to make the very shingle melo- 
 dious with their shrill and pleasing call-notes. 
 
 The most perfect in their evolutions of all our Irish birds, 
 we are often astonished at the surprising and beautiful ap- 
 pearance which is presented by a flock when on the wing. 
 Flying off when alarmed, they proceed some few hundred yards, 
 when instantly the entire flock, with the most instant effect, 
 turn on the wing, and, where scarcely observed previously, 
 the air seems suddenly bright with the flash of perhaps two 
 thousand snowy underwings. So perfect is the motion per- 
 formed by each bird, that we might suppose it were some 
 aerial piece of mechanism that had produced it ; or, as we 
 once heard it illustrated by an old sailor who was observing 
 them, that, " sorra one bit of use in drilling, for they are the 
 best soldiers on the strand." 
 
 On the approach of spring they betake themselves, in flocks 
 of some thousands, to their northern breeding haunts very 
 few remaining on our coast to breed. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
PIGMY CURLEW. BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER. 161 
 
 SPECIES 150 THE PIGMY CURLEW. 
 
 Tringa subarquata. Linn. 
 Becasseau corcoli. Temm. 
 
 Curlew Sandpiper. 
 
 THIS species, closely resembling the preceding in size and 
 general appearance, may at once be distinguished by its more 
 graceful and elegant form, and during all seasons by its white 
 upper tail coverts. 
 
 Very rarely occurring upon our eastern coasts, it is, per- 
 haps, found in the greatest proportion upon the northern and 
 north-eastern portion of the island ; and although it has 
 never come under our own observation along the Dublin, 
 Louth, or Wicklow shores, it has occurred in five or six in- 
 stances, two of which were obtained for our collection. In 
 the great majority of instances the pigmy curlew has been 
 procured during autumn. None were ever observed on the 
 coast after that season. 
 
 One of the most beautiful of the smaller shore -birds, the 
 pigmy curlew is admirably worthy of its name, as it is a com- 
 plete miniature of its larger namesake, and from standing 
 higher on the tarsi than the dunlin when intermixed with 
 flocks of the latter, it might seem to look down upon the pre- 
 tensions of that melodious little sandpiper. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 151 THE BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER. 
 
 Tringa platyrhyncha. Selty. 
 Becasseau platyrhynque. Temm. 
 
 As noticed by Mr. Thompson in the Annals of Natural His- 
 tory, this rare species has only been obtained in two instances 
 in Great Britain, one of which was shot on a muddy ooze, in 
 the vicinity of Belfast, together with eleven golden plover 
 and eight dunlins, all of which were obtained by the one dis- 
 charge of a swivel gun. 
 
 Of exceeding interest, we have taken the following excel- 
 lent remarks on the species from Mr. Thompson's Irish 
 Fauna : 
 
 " This is a very interesting species to the ornithologist, 
 from the circumstance of its presenting the characters of se- 
 veral genera. Its general aspect, body, plumage, delicate 
 tarsi and feet, is that of a Tringa ; but in the form of the. 
 head, breadth between the eyes, and broad base of bill, \\\- 
 M 
 
162 SCOLOPACID^E. 
 
 are reminded of the genus Scolopax, or true snipe, as we like- 
 wise are in the brown and white banding of the head ; in 
 which latter respect it likewise resembles the whimprel (Nu- 
 menius ph&opus) ; except in the head and bill, the whole 
 bird is in form and plumage an ordinary-looking Tringa." 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 152 THE BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 
 
 Tringa rufescens. Viellot. 
 Secasseau rousset. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, only obtained in a single instance, was shot by 
 Mr. John Hill upon the " slob," in the vicinity of the Pigeon 
 House Wall, Dublin. Having been preserved, it was presented 
 by that gentleman to the Dublin Natural History Society's 
 Museum, in which collection it is now preserved. It is an 
 immature bird in the plumage of the first year. 
 
 This very rare North American sandpiper has been noticed 
 as having occurred in eight instances in England, which is 
 somewhat curious, as we should expect the proportion to have 
 been procured in our island from its vicinity to the American 
 coast. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SPECIES 153 SCHINTZ'S SANDPIPER. 
 
 Tringa Schintzii. Bonaparte. 
 Becasseau de Schintz. Temm. 
 
 EQUALLY interesting as are the others from their rarity, we 
 have another North American species, supposed to have oc- 
 curred upon the Irish coast, respecting which we transcribe 
 the following notice of its occurrence from Mr. Thompson's 
 work : 
 
 u There is a specimen of Tringa Schintzii in the Belfast 
 Museum, respecting which positive information cannot now 
 be obtained, but it is supposed to have been shot in the Bay 
 here, in consequence of having been preserved in a manner 
 peculiar to a taxidermist who set up a fresh ' sandpiper' (as 
 it is called in his book) for the collection on the 15th of April, 
 1836. All circumstances considered, that sandpiper is be- 
 lieved to have been the one in question. No Tringa was 
 1 mounted' by the same preserver from dried skins. I have 
 compared the specimen with the American one described by 
 Mr. Yarrell, and found identity in the species." 
 
 This sandpiper, common along the coasts of North Ame- 
 
SCHINTZ'S SANDPIPER LITTLE STINT. 163 
 
 rica, only claims admission to the European Fauna from the 
 occurrence of a single specimen obtained in the south of Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SPECIES 154 THE LITTLE STINT. 
 
 Tringa minuta. Leisl. 
 
 Becasseau echasses. Temm. 
 
 Least Sandpiper. 
 
 THIS interesting little species occupies the same place amongst 
 the Waders the goldcrest holds with the Perchers, and the 
 storm petrel amongst the natatorial birds, being the most 
 minute in size of the entire order to which it belongs. 
 
 Very unusual in its distribution, it occurs in a similar pro- 
 portion to the pigmy curlew, and like that species is found 
 along the north-eastern portion of the coast in greater num- 
 bers than in any other locality. 
 
 In Dublin Bay the stint has come under our own observa- 
 tion on two occasions, once in 1850, when three were ob- 
 served along with an equal number of the handsomely marked 
 ring dotterel, searching for food upon some refuse mud re- 
 cently dredged from the river, all appearing to be feeding 
 upon insects generated by the heat of a strong September 
 sun. On another occasion two were observed at Rob's Wall, 
 near Malahide, both of which appeared even more diminutive 
 from the vicinity of a lordly black-backed gull, which, with 
 head imbedded in its shoulders, stood majestically in repose, 
 its dignity not unbending to admit even a look at those little 
 elf-like birds running around apparently in pursuit of sand- 
 flies. Described as being watchful and wary in its habits, a 
 male specimen in our collection was killed by a boatman 
 striking it with a stone, at the small island near the Drogheda 
 Railway, at Clontarf station. Another specimen, obtained 
 as early as the 10th of August, has not the slightest appear- 
 ance of the reddish brown distinguishing the breeding season, 
 but is in the light-gray plumage characteristic of winter. 
 
 On the sea-shore at Newhaven, on the south-eastern ex- 
 tremity of England, we had the pleasure of observing a small 
 flock consisting of six birds, all feeding along the shingle, and 
 when disturbed uttering their peculiar call-notes. 
 
 The name of the present species appears one familiarly 
 known to the old annalists, but from the great abundance of 
 the dunlin and the rarity of the stint, the former is doubtless 
 M 2 
 
164 SCOLOPACID^E. 
 
 meant. We even find them served up in company with the 
 more gigantic crane, at Archbishop Neville's feast. And, 
 subsequently, in the Household Book of the Duke of Northum- 
 berland, " styntes" are remarked as worthy to be admitted 
 to his Lordship's own " mees," and are charged at the rate of 
 six pence a dozen. From the accompanying description they 
 must have occupied the place held by the ortolan at the pre- 
 sent time : 
 
 " The puet, godwit, stynt, the pallat that allure 
 The miser, and doe make a fearful epicure." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 155 TEMMINCK'S STINT. 
 
 Tringa Temminckii. Leisler. 
 Becasseau Temmia. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare species, named in honour of that great savant to 
 whom natural history is so much indebted for his profound 
 and unremitting research, has, like many other species in the 
 genus, only occurred in a single instance, which came under 
 the observation of Richard Chute, Esq., of Blennerville, and 
 to whose discernment we are indebted for adding it to our 
 Fauna. Obtained at the end of January, 1848, it was killed 
 at a freshwater pool in the vicinity of the town of Tralee, 
 during the continuance of a severe frost. 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 156. THE PURPLE SANDPIPER. 
 
 Tringa maritima. Brunn. 
 
 Becasseau violet. Temm. 
 
 Rock Sandpiper. 
 
 THE PURPLE SANDPIPER is a species so very local in its dis- 
 tribution that it is seldom observed or obtained. 
 
 Almost unknown upon our eastern shores, it has only been 
 procured in some four or five instances, one of which occurred 
 in Dublin Bay. More common around the precipices of the 
 west, Mr. Glennon remarked, whilst remaining in Achill, the 
 existence of several flocks frequenting the Sound and rocky 
 shores of the mainland. 
 
 Differing from all the sandpipers in the shortness of the 
 tarsi and heavy appearance of the body, this species is easily 
 recognised by the purple gloss which is so conspicuous as to 
 obtain for it its most common name. Curious in its habits, 
 
PURPLE SANDPIPER. KNOT. 165 
 
 we see the purple sandpiper affecting none of the localities 
 where the majority of its family are to be found, but leaving 
 the sandy shore, the marsh, and the river side, it frequents 
 alone the vicinity of maritime precipices, or any broken range 
 of rocks along the shore line. Occurring also in small com- 
 munities, it offers a wide difference to the countless flocks in 
 which the smaller species are sometimes observed. 
 
 When disturbed, the flock sweeps in a circling flight over 
 the sea, and seldom changes into any of the beautiful appear- 
 ances so admired in the common dunlin, but returns at once to 
 the vicinity of the rocks from whence it had been disturbed. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 157 THE KNOT. 
 
 Tringa Canutus. Linn. 
 
 Becasseau Canet. Temm. 
 
 Ash-coloured Sandpiper. Sea-snipe. Red Sandpiper. 
 
 THE KNOT, with the exception of the dunlin, is the most 
 common of all the sea-larks, and, like that species, appears to 
 be almost as widely distributed along the coast. Preferring 
 more the true feeding grounds of the Tringae and Totanidae, 
 we may at all times see the knot in those situations where 
 there is an abundance of soft muddy ooze, but seldom, like 
 the dunlin and ring dotterel, in the vicinity of hard, dry, sandy 
 reaches. Very similar in its habits to the dunlin, we see it in 
 large flocks, the evolutions upon the wing are equally as re- 
 markable for their beauty. 
 
 Of exceeding rarity upon our coast during summer, it is 
 only in September that the great flocks that have finished 
 their breeding cares in the remote latitudes of the north arrive 
 upon our coast, the diminished numbers of the preceding 
 season augmented and recruited by their young ; all of which 
 we again observe formed into flocks at the end of February 
 to return to their endless migration. 
 
 The name of this species, apparently possessed of so little 
 meaning, is, according to the old annalists, owing to their 
 having been selected as a favourite dish for King Canute, 
 and for which cause they obtained the name, which became 
 in time corrupted into " knute," and at last to " knot." 
 
 " The knotte that called was Canute's bird of old, 
 
 Of that great King of Danes, his name that still doth hold ; 
 
 His appetite to please, that farre and neere was sought 
 
 For him, as some have said, from Denmark hither brought." 
 
166 SCOLOPACID.E. 
 
 During winter we occasionally see the knot exposed in the 
 markets of the city, where it is dignified with the name of sea- 
 snipe. 
 
 In the summer plumage, so rarely observed in Ireland, it 
 is one of our most beautiful plumaged birds. A specimen in 
 our collection, obtained in Clare by Edward Burton, Esq., of 
 Clifden, exhibits the same rich reddish colour of the breast 
 which had obtained for it the well-known name of red sand- 
 piper, and caused older naturalists at one time to raise it to 
 the dignity of a new species. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXVII HIMANTOPUS (STILTSHANK). 
 
 SPECIES 158 THE BLACK- WINGED STILT. 
 
 Himantopus melanopterus. Selby. 
 Echasse a manteau noir. Temm. 
 
 Long-legged Plover. 
 
 THIS extraordinary- looking species, so remarkable for the 
 immense development of the tarsi, is of the greatest rarity, 
 two or three specimens being the utmost we can reckon of its 
 occurrence in our Fauna. 
 
 Remarkably slender in its form, with a distinguishing plu- 
 mage of black and white, the legs are so immensely elongated, 
 as to have suggested the idea of a bird progressing upon stilts. 
 From the notice of a specimen obtained in Norfolk by the 
 Rev. R. Lubbock, the following curious particulars are re- 
 marked : " When shot it was standing in a shallow pool of 
 water, mid-leg deep, apparently snapping at insects in the air 
 as they buzzed about it."* The stilt has also been obtained 
 in several other instances in England and Scotland. What 
 taste the flesh has we are unable to determine, but Belon in- 
 forms us they were served at the table of u Monseigneur le 
 Cardinal de Tournon en la duche d'Urbri," and were found 
 excellent. Well known to the elder Pliny, it still preserves 
 the name (Himantopus) which he had given it. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 * Jardine. 
 
AVOSETT. TURNSTONE. 167 
 
 GENUS LXXVIII. RECURVIROSTRA (CURVED-BILL). 
 
 SPECIES 159 THE AVOSETT. 
 Recurvirostra avosetta. Selby. 
 Avocette a nuque noir. Temm. 
 
 Scooper. Cobbler's Awl. 
 
 THIS species, equally remarkable in its form as the preceding, 
 resembles it in being another of our rarest African visitants, 
 having only been obtained in a few instances in our island. 
 
 Interesting as is the stiltshank to the ornithologist, from 
 the elongation of the tarsi, this species is not less so from the 
 curious shape of the bill, turned up in a contrary way from 
 the generality "of the species, and for which peculiarity it has 
 obtained its appellation of avosett or scooper. 
 
 In Rutty's History of the County Dublin the occurrence 
 of one of these birds is noted : " A. D. 1767, in winter, was 
 4iot in the Lotts, near the North Wall, by Robert Bevin, sex- 
 'ion of Christ Church, a bird very rarely found here, being 
 properly an Italian bird, called l avosetta and beccostorto,' 
 from its bill generally three and a half inches long, and often 
 turned up for half its length." 
 
 Since that time the avocett has been obtained in eight or 
 nine instances along the southern and western portions of the 
 island. 
 
 In this genus we observe the toes differing from all the 
 other species in the family, being connected with webs, sug- 
 gesting the idea of the bird being able to support itself 
 easily on the soft slimy marshes where it obtains its food, a 
 peculiarity which, according to Degland, enables it to swim 
 with the greatest agility.* 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 GENUS LXXIX. STREPSILAS (TURNSTONE). 
 
 SPECIES 160 THE TURNSTONE. 
 
 Strepsilas interpres. Leach. 
 Tourne pierre a collier. Temm. 
 
 Sea-lark. 
 
 THE TURNSTONE, a bird of considerable interest in its habits, 
 is only a winter visitant to our shores, and although not found 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeerme. 
 
1 68 SCOLOPACID^:. 
 
 in the same numbers with the knot, it is yet common in its 
 occurrence along the shore. 
 
 Separated from the true Tringae into a distinct genus, from 
 the peculiarity of its habits, it is remarkable on the coast for 
 turning over the shingle and pebbles in search of whatever 
 mollusca or Crustacea may have been left in their vicinity by 
 the receding tide. 
 
 At times we meet with the turnstone examining the heaps 
 of dried sea-weed and fuci left beyond high watermark, and, 
 when so engaged, it admits of a very near approach, and 
 when disturbed or alarmed we can at all times distinguish it 
 from the knot by the snowy whiteness of the under- wings 
 and body, and by the loud mellow whistle uttered whilst 
 flying off. 
 
 Occasionally we may also see the turnstone, in company 
 with the redshank, frequenting rocky islets, and flying back- 
 wards and forwards between them and the mainland. 
 
 A specimen which once fell to our gun had only the rudi- 
 ment of the leg remaining, the foot in all probability had been 
 shot off by some previous discharge; the stump of the leg had 
 healed, however, and, although worn by the attrition of the 
 shore, still performed all the offices of the wanting member. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXX. OSTRALEGUS (OYSTER PLOVER). 
 
 SPECIES 161 THE OYSTER PLOVER. 
 
 Ostralegus hcematopus. Macgillivray. 
 Huiterier pie. Temm. 
 
 Sea Pie. Oyster Catcher. 
 
 THIS is a bird obtained at all seasons in suitable localities 
 around our coasts. Seldom found in the neighbourhood of 
 precipitous cliffs, it gives the preference to low-lying, flat, 
 sandy beaches, which have inequalities in their surface, or are 
 interspersed with oyster or muscle beds. 
 
 Although not possessing the graceful proportions of many 
 of our shore -birds, the oyster plover is, when occuring in large 
 flocks, an ornament to many of our wild bleak tracts of sandy 
 shore. The rich orange-colour of the bill, and chastely dis- 
 posed plumage of black and white, which has obtained it the 
 appellation of " Sea Pie," compensate for any supposed defect 
 of form. It is a shy and watchful bird, and is very difficult 
 to approach within shot without alarming the entire flock. 
 If disturbed when feeding, they run along the strand or shingle 
 
OYSTER PLOVER GRAY PHALAROPE. 169 
 
 with great swiftness, take flight, and utter the loud shrill 
 whistle peculiar to them under such circumstances. The 
 oyster plover is gregarious, and generally occurs in small 
 flocks, which break up and separate on the approach of the 
 breeding season. 
 
 Generally frequenting the sea-shore, at times they occur in 
 considerable numbers inland, frequenting fallow and ploughed 
 lands in company with the blackheaded and common gulls, 
 and sometimes in such large numbers, that, on one occasion, 
 we had the satisfaction of observing a ploughed field, on the 
 lands of Mellifont Abbey, in Louth, occupied by some eighty 
 or a hundred birds, and interspersed with lapwings and the 
 black-headed gull, they really presented a beautiful appear- 
 ance, their unsullied under-plumage appearing to the greatest 
 advantage when taking flight. 
 
 Their food consists of the various marine animals left on 
 the shore by the receding tide, amongst which we may enu- 
 merate small crabs, muscles, and shell-fish, in search of which 
 they frequently wade in the water. 
 
 The place for incubation is usually chosen on the ground ; 
 and the eggs, generally four in number, are deposited in any 
 natural hollow or slight depression in the sand or shingle. 
 The eggs are long and are light yellow in colour, spotted and 
 blotched with blackish brown. When the parent birds have 
 young they manifest the greatest anxiety on the approach of 
 a dog or stranger, and wheel about, loudly vociferating their 
 shrill alarm ; and even, like the lapwing or green plover, feign 
 lameness, in hopes of decoying the inquisitive stranger. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS LXXXI. PHALAROPUS (PHALAROPE). 
 
 SPECIES 162 THE GRAY PHALAROPE. 
 
 Phalaropus lobatus. Lath. 
 Phalarope platyrhinque. Temm. 
 
 THIS handsome species can be only set down as a rare and 
 uncertain straggler on our coasts, and is obtained only during 
 autumn, or the commencement of winter. In the beautiful 
 plumage of the summer the phalarope is of extreme rarity on 
 our shores. 
 
 This interesting bird is remarkable for the curious deve- 
 lopment of a thin membrane fringing the toes, which, at one 
 period among the earlier naturalists, obtained for it the ap- 
 propriate name of the " Cootfooted sandpiper ;" and which 
 
170 SCOLOPACIDJE. 
 
 at once serves to distinguish it from the great number of the 
 smaller sandpipers a distinction indicating an analogy to 
 the grebes amongst the Water-birds, and the coot and water- 
 hen amongst the Waders ; thus forming a connecting link be- 
 tween those two families, as the butcher birds between the 
 Raptores and the Perchers. 
 
 The food of the phalarope consists of insects, molluscse, 
 worms, and small testaceous animals ; for which, with the 
 sandpipers, it probes the mud and ooze. 
 
 On account of the rarity of this handsome species, natu- 
 ralists have had but limited opportunities for observing its 
 habits ; for which reason we must travel in fancy to the far 
 west, where the celebrated ornithologist of America, Audo- 
 bon, observes in his Ornithological Notes, that the phalarope 
 is gregarious, forming in large flocks on the approach of winter, 
 and frequenting the neighbourhood of the Ohio and Arkansas 
 rivers, where he saw them swimming along the margin, and 
 picking up the seeds of grasses ; also it has been observed far 
 out at sea, at a considerable distance from any land, assem- 
 bling in hundreds on the banks of sea-weed. 
 
 Yet, even where they abound in such numbers, the phala- 
 rope is difficult to be obtained, as it swims with great speed, 
 runs along the sand or shingle with ease and rapidity, and flies 
 with considerable swiftness. The flesh of the phalarope, ac- 
 cording to the same authority, is excellent. 
 
 A closely allied species, the red phalarope (Phalaropus 
 hyperboreus) , has not as yet been obtained on our coasts, 
 although described by Bullock as breeding on the Orkney 
 Islands, where they displayed the greatest tameness, appear- 
 ing like a duck in miniature from their ease in swimming. 
 
 The phalarope in spring retires to the Arctic regions of 
 both continents to breed. Like the godwits, and other birds 
 of the Scolopacidse, the phalarope assumes during summer 
 the peculiar rich livery of the breeding season ; and in that 
 plumage is of excessive rarity in its occurrence. One speci- 
 men, of six obtained on the eastern coasts of Ireland, in our 
 own collection, was shot on the 20th of June, 1849, and very 
 strangely exhibits the same gray stage of plumage as the 
 others, obtained in the autumn and winter of different years. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
THE SANDERLING. 171 
 
 GENUS LXXXII ARENARIA (SANDERLING). 
 
 SPECIES 163 THE SANDERLING. 
 
 Arenaria calidris. Selby. 
 
 Sanderling variable. Temm. 
 
 Sea-lark. 
 
 THIS plainly attired little sea-lark has caused considerable 
 confusion to ornithologists, by their placing it in differently 
 allied genera, and as hastily removing it, until allowed the 
 specific honour of a genus to itself. 
 
 Restricted to a single species, the sanderling is found in 
 Europe, Africa, and America, and in our own island. Its oc- 
 currence, although not actually rare, is yet in such paucity of 
 numbers as compared with the common sea -larks (as all the 
 different species comprising dunlins, knots, and redshanks, 
 are best known by the frequenters of the sea-shore), that it 
 might be classed as an unusual visitant. 
 
 Frequenting, as the name indicates, the immediate vicinity 
 of the sand, they are seldom observed, like the other birds, in 
 the neighbourhood of the ooze and muddy banks which many 
 of these species delight to frequent. 
 
 The peculiar pale gray colour which distinguishes the spe- 
 cies in the usual plumage obtained upon our coasts might 
 induce the young ornithologist, meeting it for the first time, 
 to believe it was the nearly similarly attired phalarope which 
 greeted his view. 
 
 Pleasing in its habits, the observance of a flock has been 
 a sight which at all times gratified us, and never more than 
 in the autumn of 1852, when the sandy reach between Mala- 
 hide and Baldoyle was covered with several unusually large 
 flocks, dispersed over the surface in scattered pairs : each bird, 
 after standing for a time motionless, would then run some ten 
 or twelve yards and stop with the same instant movement, 
 and again proceed with a certain curious mechanical motion, 
 as if automaton birds, pushed forward by the aid of some 
 hidden machinery. At times some occasional lagger would 
 take wing, and, alighting in the midst of a small community, 
 run with extraordinary rapidity, the wings extended to the 
 utmost over its back. All those beautiful movements are per- 
 formed with the greatest silence, no cry or call-note ever dis- 
 turbing the dignity of the proceeding. 
 
 Like the knot and turnstone, the sanderling is of excessive 
 rarity in its occurrence during summer ; although speci- 
 mens obtained on the Dublin and Wexford coasts have come 
 under our notice. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
172 CHARADRIAD^E. 
 
 FAMILY XXXI. CHARADPJAD^E (PLOVERS). 
 
 GENUS LXXXIIL (EDICNEMUS (THICKNEE). 
 
 SPECIES 164 THE GREAT PLOVER. 
 
 CEdicnemus crepitans. Linn. 
 
 CEdicneme criard. Temm. 
 
 Thickneed Bustard. Norfolk Plover. Stone Curlew. 
 
 THE THICKNEE, OR GREAT PLOVER, is a species of great 
 rarity, and four or five specimens obtained are all we can 
 reckon of its occurrence in Ireland. Of these, one was pro- 
 cured at Clontarf, in the winter of 1829, and recorded by 
 Dr. J. D. Marshall, of Belfast ; and two others, observed by 
 Richard D. Parker, Esq., of Cork, on the mountains of Ive- 
 ragh, during the month of August, 1842.* They appeared so 
 tame as to allow an approach within some ten or twelve 
 yards before taking flight, and, when rising, both uttered 
 their shrill, loud whistle. 
 
 A thicknee in our collection was shot in the county of 
 Clare, in the autumn of 1844 ; and, like the last-mentioned, 
 was remarked at the time for its tameness and fearlessness 
 of danger. 
 
 Attractive from its large size and appearance, the thicknee 
 is a fine-looking species ; and connecting, as it does, the bus- 
 tard with the plover, it is one of much interest to the orni- 
 thologist. With it we also observe another change in the 
 character of the localities frequented by it, which are large, 
 sandy, open tracts, often with an entire absence of water in 
 their vicinity. In such places, when pursued, the thicknee 
 prefers running along the ground rather than trust to its 
 powers of flight to escape from danger. 
 
 In the great majority of the species already described, we 
 have found a large proportion to be winter visitants to our 
 island. This species, on the contrary, we find to occur dur- 
 ing summer in Great Britain. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
GRAY PLOVER. GOLDEN PLOVER. 173 
 
 GENUS LXXXIV SQUATAROLA (PLOVER). 
 
 SPECIES 165 THE GRAY PLOVER. 
 
 Squatarola cinerea. Selby. 
 Pluvier cinere. Temm. 
 
 Sea Plover. 
 
 THE SEA PLOVER, the name by which this species is most 
 commonly known upon the coasts of the eastern portion of 
 the island, occurs only in very limited numbers around our 
 shores, and, from its habit of never passing inland, may ap- 
 pear of more rarity than it really is. 
 
 Only observed during winter in any numbers upon the 
 coast, it is a species of the greatest rarity in the rich and beau- 
 tiful plumage which so much distinguishes the nuptial dress 
 of the plovers in the season of incubation ; in that state of 
 plumage but three specimens have been obtained in Ireland, 
 one of which, shot in July, 1849, at Clontarf, on the borders 
 of the Bay of Dublin, is in the author's collection. 
 
 Of great wariness in admitting approach, the gray plover 
 is one of the most watchful of our shore-birds ; and, like the 
 curlew, takes wing upon the slightest alarm, startling every 
 bird within hearing with its loud shrill whistle. 
 
 On rare occasions we may observe the gray plover in the 
 markets of the city, and generally disposed of at a price that 
 argues its inferiority with the golden plover as regards its 
 flesh. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 166 THE GOLDEN PLOVER. 
 
 Squatarola plumalis. Selby. 
 Pluvier dore. Temm. 
 
 Yellow Plover. Green Plover. Black-breasted Plover. 
 THIS beautifully plumaged species, either in the rich bril- 
 liancy of the summer, or the more subdued tints of winter 
 plumage, is, with the exception of the lapwing, the most com- 
 mon and widely distributed of all our gratlatorial species. 
 Found in winter upon the sea-shore in flocks of considerable 
 magnitude, they form at all times a conspicuous contrast with 
 the immense flocks of curlews, dunlins, and knots, which oc- 
 cur so abundantly upon the sea-coast at that season. 
 
 On the approach of spring the birds begin to attain 
 the beautiful glossy-black breast so remarkable in this and 
 the preceding species. The sea- shore is then deserted ; 
 
174 CHARADRIAD^:. 
 
 the flock break up and separate into pairs to perform the 
 duties of incubation. The haunts usually selected for this 
 purpose are the summits of elevated mountain ranges and 
 heath -clad hills. On the Wicklow mountains we have ob- 
 served this plover on the heath, and had much pleasure in 
 observing its habits. Standing on some mossy knoll or rock, 
 it admits of a close approach, uttering repeatedly its pro- 
 tracted wailing and melancholy whistle. We can observe it 
 at a short distance attentively regarding us, the large, promi- 
 nent, black eye, so replete with the mildness that characte- 
 rizes the bird, indicating its fear at our intrusion upon its 
 mountain solitude. Disturb it, and, flying to the nearest pro- 
 jecting rock, it recommences the same long wail of sorrow. 
 When startled from the nest, the female rises stealthily, and 
 runs a considerable distance along the heath, and then flies to 
 the nearest rising ground, emulating the male with her pecu- 
 liar mourning cry. Occasionally, when the young are not 
 strong enough to take care of themselves, the golden plover 
 adopts means similar to the lapwing to lead us from the vici- 
 nity of the nest ; flying with a wavering flight, as if the wing 
 had received some injury, and feigning lameness in her at- 
 tempts to decoy. 
 
 The flesh of this plover is extremely delicate, and is one of 
 the most frequent of the family seen exposed in the markets 
 of the city. Valued equally high at a distant period, 500 
 appeared at the feast of Neville, Archbishop of York ; and 
 again, at a dinner in Henry the Eighth's time, we find the 
 following item : Plovers, eight of a dish, three dozen at five 
 shillings. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS LXXXV VANELLUS (LAPWING). 
 
 SPECIES 167 -THE LAPWING. 
 
 Vanellus cristatus. Jardine. 
 
 Vanneau huppe. Temm. 
 Phillipene. Green Plover. 
 
 As an example of beauty of form harmonizing with brilliancy 
 of plumage, the lapwing is the most beautiful of the extensive 
 family to which it belongs. 
 
 A resident during all seasons, in summer it frequents large 
 tracts of pasture and moorlands, which, on the approach of 
 winter, are deserted for the sea -shore, where they appear in 
 large flocks. 
 
THE LAPWING. 175 
 
 Widely distributed over our island, they exceed in numbers 
 any of our other native grallatorial tribes. Indeed, so abun- 
 dant is the species, that it may be observed during all seasons 
 within a few miles of Dublin, and is the first wading-bird 
 that approaches the metropolis for the purposes of nidification. 
 Although occasionally the snipe and land-rail may breed in 
 a favourite locality, in the vicinity of any large town, yet the 
 breeding haunts of the lapwing are generally to be met with 
 in any place affording them the slightest security and cover. 
 
 This species occurs in greater numbers in Ireland than in 
 either of the sister countries. The humid character of the 
 island and the prevalence of large tracts of unreclaimed and 
 marshy moorlands are admirably adapted to its habits. Of 
 late years it has somewhat diminished in numbers, in conse- 
 quence of the great advance of drainage and reclaiming of 
 waste lands in Ireland. The food of the lapwing consists of 
 worms and insects, and occasionally berries may be detected 
 in the stomach. 
 
 We have seldom derived more pleasure in observing the 
 habits of any of the native species than those of the lapwing. 
 Perhaps the picturesque scenery with which it is associ- 
 ated is in its favour. However that may be, its habits attract 
 attention even from the most unobservant. Its curious cla- 
 morous cries, from which it has derived so many names, toge- 
 ther with its strange hovering flight and anxiety when the 
 neighbourhood of the nest is approached, all render the lap- 
 wing familiar, as its history is interesting. 
 
 In each of the three kingdoms the lapwing is better known 
 to the community by the local names it has received from its 
 strange wailing cries. In England it is generally recognised 
 as the " peewit," or " peewit plover ;" in Scotland, as the 
 " pease-weep," whilst in our own island its most common 
 name is the " phillipene" or " phillapee." Each of the three 
 several names resembles the cries uttered during the season of 
 incubation. 
 
 During that season, the innate timidity so characteristic of 
 all wading-birds is lost by the lapwing ; it then assumes almost 
 a semi-domesticated habit, flying within some dozen yards of 
 any intruder upon its territory, vociferously screaming, and 
 following him a considerable distance in the effort to save the 
 nest and young from discovery. We might even picture 
 Shakspere himself rambling about the fields of Stratford, ob- 
 serving their habits, when he alludes to it so truthfully 
 
 " Far from her haunts, the lapwing screams away !" 
 
176 CHARADRIAD.E. 
 
 So persecuted is the lapwing, that were it not for large 
 accessions to their numbers every winter, from other latitudes, 
 it would be totally extirpated within a few years. The pe- 
 culiar delicacy of the flesh gains it high repute in the markets, 
 where, although large numbers are exposed for sale, a conside- 
 rable proportion is forwarded to the Liverpool and other Eng- 
 lish markets. Prized equally some centuries ago, the lapwing 
 was in the same manner esteemed, being valued at one penny 
 each ; and, in the " Northumberland Household Book," we 
 find " wypes" admitted to his Lordship's own " mees." Un- 
 fortunately for the species, the delicacy of the flesh is also 
 transmitted to the eggs, thousands of which appear in all our 
 markets during spring. 
 
 Expensive as a luxury, we have frequently seen the price 
 of the egg exceeding that of the bird when in season. At 
 times, mixed up in the parcels of moss -enveloped eggs for- 
 warded from coast -breeding stations, we have observed those 
 of the kittiwake and black-headed gulls answer the purpose 
 equally as well. 
 
 In England dogs are trained for the purpose of finding the 
 eggs, which hunt by scent, and point as if at game, until the 
 egg-man comes up. 
 
 So continued is the persecution of both egg and bird that 
 we could almost imagine the unfortunate lapwing to be ex- 
 piating some untold offence. Certain it is, according to the 
 Koran, that Solomon, in a fit of ill humour at the non-ap- 
 pearance of his messenger, the lapwing, when sent to the 
 Queen of Sheba, said, " What is the reason that I see not the 
 lapwing ? Is she absent ? Verily I will chastise her with a 
 severe punishment, or I will put her to death unless she bring 
 me a just excuse." 
 
 However, as a requital for the implied punishment, the 
 Persian Ferdusi has eulogised the lapwing in many glowing 
 lines. And the Arabs of the present day have ascribed to it 
 the power of finding water underground in the desert : 
 
 " Fresh as the fountain underground, 
 When first 'tis by the lapwing found." 
 
 Even over the pages of history the flight of the lapwing 
 has passed : for we find in England the founder of an ancient 
 family, who, having fallen wounded in a skirmish, would have 
 perished but for the cries of these birds, which attracted the 
 attention of his followers to the place. The knight, to evince 
 his gratitude, emblazoned on his shield three lapwings, and 
 this device is borne to the present day by his descendants. 
 
LAPWING. DOTTERE L. 177 
 
 Unfortunately, in Scotland the lapwing was unwittingly an 
 injurer, and is sadly connected with many of the religious 
 struggles which for a time devastated that country. 
 
 When the Covenanters had taken refuge among the heaths 
 and moors of the Highlands to escape the persecutions im- 
 posed upon them, the troopers of Claverhouse and Dalzell 
 were always sure to be directed to their retreat by the loud 
 screams of the lapwing in their neighbourhood. 
 
 Thus, in a strange manner, were the congregations of many 
 a hill -side sacrificed by the cries of the innocent offenders. In 
 requital, a furious exterminating war was waged by the Co- 
 venanters on the lapwing, their descendants never discovering 
 the nest without destroying the eggs or young. To which 
 Leyden has alluded in the following lines : 
 
 " And though the pitying sun withdraws his light, 
 The lapwing's clamorous whoop attends their flight ; 
 Pursues their steps where'er the wanderers go, 
 Till the shrill scream betray them to the foe. 
 Poor bird, where'er the roaming swain intrudes 
 On thy bleak heaths and desert solitudes, 
 He curses still thy scream, and clamorous tongue, 
 And crushes with his foot thy moulting young." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS LXXXVI. CHARADRTUS (SAND PLOVER). 
 SPECIES 168 THE DOTTEREL. 
 
 Charadrius morinellus. Linn. 
 Pluvier guignard. Temm. 
 
 THE DOTTEREL is a species of rare occurrence in Ireland ; and 
 although in one instance twenty were observed in a flock,* 
 and three of the birds were obtained, yet the occurrence of 
 such a number was doubtless owing to the prevalence of con- 
 trary winds whilst the birds were migrating. 
 
 Breeding in haunts similar to the golden plover, the dot- 
 terel, on the approach of winter, collect into small flocks 
 preparatory to their return to the shores from which they 
 had migrated. 
 
 Connected with many fabulous stories, the dotterel has been 
 represented as being so excessively stupid as to imitate every 
 action of the fowler whilst approaching him. Thus, when the 
 arm was held out, instantly a corresponding motion was made 
 by the wing of the dotterel, and if a leg, that instant the 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
 N 
 
178 CHARADRIAD.E. 
 
 dotterel drew up his. This story may, doubtless, have origi- 
 nated from its heedlessness of danger, and, when alarmed, 
 its habit of extending the wings and running before the in- 
 truder. 
 
 Possessing the same gastronomic attractions for which the 
 lapwing is so sought after, the flesh of this species is highly 
 esteemed, and will bring from five to six shillings a couple in 
 the London markets. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 169 THE RING DOTTEREL. 
 
 Charadrius hiaticula. Linn. 
 Grand Pluvier a collier. Temm. 
 
 Ring Plover. Bull's Eye. Sand-lark. 
 THIS beautiful little plover is well known upon the coast for 
 its handsome plumage and shrill melodious whistle. Gene- 
 rally occurring in pairs, we may at all times discern them 
 running upon the shingle of our own bay, with neck retracted, 
 in search of food. Seldom occurring in flocks, the sociability 
 of its habits induces it to join the company of the dunlins and 
 knots, all three species being constantly observed together. 
 
 Towards spring they prepare to incubate, and for that pur- 
 pose frequent sand-hills, or ranges of low beaches. In such a 
 locality, in the vicinity of Rush, county of Dublin, we had the 
 pleasure of discovering a nest containing young birds, in May, 
 1852, and at the same time an opportunity of observing its 
 habit of decoying intruders from its nest. The female running 
 along the strand first drew our attention by endeavouring to 
 skulk away without attracting notice, but as our way was 
 directed over the site of the nest, in a moment she was circling 
 round us, and at the first sound of her plaintive whistle the 
 male joined her, and both uttered their call-note in the most 
 pitiable agony ; when kneeling on the shingle to examine the 
 young, either bird would perch at a distance and look in the 
 direction of the nest, which they feared to lose, and again 
 recur to their former cries and circling flight. However, 
 with the exception of handling their young, they received 
 no further molestation or annoyance. 
 
 On two occasions we have received the eggs from breed- 
 ing stations on the Wicklow coast, where they occur in limited 
 numbers along the sand-hills on the shore. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
KENTISH DOTTEREL. COLLARED PRATINCOLE. 179 
 
 SPECIES 170 THE KENTISH DOTTEREL. 
 
 Charadrius Cantianus. Latham. 
 Pluvier a collier interrompu. Temm. 
 
 THIS very rare species, exceeding the ring dotterel in the 
 chaste and beautiful distribution of its colours, has only 
 been obtained in very few instances along the sea-coasts of 
 Ireland. 
 
 One of these specimens in our collection was obtained at 
 Clontarf, in August, 1851, by an attendant at the railway 
 station, who, observing the tameness of the bird in not being 
 alarmed at the bustle of the passengers on the road, passing 
 within some ten feet of where it was feeding, and its appa- 
 rent unwillingness to take flight, killed it with a stone. The 
 specimen was in beautiful adult plumage, and on dissection 
 proved to be a male. 
 
 During the winter of 1852, several pairs came under the 
 notice of J. H. Lamprey, Esq., on the small island situated 
 opposite to Clontarf, some specimens of which were obtained 
 and subsequently preserved. 
 
 Resembling the preceding in its habits, it has obtained the 
 appellation of Kentish dotterel from having been first ob- 
 tained and described from specimens shot at Sandwich, near 
 Kent. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS LXXXVII. GLAREOLA (PRATINCOLE). 
 
 SPECIES 171 THE COLLARED PRATINCOLE. 
 Glareola torquata. Selby. 
 Glareole a collier. Temm. 
 
 THIS curious form, which we have placed the last of our shore- 
 birds, is of the greatest rarity, having only occurred in a sin- 
 gle instance, at the seat of Lord Carbery, Castlefreke, in the 
 county of Cork, where it was shot by the Rev. Joshua Stop- 
 ford. 
 
 Interesting to us from the great development of the wings, 
 we might appropriately name the pratincole as the shore 
 swallow, as correctly as we do the tern the sea swallow, in 
 both of which we see the elongated wing, forked tail, and 
 sweeping flight, so much distinguishing our own land bird. 
 
 Little known in its habits, we are indebted to Degland for 
 the following interesting notice : 
 
 u These pratincoles frequent the Black and Caspian Seas 
 
 N2 
 
180 RALLID^E. 
 
 in large numbers, where at all times they may be observed 
 on the wing like the common swallow, describing figures in 
 the air, and uttering their loud peculiar call-notes, very simi- 
 lar to those of the Sandwich tern (Sterna cantiacd). Resemb- 
 ling the plovers, they run with the greatest rapidity ; and in 
 the steepes and even the highways resemble the stonechats in 
 the manner of shaking the tail, and not exhibiting the least 
 fear of the passengers." 
 Habitat Northern Africa* 
 
 FAMILY XXXIL RALLID^E (RAILS). 
 
 GENUS LXXXVIII.- EALLUS (RAIL). 
 SPECIES 172 THE WATER RAIL. 
 
 Rattus aquaticus. Linn. 
 Rale cTeau vulgaire. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, the most beautiful in plumage of the Rallidse, 
 although not of actual rarity, is yet unusual in its occurrence. 
 A resident during all seasons, it is principally observed in 
 winter, when an occasional specimen is exposed for sale in the 
 markets of the city. Living in the vicinity of sedges, reeds, 
 and other aquatic plants, and possessed of shy, retired, and 
 skulking habits, it generally escapes observation, as in most 
 cases it prefers threading its way through the thickest of the 
 herbage rather than trust to its powers of flight. 
 
 However, when unexpectedly surprised at a distance from 
 herbage, it rises with a dangling motion of the legs peculiar 
 to the birds of this family, but if pursued by a dog, it runs 
 along the ground, with the body shaking from side to side, 
 until it reaches the cover of impervious aquatic herbage by 
 the river-side, where it is certain to baffle its pursuer. 
 
 A water rail at one time in our possession became remark- 
 able for its familiarity and the pugnacity of its disposition, 
 and, like a pet canary, would run over to the side of the long 
 cage in which it was confined, fluttering with its wings and 
 striking at the same time with its bill at whatever intruding 
 finger disturbed it. A quail, equally remarkable for pugna- 
 city, if standing in its way when running along the cage, was 
 instantly pushed aside as if to afford an opportunity of evinc- 
 
WATER RAIL. CORN-CRAKE. 181 
 
 ing its further powers of pugnacity. Peace, was, however, 
 enjoyed by the quail some short time afterwards by the un- 
 timely fate of the water rail : one morning it was found with 
 its head protruding through the bars of its enclosure, and the 
 neck dislocated in its attempts to obtain liberty. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS LXXXIX CREX (CRAKE). 
 
 SPECIES 173 THE CORN-CRAKE. 
 
 Crex pratensis. Bechstein. 
 Poule d* eau de genet. Temin. 
 
 Land Rail. 
 
 THE CORN-CRAKE is the only species in the order which has 
 had the attention of all classes directed to it, its attractive 
 call sounding so joyful at all times. Arriving on our shores 
 at the same time as the swallow and cuckoo, those birds 
 which add so many attractions to the summer, their migra- 
 tions have been well observed by the most heedless. 
 
 Similar in habits to the water rail, the localities frequented 
 by it differ only in being situated in the vicinity of cultiva- 
 tion, the meadow and the pasture field, where it is so un- 
 willing to take flight, that it has been frequently captured by 
 dogs, when attempting to escape by running. The corn- 
 crake might have been classed with those birds limited 
 in occurrence in our island, were it not for the loud and un- 
 tiring repetition of its pleasing call-note. 
 
 Generally punctual in its arrival upon our shores, the corn- 
 crake is seldom later in making its appearance than the first 
 week in May, although we have heard isolated individuals 
 calling as early as the 15th and 20th of April, yet these are 
 only cited as being unusually early appearances of the species. 
 
 During summer few meadows or localities adapted to their 
 habits are without them, and in such vicinity to the city, that 
 we may hear their " call" in almost any of the suburbs. 
 
 Interesting as any of the harbingers of summer are, the 
 appearance of the corn-crake is always looked forward to 
 with pleasure in the country. 
 
 Appearing at a time when the earth would appear to have 
 prepared its haunts for its reception, the corn-crake is, as 
 we were told of it in the west of Ireland, u welcome as the 
 flowers of May" to the localities which are enlivened by its 
 call-note. This power, limited to the male, is uttered indif- 
 ferently when running or remaining stationary in the field. 
 
182 RALLID.E. 
 
 Possessing a variety of ventriloquism to the utmost extent, 
 it appears at one instant to be in the immediate vicinity of 
 the hearer, and the next moment at the farthest extremity 
 of the field. Not unfrequently we may observe, during win- 
 ter, an occasional corn-crake in the markets at the time its 
 more fortunate migrators are craking under a more genial 
 sky. 
 
 The flesh of the corn-crake is extremely delicate, for which 
 we have Dryden's authority: 
 
 " The rayle, which seldom comes but upon rich men's spits." 
 
 At many of the dinner courses, in the olden time " reys" 
 held a conspicuous place, being valued at twopence each, 
 which must cause us considerable surprise when we recollect 
 the mallard was similarly valued. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 174 THE SPOTTED CRAKE. 
 
 Crex porzanna. Bechs. 
 
 Poule cFeau marouette. Temm. 
 
 Spotted Rail. 
 
 OF considerable rarity in Ireland, the spotted crake is a spe- 
 cies but seldom coming under the notice of the ornithologist. 
 Nearly a third less in size than the common species, it is simi- 
 lar in habits and migrations, but, not possessing any attrac- 
 tive call-note, its apparent rarity may be attributed to that 
 cause. 
 
 Frequenting localities during the breeding season more 
 aquatic in their character than the preceding, no occurrence 
 of its nidification in Ireland has come under the notice of any 
 of its describers. On the authority of H. Irwin, Esq., of 
 Roscommon, we have been enabled to note it for the first 
 time, from two instances of the nest and eggs having come 
 under his observation, both of which were placed in sedgy 
 bottoms, in a marshy situation in the vicinity of water. The 
 number of eggs obtained in one instance was nine, a pair of 
 which, presented by Mr. Irwin, are in our collection. In con- 
 versation with the same gentleman, he informed us that the 
 occurrence of the spotted crake was nothing unusual, as it 
 was a species which several times occurred to the snipe- 
 shooters of the locality, by whom it was known as the little 
 crake. 
 
 A specimen which came under the notice of a friend, Mr. 
 
SPOTTED CRAKE. BAILLON's CRAKE. WATER HEN. 183 
 
 Hugh Doyle, was obtained by its unwillingness to take flight. 
 Surprised by two small cockers in a marshy and sedgy reed- 
 bed, tufted with aquatic plants, it ran before them, and after 
 some time was observed to spring up and fly into a matted 
 clump of reeds, where it appeared so fatigued as to allow itself 
 to be captured by the hand. 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 175 BAILLON'S CRAKE. 
 
 Crex Baillionii. Selby. 
 Poule (Teau Baillon. Temm. 
 
 THE rarest in its occurrence of the entire family of the Ralli- 
 dse, this beautiful little crake has only occurred in a single 
 instance, and is in the possession of the same gentleman 
 to whom we are indebted for the first notice of the squacco 
 heron occurring in this country. 
 
 Obtained in a bog at Clay Castle, near Youghal, in Cork, 
 in a situation so favourable to its appearance that the spotted 
 crake had been obtained on two occasions, it was captured 
 in October, 1845. 
 
 Its habits are believed to be similar to those of the two pre- 
 ceding species. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XC GALLINULA (WATER HEN). 
 
 SPECIES 176 THE WATER HEN. 
 
 Gallinula chloropus. Lath. 
 Poule cT eau ordinaire. Temm. 
 
 Moor Hen. 
 
 THE WATER HEN is a common species, and one widely dis- 
 tributed over the island, in any locality suitable to its habits. 
 
 Not particular in its choice of place, it indifferently betakes 
 itself to the river-side, or the wet bottoms of the hedgerow. 
 Its favourite haunt, however, is the vicinity of the mill-dam, 
 few of which, no matter how closely they approach the city, 
 are untenanted by a pair. 
 
 Leading us gradually from the swimming form of the 
 Waders to the more complete form of the Natatores, entirely 
 adapted to the water, we see the water hen living for the 
 most part upon the water, yet possessing, in the highest de- 
 gree, the characters of the order to which it belongs, in its 
 motions and habits when on land. Although of plain, unob- 
 trusive colours, the water hen is yet a handsome species ; 
 
184 
 
 the exposed crimson -red plate on the forehead, and the jerk- 
 ing of its short tail, contrasting with the white feathers to the 
 best advantage. 
 
 Possessing, even in its wild state, habits of tameness, 
 which by attention may be increased to familiarity, we have 
 seen on many occasions this species frequenting the outyard 
 of a large mill situated at Island Bridge, upon the Liffey, 
 there feeding contentedly and picking up seeds, as much at 
 home as any of the fowl into whose vicinity and domain it 
 had intruded. 
 
 Very common about Dublin, we have many times received 
 its eggs from the neighbourhood of the many mill-ponds 
 about the city. In one instance nine eggs were obtained 
 in the nest, and were so far advanced that, being wrapped in 
 flannel, and placed in a warm situation, six of the nine pro- 
 duced birds. 
 
 Possessing habits of great interest, the appearance of a 
 troop of water hens along the picturesque scenery which, in 
 most cases, fringe the rivers frequented by them, render 
 them at all times an object worthy, not only the attention of 
 the ornithologist, but of the merest lover of nature. Thus we 
 have many times observed this bird along the fine, picturesque, 
 wood-fringed river- side of the Liffey, between Lucan and 
 Palmerstown ; sitting lightly and buoyantly on the water, it 
 jerks itself forward with the neck gracefully erected, and the 
 little white tail-patch jerking up with each paddle of the 
 foot. When alarmed, it seeks the shelter of the overhanging 
 bank, and remains until all symptoms of danger have passed by. 
 Indicative of its approaching affinity to the swimmers, we 
 see (like many of the true ducks) the attempt to escape by 
 diving, which is so eminently possessed by this species. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 177 THE PURPLE WATER HEN. 
 
 Gallinula martinica Gmelin. 
 
 Poule cT eau martinica. 
 
 WERE this the only North American species which had ever 
 been obtained upon our coasts, we might feel some reluctance 
 in allowing it the position it holds in our Fauna. But when 
 we have instances before us of the American bittern and 
 cuckoo, we can have no reason for not admitting the species 
 to our Fauna. 
 
 The present specimen of the purple gallinule was found 
 lying dead in a ditch near the village of Brandon, on the sea- 
 
PURPLE WATER HEN. BALDCOOT. 185 
 
 shore near Kerry, and came under the observation of Dr. 
 Williams, of Dingle, in a recent state. 
 
 This rare species was first noticed by its present possessor, 
 Richard Chute, Esq., of Blennerville, county of Kerry. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 GENUS XCI FULICA (COOT). 
 
 SPECIES 178 THE BALDCOOT. 
 
 Fulica atra. Linn. 
 
 Foulque macroule. Temm. 
 
 Black Diver. White-faced Diver. 
 
 THIS fine-looking bird, reminding us by its general shape and 
 fulness of form of the ducks, is rather sparingly distributed 
 over the island, and that generally in retired localities. Af- 
 fecting and resorting to the sides of rivers and large pools, 
 its most favourite haunt is the neighbourhood of those lakes 
 with which the island is so picturesquely studded. Nearly 
 similar in habits to the water hen, we observe the baldcoot 
 sailing on the surface of the water with the same light and 
 buoyant motion that so much distinguishes that species. At 
 all times in summer, and occasionally in winter and spring, 
 we hear it emitting its loud and piercing cry, which has been 
 likened to the sound of a trumpet. 
 
 When alarmed, we see an attempt made at concealment, 
 by diving and swimming under water to the projecting shelter 
 of whatever herbage may be in its vicinity ; also, when pur- 
 sued by dogs, it in most cases trusts only to its powers of 
 diving to elude pursuit. 
 
 During winter the baldcoot deserts the residence it had 
 occupied in the summer, and appears off the coast in small 
 flocks, diving and displaying all the habits of the true ducks 
 in their natatorial powers. Well known to the inhabitants 
 of the coast at that time, they are indifferently termed white- 
 faced and black divers ; but, from the coarseness of their flesh, 
 are generally secure from the skill of the duck-shooter, whose 
 shot is seldom thrown away upon chances not profitable. 
 
 When observed on the wing, which is but seldom, the coot 
 flies heavily, with the legs dangling and hung out behind. 
 
 A nest which we examined in aquatic herbage, on a little 
 island in a mill-pond near Dublin, appeared so very large and 
 cumbersome in its structure as to have suggested the idea of 
 its being used yearly as a breeding site ; and fresh material 
 worked in upon the old decayed plants, forming the nest of 
 
1 86 ANSERINE. 
 
 preceding years. From its unusual dimensions it appeared a 
 good load for a wheelbarrow. The young of the baldcoot, 
 like those of the water hen and crakes, run about immediately 
 after escaping from the shell. 
 
 According to Degland, we are informed of a curious yearly 
 battue of coots which takes place in the north of France on 
 the approach of winter. The birds being collected in great 
 numbers, preparatory to seeking a more southern tempera- 
 ture, offer such inducement to the shooter, that 800 or 1000 
 coots have been obtained in a day.* 
 
 Becoming tame and familiar in confinement, coots were 
 well known to the ancients, who kept them in their houses 
 as pets, and believed them to have a peculiar mode of drinking, 
 by soaking the foot in water and raising it to the bill.f 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 ORDER V. NATATORES (SWIMMING BIRDS). 
 FAMILY XXXII ANSERINE (GEESE). 
 
 GENUS XCII. ANSER (GOOSE). 
 
 SPECIES 179 THE GRAY LAG-GOOSE. 
 
 Anser ferus. Selby. 
 Oie cendree ou premiere. Temm. 
 
 Wild Goose. 
 
 THE GRAY LAG, or, more correctly, the gray-legged goose, 
 is, with the exception of the Canada goose, the rarest in its 
 occurrence in our island. Of large size, and resembling some 
 specimens of the domestic goose in appearance, it is believed 
 to have been the original species to which we are indebted 
 for our common farm bird. More unusual in its occurrence 
 in England than in our own island, Mr. Yarrell remarks of 
 its appearance in the London markets, " that now whole 
 winters pass away without a single example." 
 
 From our notes of the occurrence of this species, from 1845, 
 in the Dublin markets, and elsewhere in the island, we are 
 induced to give the average as about three birds to each two 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. t Pliny. 
 
GRAY LAG-GOOSE. BEAN GOOSE. 187 
 
 years of that time, having in one year known as many as 
 five to have been obtained, and after that an interval of some 
 years to elapse before their re-occurrence. 
 
 In Mr. Thompson's work we find an interesting notice of a 
 colony of these birds, which were introduced some 120 years 
 since on a lake at Castlecoole, county of Fermanagh, and 
 where, since that time, they have preserved their original 
 habits, nidifying and rearing their brood with all the habits 
 of wild birds, and at times so numerous, that during some 
 years they have numbered as many as 100. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 180 THE BEAN GOOSE. 
 
 Anser segetum. Gmelin. 
 Oie vulgaire ou sauvage. Temm. 
 
 Wild Goose. 
 
 SMALLER in size than the gray -lag, this species appears to be 
 rather widely distributed over the island, and is one of the 
 earliest of the family in making its appearance with us. 
 
 Rare in its occurrence in Scotland, the pink-footed goose 
 (a species which as yet has not occurred in Ireland) appears 
 to have taken its place, a matter of considerable surprise to 
 the ornithologist, when we remember that the bean goose, in 
 its migrations to and from Ireland, in all probability passes 
 over a considerable portion of Scotland. 
 
 Appearing at the commencement of winter in small flocks, 
 we at times discern them flying in the vicinity of Dublin Bay, 
 and during severe winters remaining the entire season in its 
 neighbourhood. Having observed many specimens shot 
 during various winters along the range of the Dublin moun- 
 tains, we conjecture that they remain there during the day, 
 and on the approach of evening take up some station in the 
 Bay of Dublin. However, the principal and well-ascertained 
 haunts of the bean goose are the bogs of the interior, which 
 afford them both a cover and a protection from the gun of 
 the sportsman. From these situations they sally on the ap- 
 proach of twilight in long lines, clamorously calling in their 
 flight towards the vicinity of young planted fields of wheat 
 or oats existing in their neighbourhood, where they sometimes 
 commit considerable depredations and injury to the crop. 
 
 In severe weather they frequent live springs, or drains not 
 hardened by the intensity of the frost, where they are ob- 
 tained by lying in wait for their appearance, and at times so 
 
188 ANSERINE. 
 
 successfully, that we give an instance which occurred to the 
 notice of Mr. R. Glennon. 
 
 "A countryman in the county of Longford having ob- 
 served, for several successive evenings, a large open drain re- 
 gularly frequented by flocks of these birds, felt sadly per- 
 plexed for the want of a gun either to beg or borrow, until 
 at last he recollected the existence of an old Spanish gun, 
 which had remained a fixture under the thatch for one half 
 century at least ; it was immediately taken down, minus lock 
 and stock, and fastened upon a piece of timber hardly suited 
 for the purpose. Having all in readiness, the same evening 
 he was creeping cautiously against the wind, toward 'a bank 
 he had erected in the drain ; succeeding in reaching it, the 
 barrel was quietly rested upon it, and a piece of lighted touch - 
 paper (tinder) applied to the touchhole, when, to use his own 
 words, 4 she went off beautifully,' so much so, that eleven 
 geese were lying dead and dying in the drain, whence all 
 were carried to his cot in a sack which had been brought for 
 the purpose." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 181 THE WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 
 
 Anser erythropus. Linn. 
 Oie rieuse on a front blanc. Temm. 
 
 White-faced Goose. Laughing Goose. Tortoiseshell Goose. 
 
 THE WHITE -FRONTED GOOSE, with the exception of the 
 brent, is the most common in its occurrence of all our Irish 
 Anserinae, and is also that species which furnishes the greatest 
 proportion to the markets ; the early occurrence of which 
 furnishes the newspaper editors with the announcement of 
 " symptoms of a severe winter," as the first coming of some 
 few flocks of these geese are always duly chronicled. 
 
 Our own knowledge of the white-fronted goose is only ob- 
 tained from the appearance of those occasional flocks which 
 we see assuming so many changing and beautiful appearances 
 in their aerial flight, and passing early in winter towards the 
 bogs of the inland counties, in most cases attracting attention 
 by their clamorous calling, for which reason they are indebted 
 to their other common name of laughing goose. 
 
 On one occasion, near the Dublin mountains, a large flock, 
 consisting of some fifty or sixty individuals, attracted the at- 
 tention of our party by their loud, confused calling ; and, 
 whether from association, or their unexpected and beautiful 
 appearance in the V-shaped flight assumed by many water- 
 
WHITE- FRONTED GOOSE. BERNACLE GOOSE. 189 
 
 birds, all agreed in the wild beauty of the call-note as it was 
 gradually lost in the distance. Like the bean goose in appear- 
 ance, it bears a resemblance to it in habits, and commits the 
 same havoc during early morn on the newly planted grain. 
 
 Of the true wild geese, this is the most beautiful in 
 plumage, some adult birds, with the richly mottled mark- 
 ing on the abdomen, almost justifying the name given it by 
 the dealers of wild fowl, of u tortoiseshell goose." 
 
 Like all of the Anserinae, the white-fronted goose thrives 
 well in confinement. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 182 THE BERNACLE GOOSE. 
 
 Anser bernicla. Flem. 
 Oie bernache. Temni. 
 White-faced Bernacle. Norway Bernicle. 
 THIS very beautifully-marked species is the most local in dis- 
 tribution, and one of the most uncommon in its occurrence 
 of the family to which it belongs. Rarely observed in our 
 bay, we have abundant testimony of its rarity over the island, 
 from appearing so very seldom in the markets of the city 
 during winter. 
 
 Only on one occasion has the bernacle come under our ob- 
 servation, in January, 1850, when a flock, consisting of 
 twenty birds, passed closely overhead in the vicinity of the 
 Pigeon House Wall, all calling in unison ; the sound was sin- 
 gularly pleasing, resembling some distant murmuring. 
 
 Differing from the preceding species, we might class the 
 bernacle and brent goose as sea-geese, to distinguish them 
 from the more inland habits of the others : as neither of those 
 birds, unless on very rare occasions, are obtained inland. 
 
 Characterized by the most watchful and vigilant habits, 
 when flying from the bay or neighbourhood of the shore, 
 they invariably repose upon any exposed sand-bank which 
 may appear to view, and are only to be obtained by " scrapes" 
 and u blinds," or barrels sunk in the ooze in the direction in 
 which they fly to and from their feeding stations. 
 
 It may not be unworthy of remark, that this species was that 
 which the earlier naturalists selected to apply the legend declar- 
 ing it to be produced from trees overhanging the sea, growing 
 in the remote Hebridal islands, an idea which was at onetime 
 widely and permanently disseminated ; it being also believed 
 that each extremity of the branch contained a small, round- 
 shaped ball, which, when sufficiently ripe, dropped from the 
 
190 ANSERINE. 
 
 root into the sea, and after immersion re-appeared on the sur- 
 face of the water a complete bernacle. However, if they chanced 
 to fall upon the soil or rocks below, they shrivelled up, and, 
 alas ! for the poor bernacles, they never came to life. Another 
 age, of equal intelligence, chose the Cirrepede adhering in 
 clusters to decayed timber and the bottom of ships to be the 
 germ of the bernacle. And, strange as it may appear, this 
 idea is still preserved by the fishermen living around our 
 coasts. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 183 THE BRENT GOOSE. 
 
 Anser brenta. Fleming. 
 
 Oie cravant. Temm. 
 
 Barnacle. 
 
 OF all the Irish Anserinae this species is the most widely dis- 
 tributed, occurring in some localities in the greatest possible 
 abundance. 
 
 The smallness of size and bill, when compared with the 
 true wild geese, and the smooth feathers of the neck, have 
 induced many to believe they indicate a close affinity to the 
 duck tribe, for which reason some authors have removed them 
 to a sub-genus, u Bernacla." 
 
 We may observe that the common name for this species in 
 Ireland is the barnacle, a name entirely erroneous, as the pre- 
 ceding bird, differing in size and marking, is named the bar- 
 nacle. However, in some parts of the coast the differences 
 are understood, and they are respectively known as " Wex- 
 ford barnacle" and " Norway barnacle." 
 
 It is strange that it occurs with us in a similar manner as 
 in England, frequenting chiefly the eastern coasts, their place 
 being supplied on the western coasts of both countries by the 
 true bernacle. The talented author of " Wild Sports of the 
 West" mentions the brent occurring in flocks of hundreds, 
 while the bernacle occurs in such numbers as to blacken con- 
 siderable extents of strand. If we but substitute brent for 
 bernacle, we have a correct estimate of their numbers on our 
 eastern coast. 
 
 In the depth of winter their appearance on the coast causes 
 the entire shore to seem alive. The same locality which a 
 few months previously was almost deserted, except by a few 
 shore-birds, or the vociferous screams of a flock of u silver- 
 winged" terns, all becomes transformed. The zephyr is 
 
THE BRENT GOOSE. 191 
 
 changed to the rude and chilling chorus of Boreas ; the cloud- 
 less sky of summer is replaced by the dark and rolling fore- 
 runners of the tempest ; the surge rolls with redoubled vio- 
 lence, and the snowy locks of the breakers are hurled high 
 in the furious war of elements ; we can dimly discern through 
 the foggy air large black masses of immense extent, scarcely 
 to be distinguished from clouds, varying in appearance with 
 every blast ; the unaccustomed ear is at once struck with the 
 hoarse and loud cries proceeding from those countless multi- 
 tudes ; the loud, prolonged whaup of the curlew, the incessant 
 clamorous calling of the geese, and the shrill and peculiar 
 whistles of the duck tribe, coming distinctly though the 
 frosty air, all tend to produce in the hearer a wish to become 
 more versed and accustomed to the habits and manners of 
 those migratory wanderers. 
 
 With the exception of the Wexford and part of the Louth 
 coasts, we are aware of few localities on the eastern coast where 
 the brent goose occurs in such numbers as frequent Dublin 
 Bay during severe weather ; flocks of which during some pre- 
 vious years we have seen numbering many thousands, all 
 
 " Watchful and agile, uttering voices wild 
 And harsh, yet in accordance with the waves 
 Upon the beach." 
 
 The extreme limits of an island opposite Clontarf we have 
 seen at times almost black with numbers of these birds. 
 
 On the approach of spring they return to their native home, 
 and their wild and musical cries have often attracted atten- 
 tion when pursuing their aerial journey over the houses of the 
 city: 
 
 " Ranged in figures, wedge their way, 
 Intelligent of season, and set forth 
 Their airy caravan. High over seas 
 Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 
 Easing their flight. The air 
 Floats as they pass, fanned by unnumbered plumes." 
 
 We might also observe the markets of Liverpool, Man- 
 chester, and Edinburgh, are supplied with a small proportion 
 of the brent goose, obtained by night shooting in Ireland. 
 
 On some parts of the Wexford and Dublin coasts they are 
 shot from " scrapes" (sand dug up in the neighbourhood 
 where the geese feed, in the hollow of which the shooter lies). 
 When an opportunity arrives the shooter fires at the farthest 
 off, in order that the dropping shot may wing the nearest 
 
192 ANSERINE. 
 
 geese when rising : the number brought down by a single 
 discharge is often surprising ; and few have rendered them- 
 selves so remarkable for this as the Wexford men, the u long 
 Shelmalier" used by them being peculiarly adapted for wild- 
 fowl shooting: and unfortunately, as experience proved, 
 equally capable of doing the same execution on many of the 
 loyal contemners of the " wild geese" of a former day. 
 
 It is, however, by the swivel gun and punt that the great 
 numbers sent to the British markets are obtained. 
 
 But yet occasional successes have their drawbacks, as a 
 correspondent's letter from Carlingford, on the subject, re- 
 marks : " After waiting nearly five hours unsuccessfully, I 
 consoled myself with Maxwell's remark, c All the shooter has 
 to rely upon is patience and a long barrel.' Patience, thought 
 I, time 12, a sleeting shower, and a wind cutting like a 
 knife Patience ! My appearance might have been pictu- 
 resque, but I assure you it was the antipodes of pleasant." 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 184 THE CANADA GOOSE. 
 
 Anser Canadensis. Stephens. 
 Oie de Canade. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine-looking species there is considerable doubt in ad- 
 mitting to a place in our Fauna, from the opinion that the 
 specimens obtained in various parts of the island may have 
 escaped from confinement in England, and been shot when 
 appearing upon our shores. 
 
 However, concurring in the opinion expressed by Thomp- 
 son, we think it a species more likely to have crossed the 
 Atlantic than those which have occurred, not so well adapted 
 for a long flight as the Canada goose. In a conversation 
 with Dr. Farren of this city, respecting one of these birds 
 preserved in his collection at Feltrim, and which had been 
 shot at Balbriggan, after being closely watched for two days 
 before an opportunity occurred of shooting it, he fully con- 
 curred in this opinion respecting its perfectly wild state. 
 
 Several other specimens have either been observed* or shot 
 in the island, amongst which four birds which settled down in 
 a locality perfectly in unison with the character they assumed 
 for a short time the ornamental waters of the Zoological 
 Gardens, in the Phoenix Park. Also in 1846 a fine specimen 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
CANADA GOOSE. EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 193 
 
 was obtained on the Bandon river near Kinsale, which was 
 accompanied by five others, all of which appeared during a 
 severe snow-storm. The specimen was since presented to the 
 Museum of the Dublin Natural History Society, by R. P. 
 Williams, Esq., of Drumcondra Castle. 
 
 In confinement this species looks to the best advantage, 
 and thrives well, breeding familiarly with the tame goose ; it is 
 also a species frequently observed on ornamental waters, and 
 nowhere more so than with the other aquatic water-fowl 
 at St. James's and Regent's Park. There is also a conside- 
 rable number on the grand canal before the Palace of Ver- 
 sailles, where we have been amused by their following the 
 pleasure boats with the greatest familiarity, to partake of a 
 hard bread which is made purposely, and disposed of in the 
 ^fark, both for their and the fishes' benefit. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SPECIES 185 THE EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 
 
 Anser JEgyptiacus. Linn. 
 Oie Egyptienne. Temm. 
 
 THE EGYPTIAN GOOSE is, in like manner, of doubtful occur- 
 rence, as to whether the few birds which have been obtained 
 were wild visitants from Africa, or birds escaped from con- 
 finement. 
 
 The most elegantly plumaged of all the Anserinse when 
 appearing with them on ornamental waters, none of the spe- 
 cies we have already described can equal the present in the 
 varying and resplendent hues of the richly bronzed plumage. 
 Occurring in two or three instances, in one of which as 
 many as eighteen birds were observed on the wing, we can 
 scarcely believe them to have escaped from confinement, es- 
 pecially when we recollect the similar appearance of a flock 
 of eighty of these birds observed at Hampshire in England. 
 
 Domesticated at an early period in considerable numbers 
 by the Egyptian priests, with the exception of the sacred ibis, 
 it is one of the birds most frequently observed amidst the 
 effigies and hieroglyphics of the monumental remains of that 
 countrv. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
1 94 ANSERINE. 
 
 GENUS XCIIL- CYGNUS (SWAN). 
 
 SPECIES 186 THE HOOPING SWAN. 
 
 Cygnusferus. Ray. 
 
 Cygne a bee jaune ou sauvage. Temm. 
 
 Wild Swan. Hooper. 
 
 THE HOOPER is only an occasional winter visitant to our 
 shores, and is very irregular in its appearance, some years, 
 perhaps, elapsing before a specimen may occur, and again 
 during other winters as many as five or six appearing in the 
 markets, and in the possession of the taxidermists of the 
 city. 
 
 Magnificent and stately in appearance, the hooper occu- 
 pies the same position among the Natatorial birds as the 
 eagle with the Raptores, or the crane with the birds compos- 
 ing its own order. 
 
 Beautiful in plumage, the entire of which is of a pure un- 
 sullied white, the hooper yields to none of our birds, indige- 
 nous or migratory, for the interest attached to it. Of con- 
 siderable size, an adult female whose dimensions were taken 
 by the author had an extent of wing equal to eight feet, 
 with a length from bill to tail of five. Thus the appearance 
 of a flock of these birds might indeed excite the attention of 
 the most unobservant. Flying at a considerable altitude in the 
 air, and with great rapidity, from the large expanse of wing, 
 they in most instances attract attention by their modulated 
 and musical hooping cry as it conies distinctly down to us 
 from the upper air mellowed by distance : 
 
 " So the white swans from the firmament swoop, 
 With their gong-throated queen, a beautiful troop, 
 Wheeling gracefully earthward, and floating as though 
 The young winds were wooing fair cloudlets of snow." 
 
 When thus observed in flocks they are either formed in a 
 lengthened line, or in the wedge-shaped figure in which swans 
 usually fly. 
 
 On the authority of Mr. R. Glennon, towards spring the 
 small lakes in the county of Mayo are tenanted by flocks of 
 these birds congregated there preparatory to their return to 
 those regions of snow to which their plumage accords, and ap- 
 proximates so chastely in appearance. And, strange to say, al- 
 though they occur in considerable numbers at that time, they 
 are never interfered with or molested by the peasants of the 
 
HOOPING SWAN BEWICK 9 S SWAN. 195 
 
 neighbourhood, on account of a tradition that the souls of 
 virgins (?) who, whilst living, had been remarkable for the 
 purity of their lives, were after death enshrined in the form 
 of these birds, as emblematic of their purity and beatitude ; 
 for this reason they remain in safety, as it is also believed 
 that whoever would be so unlucky as to meddle with them 
 would pay for his temerity by the forfeit of his life, ere the 
 year had elapsed. 
 
 Invested with many notices of interest from the earliest 
 ages of antiquity, the fabled melody of the dying swan is ap- 
 plied indifferently to this or our better known species, the 
 mute swan. Whence it originated we have no opportunity 
 of ascertaining, although we find the observation current 
 amongst the earliest of the Greek writers. ^Eschylus, in a 
 passage descriptive of a female character, remarks : 
 
 " She, like the swan 
 Expiring, dies in melody. " 
 
 In Ossian our notice is attracted by a similar passage : 
 " Sweet was her song, as the voice of the wounded swan, when 
 she sings away her soul in death, and feels in her breast the 
 fatal dart of the hunter." 
 
 It need be scarcely remarked that modern research has suf- 
 ficiently disproved the fable. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 187 BEWICK'S SWAN. 
 
 Cygnus Bewickii. Yarr. 
 
 Cygne de Bewick. Temm. 
 
 Wild Swan. 
 
 THIS species, smaller in size, and characterized by the same 
 spotless plumage as the preceding, is the more common of the 
 two species occurring in Ireland ; few winters passing with- 
 out their being observed in the markets of the city, or noticed 
 in the columns of the provincial papers of the day. 
 
 Overlooked in its specific distinctions till within the last 
 few years, this species was for a considerable time confounded 
 with the hooper. 
 
 Similar in habits to that bird, during winter the inland 
 lake or estuary on tfce sea-shore is indifferently chosen, 
 where they present a like appearance when on the water, by 
 the long neck being in most cases held stiffly upward, without 
 any of that graceful bend which renders our domestic swan so 
 o2 
 
196 ANATIDJE. 
 
 remarkable, adding in such an eminent degree to the pictu- 
 resque, whatever water they adorn with their presence. 
 
 Beautiful as are the appearance of many birds, the eagle 
 by the hill-side, the heron by the mountain rivulet, or the 
 gannet plunging for his prey amidst the depths of the ocean, 
 yet the appearance of the tame swan, when 
 
 " With arched neck 
 
 Between her white wings, mantling proudly, 
 Rows her state with oary feet," 
 
 is a sight at all times gaining the attention of the many. 
 
 Obtained occasionally in the immediate vicinity of the 
 city, two instances occurred to our notice, one shot at a 
 small stream in the Phoenix Park, and another, in our own 
 collection, observed for some weeks frequenting the Bay 
 of Dublin, accompanied by four others, all, from their ex- 
 cessive wariness, admitting of no approach ; until one morn- 
 ing, when the present specimen was obtained near the island 
 of Clontarf, by T. Massey, Esq., of the Pigeon House Fort, 
 with a rifle-ball, shot from a punt, in the year 1829. 
 
 In no instance at the present time found nidifying in 
 Ireland, that such was the case at a remote period there 
 is very little doubt ; as from an instance of an egg of the 
 hooper, presented to the author by an old ornithological 
 friend, who remarked its having been taken from a nest some 
 ninety years since, in the rushes of Portumna. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXXIV. ANATID^ (DUCKS). 
 
 GENUS XCIY. TADORNA (SHELLDRAKE). 
 
 SPECIES 188. THE RUDDY SHELLDRAKE. 
 Tadorna rutila. Pallas. 
 Canard kasarka. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, rare as it is beautiful, has only occurred in a 
 single instance, obtained on the Murrough of Wicklow, in 
 the summer of 1847, and now preserved in the collection of 
 T. W Warren, Esq., of this city. 
 
 Of great rarity in Western Europe, but three specimens 
 are recorded to have been obtained in England. Of its 
 habits in its own country little is known, except that it is be- 
 
RUDDY SHELLDRAKE. SHELLDRAKE. 197 
 
 lieved to nestle in holes of trees, or burrows of animals, where 
 it lays eight or nine white eggs. 
 Habitat Asia. 
 
 SPECIES 189. THE SHELLDRAKE. 
 
 Tadorna vulpanser. Flem. 
 Canard tadorne. Temm. 
 Bardrake. Burrow Duck. 
 
 THIS showy and elegantly-marked species, with its bold, de- 
 cided colours of bright green, orange, and unsullied white, 
 all chastely disposed, is, perhaps, the most beautiful in appear- 
 ance of our native Anatidse ; and is rendered peculiarly in- 
 teresting to the ornithologist, from the fact of its being one 
 of the few birds of the family to which it belongs that is 
 indigenous, and found during all seasons around our shores, 
 on our eastern coast, however, it is a species sparingly dis- 
 tributed, and very rarely obtained, either by the taxidermists 
 of the city, or by the hawkers, who eagerly watch for its oc- 
 currence in the markets. 
 
 At one time more plentiful in its distribution, the sand- 
 hills between Howth and Lusk were known to be tenanted 
 during the season by these birds for the purposes of nidifica- 
 tion. In a conversation with an old peasant, who resided in the 
 village of Portrane (and to whom the birds were well known), 
 he described them as breeding in small parties from two to a 
 dozen along the sand-hills, in suitable situations, and that it 
 was no unusual occurrence for the "boys" (i.e. men) to appoint 
 Easter Monday for the purpose of digging out from the 
 burrows the eggs, or, in some instances, the parent birds, 
 whose escape had been prevented, by the entrance of the 
 burrow being closed with hay and sand placed there the pre- 
 ceding day ; as late as 1842, a nest was obtained containing 
 seven eggs, all of which my informant described as being suc- 
 cessfully hatched and reared under a domestic duck, and 
 disposed of to admirers in Dublin for good prices. 
 
 During winter the shelldrake collects in small flocks, and 
 seldom ventures inland, but frequents the open sea or estuaries 
 along the coast. On the approach of spring they break up 
 into pairs, and seek the sand-hills bordering the sea, frequented 
 by rabbits, where their burrows, in the soft sandy situations 
 chosen by them, are nearly eight or nine feet in depth, and 
 where they succeed in rearing a numerous brood in this unu- 
 sual site. 
 
1 98 A NATURE. 
 
 On the authority of James M'Cullogh, Esq., a gentleman 
 who has had frequent opportunities of observing these birds 
 along the sand-hills of the Murroughof Wicklow, where they 
 breed in considerable numbers, we are informed that the 
 shelldrake never ventures to leave its burrow except at early 
 dawn or twilight, when it may be observed skimming close to 
 the sands on its way to feed, after the receding tide ; and that 
 he has never heard their peculiar whistle until the young 
 are hatched, when it is made use of in alarming and directing 
 them from danger. Its most common name here, and also 
 upon the Dublin coast and markets, is bardrake, perhaps a 
 corruption of the more probable name, burrow drake. 
 
 On one occasion we observed the shelldrake in its wild 
 state a flock of nine birds floating on the water between 
 Howth and Kingstown, a place where subsequently a single 
 bird was observed swimming during unusually heavy rain by 
 Joshua Lamprey, Esq. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS XCV. ANAS (DUCK). 
 
 SPECIES 190 THE MALLARD. 
 
 Anas boschas. Linn. 
 
 Canard sauvage. Temm. 
 
 Wild Duck. 
 
 OF nearly equal interest to the ornithologist, the mallard is 
 another of our indigenous ducks ; and although its numbers 
 are considerably augmented during winter, by the arrival of 
 flocks from their northern resorts, yet it cannot be doubted, 
 if sufficient accommodation for their nidification were ob- 
 tainable, the mallard would be yet more common in our island 
 during summer. 
 
 Possessing additional interest from the fact of its being the 
 original from which our domestic duck is derived, the mallard 
 is a common species, and although not occurring in such 
 numbers as the widgeon and pochards, yet it is a widely-spread 
 species, and at all times commands the highest price for the 
 acknowledged delicacy of the flesh, its average value being 
 from four to five shillings a pair. 
 
 More abundant in England at a former time, no less than 
 4000 mallard appeared at Archbishop Neville's feast, where 
 they were valued at twopence each, about half the value 
 affixed in those days to the teal. 
 
THE MALLARD. 199 
 
 During winter we observe this species in Dublin Bay in 
 flocks varying in numbers from ten to one hundred. Ex- 
 tremely restless, they impart considerable animation to the 
 appearance of the bay by their constantly varying appearance 
 in flight. Rising, when not alarmed, from the surface of the 
 water in a " long string," regular in order, one never attempts 
 to rise until the preceding bird is on the wing, when they form 
 a beautiful appearance, either in the long extended line, or 
 the V-shape which is frequently assumed. One flock of these 
 birds observed flying over the Pigeon House Wall, at a very 
 moderate distance from the road, exhibited a very beautiful 
 sight ; each bird seemed, from its closeness to the one pre- 
 ceding, as if its bill rested on the tail of the other. On our 
 proximity being observed, the effect was singularly fine : the 
 entire flock, without the slightest break, shooting upwards, 
 and the call-note of danger ringing out clearly from the first 
 old mallard, and passing in regular succession along the line. 
 
 Retiring inland on the approach of spring, they occupy 
 bogs, or any deserted locality affording them protection for 
 their young. In those places they obtain food by the river- 
 side, or on the lakes of the interior, where their appearance 
 adds highly to the picturesque : 
 
 " Oft as the sun's last lingering ray 
 
 Gleams faintly o'er the fading scene, 
 By some still lake I bend my way, 
 Where, decked in plumage brown and gray, 
 
 The mallard oft is seen ; 
 With glossy neck of emerald hue, 
 And wings barr'd with the deepest blue 
 That sapphire gives ; and ruddy breast, 
 By the clear, dimpling waters prest ; 
 
 To sedgy covert, swimming near, 
 Where, on her nest, of rushes made, 
 His mate, in humbler garb arrayed, 
 
 Broods o'er her eggs, with anxious care." 
 
 More observable when the cares of the breeding season are 
 concluded, the young are captured in considerable numbers, 
 and are designated u flappers." This species is also observed 
 frequenting ditches and drains in the enclosed country during 
 severe weather ; and in the county of Dublin, both in winter 
 and in autumn, they are obtained by dogs trained for the 
 purpose. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
200 ANATHXE. 
 
 SPECIES 191 THE COMMON TEAL. 
 
 Anas crecca. Linn. 
 Canard sarcelle cT Hiver. Temm. 
 
 THE beautifully marked teal, the smallest of the ducks oc- 
 curring in our Fauna, is equally remarkable for the elegance 
 and neatness of its form as its chastely disposed plumage. 
 Occurring in considerable numbers, we may at all times 
 remark it during winter, either in small flocks scattered 
 along the shore-line of the Dublin coast, or in pairs upon the 
 sides of inland rivers. Attractive in both situations, the teal 
 admits of a nearer approach than any of our other wild fowl, 
 and in its habits is the most familiar of all the AnatidaB. Al- 
 though on the sea-shore, from frequenting the company of 
 widgeon and other ducks, it adopts to a considerable degree 
 their watchful and wary habits, yet, when observed in its 
 more accustomed haunt by the river-side, or on the inland 
 lake, it is always approachable, and when alarmed never leaves 
 the neighbourhood, but again settles at some distance further 
 off. For this reason, and requiring but a slight charge, it offers 
 a greater inducement to the sportsman than the more watch- 
 ful mallard. With the teal we also observe the beautiful 
 evolutions of the flocks when on the wing, perhaps exceeding 
 all our water-birds by their constant variation, and of which 
 few sights afford a greater attraction than their appearance, 
 disporting themselves in the upper air, with the few occasional 
 rays of the autumnal sun glancing upon their plumage, 
 
 " They tempt the sun to sport amid their plumes." 
 
 This beautiful appearance has been noticed by many of the 
 old writers, amongst whom, Drayton : 
 
 " Ye see the lesser dibbling teale, 
 In bunches with the first that fly from mere to mere, 
 As they above the rest were lords of earth and ay re.'* 
 
 We find also many notices of " teylles" in the olden re- 
 cords, where they appear not so highly valued as the delicacy 
 of their flesh deserved. 
 
 Breeding in limited numbers in Ireland, the same causes of 
 drainage and improvement which have effected the decrease 
 of the bittern and mallard, by depriving them of retired and 
 suitable places in which to nidify, have likewise had a similar 
 effect upon the teal. Yearly on the decrease, at the present 
 time it occurs in much more diminished numbers than some 
 fifteen or twenty years since. 
 
COMMON TEAL GARGANY. PINTAIL. 201 
 
 Their eggs we have received on several occasions, from 
 different localities, in the counties of Meath and Kildare. 
 Some young which had been successfully reared under a do- 
 mestic hen, by a hawker of wild fowl in the city, exhibited a 
 most amusing appearance. On the entrance of any person 
 into the room, all paddled and scampered to the shelter of 
 several old hats, where other birds had been reared, and, 
 hiding themselves in the moss covering the bottom, they be- 
 lieved themselves sufficiently safe when the head was con- 
 cealed, forgetful that the body was observed paddling away 
 on the outside ; all the birds exhibiting a strange appearance 
 from their diminutive size, and the brightness of their rat- 
 like eye, whose young they appeared to resemble, more than 
 those of the elegant little teal. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 192 THE GARGANY. 
 
 Anas circia. Linn. 
 Canard sarcelle d" etc. Ternm. 
 
 THE GARGANY, similar in size to the teal, is another beauti- 
 fully plumaged duck, but one of the greatest rarity in its oc- 
 currence, seven or eight specimens being the utmost we can 
 reckon of its occurrence in our Fauna. 
 
 Two specimens of the gargany have passed under our ob- 
 servation : one, an immature male, obtained in the vicinity of 
 Dublin during the autumn of 1850 ; and the other an adult 
 male, shot on the river Fergus, in the county of Clare, at 
 present in our own collection. 
 
 Obtained only while migrating over Europe in its summer 
 migration to its northern breeding haunts, they are of con- 
 siderable rarity in that continent ; although, on the authority 
 of a taxidermist, of considerable practice on the Boulevard des 
 Italiens, in Paris, we were informed that it occurs in France 
 during summer, as he occasionally obtained specimens to " set 
 up" at that season ; and during some years it is not unfre- 
 quently exposed in the markets of the capital. 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 193 THE PINTAIL. 
 
 Anas acuta. Linn. 
 Canard a longue queue. Temm. 
 
 Sea Pheasant. Ladybird. 
 
 THE PINTAIL, uniting grace and elegance of form with a sub- 
 dued and elegantly marked plumage, is not inferior in beauty 
 
202 ANATID^E. 
 
 to any of the Anatidae ; and, although not actually rare in its 
 occurrence, it is not a common species, as the teal or pochard. 
 Found in limited numbers and distribution, its principal haunt 
 pn the Dublin coast is at Malahide, or occasionally the " Gut" 
 or estuary of Baldoyle (a narrow estuary, fed by a river, and 
 frequented by curlew in immense flocks). However, we are 
 supplied principally with birds captured in decoys, or shot 
 upon inland lakes, and forwarded for sale in the Dublin mar- 
 kets. Remarkable for its elegant appearance, none of the 
 duck tribe can lay claim to the same perfection of shape that 
 distinguishes the pintail, so much as to have obtained it the 
 appellation of " sea pheasant," and from the dealers in Dublin 
 the complimentary title of u Ladybird." Not often observed 
 in confinement, we had much pleasure in greeting its ap- 
 pearance, with other aquatic fowl, in the collection at the 
 Jardin des Plants at Paris. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 194 THE GAD WALL. 
 
 Anas strepera. Linn. 
 Canard chipeau ou ridenne. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare species, the most unobtrusive in plumage of all the 
 family occurring on our shores, is a species only occasionally 
 obtained ; although we have seen at least one specimen every 
 year with the various hawkers of wild fowl. 
 
 Habited in such sombre plumage, the male gadwall might 
 agree with the general dull plumage which we find charac- 
 terizing all the females of the duck tribe. 
 
 Occasionally appearing in small flocks, an adult male, in 
 our own collection, was shot, out of a flock of five, whilst flying 
 past the wooden bridge at Clontarf> in the winter of 1845. 
 Another specimen, a female, was selected from two more of 
 the same species, offered for sale by a hawker in the winter 
 of 1849, all of which were described by him as having been 
 obtained on an inland lake. 
 
 Of its habits we know comparatively little, excepting its 
 powers of diving when in search of food, witnessed by Sir 
 W. Jardine in Holland, where they occur in considerable 
 numbers upon the meres, and from which locality Mr. J. J. 
 Nolan, of Bachelor's -walk, has frequently imported living 
 specimens for ornamental waters. 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
THE SHOVELLER. 203 
 
 SPECIES 195 THE SHOVELLER. 
 
 Anas clypeata. Linn. 
 Canard souchet. Temm. 
 Shovel-bill. Shelldrake. 
 
 THIS interesting species is of rather unusual occurrence, and 
 is more often obtained in the dull, unobtrusive plumage of 
 the young, than with the rich and varied markings of the 
 adult male. 
 
 Seldom observed upon the sea, the shoveller is an inland 
 species, and frequents the rivers and lakes of the country, 
 from which localities the individuals exposed for sale in the 
 markets of the city are, in most instances, obtained, being 
 captured by decoys. 
 
 The shoveller attracts the attention of the ornithologist 
 and every admirer of the scientific economy of nature, by 
 the beautiful natural mechanical arrangement, or laminated 
 process of the curiously shaped bill, each mandible furnished 
 with a comb-like edge, fitting into each other in the most 
 perfect manner, and used when feeding as u strainers" to se- 
 parate the mud from whatever food it may contain. 
 
 Remaining in some instances after the great majority of its 
 family have regained their native wilds, we have observed its 
 occurrence very late in the season ; and from having at one 
 time obtained an adult female in the month of August, we 
 noticed the probability of its nidifying in our island to Mr. 
 Thompson, in which that eminent naturalist coincided at the 
 time. Since that period we find notes of the occurrence of a 
 beautiful adult male, shot in rushy pasture grounds near the 
 Bog of Allen, and also two immature plumaged birds, of- 
 fered for sale on the 2nd of September, 1852, by a hawker, 
 who remarked their unusual occurrence, and their appearance 
 to resemble young birds bred in the country. 
 
 The flesh of our shoveller is extremely delicate, and we can 
 fully appreciate the American sporting proverb, that " no 
 one should pass a shoveller to shoot a canvass back ;" so much 
 so that we appropriate to this species the praise bestowed by 
 Mundius on the teal : " That it was sweet in the mouth, light 
 in the stomach, and withal very nourishing." 
 
 Few subjects are of more interest to the ornithologist than 
 the occurrence of species in their relative numbers in diffe- 
 rent countries, as we find instanced in the present species 
 occurring more plentifully in Ireland than in England, whilst 
 in Scotland it has never been obtained. Strange, that in the 
 
204 ANATIDJE. 
 
 latter country it should not be at least more common than in 
 our island, where, doubtless, the birds passing to and from 
 Ireland in their migrations might be supposed to rest and 
 remain for a short time. 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 196 THE WIDGEOK* 
 
 Anas Penelope. Linn. 
 Canard siffleur. Temm. 
 
 Golden-headed Widgeon. Whistler. 
 
 WITH the widgeon we have another example, like the teal, of 
 a beautifully plumaged bird very common in its distribution, 
 but differing from that species in never remaining in the 
 island during summer. 
 
 Occurring in flocks of considerable extent, the widgeon is 
 the most plentiful of all the Anatidae, and during winter we 
 may at all times discern them in small detached flocks in our 
 own bay, increasing in number on the coast line upwards 
 towards Drogheda, their principal station being at Malahide, 
 a locality admirably suited to their habits, and at all times 
 frequented by them. 
 
 Picturesque in their appearance on the water during high 
 tide, a flock consisting of some four or five hundred birds 
 affords a fine sight to the observer, almost every bird resting 
 with the head under the dorsal plumage, and rising and falling 
 with every motion of the water ; at times also we see them 
 entering the harbour, the heads of all the birds turned in one 
 direction, and allowing themselves to be drifted towards the 
 shore by the motion of the tide, but, watchful of danger, on 
 approaching within a sufficient distance, they rise and wing 
 back to a greater distance, pursuing the same course until 
 the tide falls, during which time they remain stationary by 
 swimming against it. 
 
 Well known to all persons living in the vicinity of the 
 coast, the widgeon attracts attention by its loud whistling call- 
 notes uttered during night-time whilst on the wing. 
 
 These call -notes are extremely beautiful, and when heard 
 at an elevation of some hundred feet overhead, the birds 
 themselves invisible in the darkness of night, each bird cho- 
 russing its long, inspiriting note, whilst the loud, ringing sound 
 of their pinions come clearly distinct to the ear, have caused it 
 to receive the common name of whistler in every country 
 where it is known. Nor is this beautiful effect peculiar to 
 the shore, but even in the most central portion of the popu- 
 
THE WIDGEON. 205 
 
 lous city the call-note of the widgeon is heard during night- 
 time. As remarked in a note furnished to Mr. Thompson's 
 work, flocks of wild fowl pass regularly over the houses, par- 
 ticularly in early winter and spring. Between 10 and 11 o'clock 
 on the night of the 20th of March, large flocks continued 
 passing for nearly three-quarters of an hour, the loud, clear 
 calls of which afforded evidence of their species ; at other 
 times in the same situation the " whaup" of the curlew is of 
 common occurrence ; and on one occasion, in November, 
 1852, the loud hooping call-note of the wild swan rang out 
 clearly and distinctly in the silence of midnight. These cries 
 are familiar to those whose avocations lead them to be out of 
 doors at the time of flight, particularly to the police force of 
 the city, many of whom remark the passage and calling of 
 " wild geese," to which birds the sounds are attributed, 
 birds rarely ever known to us as occurring at night-time over 
 the city. 
 
 Whether these birds be attracted by the glare of gas-light 
 in the city we know not, but it is certain many ducks and 
 smaller birds have been obtained by striking themselves vio- 
 lently against the glass of lighthouses, attracted from a dis- 
 tance by its brightness an occurrence noticed by Longfellow 
 in his work : 
 
 *' The sea-bird, wheeling round it with the din 
 
 Of wings, and winds, and solitary cries, 
 Blinded and maddened by the light within, 
 Dashes himself against the glare, and dies." 
 
 From the observation of Mr. John Hill, who has had many 
 opportunities of remarking their habits, and who has used the 
 swivel gun to a considerable extent upon their flocks in Dublin 
 Bay, the usual mode of proceeding adopted is to move silently 
 towards them at early dawn in a punt, at the western end of 
 the island at Clontarf, where they are usually congregated, 
 and having approached sufficiently near to fire, sometimes 
 with such effect that as many as twenty or twenty-five birds 
 have been obtained by the one discharge ; after the report of 
 the swivel the flocks become so wild that for that day all fur- 
 ther approach would be impossible. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
206 FULIGULIN^:. 
 
 FAMILY XXXV. FULIGULIN^E (SEA DUCKS). 
 
 GENUS XCVI FULIGULA (POCHARD). 
 
 SPECIES 197 THE SCAUP POCHARD. 
 
 Fuligula marila. Stephens. 
 Canard milouinan. Temm. 
 
 Bridle Duck. Black-headed Diver. 
 
 THIS species, characterized by the large, heavy form distin- 
 guishing the pochards from the compact elegance of shape 
 which we observe in the true ducks (as the widgeon and teal), 
 is common in its occurrence, and is found during winter fre- 
 Cjuenting the entrances of large rivers and estuaries, or in 
 situations, as at Malahide, where beds of shellfish afford them 
 sufficient food by diving, and sandbars exposed by the tide 
 allow a secure resting-place from danger. 
 
 The scaup affords a small proportion to the numbers of 
 teal, widgeon, and common pochards, which principally stock 
 the markets during winter ; and in the adult plumage of both 
 sexes is seldom observed, the immature birds forming nearly 
 nine -tenths of the numbers obtained. 
 
 Rarely frequenting inland waters, the scaup is eminently a 
 sea duck, and at times is observed at a considerable distance 
 from land, as in the instance of a flock remarked by J. M'Cul- 
 logh, Esq., consisting of 1000 or 1300 birds, nearly fourteen 
 miles from land, on the Wicklow coast, all of which exhibited 
 the greatest tameness, not rising until within a short distance 
 of the cutter in which our informant was. During the severity 
 of winter the scaup duck ventures closely on the shore, so 
 much so, that we have observed small flocks and single birds 
 floating unsuspiciously in the neighbourhood of the Light- 
 house situated at the end of the North Wall, and similarly 
 at the embankment at Clontarf, and from both places success- 
 ful shots are known to have been obtained at them from land. 
 The scaup exhibits a fine example of the beautiful minute 
 markings peculiar to the birds of this family. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
TUFTED POCHARD. RED-HEADED POCHARD. 207 
 
 SPECIES 198 THE TUFTED POCHARD. 
 
 Fuligula cristata. Selby. 
 Canard morillon. Temm. 
 
 Tufted Duck. Crested Diver. Whitesided Duck. 
 THIS beautiful duck, smaller in size than the scaup, and pos- 
 sessed of a more graceful form, is at once distinguished as the 
 only species of the Anatidae frequenting our island possessing 
 a crest. More common in occurence than the preceding, the 
 tufted pochard is also more widely distributed, and appears 
 not to be so essentially maritime in its habits, but frequents 
 occasionally inland rivers and lakes, from which situations we 
 have frequently known them to be obtained for the Dublin 
 market. 
 
 Formed and adapted in a peculiar degree for its manner of 
 living by the broad flattened shape of the body, the tufted 
 duck is an expert diver, swimming lightly and buoyantly on 
 the water, and, when occasion requires, sinking so low as to 
 hide the white plumage of the side from view (which we see 
 generally shown on ordinary occasions), and to expose only 
 a slight line of the back over the surface. 
 
 Richly marked in its plumage, with the richly glossed pur- 
 ple of the head and neck, and the gracefully curved crest, 
 the tufted duck is a species possessed of considerable attrac- 
 tions, and is one appearing to the best advantage on or- 
 namental lakes. On one occasion we had the pleasure of 
 observing three detached flocks, averaging from fifteen to 
 twenty birds in each, accompanied by equal numbers of 
 the golden-eyes, floating with the tide at the Bar of Dublin ; 
 and very beautiful they appeared ranged in line seven or 
 nine abreast as they entered the mouth of the harbour, so 
 motionless in appearance, and rendered so conspicuous by 
 the contrast of two or three adult male golden-eyes in each 
 flock ; or at times when a herring-gull or kittiwake settled 
 down into the midst of the flock and joined their company. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 199 REDHEADED POCHARD. 
 
 Fuligula ferina. Selby. 
 Canard milouin. Temm. 
 
 THIS unobtrusive species, possessing none of the beautiful 
 attractions that distinguish the two preceding birds, is the 
 most common of all our maritime ducks upon the eastern coasts 
 
208 FULIGULIN^:. 
 
 of the island, and in the markets of the city, occurs in a pro- 
 portion of three to one of any other species, the widgeon ex- 
 cepted. 
 
 In Dublin Bay it appears during the season in considerable 
 numbers, but rarely in large flocks, a number of small de- 
 tached parties being in most cases observed. 
 
 When the tide is out on the Clontarf strand this species 
 may be frequently observed on the extreme edge of the 
 water, extended in a long line, walking slowly, and care- 
 fully searching and taking up whatever food is obtained, with 
 the same jerking motion of the head remarked in the domestic 
 duck. 
 
 On one occasion, in the winter of 1852, five flocks, averag- 
 ing twenty-five birds in each, were observed extended in the 
 same single line, and from their motions apparently employ- 
 ing their limited time to the best advantage, when suddenly 
 the loud whistle of an approaching train along the embank- 
 ment echoed loud and shrilly in the frosty air ; immediately 
 small flocks of redshanks and knots scattered over the strand, 
 took to wing, uttering their alarm-cries ; but on the pochards 
 it produced no effect, for they continued feeding without the 
 least alarm, excepting some three or four birds which raised 
 their heads to see if there was any danger, and not observ- 
 ing any, relapsed again into their previous downward posi- 
 tion. 
 
 Occasionally remaining late in the season, we have noticed 
 the occurrence of single birds during April, and on two oc- 
 casions, of specimens shot early in May ; one female in our 
 collection being obtained on the 30th of that month. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XCYII. CLANGULA (GARROT). 
 
 SPECIES 200 THE GOLDEN-EYE GARROT. 
 
 Clangula vulgaris. Leach. 
 Canard garrot. Temm. 
 
 Golden-eye Diver. 
 
 THIS species, the most beautiful of the entire family of the 
 maritime ducks, is rather common in its occurrence, but, si- 
 milar to the scaup duck, is rarely obtained in the elegant 
 and varied plumage of the adult male, the proportion being 
 nearly forty immature birds to a single mature bird. 
 
 In our own bay it is rarely observed, although small flocks 
 mixed up with other birds are occasionally met with, ap- 
 
GOLDEN-EYE GARROT. LONG-TAILED DUCK. 209 
 
 pearing more plentifully at the principal haunt of wild fowl on 
 the Dublin coast, Malahide, a locality where all the visitants 
 frequenting our waters during winter appear to form a com- 
 plete garrison, and detach flocks from their main body to 
 Dublin Bay and the surrounding estuaries. 
 
 Frequenting indifferently the coast line or the inland lake, 
 the great majority of the golden-eyes brought for sale to the 
 markets are obtained from the interior, where they are said 
 to be captured by decoys, of which fact we have at times suf- 
 ficient proof in the dislocated necks of the various birds taken 
 by the decoy man. 
 
 The golden- eye is singularly expert at diving, and seldom 
 attempts to escape, like the widgeon or mallard, by trusting to 
 its powers of flight, but instantly on perceiving danger dives, 
 and if observing the same appearance on emerging again dives, 
 and so on after coming up, increasing the distance from the 
 suspicious object at each immersion by its progress under 
 water. From this habit they are well known on the coast by 
 the name of divers, by which name all the ducks frequenting 
 the sea are known, with any other distinguishing appellation, 
 as black divers, golden-eye divers, &c. 
 
 The golden-eye is, perhaps, as elegant in appearance as 
 any of the richly marked ducks we have already described, 
 and though we see none of the delicately minute markings 
 so beautifully exemplified in the teal and scaup duck, or the 
 great variety of colours as in the shoveller and widgeon, yet 
 the golden-eye duck is singularly attractive, its rich glossy- 
 green head and neck, broken on each side of the bill with an 
 oval white spot, together with the peculiarly glossy and silky 
 white plumage of the under parts, render it one of the most 
 beautiful of the entire Anatidine family. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS XCYIIL HARELDA (HARELD). 
 
 SPECIES 201 THE LONG-TAILED DUCK. 
 
 Harelda glacialis. Selby. 
 Canard de miclon. Temm. 
 Northern Hareld. 
 
 THE LONG-TAILED DUCK, reminding us of the teal in its di- 
 minutive size, is only an occasional winter visitant, and when 
 occurring appears to be a species well distributed round the 
 coast, as specimens from the south, east, and western shores 
 of Ireland have come under our own observation. In the winter 
 
210 FULIGULIN/E. 
 
 of 1848 an adult male was shot in Dublin Bay at Clontarf ; 
 and the same year an immature female was found dead near 
 Dollymount, having probably perished from the effects of a 
 previous gale. Of the greatest rarity in the summer, we are 
 indebted to Mr. R. Glennon for the notice of its first occur- 
 rence, having observed in his establishment an adult male in 
 the peculiar plumage of the summer ; we were informed that 
 it had been obtained out of a flock of thirteen birds, on the 
 estate of Sir Robert Gore Booth (where specimens had been 
 previously obtained in winter) , in the west of Ireland. The 
 entire flock was described by the gentleman who obtained 
 the male bird* to have presented quite a familiar appearance, 
 and to have attracted him to the little cove where they were 
 swimming by their wild musical cries. On the coast of Achill, 
 visited by Mr. Glennon in the winter of 1852, flocks of these 
 birds were observed, and several immature birds were ob- 
 tained. Occasionally specimens in adult plumage have been 
 noticed in the fresh -water lakes of the country. 
 
 Of the habits of this interesting bird we know compara- 
 tively little, the only reason we can assign being its rarity 
 upon our coast. A bird well known to the voyagers in 
 the northern regions, it has been noticed by them as oc- 
 curring in great numbers along the Arctic regions of the 
 northern hemisphere. To the natives of the islands in such 
 latitudes it is also well known, being named by them the 
 calloo, from its loud and agreeable call. On the second voy- 
 age of Captain King, whilst taking observations in Kamts- 
 chatka, a duck of beautiful plumage was described, having 
 a singular and beautiful call, consisting of three distinct notes 
 rising at equal intervals above each other, and called by the 
 natives " a-an-gitche," which, in all probability, is the long- 
 tailed duck.f 
 
 The food is taken by diving, and consists of shell-fish and 
 molluscs, and occasionally small fish, in consequence of which 
 the flesh has a disagreeable and tough taste. 
 
 This species selects for a breeding place the large inland fresh- 
 water lakes of the northern continents, on the banks of which 
 it constructs a large loose nest, in some instances lined with 
 down : the eggs are small and of grayish -white colour. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 * In the author's collection. t Cook's Voyages. 
 
SURF SCOTER VELVET SCOTER. 211 
 
 GENUS XCIX. OIDEMIA (SCOTER). 
 
 SPECIES 202 THE SURF SCOTER. 
 Oidemia perspicillata. Selby. 
 
 Canard marchand. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine -looking species, so interesting to the ornithologist 
 from the extraordinary appearance of the beak, is a bird of 
 the greatest rarity in its occurrence in our island, only a sin- 
 gle specimen having been obtained, for a notice of which we 
 are indebted to Mr. Thompson's work. 
 
 " A beautiful adult male of this species was shot at Bally- 
 holme, Belfast Bay, on the 9th of September, 1846, by Snowden 
 Corken, Esq. It was alone, about two hundred yards from 
 the shore, allowed three shots to be fired at it before attempt^ 
 ing to dive, and was killed at the fourth or fifth shot, on 
 reaching the surface after having dived. Two of these birds 
 had, a day or two before, been observed in company in the 
 same locality, and one individual was seen several times in the 
 course of a few weeks after the subject of this notice had 
 been killed. It is at present preserved in the Belfast 
 Museum." 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 SPECIES 203 THE VELVET SCOTER. 
 
 Oidemia fusca. Fleming. 
 Canard double macreuse. Temm. 
 
 Double Scoter. Black Duck. 
 
 THE VELVET SCOTER is another example of the same style 
 of colouring, and the protuberance of the bill in a lesser de- 
 gree than that which distinguishes the preceding species. 
 
 Occurring in limited numbers along various parts of the 
 coast at feeding stations situated at a considerable distance 
 from land, and from being but rarely observed, like those spe- 
 cies which might be more correctly classed as shore ducks, to 
 distinguish them from the essentially maritime habits of the 
 scoter, the velvet duck appears of more rarity than it really 
 is. Feeding upon molluscs, which are obtained by diving, 
 it is rarely tempted to approach the shore, but remains at 
 all times remote from observation and danger. 
 
 Of rare occurrence along the Dublin coasts, where it has 
 never come under our observation, it appears, on the au- 
 thority of Robert J. Montgomery, Esq., to be a frequent 
 p 2 
 
212 FULIGULIN^E. 
 
 visitant to the Bay of Drogheda, where several very beautiful 
 specimens, in the plumage of the adult, have been obtained 
 by that gentleman. 
 
 Mr. R. Glennon y when in Achill, observed the velvet duck 
 during winter frequenting the Sound of Achill and the Gal way 
 coast, and could at all times distinguish them from the flocks 
 of common scoters by the white patch on the wings. Their 
 powers of diving were also remarked to be extremely interest- 
 ing. In one instance, where a flock of twenty birds occurred, 
 not more than eight or ten could be observed at any one time, 
 the remainder being immersed in the water searching for food. 
 
 The velvet scoter is a bird of extreme beauty, although 
 not possessed of any varied distribution of colouring, or any 
 elegance of form ; the deep bluish-black of the plumage is 
 so soft and glossy in texture as to have obtained for it the 
 appellation of velvet, and, contrasting in an admirable manner 
 with the white patch on the wings, and a spot of the same 
 colour under each eye, renders it, from its unusual appearance, 
 a singularly handsome species. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 204 THE BLACK SCOTER. 
 
 Oidemia nigra. Selby. 
 Canard macreuse. Temm. 
 
 Black Diver. Black Duck. 
 
 THIS species, smaller than the velvet duck, appears to be 
 more widely distributed, and the most common of the scoters 
 frequenting our eastern coast. Not so often found in loca- 
 lities similar to the preceding, we observe the black scoter 
 occasionally venturing into our bays and estuaries, and in 
 deep water off the shore line. Thus, on several occasions, 
 with the aid of a telescope, we have observed flocks of those 
 birds, averaging from five to twenty, busily occupied diving, 
 and at times resting in the most complete security, with the 
 head placed under the dorsal plumage, along the coast be- 
 tween Merrion and Kingstown, and in a similar manner at 
 Malahide and Skerries. It is also a species, during winter, 
 venturing in to seek the security of the bay, and at such times 
 may be observed floating on the water opposite Clontarf, 
 where they are well known by the appellation of " black 
 divers," and " black ducks." 
 
 At times instances of the black scoter occurring inland 
 have come under our notice, from specimens obtained on the 
 river Liffey, and on the Shannon near Athlone. One instance 
 
BLACK SCOTER, EIDER DUCK. 213 
 
 is noted of their occurrence in small flocks on the inland lakes. 
 Yet, more unusual, on two occasions this scoter has been shot 
 whilst apparently searching for food along the bottom of wet 
 ditches and open drains, one of which was obtained at Beg- 
 gar's Bush, near Dublin, and preserved by Mr. Glennon, on 
 whose authority they occur at Achill, and along the west coast 
 of Ireland. 
 
 The scoter exhibits the same unusual appearance as the 
 velvet duck, with this exception, that no single spot of white 
 occurs on the entire of the deeply glossed bluish-black of the 
 plumage. 
 
 Rarely obtained in the Dublin markets, its occurrence is 
 limited to an occasional immature male or female, habited in 
 dull unobtrusive plumage. Very common upon the French 
 coasts during winter, we are informed by Degland that they 
 are captured in hundreds, and forwarded to the French mar- 
 kets, where they are much esteemed as an article of food. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS G, SOMATERIA (EIDER DUCK). 
 
 SPECIES 205 THE EIDER DUCK. 
 
 Somateria mollissima. Leach* 
 
 Canard elder. Temm. 
 
 St. Cuthbert's Duck. 
 
 WE have already remarked the preceding genus as interesting 
 to the ornithologist, on account of the various protuberances 
 appearing on the bill. With the present genus we find it 
 more so, the base of the bill being swollen and enlarged to a 
 much greater extent. 
 
 Of large size, and clumsy, ungainly shape, the eider duck 
 nearly equals the brent goose in size, and is of singular beauty 
 in its plumage, the unusual colours of which nature, perhaps, 
 intended as a recompense for its awkward form. 
 
 The present species is one of extreme rarity in its occur- 
 rence, four or five instances alone being noticed of its capture, 
 two or three of which have come under the observation of 
 Mr. R. Glennon. Another specimen, an adult male, was 
 captured alive by Mr. John King of Bremore, Balbriggan, 
 who, attracted by the size and unusual plumage of the bird 
 when struggling to get up some rocks, launched a boat and 
 secured it. On examination it was found to have received 
 a severe injury ; it is now preserved in the fine collection of 
 Dr. C. Farran, of Feltrim.* 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
214 MERGANSEPJN.E. 
 
 To this duck we are indebted for the eider down of com- 
 merce, so remarkable for lightness and elasticity, and obtained 
 from the nest of the bird, having been plucked from her breast 
 to serve the purposes of lining; and on this account the birds 
 are protected along the Norwegian isles, which they frequent 
 for breeding. At one period existing in considerable numbers 
 at the island of Lindisfarne, it received the familiar appella- 
 tion of St. Cuthbert's duck, named after the saint who lived 
 there. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 206 THE KING EIDER. 
 
 Somateria spectabilis. Jenyns. 
 
 Canard a tete grise. Temm. 
 
 King Duck. 
 
 THE KING EIDER, whose bill is more extraordinary in ap- 
 pearance than the preceding, has on each side of the base 
 a large oval protuberance, of a rich vermillion red when 
 newly killed. Of similar rarity, it has only occurred in four 
 instances, one of which was shot at Kingstown Harbour, in the 
 county of Dublin, about the 1st of October, 1837, and came 
 into the possession of Mr. R. Ball a few hours after. When 
 first seen it was accompanied by two others. The specimen 
 is now preserved in the University Museum, Dublin.* Two 
 others were subsequently obtained by Robert Chute, Esq., 
 one from Tralee Bay, and the other from the neighbourhood 
 of Derrynane, county of Kerry. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVI. MERGANSERIN^ (MERGANSERS). 
 
 GENUS CI MERGUS (MERGANSER). 
 
 SPECIES 207 THE SMEW. 
 
 Mergus allellus. Linn. 
 
 Harle piette. Temm. 
 
 White Nun. Magpie Diver. 
 
 THE SMEW, or WHITE NUN, as this species is commonly de- 
 nominated, presents one of the most beautiful appearances of 
 any of the birds comprising the family. 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
SMEW. HOODED MERGANSER. 215 
 
 The most common of the Merganserinse in its occurrence 
 on the eastern coast and the inland lakes of the island, it has 
 occurred to our notice in a proportion of 3 to 2 of the red- 
 breasted merganser. 
 
 Irregular in its appearance, it sometimes occurs in con- 
 siderable numbers ; and, again, some years may elapse with- 
 out a single specimen being obtained. 
 
 In the winter of 1847 so plentiful were they, that a hawker 
 of wild fowl brought five for sale, three adult birds, and two 
 immature ; and on the same day we observed in the markets 
 three additional immature birds, also an adult male in the 
 possession of Mr. Glennon. As well as could be ascertained 
 from inquiries at the time, all had been obtained inland on 
 the fresh-water lakes, as were also two in our own collection, 
 an adult male captured on the lake at Knockdrin Castle, 
 county of Meath, and a female shot on the Grand Canal at 
 Phibsborough. 
 
 At times observed on the sea-coast, a specimen (at one pe- 
 riod in the possession of W. R. Massey, Esq., of the Pigeon 
 House Fort) was shot in the winter of 1830, which exhibits an 
 appearance seldom observed of the male bird, partly in adult, 
 and partly in immature plumage. 
 
 On the extreme west coast of Ireland the smew has been 
 obtained in some few instances, and forwarded to Dublin for 
 preservation. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 208 THE HOODED MERGANSER. 
 
 Mergus cucullatus. Linn. 
 Harle couronne. Temm. 
 
 THIS North American species has occurred in two instances 
 in our island, one of which was shot, about the year 1840, at 
 Dingle Bay,* on the coast of Kerry, by Dr. Chute, and the 
 other an immature femalef in the collection of Sir R. Levinge, 
 Bart., Knockdrin Castle, county of Meath, obtained on the 
 lake in the vicinity. 
 
 Yery common in its American distribution in winter, it 
 ranges through the United States, and during spring breeds 
 in the vicinity of Louisville, placing the nest in hollow trees ; 
 but further north, where those are wanting, the ground is 
 resorted to. if 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 * Thompson. t Glennon. t Audubon. 
 
216 MERG ANSERINE. 
 
 SPECIES 209 THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. 
 
 Mergus serrator. Linn. 
 
 Harle huppe. Temm. 
 
 Sawbill Widgeon. Bardrake. 
 
 THIS elegantly marked species, attractive by the rich ver- 
 million of the bill and feet, is a resident during all seasons in 
 our island, but receives considerable additions during winter, 
 forced by the rigours of northern latitudes to seek shelter and 
 sustenance upon our shores. Widely distributed over the 
 island, it has occurred to our notice in Dublin Bay, and to 
 that of Mr. Glennon on the extreme west coast, whilst they 
 occur equally plentifully north and south of the island. Ap- 
 pearing in very limited numbers, it frequents the adjacent 
 coasts more than the vicinity of our own bay. Being scattered 
 sparingly during winter along the shore between Howth and 
 Lusk, and on the south side between Bray and Kingstown, 
 where it attracts attention by its form and plumage, and is 
 well known upon these coasts by the name of sawbilled 
 widgeon. 
 
 On the authority of an ornithological friend, a flock, con- 
 sisting of fifteen of these birds, was observed during summer 
 frequenting daily a small cove on the Galway coast, and from 
 inquiries they were believed to nidify on some of the lakes 
 in the neighbourhood, as they were observed morning and 
 evening flying in a " string" or line to and from the direction 
 of the fresh- water lakes. Described by our informant as pre- 
 senting an exceedingly beautiful appearance whilst feeding 
 on the water, swimming gracefully, and diving with the 
 greatest rapidity over a sandy shoal where sand-eels were 
 known to frequent in abundance, their appearance was en- 
 hanced by flocks of " jourougs" (common terns), all screaming 
 the incessant call peculiar to the terns whilst feeding, and 
 each instant some of the flock flashing in the air, and disap- 
 pearing under the water in the midst of the mergansers. To 
 the fishermen in the vicinity they were well known by their 
 familiar name of sawbills. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 210 THE GOOSANDER. 
 
 Mergus merganser. Linn. 
 Harle grand. Temm. 
 
 Dun Diver. 
 
 THE GOOSANDER, the rarest of our three mergansers, is, as 
 the smew, only a winter visitant, but occurs in much more 
 
GOOSANDER. TIPPET GREBE. 217 
 
 limited numbers than that species. Rarely obtained, an oc- 
 casional specimen in the unobtrusive plumage of the female 
 may appear in the markets of the city, but, very irregular in 
 their occurrence, a period of ten years often elapses before 
 they are again remarked, and then, as if making amends for 
 their long disappearance, they occur in large flocks widely 
 dispersed over the island. Thus, in the winter of 1849, as 
 many as eleven of these birds were received by Mr. Glennon, 
 all of which were obtained on inland lakes and rivers. At 
 the same season a richly coloured adult male and a female 
 came into our own possession, shot out of a flock of twenty 
 birds on the Shannon, near Limerick ; other birds were ob- 
 tained on small mountain lochs in Wicklow, and on rivers in 
 the south of Ireland. 
 
 One pair shot by a gamekeeper were described by him to 
 have been much annoyed by moor buzzards whilst on the 
 water, both birds diving to avoid them when stooped at. 
 When newly killed the adult male of this species exhibits a 
 very beautiful appearance, in the admirable contrast of the 
 rich buff orange colour of the breast and abdomen, with the 
 velvetty black mantle, and the vermillion of the bill and legs. 
 The females of this family exhibit nearly as uniform an ap- 
 pearance in the dull and unobtrusive tints of their plumage, 
 to all of which the name of dun diver has been indifferently 
 applied. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVII COLYMBIDISLE (DIVERS). 
 
 GENUS GIL PODTCIPIN^: (GREBES). 
 SPECIES 211 THE TIPPET GREBE. 
 
 Podiceps cristatus. Selby. 
 Grebe huppe. Temm. 
 
 Crested Grebe. 
 
 OF the various natatorial tribes found tenanting the inland 
 lakes and seas around our island, none are so deserving of 
 attention, or so interesting in their habits, as the curious 
 family of the grebes. The backward position and curious 
 structure of the feet, the flat, compressed shape of the body, 
 and the shortness of the wings (which in a great measure for- 
 ward their sub -aquatic evolutions), together with the fact 
 
218 COLYMBIDIN.E. 
 
 that the contents of the stomach is usually found augmented 
 by a mass of their own feathers, perhaps render the family 
 the most interesting of all our aquatic birds. 
 
 The crested grebe is not an uncommon species in Ireland, 
 and perhaps occurs in greater numbers than in either of the 
 sister kingdoms, in consequence of the greater number and 
 extent of lakes, marshy grounds, and other suitable localities 
 adapted to its habits. Seldom observed or captured in the 
 vicinity of the shore, it frequents the neighbourhood of large 
 rivers, lakes, and sometimes artificial waters. 
 
 Six specimens of the tippet grebe, obtained in various loca- 
 lities in the island, and in our possession, exhibit the different 
 changes from the immature plumage of the young to the 
 richly crested birds of the breeding season. One of those 
 obtained in February, 1848, on a river in Kildare, exhibited 
 so curious a change of plumage in the entire breast, being 
 spotted with black, and the tertials with round spots of a 
 similar colour, that we forwarded it (through the kindness of 
 Dr. Frere of London) to W. Yarrell, Esq., for his critical 
 examination, the purport of which, expressed in a letter to 
 us, was, that it was an immature bird in a very unusual stage 
 of plumage. 
 
 In consequence of the backward position of the feet, these 
 birds exhibit an exceedingly awkward motion when on land, 
 walking forward with difficulty for a few feet, and then sud- 
 denly squatting down, although several living ornithologists 
 have denied the grebes the power of walking, and only allow 
 them the capability of shuffling along like a seal. 
 
 We have observed, on several occasions, both the crested 
 and little grebes walk for a short distance equally as well, and 
 more upright, than many other natatorial birds. However, 
 it is only on the water the peculiar powers of this species are 
 brought into action. Quick and vigilant in all its motions, 
 it is almost an impossibility to procure a specimen ; as the 
 least noise causes it to dive and re -appear at an almost incre- 
 dible distance, when the head is slightly exposed over the 
 water. As an instance of the difficulty, Air. Selby mentions 
 once giving chase to a crested grebe on one of the small lakes 
 near Rotterdam, which occasioned an hour and a half's severe 
 exertion to approach within range of gunshot, although the 
 boat had the assistance of a sail with a fair wind, and was 
 manned with able and accustomed rowers. Of the majority 
 of the specimens we have examined, the greater part were 
 obtained by wounds in the head and neck. 
 
 The locality chosen for nidifying by the crested grebe is . 
 
THE TIPPET GREBE. 219 
 
 the vicinity of close, impervious reed-beds, and other luxurious 
 aquatic herbage. The nest is composed of decayed plants, 
 reeds, and grasses. Exceedingly large and bulky in structure, 
 it is sometimes destroyed by the sudden overflowing of the 
 lake or river in the vicinity. The eggs are very much elon- 
 gated, and average from two to four in number, in colour 
 greenish-white, but more usually dark brown, caused by the 
 colouring properties of the decaying herbage. The inside of 
 the eggs, when their contents are emptied, exhibit a rich and 
 beautiful green. 
 
 A habit of this bird, and of the water hen, consists in co- 
 vering the eggs with flags and reeds when the female leaves 
 the nest to obtain food, from which cause the old writers on 
 natural history believed that the eggs were hatched by that 
 means, the fermentation of the herbage causing such an in- 
 crease of temperature as to hatch them. 
 
 On the approach of the breeding season we observe a con- 
 siderable increase of those nuptial plumes about the neck for 
 which the entire family of grebes are remarkable, and from 
 which ornament no less than three species derive their name 
 the crested, horned, and eared grebes. 
 
 To this beautiful bird the fair sex are indebted for a pe- 
 culiar and elegant resemblance of fur, for which reason it is 
 well known to furriers as the u tippet grebe," the silvery and 
 glossy skin of the breast alone being used for that purpose. 
 Ireland, however, furnishes but a small number, the majority 
 being procured from the northern parts of Europe and Ame- 
 rica. Commonly exposed for sale by the furriers of the city, 
 they are said to have been obtained from Switzerland, on the 
 lakes of which country they occur in considerable abundance, 
 and are much sought for, as we are informed by Degland, a 
 bird sells at Geneva for six or eight francs.* 
 
 Although from their general appearance the grebes could 
 not be expected to possess any great means of flight, yet they 
 fly with great rapidity, using quick, short flaps of the wings ; 
 and by Audubon, in America, they have been observed pro- 
 ceeding through the air in flocks of from five to fifty. 
 
 The food of this species consists of small fishes and frogs, 
 with a large proportion of coleopterous insects and small 
 river shell -fish, all of which are found in the stomach, inter- 
 mingled with the feathers of the bird. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeerme. 
 
220 COLYMBIDIKUE. 
 
 SPECIES 212 THE RED-NECKED GREBE. 
 
 Podiceps rubricollis. Latham. 
 
 Grebe jou gris. Temin. 
 
 THE RED-NECKED GREBE, very limited in its occurrence, 
 has only been obtained in four or five instances in different 
 portions of the island, all of which were procured, for the 
 most part, during severe weather, or after the prevalence of 
 easterly winds. 
 
 Two of those coming under our own notice, one in the col- 
 lection of T. W. Warren, Esq., of this city, obtained in Wex- 
 ford, and the other in immature plumage, shot on Sandymount 
 marsh, near Dublin, after some days of intense frost, on 
 the 26th of January, 1848, is preserved in our collection. 
 The irides of this specimen exhibited a curious departure 
 from the prevalent red colour observable in the other grebes, 
 being in the present instance of a bright primrose yellow. On 
 dissection the stomach was found without any of the usual 
 lining of feathers, and contained only a slimy matter of a bril- 
 liant green colour. 
 
 In England this species is also of great rarity, and, as in 
 our island, is only a winter visitant. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 213 THE HORNED GREBE. 
 
 Podiceps cornutus. Selby. 
 
 Grebe cornu. Temm. 
 
 Dusky Grebe. 
 
 THIS beautiful species, in the rich plumage which distin- 
 guishes it during the breeding season, has never been ob- 
 tained in Ireland, its occurrence being limited to its occasional 
 appearance in the unobtrusive garb of winter. Similar to the 
 tippet grebe, we observe the same unsullied whiteness of the 
 plumage of the breast and abdomen, and the contents of 
 the stomach filled in like manner with the feathers of the 
 bird. 
 
 Of considerable rarity, the occurrence of the horned grebe 
 is extremely irregular, many birds appearing during one 
 winter, and a length of time elapsing before they are again 
 observed. Like the red-necked grebe, it is also an attendant 
 upon the rigours and severity of winter, as three specimens 
 purchased by ourselves from the hawkers of wild-fowl, during 
 
EARED GREBE. LITTLE GREBE. 22 1 
 
 different years, were either after the continuance of snow or 
 frost, and in all instances were obtained in the inland lakes 
 and rivers. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 214 THE EARED GREBE. 
 Podiceps auritus. Selby. 
 Grebe oriellard. Temm. 
 
 Dusky Grebe. 
 
 THE elegantly formed eared grebe is almost of ecpial rarity 
 with the red-necked, having only been obtained in seven or 
 eight instances, two of which occurred in the attractive and 
 richly coloured plumage of the summer : one of these was 
 shot by C. Cottrel, Esq., on the Royal Canal, near Dublin, 
 in the month of June, 1847 ; it subsequently came into our 
 possession through the kindness of Mr. R. Glennon, to whom 
 that gentleman presented it. The contents of the stomach, 
 which we examined in company with Mr. Thompson, exhi- 
 bited a most beautiful appearance, and on comparison with 
 thirteen stomachs of different species examined at the same 
 time, the present one was entirely filled with the remains of 
 coleopterous insects, which glittered in the brightest manner 
 through the sand and feathers it contained ; at the time of 
 capture two large beetles were found in the throat. Its mo- 
 tions in the water were described by the shooter as both 
 graceful and elegant, diving with the utmost rapidity of mo- 
 tion, and remaining a considerable time beneath the surface. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 215 THE LITTLE GREBE. 
 
 Podiceps minor. Jard. 
 Grebe castagneux. Temm. 
 
 Dabchick. Black-chin Grebe. 
 
 THIS little species, the smallest of the family, and the most 
 common in its occurrence, is a resident during all seasons, 
 frequenting pools near rivers, mill-ponds, and common on all 
 the lakes of the island. 
 
 Attracting no attention by any elegance of form or colour- 
 ing, the little grebe is as unpretending as it is unobtrusive, 
 and from its aquatic life and the timidity of its habits is but 
 rarely noticed by the casual observer. 
 
 Indifferent to locality during winter, it appears in Dublin 
 Bay either singly or in pairs, and ventures close to the 
 
222 COLYMBIDIN^E. 
 
 shore. One of its most favourite haunts in the neighbourhood 
 of Dublin is along the Liffey between Palmer stown and 
 Lucan, where in summer it breeds under the sheltered 
 aquatic herbage afforded by the banks. We have also ob- 
 served pairs during summer frequenting the delightful scenery 
 of the Boyne, between Slane and Beauparc, where they ap- 
 pear wild and easily alarmed, from the boatmen passing on 
 the neighbouring canal pelting them with clods of turf. 
 
 Several instances of this interesting little bird in confine- 
 ment have come under our notice, two specimens, which were 
 for a short time in the possession of Mr. Glennon, and one in 
 our possession, purchased from a fisherman who entangled it 
 in his net, afforded the greatest amusement by its curious 
 habits. Becoming in a short time very tame, when placed 
 upon a tub of water it dived, and disported itself as well as 
 its limits permitted, and captured, without any exertion, the 
 minnow which had been placed for its food, at last becoming 
 so familiar as to look upward when the fish was suspended 
 by the tail, and diving after it when it entered the water ; 
 when lifted out it paddled along the floor in the most amusing 
 manner, after every few feet traversed squatting down to rest ; 
 no way timid when placed on the breakfast table, it never 
 attempted to move until taken away to enjoy its morning 
 bath. Leaving shortly after for England, and fearing some 
 casualty might happen to our amusing pet, we presented it to 
 Dr. Ball, for the Zoological Garden, Phoenix Park. 
 
 With the little grebe we seldom observe any feathers in the 
 contents of the stomach, like those of the preceding species ; 
 in the stomach of one, presented by a friend, we found as 
 many as five perfect specimens of the shell Paludina tentacu- 
 lata (P. impura, Lam.) 
 
 Very common on the lakes in the county of Mayo, several 
 ornithological friends have been considerably amused by ob- 
 serving its habits in localities* where, although not molested 
 by man, its powers of eluding attention are exerted to the 
 utmost in evading the clutches of its determined pursuer, the 
 hen-harrier. This hawk has been repeatedly observed skim- 
 ming along close to the water, and attentively watching the 
 appearance of one of these birds, which it no sooner does than, 
 approaching as near as possible, it stoops downwards to the 
 place where the dabchick has just dived to avoid its enemy ; 
 still fancying the bird there, the legs of the hen-harrier are 
 often lowered in the water as far as the tarsi, after which it 
 
 * Talbot Jones, Esq. 
 
LITTLE GREBE RED-THROATED DIVER. 223 
 
 again observes the grebe at some little distance, when the 
 same scene is enacted, until the spoiler wings away disap- 
 pointed in its object. At other times a pair of hen-harriers 
 endeavour to weary out a water-hen or dabchick, by striking 
 at it each time it emerges after diving. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS CIII. COLYMBUS (DIVER). 
 
 SPECIES 216 THE RED-THROATED DIVER. 
 
 Colymbus septentrionalis. Linn. 
 Plongeon cat marin ou a gorge rouge. Temm. 
 
 Galrush. Speckled Diver. Second Speckled Diver. 
 
 THE RED-THROATED DIVER, the most common of the birds 
 composed in the family, is a regular winter visitant to our 
 shores, and usually appears towards the end of October in the 
 Bay of Dublin. Widely distributed around the bays and es- 
 tuaries of the island, it occurs in considerable numbers on 
 the east and western coast of Ireland, and in favourite situa- 
 tions may constantly be observed whilst feeding or swimming. 
 The most favourite haunt of the red-throated diver in 
 Dublin Bay is the vicinity of the Poolbeg oyster-bank, a lo- 
 cality situated within a short distance of the roadside leading 
 to the Pigeon House Fort, and where one or two pairs may 
 be observed at all times. Heedless of the inclemency of the 
 weather, we have observed them diving, and successfully 
 fishing during a heavy fall of snow, and apparently took as 
 much pleasure as if they were enjoying the warmth of an 
 autumn sun, in which they also delight. At times so eager 
 in the pursuit of its finny prey as to venture up rivers deep- 
 ened by the accession of the tide, it disregards the falling 
 of the water until the shallows become exposed, when its 
 large size, and hurried impatience to regain the deep water, 
 attract an observation fatal to itself, as in two instances red- 
 throated divers were killed under similar circumstances upon 
 the Dodder river. In one instance the u galrush" (local name) 
 was pelted to death by boys who forded the river and pre- 
 vented all passage downwards, the bird endeavouring to 
 escape by diving, and never once attempting to take wing. 
 Frequently entangled in the fishermen's nets whilst pursuing 
 its prey, a very beautiful specimen at one time in Mr. Glen- 
 non's possession, and in the plumage of the second speckled 
 diver, was thus captured, and exhibited considerable tame- 
 ness, allowing the body to be stroked with the greatest fami- 
 
224 COLYMBIDINJE, 
 
 liarity, and never attempting to strike with the bill, or to 
 utter any cry. 
 
 Having on two occasions observed birds of this species on 
 the wing, few exhibited an appearance so ludicrous, the long 
 neck, as in a similar manner to the cormorants, being held 
 stretched out from them in the stiifest manner possible. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 217 THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER. 
 
 Colymbus arcticus. Linn. 
 Plongeon lumme ou a gorge noir. Temm. 
 
 Lesser Imber. 
 
 THIS beautiful species, in the adult male plumage, is by far 
 the rarest of the divers in its occurrence in Ireland, only two 
 instances in that stage of plumage having been obtained. 
 Of nearly equal rarity in the plumage of the lesser imber, 
 one specimen was obtained in the winter of 1831 by Dr. J. D. 
 Marshall on Lough Neagh, accompanied by two of the red- 
 throated species, also obtained : they were remarked by that 
 discerning ornithologist to have been very tame when com- 
 pared with brent geese, cormorants, and other sea-fowl.* 
 
 In October, 1850, we succeeded in obtaining a fine speci- 
 men in similar plumage, which was shot between Howth and 
 Kingstown, after an arduous chase from where it was first 
 observed in Dalkey Sound. The marking of the neck differs 
 from Dr. Marshall's specimen" in being closely mottled with 
 black, the feathers when raised showing deep black under- 
 neath. On examination of the contents of the stomach, it 
 contained the remains of sprats and other small fishes. The 
 flesh, a portion of which was cooked, was extremely well- 
 flavoured, and differed considerably from that of the great 
 northern diver, preserved at the same time by Mr. Glennon. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 218 THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 
 
 Colymbus glacialis. Linn. 
 
 Plongeon imbrim. Temm. 
 
 Imber. 
 
 THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, attractive both from its large 
 size and elegant appearance, occurs very nearly in the same 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 225 
 
 proportion upon our eastern coast as the red-throated diver, 
 and appears similarly distributed upon the western. 
 
 Frequenting during summer and breeding for the most 
 part along the ice-bound coast of Labrador and Iceland, it 
 is only in winter that it seeks a refuge from the severity 
 of those regions, and obtains the shelter afforded by our bays 
 and estuaries. 
 
 Vigilant and shy, diving with celerity, and swimming with 
 the utmost rapidity, its watchfulness seldom permits the near 
 approach of any suspicious object, but it at once sinks par- 
 tially and exposes only the line of the back and head over 
 the water ; if pursued it exerts its admirable locomotive 
 power, and advances with immense speed, a consequence at 
 which we need scarcely wonder when we recollect its adap- 
 tation to the element on which it lives. This beautiful adap- 
 tation we observe peculiar to the Divers in the flattened form 
 of the body and the admirable mechanism of the foot, the mem- 
 brane of which can be closed preparatory to each stroke, and 
 the thin knife-like tarsi, which offer not the slightest resis- 
 tance to impede its motion. 
 
 In Dublin Bay the great northern diver is a frequent visi- 
 tant during winter, and there are few days that one or two 
 may not be observed swimming and feeding similarly to the 
 red-throated species. A very perfect adult male in our pos- 
 session was captured on the Wexford coast after a u fresh" 
 from the sea of two or three days' continuance ; its captor ob- 
 served it struggling in the breakers, and after many unsuc- 
 cessful attempts to regain the deep water outside, it was flung 
 exhausted upon the shingle of the beach, and expired after a 
 few struggles. On dissection it was found to have been suffer- 
 ing from an internal wound previously received. 
 
 In conversation with Mr. Glennon on the occurrence of 
 this species, we were informed that in the course of his prac- 
 tice he had received specimens which had been found dead 
 in various inland situations, some at a distance of forty 
 miles from the nearest sea ; on the same authority several of 
 these birds were observed rising from the water, apparently 
 without the slightest difficulty, and flying with rapidity to- 
 wards their great feeding station on the west coast at Achill 
 Sound. A bird of this species at one time in the possession 
 of W. R. Patten, Esq., of Galway, became so extremely tame 
 as to allow of its being earned to a pond in the neighbour- 
 hood, where it dived and disported itself in the most amusing 
 manner, in no instance ever attempting to molest the fish 
 with which the pond was well stocked. Its cry was described 
 Q 
 
226 ALCADJE. 
 
 as a loud, melancholy wail, and heard at a considerable dis- 
 tance ; it died, however, some time after from the effects of 
 a wound received in the head. 
 
 The loud, howling cry of the northern diver has been no- 
 ticed by many of its observers,* who have heard it during 
 the day and at night-time. An ornithological friendf who 
 visited the great Skellig Rocks on the coast of Kerry, during 
 the autumn of 1850, described in a vivid manner the effect 
 produced upon himself and the boatmen he had hired for the 
 passage. On account of the wind blowing freshly off shore 
 they had been belated beyond their expectations, which was 
 furthered by its action against the long swell of the Atlantic 
 rolling in shore its long, heavy waves. An old fisherman 
 related the accident to a young lad who unsuccessfully en- 
 deavoured to kiss the cross placed upon a pinnacle of the rock, 
 and who, failing in the attempt, was dashed to pieces upon 
 the pointed crags below. As the fisherman ended, amidst the 
 silence of the party, a loud thrilling howl sounded clear and 
 distinct from the sea behind them, and, after a short silence, 
 a similar wail echoed along the approaching shore, in all pro- 
 bability the mate of the first bird. The feeling that per- 
 vaded the party, although not fear, yet was so akin to it that 
 not a word escaped from any until the boat was drawn upon 
 the beach. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVIIL ALCADJS (AUKS). 
 
 GENUS CIV. URIA (GUILLEMOT). 
 
 SPECIES 219 THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. 
 
 Uria troile. Linn. 
 
 Guillemot a capuchin. Temm. 
 
 Foolish Guillemot. Sea Murre. 
 
 THE FOOLISH GUILLEMOT, as it is generally denominated, is 
 abundant upon our coasts during summer, and is one of those 
 species imparting the greatest bustle and life to the rocky 
 headlands and precipices frequented by them. Thus, locali- 
 ties which a few weeks previously exhibited the utmost appear - 
 
 * Thompson; Macgillivray.] tM. F. Le Garde. 
 
THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. 227 
 
 ance of bleakness, now teem with the animation produced by 
 thousands of these birds. 
 
 Sitting closely along a ledge of rock, no matter how 
 elevated over the sea, they impart all the appearance of 
 being ranged in file ; or, as they have been compared by the 
 Manksmen, resembling an apothecary's shop, the even 
 ledges of the rock, the shelves, and the birds, the pots; 
 whilst on the least alarm the entire range of birds sweep 
 downward in a line to the sea. Very common in Dublin Bay, 
 we have on several occasions observed them during the dusk 
 of evening, swimming without the least alarm amidst the ves- 
 sels at anchor on the quays, and also in small parties, 
 from five to a dozen, feeding about the entrance of the har- 
 bour. Such successful divers are they, and rapacious feeders, 
 that twenty-five herring-fry have been counted in the con- 
 tents of a stomach examined. Congregated in parties from 
 eight to thirty, they evince the utmost amicability towards 
 each other, fishing and winging their way in small flocks to 
 and from their breeding haunts. 
 
 Around the Dublin coast they occur in considerable num- 
 bers, increasing as we approach their grand breeding places 
 on the island of Lambay, where, occupying every flat ledge 
 or table of the rocky face on the eastern side, their eggs are 
 deposited upon the bare rock, and are collected by a man tied 
 to a rope, or lowered over the cliffs in a basket, whence they 
 are forwarded in small quantities for sale to the markets of 
 the city. Of these we might remark Swift lost a subject in 
 not having seen in his day a heap of guillemot's eggs, attrac- 
 tive from twenty varied colours, supporting the portentous 
 announcement of an " arrival of fresh American turkey eggs, 
 twopence each." If " murder could out" in that instance, the 
 unfortunate birds, which in many cases were enclosed within 
 the sh'ell, would unanimously have repudiated their foreign 
 appellation. On inquiry at one house where they were dis- 
 posed of, we were informed that they were well liked, but 
 were rather u strong" ! or had the " tack" of the voyage. De- 
 scribed by Audubon, we have an excursion after the eggs 
 of these birds,* where his boat returned laden with 2500 
 eggs, of which he writes : " They afford excellent food, 
 being highly nutritious and palatable, whether boiled, roasted, 
 poached, or in omelets." After such excellent authority 
 we must allow at least the name " American turkey eggs""! 
 to remain. 
 
 * Jardine. 
 Q2 
 
228 
 
 During winter the guillemot occurs very sparingly upon 
 the Dublin coast, and at that season appears wilder, and fre- 
 quents the outside of the bay, which, perhaps, accounts for 
 the number of those birds found in a dead state upon the 
 coast after the prevalence of any gale of wind. During the 
 same season single birds have been obtained by Mr. Thomas 
 AVatters along the Malahide strand, in every instance with 
 the feathers and flesh of the neck picked completely off, but 
 no other portion of the body injured. Whether this had 
 been occasioned by the great black -backed gulls, which fre- 
 quent this coast in numbers, or by fish, we were unable to 
 determine, but in all probability it was the former. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 220 THE BRIDLED GUILLEMOT. 
 
 Uria lachrymans. Yarr. 
 Guillemot bride. Temm. 
 
 THIS rare guillemot, which the research of the last few years 
 has separated as a distinct species from the common, is of 
 great rarity in its occurrence, as only two specimens have 
 been obtained in Ireland, one of which, shot at Dingle, 
 county of Kerry, was obtained by Mr. Chute, of Blennerville,* 
 and the other was shot by a boating party off the Giant's 
 Cause way. f 
 
 In a conversation with William Yarrell, Esq., one of its 
 first describers, he expressed his belief that both the bridled 
 and thick-billed guillemots were occasionally to be found 
 about the western coasts of our island, and escaped attention 
 from their similarity to the common species ; and although 
 he had examined a large number of specimens obtained in 
 various shooting excursions at one of their great breeding 
 haunts, on the south coast of England, on the rocky cliffs of 
 the Isle of Wight, he in no instance observed either species. 
 
 An allied species, the thick-billed guillemotf ( Uria Bruni- 
 chii, Saline) is believed to have been recognised in flight 
 at the caves of Ballybunian, on the coast of Kerry. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson. t Ibid. 
 
THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. 229 
 
 SPECIES 221 THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. 
 
 Uria grylle. Selby. 
 Guillemot a miroir blanc. Temm. 
 
 Greenland Dove. Rock Dove. 
 
 THE elegant black guillemot differs considerably in its dis- 
 tribution from the common species, and is much more local 
 and limited in its numbers. 
 
 Of rarity in its occurrence in Dublin Bay, we seldom meet 
 with it until we approach Howth and Ireland's Eye, where it 
 increases along the coast from pairs to small flocks, until we 
 reach Lambay, where, from notes of their occurrence during 
 various years, we estimate that between 100 and 150 birds 
 annually incubate. The eggs we have never succeeded in 
 obtaining from that locality, although Dr. Hans Lloyd, of 
 Malahide, has informed us of having received eggs thence. 
 With the quantities of guillemots' eggs, forwarded to Dublin 
 from the west coast of Ireland, those of the black guillemot, 
 or puffin, are very rarely observed. 
 
 At one time coasting the south-eastern extremity of Lam- 
 bay, in the month of July, the boatmen directed our attention 
 to a ledge occupied by nine rock doves, the local name of the 
 species, which were described by our informants to have had 
 nests in the clefts behind, it being a habit of the species to 
 sun themselves after flying from the sea ; their eggs were 
 described as very difficult of access from the dangerous situa- 
 tions in which they breed. With the aid of a telescope their 
 beautiful motions were plainly discernible, and admirable 
 they appeared, their black plumage and white wing-patch 
 contrasting with the reddish colour of the cliffs. A specimen 
 shot the same day, in breeding plumage, exhibited a rich vio- 
 let hue which overspread the entire plumage, in appearance 
 similar to the roseate tint observable on Sterna Dougallii 
 when newly killed. 
 
 On the west coast Mr. Glennon describes them as common, 
 exhibiting the greatest tameness, diving almost under the 
 bow and side of the luggers plying in the Sound of Achill. 
 During winter it is never observed there, nor has it occurred 
 to our own observation upon the eastern side, although by 
 Mr. Thompson it was found, during all seasons, in the north 
 of Ireland. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
230 ALCADJE. 
 
 GENUS CV. MERGULUS (LITTLE AUK). 
 
 SPECIES 222 THE LITTLE AUK. 
 
 Mergulus alle. Jardine. 
 Macareux moine. Temra. 
 
 Rotche. 
 
 THIS species, although not of actual rarity, is one of unusual 
 occurrence, and when obtained it is only after the preva- 
 lence of high winds or storms, when driven in to seek 
 the protection afforded by the coast, which in most instances 
 is useless, as they have usually been found dead in the 
 most central portions of the island, remote from any sea, and 
 killed by the violence of the weather. 
 
 Breeding in high northern latitudes, they occur in countless 
 numbers, as at Spitzbergen, " supplying the ships' com- 
 pany with a variation of food," and described by Captain 
 Beechy in his voyage to the North Pole : u So numerous, 
 that we have frequently seen an uninterrupted line of them, 
 extending full halfway over the bay, or to a distance of more 
 than three miles, and so close together, that thirty have fallen 
 at one shot. This living column, on an average, might have 
 been about six yards broad, and as many deep. There must 
 have been at least four millions of birds on the wing at one 
 time."* 
 
 Very rare during summer, one instance obtained upon the 
 Galway coast at that season, in adult male plumage, has come 
 under our notice. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS CVI. ALCA (AUK). 
 SPECIES 223 THE GEE AT AUK. 
 
 Alca impennis. Linn. 
 Pingouin brachyptere. Temm/ 
 
 THIS rare auk, reminding us by its appearance of those stately- 
 looking penguins which frequent in such abundance the Ant- 
 arctic islands of America, is of the rarest occurrence in our 
 island, only two or three instances of its capture having been 
 noticed. Of considerable size, its power of progression is 
 limited alone to the water, the shortness of its wings rendering 
 it incapable of flight ; and from the backward position of the 
 
 * Jardine. 
 
GREAT AUK. RAZOR-BILL. 231 
 
 legs (or the entire tarsi on which it rests) it stands erect and 
 stately. From a specimen obtained on the Waterford coast, 
 we are indebted to Mr. Thompson for the following interesting 
 notice : " It was received by Dr. Burkitt, of Waterford, on 
 the 7th of September, 1834, from Mr. R. Davis, Jim., of 
 Clonmel, who stated it had been taken in the preceding 
 month of May (by the fisherman from whom he purchased 
 it), at a short distance from the shore, at the mouth of Wa- 
 terford harbour, off Ballymacaw. According to its captor it 
 was apparently almost starved. When in his yawl, off the 
 coast, he saw the auk swimming about near him, and held 
 out some sprats, for which it came close to the boat. It was 
 taken with little difficulty. He kept it for some days, feeding 
 it chiefly with potatoes mashed in milk, which were partaken 
 of greedily. After having the bird for ten days he sold it to 
 Mr. Davis, by whom it was sent to Mr. Grough of Horetown, 
 county Wexford, where it lived for about four months. For 
 a considerable time, perhaps three weeks, it was not known 
 to eat anything at its new destination, but potatoes and milk 
 were then forced down its throat, from which time it ate vo- 
 raciously until the day before its death. This auk stood very 
 erect, and frequently stroked its head with its foot, especially 
 when any favourite food was presented. When in Mr. Gough's 
 possession it was chiefly fed upon fish, of which fresh-water 
 species (trout, &c.) were preferred to sea-fish ; they were 
 swallowed entire. It was rather fierce." 
 
 Breeding in remote northern latitudes, the eggs are ob- 
 tained with great difficulty, and are of greater value than 
 those of any species with which we are acquainted. Two 
 observed in the possession of M. Lefebre, Quai Malaquai, 
 Paris, were valued at 144 francs each (6), and plaster casts, 
 painted to resemble the original, were valued from ten to 
 fifteen francs. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 224 THE RAZOR-BILL. 
 
 Alca tor da. Linn. 
 Pingouin macroptere. 
 
 THE RAZOR-BILL nearly equals the guillemot in its numbers 
 and distribution around the shores of the island, and closely 
 resembles that bird in habits, amicably frequenting the same 
 ledge on the face of the rock, where it deposits its single egg, 
 enormously disproportionate to the size of the bird, and often 
 in situations at an immense altitude over the ocean. Inte- 
 
232 ALCADJE. 
 
 resting in its habits from the associations connected with it, 
 the razor-bill is an attendant upon the lofty precipices which 
 occur around our island, and is equally abundant about the 
 basaltic columns of the north as the granite ranges of the 
 western coast. Observed and studied in their solitary breeding 
 haunts, few can form the most remote idea of the magnificence 
 which greets the observer in the neighbourhood of a breeding 
 station. Flocks of various species, flying in long strings 
 close to the water, and, rising on the wing as they approach 
 the cliffs, all settle without the slightest noise ; bending over, 
 we observe them ranged in lines along each flat tabular pro- 
 jection, preening their feathers, and sitting upright hatching 
 their single egg. The outer rocks at the base we observe 
 white and spotless, covered with hundreds of sea-gulls, in such 
 contrast with the black side of the rock, as it were overspread 
 with snow, outrivalling the white foam of the waves which 
 surround it ; lines of cormorants stoop forward, in their pe- 
 culiar manner of standing like so many projecting ornaments 
 on a balustrade. There is no alarm or disturbance to intrude 
 upon this carnival of the breeding season ; but let a gun be 
 discharged, and instantly the entire precipice seems alive : 
 hundreds of guillemots, razor-biUs, and puffins glancing down- 
 wards to the water, flocks of cormorants, with their long necks 
 outstretched, fly off close to the water's edge, and settling 
 down when sufficiently remote from danger ; whilst at the 
 same instant, like ten thousand snowflakes, kittiwakes (viewed 
 from the distance above) wheel round in circles, their con- 
 fused screaming scarcely distinguishable from the seething of 
 the ocean. Overhead some patriarchal raven croaks hoarsely 
 and angrily at our intrusion, whilst four or five kestrels appear 
 on their motionless wings like so many fixed objects against 
 the sky ; each pinnacle of the rock is surmounted by a troop 
 of jackdaws, their sidelong looks directed upon us, and chat- 
 tering loudly, as if to silence the harsh grating cry of the 
 starlings beside them. 
 
 Beautiful as such a sight must be, however imperfect in its 
 description, it is pitiable when we reflect upon those solitudes 
 invaded by boats full of persons who form parties to destroy 
 those birds, offering neither an opportunity to display the 
 skill of the shooter, nor, when shot, of the slightest value as 
 an article of food. Unfortunately, never glutted by destroy- 
 ing, they cover the sea with their quivering forms, causing at 
 the same time the loss of the lives of young depending upon 
 the parent birds. Much as writers may object to the battue 
 of game in an over-stocked preserve, yet there is a possible 
 
RAZOR-BILL PUFFIN. 233 
 
 excuse to plead in one case, as game birds are shot at a time 
 when the young are not dependent upon them, and when shot 
 are of value as an article of food. 
 
 Even were the habits of these birds otherwise than harm- 
 less, their wanton destruction is pitiable, and if a particle of 
 the strictness extended over the care of a few game were 
 used in the prevention of these excesses, all might be reme- 
 died, of which, as remarked in a correspondence with Mr. 
 Thompson, the owners of rocky islets and headlands, where 
 those birds frequent to breed, are highly culpable in permit- 
 ting such slaughter upon their property, places where in a 
 few years whole species will be extirpated, and known only 
 as occasional visitants to the island. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS CVII. FRATERCULA (PUFFIN). 
 
 SPECIES 225 THE PUFFIN. 
 
 Fratercula Arctica. Stephens. 
 
 Guillemot nain. Temm. 
 
 Sea Parrot. Colliaheen. 
 
 THE curious little puffin exhibits one of the most extraordi- 
 nary appearances of any of the birds in the family, as the bill 
 is enormously developed for the size of the bird. Although 
 it is a common species, the puffin offers no proportion to the 
 immense numbers of the razor-bills or guillemots in whose 
 company it is found. Breeding, like them, in communities, it 
 differs in the situation selected to nidify, as it chooses the 
 deserted burrow of a rabbit, or a hole excavated by the bird, 
 at the bottom of which their young are successfully hatched. 
 When holes in the earth are not obtainable, the puffin occa- 
 sionally selects clefts and fissures in the face of the precipice, at 
 the entrance of which they are often observed standing. Dis- 
 playing more activity on the wing and in the water than the 
 other birds of the family, the puffin offers many inducements 
 to observe its habits. Immediately on its arrival in spring 
 the breeding haunts are occupied, from which, like the razor- 
 bill, it seldom is found at a distance. Frequenting prin- 
 cipally the northern side of Lambay Island, on one occasion, 
 when a single bird was fired at, five or six issued from diffe- 
 rent clefts and sought the protection of the sea. In similar 
 situations on the west coast they occur in numbers, where 
 they are known by the familiar appellation ot " colliaheen," 
 or old woman, from their singularly old-fashioned appearance. 
 
234 PELTCANIDJE. 
 
 In those localities the young birds are described to be much 
 persecuted by the scald crow (Corvus comix), who watch from 
 above and carry them off during the parent's absence.* 
 
 Best known on. the eastern coast by the name of " sea 
 parrot," they were at one time the subject of a clever hoax 
 upon some of the sober citizens of Dublin, who were desirous 
 to obtain a tropical luxury at an unusually cheap rate. Some 
 two or three dozen sea parrots having been captured, were 
 exposed for sale at Carlisle Bridge, under the attractive ap- 
 pellation of East Indian parrots, and where they were readily 
 disposed of at an average of from two to five shillings each, 
 the purchasers receiving a gratuitous caution to be careful in 
 handling them, as they were inclined to bite, an accomplish- 
 ment with which the puffin is " au fait." It is needless tore- 
 mark, a diet of bread and water but ill agreed with the poor 
 puffins, and all perished from hunger. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XXXIX. PELICANID^ (PELICANS). 
 
 GENUS CVIII PHALACRACORAX (CORMORANT). 
 
 SPECIES 226 THE COMMON CORMORANT. 
 
 Phalacracorax carbo. Jard. 
 ; Cormoran grand. Teinm. 
 
 THIS common bird is resident on our coasts, and frequently 
 to be met with in our bays and estuaries, generally attracting 
 notice from its large size and dark colour. 
 
 In some localities it is seen in considerable numbers, and 
 even in our own bay can be observed during all seasons. As 
 may be supposed from the form of the feet, and their distance 
 behind, the cormorant is an excellent swimmer, and dives 
 with great rapidity. Its food consists of small fishes, floun- 
 ders, eels, and herrings. Indeed the cormorant is not parti- 
 cularly discriminating in its choice, and when fishing, wisely 
 adheres to the adage, " first come first served." 
 
 When swimming, the cormorant is easily distinguished from 
 all aquatic birds by its long, upright neck, and a great portion 
 of the body immersed, which, when alarmed, is sunk in the 
 water so as to leave little more than the head visible. 
 
 * Mr. T. W. Hopkins. 
 
THE COMMON CORMORANT. 235 
 
 The flight of this species is very rapid, and is performed 
 with quickly repeated beats of the comparatively small wings, 
 flying at a short distance from the water's edge, but per- 
 formed at a great height when over land. 
 
 A favourite locality of this bird is the oyster-bed situated 
 on the north side of the Pigeon House Fort, where several 
 may be remarked feeding in close proximity, and in active 
 pursuit of their prey. Preparatory to diving, the body is 
 raised nearly erect, sometimes entirely out of the water, and 
 the plunge is performed with great velocity, and after a short 
 time comes to the surface. The size of the fish swallowed 
 by this bird is often almost incredible, which may be ex- 
 plained by the great dilatability of the oesophagus, and the 
 bill opening a considerable distance beyond the eye. 
 
 The cormorant thrives well in confinement if supplied with 
 an abundance of food ; but as it possesses a peculiarity in not 
 knowing when it is satisfied, the expense attending it would 
 amount to a considerable sum. From an article published 
 by Mr. Glennon in the Dublin Penny Journal, and which 
 has since been copied into several ornithological works, we 
 are indebted for the present anecdote respecting those birds 
 in captivity : 
 
 " Several years ago I took a pair of these birds from a nest 
 amongst the rocks of Howth, and kept them for nearly two 
 years, by which time they had attained their full growth. They 
 were pleasant pets enough, unless when pressed by hunger, 
 when they became outrageous and screamed most violently; 
 when satisfied with food, they slept, roosting on a large stone 
 trough placed for holding water. But woe to the man or 
 beast attempting to approach them when hungry. It hap- 
 pened once that a gentleman's servant went to look at them 
 while in this state : he wore a pair of red plush breeches that 
 immediately attracted the attention of the birds, which I had 
 been in the habit of feeding with livers and lights ; the con- 
 sequence was, they made such a furious attack that I had to 
 run to his assistance with a stick, and could not beat them 
 off without the greatest difficulty. Their attack on dogs, 
 cats, and poultry, if unprotected, was always fatal. They 
 fought at once with their bills, wings, and claws, screaming 
 frightfully all the time. In fact, the cause of my parting 
 with them was their having destroyed a fine Spanish pointer ; 
 he had incautiously strayed into the place where I kept them, 
 and they immediately flew at and attacked him in front and 
 rear ; his loud howling brought me to his aid, when I was 
 astonished to find they had got him down, and before I could 
 
236 PELICANID.E. 
 
 rescue him from their fury they had greatly injured him in 
 one of his shoulders, so much so that he afterwards died of 
 the wound." 
 
 The cry of the cormorant is harsh and croaking, and is 
 but seldom uttered. These birds generally breed in flocks, 
 on inaccessible ledges of rock or unfrequented islands, and 
 the nest is formed of a few sticks, loosely lined with coarse 
 grass and marine plants. The eggs are very small for the size 
 of the bird, elongated, and thickly encrusted with a white calca- 
 reous substance, which can be removed by scraping, when the 
 under pale green colour is exposed. When a frequented 
 breeding locality is approached, the odour emanating from it 
 is far from agreeable ; so that we think the Mosaic law re- 
 specting this bird was in little fear of being transgressed, as 
 even the Greenlanders are unwilling to touch it. 
 
 The cormorant is most difficult to approach ; and, differ- 
 ing from the Anatidse, does not dive, but rises silently from 
 the water and flies off. Laying the fresh water under contri- 
 butions, it frequently ascends rivers in search of fish, perch- 
 ing on the trees, and becoming a destructive visitor to fish 
 preserves. 
 
 One end of the small island opposite Clontarf is constantly 
 frequented by a number of these birds, which sometimes ex- 
 hibit a curious appearance, when many stand ranged in a 
 line, with wings expanded as if to dry their feathers : 
 
 " The cormorant stands upon its shoals, 
 His black and dripping wings 
 Half open to the wind." 
 
 During the high tide they occupy some stakes in the loca- 
 lity, and patiently wait the decrease of the waters to search 
 the first portion of the strand exposed. 
 
 Figuratively used in the Old Testament as an emblem of 
 desolation, Zephaniah, denouncing Nineveh, prophesied it to 
 be in time the resort of the bittern and cormorant, from 
 which time it has retained its ill repute to the present. The 
 Druids, too, believed it to have been ill-omened in its ap- 
 pearance : 
 
 " Slowly the cormorant aims his heavy flight, 
 Portending ruin to each baleful rite." 
 
 In the beautiful imagery of Milton, he depicts the arch- 
 fiend 
 
 " On the tree of life, 
 
 The middle tree, the highest there that grew, 
 Sat like a cormorant." 
 
COMMON CORMORANT. GREEN CORMORANT. 237 
 
 In China this bird is domesticated for the purpose of catch- 
 ing fish, a small ring being fastened round the neck to pre- 
 vent self-appropriation. In England it has also been tamed 
 with similar success ; and in the present day we have fre- 
 quently observed in the newspapers accounts of their trac- 
 tability. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 227 THE GREEN CORMORANT. 
 
 Phalacracorax cristatus. Selby. 
 Cormoran longup. Temm. 
 Shag. Crested Cormorant. 
 
 THIS species, alike elegant in form and plumage, occurs in a 
 very small proportion to the preceding, and seldom ventures 
 into bays and estuaries, but affects more maritime habits, 
 and is often found during summer and winter a considerable 
 distance from the land. 
 
 Similar in its habits to the preceding, we observe them at 
 Lambay flying backwards and forwards between their breed- 
 ing haunts, in small parties of from five to a dozen. 
 
 Graceful and beautiful in its appearance, the ornithologist 
 is at all times gratified by its observance, and it never occurs 
 to more advantage than when eight or ten birds congregate 
 on some rock, to preen their feathers, their burnished plum- 
 age glancing brightly whilst attempting to free themselves 
 from the parasites which infest them. Of similar interest in 
 its breeding haunts, their nests are situated along the upper 
 ledges in some cave by the sea-side ; and on entering our 
 appearance is greeted by some dozen long, snake -like 
 necks poked downwards, whilst on the least alarm all the 
 birds shoot down into the water, and dive from the 
 cave. 
 
 Watchful and difficult to approach, occasionally they ex- 
 hibit considerable tameness where they have become habitu- 
 ated to a locality. Thus we have many times observed them 
 to the best advantage when perching upon the safety buoys 
 in Dublin Bay, where they remain, without the slightest 
 alarm, within a short distance of the steam -vessels constantly 
 passing. 
 
 Possessing the same disagreeable odour and toughness of 
 flesh which distinguishes the more common species, we were 
 considerably amused by observing five crested cormorants 
 exposed for sale by a fisherman at Dieppe, his importunity 
 towards the English passengers becoming so excessive as to 
 
238 PELICANID^E. 
 
 require the interference of the douaniers ; the most amusing 
 thing was the modest valuation of five francs, which was the 
 price asked for them. 
 Indigenous. 
 
 GENUS CIX. SULA (GANNET). 
 
 SPECIES 228 THE GANNET. 
 
 Sula Bassana. Brisson. 
 
 Fou blanc ou de bassan. Ternm. 
 
 Solan Goose. 
 
 THE GANNET is a species of large size, and rendered attrac- 
 tive by its white plumage. Its appearance upon the coast is 
 always hailed with pleasure and delight both by the fisher- 
 man and the ornithologist, to one bringing an opportunity 
 to study its habits, and to the other an assurance of plenty 
 which invariably accompanies its appearance. Rarely ap- 
 pearing upon the Dublin coast, it is but seldom observed, and 
 those instances occurring to our notice were principally upon 
 the coast line between Malahide and Drogheda. Similar 
 in habits to the Sternidae, like them it breeds in company, 
 and adopts the same method of obtaining food, so that the 
 gannet might be almost characterized as a tern of immense 
 size. 
 
 Found breeding in a single locality upon the Irish coasts, 
 the number of those large birds frequenting the Skellig Rocks 
 during summer must be a grand sight for the ornithologist. 
 Careless in the structure of a nest, a few dried stalks of fuel 
 are rudely placed together, on which the single egg is placed 
 and the young hatched. The flight of the gannet is performed 
 with bold, rapid sweeps of the wing, at a considerable altitude 
 from the water ; and when about to fish it takes several 
 large, semicircular sweeps, the wings apparently motionless 
 and having perceived a fish, even at an immense height above, 
 it poises itself for an instant with a backward motion, and 
 instantly the white body glances through the air and enters 
 the water with such immense force, that the spray, white as 
 the bird which has disappeared, shoots up to a considerable 
 distance : after an interval it emerges, and is in most cases 
 successful in its aquatic foray : some idea of which may be 
 formed from the fact, noticed by Buchanan in his View of the 
 Fishery of Great Britain, that one hundred and five millions 
 of herrings are destroyed annually by the gannets of St. Kilda. 
 Interesting as is the fishing of a single bird to the observer, 
 
GANNET. RUPPELL'S TERN. 239 
 
 the appearance of a flock all busily engaged must be a pleas- 
 ing spectacle, as a correspondent writing from Cork (who 
 had visited the Skelligs, and from whom we received eight of 
 the eggs) described, having observed nearly forty or fifty 
 gannets employed fishing within some distance of the island, 
 the sea presenting a curious appearance from the constant 
 spirting up of the foam occasioned by their immersion into it ; 
 the fish lying very low, the gannets necessarily had to strike 
 from an increased altitude. Only on one occasion, when boat- 
 ing off the islands of Skerries on the Dublin coast, we had 
 the pleasure of making a close examination of a gannet, a 
 magnificent-looking specimen. Possibly attracted by the mac- 
 kerel which the boatmen were " striking" in great numbers, 
 it swept over the boat so steadily upon the wing, that it ap- 
 peared as if pushed forward by some unseen power, and so 
 close, that the downward glance of the eye was plainly dis- 
 cerned. A mackerel flung out by the boatmen attracted no 
 attention. 
 
 Gannets are often obtained about the Scotch islets by float- 
 ing a herring fastened to a board, at which the gannet stoops 
 with such force in its downward descent, that the neck is 
 dislocated. Possessing the greatest sharpness of sight, we 
 are informed by Martin that its other name of solan is derived 
 from an Irish word signifying quickness of sight. 
 
 Habitat Europe. 
 
 FAMILY XL. STERNID.E (TERNS). 
 
 GENUS CX STERNA (TERN). 
 
 SPECIES 229 RUPPELL'S TERX. 
 
 Sterna velox. Rupp. 
 Hirondelle de mer veloce. Temm. 
 
 THIS fine species, reminding us by its large size of some of 
 the smaller gulls, is the rarest of the Sternida* in its occurrence 
 in Great Britain, never having been obtained in England or 
 Scotland, and extremely limited in its European distribution. 
 On the authority of L. Bonaparte, Prince of Canino, when 
 commenting upon Mr. Thompson's paper, relative to the 
 present occurrence of this species, before the Ipswich Meeting 
 of the British Association, it is mentioned as a bird of the 
 
240 STERNID.E. 
 
 eastern Mediterranean ; and, as far as he was informed, not 
 found westward of Sicily.* 
 
 Shot at the end of December, 1846, in the vicinity of a 
 fresh-water pond between Kilbarrack and Sutton, by Mr. J. 
 Lynch, of Dublin, we have been favoured by that gentleman 
 with the following particulars respecting it. Observed flying 
 in company with several of the black-headed gulls, when one 
 of the latter was shot, it made a descent in the air after it, when 
 it was also shot with the contents of the second barrel. Not 
 having any idea of its rarity, no attention was paid to its 
 habits, except to remark its similar appearance to the gulls 
 with which it was associated, and by the merest chance it 
 was not thrown away, but thrust, with the other birds, into 
 the pocket of a shooting-coat. 
 
 When partially skinned, we extracted the tongue and part 
 of the skull. The specimen, when preserved, was left at Dr. 
 Ball's residence for sale by the taxidermist ; but that gentle- 
 man being on a visit with Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, it was 
 purchased for our own collection. 
 
 Rare in collections, a specimen in similar plumage is pre- 
 served in the British Museum, and labelled from the Red Sea ; 
 but, on attentive examination of the Sternidae in the admi- 
 rable zoological collection at the Jardin des Plants, no specimen 
 was preserved, nor, on inquiry, was it known to the Curator. 
 Not admitted to the European Fauna by the latest continental 
 authors, we know nothing of its habits in the countries fre- 
 quented by it, and of whom Charles Bonaparte has alone 
 given its habitat : u On dit que Fhirondelle de mer veloce 
 (Sterna velox, Ruppell) espece commun aux Indes et dans 
 une grande partie de 1'Afrique frequente egalment les parties 
 chaudes de 1'Europe meridionale."f 
 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 230 THE SANDWICH TERN. 
 
 Sterna Cantiaca. Jardine. 
 Hirondelle de mer caugek. Temm. 
 
 Big Skirr. 
 
 THE SANDWICH TERN is another fine species, although ad- 
 mitting no comparison with the great size of the preceding. 
 More unusual in its occurrence than of actual rarity, it has 
 never been met with beyond the eastern limits of the island. 
 
 * Thompson. t Schlegel, Revue Critique des Oiseaux d' Europe. 
 
SANDWICH TERN ARCTIC TERN. 241 
 
 Having had many opportunities of observing these birds, it 
 is a species which has gratified us extremely by its interesting 
 habits. Possessing a bold, rapid flight, in most instances it 
 attracts attention by its loud, grating cry, incessantly uttered, 
 and resembling the words, u gareek," u greek." Watchful 
 and difficult to approach, we could never succeed in obtaining 
 a chance shot at them when on the level strand of Portmar- 
 nock and Baldoyle ; at which places, observing them during 
 the summer and autumn of various years, we were induced 
 to visit the principal breeding place of the terns upon the 
 east coast, situated at the Cow and Calf rocks, two small 
 islets of granitic formation lying to the north of Lambay. 
 On describing them to the boatmen, we were agreeably sur- 
 prised to find them well known as u big skirrs," to distinguish 
 them from the smaller and common species. On approaching 
 the rock three detached flocks, composed of the common ro- 
 seate and Arctic terns, flew from it, so beautiful and spotless in 
 appearance as to suggest the notion of so many silvery clouds, 
 whilst the kittiwakes in a large body wheeled backwards and 
 forwards across the rock ; with the exception of a single sand- 
 wich tern, none remained perching on the rock. Scarcely 
 had it flown off", and uttered its harsh scream, when it was 
 joined by two others, who continued flying in circles at an 
 immense altitude over head during the time we remained. 
 Their flight was exceedingly beautiful, outrivalling even that 
 of the buoyant roseate by its sudden and rapid turns, the 
 appearance of the different species reminding us of the swal- 
 lows and martins flying low whilst the swift is screaming at 
 a great height, so the three common species showed little 
 timidity, whilst the large sandwich species kept at a distance 
 screaming loudly. We obtained one broken egg of the sand- 
 wich tern, agreeing in size and marking with Continental 
 specimens in our collection. On our observing to the boat- 
 men their small numbers, they remarked that the large skirrs 
 flew daily inland to feed upon fresh-water fishes in the small 
 streams, returning to the rock at night. 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 231 THE ARCTIC TERX. 
 
 Sterna Arctica. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de mer arctique. Temm. 
 
 Skirr. Jourougs. 
 
 THIS species, more unusual in its occurrence than the com- 
 mon or roseate terns, appears to be of considerable rarity on 
 
242 STERNID^E. 
 
 the coast range from Wicklow to Balbriggan, and at their breed- 
 ing place upon the Rock a Bill, one not being obtained for 
 every fifty of the common tern ; even the eggs obtained upon 
 the day of our visit admitting a similar conclusion, only three 
 of their eggs to thirteen of the common, and seven of the 
 roseate terns. 
 
 In some localities, more common around the island than 
 the other species, their non-occurrence about the Dublin 
 coasts is curious, as they are extensively distributed on the 
 northern, southern, and western shores, and appear in con- 
 siderable flocks. On the authority of W. J. Patten, Esq., 
 they are familiarly known on the west coast as " jourougs," 
 signifying a cross, peevish disposition ; so named from their 
 habit of picking and biting themselves when wounded and 
 thrown on the bottom of the boat. More commonly known 
 about the coast by the name of " skirrs," from the resem- 
 blance to the grating cry they utter, they are as often deno- 
 minated sea swallows, from their likeness to their land name- 
 sake, and being only a summer visitant to our shores. 
 
 The flight of the birds of this family is remarkably light 
 and buoyant, and at times is performed with great velocity ; 
 but, when searching for food, they advance with regular and 
 rather slow strokes of the wing, and the instant a sand-eel or 
 fish is observed below, the tern descends in a rapid and headlong 
 plunge, passing through the air like a flash of light, and seiz- 
 ing, with unerring accuracy, the desired object with the bill. 
 
 The flesh of the tern is singularly delicate, and we can 
 scarcely express wonder at its mention in the household books 
 of the olden time, even enjoying the honour of appearing 
 at the u mees" of royalty ; by which records we are also in- 
 formed of the value attached to it of fourpence per dozen. 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 232 THE COMMON TERN. 
 
 Sterna hirundo. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de mer pierre Garin. Temm. 
 
 Skirr. 
 
 BEARING a close resemblance to the Arctic, the common tern 
 is the most abundant of the Sternidse upon our shores, and is 
 of considerable interest from the fact of its indifferently fre- 
 quenting fresh -water lakes, or rocky islets in the sea for the 
 purposes of nidification. To our notice it has occurred in 
 considerable numbers on various parts of the coast. Similar in 
 the harbour of Cork as in Killiney Bay, during the same 
 
THE COMMON TERN. 243 
 
 week in August, large flocks, consisting of some hundreds, 
 were observed on different days ; and in the same abun- 
 dance in Dublin Bay, on the authority of Joshua Lamprey, 
 Esq., who procured, at our request, many immature speci- 
 mens, and notes descriptive of their habits. That gentleman 
 remarked their habit of fishing more constantly when the 
 sun was shining upon the water than at any other time, so 
 much so that when, uncertain of their locality, he directed 
 the boatmen to row in that direction where the sun appeared 
 brightest, and where, if the birds were in the bay, he was cer- 
 tain to obtain as many as he wished. In one instance twenty- 
 eight birds were obtained out of thirty shots, and nothing but 
 a desire to procure rare specimens could have tempted him to 
 deal such havoc amongst the unoffending flock. 
 
 To the observation of Mr. Irwin, of Roscommon, this tern 
 breeds in limited numbers upon small reedy islets in the lakes 
 of that county, and where he has obtained the eggs, respect- 
 ing which he has informed us of the following circum- 
 stance : " During the season of scarcity and famine in Ireland, 
 those breeding haunts were regularly searched by the pea- 
 sants in the neighbourhood to obtain eggs, and often with 
 such success that he has observed an apron filled with those 
 of the common tern, black-headed gull, water-hen, and bald- 
 coot." 
 
 Other breeding places selected by this species are unfre- 
 quented extents of strand, where the eggs are deposited in 
 some natural depression of the sand amongst gravel, or in the 
 low bent grass on the shore. Often the casual observer is 
 taken by surprise at beholding the seemingly unprotected 
 eggs, and is pleased at their having escaped his footsteps. 
 He is yet more surprised at the absence of the birds from the 
 vicinity of the nest, and proceeds to appropriate the seem- 
 ingly neglected prize, when he is startled by the harsh and 
 grating screams of the parent birds, who by this time have 
 arrived in eager haste from their feeding station, generally 
 some short distance from land, and within sight of their nest. 
 With graceful flight they dart with velocity past the intruder, 
 abruptly turn, glide, and hover on tremulous wings, their full, 
 black, humid eyes speaking an agony of apprehension, their 
 tiny red feet shivering convulsively, and their piteous screams 
 bewailing the prospect of losing the fond objects of their fu- 
 ture cares. 
 
 On one of those calm summer days, 
 
 " The bridal of the earth and sky," 
 B2 
 
244 STERNIDJE. 
 
 it is a lovely sight to observe, by some sequestered shore, a 
 number of these joyous wanderers, arrived from other seas and 
 brighter skies, congregated as in a silvery cloud, their plea- 
 sure evinced in loud and incessant clamoring, whilst each 
 instant white forms glance downward, and are lost to view 
 for a second under the glittering waters of the bay. Some 
 leave the flock, and with attention search along by the surfy 
 line of the advancing tide, their vociferous and clamorous 
 cries chiming in unison with the loud roar of the snow-white 
 breakers. 
 
 Regarded with pleasurable sensations as are the terns by 
 the fishermen and dwellers upon the coast, as being the har- 
 bingers of a good and prosperous fishing season, it is gratify- 
 ing to find their appearance similarly appreciated centuries 
 since by the sagas of the Norse Vikings.* 
 
 " Now let the steed of Ocean bound 
 
 O'er the North Sea, with dashing sound ; 
 Let nimble tern, and screaming gull, 
 Fly round and round, our net is full." 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 233 THE ROSEATE TERN. 
 
 Sterna Dougallii. Mont. 
 
 Hirondelle de mer Dougall. Temm. 
 
 Skirr. 
 
 THIS beautiful species is extremely local in its distribution, 
 and is seldom found exceeding the range of the eastern coasts 
 of Ireland. The most attractive of the terns, equally for the 
 chaste simplicity of its plumage, as the elegant and exquisite 
 proportions which so much distinguish it from all others, 
 none of the birds in this family, beautiful as are all, both 
 in their interesting habits and the similarity of their plumage, 
 can at all equal the present species. Indeed, whilst regarding 
 this bird, we can well enter into the enthusiasm of the natu- 
 ralist who bestowed the appellation of Paradiseaf upon it ; so 
 beautiful, that we involuntarily recall that region where birds 
 of a like species were fabled, from their roseate-tinted plu- 
 mage, to have been harnessed to the sun, and from the bright- 
 ness of whose beams they alone obtained the peculiar tint 
 which overspread their plumage. Discernible at once from 
 the elegance of its frail form, we require no history of its ha- 
 
 * Laing's Sea Kings. t Brunnick. 
 
THE ROSEATE TERN. 245 
 
 bits to inform us of its inability to abide the rough blasts of 
 autumn and winter, but that, like our summer migratants on 
 the land, its appearance is limited to the time when the islets 
 and surrounding seas are prepared for its reception. To the 
 fisherman its grating cry is as welcome as the craking of the 
 land-rail to the farmer, and its buoyant form is hailed with 
 the same gratification upon the sea as the swallow upon the 
 land. 
 
 To most ornithologists few birds have conferred more 
 pleasure in observing their habits than the roseate tern. 
 Congregated in small flocks, they form in a manner similar 
 to the gulls " a play" upon the water, wherever a " school" of 
 fish is swimming near the surface, each bird, attractive from 
 its changing and varying appearance, 
 
 " Now poising o'er ocean thy delicate form, 
 Now breasting the surge with thy bosom so warm ; 
 Now sweeping the billow, now floating on high, 
 Now bathing thy plumes in the light of the sky." 
 
 Yet beautiful as are those birds, they are too often ruth- 
 lessly condemned to suffer for those very attractions which 
 should preserve them, instances frequently occurring where 
 a breeding haunt is invaded by persons whose propensities 
 for slaughter find an outlet in the destruction of these unof- 
 fending birds. Equally unfortunate in its habits at this time, 
 the roseate tern forgets its usual timidity ; and when a bird 
 after being shot falls slowly through the air from its buoy- 
 ant lightness, the entire flock congregate and fly down 
 towards it as if wondering why it had left their joyous 
 troop. Flying in its vicinity, they scream notes of compas- 
 sion, which are changed into a requiem for themselves, for the 
 class who commit such an atrocity consider each pitiable 
 trait exhibited by the bird as at least a tribute to the skill 
 which they evince in destroying them. Thus an intelligent 
 boatman of Skerries (Hynes), whom we had engaged when 
 sailing to various islets to observe these birds, described, on 
 one occasion, seeing the water almost white with their plu- 
 mage, strewed round the boat which two persons, represent- 
 ing themselves as doctors from the city, had hired for the 
 occasion, so many being destroyed that the boatman begged 
 them not to kill all, but to leave a few birds to breed. The 
 effects of these barbarities were easily observed when we 
 visited the islet in 1850, when there were not more than 
 seventy or eighty roseate terns about it, where they had been 
 
246 STERNIDJE. 
 
 remarked by the Rev. George Robinson congregated in hun- 
 dreds six years previous. 
 
 Seven of the eggs of this species which we obtained were 
 deposited in small cavities beneath blocks of stone ; no young 
 birds of any species being observed, from the constant " raz- 
 zias" of the eggs. 
 
 Connected with an oriental myth, we may select the 
 roseate tern to be the subject which represents the amber 
 found in the sea to be the tears wept by the sea-bird in sor- 
 row for the bereavement of its young : 
 
 " Around thee shall glisten the loveliest amber 
 That ever the sorrowing sea-bird hath wept.'* 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 234 THE WHISKERED TERN. 
 
 Sterna leucopareia. Natterer. 
 Hirondelle de mer moustac. Temm. 
 
 THIS tern is one of great rarity in Ireland, only a single spe- 
 cimen having been obtained, whilst in England two instances 
 are recorded. The present specimen was shot by Mr. John 
 Hill whilst boating in the Bay of Dublin, and was in com- 
 pany with a flock of common terns when obtained. By that 
 gentleman it was presented to Mr. Warren, in whose collec- 
 tion it is preserved. 
 
 Of considerable rarity in its European distribution, the 
 dealers in Paris expose for sale quantities of their eggs, as 
 also those of the white-winged black tern, which they remark 
 to have been obtained from breeding haunts in the south of 
 France. 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 235 THE BLACK TERN. 
 
 Sterna nigra. Linn. 
 
 Hirondelle de mer epouvantail. Temm. 
 
 THE BLACK TERN is the rarest of the more common species 
 
 in its distribution, and occurs only in an occasional instance 
 
 with us. 
 
 Of extreme rarity in its adult black plumage, two speci- 
 mens were obtained ; one by Dr. Chute, who saw it flying 
 over a small lake in the county of Kerry, and another pro- 
 cured in the same county, and in similar plumage, in our own 
 possession. 
 
THE BLACK TERN. 247 
 
 More common in its immature plumage, five specimens 
 also in our collection were obtained, during different seasons, 
 in the county of Dublin. Of these the last two came under 
 notice in a living state, in October, 1852, when we remarked 
 two birds flying in the bay, which attracted attention from 
 their small appearance, and long sweep of the wing in flight. 
 Believing them to be the immature little gull, or the black 
 tern, we pointed them out to the intelligent caretaker of the 
 University Rowing Club, with a wish that he would obtain 
 both birds if possible. On the next morning he waited on 
 us with two immature black terns, both killed with one shot. 
 The bill of one exhibited a curious malformation, the points 
 of both mandibles being crossed in a similar manner to the 
 crossbill. 
 
 Their flight was very beautiful and buoyant, and their way 
 of feeding peculiar : flying above the smooth water in the 
 wake of a dredge-vessel, they returned backwards and for- 
 wards over the same place whilst we remained ; never enter- 
 ing the water, they seemed to skim it closely in the manner 
 of the black-headed gull, a fact likewise remarked by Dr. 
 C. Farren in a paper read before the members of the Dublin 
 Natural History Society, when a specimen in immature plu- 
 mage, obtained by that gentleman at Clonea, county of Wa- 
 terford, was exhibited to the meeting. 
 
 In no instance found nidifying in Ireland, Sir W. Jardine, 
 in his work on British Birds, has unintentionally committed 
 an error when remarking : u In Ireland the black tern breeds 
 at a small lake at Roxburgh, near Middleton, Cork ;" a situa- 
 tion where, although observed during July, in different sea- 
 sons, by R. Ball, Esq., no instance of its breeding came under 
 his notice. 
 
 More common in France during summer, it is described as 
 breeding in marshy situations, the nest at times being placed 
 upon the large leaves of nenuphar (Nymphcea luted), and 
 floating upon the water.* 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 * Ornithologie Europe enne. 
 
248 STERNID^E. 
 
 SPECIES 236 THE WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. 
 
 Sterna leucoptera. Meissner. 
 Hirondelle de mer leucoptere. Temm. 
 
 THIS remarkable-looking bird, as rare as it is singular in the 
 appearance of its plumage, has been twice obtained in Ire- 
 land (in no case having occurred in England). Of these 
 specimens, the first was obtained by the same gentleman* who 
 was so fortunate in shooting the rare -whiskered tern, and the 
 broad-billed sandpiper, both species respectively their first 
 occurrence in Ireland. It was shot near Ringsend, on the 
 south side of the Liffey. Another specimen came into our 
 possession, with the collection of the late William Massey, 
 Esq., of the Pigeon House Fort ; and was obtained by that 
 gentleman in Dublin Bay. 
 Habitat Northern Africa. 
 
 SPECIES 237 THE LESSER TERN. 
 
 Sterna minuta. Linn. 
 
 Hirondelle de mer petite. Temm. 
 
 Skirr. Fairybird. 
 
 THE smallest of the Sternidse, the lesser tern yields to none 
 of the preceding in the grace of its movements, or the neat- 
 ness of its plumage. Differing from the other species in its 
 numbers, and choice of breeding place, it is seldom found ni- 
 difying on rocky islets like them, but occupies, for that pur- 
 pose, some unfrequented sandbank by the shore. 
 
 One of the earliest of the terns in arriving upon our 
 shores, and in one instance so early that, on the 26th April, 
 1850, nearly thirty of these terns were observed actively 
 engaged fishing in the vicinity of Greystones, county of 
 Wicklow, a locality much frequented during summer. From 
 inquiries instituted at the time, a few pairs annually nidify 
 along the shingly range of the beach, in places where some few 
 years previously thirty or forty pair existed. In a similar man- 
 ner upon the Dublin coast, Dr. Hans Lloyd, of Malahide, 
 has directed our attention to localities whence he had received 
 eggs of the common and lesser terns, the nests being placed 
 in the midst of the bent grass in the hollows of the sandbanks 
 extending from Malahide to Portrane. To our observation, 
 for a period extending over five years, this locality has not 
 been tenanted by a single pair. 
 
 Breeding in limited numbers upon the western coast, on 
 
 * Mr. John Hill. 
 
LESSER TERN. NODDY. 249 
 
 one occasion we received their eggs from Galway, where, on 
 the authority of our informant,* they were well known in the 
 neighbourhood by the appropriate appellation of u fairy - 
 birds," received from the fishermen of the locality. 
 
 Singularly buoyant in flight, and active in its motions when 
 engaged in fishing, the little tern is also as pugnacious in 
 habits, as on two occasions we have remarked two birds of 
 this species give chase to an intruding window martin which 
 had the presumption to skim in the vicinity of their feeding 
 station ; and on another occasion, when a gray wagtail had 
 occupied a large stone upon the beach u wagging" and call- 
 ing while making the circuit of its surface, three lesser terns 
 flying from the sea to occupy their favourite resting-place 
 at once dashed towards the wagtail, and pursued it nearly a 
 hundred yards along the side of a rivulet entering the sea, 
 chattering the entire time similarly to sparrows. The undu- 
 lating flight of the wagtail, and the quick, buoyant wing- 
 sweeps of the pursuing terns, were highly amusing. On the 
 wagtail perching, the chase terminated, as the three birds 
 turned slowly and glided silently and sedately to the sea, ap- 
 parently as if their dignity was insulted by being led away to 
 pursue a mere land-bird. 
 
 Habitat Southern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 238 THE NODDY. 
 
 Sterna stolida. Linn. 
 Hirondelle de mer noddy. Temm. 
 
 THIS tern is of great rarity in occurrence, and similar to the 
 white-winged black tern, has been twice obtained : both spe- 
 cimens were shot between the Tuscar Lighthouse, off the 
 coast of Wexford, and Dublin Bay, and came into the pos- 
 session of William Massey, Esq., of the Pigeon House, by 
 whom one was presented to Mr. Warren of Dublin. 
 
 Common in North America, a few specimens have been 
 procured upon the French coast, f which, with the present 
 birds obtained in Ireland, are the only recorded instances of 
 its occurrence in Europe. 
 
 We should have said instances noted by the ornithologist, 
 as Byron had recorded,}: ten years before, the bodily ap- 
 pearance of " two boobys and a noddy," in seas where to the 
 present day their occurrence is unknown. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 * T. Williams, Esq. t Temminck, Manuel de Ornithologie. 
 
 t Don Juan. 
 
250 LARID.E. 
 
 FAMILY XLI LARID^E (GULLS). 
 
 GENUS CXI. LARUS (GULL). 
 
 SPECIES 239 SABINE'S GULL. 
 
 Larus Sabini. Sabine. 
 Mouette de Sabine. Temm. 
 
 THIS elegant gull, reminding us of the beautiful forms we 
 have seen comprised in the preceding family, is one of great 
 rarity of occurrence in the British isles. 
 
 More rare in its occurrence in Britain, but two specimens 
 have been noticed,* whilst in our own island four of the 
 Larus Sabinii have been obtained : of these, three were shot 
 in the north of Ireland, and a single specimen in the Bay of 
 Dublin. 
 
 Of great beauty in its summer plumage, it has not been 
 noticed in that stage in southern or temperate Europe ; the 
 preceding birds, obtained in the autumn of different years, 
 being the first noticed either in that plumage or in their 
 occurrence in Europe, by the late William Thompson of 
 Belfast. 
 
 An inhabitant for the most part of the Arctic regions, it 
 was first met with and killed by Captain Sabine, R. A., on 
 islands off the west of Greenland.! 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 240 THE LITTLE GULL. 
 
 Larus minutus. Pallas. 
 Mouette pygmee. Temm. 
 
 THE LITTLE GULL, the smallest of the Laridas, is one of the 
 most attractive of the family, and is of great rarity in its oc- 
 currence. Elegantly marked, its pretensions to beauty, when 
 newly killed in the plumage of summer, are very great indeed, 
 the peculiar clear white plumage of the abdomen charac- 
 terizing almost all the gulls being in this instance overspread 
 with a roseate tint, similar in appearance to that which has 
 obtained a name for the roseate tern. 
 
 Shot in three or four instances, its first occurrence was re- 
 corded in 1840, from a specimen shot by an officer on the 
 
 * Jardine. t Thompson. 
 
LITTLE GULL. BLACK-HEADED GULL. 251 
 
 river Shannon, who presented it to the Museum of the Dub- 
 lin Natural History Society. Since that time the others have 
 come under Mr. Thompson's notice in the north of Ireland. 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 241 THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. 
 
 Larus ridibundus. Linn. 
 Mouette rieuse ou a capuchin Irun. Temm. 
 
 Redshank Gull. Red-legged Gull. 
 
 ABUNDANT and plentiful on our shores during autumn and 
 winter, the black-headed gull is found tenanting in equal 
 numbers the islets of the inland lakes during the season of 
 incubation. 
 
 More familiar and unsuspicious in its habits than the ma- 
 jority of the more common Laridae, the black-headed gull 
 has many admirers. Beautiful in its nuptial dress whilst 
 frequenting the picturesque vicinity of the places chosen for 
 nidification, its vociferous calling imparts an additional inte- 
 rest to the otherwise quiet stillness of the lakes. At times 
 displaying habits of an almost semi-domesticated nature, it 
 congregates in troops, and mingles with or precedes the rooks, 
 those watchful attendants upon the exertions of the plough- 
 man, and occasionally in such vicinity to its dreaded enemy, 
 man, that the ploughman's whip might easily encircle its 
 form ; but yet allow for once the confidence it reposes to be 
 broken, and it displays that admirable power of instinct which * 
 alone preserves so many species from extinction. Thus in 
 one instance, where forty or fifty of those birds were atten- 
 dant upon the progress of the plough, the flock was fired at, 
 and three birds killed, from the cover of a hedgerow they had 
 unsuspectingly approached. After the discharge the others 
 flew to the centre of the field, and when the ploughman, from 
 whom they had experienced no cause for fear, passed close 
 by, they flew over and followed him till within gun-shot of the 
 hedgerow at each extremity of the field, when they instantly 
 wheeled back and returned to their place of security whence 
 no approach could be obtained without being observed. 
 
 Exhibiting those habits of famarility in localities where it 
 receives no annoyance, it evinces the same qualities in ap- 
 proaching the vicinity of the city. 
 
 Having adorned the retired solitudes of the interior dur- 
 ing summer, they take their departure on the approach of 
 winter, and occupy the sea-shore in flocks, venturing up to the 
 
252 LARID^E. 
 
 source of rivers and streams, and displaying their beautiful 
 evolutions upon the wing. 
 
 Certain that the protection extended towards them in the 
 country will not be abused in the city, we observe them, 
 during seven months of the year, in various numbers along 
 the most busy and stirring portion of the quays of Dublin. 
 
 Attracting the attention of every class, on many occasions 
 we have stood to admire their beautiful forms, between the 
 quay range from Carlisle to Essex Bridge. Displaying every 
 change of attitude, either the broad sweep of the wing in 
 flight, the downward, gliding stoop, or poising over the water 
 with feet half immersed, they continue to search for food, until, 
 wearied of exertion, they drop buoyantly on the water, and 
 allow themselves to float onward with its tidal motion. Un- 
 suspecting of danger, they approach within a few feet of the 
 wall, whence we can distinguish the plumage of all seasons, 
 the brown monk-like hood of spring, the black ear-patch 
 of winter, and the attractive shades of brown peculiar to the 
 young in their various stages. 
 
 Invested with interest from the fragments of bardic tradi- 
 tion which cling to it, this species was protected by the Druids, 
 and was figuratively adopted as an emblem connected with 
 the deluge, and formed an important feature in their cere- 
 monies : 
 
 " Screams round the arch-druid's 
 Brow the sea-mew, white 
 As Menia's foam." 
 
 Not disagreeable in taste, the flesh of the redshank gull is 
 eaten by most of the shooters who obtain it. During spring 
 the eggs of this species occasionally appear in the markets of 
 the city mixed up with those of the lapwing, to which they 
 are not much inferior in delicacy of flavour. 
 
 That they were equally valued at a remote period we have 
 the testimony of a passage from a " description of the income 
 of the King of Uladh (Ulster), where the bard Benean men- 
 tions, amongst other stipends,"* 
 
 " Twenty eggs of goodly sea-gulls !" 
 
 And again, as late as 1512, we find " sea guiles" accounted 
 a great delicacy, and admitted to the principal feasts of that 
 day, and, more strange, even valued at the same price as the 
 teal. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 * l/eabhap na 5-Ceapc, The Book of Rights. 
 
BONAPARTE'S GULL. MASKED GULL. 253 
 
 SPECIES 242 BONAPARTE'S GULL. 
 
 Larus Bonapartii. Swainson. 
 Mouette de Bonaparte. Temrn. 
 
 THIS rare species, whose first and only European occurrence 
 was recorded by the late William Thompson, Esq., from a 
 specimen obtained near Belfast, in February, 1848, is one of 
 great interest to the ornithologist, as it almost presents to us 
 a connecting link between the Sternidae (terns) and Xema3 
 (black -headed gulls). Found abundantly upon the shores of 
 Northern and Arctic America,* it associates with flocks of 
 terns, to which its cry has some similarity, and in such num- 
 bers, that in Chesapeake Bay seventeen were killed at one dis- 
 charge of a double-barrelled gun by a son of Mr. Audubon. 
 Habitat Northern America. 
 
 SPECIES 243 THE MASKED GULL. 
 
 Larus capistratus. Linn. 
 Moutte a masque brun. Temm. 
 
 THIS species, if it be distinct from the black-headed gull, pre- 
 sents such a close affinity that the most distinguished Con- 
 tinental ornithologists are doubtful of the propriety of ad- 
 mitting its specific distinctions. 
 
 Critically examined by Mr. Thompson, who brought for- 
 ward specimens answering to the description of the masked 
 gull, and others of the black-headed species, and described 
 their different seasonal changes in a paper read before the 
 Zoological Society of London, we must at least infer from 
 it, on account of the changes of plumage, and the difference 
 of size being so variable, that, until further knowledge is ob- 
 tained of a habitat for the species, and a sufficient number of 
 specimens all agreeing in presenting similar dimensions, with 
 other differences from varieties of the black-headed gull, we 
 must remain in doubt respecting it. 
 
 Two of these birds came under our notice, one exposed for 
 sale in Mr. Glennon's shop, and another shot inland at Dun- 
 drum. Mr. Thompson noticed four or five birds presenting 
 a similar appearance, which have also occurred in the north 
 of Ireland. 
 
 * Audubon. 
 
254 LARID.E. 
 
 SPECIES 244 THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 
 
 Larus marinus. Linn. 
 Mouette a manteau noir. Temm. 
 
 Goose Gull. Gray Gull. Parson Gull. 
 
 THIS bold, handsome species, the largest and most powerful 
 of our Irish gulls, is found in suitable localities in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the coast, and generally attracts attention by its 
 loud, hoarse cackle, and great expanse of wing when flying. 
 
 The most common of the larger gulls about the bay and 
 coasts of Dublin, it is observable during all seasons, but from 
 its watchful habits rarely admits of approach within gun-shot. 
 
 Frequenting some localities in considerable numbers, the 
 grand station upon the Dublin coast is on a small sandbank 
 situated at the entrance of the estuary of Baldoyle, seldom 
 an hour passing without receiving some addition to its num- 
 bers. Standing motionless, it never condescends the slightest 
 notice to whatever flock may alight beside it, or even shows 
 the least familiarity to its own species. Usually silent, it 
 occasionally droops the wings, and, similar to the eagle, 
 stretches out the neck, uttering a note not unlike the " kleek- 
 ing" of that bird. When alarmed by any approach from the 
 shore, it apparently pushes itself from the ground, and sails 
 off in the most sedate manner. 
 
 Similar in its habits upon the western coast, Mr. W. H. 
 Patten describes it as being most difficult of approach, so 
 much so that during many years he could not succeed in ob- 
 taining even a chance shot. To the people in the vicinity it 
 is known from the contrast of the black back with the snow 
 white of the under plumage, as the " great parson gull." 
 
 To every frequenter of the coast the stately form of this 
 handsome bird is well known, and, whether observed in sum- 
 mer, when quietly sunning itself on the strand, or in winter 
 amid the conflicting roar of elements, steadying itself in the 
 eddying blast, it cannot fail to win our admiration. At no 
 time more attractive than when observed during hazy, foggy 
 weather, a black-backed gull, looming through a cloud with 
 its immense sweep of wing (often exceeding five feet), in- 
 creased by the state of the atmosphere to a giant size, almost 
 reminds us of the albatross. 
 
 Of nearly equal interest in its appearance upon the shore, 
 it attracts similar attention. There ! look at that big fellow ! 
 how stately he stands, rich in the perfection of marine ma- 
 jesty. Now moving forward to inspect that stranded gur- 
 
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 255 
 
 nard, he walks slowly about, cautious and fearful of a design 
 upon his gullship, and then, apparently satisfied, without hurry 
 or unbecoming haste, he proceeds to dinner. He still continues 
 feeding and watching until he thinks it time to be off. Now 
 look at him, how steadily he moves along with almost motion- 
 less pinions, reminding us of the eagle by his bold and beau- 
 tiful gyrations ; at times sailing along with outspread pinions, 
 he appears almost a fixed object against the clear blue sky ; a 
 few quick flaps, and round he goes again, until, annoyed at 
 our intrusion on his udal territory, he bursts into a loud gut- 
 tural laugh, followed by a hoarse, irritated cackle, and accom- 
 panied with a sudden swoop. A dull report a flash a hur- 
 ried flutter, and he has fallen from his " pride of place" lifeless 
 on the sandy beach. 
 
 It has appeared strange to us the origin of the nearly ob- 
 solete word " gull," synonymous with a fool or one easily 
 duped, as, of all our Irish birds, there are few possessing such 
 wariness as the family of gulls, as oftentimes on a level 
 strand we have observed them taking flight before the pro- 
 verbially watchful heron could see the least cause of alarm. 
 
 Indeed, we might say Pythagoras himself became resusci- 
 tated in the form of one of those birds ; as for sagacity, cun- 
 ning, watchfulness, and actual dignity of manner, none can 
 outvie the black-backed gull. His movements are conducted 
 with especial grace. He walks sedately, flies sedately, and 
 even when suddenly surprised, rises leisurely, and seldom 
 utters a cry to indicate alarm. 
 
 The great black-backed gull obtains food by searching the 
 rejectamenta of the tide, and in some localities ventures in- 
 land, attracted by carrion, of which it partakes greedily ; 
 nor does it scruple to attack one of its brethren when slightly 
 wounded by the sportsman, and perhaps in a fair way of re- 
 covery, were it not for the equivocal attentions of these dubious 
 Samaritans so strangely illustrating the pro verb of " safety 
 from our friends." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 245 THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 
 
 Larus fuscus. Linn. 
 Mouette a pied jaunes. Temm. 
 
 Gray Gull. 
 
 THIS beautiful species, from its similarity to the preceding in 
 form and marking, might almost pass for a small variety, 
 
256 LARID-E. 
 
 were it not for the rich yellow colour of the tarsi which in 
 all seasons distinguish it. 
 
 Almost rare in its occurrence, it is but seldom captured 
 upon our eastern shores : and on the west coast is a species 
 of great rarity during all seasons.* 
 
 In Dublin Bay, during the severity of winter, a stray bird 
 may appear for a few days ; and, on the least clearing of the 
 weather, as suddenly take its departure. Occasionally ob- 
 served in small flocks, on two occasions they have occurred 
 to our own notice : once when the station frequented by the 
 great black-backed gull at Baldoyle was occupied by six of 
 the present species ; who, apparently careless of feeding, 
 stood with the statue -like stiffness peculiar to the larger 
 gulls. On another occasion in July, when the birds should 
 have been occupying their breeding stations, fourteen ap- 
 peared on the Wicklow coast, flying in a line similar to a 
 " string" of wild ducks ; and beautiful they appeared ; the 
 white stripe on the wing appearing most conspicuous in 
 flight, and each motion made in perfect unison with the 
 other. A curious similarity, both as regards the number 
 and appearance, was likewise observed in the summer of 1851, 
 when fourteen birds were remarked flying in a line on the 
 sea-shore at Dieppe. 
 
 Noted by its describers as not particular in its choice of 
 food, it is curious to observe a fastidious taste existing 
 amongst birds of the same species, as in one locality the 
 same bird eats greedily of a substance which it refuses 
 in another. Thus we have remarked a delicacy of taste pe- 
 culiar to the gulls upon the Dublin coasts, in their object- 
 ing to partake of carrion, or of any stranded animal. 
 
 On the Wicklow coast, near Killencarrick, we observed a 
 dead sheep upon the shore, which was daily flocked to by 
 ravens and hooded crows, yet not a single black-back or her- 
 ring gull ever ventured to its vicinity. 
 
 On the coast at Malahide the officer in charge of the Mar- 
 tello Tower at Rob's Wall informed us that the gulls in his 
 neighbourhood in all cases refuse dead animal matter. In 
 one instance, where a dead horse was eaten by ravens and 
 hooded crows, no sea-gulls were observed during the time it 
 was lying. 
 
 On the west coast Mr. Glennon has observed both the 
 black-backed gulls feeding upon carrion ; as also Mr. Thomp- 
 son in the north of Ireland ; whilst we are informed by De- 
 
 * T. AY. Patten, Esq. 
 
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. HERRING GULL. 257 
 
 gland, that in the south of Russia it is so voracious as to 
 dispute with the dogs for the offal in the neighbourhood of 
 abbatoirs.* 
 
 SPECIES 246 THE HERRING GULL. 
 
 Larus argentacus. Linn. 
 Mouette a manteau bleu. Temm. 
 
 THE HERRING, or, as it is commonly denominated, the sil- 
 very gull, is common in its distribution around the shores of 
 Ireland, but in the Bay of Dublin and surrounding coasts the 
 herring gull is uncommon in its appearance, nearly a dozen 
 black-backed gulls being observable for every single herring 
 gull, a fact of very considerable interest, as a contrary pro- 
 portion exists in almost any other portion of the coast. 
 
 Beautiful in the spotless plumage of the summer, this bird 
 has less of the peculiar heaviness of form that distinguishes the 
 preceding birds, and, differing also in its habits, it assumes 
 neither their dignity nor gravity, but socially mixes with the 
 crowd that search the shallows for food. 
 
 Breeding in considerable numbers along the rock-bound 
 side of the east of Lambay, they occasionally present to the 
 ornithologist that grand sight, a "play" of gulls upon the 
 water. Beautiful in the extreme, we were once gratified by 
 the observance of one of these attractive spectacles, where, 
 perhaps, 300 or 400 birds were congregated feeding. 
 
 Returning from the Rock a Bill, the boatmen, to pass the 
 time as profitably as possible, let out some mackerel lines, 
 but finding no fish, a lugger passed us, and, flinging a mackerel 
 on board for bait, directed us to row a-head ; there was a 
 a " school" of fish in " play." As we approached, from every 
 side gulls were hastening in hurried flight towards the 
 grand feeding station, where, screaming vociferously, or at 
 times sailing in the air, and using their peculiar cry, every 
 evolution that gull was capable of performing was going for- 
 ward in the most intricate medley : now circling round, and 
 with a sudden swallow -like sweep, they dipped their feet in 
 the water : 
 
 " The sportive sea-gull dancing with the waves." 
 
 Then, sweeping upward in the air, they would flutter a few 
 feet downwards, as if intoxicated at the scene of plenty dis- 
 played below. Almost careless of our approach, they ap- 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne. 
 
 s 
 
258 LARID^E. 
 
 peared the feathered dervishes of the air, whose rapid and 
 unwearied flight had brought a delirium of ecstacy upon 
 them. 
 
 Some, at a distance from the flock, rested upon the water 
 with that extraordinary buoyant appearance of the larger 
 gulls, the tail being raised so high as almost to lead one to 
 doubt as to the true position of the head. 
 
 Oftentimes during winter we observe one of these birds on 
 the wing steadying himself after each blast of wind, poising 
 a moment, and again shooting forward : we might say with the 
 poet : 
 
 " White bird of the tempest oh ! beautiful thing 
 With the bosom of snow and the motionless wing ; 
 Now silently poised o'er the war of the main, 
 Like the spirit of charity brooding o'er pain." 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 247 THE GLAUCOUS GULL. 
 
 LOTUS glaucus. Briss. 
 Mouette bur germeister. Temm. 
 
 THE GLAUCOUS GULL can only be reckoned as an occasional 
 visitant to our shores, and at different seasons, having been 
 obtained both in summer and winter, and in adult and im- 
 mature plumage. 
 
 Of great rarity in the full adult plumage, but two instances 
 of its occurrence have been noticed : one in the Ordnance 
 Museum, shot near Londonderry, and the other coming un- 
 der observation from a specimen shot in the county of Gal- 
 way during the famine year of 1846, and of which the fol- 
 lowing particulars were obtained, coinciding in correctness 
 with Mr. Edmonston's remark,* " that, when allured by 
 carrion it enters the bay, and boldly ventures inland." In 
 the present instance a soup kitchen had been established 
 within some distance of the coast, and each day the stately- 
 looking fellow left its maritime domain, and sailed about the 
 vicinity, where it had been attracted by the smell. Many 
 of the peasants regarded it with an unfavourable eye, not 
 being accustomed to observe a white bird of such dimensions 
 floating in the air, and uttering its hoarse, cackling cries over- 
 head as if laughing at their misery. It was shot soon after 
 by a gentleman from Galway, who forwarded it to Mr. Glen- 
 non, who kindly presented it to us, but unfortunately too 
 
 * Jar dine. 
 
GLAUCOUS GULL. ICELAND GULL. 259 
 
 much injured for a cabinet specimen. A bird in immature 
 plumage, shot in the winter of 1849, at the North Wall, Dub- 
 lin Bay, is preserved in the collection of Mr. Robert J. Mont- 
 gomery. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 248 THE ICELAND GULL. 
 
 Larus Icelandicus. Edmonstone. 
 Mouette leucoptere. Temm. 
 
 THIS GULL, more rare than the glaucous, has only been ob- 
 tained in some very few instances. 
 
 Resembling that bird in the distribution of its colour, it is 
 at once distinguished by its smaller size, both birds forming 
 a type similar to the black-backed gulls in their size and 
 heavy appearance of form, and differing in the colour of the 
 mantle, we might designate them as the great and lesser 
 blue-backed gulls. 
 
 An inhabitant of remote Arctic regions, and in haunts 
 where it is but rarely intruded upon by man, the specimens 
 obtained in Ireland at once displayed their want of caution 
 and familiarity in venturing closely into his presence. One, 
 purchased by Mr. Thompson, was shot on the river Lagan, 
 close to the town of Belfast, and was so tame, though in the 
 full possession of its faculties, as to be within the reach of 
 stones thrown by idle boys, and kept its ground, unless when 
 struck by them, and even then it flew but a few yards and 
 again alighted. A casual passer-by, perceiving that the bird 
 would be an easy prey, went for a gun and shot it.* 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 249. THE COMMON GULL. 
 
 Larus canus. Linn. 
 Mouette a pieds bleu. Temm. 
 
 THIS common species, the most abundant of the true Laridae, 
 is as widely distributed as the black-headed gull, but occurs 
 in more limited numbers. Observed at all seasons in the 
 Bay of Dublin, it is wary of approach, and seldom ever ven- 
 tures up the river unless forced by the severity of the wea- 
 ther. 
 
 Occasionally at such times we may observe amongst the 
 gulls on the Liffey, between Carlisle and Essex Bridge, a few 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
 s2 
 
260 LARID.E. 
 
 pair mixed with the black-headed gulls, and at rare intervals a 
 herring gull may be seen floating buoyantly upon the water, 
 but never feeding like the others. 
 
 Often observed during spring in flocks of hundreds, they 
 present a very beautiful appearance ; their white forms stud- 
 ding the field, and resembling at a distance the snowy tents 
 of some fairy potentate ; whilst at other times we observe the 
 entire host wheeling about on the wing in endless evolutions : 
 
 " The sea-mews from afar, 
 
 Hovering above those inland solitudes, 
 
 By the rough wind unscattered, at whose c all 
 
 Their voyage was begun." 
 
 Rare in its maritime breeding haunts, a few pair only ni- 
 dify at Lambay, but more common in inland situations, like 
 the black-headed gull, it selects islets in the lakes for that 
 purpose. In the county of Roscommon Mr. J. Irwin has re- 
 marked their presence on the small lakes, also frequented by 
 the terns for the same purpose. In the Book of Rights we 
 find a curious notice, perhaps applicable to this or the black- 
 headed species, where the king of Uladh (Ulster) is prohi- 
 bited u to listen to the fluttering of the flocks of birds of 
 Lock Sailleach [S willy] after sunset." This prohibition has, in 
 all probability, taken its origin from some king of Ulster hav- 
 ing been killed in the vicinity about the time for the assem- 
 bling of those birds. 
 
 A habit of this species, closely resembling the black-backed 
 and herring gulls, is its stooping at any dog which may chance 
 to intrude upon its territory, several instances of birds being 
 shot by their want of caution in approaching those animals 
 having occurred to our notice. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
 SPECIES 250 THE IVORY GULL. 
 
 Larus eburneus. Gmelin. 
 Mouette blanche ou sancteur. Temm. 
 
 THIS beautiful gull, so attractive from the spotless white plu- 
 mage of the entire body, contrasted with the black colour of 
 the feet, is one of great rarity, having only been obtained in 
 a single instance, when a bird in immature plumage was shot 
 in the county of Kerry, and came into the possession of Mr. 
 R. Chute, of Blennerville. Obtained after a storm, when two 
 others were observed in its company ; two of the three birds 
 alighted for several days in succession at Blennerville, and 
 
IVORY GULL. KITTIWAKE. 261 
 
 were so familiar, that the servants* believed them to be tamed 
 birds. One was reported to have been in the beautiful plu- 
 mage of the adult. Several birds, answering to the descrip- 
 tion of this species, have been likewise observed in various 
 parts of Ireland by persons whose ornithological knowledge 
 was sufficient to verify their appearance. 
 
 In like manner with the glaucous and Iceland gulls, we 
 must look to the Arctic regions for the true habitat of this 
 bird, where it is described as being fearless in its habits, 
 almost associating with the sailors when engaged in the ope- 
 ration of flensing the whale, on the flesh of which these gulls 
 gorge themselves to excess. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 251 THE KITTIWAKE. 
 
 Larus rissa. Linn. 
 Mouette tridactyle. Temm. 
 
 THE KITTIWAKE is, with the exception of the black-headed, 
 the smallest of our common gulls, and during summer the 
 most frequent visitor on our coast. 
 
 Observed in very limited numbers during winter, it ap- 
 pears more common upon the Dublin coast than in any other 
 locality, as at that season it may be always observed in com- 
 pany with other gulls in the bay. Almost exclusively mari- 
 time in its habits, it never ventures inland like the other spe- 
 cies, but contents itself with the sustenance it obtains upon 
 the sea. During summer their breeding haunts present a 
 most novel and beautiful appearance to the ornithologist. 
 
 Tenanting the precipices around the island in situations 
 similar to the auk and guillemot, their immense numbers con- 
 stitute the grand feature which attracts attention. Thousands 
 of their unsullied forms, lining and banding the sides of the 
 rock, resemble so many strata in appearance, whilst they 
 charm the ear by their wildly modulated cries, as the eye by 
 their numberless crowds, all forming a concert, which, although 
 differing from 
 
 " The harvest of sweet lays" 
 
 that greets the ear inland, is still fraught with the most de- 
 lightful associations. The hoarse guttural cackling of the 
 great black-backed gulls coming down to us from an immense 
 altitude ; the loud laughing cries of the herring gulls, partly 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
262 LARIDJE. 
 
 sounded from the sea, or from the air overhead, whilst, per- 
 haps, ten thousand kittiwakes vociferate their chorus below, 
 all harmonizing with such beautiful effect, that we yield in- 
 sensibly to the magnificence of this primal orchestra of nature. 
 As an instance of their former abundance at Lambay, we 
 may quote a portion of our correspondence with the late 
 William Thompson relative to their decrease. 
 
 About the year 1842 an officer, quartered in Dublin, laid 
 a wager that he would shoot 500 birds here in a day, and, 
 accordingly, went to the island provided with every requisite 
 for his murderous purpose. Servants were constantly em- 
 ployed loading his guns and filling hampers with the slain, 
 but long ere the sun had set his object was accomplished, 
 and his bet won. Five hundred birds at this season, be it 
 remembered, may be reckoned equivalent to twice or thrice 
 that number, according to the species killed, and to the num- 
 ber they would respectively have produced. 
 
 An instance like this, which unfortunately is of too fre- 
 quent occurrence, although of less magnitude in the numbers 
 slaughtered, requires no comment. This species has been 
 occasionally found dead inland, after high winds or storms, 
 having perished from inability to brave the severity of the 
 weather like our hardier species. Seldom found dead in any 
 great numbers on our shores, they have been oftentimes ob- 
 tained in numbers on the French coasts after a hard gale, as 
 an instance of which we quote Degland, who informs us, on 
 the authority of M. Baillon, of a storm which occurred in the 
 month of September, 1824, where that gentleman found, in a 
 small space on the shore near Abbeyville, more than 200 gan- 
 nets, and 500 auks, sea-gulls, and petrels ; whilst, most re- 
 marked, not a single duck was to be observed.* 
 
 Habitat Eastern Europe. 
 
 GENUS CXII. LESTRIS (SKUA). 
 
 SPECIES 252 THE GREAT SKUA. 
 
 Lestris catarrhactes. Linn. 
 Stercoraire cateracte. Temm. 
 
 Common Skua. 
 
 THE place assigned by ornithologists to the skua in successive 
 order after the gulls is correct, since when living it is con- 
 stantly in pursuit of those birds. Distinguished by a dark 
 
 * Ornithologie Europeenne, 
 
GREAT SKUA POMARINE SKUA. 263 
 
 form of colouring, and a rapid and powerful flight, they are 
 admirably adapted for the mode of warfare by which they 
 subsist. Compact in make, and armed with a powerful bill, 
 they are at all times able to enforce their demand if resisted. 
 
 The present species, nearly equal in size to the lesser black - 
 backed gull, is rarely obtained upon the coast, the first instance 
 on record being the specimen shot by William Massey, Esq., 
 of the Pigeon House Fort, and now in our collection. Ano- 
 ther, which we observed in the collection of Dr. Farren, was 
 found dead upon the Dublin coast by that gentleman. 
 
 They have occurred in two or three instances to Mr. Glen- 
 non, from specimens forwarded for preservation from the east 
 and west coasts of Ireland, and one captured alive, of which 
 the following particulars may not be devoid of interest. 
 
 A skua, with a slight injury on the wing-joint, was sent by 
 the captain of a vessel lying in the bay, in charge of a sailor, 
 to Mr. Glennon, with directions to kill and preserve it. The 
 bird being confined in a large basket, Mr. Glennon, objected 
 to kill the bird, desired the sailor to open it, which he no sooner 
 did than the skua dashed vigorously and determinedly at him, 
 striking with the bill and buffeting with the wings, drawing 
 blood with every successful stroke it made, until at last the 
 sailor drew out his clasp-knife in self-defence, but so well did 
 the bird defend itself, that, had not a tablecloth been flung 
 over it, the contest would have been of long duration. Such 
 vigour and determination did this bird show, that we need 
 not wonder how pertinaciously they are known to defend 
 their breeding haunts when intruded upon. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 253 THE POMARINE SKUA. 
 
 Lestris pomarinus. Temm. 
 Stercoraire pomarin. Temm. 
 
 THIS SKUA, nearly equal in size to the preceding, and dis- 
 tinguished by the same dark shade of colouring, is a bird of 
 more frequent occurrence, an occasional specimen being pro- 
 cured during winter. One, which came under our notice, was 
 purchased in the Dublin markets, in the winter of 1846. 
 
 Another, shot in Belfast Bay,* appeared, from the contents 
 of the stomach, to have been careless of whatever booty it 
 could obtain, " a rat, fishbones, and feathers, being found in 
 its stomach. Whilst a specimen, preserved by Mr. Glennon, 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
264 LARIDJE. 
 
 had the remains of a sea-gull in the stomach, with a quantity 
 of fishbones. 
 
 Of great beauty in the plumage of the adult, we see the 
 feathers of the neck exhibiting a rich, glistening, yellow colour. 
 This appears very conspicuous in a specimen in the possession 
 of Dr. Robert Ball of this city, shot amongst a flock of sea- 
 gulls in the Phoenix Park. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 254 RICHARDSON'S SKUA. 
 
 Lestris Richardsonii. Yarrell. 
 Stercoraire Richardson. Temm. 
 
 THE rarest of the Lestridse, Richardson's skua is seldom ob- 
 tained, and, like the pomarine and Buffbn's skua, chiefly in 
 immature plumage. Closely resembling Buffbn's skua, it is 
 difficult to distinguish between them, as, on three occasions, 
 we have noticed small skuas whilst on the wing ; but in two 
 of those instances were unable to determine their species from 
 their distance from us, and their rapid flight. 
 
 In the autumn of 1847 a skua was observed by a friend for 
 several days frequenting the entrance of the river LifFey, 
 by whom it was remarked to us when we had the pleasure of 
 observing its habits. Apparently upon the best terms with the 
 black-headed and kittiwake gulls, it did not offer them the 
 least annoyance, passing them many times with its swift and 
 rapid flight. Whilst in view it flew down and rested for a 
 considerable time upon the buoys placed in the river. Two 
 days after, we saw the bird at Mr. Glennon's house, .having 
 been shot by a person in the neighbourhood, from whom we 
 purchased it. 
 
 Since that time we remarked a skua profiting by the ex- 
 ertions of a flock of terns who were busily engaged fishing 
 off the extremity of St. Patrick's Isle at Skerries. Dashing 
 into the midst of them, it singled out one which had just 
 emerged from the water, and which dropped at once the finny 
 prey it had so unprofitably secured, when instantly it was 
 caught by the skua before reaching the water. Several times 
 the little fish would be observed silvering for a moment in the 
 air before that black little pirate could seize and secure it. 
 
 Once, in the summer of 1852, a skua passed closely by us 
 on the rocks at Lambay, and shot out seawards, continuing 
 its rapid flight until it disappeared. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
BUFFON'S SKUA. FULMAR. 265 
 
 SPECIES 255 BUFFON'S SKUA. 
 
 Lestris parasiticus. Jardine. 
 Stercoraire parasite ou labbe. Temin. 
 
 THIS elegant and graceful species, in the full plumage of the 
 adult, is one of the most beautiful of its family, and, occurring 
 in a greater proportion than any of the preceding, it has often 
 passed under the observation of the ornithologist. All equally 
 commissioned by nature for plunder, they are regarded with 
 fear by their weaker brethren : a peaceful fleet of merchant- 
 men could not" see with greater dread the approach of some 
 long, dark, piratical craft, than a flock of terns or gulls, when 
 the dark wing of this feathered pirate glances through them 
 and compels them to surrender their booty. 
 
 An immature bird in the author's collection, described some 
 twenty-two years since in the Dublin Penny Journal as an 
 unknown species, is only a variety, and was shot by Mr. 
 Massey, of the Pigeon House, near the wall running out to 
 sea. The remains of an adult bird, found inland after a storm, 
 had also come under our notice. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 GENUS CXIII PROCELLARIA (FULMAR). 
 
 SPECIES 256 THE FULMAR. 
 
 Procellaria glacialis. Linn. 
 Petrel fulmar. Temm. 
 
 THE FULMAR, which we might designate as a strong, com- 
 pactly built gull, with the peculiar petrel-like form of the 
 nostrils, is of extreme rarity in its occurrence in our Fauna, 
 three specimens being recorded as having occurred.* One of 
 these, which we had the pleasure of examining with Mr. 
 Glennon in a recent state, had been shot at the North Strand, 
 bordering upon Dublin Bay ; it was in the adult plumage of 
 the male, and is at present preserved in the collection of Mr. 
 T. W. Warren of this city. 
 
 Frequenting and breeding in the islands of Arctic Europe, 
 "it is well known to the whalers as a constant attendant on 
 the stricken whale, feeding voraciously on the carcases after 
 the flensing operations have terminated."! 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson. t Jardine. 
 
266 LAKID.E. 
 
 GENUS CXIV. PUFFINUS (SHEARWATER). 
 
 SPECIES 257 THE CINEREOUS SHEARWATER. 
 
 Puffinus cinereus. Selby. 
 
 Petrel cendre. Temm. 
 
 Hagdown. 
 
 THE CINEREOUS SHEARWATER is a species of great rarity 
 in its occurrence, the principal information being that con- 
 tributed by Mr. Robert Davis, of Clonmel, to Mr. Thomp- 
 son's work ; and, from that gentleman having observed their 
 habits in confinement, unnoticed by any previous observer, 
 they are well worthy of our notice.* " The first specimen was 
 taken in August, 1835, near Dungarvan, county of Water- 
 ford, and was sent to me alive. It was apparently in good 
 health, but would not eat anything, and died, after being in 
 my possession for about ten days or a fortnight. It had an 
 extremely rank, fishy, or oily smell at all times, but I never 
 saw any appearance of oil being discharged from its mouth 
 or nostrils. It seemed unable to walk, but scrambled along 
 with its breast about an inch from the ground. Although its 
 wings were perfect and uninjured, it made no attempt to fly, 
 but if let fall from a height dropped heavily to the ground. 
 It showed an inclination to climb, having several times 
 mounted up the handle of a long spade that rested against 
 the wall of the yard in which it was kept. It did not ramble 
 about, nor care for water, but when put in a large tub very 
 dexterously pulled itself up by the hooked bill, until the claws 
 got on the edge. When handled it bit severely." 
 
 From subsequent observations by that gentleman, it ap- 
 pears to be not uncommon upon the Waterford coast, the 
 fishermen capturing them on a hook when employed in hake- 
 fishing, and " keeping them for weeks about their houses ; 
 in some instances the birds have become tame. They never 
 attempt to fly. I could not hear of this species having 
 ever been shot, or otherwise taken than on a hook. It is 
 commonly known by the name of hagdown." 
 
 Mr. S. Moss, of Youghal, has kindly informed us of the 
 occasional occurrence of this shearwater, all being invariably 
 captured upon the hook, by the fishermen employed in their 
 avocations. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 * Thompson. 
 
THE MANX SHEARWATER. 267 
 
 SPECIES 258 THE MANX SHEARWATER. 
 
 Puffinus Anglorum. Jardine. 
 Petrel Manks. Temm. 
 
 Mackerel Cock. 
 
 THIS SHEARWATER, at one time occurring in greater abun- 
 dance than at the present, is a rather uncommon species. 
 
 Widely distributed around the coast during summer, it 
 has been observed by Mr. Glennon about Galway and Achill, 
 and by Mr. Irwin, of Roscommon, specimens have been ob- 
 tained upon the northern extremity of the island, which were 
 described by him as being most difficult to shoot, from the 
 rapidity of their flight, glancing past the boat in an instant, 
 and if suspecting danger gliding sideways, and disappearing 
 in a few seconds, the long pointed wing and easy flight at once 
 distinguish them when observed. 
 
 On the east coast it appears much more limited in num- 
 bers, and seldom ever ventures into Dublin Bay. One shot 
 there in 1833, by Mr. Massey, is in our possession. How- 
 ever, it is only at Lambay that we can gain any insight into 
 its habits, as it is known to the inhabitants, and the fisher- 
 men along the coast, by the name of mackerel cock, from its 
 preceding the appearance of that fish upon the coast. 
 
 When visiting that island we were informed of their occur- 
 ring at one time rather plentifully, and that they still fre- 
 quented it to nidify ; the single white egg found in burrows 
 above the rocks being correctly described by our informants, 
 according to whom there were about a dozen birds last year 
 (1850), and fifty, twelve years previously. Two birds of this, 
 species were once obtained at Lambay by Mr. R. Montgo- 
 mery, from a hole in the cliffs. 
 
 Obtaining the name of Manx petrel from their frequenting 
 at one time in abundance their great British station at the 
 Isle of Man, they are now almost a rare bird in its vicinity. 
 
 In many instances having mentioned Lambay as a breed- 
 ing haunt for sea-fowl, it may not be uninteresting to enu- 
 merate the different species which tenant the precipitous 
 eastern side of the island during the season of incubation : 
 the common and green cormorants, the common and black 
 guillemots, razor-bill, puffin, shearwater, great and lesser 
 black-backed gulls, herring and common gulls, and kitti- 
 wakes. 
 
 Amongst the land- birds which frequent the same face of 
 the rocks, we find the peregrine (rarely of late years), the 
 kestrel, raven, hooded crow, jackdaw, and stare (the chough 
 
268 LARHXK. 
 
 is also said to nidify in rare instances), the wheatear, window 
 martin, swift, and rock pigeon. 
 
 Of the uninviting situations chosen by those birds for in- 
 cubation we might agree with Shakspere in saying, 
 
 " Where they 
 
 Most breed and haunt I have observed the air 
 Is delicate." 
 
 On the great breeding place of the terns, at the Rock a 
 Bill, or Cow and Calf Rocks, situated to the north of Lam- 
 bay, we have observed the sandwich, roseate, common, and 
 Arctic terns, which breed upon the larger rock, whilst on the 
 smaller one the herring and common gulls incubate ; we 
 have also found the rock pipit nestling in the thin, wiry 
 grasses, the same kind selected by some of the terns. 
 
 Habitat Northern Europe. 
 
 SPECIES 259 THE DUSKY SHEARWATER. 
 
 Puffinus obscurus. Yarrell. 
 
 Petrel obscura. Temm. 
 
 OWING to the kindness of William Yarrell, Esq., F. L. S., &c., 
 we are enabled to notice the occurrence of this rare shear- 
 water, from a specimen exhibited at a meeting of the Linnsean 
 Society on the 7th of June, and from the elaborate paper on 
 which we take the following extracts : 
 
 " This interesting bird, new, as I believe, to the British 
 islands, was brought to me by B. Blackburn, Esq., of Va- 
 lentia Harbour, in the county of Kerry, who afterwards sent 
 me the following note of its occurrence. 
 
 " 4 The petrel which I left with you this morning flew on 
 board a small sloop off the Island of Valentia, on the south- 
 west coast of Ireland, late in the evening of the llth of May 
 last. Mrs. Blackburn had never observed it before on our 
 coast, and we concluded it to be the Puffinus obscurus of 
 Teuiminck and Gould. 
 
 " ' It made no attempt either to run or fly away, and suf- 
 fered itself to be handled without exhibiting alarm; and 
 though apparently strong and vigorous, manifested quite an 
 Oriental resignation to its fate.' " 
 
 Described by Vernon Harcourt, Esq., in his published 
 " Sketch of Madeira," Mr. Yarrell gives the following ex- 
 tract descriptive of its habits : 
 
 " c The dusky petrel is a very tame bird, and will live upon 
 almost anything ; it runs along the ground on its belly, and 
 
THE FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL. 269 
 
 uses its curious-shaded bill in climbing up the rocks. Those 
 I had in my possession alive were some of them caught with 
 fish-hooks baited with meat, by the Portuguese, and some 
 taken by the hand in the day-time from underneath stones, 
 where they hide from the light.' The egg, and they lay but 
 one, measures one inch and seven -eighths in length, by one 
 inch and three -eighths in breadth, rather smaller at one end 
 than at the other, and pure white." 
 
 Having so far availed ourselves of Mr. YarrelTs remarks, 
 we can only regret that our present limits prevent more notice 
 of the critical research so amply displayed upon the subject. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
 GENUS CXV. THALASSIDROMA (STORM PETREL). 
 
 SPECIES 260 THE FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL. 
 
 Thalassidroma Leachii. Temm. 
 Thalassidrome de Leach. Temm. 
 
 THE PETRELS, the last in order and least in size of the great 
 order of the Natatores, are remarkable for the many strange 
 traditions ignorance has invested them with. 
 
 Distinguished by the dark appearance of their plumage, 
 they appear as if habited in perpetual mourning, for the sad 
 scenes they had passed through, and for those they are about 
 to herald. Rarely met with or obtained in our island, unless 
 after the prevalence of a gale blowing from the sea, in most 
 cases it is found inland, driven thither by the storms, which 
 refused protection to the bird which seamen believe to have 
 been raised for its own enjoyment. 
 
 One in our collection was obtained in a dying state in a 
 snipe bog near Dundalk, after a severe gale in 1848. It lived 
 for a few days in the possession of the gentleman who ob- 
 tained it, but refused all sustenance. Confinement and cap- 
 tivity would have been too great a change from the bound- 
 less " world of waters" it had wandered over previously. 
 
 Storm petrels have been found in a similar manner in Ros- 
 common, Galway, and upon the Dublin coasts. 
 
 Habitat North America. 
 
270 LARID^J. 
 
 SPECIES 261 THE STORM PETREL. 
 
 Thalassidroma pelagica. Jardine. 
 
 Thalassidrome tempete. Temm. 
 
 Mother Carey's Chicken. Martenoil. 
 
 THIS interesting species, the smallest in size of our Irish 
 web -footed birds, is indigenous, and remains on our coasts 
 during the year. However, to the great majority it is a rare 
 bird, opportunities of seeing it seldom occur, as its " residence 
 on the waters" precludes all, except the mariner and the na- 
 turalist, from observing it. 
 
 Its appearance to the wave-tossed mariner brings dread 
 and apprehension of fearful dangers, which find a place at 
 once in their predisposed minds ; whilst, on the contrary, the 
 ornithologist who fortunately observes it, looks with pleasure 
 after the wave-washed course of this harmless and unjustly 
 maligned bird. The food of the storm petrel consists for the 
 most part of animal substances and mollusca, obtained float- 
 ing on the surface of the ocean ; although its appreciation 
 of the comforts of civilized life is easily observable by its al- 
 lowing itself to be captured on a fish-hook, baited with bread 
 or meat ; and, when following in the wake of vessels, small 
 particles of bread, fat, or suet, are eagerly picked up and 
 swallowed. Not being annoyed, they will frequent the vici- 
 nity of one vessel, perhaps, for weeks following in her wake, 
 regardless alike of storm or sunshine, light or darkness, and 
 continue undeviatingly in their course. 
 
 The storm petrel breeds principally about. the bare and 
 deserted islands of the west of Ireland, either in holes in the 
 earth or under rocks, and often in singularly damp situations. 
 It lays but one egg, oval in form and pure white in colour; 
 the young when hatched have a curious appearance, and are 
 covered entirely with down. On the Galway coast, where 
 they are denominated " martenoils," J. P. Patten, Esq., has 
 frequently obtained both the young and eggs. 
 
 By the ancients the petrel was believed to hatch its eggs 
 beneath its wing, as at all seasons, and in every sea, they had 
 been remarked flying, whilst their appearance on land was 
 never noticed. 
 
 The prejudices against these " wanderers of the waters" 
 are many, and principally exist in the minds of the seafaring 
 men of all countries, alike with the boatmen of the Clad- 
 dagh, the fishermen of Cadiz, and the seamen of the Cyclades. 
 
THE STORM PETREL. 271 
 
 Nor is the turbaned follower of the prophet exempt from the 
 prejudices of the Christian, as he mutters the accustomed 
 ejaculation of his creed when he sees the u souls of the 
 Giaours"* wing their way across the waters of the Golden 
 Horn. And as they are never observed to rest upon 
 the Bosphorus, they have been denominated, " les ames 
 damnes," 
 
 " The bird of Thrace 
 Whose pinion knows no resting place." 
 
 The sailor reclines listlessly against the mast, looking un- 
 moved on the quivering bosom of the Atlantic, covered with 
 a thousand tints of the golden radiance of the declining sun ; 
 anon a glance at the black piled-up clouds in the " wind's 
 eve" is followed by the fastening of some loose rope. A slight 
 ripple near the stern, and a sudden phosphoric light through 
 the dark waters, give warning of the shark. Coolly and con- 
 fidently he is regarded by the mariner, possibly the relative 
 distance of " meum et tuum" passing in his u mind's eye." 
 A low sibilant cry, as if from beneath the stern, causes the 
 sailor to peer intently through the darkness to verify his 
 suspicions. Alas! too true, he dimly discerns the dreaded 
 petrel running upon the crested waters. Fearless before 
 of storm or shark, the mariner quails at the presence of a 
 bird. 
 
 A sailor approaches and is hailed by the perturbed Jack : 
 " I say, Bill." " Well Jack, what is it?" " Did you see 
 them ?" " See who, what ?" " They are astern." " Who, 
 what's astern, man? speak out." Jack, in a low, decided 
 tone, answers, " Mother Carey's chickens." The courage of 
 the confident Bill oozes from his fingers' ends at the dreaded 
 words, and in an incredibly short time the worthy pair suc- 
 ceed to perfection in damping the energies of the entire 
 crew. 
 
 Before lifting our voice against those prejudices, it must be 
 admitted that, to the unthinking mariner the appearance of 
 the petrel when perhaps a thousand miles from any land, ap- 
 parently untired, and seldom seen resting or eating, together 
 with its ominous colour, and as it is generally believed to ap- 
 
 * A species of shore-bird frequenting the Bosphoms, and believed 
 by the Turks to be the souls of infidels condemned to wander so till 
 the day of judgment. 
 
272 LARID.E. 
 
 pear on the advent of a storm, small wonder that all have 
 conspired in placing the stormy petrel in the unconscious po- 
 sition it holds : 
 
 " O'er the deep ! o'er the deep, 
 
 Where the whale, and the shark, and the sword-fish sleep, 
 Outflying the blast and the driving rain, 
 The petrel telleth her tale in vain. 
 For the mariner curseth the warning bird 
 Who bringeth him news of storms unheard. 
 Oh ! thus does the prophet of good or ill 
 Meet hate from the creatures he serveth still ; 
 Yet he ne'er falters. So, petrel, spring 
 Once more o'er the waves on thy stormy wing. 
 
 Indigenous. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT 
 
 THE BIRDS OF IRELAND. 
 
 ORDER L RAPTORES (BIRDS OF PREY). 
 
 FAMILY I.VULTURID.E (VULTURES). 
 
 GENUS I. VULTUR (VULTURE). 
 
 1. Vultur fulvus. Griffon Vulture. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY II. FALCONID.E (FALCONS, AND ALLIED SPE- 
 CIES). 
 
 GENUS II FALCO (FALCON). 
 
 2. Falco gyrfalco. Gyr Falcon. Straggler. 
 
 3. , peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon. Resident. 
 
 4. 
 5. 
 
 6. 
 7. 
 
 subbuteo. Hobby Falcon. Straggler. 
 
 rutipes. Orange-legged Falcon. Straggler. 
 
 sesalon. Merlin Falcon. Resident. 
 
 tirmunculus. Kestrel Falcon. Resident. 
 
 GENUS III ACCIPITER (HAWK). 
 
 8. Accipiter palumbarius. Goshawk. Straggler. 
 
 9. ,, nisus. Sparrow Hawk. Resident. 
 
 GENUS IV AQUILA (EAGLE). 
 
 10. Aquila chrysaetos. Golden Eagle. Resident. 
 
 11. ,, noevia. Spotted Eagle. Straggler. 
 
 12. albicilla. Sea Eagle. Resident. 
 
 GENUS V. PANDION (OSPEKY). 
 
 13. Pandion haliseetus. Osprey. Straggler. 
 GENUS VI BUTEO (BUZZARD). 
 
 14. Buteo vulgaris. Common Buzzard. Resident. 
 
 15. ,, lagopus- Rough-legged Buzzard. Straggler. 
 
274 
 
 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 GENUS VII. PERXIS (BEE HAWK). 
 
 16. Pernis Apivorus. Honey Buzzard. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS VIII. CIRCUS (HARRIER). 
 
 17. Circus aeruginosus. Marsh Harrier. Resident. 
 
 18. ,, cyaneus. Hen Harrier. Resident. 
 
 19. ,, cineraceus. Montagu's Harrier. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY III. STRIGID^E (OWLS). 
 
 GENUS IX. STRIX (BARN OWL). 
 
 20. Strix flammea. Barn Owl. Resident. 
 
 GENUS X. OTUS (EARED OWL). 
 
 21. Otus vulgaris. Long-eared Owl. Resident. 
 
 22. brachyotus. Short-eared Owl. Wint. Vis. 
 
 GENUS XI. BUBO (EAGLE OWL). 
 
 23. Bubo maximus. Eagle Owl. Straggler. 
 GENUS XII. SCOPS (Scops OWL). 
 
 24. Scops Aldrovandi. Scops-eared Owl. Straggler. 
 GENUS XIII. SYRNIA (SNOWY OWL). 
 
 25. Syrnia nyctea. Snowy Owl. Straggler. 
 
 ORDER II. INSESSORES (PERCHING BIRDS). 
 
 SUB-ORDER DENTIROSTRES (NOTCHED-BILLED 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY IV LANIAD^E (SHRIKES). 
 
 GENUS XIV. LANIUS (SHRIKE). 
 
 26. Lanius excubitor. Great Grey Shrike. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY V.MYOTHERINJS (ANTCATCHERS AND AL- 
 LIED SPECIES). 
 
 GENUS XV. CINCLUS (DIPPER). 
 
 27. Cinclus aquaticus. "Water Ousel. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 FAMILY VI. MERULIN^E THRUSHES AND ALLIED SPE- 
 CIES). 
 
 GENUS XVI ORIOLUS (ORIOLE). 
 
 28. Oriolus galbula. Golden Oriole. Straggler. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 275 
 
 GENUS XVII TURDUS (THRUSH). 
 
 29. Turdus viscivorus. Missel Thrush. Resident. 
 
 30. iliacus. Redwing. Wint. Vis. 
 
 31. . pilaris. Fieldfare. Wint. Vis. 
 
 32. ,, musicus. Song Thrush. Resident. 
 
 33. Whitei. White's Thrush. Straggler. 
 
 34. ,, merula. Blackbird. Resident. 
 
 35. ,, torquatus. Ring Ousel. Sum. Vis. 
 
 36. aurigaster. Gold-vented Thrush. Straggler, 
 
 FAMILY VII SAXICOLISLE (STONECHATS, AND ALLIED 
 
 SPECIES). 
 
 GENUS XVIII. ERITHACUS (REDBREAST). 
 
 37. Erithacus rubecula. Common Redbreast. Resident. 
 GENUS XIX. SAXICOLA (STONECHAT). 
 
 38. Saxicola oenanthe. Wheatear. Sum. Vis. 
 
 39. ,, rubicola. Stonechat. Resident. 
 
 40. rubetra. Whinchat. Sum. Vis. 
 
 GENUS XX RUTICILLA (REDSTART). 
 
 41. Ruticilla phcenicur us. Common Redstart. Straggler. 
 
 42. tithys. Black Redstart. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY VIII. SYLVIAD^E (WARBLERS). 
 
 GENUS XXI. CURRUCA (BLACKCAP). 
 
 43. Curruca atricapilla. 
 
 44. 
 45. 
 
 Blackcap. 
 
 horteiisis. Garden Warbler, 
 cinerea. Whitethroat. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 Sum. Vis. 
 
 GENUS XXII SYLVIA (WARBLER). 
 
 46. Sylvia trochilus. Willow Warbler. 
 
 47. ,, hippolais. Chiff Chaff. 
 
 GENUS XXTII. SALICARIA (SEDGE BIRD). 
 
 48. Salicaria phragmites.^ Sedge Warbler. 
 
 Sum. 
 
 Vis. 
 Vis. 
 
 Sum. Vis. 
 
 49. locustella. Grasshopper Warbler. Straggler. 
 GENUS XXIV. REGULUS (KING BIRD). 
 
 50. Regulus cristatus. Golden-crested Wren. Resident. 
 
 FAMILY IX. PARING (TITS). 
 GENUS XXV. PARUS (Trr). 
 
 51. Parus major. Great Tit. Resident. 
 
 52. coeruleus. Blue Tit. Resident. 
 
 53. ater. Cole Tit. Resident. 
 
 54. palustris. Marsh Tit. Resident. 
 
 55. caudatus. Long-tailed Tit. Resident. 
 
 T2 
 
276 
 
 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 GENUS XXVI. ACCENTOR (CHANTER). 
 
 56. Accentor modularis. Hedge Accentor. 
 
 FAMILY X. MOTACILLIN.E (WAGTAILS). 
 
 GENUS XXVII. MOTACILLA (WAGTAIL). 
 
 57. Motacilla Yarrellii. Pied Wagtail. 
 
 58. ,, boarula. Grey Wagtail. 
 
 59. 
 
 flava. Yellow Wagtail. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Sum. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XL AMPELIN/E (CHATTERERS). 
 
 GENUS XXVIII. BOMBYCILLA (WAXWING). 
 
 60. Bombycilla garrula. Bohemian Waxwing. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XIL MUSCICAPID^E (FLYCATCHERS). 
 
 GENUS XXIX MLSCICAPA (FLYCATCHER). 
 
 61. Muscicapa grisola. Spotted Flycatcher. Sum. Vis. 
 
 SUB-ORDER CONIROSTRES (CONE-BILLED BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XIII.CORVIDJE (CROWS). 
 
 GENUS XXX CORVUS (CROW). 
 62. Corvus corax. Raven. 
 
 63. 
 64. 
 65. 
 
 corone. Carrion Crow, 
 cornix. Hooded Crow, 
 frugilegus. Rook, 
 monedula. Jackdaw. 
 
 GENUS XXXI. PICA (PIE). 
 
 67. Pica caudata. Magpie. 
 GENTS XXXII. GARRULUS (JAY). 
 
 68. Garrulus glandarius. Jay. 
 
 GENUS XXXIII .FREGILUS (CHOUGH). 
 
 69. Fregilus graculus. Chough, 
 
 GENUS XXXIV. STURNUS (STARE). 
 
 70. Sturnus vulgaris. Stare. 
 
 GENUS XXXV PASTOR (PASTOR). 
 
 71. Pastor roseus. Rose-coloured Pastor. 
 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Straggler. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 277 
 
 FAMILY XIV FRINGILLID^E (FINCHES, AND ALLIED 
 
 SPECIES). 
 
 GENUS XXXVI COCCOTHRAUSTES (GROSBEAK). 
 
 72. Coccothraustes vulgaris. Hawfinch. Straggler. 
 
 73. 
 
 chloris. Greenfinch. 
 
 GENUS XXXVII LIN ARIA (LINNET). 
 
 74. Linaria canabina. Grey Linnet. 
 
 75. ,, minor. Lesser" Redpole. 
 
 76. ,, flavirostris. Mountain Linnet. 
 
 GENUS XXXVIII. CARDUELIS (GOLDFINCH). 
 
 77. Carduelis elegans. Goldfinch. 
 
 78. ,, spinus. Siskin. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Straggler. 
 
 GENUS XXXIX FRINGILLA (FINCH). 
 
 79. Fringilla coelebs. Chaffinch. Resident. 
 
 80. ,, montifringilla. Mountain Finch. Wint. Vis. 
 
 GENUS XL. PASSER (SPARROW). 
 
 81. Passer domesticus. Common Sparrow. 
 
 GENUS XLI. EMBERIZA (BUNTING). 
 
 82. Emberiza miliaria. Common Bunting, 
 
 citrinella. Yellow Bunting. 
 schoeniculus. Reed Bunting. 
 
 83. 
 84. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 Resident. 
 
 GENUS XLI I PLECTROPHANES (SNOW BIRD). 
 
 85. Plectrophanes nivalis. Snow Bunting. 
 
 GENUS XLIII PYRRHULA (BULLFINCH). 
 
 86. Pyrrhula vulgaris. Common Bullfinch. 
 
 87. ,, enucleator. Pine Bullfinch. 
 
 GEN#S XLIV. LOXIA (CROSSBILL). 
 
 88. Loxia curvirostra. Common Crossbill. 
 
 Resident. 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 89. ,, leucoptera. White- winged Crossbill. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XV. ALAUDIN^E (LARKS, AND ALLIED SPE- 
 CIES) 
 
 GENUS XLV. ALAUDA (LARK). 
 
 90. Alauda arvensis. Skylark. Resident. 
 
 91. ,, arborea. Wo'odlark. Resident. 
 
 GENUS XLVI. ANTHTJS (PIPIT). 
 
 92. Anthus pratensis. Meadow Pipit. Resident. 
 
 93. ,, aquaticus. Rock Pipit. Resident. 
 
278 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 SUB-ORDER SCANSORES (CLIMBERS). 
 
 FAMILY XVI PICID^E (WOODPECKERS). 
 
 GENUS XL VI I. Picus (WOODPECKER). 
 
 94. Picus major. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Straggler. 
 
 95. ,, minor. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Straggler. 
 
 96. ,, viridis. Green Woodpecker. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS XLVIII. CERTHIA (CREEPER). 
 
 97. Certhia familiaris. Creeper. Resident. 
 GENUS XLIX. TROGLODYTES (WREN). 
 
 98. Troglodytes Europaeus. Common Wren. Resident. 
 
 FAMILY XVII. CUCULID^E (CUCKOOS). 
 
 GENUS L. CUCULUS (CUCKOO). 
 
 99. Cuculus canorus. Common Cuckoo. Sum. Vis. 
 
 100. ,, glandarius. Great Spotted 
 
 Cuckoo. Straggler. 
 
 101. ,, Americanus. Yellow-billed 
 
 American Cuckoo. Straggler. 
 
 SUB-ORDER. TENUIROSTRES (SLENDER-BILLED 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XVIIL UPUPID^E (HOOPOE). 
 
 GENUS LI. UPUPA (HOOPOE). 
 102. UpupaEpops. Hoopoe. Straagler. 
 
 SUB-ORDER. FISSIROSTRES (WIDE-MOUTHED 
 BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XIX. MEROPID.E (BEE-EATERS). 
 
 GENUS LII. MEROPS (BEE-EATER). 
 
 103. Merops Apiaster. Bee-Eater. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LIII. CORA ems (ROLLER). 
 
 104. Coracias garrula. Roller. Straggler. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 279 
 
 FAMILY XX ALCEDIN^E (KINGFTSHEKS). 
 
 GENUS LIV. ALCEDO (KINGFISHER). 
 
 105. Alcedo ispida. Kingfisher. Resident. 
 
 106. ,, alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XXI. CAPRIMULGID.E (GOATSUCKERS). 
 GENUS LV. CAPRIMULGUS (GOATSUCKER). 
 
 107. Caprimulgus Europseus. Goatsucker. Sum. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXIL HIRUNDIN^ (SWALLOWS). 
 
 GENUS LVI. HIRUNDO (SWALLOW). 
 
 108. Hirundo rustica. Chimney Swallow. Sum. Vis. 
 
 109. ,, urbica. Window Martin. Sum. Vis. 
 
 110. ,, riparia. Sand Martin. Sum. Vis. 
 
 111. ,, purpurea. Purple Martin. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LVII CYPSELUS (SWIFT). 
 
 112. Cypselus apus. Common Swift. Sum. Vis. 
 
 113. ,, Alpinus. Alpine Swift. Straggler. 
 
 ORDER III. RASORES (SCRAPING BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XXIII. COLUMBIN/E (PIGEONS). 
 
 GENUS LVIII. COLUMBA (PIGEON). 
 
 114. Columba palumbus. Ring Dove. Resident. 
 
 115. ,, livia. Rock Dove. Resident. 
 
 116. turtur. Turtle Dove. Straggler. 
 
 FAMIIf XXIV. PHASIANID^E (PHEASANTS). 
 
 GENUS LIX. PHASIANUS (PHEASANT). 
 
 117. Phasianus Colchicus. Common Pheasant. Resident. 
 
 FAMILY XXV. TATRAONID^ (GROUSE). 
 
 GENUS LX. LAGOPUS (PTARMIGAN). 
 
 118. Lagopus Scoticus. Red Grouse. Resident. 
 
 FAMILY XXVI. PERDICIN^E (PARTRIDGES AND ALLIED 
 SPECIES). 
 
 GENUS LXI. PERDIX (PARTRIDGE). 
 
 119. Perdix cinerea. Common Partridge. Resident- 
 
280 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 GENUS LXII COTURNIX (QUAIL). 
 
 120. Coturnix vulgaris. Quail. Sum. Fis. 
 
 FAMILY XXVII. OTJD.E (BUSTARDS). 
 
 GENUS LXIII. OTIS (BUSTARD). 
 
 121. Otis minor. Little Bustard. Straggler. 
 
 ORDER IV GRALLATORES (WADING BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XXVIII ARDEAD^E (HERONS). 
 
 GENUS LXIV ARDEA (HERON). 
 
 122. Ardea cinerea. Common Heron. Resident. 
 
 123. ,, purpurea. Purple Heron. Straggler. 
 
 124. ,, garzetta. Egret Heron. Straggler. 
 
 125. ,, comata. Squacco Heron. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXV. BOTAURUS (BITTERN). 
 
 126. Botaurus stellaris. Common Bittern. Straggler. 
 
 127. ,, lentiginosus. American Bittern. Straggler. 
 
 128. ,, minutus. Little Bittern. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXVI. NYCTICORAX (NIGHT HERON). 
 
 129. Nycticorax Gardemi. Night Heron. Straggler. 
 
 GEUNS LXVIL CICONIA (STORK). 
 
 130. Ciconia alba. White Stork. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXVIII PLATALEA (SPOONBILL). 
 
 131. Platalea leucorodia. White Spoonbill. Straggler. 
 GENUS LXIX GRUS (CRANE). 
 
 132. Grus cinerea. Common Crane, Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XXIX IBIDIN^E (IBISES). 
 
 GENUS LXX. IBIS (!BIS). 
 
 133. Ibis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XXX. SCOLOPACID.E (SNIPES, AND ALLIED 
 
 SPECIES). 
 GENUS LXXI NUMENIUS (CURLEW). 
 
 134. Numenius arquata. Curlew. Resident. 
 
 135. ,, pheopus. Whimbrel. Sum. Vis. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 281 
 
 GENUS LXXII SCOLOPAX (SNIPE). 
 
 136. Scolopax rusticola. Woodcock. 
 137 ,, major. Great Snipe. 
 
 138. ,, Sabini. Sabine's Snipe. 
 
 139. ,, gallinago. Common Snipe. 
 
 140. ,, gallinula. Jack Snipe. 
 
 GENUS LXXIII LTMOSA (GODWIT). 
 
 141. Limosa melanura. Black-tailed Godwit. 
 
 142. rufa. Common Godwit. 
 
 GENUS 
 143. 
 
 GENUS 
 
 144. 
 145. 
 146. 
 147. 
 148. 
 
 LXXIV MACHETES (RUFF). 
 
 Machetes pugnax. Ruff. 
 
 LXXV TOTANUS (TATTLER). 
 
 Totanus fuscus. Spotted Redshank. 
 ,, calidris, Common Redshank. 
 ,, glottis. Greenshank. 
 ,, ochropus. Green Sandpiper. 
 ,, hypoleucus. Common Sand- 
 piper. 
 
 GENUS LXXVI. TRINGA (SANDPIPER). 
 
 149. Tringa variabilis. Purre or Dunlin. 
 
 150. subarquata. Pigmy Curlew. 
 
 151. Platyrhyncha. Broad-billed 
 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 152. ,, rufescens. Buff-breasted Sand- 
 
 piper. 
 
 153. ,, Schintzii. Schintz's Sandpiper. 
 
 154. ,, minuta. Little Stint. 
 
 155. ,, Temminckii. Temminck's Stint. 
 
 156. maritima. Purple Sandpiper. 
 
 157. ,. canutus. Knot. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Resident. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 
 Sum. Vis. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 GENETS LXXVII HIMANTOPUS (STILTSHANK). 
 
 158. Himantopus melanopterus. Black- 
 
 winged Stilt. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXXVIII. RECURVIROSTRA (CURVED BILL). 
 
 159. Recurvirostra avocetta. Avosett. Straggler. 
 GENUS LXXIX. STREPSILAS (TURNSTONE). 
 
 160. Strepsilas interpres. Turnstone. Wint. Vis. 
 
 GENUS LXXX. OSTRALEGUS (OYSTER PLOVER). 
 
 161. Ostralegus haimatopus. Oyster Plover, Resident. 
 GENUS LXXXI. PHALAROPUS (PHALAROPE). 
 
 162. Phalaropus lobatus. Grey Phalarope. Straggler. 
 
282 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 GENUS LXXXII. ARENARIA (SANDERLING). 
 
 163. Arenaria calidris. Sanderling. Wint. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXXI CHARADRIAD^E (PLOVERS). 
 
 GENUS LXXXIII (EDICNEMUS (THICKNEE). 
 
 164. (Edicnemus crepitans. Great Plover. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXXXIV. SQUATAROLA (PLOVER). 
 
 165. Squatarola cinerea. Gray Plover. Wint. Vis. 
 
 166. pluvialis. Golden Plover. Resident. 
 
 GENUS LXXXV. YANELLUS (LAPWING). 
 
 167. Vanellus cristatus. Lapwing. Resident. 
 
 GENUS LXXXVI. CHARADKIUS (SAND PLOVER). 
 
 168. Charadrius morinellus. Dotterel. Straggler. 
 
 169. ,, hiaticula. Ring Dotterel. Resident. 
 
 170. ,, Cantianus. Kentish Dotterel. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS LXXXVII GLAREOLA (PRATINCOLE). 
 
 171. Glareola torquata. Collared Pratincole. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XXXII. RALLID^E (RAILS). 
 
 GENUS LXXXVIIL RALLUS (RAIL). 
 
 172. Rallus aquaticus. Water Rail. Resident. 
 
 GENUS LXXXIX. CREX (CRAKE). 
 
 173. Crex pratensis. Corn Crake. Sum. Vis. 
 
 174. porzana. Spotted Crake. Straggler. 
 
 175. ,, Baillonii. Baillon's Crake. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS XC. GALLINULA (WATER HEN). 
 
 176. Gallinula chloropus. Water Hen- Resident. 
 
 177. ,, Martinica. Purple Water Hen. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS XCI. FULICA (COOT). 
 
 178. Fulicaatra. Baldcoot. Resident. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 283 
 
 ORDER V.XATATORES. (SWIMMING BIRDS). 
 
 FAMILY XXXIII ANSERINE (GEESE). 
 
 GENUS XCIL ANSER (GOOSE). 
 
 179. Anserferus. Gray-lag Goose. 
 
 180. 
 181. 
 182. 
 183. 
 184. 
 185. 
 
 segetum. Bean Goose, 
 erythropus. Whitefronted Goose, 
 bernicla. Bernacle Goose, 
 brenta. Brent Goose. 
 Canadensis. Canada Goose. 
 ^Egyptiacus. Egyptian Goose. 
 
 GENUS XCIII CYGNUS (SWAN). 
 
 186. Cygnus ferus. Hooping Swan. 
 
 187. ,, Bewickii. Bewick's Swan. 
 
 FAMILY XXXIV. ANATID^E (DUCKS). 
 
 GENUS XCIV TADORNA (SHELLDRAKE). 
 
 188. Tadorna rutila. Ruddy Shelldrake. 
 
 189. vulpanser. Shelldrake. 
 
 GENUS XCV ANAS (DUCK). 
 
 1 90. Anas boschas. Wild Duck. 
 191. 
 
 192. 
 193. 
 194. 
 195. 
 196. 
 
 crecca. Common Teal, 
 circia. Gargany. 
 acuta. Pintail, 
 strepera. Gadwall. 
 clypeata. Shoveller, 
 penelope. Widgeon. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Resident. 
 
 Resident. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Straggler. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXXV FULIGULIN^E (SEA DUCKS). 
 
 GENUS XCVI. FULIGULA (POCHARD). 
 
 197. Fuligula marila. Scaup Pochard. 
 
 198. cristata. Tufted Pochard. 
 
 199. ferina. Redheaded Pochard. 
 
 GENUS XCVII CLANGULA (GARROT). 
 
 200. Clangula vulgaris. Golden-eye Garrot. 
 
 GENUS XCVIII. HARELDA (HARELD). 
 
 201. Harelda glacialis. Long-tailed Duck. 
 
 GENUS XCIX. OIDEMIA (SCOTER). 
 
 202. Oidemia perspicillata. Surf Scoter. 
 
 203. fusca. Velvet Scoter. 
 
 204. ,, nigra. Black Scoter. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wmt. Vis. 
 
 Wint. Vis. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Wint. Vis. 
 Wint. Vis, 
 
284 SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 GENUS C SOMATERIA (EIDER DUCK.) 
 
 205. Somateria mollissima. Eider Duck. Straggler. 
 
 206. ,, spectabilis. King Eider. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVI. MERGANSERIN^ (MERGANSERS). 
 
 GENUS CI. MERGUS (MERGANSER). 
 
 207 Mergus albellus. Smew. Wint. Vis. 
 
 208 ,, cucullatus. Hooded Merganser. Straggler. 
 
 209. ,, serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. Resident. 
 
 210. ,, merganser. Goosander. Wint. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVIL COLYMBTDIN^E (DIVERS). 
 
 GENUS Oil. PODIOEPS (GREBE). 
 
 211. Podiceps cristatus. Tippet Grebe. Resident. 
 
 212. ,, rubricollis. Red-necked Grebe. Straggler. 
 
 213. ,, cornutus. Horned Grebe. Straggler. 
 
 214. auritus. Eared Grebe. Straggler. 
 
 215. ,, minor. Little Grebe. Resident. 
 
 GENUS CIII. COLYMBUS (DIVER). 
 
 216. Colymbus septentrionalis. Red-throated 
 
 Diver. Wint. Vis. 
 
 217. Colymbus Arcticus. Black-throated Diver. Straggler. 
 
 218. glacialis. Great Northern Diver. Wint. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXXVIII. ALCAD^E (AUKS). 
 GENUS CIV. URIA (GUILLEMOT). 
 
 219. Uria troile. Common Guillemot. Sum. Vis. 
 
 220. lacrymans. Bridled Guillemot. Straggler. 
 
 221. grylle. Black Guillemot. Sum. Vis. 
 
 GENUS CV. MERGULUS (LITTLE AUK). 
 
 222. Mergulus alle, Little Auk. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS CVI. ALCA (AUK). 
 
 223. Alca impennis. Great Auk. Straggler. 
 
 224. torda. Razor-bill. Sum. Vis. 
 
 GENUS CVII. FRATERCULA (PUFFIN). 
 
 225. Fratercula Arctica (Puffin). Sum. Vis. 
 
 FAMILY XXXIX. PELICANID^ (PELICANS). 
 
 GENUS CVIII. PHALACRACORAX (CORMORANT). 
 
 226. Phalacracorax carbo. Common Cormo- 
 
 rant. Resident. 
 
 227. Phalacracorax cristatus. Green Cormo- 
 
 rant. Resident. 
 
SYSTEMATIC ARRANGEMENT. 
 
 285 
 
 GENUS CIX SULA (GANNET). 
 
 228. Sula Bassana. Gannet. Sum. Vis. 
 FAMILY XL STERNID.E (TERNS). 
 
 GENUS CX. STERNA (TEEN). 
 
 229. Sterna velox. RuppelPs Tern. Straggler. 
 
 230. ,, Cantiaca. Sandwich Tern. Straggler. 
 
 231. Arctica. Arctic Tern. Sum. Vis. 
 
 232. hirundo. Common Tern. Sum. Vis. 
 
 233. Dougallii. Roseate Tern. Sum. Vis. 
 
 234. leucopareia. Whiskered Tern- Straggler. 
 
 235. nigra. Black Tern. Straggler. 
 236 ,, leucoptera. White-winged Black 
 
 Tern. Straggler. 
 
 237. ,, minuta. Lesser Tern. Sum. Vis. 
 
 238. stolida. Noddy. Straggler. 
 
 FAMILY XLI LARID^E (GULLS). 
 
 GENUS CXI LARUS (GULL). 
 
 239. Larus Sabini. Sabine's Gull. 
 
 240. 
 241. 
 242. 
 243. 
 244. 
 245. 
 246. 
 247. 
 248. 
 249. 
 250. 
 251. 
 
 minutus. Little Gull. 
 
 ridibundus. Black-headed Gull. 
 
 Bonapartii. Bonaparte's Gull. 
 
 capistratus. Masked Gull. 
 
 marinus. Great Black-backed Gull. Resident. 
 
 fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Resident. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 argentacus. Herring Gull, 
 glaucus. Glaucous Gull. 
 Islandicus. Iceland Gull, 
 canus. Common Gull, 
 eburneus. Ivory Gull, 
 rissa. Kittiwake. 
 
 GENUS CXII LESTRIS (SKUA.) 
 
 252. Lestris catarrhactes. Great Skua. 
 
 253. ,, pomarinus. Pomarine Skua. 
 
 254. 
 255. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Sum. Vis. 
 
 Straggler. 
 Straggler. 
 
 Richardsonii. Richardson's Skua. Straggler. 
 
 Straggler. 
 
 Buffon's Skua. 
 
 parasiticus. 
 GENUS CXIII PROCELLARIA (FULMAR). 
 
 256. Procellaria glacialis. Fulmar. Straggler. 
 GENUS CXIV. PUFFINUS (SHEARWATER). 
 
 257. Puffinus cinereus. Cinereous Shearwater. Straggler. 
 
 258. ,, Anglorum. Manx Shear water. Sum. Vis. 
 
 259. ,, obscurus. Dusky Shearwater. Straggler. 
 
 GENUS CXV. THALASSIDROMA (STORM PETREL). 
 
 260. ThalassidromaLeachii. Fork-tailed Storm 
 
 Petrel. Straggler. 
 
 261. ,, pelagica. 
 
 Storm Petrel. Resident. 
 
ENGLISH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 ABERDEVINE, 82. 
 Accentor, hedge. 57. 
 Auk, great, 230. ' 
 
 little, 230. 
 Avosett, 167. 
 
 Baldcoot, 185. 
 Barnacle, 190. 
 Bernacle, 189. 
 
 Norway, 189. 
 
 white-faced, 189. 
 Bittern, common, 134. 
 
 American, 136. 
 
 little, 137. 
 Blackbird, 35. 
 
 water, 29. 
 Blackcap, 45. 
 Blackcock, 126. 
 Bluebonnet, 52. 
 Bohemian waxwing, 60. 
 Bull's eye, 178. 
 Bullfinch, common, 88. 
 
 pine, 89. 
 Bunting, common, 86. 
 
 hornbill, 86. 
 
 mountain, 88. 
 
 reed, 87. 
 
 snow, 88. 
 
 tawny, 88. 
 
 yellow, 86. 
 Bustard, little, 130. 
 
 thickneed, 172. 
 Butcher bird, 28. 
 Buzzard, common, 16. 
 
 honey, 17. 
 
 rough-legged, 17. 
 
 Chaffinch, 82. 
 
 Chicken, mother Carey's, 280. 
 
 Chiff-chaff, 48. 
 
 Chough, 73. 
 
 Cornish, 73. 
 Cock mackerel, 267. 
 
 storm, 30. 
 Coot, bald, 185. 
 Cormorant, common, 234. 
 
 crested, 237. 
 
 green, 237. 
 Corncrake, 181. 
 Cowboy, 38. 
 Crake, Baillon's, 183. 
 
 corn, 181. 
 
 spotted, 182. 
 Crane, common, 141. 
 Creeper, 98. 
 Crossbill, common, 90. 
 
 white-winged, 91. 
 Crow, carrion, 66. 
 
 hooded, 67. 
 
 praheen, 68. 
 
 red-legged, 73. 
 
 sea, 73. 
 
 scald, 67. 
 Cuckoo, 100. 
 
 great spotted, 102. 
 
 vellow-billed American, 
 
 103. 
 Curlew, 143. 
 
 Jack, 145. 
 
 pigmy, 161. 
 
 stone, 172. 
 Cushat, 120. 
 
 Dabchick, 221. 
 Deviling, 57. 
 Dipper, 29. 
 Diver, black, 185. 
 
 black-throated, 224. 
 
 crested, 207. 
 
 dun, 216, 
 
288 
 
 ENGLISH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 Diver, golden-eye, 208. 
 
 Gannet, 238. 
 
 magpie, 214. 
 
 Garden warbler, 45. 
 
 northern great, 224. 
 red-throated, 223. 
 
 Gargany, 201. 
 Goatsucker, 108. 
 
 second speckled, 223. 
 
 Godwit, blacktailed, 151 . 
 
 speckled, 223. 
 
 common, 152. 
 
 white-faced, 185. 
 
 red, 152. 
 
 Dotterel, 177. 
 
 Golden-crested wren, 51. 
 
 Kentish, 179. 
 
 Goldfinch, 81. 
 
 ring, 178. 
 
 Goosander, 216, 
 
 Dove, ring, 120. 
 
 Goose, bean, 187. 
 
 rock, 121. 
 
 bernacle, 189. 
 
 turtle, 123. 
 
 brent, 190. 
 
 Duck, black, 211. 
 
 Canada, 192. 
 
 bridle, 206. 
 
 Egyptian, 193. 
 
 burrow, 197. 
 
 gray lag, 186. 
 
 eider, 213. 
 
 laughing, 188. 
 
 golden-eye, 208. 
 
 solan, 238. 
 
 king, 214. 
 
 tortoiseshell, 188. 
 
 long-tailed, 209. 
 
 white-faced, 188. 
 
 scaup, 206. 
 
 white-fronted, 188. 
 
 St. Cuthbert's, 213. 
 
 wild, 186. 
 
 surf, 211. 
 
 Goshawk, 8. 
 
 tufted, 207. 
 
 Grasshopper warbler, 50. 
 
 white-sided, 207. 
 
 Grebe, black-chin, 221. 
 
 wild, 198. 
 
 crested, 217. 
 
 Dunlin, 159. 
 
 dusky, 220. 
 
 
 eared, 221. 
 
 Eagle, black, 10. 
 
 horned, 220. 
 
 golden, 10. 
 
 little, 221. 
 
 ringtailed, 10. 
 
 red-necked, 220. 
 
 sea, 13. 
 
 tippet, 217. 
 
 spotted, 12. 
 
 Greenfinch, 77. 
 
 whitetailed, 13. 
 
 linnet, 77. 
 
 Egret, 133. 
 
 Greenshank, 156. 
 
 Eider, 213. 
 
 Grouse, red, 126. 
 
 king, 214. 
 
 Guillemot, black, 229. 
 
 
 bridled, 228. 
 
 Fairy bird, 248. 
 
 common, 226. 
 
 Falcon, ger, 2. 
 
 foolish, 226. 
 
 Greenland, 2. 
 
 Gull, black-backed, great, 254. 
 
 gyr, 2. 
 
 black-backed, lesser, 255. 
 
 Norwegian, 2. 
 
 black -headed, 251 . 
 
 peregrine, 4. 
 
 Bonaparte's, 253. 
 
 Felt, big, 30. 
 
 common, 259. 
 
 blue, 32. 
 
 glaucous, 258. 
 
 Feltyfare, 32. 
 
 herring, 257. 
 
 Fern owl, 24. 
 
 Iceland, 259. 
 
 Fieldfare, 32. 
 
 ivory, 260. 
 
 Flycatcher, spotted, 62. 
 
 little, 250. 
 
 Fulmar, 265. 
 
 masked, 253. 
 
 Furzechatter, 43. 
 
 redlegged, 251. 
 
 
 redshank, 251. 
 
 Gadwall, 202. 
 
 Sabine's, 250. 
 
ENGLISH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 289 
 
 Hareld, northern, 209. 
 Harrier, hen, 19. 
 
 marsh, 19. 
 
 Montague's, 20. 
 
 moor, 19. 
 Hawfinch, 76. 
 Hawk, blue, 4. 
 
 brown, 19. 
 
 cliff, 6. 
 
 sparrow, 8. 
 
 white, 19. 
 Heather bleat, 149. 
 Hedge sparrow, 57. 
 Heron, common, 131. 
 
 night, 138. 
 
 purple, 133. 
 
 squacco, 134. 
 Hobby, 5. 
 
 orange-legged, 6. 
 Hooper, 194. 
 Hoopoe, 103. 
 
 Ibis, glossy, 142. 
 Imber, 224. 
 lesser, 224. 
 
 Jackdaw, 69. 
 Jay, 72. 
 Jourourg, 241. 
 
 Kestrel, 7. 
 Kingfisher, 106. 
 belted, 108. 
 Kite, 19. 
 Kittiwake, 261. 
 Knot, 165. 
 
 Ladybird, 201. 
 Landrail, 181. 
 Lapwing, 174. 
 Lark, bush, 86. 
 
 rock, 95. 
 
 sand, 157. 
 
 sea, 167. 
 
 sky, 91. 
 
 wood, 94. 
 Linnet, gray, 78. 
 
 green, 77. 
 
 mountain, 80. 
 Magpie, 70. 
 Mallard, 198. 
 Martin, purple, 117, 
 
 sand, 116. 
 
 Martin, window, 115. 
 Mavis, 33. 
 May-bird, 145. 
 Merganser, hooded, 215. 
 
 redbreasted, 216. 
 Merle, 35. 
 Merlin, 6. 
 Moorhen, 183. 
 Mountain finch, 84. 
 Murre, sea, 226. 
 
 Nightjar, 108. 
 Nightingale, Irish, 49. 
 Nun, white, 214. 
 Noddy, 249. 
 
 Oriole, golden, 30. 
 Osprey, 14. 
 Ouzel, ring, 38. 
 
 water, 29. 
 Owl, barn, 21. 
 
 eagle, 25. 
 
 fern, 24. 
 
 longeared, 23. 
 
 scops, 26. 
 
 shorteared, 24. 
 
 snowy, 27. 
 
 white, 21. 
 
 woodcock, 24. 
 Ox~eye, 52. 
 
 Parrot, sea, 233. 
 Partridge, common, 128. 
 Pastor, rose-coloured, 75. 
 Petrel, fork-tailed, 269. 
 
 stormy, 270. 
 Phalarope, gray, 169. 
 Pheasant, 123. 
 
 sea, 201. 
 Phillipene, 174.; 
 Pigeon, rock, 121. 
 
 sea, 121. 
 Pintail, 201. 
 Pipit, meadow, 94. 
 
 rock, 95. 
 Plover, black-breasted, 173. 
 
 golden, 173. 
 
 great, 172. 
 
 green, 174. 
 
 gray, 173. 
 
 long-legged, 166. 
 
 Norfolk, 172. 
 
 ring, 178. 
 
290 
 
 ENGLISH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 Plover, sea, 173. 
 
 Scoter, black, 212. 
 
 yellow, 173. 
 
 double, 211. 
 
 Pochard, red-headed, 207. 
 
 surf, 211. 
 
 scaup, 206. 
 
 velvet, 211. 
 
 tufted, 207. 
 
 Sea pigeon, 121. 
 
 Praheen, 67. 
 
 Sea crow, 73. 
 
 Pratincole, collared, 179. 
 
 Sea eagle, 13. 
 
 Puffin, 233. 
 
 Sedge warbler, 49. 
 
 Purre, 159. 
 
 Shag, 237. 
 
 
 Shearwater, cinereous, 266. 
 
 Quail, 129. 
 
 dusky, 268. 
 
 
 Manx, 267. 
 
 Rail, land, 181. 
 
 Shelldrake, 197. 
 
 spotted, 182. 
 
 ruddy, 196. 
 
 water, 180. 
 
 Shoveller, 203. 
 
 Raven, 63. 
 
 Shovelbill, 203. 
 
 Razorbill, 231. 
 
 Shrike, gray, 28. 
 
 Redbreast, common, 39. 
 
 great gray, 28. 
 
 Redpole, lesser, 80. 
 
 Siskin, 82. 
 
 Redshank, 155. 
 
 Skirr, big, 240. 
 
 spotted, 154. 
 
 Skua, Buffon's, 265. 
 
 Redstart, black, 44. 
 
 great, 262. 
 
 common, 44. 
 
 pomarine, 263. 
 
 Red grouse, 126. 
 
 Richardson's, 264. 
 
 Redwing, 31. 
 
 Skylark, 91. 
 
 Reed sparrow, 87. 
 
 Smew, 214. 
 
 Reefouge, 57. 
 
 Snipe, common, 149. 
 
 Reeve, 153. 
 
 great, 148. 
 
 Ringdove, 120. 
 
 jack, 150. 
 
 Ring dotterel, 178. 
 
 pool, 155. 
 
 Ringtail, 19. 
 
 red-legged, 155. 
 
 Rockdove, 121. 
 
 Sabine's, 148. 
 
 Rock lark, 95. 
 
 sea, 159. 
 
 Roller, 105. 
 
 spotted, 154. 
 
 Rook, 68. 
 
 Snow- bunting, 88. 
 
 Rotche, 230. 
 
 Solan goose, 238. 
 
 Ruff, 153. 
 
 Sparrow, common, 84, 
 
 
 hedge, 57. 
 
 Sallypicker, 47 , 
 
 reed, 87. 
 
 Sanderling, 171. 
 
 Sparrow-hawk, 8. 
 
 Sandlark, 157. 
 
 Spoonbill, white, 139. 
 
 Sandpiper, ash-coloured, 165. 
 
 Stare, 74. 
 
 broadbilled, 161. 
 
 mountain, 38. 
 
 buff-breasted, 162. 
 
 Starling, 74. 
 
 common, 157. 
 
 Stilt, black- winged, 166. 
 
 curlew, 161. 
 
 Stint, 163. 
 
 dusky, 154. 
 
 Temminck's, 164. 
 
 green, 157. 
 
 Stonechat, 42. 
 
 least, 163. 
 
 Stork, white, 138. 
 
 purple, 164. 
 
 Swallow, common, 111. 
 
 rock, 164. 
 
 Swan, Bewick's, 195. 
 
 Schintz's, 162. 
 
 hooping, 194. 
 
 Scaup, pochard, 206. 
 
 wild, 194. 
 
 
 * 
 
ENGLISH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 291 
 
 Swift, common, 117. 
 
 Alpine, 119. 
 Swinepipe, 31. 
 
 Teal, common, 200. 
 Tern, Arctic, 241. 
 
 black, 246. 
 
 common, 242. 
 
 lesser, 248. 
 
 roseate, 244. 
 
 Ruppell's, 239. 
 
 sandwich, 240. 
 
 whiskered, 246. 
 
 whitewinged, black, 248. 
 Throstle, 33. 
 Thrush, gold- vented, 39. 
 
 missel, 30. 
 
 song, 33. 
 
 White's, 34. 
 Tit, blue, 52. 
 
 cole, 55. 
 
 great, 52. 
 
 long- tail, 56. 
 
 marsh, 55. 
 Titlark, 94. 
 Tomtit, 52. 
 Turnstone, 167. 
 Turtle dove, 123. 
 Twite, 80. 
 
 Vulture, griffon, 1. 
 
 Wagtail, gray, 58. 
 
 pied, 57. 
 
 yellow, 60. 
 Warbler, garden, 45. 
 
 grasshopper, 50. 
 
 sedge, 49. 
 
 willow, 47. 
 Waterhen, 183. 
 
 purple, 184. 
 Water-rail, 180. 
 Waxwing, Bohemian, 60. 
 Whaup, 143. 
 
 little, 145. 
 Wheatear,4l. 
 Whimbrel, 145. 
 Whinchat, 43. 
 Whitethroat, 46. 
 Widgeon, 204. 
 
 golden-headed, 204. 
 Wind hover, 7. 
 Whistler, 38. 
 Woodcock, 146. 
 Woodlark, 94. 
 Woodpecker, green, 97. 
 
 great spotted, 96. 
 
 lesser spotted, 96. 
 Woodquest, 120. 
 Wren, common, 99. 
 
 black, 57. 
 
 golden-crested, 51. 
 
 Yellow-hammer, 86. 
 
LATIN ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 ACCENTOR modularis, 57. 
 Accipiter nisus, 8. 
 
 palumbarius, 8. 
 Alauda arborea, 94. 
 
 arvensis, 91. 
 Alca impennis, 230. 
 
 torda, 231. 
 Alcedo alcyon, 108. 
 
 ispidaj 106. 
 Anas acuta, 201. 
 
 boschas, 198. 
 
 circia, 201. 
 
 clypeata, 203. 
 
 crecca, 200. 
 
 penelope, 204. 
 
 strepera, 202. 
 Anser JEgyptiacus, 193. 
 
 bernicla, 189. 
 
 brenta, 190. 
 
 Canadensis, 192. 
 
 erythropus, 188. 
 
 ferus, 186. 
 
 segetum, 187. 
 Anthus aquaticus, 95. 
 
 pratensis, 94. 
 Aquila albicilla, 13. 
 
 chrysaetos, 10. 
 
 nsevia, 12. 
 
 Arenaria calidris, 171. 
 Ardea cinerea, 131. 
 
 comata, 134. 
 
 garzetta, 133. 
 
 purpurea, 133. 
 
 Bombycilla garrula, 60. 
 Botaurus lentiginosus, 136. 
 
 minutus, 137. 
 
 stellaris, 134. 
 Bubo maximus, 25. 
 Buteo lagopus, 17. 
 
 vulgaris, 16. 
 
 Caprimulgus Europaeus, 108. 
 Carduelis elegans, 81. 
 
 spinus, 82. 
 
 Certhia familiaris, 98. 
 Charadrius Cantianus, 179. 
 
 hiaticula, 178. 
 
 morinellus, 177. 
 Ciconia alba, 138. 
 Cinclus aquaticus, 29. 
 Circus seruginosus, 19. 
 
 cineraceus, 20. 
 
 cyaneus, 19. 
 Clangula vulgaris, 208. 
 Coccothraustes chloris, 77. 
 
 vulgaris, 76. 
 Columba livia, 121. 
 
 palumbus, 120. 
 
 turtur, 123. 
 Colymbus Arcticus, 224. 
 
 glacialis, 224. 
 
 septentrionalis, 223. 
 Coracias garrula, 105. 
 Corvus corax, 63. 
 
 comix, 67. 
 
 corone, 66. 
 
 frugilegus, 68. 
 
 monedula, 69. 
 Coturnix vulgaris, 129. 
 Crex Baillonii, 183. 
 
 porzana, 182. 
 
 pratensis, 181. 
 Cuculus Americanus, 103. 
 
 canorus, 100. 
 
 glandarius, 102. 
 Curruca atricapilla, 45. 
 
 cinerea, 46 
 
 hortensis, 45. 
 Cygnus Bewickii, 195. 
 
 ferus, 194. 
 Cypselus Alpinus, 119. 
 
 apus, 117. 
 
294 
 
 LATIN ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 Emberiza citrinella, 86. 
 
 miliaria, 86. 
 
 schoeniclus, 87. 
 Erithacus rubecula, 39. 
 
 Falco sesalon, 6. 
 
 gyrfalco, 2. 
 
 peregrinus, 4. 
 
 rufipes, 6. 
 
 subbuteo, 5. 
 
 tinnunculus, 7. 
 Fratercula Arctica, 233. 
 Fregilus graculus, 73. 
 Fringilla coelebs, 82. 
 
 montifringilla, 84. 
 Fulica atra, 185. 
 Fuligula cristata, 207. 
 
 ferina, 207. 
 
 marila, 206. 
 
 Gallinula chloropus, 183. 
 
 Martinica, 184. 
 Garrulus glandarius, 72. 
 Glareola torquata, 179. 
 Grus cinerea, 141. 
 
 Harelda glacialis, 209 
 Himantopus melanopterus, 166. 
 Hirundo purpurea, 117. 
 
 riparia, 116. 
 
 rustica, 111. 
 
 urbica, 115. 
 
 Ibis falcinellus, 142. 
 
 Lagopus Scoticus, 126. 
 Lanius excubitor, 28. 
 Larus arg^^a^us, 257. 
 
 Bonapartii, 253. 
 
 canus, 259. 
 
 capistratus, 253. 
 
 eburneus, 260. 
 
 fuscus, 255. 
 
 glaucus, 258. 
 
 Tslandicus, 259. 
 
 marinus, 254. 
 
 minutus-, 250. 
 
 ridibundus, 251. 
 
 rissa, 261. 
 
 Sabinii, 250. 
 Lestris catarrhactes, 262. 
 
 parasiticus, 265. 
 
 pomarinus, 263. 
 
 Lestris Rlchardsonii, 264. 
 Limosa melanura, 151. 
 
 rufa, 152. 
 Linaria cannabina, 78. 
 
 flavirostris, 80. 
 
 minor, 80. 
 Loxia curvirostra, 90. 
 
 leucoptera, 91. 
 
 Machetes pugnax, 153. 
 Mergulus alle, 230. 
 Mergus albellus, 214. 
 
 cucullatus, 215. 
 
 merganser, 216. 
 
 serrator, 216. 
 Merops apiaster, 105. 
 Motacilla boarula, 58. 
 
 flava, 60. 
 
 Yarrellii, 57. 
 Muscicapa grisola, 62. 
 
 Numenius arquata, 143. 
 
 pheopus, 145. 
 Nycticorax Gardenii, 138. 
 
 (Edicnemus crepitans, 172. 
 Oidemia fusca, 211. 
 
 nigra, 212. 
 
 perspicillata, 211. 
 Oriolus galbula, 30. 
 Otis minor, 130. 
 Ostralegus haematopus, 168. 
 Otus brachyotus, 24. 
 
 vulgaris, 23. 
 
 Pandion haliaeetus, 14. 
 Parus ater, 55. 
 
 cseruleus, 52. 
 
 caudatus, 56. 
 
 major, 52. 
 
 palustris, 55. 
 Passer domesticus, 84. 
 Pastor roseus, 75. 
 Perdix cinerea, 128. 
 Pernis apivorus, 17. 
 Phalacracorax carbo, 234. 
 
 cristatus, 237. 
 Phalaropus lobatus, 169. 
 Phasianus Colchicus, 123. 
 Pica caudata, 70. 
 Picus major, 96. 
 
 minor, 96. 
 
 viridis, 97. 
 
LATIN ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 295 
 
 Platalea leucorodia, 139. 
 Plectrophanes nivalis, 88. 
 Podiceps auritus, 221. 
 
 cornutus, 220. 
 
 cristatus, 217. 
 
 minor, 221. 
 
 rubricollis, 220. 
 Procellaria glacialis, 265. 
 Puffinus Anglorum, 267. 
 
 cinereus, 266. 
 
 obscurus, 268. 
 Pyrrhula enucleator, 89. 
 
 vulgaris, 88. 
 Rallus aquaticus, 180. 
 Recurvirostra avocetta, 167. 
 Regulus cristatus, 51. 
 Ruticilla phoenicurus, 44. 
 
 tithys, 44. 
 
 Salicaria locustella, 50. 
 
 phragmitis, 49. 
 Saxicola oenanthe, 41. 
 
 rubetra, 43. 
 
 rubicola, 42. 
 Soolopax gallinago, 149. 
 
 gallinula, 150. 
 
 major, 148. 
 
 rusticola, 146. 
 
 Sabini, 148. 
 Scops Aldrovandi, 26. 
 Somateria mollissima, 213. 
 
 spectabilis, 214. 
 Squatarola cinerea, 173. 
 
 pluvialis, 173. 
 Sterna Arctica, 241. 
 
 Cantiaca, 240. 
 
 Dougallii, 244. 
 
 hirundo, 242. 
 
 leucopareia, 246. 
 
 leucoptera, 248. 
 
 minuta, 248. 
 
 nigra, 246. 
 
 stolida, 249. 
 
 velox, 239. 
 
 Strepsilas interpres, 167. 
 Strix flammea, 21. 
 Sturnus vulgaris, 74. 
 Sula Bassana, 238. 
 Sylvia hippolais, 48. 
 
 trochilus, 47. 
 Syrnia nyetea, 27. 
 
 Tadorna rutila, 196. 
 
 vulpanser, 197. 
 Thalassidroma Leachii, 269. 
 
 pelagica, 270. 
 Totanus calidris, 155. 
 
 fuscus, 154. 
 
 glottis, 156. 
 
 hypoleucos, 157. 
 
 ochropus, 157. 
 Tringa Canutus, 165. 
 
 maritima, 164. 
 
 minuta, 163. 
 
 platyrhyncha, 161. 
 
 rufescens, 162. 
 
 Schintzii, 162. 
 
 subarquata, 161. 
 
 Temminckii, 164. 
 
 variabilis, 159. 
 Troglodytes Europaeus, 99. 
 Turdus aurigaster, 39. 
 
 iliacus, 31. 
 
 merula, 35. 
 
 musicus, 33. 
 
 pilaris, 32. 
 
 torquatus, 38. 
 
 viscivorus, 30. 
 
 "Whitei, 34. 
 
 Upupa epops, 103. 
 TJria grylle, 22!). 
 
 lactirymans, 228. 
 
 troile, 226. 
 
 Vanellus cristatus, 174, 
 Vultur fulvus, 1. 
 
FRENCH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 ACCENTEUR mouchet, 57. 
 Aigle, balbuzard, 14. 
 
 criard, 12. 
 
 pygargue, 13. 
 
 royal, 10. 
 Alouette des champs, 91. 
 
 lulu, 94. 
 Autour, 8. 
 Avocette anuque noiiyl67. 
 
 Barge rousse, 152. 
 
 a queue noir, 151. 
 Becasseau brunnette ou vari- 
 able, 159. 
 
 Canet, 165. 
 
 cocorli, 161. 
 
 echasses, 163. 
 
 platyrhynque, 161. 
 
 rousset, 162. 
 
 de Schintz, 162. 
 
 Temmia, 164. 
 
 violet, 164. 
 
 Becasse ordinaire, 146. 
 Becassine, double, 148. 
 
 ordinaire, 149. 
 
 Sabine, 148. 
 
 sourde, 150. 
 Bee croise leucoptere, 91. 
 
 des pins, 90. 
 Bee fin, fauvette, 45. 
 
 grisette, 46. 
 
 locustelle, 50. 
 
 de murialles, 44. 
 
 pouillot,47. 
 
 phragmite, 49. 
 
 rouge-gorge, 39. 
 
 rouge-queue, 44. 
 
 a tete noir, 45. 
 
 veloce, 48. 
 Bergeronnette, flaveole, 60. 
 
 Bergeronnette, grise, 57. 
 
 jaune ou boarule, 58. 
 Bihoreau a, manteau noir, 138. 
 Bouvreuil commun, 88. 
 
 dur-bec, 89: 
 Bruant, jaune, 86. 
 
 de neige, 88. 
 
 proyer, 86. 
 
 de roseaux, 87. 
 Buse, 16. 
 
 bondree, 17. 
 
 pattue, 17. 
 
 Buzard, harpaye ou de Marais, 
 19. 
 
 Montagu, 20. 
 
 St. Martin, 19. 
 
 Caille, ordinaire, 129. 
 Canard, chipeau ou ridenne. 
 202. 
 
 double macreuse, 211. 
 
 eider, 213. 
 
 garrot, 208. 
 
 kasarka, 196. 
 
 a longue queue, 201. 
 
 macreuse, 212. 
 
 marchand, 211. 
 
 de Miclon, 209. 
 
 miloum,207. 
 
 milouinan, 206. 
 
 morillon, 207. 
 
 sar celled' ete, 201. 
 
 sarcelle d' hiver, 200. 
 
 sauvage, 198. 
 
 siffleur, 204. 
 
 souchet, 203. 
 
 tadorne, 197. 
 
 a tete grise, 214. 
 Chevalier, aboyeur, 156. 
 
 arlequin, 154. 
 

 FRENCH ALPHABETICAL INDEX, 
 
 ( 'lievaln r. < nl Mane. 1 
 
 ( -1 ' Ix'C III-'. 11 
 
 :....,!., He. 1 , . 
 
 tie Moii(a:'iie, HO. 
 
 lOttl 1 ' 
 
 |'i ii-. on, 82, 
 
 Cl.o.irlle ell,.,.,-. '21. 
 
 (arm, SL'. 
 
 Itai i 
 
 in, SO. 
 
 ( ttooni M.II.C. i 
 
 ?erdli 
 
 ( 'ill. le |.|,. : 
 
 \ ui 
 
 roi.. mi..- biiet i i 
 
 ( i rue, i-ii. Ire, III. 
 
 raniii i ! 
 
 < . MIII|M i , an l.tinili. r 
 
 (mil l,i,ll, 
 ( '(Mill ial I a nl \ a rial 'le ! 
 
 (iU'|i<T, \ ill". ill e. Id.i 
 
 ( 'nrln-au di. Micas, (!'. 
 
 a i-:i|iudiin 
 
 In n 
 
 a nnioir l.laiic, l'l'!>. 
 
 ii, .11 
 
 nain 
 
 ( 'nrin.M .;n : ran, I, 1'M-l. 
 
 
 Inn 
 
 Marie coin onn, 
 
 ( 'nrneill, maiilal, , 
 
 gprand 
 
 linn, 
 
 huppi 
 
 Coin-on reiiilnlLinl 
 
 pietl. 
 
 It H'. 
 
 11,-rnn. blOl 
 
 LOO, 
 
 craluer, 1,'iJ. 
 
 ( 'ourlis ecu. Ire. 1 
 
 cen.lre, 1 
 
 oourUeu, 1 1 ... 
 
 
 I 'i a\<- 01 , [man , 
 
 grand butoj 
 
 ,1,- lieu ,cK. I'l ,. 
 
 a I.ee jam I'll 
 
 Lontiginoiu 
 
 |MMir|M'e. ] 
 
 
 Ililioii. 1. radii, .[, 
 
 I'.dia-.se a inaiiteau imir, hili. 
 
 ^raiiil tluc 
 
 ilev&nt ordinaire, ins. 
 
 inoyn ilur, '2l\. 
 
 1 1 |.,T\ I,T, S. 
 
 
 1 '.(nliriie.! n. \ uli'.li le, , I 
 
 MiriMi.ldle .le i-lleiniliee, | | | . 
 
 
 .l<- t'elielre. I 1... 
 
 Faisau, \ ui 
 
 Sourjire, 11, 
 
 
 e rn .!:' e. 1 Id. 
 
 -liierilI,.n 
 
 Miron, Idle. leinerArrti. [lie. i 1 
 
 
 oaugek J40, 
 
 hobi 
 
 Don all. "1 1. 
 
 |telleMU. t. 
 a pi( 
 
 c[.ou\an(aii 
 
 leuoop 
 
 I'ou Main- on .le lia^saii. 1'MS. 
 
 
 |-\>lll>iue ni.U'intile 
 
 noddj 
 
 
 
 
 |M, 
 
 lie a collier 
 
 \elnc, 
 
 
 Mllitelier, |-le. ! 
 
 
 MUJIJH- pu[Mi(. h>M. 
 
 
 
 |nn 
 
 ll.ix talc,,,, '.1, . 1 I '. 
 
 liupiM 
 
 
 nridla'..!. 
 
 1. (il>. 
 
 (irilVou. le. I 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 9 1 . 
 
 
 IIHOU 
 
 Mai'.u-eux. i 
 
FKENCH ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 
 
 299 
 
 Martin, alcyon, 108. 
 
 pMhenr pie, JOO- 
 Martin roselin, 7. r >. 
 Martinet, de murialle, 117. 
 
 a ventre blanc, I J9. 
 Merle draine, 30. 
 
 Arrive, 33. 
 
 litorne, .",2. 
 
 rnauvis, 3J. 
 
 noir, 35. 
 
 a plastron 
 
 a \Vi.if-. 
 Mesan^e, I 
 
 charbonni" 
 
 petite eharbonniere, 55. 
 
 nonn"tt", 55. 
 
 a longue queue, 50. 
 Mouette a masque brim, 253. 
 
 blanche ou sancteur, 200. 
 
 de Jlonajiarte', 2.';.'{. 
 
 burgenneister, 25H. 
 
 a j>i"dH bleu, 2/>9. 
 
 a pieds jaunts, 255. 
 
 a mauteau bh-u. 
 
 a rnanteau noir, 2,04. 
 
 leucopu'-re, 25f^. 
 
 py^njee, 2.'>0. 
 
 rieuKe ou a capuchin brun, 
 261. 
 
 cle Sabine, 250. 
 
 tridactyle, 2GJ. 
 (Edicnerne,' eriard, J72. 
 Oie, bernache, JH9. 
 
 de Canade, J92. 
 
 cravant, JfK). 
 
 cendree ou premiere, JHfJ. 
 
 . . 
 
 rieuHft ou a front bin; 
 vulgaire ou sauva^e, 1^7. 
 fJutard, canepetiere, K30. 
 
 J J <?rdrix r> 
 
 Petrel cendre, 200'. 
 
 fulmar, 205. 
 
 Manks, 2'J7. 
 
 obscura, 20H. 
 Phaisan vulgairc. 
 
 IMjalaroj)", platyrhinque, Jfjf>. 
 J'ic '-pei;}j<-, J^j. 
 
 <';pi;ic;h-U:, 97. 
 
 vrt, 97. 
 I'ic-Ml-i'-cd" ^'risr, 2H. 
 
 ordinaire, 70. 
 J'iny.ouin brach\p1':ro, 2-'iO. 
 
 juacropt/Tt;, 2'iJ. 
 Pipit, iarlou 
 
 KpionecJJo, ').). 
 I'lon^eon, cat marin ou - 
 
 rou^i.-, 22.i. 
 
 lurimic ou a ur^<: u<jir, 224. 
 
 imbrim, 224. 
 Pluvier, cincrij, 173. 
 
 dore, 17:5. 
 
 ^ui^nard, J77. 
 
 a coJliur ^rand, 17H. 
 
 a collier int^rrompu, 179. 
 Poule, d' eaii JJaiJJou, JH'3. 
 
 de ^enit, JHI. 
 
 marou;tte, J^2. 
 
 martinica, JM. 
 
 ordinaire, JK'i. 
 
 Kale d' cau vul^aire, JHf), 
 Koitdet ordinaire, 5J. 
 KolJier \ulgaire, J05. 
 
 Sunderliny, variable, J7J. 
 Spatul", blanch", J.'i9. 
 Stercoraire, cataract", \ 
 
 parasitj ou labbe, 205. 
 
 pomarin, 20.'i. 
 
 Kicliardsori, 264. 
 
 Tetras, rou-e, J20. 
 
 I. each, 20'). 
 tempcte, 270. 
 
 Tourne-piiirre a collier, JOT. 
 Traquet. moteux, 41. 
 rubicole, 42. 
 
 r, 4'3. 
 
 Trogkxiyte, ordinaire, ( .)'.L 
 Turduis, chrvBorhajus, 39. 
 
 Vanneau. huppe, 174. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 12, line 5 from bottom, under q ilaTnsevia read aigle criard. 
 
 14, 7 from bottom, for haliaaetus pandion read pandion haliasetus. 
 
 SO, 8 from bottom, for viscivorous read viscivoms. 
 
 34, 6 from bottom, for Whitii read Whitei. 
 
 45, ,, 4 from top, for atracapilla read atricapilla. 
 
 72, fi from bottom, for Ranelagh read Stillorgan Park. 
 
 80, 10 from bottom, for flavirostres read liayirostris. 
 
 105, 12 from' bottom, for coracius read coracias. 
 
 128, 1 for perdricinae read perdicinae. 
 
 ! 2 for perdrix read perdix. 
 
 130, 7 from bottom, for otus read otis. 
 
 183, 9 from top, fur Baillionii read Baillonii. 
 
 ""9, 6 from top,/or Icelandicus read Islandicus. 
 
RETURN TO the circulation desk of any 
 University of California Library 
 
 or to the 
 
 NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 Bldg. 400, Richmond Field Station 
 University of California 
 Richmond, CA 94804-4698 
 
 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 
 
 2-month loans may be renewed by calling 
 (510)642-6753 
 
 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing 
 books to NRLF 
 
 Renewals and recharges may be made 
 4 days prior to due date 
 
 DUE AS STAMPED BELOW 
 
 MAR 1 7 2004 
 
 DD20 15M 4-02