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THE BIRDS OF LONDON 
 
THE 
 
 BIRDS OF LONDON 
 
 BY 
 
 H. K. SWANN" 
 
 Editor of the " Naturalist's Journal" 
 
 LONDON 
 
 SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO. 
 
 PATERNOSTER SQUARE 
 
 1893 
 
S18.A 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 >- 
 
 CJ> ♦ 
 
 eel 
 
 a 
 
 In the following pages an effort has been 
 
 S made to include all the species of birds which 
 
 have occurred, more or less frequently, within 
 
 •* a radius of some twelve miles of London, and 
 
 <t to give as complete an account as possible of 
 
 their distribution. In the Appendix will be 
 
 found mention of one or two species which 
 
 have been reported to have occurred in the 
 
 ^vicinity of London, but whose occurrence is 
 
 open to doubt, together with such additions 
 
 ^as have been made since the first part of 
 
 ^the work was written. 
 
 The nomenclature and classification followed 
 "'-are those adopted by Mr. Howard Saunders 
 in his recently published "Illustrated Manual 
 of British Birds." 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 Anions those who have contributed notes 
 and information, the author especially wishes 
 to thank Messrs. A. F. Gates, H. T. Booth, 
 B. R. Harrison, and others, for their assist- 
 ance. Information has also been gathered 
 from Mr. J. E. Harting's valuable u Birds of 
 Middlesex," Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton's 
 " Harrow Birds," Colonel Bridgeman's list of 
 birds forming the Appendix to the " Flora of 
 Harrow," and other works ; also from the 
 columns of the " Zoologist," the " Field," and 
 other j)eriodicals. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 A few words upon the various localities mentioned in 
 the following pages may, perhaps, not be out of place 
 here, especially as such a small proportion of Lon- 
 doners are at all well acquainted with the said locali- 
 ties, and even those that are will probably pardon me 
 this slight digression. To begin then in the east, the 
 farthest point mentioned is Dagenham Lake. This is 
 situated some four miles beyond Barking and on the 
 north side of the Thames, with which it w r as until re- 
 cently connected. It is a deep and clear sheet of 
 water, and is fully a mile in length by perhaps one- 
 sixth of a mile in breadth at the widest part. The 
 edge of the water is fringed with dense beds of reeds 
 and sedges, forming a cover for water-fowl, which, 
 however, are not abundant, owing no doubt to the 
 lake being so much frequented by fishermen and 
 gunners. Nevertheless, in the early morning, particu- 
 larly in the latter part of the year, a few wild ducks 
 of several species may be seen, while the wary and 
 artful moor-hen is always about. In the beds of reeds, 
 
Vlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 etc., the reed warbler abounds, and is perhaps mure 
 common here than elsewhere in the vicinity of London. 
 After the breeding season numerous nights of gulls 
 frequent the lake, and now and then one or two great 
 herons pass over, coming from the Wanstead heronry. 
 Numbers of wagtails, pipits, and various other small 
 birds, frequent the marshy fields around, and in the 
 autumn also one or two kestrels are frequently to be 
 seen hovering over the stubbles. 
 
 Between Dagenham and Ilford there is little but 
 the vast stretch of arable land, with the scrubby 
 hedges and shorn trees, but at intervals you come 
 across a rippling brook or rivulet, on which you are 
 sure to find one or other of the wagtails at all times 
 of the year : the elegant grey wagtail predominating 
 in the winter, and the equally elegant pied and yellow 
 species in the spring and summer; in spring comes 
 hither the chattering sedge warbler, and on the larger 
 streams the wary moor-hen abounds. The fields, also, 
 are not without their feathered inhabitants; finches 
 and buntings of many species are always present, be- 
 sides many other birds, and in the winter prodigious 
 flocks of lapwings may be seen. Perhaps, in the earry 
 autumn, you start out before daybreak for a " tramp 
 abroad," when all nature — human and otherwise — 
 seems dead, and stumble across the fields for the first 
 half-hour while all is silence. Almost before the day 
 begins to break you hear the lapwings crying over the 
 fields, their far-off pee-wit at this time seeming in the 
 stillness like hopeless lamentations. About daybreak 
 
INTRODUCTION. IX 
 
 the redbreast bursts into song; then from the elm- 
 tree across the field comes the rich pipe of the blackbird, 
 seeming to arouse the sparrows in the tree-tops, which, 
 in their first waking moments, commence their noisy 
 chirping. Noiv up springs the laggard sky-lark, 
 speeding upward with his joyful carol, but not until 
 the humble robin has been heralding the approach of 
 day for nearly half-an-hour. 
 
 On the marshy lands by the river Roding at Ilford 
 and Wanstead, the common and jack snipes, golden 
 plover, and similar birds are not uncommon in the 
 winter. Here, also, may generally be seen a few great 
 herons from the adjoining Wanstead Park, sometimes 
 they are to be seen flapping slowly and awkwardly 
 along over the marshy fields, uttering at intervals 
 their loud, harsh notes, or, perhaps, you may come 
 upon one of these fine birds standing motionless in one 
 of the marsh ditches or pools and watching for its 
 prey; so still will it stand that the eye frequently 
 fails to detect it, until your nearer approach suddenly 
 creates a startling phenomenon in the shape of a rush- 
 ing mass of wings and legs as the great bird heavily 
 takes to flight. 
 
 Separated from Ilford and Romford by a great 
 expanse of almost treeless and hedgeless fields (for- 
 merly part of the forest), are the remains of the 
 Forest of Hainhault, consisting of several detached 
 portions stretching along the ridge of high ground on 
 •which is situated the village of Chigwell Row, beyond 
 which latter place there still remains one fairly large 
 
X INTRODUCTION. 
 
 tract of woodland. The ornithology, however, is al- 
 most identical with that of Epping Forest, which is 
 only separated by a valley of some three or four miles 
 in width. The latter may yet lay good claim to the 
 title " forest," for, in spite of former extensive inroads, 
 which have now, happily, been checked, it is still a 
 very extensive tract, and, in some places, solitary 
 enough to tempt a visit from the wildest of our birds. 
 In this, one of the few surviving remnants of our old- 
 time British forests, several shy and uncommon birds 
 are yet to be found : the wary and handsome jay 
 always abounds ; the magpie, also, although much less 
 common, is still to be found breeding in the forest ; 
 while the somewhat local stock-dove breeds quite 
 commonly in the hollows or crowns of the pollard 
 trees. Of raptorial birds, the kestrel, sparrow-hawk, 
 and several species of owds, frequent the forest, while 
 the merlin and hobby are both of occasional occur- 
 rence. Now and then you catch a glimpse of the 
 brightly-plumaged green woodpecker as it flits through 
 the woodlands, or you observe the neat circular 
 aperture of its nest high up in the main limb of a 
 tree. The great and lesser spotted woodpeckers also 
 inhabit the forest, although both are rare. The hand- 
 some redstart is common in the spring, breeding in 
 holes in the old pollard trees ; and there are also 
 hosts of other small birds. 
 
 Few pleasures have so great an attraction for me as 
 an early morning's ramble through some unfrequented 
 part of this great woodland, when " madding crowds " 
 
INTRODUCTION. XI 
 
 are far away and the woods echo only with Nature's 
 laughter — the song of birds — or the wind comes sigh- 
 ing gently, sadly through the trees at the silent hour 
 of noon, when the birds have ceased their song and the 
 drowsy insects hum in the stillness from flower to 
 flower above your head, as you lie far from noise and 
 care in the dreamy solitude of the woodlands. I 
 have loved to visit our forest at all ages and seasons, 
 be she young in the budding springtime or old and 
 hoary on some cheerless day of winter, for here are 
 always life and wealth in the wondrous workings of 
 old Nature. 
 
 Wanstead Park (now open to the public) consists 
 almost entirely of wood and water, there being a chain 
 of small lakes extending the whole length of the park, 
 while the river Roding winds through the adjacent 
 flats. There is an ancient heronry (of about thirty 
 nests or more) on an island in one of the lakes ; and 
 there is also an extensive rookery here. Fifty years 
 ago, says Mr. J. E. Harting, a pair of ravens inhabited 
 the park and built their nest in the herony on an 
 inaccessible tree. 
 
 Hadley Wood (in the immediate vicinity of Barnet) 
 is perhaps nearly two miles in length, but of incon- 
 siderable breadth anywhere, being a mere strip of 
 woodland extending from Monken Hadley to the out- 
 of-the-way little place known as Cock Fosters. It is 
 a natural and ancient wood, mostly covered with old 
 timber and tangled undergrowth, partaking somewhat 
 of the character of Epping Forest, and the ornithology 
 
XI l INTRODUCTION. 
 
 is also similar; jays, green woodpeckers, carrion crows, 
 etc., being found in small numbers ; the woodcock I 
 have observed once only ; the rather scarce and local 
 nuthatch also inhabits this wood, but I have only 
 noticed the birds in one particular part of the wood : 
 I believe this to be a peculiarity of the species. 
 
 On the main road to Barnet, and midway between 
 that place and London, are situated the well-known 
 Highgate Woods ; there are several woods here, the 
 four principal ones being, Bishop's Wood, Caen Wood, 
 Gravel-pit Wood (belonging to the Loudon County 
 Council), and another wood which is the property of a 
 farmer. The principal feature in the feathered 
 population of these woods is the abundance of the 
 warblers, of which the following species are to be 
 found in the spring, — nightingale, whitethroat, lesser 
 whitethroat, blackcap, garden warbler, chitfehaff, 
 willow wren, sedge warbler, and grasshopper warbler ; 
 excepting the two last, all are exceedingly common. 
 A few redstarts are also to be found breeding here. 
 The tree creeper and four or five species of titmice are 
 common, particularly in the winter, when the tiny 
 goldcrest also abounds. The lesser spotted wood- 
 pecker frequented one of the woods during the early 
 part of 1891, and the great spotted and green wood- 
 peckers are also said to have occurred. 
 
 Passing Kingsbury Reservoir, an irregular and ex- 
 tensive sheet of w T ater, often visited by wild ducks, 
 plovers, sandpipers, etc., you approach the vast extent 
 of quiet meadows lying between Kingsbury, Harrow, 
 
INTRODUCTION. Xlll 
 
 and Edgeware. There are no woods to speak of, but 
 the land is well timbered, and the hedges ample. 
 Here in these unfrequented meadows the carrion crow 
 abounds, almost outnumbering the rook, unlike which 
 it invariably constructs a new nest every year. Many 
 of the old nests may be observed in the trees about 
 the fields, and these are often utilised by the kestrel 
 and sparrow hawk, the former particularly being 
 common about here. Indeed, it is a familiar sight to 
 see a kestrel gliding 1ow t down over the fields, or oc- 
 casionally hovering almost motionless in mid-air, the 
 bird being easily recognised by its beautiful reddish 
 mantle. The lapwing also breeds commonly here, and 
 in strolling across the fields you will perhaps come 
 across the four familiar eggs, placed in a slight de- 
 pression in the short grass, and visible at several yards 
 distance. In these great thorn hedges you will fre- 
 quently find the nest of the red-backed shrike, with 
 its four, five, or six beautiful eggs, or see the strik- 
 ingly handsome bird itself sitting motionless on a 
 dead branch or other eminence and waiting its prey. 
 By the tiny streamlet the reed bunting starts from its 
 nest at your approach, and on the willow branch 
 above his nest the sedge warbler gabbles his varied 
 notes as the evening creeps on. Perched on the top- 
 most spray of the hedge, the corn bunting utters his 
 monotonous clink, clink, while from the post the 
 spotted flycatcher darts with noiseless and circling 
 flight at the dancing gnats. In the stillness of even- 
 ing, you are listening to the mellow and varied pipe 
 
XIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 of the song thrush, when from the neighbouring tree 
 strikes up the nightingale in notes so deep and rich 
 that the melody of the song thrush sinks into com- 
 parative insignificance. Then in the twilight the lap- 
 wing comes circling around you, crying mournfully, 
 wallup, poo-ee, poo-ee, wec-ip, weird notes that make one 
 wonder strangely what they mean, or if they have a 
 meaning ; while from the distant fields comes the 
 interminable note of the land-rail, the grove upon the 
 hill whispers a distant cuckoo, cuckoo, and ever and 
 anon comes the faint trilling of the grasshopper 
 warbler. 
 
 In the south the most notable places are : — Rich- 
 mond Park, in which there is an increasing heronry, 
 and the woodpeckers and other forest birds are still to 
 be found, the nuthatch also being common in one part. 
 The extensive Wimbledon Common is resorted to by 
 many species ; the jay is remarkably common here 
 most years. Farther afield, Epsom Common, Ashtead 
 Woods, and the beautiful rural neighbourhood are the 
 resort of many shy and scarce birds. Then there are 
 Hayes and Keston Commons, where a very pleasant 
 day may be spent by the student of almost any branch 
 of natural history ; owing to the presence of some pine 
 plantations, a few crossbills come here in winter. 
 Still going east, there are, near Plumstead, Abbot 
 Heath Wood and the adjacent heaths ; sand martins 
 are common here, breeding in the numerous sand and 
 gravel cuttings. 
 
 All the foregoing localities are well worthy of a 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV 
 
 visit, or rather of two or three visits, and it should be 
 borne in mind that the birds are far less wary in the 
 early morning than later in the day, when they are 
 more shy, and also go farther afield. 
 
 H. K. S. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 1. Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Mistle Thrush. 
 [Resident.] As a breeding species this is somewhat 
 sparingly distributed over the whole of the rural and 
 suburban districts ; it is rather abundant in Richmond 
 Park and on Wimbledon Common, More common 
 everywhere in winter, arriving about the end of 
 September in company with other thrushes. 
 
 2. Turdus musicus, Linn. Song Thrush. 
 [Resident.] A common resident over whole area. 1 
 A few inhabit the London parks and gardens. 
 
 3. Turdus iliacus, Linn. Redwing. 
 [October — March.' 2 ] Of somewhat general distribu- 
 
 1 " Whole area " is exclusive of urban district, unless 
 expressly mentioned. 2 Both inclusive in every case. 
 
Z THE BIRDS OF LONDOX. 
 
 tion in small numbers during the winter, although 1 
 have found it more common along the north side 
 than the south. It is very common about Tlford, and 
 fairly so around Harrow, associating in flocks with 
 the Fieldfare, etc. 
 
 4. Turdus pilaris, Linn. Fieldfare. 
 
 \Mid- September — Mid -April. ] Fairly numerous 
 over whole area ; very common in the neighbourhood 
 of Ilford and Romford. It is gregarious in company 
 with other species, but may be easily distinguished by 
 the blue-grey lower back, which is conspicuous in 
 flight. This bird is commonly known as the " Blue 
 Felt." 
 
 5. Turdus merula, Linn. Blackbird. 
 [Resident.] A very common bird over whole area ; 
 
 even in most of the London parks. Its numbers are 
 increased in winter by small flocks of migratory birds. 
 
 6. Turdus torquatus, Linn. Ring Ouzel. 
 
 [Spring and autumn migrations.] An occasional 
 visitor during migration. I observed one in Highgate 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 3 
 
 woods in September, 1887, and one near Kenton, 
 Harrow, April 13th, 18S9. Mr. G. E. H. Barrett- 
 Hamilton ("Harrow Birds," p. 2) mentions two 
 occurrences near Harrow, in April, 1830, and May 
 11th, 1838. A specimen taken at Tnrnham Green 
 (Middlesex) is in the British Museum. A male bird 
 was seen at Wanstead Park, September 5th, 1877 ; 
 and another was seen by the River Roding, on the 
 spring migration in 1884 (Buxton's " Epping 
 Forest "). 
 
 7. Saxicola oenanthe (Linn.) Wheatear. 
 
 [April — September, ,] Breeds occasionally, I am in- 
 formed, on Wimbledon Common and Banstead 
 Downs ; it has also been observed during the 
 breeding season by my brother on Epsom Common. 
 I have observed one straggler at Willesden, April 
 29th, 1890, and another near Kenton, Harrow, May 
 3rd, 1891. In the appendix to the "Flora of 
 Harrow," p. 142, the Hon. F. C. Bridgeman mentions 
 "two seen near Mutton Lane, March, 1875." The 
 late Mr. F. Bond's collection also contained three shot 
 at Kingsbury. 
 
4 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 8. Pratincola rubetra (Linn.) Whinchat. 
 
 [May — September.] The "grasschat" breeds regu- 
 larly in the north-west district, all round Harrow ; I 
 have occasionally observed it at Highgate, and also 
 at Beckenham. It breeds not uncommonly on 
 Wimbledon Common, and quite abundantly on Epsom 
 Common, which is well suited to the bird's habits. 
 The il-tick of this bird must be familiar to everyone 
 who has rambled over our commons or meadows 
 during the spring. 
 
 9. Pratincola rubicola (Linn.) Stonechat. 
 
 [Resident. 1 ] Furze-covered commons are the 
 
 favourite haunts of this bird, and it is naturally rare 
 
 in parts where these do not exist. It breeds not 
 
 at all uncommonly on Wimbledon Common ; and 
 
 probably on Hayes Common, Kent, where it is rather 
 
 frequent in the autun,n. I have often noticed it 
 
 about Ilford in the winter, and also at Epsom. It 
 
 also breeds abundantly on Epsom Common, which is, 
 
 however, strictly speaking, beyond our limits. In the 
 
 1 A partial migration takes place within the British Islands 
 during the winter, yet I have observed birds in the vicinity 
 of London at all seasons. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 north- west, it breeds occasionally in the neighbour- 
 hood of Harrow ; I flushed a bird from an empty nest 
 near Greenford, June 18th, 1888, and found another 
 nest, near which were the parents and young, at 
 Perivale Wood, June 29th, 1890. 
 
 10. Ruticilla phoenicurus (Linn.) Redstart. 
 [May — September J\ Somewhat local as a breeding 
 
 species in the vicinity of London. It breeds com- 
 monly in Epping Forest ; and T have also found it 
 nesting in Highgate Woods. It breeds rather spar- 
 ingly about Harrow, although I have never found 
 the nest, and have myself only met with the bird 
 there after the breeding season. Mr. G. E. H. 
 Barrett-Hamilton, however, mentions finding several 
 nests near Harrow in 1890 ("Harrow Birds," p. 3). 
 It is of casual occurrence in Richmond Park and on 
 Wimbledon Common ; and rather numerous in the 
 autumn on Hayes Common. Kent. I observed a 
 beautiful male recently (August 28th, 1892) near 
 Epsom. 
 
 11. Ruticilla titys (Scop.) Black Redstart. 
 [Casual.] A somewhat scarce visitor, usually in 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 autumn and winter. The first British example was 
 shot at Kilburn on the 25th October, 1829, and 
 Yarrell recorded another subsequently seen in the 
 Regent's Park. Another specimen, a female, was 
 shot in a brickfield at Shepherd's Bush, and one 
 was killed a few years previous to 1866 by Mr. 
 Engleheart in his garden at Blackheath ("Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 39). Mr. Howard Saunders mentions 
 one that "frequented the grounds of the Natural 
 History Museum, South Kensington, from November, 
 1885, until the snowfall of January 6th, 1886 " 
 ('•Manual Brit. Biids," p. 34); a specimen from 
 Wimbledon Common is in the same museum. 1 
 
 12. Erithacus rubecula (Linn.) Redbreast. 
 
 [Resident.] Very common over whole area, es- 
 pecially in winter, when its numbers are increased by 
 
 1 The male of this species differs chiefly from the common 
 redstart in having a conspicuous white patch on the second- 
 ary wing-feathers, and in being minus the chestnut breast, 
 the black extending from the throat to the belly, where it 
 becomes grey. The female is greyer both above and below 
 than the female common redstart, and has the axillaries 
 and under wing coverts grey instead of buff. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 7 
 
 immigrants from the Continent. It is at no season 
 gregarious. 
 
 13. Daulias luscinia (Linn.; Nightingale. 
 
 [End of April — September.] This well-known bird 
 and matchless songster, is a fairly common visitor to 
 the following localities — Epping and Hainhault 
 Forests, Hadley Wood, Highgate Woods, Wembley 
 Park, the lanes and copses around Harrow, Wim- 
 bledon Common, Richmond Park, Epsom Common, 
 Esher, Oxshott, Hayes Common (Kent) ; and more 
 rarely to Ilford, Clapharn, Beddington, and Car- 
 shalton. It is, however, rather retiring in its habits, 
 and chiefly frequents woodlands, etc. 
 
 14. Sylvia cinerea, Bech. Whitethroat. 
 
 [Mid-April — Mid-September.] In spring and sum- 
 mer common over whole area. 
 
 15. Sylvia curruca (Linn.) Lesser White- 
 throat. 
 
 [Mid-April — September.] Almost as generally dis- 
 tributed as the last-mentioned species, although never 
 
8 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 so common. I have found it breeding most abun- 
 dantly in Highgate Woods and around Harrow. 
 
 16. Sylvia orphea, Temm. Orphean War- 
 bler. 
 
 [Cas2ial.~\ The known occurrences in this country 
 are but two or three in number, although the bird 
 breeds commonly enough in many parts of France. 
 As regards London, Mr. J. E. Harting, records the 
 capture, near Holloway, of a young bird unable to fly, 
 in June, 1866; we may safely assume that this bird 
 was hatched somewhere in the neighbourhood, no 
 doubt together with several others of the same 
 brood. 1 
 
 17. Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.) Blackcap. 
 
 [Mid-April — September."^ A not uncommon 
 summer visitor, and almost invariably a frequenter 
 
 1 Doubtless the resemblance between this species and the 
 blackcap is the reason for its being overlooked ; but the 
 orphean warbler may always be distinguished by the white 
 on the outer pair of tail feathers. 
 
 2 Individuals have been known to remain in this country 
 through the winter. I observed one in Highgate Woods, 
 March 29th, 1891, which had probably wintered here. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 9 
 
 of woods and copses. I have found it breeding most 
 commonly in Highgate Woods, and in one or two 
 places near Harrow. I have also information of its 
 breeding at Roehampton and on Wimbledon Common. 
 
 18. Sylvia hortensis, Bech. Garden Warbler. 
 [May — September.] Perhaps more common than 
 
 the last-mentioned bird, like which it frequents only 
 wooded localities. It breeds at Hadley Wood, High- 
 gate Woods, Wembley Park, Perivale Wood, and 
 several other spots around Harrow ; it also breeds 
 occasionally on Wimbledon Common, and more 
 abundantly on Epsom Common farther afield. 
 
 19. Sylvia Ulldata (Bodd.) Dartford Warbler. 
 
 [Resident.] A rare and local bird in the vicinity of 
 London. Mr. H. T. Booth informs me that this 
 species is not uncommon during the spring on 
 Wimbledon Common, but he has been unable to 
 discover the nest. He has not observed it in winter 
 there, although it remains in this country through- 
 out the year. Mr. J. E. Harting states (" Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. bo) that he has "seen this species on 
 
10 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 Stanmore Common, and Harrow Weald Common" — 
 both in the vicinity of Harrow — and also mentions 
 that it has been caught on Hampstead Heath by a 
 bird-catcher, who informed him that he had found 
 the nest there. I observed an individual on Epsom 
 Common on the 20th of November last (1892), and 
 have no doubt that it is of not uncommon occurrence 
 there. 
 
 20. Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch. Golden- 
 crested Wren. 
 
 [Mid-September — March. 1 ] Common and of general 
 distribution throughout the winter, although appar- 
 ently somewhat scarce in the south-west district. I 
 do not myself know of any authentic instance of its 
 breeding, but I have noticed individuals remaining 
 as late as the middle of April, and have seen a pair in 
 a fir plantation near Hadley on the 18th of August, 
 1889, which had possibly bred there. Mr. G. E. H. 
 Barrett-Hamilton, however, states that (in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Harrow) he has " many records of nests 
 
 1 The majority leave us about the end of March, but a pair 
 or two appear to remain and breed in several spots in the 
 neighbourhood of London. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 11 
 
 found in 1828-31 (more than one), 1831-37, 1851-60, 
 1878 (four), 1889, and 1890, but few records have 
 been kept of other years " (" Harrow Birds," p. 5). 
 
 21. Regulus ignicapillus (C. L. Brehm). Fire- 
 crested Wren. 
 
 [Casual.] An irregular winter visitor to the 
 British Islands, its visitation appearing to correspond 
 with that of the last-mentioned species. As regards 
 London, a specimen obtained by a bird-catcher in 
 Eppiog Forest, November 2Gth, 1878, is in the 
 British Museum, to which it was presented by Mr. 
 R. B. Sharpe. 
 
 22. Phylloscopus rufus (Bech.) Chiffchaff. 
 
 [April — September.] Very generally diffused dur- 
 ing the spring and summer; breeding in Hainhault 
 and Epping Forests, Hadley Wood, Highgate Woods, 
 many places around Harrow, and on Wimbledon and 
 Epsom Commons. This is one of our earliest spring- 
 arrivals, frequently making its appearance in March, 
 and announcing its presence by its tremulous, though 
 pleasing little song, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiv-chave. 
 
12 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 23. Phylloscopus trochilus (Linn.) Willow 
 
 Wrex. 
 
 [Mid-April — September.] Even more common than 
 the last-named bird throughout the spring and 
 summer. It breeds almost everywhere, chiefly fre- 
 quenting woods, etc. ; but near Harrow it also 
 breeds very commonly in the hedges about the 
 meadows. It is also very abundant in Highgate 
 "Woods and Wimbledon Common, and has even been 
 noticed in the London parks. 
 
 24. Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bech.) Wood 
 
 When. 
 
 \End of April — September^ A scarce and local 
 visitor anywhere in the vicinity of London. In 
 July, 1888, I observed both parents and young in 
 a wood at Perivale, near Harrow, and I also heard 
 a bird singing in the same wood on the 19th of 
 April, 1889. Mr. H. T. Booth, a trustworthy ob- 
 server, tells me that a pair or two breed occasionally 
 on Wimbledon Common. A correspondent (Mr. B. 
 R. Harrison of Highgate) writes me that the wood 
 warbler is an annual visitor to Highgate Woods, and 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 13 
 
 that he has found the nest with four young birds 
 
 25. Acrocephalus streperus (Vieill.) Reed 
 Warbler. 
 
 [May — September*.] Not at all a common species 
 except in certain localities. It breeds up the 
 Thames, and has been recorded by Mr. R. H. Mitford 
 as breeding annually in lilac trees in his garden at 
 Hampst.ead ; Mr. Harting also records a similar case 
 of nesting in a garden at Ealing, " this was at least 
 half a mile from the nearest stream of water" ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 47). It occurs in the neighbour- 
 hood of Harrow, where an individual was taken at 
 Alperton in August or September, 1S88, while creep- 
 ing about in a hedge at some distance from any 
 water. I have found this species also on Dagenham 
 Lake, beyond Barking, and I believe it occurs there 
 in some abundance. 
 
 1 This bird may be distinguished from the two preceding 
 species by its larger size, shorter tail, and more yellowish 
 plumage. The peculiar "shivering*' song, too, is quite un- 
 mistakable when once heard. 
 
14 THE BIRDS OF LONDON; 
 
 26. Acrocsphalus phragmitis (Bech.) Sedge 
 
 Warbler. 
 
 [Latter part of April — September.] A common 
 summer visitor ; it breeds about Ilford and the neigh- 
 bourhood, occasionally at Highgate, and very com- 
 monly on the streams about Harrow. Also regularly 
 at Richmond and Twickenham, and near Epsoni. I 
 believe it occurs in several places near Lewisham in 
 the south-east. 
 
 27. Locustella nsevia (Bodd.) Grasshopper 
 
 Warbler. 
 
 [End of April — September.] Rather scarce any- 
 where near London, although breeding occasionally 
 at Brentford and on Wimbledon Common ; also, per- 
 haps, in Highgate Woods, where I noted its arrival, 
 April 28th, 1888. I believe it nests annually in the 
 neighbourhood of Harrow ; I noted its arrival both 
 in 1889 and 1890, and on May 31st, 1890, found 
 a nest containing recently-hatched birds, which, from 
 its situation and construction, undoubtedly belonged 
 to this species. Mr. J. E. Harting has " frequently 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 15 
 
 observed it at Willesden, Hendon, and Kingsbury" 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 44). 
 
 28. Accentor modularis (Linn.) Hedge 
 Sparrow. 
 [Resident.'] Common and resident over whole 
 area, although, perhaps, rather more abundant in 
 the winter. It is a great frequenter of gardens, 
 and is at no time gregarious. 
 
 29. Oinclus aquaticus, Bech. Dipper. 
 [Casual] Mr. J. E. Harting ("Birds of Middle- 
 sex," p. 27) mentions an individual having " been 
 shot at the stream which runs through Wembley 
 Park," and sent for preservation to London, where 
 it was seen by the late Mr. F. Bond ; and he also 
 states, that in the spring of 1862, one was observed 
 at the brook near Colin Deep Lane, Hendon. I 
 consider this species to be of quite accidental occur- 
 rence anywhere in the neighbourhood of London. 
 
 30. Panurus biarmicus (Linn.) Bearded Tit- 
 mouse. 
 [Casual'] Years ago, before the fens and meres 
 
16 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 were drained, this species bred in most of the 
 southern and eastern counties of England, but at 
 the present time its breeding-haunts are restricted 
 to two or three localities, and it is already looked 
 upon as a rare bird. In the vicinity of London it 
 is of very rare occurrence ; there is a specimen in 
 the British Museum, obtained at Barking, and pre- 
 sented by Mr. Theodore Fisher ; while Mr. A. F # 
 Gates writes me that iC one of these birds (a male) 
 was shot on Stratford Marshes, after rough weather 
 in December, 1890." 
 
 31. Acredula caudata (Linn.) Loxg-tailed 
 
 Titmouse. 
 
 [Partly resident.} Not uncommon anywhere during 
 the winter, but quite scarce in the breeding season. 
 A few breed in Hainhault Forest, Highgate Woods, 
 Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, Epsom Com- 
 mon, and perhaps other localities. 
 
 32. Parus major, Linn. Great Titmouse. 
 [Resident.] Breeds almost over whole area, but 
 is somewhat more common during the winter than 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 17 
 
 in the spring or summer. I once found four eggs 
 of this species in a new and unaltered nest of the 
 bullfinch ; whether the rightful owners of the nest 
 had deserted it of their own accord, or had been 
 summarily ejected by the usurpers, must for ever 
 remain a mystery. 
 
 33. Parus ater, Linn. Coal Titmouse. 
 
 [Partly resident.'] This is much the rarest of the 
 five species of titmice to be met with around 
 London. A few may be observed in most localities 
 during the winter, but in the breeding season it is 
 rare anywhere, and I have never found the nest 
 near London, although I have observed one or two 
 birds in spring at Wembley Park and other localities, 
 where they were doubtless breeding. It may pcs- 
 sibly breed near Keston (Kent), where I observed 
 several birds in a pine plantation on March 30th, 
 1891, and also in August (1889). Mr. J. E. Harting 
 has "found the coal tit nesting at Kingsbury, Edge- 
 ware, Elstree, and Harrow" ("Birds of Middlesex," 
 p. 5S). 
 
18 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 34. Parus palustris, Linn. Marsh Titmouse. 
 
 {Partly resident^] During the winter this is a 
 good deal more common around London than the 
 last species, particularly in the forest district, where 
 I believe they breed. A few pair breed about High- 
 gate, and I have observed the bird in spring in 
 Wembley Park. Xear Sudbury (Harrow), on April 
 28th, 1889, I found a nest of this species in a 
 decayed stump of a tree, at a height of nearly seven 
 feet ; the nest was then completed, but the birds 
 deserted it and no eggs were laid. On Wimbledon 
 Common, May 9th, 1891, Mr. H. T. Booth found a 
 nest of this species with six fresh eggs ; this nest was 
 also in a decayed stump, at about the same height 
 as that last mentioned, and the burrow was in both 
 cases made by the birds. 
 
 35. Parus caeruleus, Linn. Blue Titmouse. 
 
 [Resident] A well-known resident and breeding 
 species over whole area ; it may frequently be noticed 
 in urban district. 
 
 36. Parus cristatus, Linn. Crested Titmouse. 
 [Casual*] Of very rare occurrence anywhere in 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 19 
 
 England ; it is a resident in Scotland, inhabiting the 
 oldest forests, and seldom wandering far from its 
 haunts. Mr. J. E. Harting mentions a specimen in 
 the collection of Mr. W. "Warner, which was shot in 
 the spring of 1860, in a small spinney in Cool Oak 
 Lane, Kingsbury (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 50, 57). 
 
 37. Sitta CSesia, Wolf. Nuthatch. 
 [Resident.'] A scarce and local species, and very 
 retiring in its habits, usually frequenting the upper 
 limbs of tall trees in the older woods and parks. It 
 is a not uncommon resident in Richmond Park, 
 straying occasionally to Coombe Wood, and it has 
 also been noticed at Burgh Heath. Au individual 
 which was observed in a garden at Epsom, July 1st, 
 1892, had no doubt strayed from the neighbouring 
 Ashtead Woods, where the species is a fairly common 
 resident. It has been noticed at Harrow, and is said 
 to have bred there in 1890. I have also observed the 
 birds several times, and in pairs, in Hadley Wood ; 
 they were always in the same part of the wood, and I 
 have no doubt of their breeding there. I am also 
 informed that it occurs at Highgate, along the Hamp- 
 
*20 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 stead Lane, and in the woods on Lord Mansfield's 
 
 estate. 
 
 38. Troglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch. Wren. 
 lent.] Resident and very common over whole 
 area. 
 
 39. Certhia familiaris, Linn. Tree Creeper. 
 [Partly resident.] Rather common during the 
 winter, particularly in Hainhault and Epping Forests, 
 Hadley Wood, High gate Woods, and the neighbour- 
 hood of Harrow, in each of which places a few remain 
 to breed. It is less common at any time of the year 
 in the southern districts, though occasionally visiting 
 Richmond Park and other parts. 
 
 40. Motacilla lugubris, Temm. Pied Wagtail. 
 [Partly resident.] Of general distribution, al- 
 though not very common ; breeding sparingly in most 
 districts. A large proportion leave us late in the 
 year, returning in March and April. 
 
 41. Motacilla alba, Linn. White Wagtail. 
 [March — September.] This is a rare visitor to the 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 21 
 
 British Islands, chiefly at the time of spring and 
 autumn migration. It was first added to the British 
 list by Mr. F. Bond, who, in May, 1841, found two 
 pairs at Kingsbury Reservoir, and shot three birds; 
 since then it has been observed at the same place 
 in the springs of 1843, 1850, and 18G2. Mr. J. E. 
 Hirting has also "noticed this species at Harrow 
 Weald in May" ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 63). My 
 own observations of this species are as follows : a 
 pair at Elmer's End, near Beckenham, September 1st, 
 1889 ; a fine adult male near Chigwell Row, March 
 16th, 1890 ; a pair (adults) on the canal near 
 Harrow, June 1st, 1890, and an individual at the 
 same place on the 10th June, so that they may 
 have bred there. Owing to resemblance to the 
 pied wagtail, occurrences of this species are, no 
 doubt, frequently overlooked. 1 
 
 1 The adult white wagtail may be readily distinguished 
 from the pied wagtail, it having the upper plumage ash-grey, 
 while this is black in the latter species. Below also, the 
 white wagtail has only the throat and upper breast black, 
 the remainder being whitish, while the pied wagtail has the 
 under parts almost entirely black. 
 
22 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 42. Motacilla melanope, Pall. Grey Wagtail. 
 [End September — January; occasionally in early 
 spring.'] Common during the autumn and winter 
 on the streams about Ilford and Romford. Occurs 
 more rarely at Hayes Common, Beckenham, and the 
 south-west district ; I have observed it once only 
 at Highgate and Hadley. It has been seen by Mr. 
 J. E. Harting at Kingsbury Reservoir and Hendon 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," pp. 63, 64). I observed an 
 individual on the Brent, near Harrow, May 2nd, 
 1891 ; I have never before seen a grey wagtail near 
 London in the spring, and consider it to have been 
 only a late straggler ; it appeared to be a female. 
 
 43. Motacilla flava, Linn. Blue-headed 
 Wagtail. 
 
 [Spring and autumn migrations ; rare.] An ir- 
 regular visitor to the British Islands, usually in the 
 spring. Mr. H. T. Booth tells me that during June, 
 1890, he observed four or five birds of this species 
 on Wimbledon Common ; he obtained a close view 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 23 
 
 of them and is positive as to their identity. 1 "In 
 May, 1864, Mr. W. H. Power shot an immature bird 
 of this species at Kingsbury Reservoir " (" Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 64). Yarrell records a specimen taken 
 in April, 1837, "a short distance north-east of 
 London." 
 
 44. Motacilla raii (Bod.) Yellow Wagtail. 
 
 [April — September ; casual in ivinter.] Fairly 
 common along the Thames at Putney and Richmond 
 during the spring and summer, also occurring in 
 winter. It is a regular, although rare, summer 
 visitor about Harrow. A few are to be met with in 
 summer on the streams about Epping Forest, Ilford, 
 and the neighbourhood ; I have observed it once at 
 Ilford in winter. 
 
 45. Anthus triviaKs (Linn.) Tree Pipit. 
 
 [Mid-April — September.] Very generally distri- 
 buted in spring, breeding mostly in or near woods 
 
 i The chief distinctions between this species and its near 
 relation, the yellow wagtail, lie in the white eye-stripe 
 (yellow in the latter species) and the bluish-grey crown 
 and nape (yellowish -olive in the yellow wagtail). 
 
24 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 and copses, although around Harrow it breeds freely 
 about the meadows. The song of this pipit is, per- 
 haps, familiar to all who have visited the woods or 
 fields in April or May ; it is usually commenced as 
 the bird starts upward from a tree or other point, 
 and rises as it soars up, gradually sinking again as 
 the bird descends, until it ceases abruptly as it 
 regains its perch. 
 
 46. Anthus pratensis (Linn.) Meadow Pipit. 
 
 [Resident.] Sparingly distributed as a breeding 
 species, more common everywhere in autumn and 
 winter. Breeds occasionally on Wimbledon Common ; 
 common in autumn and winter on Hayes Common 
 (Kent), probably also breeding there. A few breed 
 near Harrow, where also they are common during 
 the latter part of the summer and autumn, particu- 
 larly young birds. 
 
 47. Anthus Obscurus (Latham). Rock Pipit. 
 
 [Casual] This is essentially a coast-loving species, 
 and, therefore, rare anywhere inland. In October, 
 1845, the late Mr. F. Bond killed seven at Kings- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 25 
 
 bury Keservoir, and Mr. Harting shot one of a pair 
 at the same locality on the 20th of March, 18GG 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 67). Another was caught 
 at Harrow in November, 1862 (Bridgeman, "Birds 
 of Harrow," p. 145). 
 
 48. Oriolus galbula, Linn. Golden Oriole. 
 
 [Casual,] Of occasional occurrence during the 
 spring and summer. The number of recorded occur- 
 rences are fewer than one might be led to expect. 
 Mr. J. E. Harting gives several instances of its occur- 
 rence : — A male, in the late F. Bond's collection, was 
 shot at Harlesden Green, May 11th, 1851; another 
 male was killed at the Well Springs, Kingsbury, in 
 1857, and disposed of to a dealer in London ; in May, 
 1862, a third male was observed in a garden at 
 Frognal, and another was seen, April 2 1st, 186.°), on 
 a park paling between Edgeware and Barnet (' : Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 36). A more recent occurrence is 
 that of a male bird shot at the Park, Harrow, in May, 
 1888, and recorded in the "Zoologist" for 1888, p. 
 393. In the counties of Kent and Surrey this 
 brightly-plumaged bird occurs almost annually. 
 
26 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 49. Lailius excubitor, Linn. Great Grey 
 Shrike. 
 
 [ Winter ; irregular .] Of occasional occurrence 
 during the autumn and winter, specimens having 
 been obtained at intervals in most districts around 
 London. Mr. J. E. Harting (" Birds of Middlesex ") 
 mentions the following occurrences : A male shot at 
 Wemttey Park, in January, 1841, by the gardener 
 of the Rev. Mr. Gray ; one caught in a net near 
 Harrow, and another subsequently shot by a keeper, 
 these presumably between the years 1850 and 1854; 
 a specimen in Mr. Harting's collection w r as shot in 
 the parish of Hendon, during the winter of 1854 ; 
 and it also occurred at Kentish Town and Kilburn, 
 in 1850 and 1862. Mr. A. F. Gates, of Stratford, 
 writes me as follows : — " One of these birds was 
 captured by a bird-catcher of the name of Jeffreys, 
 in 1889, at Ley ton ; it swooped down on his decoy 
 birds, and was canght in the nets (this bird I have 
 seen). I may mention that the bird-catchers about 
 here often catch kestrel hawks in the same way." 
 He also writes later that he has had a very fine 
 specimen of the great grey shrike sent him, w'hich 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 27 
 
 had been shot at Barking- on February 25tb, 1893. 
 The late H. Doubleday had one of these birds alive 
 which had been caught in Epping Forest. 
 
 50. Lanius collurio, Linn. Red-backed Shrike. 
 \May — August ; occasionally later. ,] A common 
 and conspicuous summer visitor, frequenting com- 
 mons, the outskirts of woods, or grassy lanes and 
 quiet old hedgerows, for the purposes of nidification. 
 It breeds very commonly around Harrow and Edge- 
 ware ; rather less so near Finchley, Highgate, and 
 Hayes Common (Kent) ; also in the forest district. 
 Tt breeds occasionally on Wimbledon Common, and 
 more abundantly further afield, as at Epsom, Leather- 
 head and Dorking. I have found the nest with half- 
 fledged young as late as August 6th, in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Harrow. 
 
 51. Ampelis garrulus, Linn. Waxwing. 
 
 [Casual. ~\ A very rare winter visitor. It has oc- 
 curred in the vicinity of London on several occasions 
 at long intervals, as in 1850, when examples were 
 obtained at Kilburn, Eltham, Harrow, Highgate, and 
 
28 THE BIRDS OF LONDON 7 . 
 
 other places. (See "Birds of Middlesex," and "Zoo- 
 logist " for January, 1850 ) 
 
 52. Muscicapa, grisola, Linn. Spotted Fly- 
 catcher. 
 \May — September. 1 ] A fairly common visitor to 
 most districts, usually preferring woods and planta- 
 tions or quiet grassy lanes in the breeding season, 
 while it often comes into gardens and orchards later 
 in the summer. It breeds commonly in several spots 
 around Harrow, also in Highgate Woods and several 
 other localities ; it is said to breed still in some of the 
 London parks, where individuals may occasionally be 
 observed. 
 
 53. Muscicapa atricapilla, Linn. Pied Fly- 
 catcher. 
 [Jfat/ — September ; rare.] This is only a very local 
 visitor to the British Islands, and it is especially 
 scarce in the south-eastern counties. Although by 
 no means common near London at any time, I have 
 several records of its occurrence. Mr. J. E. Harting 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 26), records a male shot in 
 
 1 1 have noticed individuals as late as October 6th. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 29 
 
 May, 1842, at "The Hyde," which is situated be- 
 tween Kingsbury and Hendon. Colonel Bridgeman 
 ('• Flora of Harrow," App. Birds, p. 140), w-rites : — " I 
 know of one authenticated instance of the occurrence 
 of this rare bird here : a nest with three eggs was 
 taken in The Grove, about the year 1836, and the 
 eggs are still preserved." A specimen taken at 
 Blackheath, April 30th, 1883, is in the Natural 
 History (British) Museum ; it was presented by Mr. 
 T. Fisher. Mr. H. T. Booth informs me that he has 
 observed it once, May 29th, 1889, in Richmond Park. 
 Mr. B. R. Harrison, of Highgate, writes me as follows : 
 — " The pied flycatcher I have not seen myself, but I 
 have been told by the woodman in the "Wood Lane 
 woods that a pair were seen there last summer 
 (1892)." This is only hearsay evidence, but 1 believe 
 it to be genuine. Mr. Harting states that in May, 
 1849, Mr. Spenser shot a male pied flycatcher in 
 Mill Field Lane, near Highgate, while early in May, 
 1859, two pairs were taken alive in Bishop's Wood, 
 and a fifth at the same place in the same week 
 (" Birds of Middlesex "). In Epping Forest a female 
 was taken on the loth of September, 1877, and was 
 
30 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 identified by Mr. Hurting, while two others were shot 
 in They don Grove (Buxton's " Epping Forest "). 
 
 54. Hirundo rustica, Linn. Swallow. 
 [Mid-April — Mid-October. 1 ^ A common and well- 
 known visitor to the entire district. I have often 
 noticed swallows flying overhead in some of the 
 busiest parts of London. 
 
 55. Chelidon urbica (Linn.) Martin. 
 [May — M id-October. ~\ Like the last-named, this 
 species is common everywhere around London ; some- 
 times venturing far in among the habitations of man. 
 It still breeds in several districts, such as Highgate, 
 which are fast losing their rural beauties in the ever- 
 extending metropolis. 
 
 56. Cotile riparia (Linn.) Sand Martin. 
 
 [April — September.] Rather a local species in 
 the vicinity of London. I have met with it in some 
 numbers in the neighbourhood of Plumstead, where 
 it breeds annually. It also breeds in the chalk pits 
 at Pinner, and has been observed at Kingsbury 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 31 
 
 Reservoir. Some years ago it bred annually at 
 Ilford, aud I believe it has also nested there re- 
 cently, while it is stated to still breed in the rail- 
 way cutting between Leytonstone and Wanstead 
 (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). 
 
 57. Ligurinus chloris (Linn.) Greenfinch. 
 
 [Beside?it.] Common over nearly the whole area ; 
 its numbers being increased during the winter 
 months by arrivals from the Continent. It breeds 
 very commonly wherever arable land occurs, but 
 is rather scarce where there is much meadow T land, 
 as around Harrow and Edgeware where I have only 
 occasionally found the nest. Breeds abundantly 
 about Ilford, also near Epsom where I have found 
 the nest with eggs as late as August 1st. 
 
 58. Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pall. Hawfinch. 
 [Resident.] Although decidedly uncommon, the 
 Hawfinch is by no means so rare near London as 
 many people would imagine ; this is probably owing 
 to the bird's shy and retiring habits. It appears 
 to be not uncommon in Epping Forest, and it also 
 
32 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 occurs in Wanstead Park, sometimes straggling to 
 II ford. It is still found as near the metropolis as 
 Highgate Woods, where it breeds annually; I my- 
 self came across several nests there in 1888. In 
 the Harrow district it seems to breed no longer, 
 although several nests are recorded to have been 
 found there years ago ("Harrow Birds," p. 15); 
 the bird, however, frequently occurs during the 
 winter; I knew of one being shot on the Brent in 
 the winter of 1891-92. Mr. H. T. Booth informs 
 me that it occurs sparingly in Richmond Park, 
 Coombe Wood, and Burgh Common, but he has 
 not seen the nest in that district. I have seen an 
 example which had been shot near Epsom, and I 
 think it may probably breed about this neighbour- 
 hood. Old woodlands are the favourite haunts of 
 the Hawfinch in the breeding season ■ its call-note 
 is unmistakable — a shrill whistle repeated four 
 times. 
 
 59. Carduelis elegans (Steph.) Goldfinch. , 
 
 [Partly resident.] In the neighbourhood of Lon- 
 don the goldfinch chiefly occurs as a visitor during 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 33 
 
 the spring and autumn migrations. Many years 
 ago it would have been found nesting almost any- 
 where around London, but at the present time it 
 is decidedly rare as a breeding species. I have, 
 however, received eggs which were taken near 
 Finchley, and have seen the bird in Highgate 
 Woods during the spring. Mr. H. T. Booth in- 
 forms me that it breeds, though rarely, on Wim- 
 bledon Common; while at Epsom last year (1892), 
 my brother found a nest with four eggs, and I have 
 also several times noted the bird there during the 
 present winter. At Alperton, near Harrow, I have 
 several times observed this bird, in company with 
 other species, on the canal banks, whither it was 
 attracted by the thistles, etc., growing on the re- 
 fuse heaps. As regards the eastern districts, Mr. 
 A. F. Gates, of Stratford, writes me as follows: — 
 "Goldfinches, although still scarce, are to my mind 
 steadily on the increase." Years ago, when I was 
 living at Lewisham, the goldfinch went by the 
 name of "cutthroat" among the boys about 
 there. 
 
,KIX, 
 
 34 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 60. Chrysomitris spinus (Linn.) Sisi 
 
 \W inter ; irregular^ The siskin, or aberdevine, 
 is seldom seen in the vicinity of London except 
 during the autumn and winter, and even then 
 not very commonly. A few visit Ilford almost 
 every winter, and I have seen an adult male (alive) 
 said to have been taken there in August, 1889. 
 In the neighbourhood of Harrow it occurs at ir- 
 regular intervals during the winter. A specimen 
 obtained at Turuham Green (Middlesex) is in the 
 Natural History Museum. It has been observed 
 in Wanstead Park on several occasions (Buxton's 
 " Epping Forest "). 
 
 61. Passer domesticus (Linn.) House 
 Sparrow. 
 [Resident.] Extremely common over whole area. 
 In winter I have seen flocks thousands strong 
 about the corn-ricks near Ilford. It is one of our 
 earliest breeding species, usually commencing early 
 in March — often even in February. 
 
 62. Passer montanus (Linn.) Tree Sparrow. 
 [Resident.] This species appears to have been 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 35 
 
 strangely overlooked until within recent years ; this 
 is no doubt owing to its resemblance to the 
 house sparrow. 1 Even in the vicinity of London 
 it is rather local as a breeding species, and yet 
 I have found it breeding quite abundantly around 
 Harrow — always in holes of old trees, usually pol- 
 lard willows, I have also found the nest occasion- 
 ally near Ilford, where the bird is common enough 
 during the autumn and winter, frequenting the 
 wheat stubbles in considerable numbers. Mr. H. 
 T. Booth tells me that it has bred near Wimbledon, 
 and I have seen an example of the bird which was 
 shot at Epsom, but have not met with it in any 
 other localities. 
 
 63. Fringilla COelebs, Linn. Chaffinch. 
 ident.] Common over whole area ; perhaps 
 
 1 Probably a short description of the tree sparrow may 
 prove useful to some as a means of identification. It is a 
 peculiar fact that the sexes are alike in plumage, thereby 
 differing from all other British FringUlince ; the young bird, 
 moreover, scarcely differs in plumage from the adult. This 
 species differs chiefly from the house sparrow in having the 
 crown, nape, and scapulars chestnut brown ; a black patch on 
 the white side of the head ; the black on the throat more ex- 
 tended ; and both median and greater wing-coverts tipped 
 with white. 
 
36 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 the commonest breeding species in the neighbour- 
 hood of Harrow. In the cold season its numbers 
 are increased by parties of immigrants, but most 
 of the winter birds are males, females being then 
 scarce. 
 
 64. Fringilla montifringilla, Linn. Brambling. 
 
 [Winter; irregular. ~\ Of irregular occurrence in 
 this part of England, its visits depending upon 
 the severity of the weather on the Continent, It 
 appears to occur more frequently in Epping Forest 
 than elsewhere; small parties have also been 
 noticed from time to time at Kingsbury, Edgeware, 
 and Harrow. I have seen a specimen which was 
 shot at Epsom, where it is of occasional occurrence. 
 
 65. Acanthus cannabina (Linn.) Linnet. 
 
 [Partly resident.] Common, nearly everywhere in 
 the autumn and winter, especially so in the east 
 and south, in which districts it is also to be found 
 breeding in small numbers, wherever suitable places 
 present themselves ; owing, however, to the absence 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 37 
 
 of these in the north and north-west, it is decidedly 
 scarce as a breeding species in those districts ; in 
 fact I have never found the nest in Middlesex my- 
 self, although it still breeds sparingly there. 
 
 66. Acanthis linaria (Linn.) Mealy Redpoll. 
 
 [Winter; rare.] Of rare and irregular occur- 
 rence in winter, chiefly on the eastern side. It has 
 occurred at Harrow, Kingsbury, Elstree, etc. (" Birds 
 of Middlesex "), and has been taken in Epping Forest 
 by the late H. Doubleday, and Mr. J. L. English 
 (Buxton's " Epping Forest "). 
 
 67. Acanthis rufescens (Vieill.) Lesser 
 Redpoll. 
 
 [Parti?/ resident.] Of fairly regular occurrence 
 in most districts during the winter, particularly 
 at Ilford, Wanstead, the forest district and High- 
 gate Woods, in which latter place it occasionally 
 breeds. 1 It also breeds exceptionally at Harrow, 
 
 i A nest which I found in a wood at Highgate, July 
 11th, 1888, was placed against the trunk of an oak, at 
 a height of about nine feet, and supported by the small twigs ; 
 the nest was loosely composed of small twigs, roots, 
 gi-ass-blades, moss, down of plants, wool, and string ; and 
 
38 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 and has been observed in summer occasionally on 
 Wimbledon Common, although I believe the nest 
 has not yet been found there. 
 
 68. Acanthis flavirostris (Linn.) Twite. 
 [Winter; rare.'] Occurs occasionally during the 
 
 winter, chiefly on the eastern side. It has occur- 
 red occasionally at Harrow during the months of 
 October, November, and December (" Flora of 
 Harrow," Birds, p. 147). Mr. J. E. Farting records 
 its occurrence at Kingsbury in October, 1863 and 
 1864, and on Harrow Weald Common ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 80). I have frequently noticed 
 the twite in the London bird-catchers' shops, and 
 some of them, no doubt, had been caught in the 
 neighbourhood of London. 
 
 69. Pyrrhula europaea, Vieill. Bullfinch. 
 [Resident.] Of fairly general distribution, inha- 
 biting the outskirts of woods, common, old grassy 
 
 lined with fine grass-blades, hair, wool, string, shreds of 
 a green rug or carpet, and the down of plants — altogether, 
 however, it was not larger than a chaffinch's ; it contained 
 three fresh eggs of a greenish-blue ground, spotted with 
 pale reddish-brown, and measuring about '63 x '48 in. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 39 
 
 lanes, etc., wherever tangled bushes or tall hedges 
 are to be found. I have found it breeding in the 
 forest district, Hadley Wood, Highgate Woods 
 (rarely), Wembley Park and Perivale Wood, near 
 Harrow ; Wimbledon Common, Hayes Common 
 and the neighbourhood of Beckenham, and aLo 
 in some abundance about Epsom and Ashtead. 
 Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that in Wanstead Park 
 and neighbourhood the bullfinch is rare. 
 
 70. Pyrrhula erythrina (Pall.) Scarlet Gros- 
 beak. 
 
 [Casual.] A very rare straggler, during migration, 
 to Western Europe; it does not breed any nearer to 
 us than Northern Russia, while its true home is in 
 Asia. Still it has occurred on two occasions in this 
 country, one being on October 5th. 1870, when a 
 female was taken near Caen Wood, Hampstead ; this 
 specimen subsequently passed into the collection of 
 the late Mr. F. Bond. As Mr. Howard Saunders 
 says, " Other examples have probably occurred from 
 time to time, and have been overlooked ; for young 
 birds or females of this species might easily be mis- 
 
40 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 taken for greenfinches " (" Manual of British Birds," 
 p. 189). 
 
 71. Pyrrhula enucleator (Linn.) Pine Gros- 
 beak. 
 [Casual.] Recent investigations have shown that 
 this handsome grosbeak is of not nearly such fre- 
 quent occurrence as a straggler to this country as was 
 at one time supposed. As regards London, Mr. 
 Harting says (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 91) : — 
 " Yarrell mentions a female bird of this species in 
 his own possession which was shot some years ago at 
 Harrow-on-the-Hill. This bird has since passed into 
 the collection of Mr. Bond ; " after his death it was 
 offered for sale at Stevens', in May, 1890. 
 
 72. Loxia curvirostra, Linn. Crossbill. 
 [Winter; rare.] Of irregular occurrence in the 
 vicinity of London during autumn and winter, per- 
 haps more commonly in the south and south-east 
 than elsewhere, owing to the extensive coniferous 
 plantations in those districts. Mr. G. E. H. Barret t- 
 Hauiilum (" Harrow Birds/' p. 19) mentions it as 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 41 
 
 having occurred on five or six occasions between the 
 years 1827 and 1863. In the " Naturalist's Journal" 
 for February, 1893, Mr. B. R. Harrison (of Highgate) 
 writes: — "A few years ago a flock of crossbills were 
 seen in the Highgate Cemetery, but of late years not 
 one has come under my notice." A specimen from 
 Turnham Green (Middlesex) is in the Natural History 
 Museum. On September 15th, 1889, I was standing 
 among a clump of pine trees on Hayes Common, 
 wmen a crossbill came flying over, uttering a note re- 
 sembling gip, gip, gip, and settled on a bough above 
 my head, but it took flight again directly it dis- 
 covered my presence. This is the only time I have 
 observed this bird in the neighbourhood of London. 
 A pair of crossbills nested recently in some firs at the 
 " Bower," close to Epping Railway Station (Buxton's 
 "Epping Forest.") 
 
 \* Loxia pityopsittacus, Bech. Pakrot Cross- 
 bill. 
 
 This variety of the last-named species is not con- 
 sidered by modern authorities to possess sufficient 
 differences to entitle it to rank as a sub-species. A 
 
42 THE EIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 fine male specimen of the parrot crossbill was killed 
 at Harrow-on-the-Hill, January 21st, 185U ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 92). Three were killed at one shot 
 by a boy at Lambourne ("Zoologist," 1861, p. 7759). 
 
 73. Loxia bifasciata (Brehm.) Two-barred 
 Crossbill. 
 
 [Casual.] The white-winged crossbill visits the 
 British Islands only at irregular intervals, usually in 
 flocks or small parties, and a fair number have been 
 taken in various parts of the country since 1802, 
 when it was first recorded. In the neighbourhood of 
 London, the late H. Doubleday shot an example in 
 his garden at Epping, in the summer of 1846. 
 
 74. Emberiza miliaria, Linn. Coen Bunting. 
 
 [Partly resident.'] Piather a local species in the 
 breeding season. It breeds annually at Alperton, 
 near Harrow, both on the railway embankment and 
 in the adjoining meadows — there not being the ghost 
 of a cornfield in the neighbourhood. It has also 
 bean observed on Wimbledon Common in the spring. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 43 
 
 During the winter it occurs commonly in small 
 flocks on the eastern side. 
 
 75. Emberiza citrinella, Linn. Yellow 
 Bunting. 
 
 [Resident] Common almost over whole area, 
 breeding wherever arable land or commons, etc., 
 occur. In the neighbourhood of Harrow, however, 
 the nest is seldom to be met with, and I have only 
 come across two or three nests there in as many 
 years. It breeds very commonly around Ilford, and 
 during the autumn and winter large numbers of the 
 birds may be seen about the fields. 
 
 76. Emberiza cirlus, Linn. Cirl Bunting. 
 
 [Resident ; very local.] A scarce and local species 
 in the neighbourhood of London. According to my 
 own experience it has a considerable partiality for 
 pasture-land or meadows, and the nest is most likely 
 to be found in low bushes on the border of the 
 field near to the hedge-row. It was in such a 
 situation that I saw a nest, containing three much- 
 incubated eggs, taken at Epsom on the 31st July, 
 
44 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 1892. I have also noticed the bird itself in 
 November on Epsom Common. I have also seen 
 a nest with three eggs, which Mr. H. T. Booth 
 found on Wimbledon Common, May 25th, 1890 ; 
 and I believe a nest with one egg was found near 
 Lewisham in 1884. Three specimens of the bird 
 are recorded as having been obtained at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir ; while a nest, with three eggs, was taken 
 near Wembley Park in May, 1861, and the nest, 
 with one of the eggs, passed into the possession of 
 Mr. Harting (" Birds of Middlesex "). 
 
 77. Emberiza horfculana, Linn. Ortolan. 
 
 [Casual.] The ortolan bunting was first recog- 
 nised as a visitor to this country from an indi- 
 vidual which was taken alive in Mary-le-bone Fields, 
 about the year 1776 ; this specimen is now in the 
 Xewcastle-on-Tyne Museum. Subsequently several 
 other examples have been taken in the vicinity of 
 London, but some of these may possibly have been 
 escaped birds, as large numbers of ortolans are 
 imported annually into this country. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 45 
 
 78. Emberiza rustica, Pall. Rustic Bunting. 
 [Casual.] An Asiatic species which is said to be 
 gradually extending its range westward ; its occur- 
 rence in this country has been recorded on three 
 occasions during the last five-and-twenty years, but 
 it cannot be looked upon as more than a quite 
 accidental visitor. The third of these occurrences 
 was in the vicinity of London, and therefore comes 
 within the scope of the present work. It was that 
 of a young male which was taken by a bird-catcher 
 at Earlstree Reservoir, November 19th, 1882, and 
 sent in the flesh to Lord Lilford (" Zoologist," 
 1883, p. 33). 
 
 79. Emberiza schceniclus, Linn. Reed 
 Bunting. 
 
 [Besidenf.] Breeds sparingly in most districts 
 wherever there are small streams or marsh- 
 ditches. I have found it breeding more commonly 
 around Harrow than elsewhere near London. In 
 winter, it is rather abundant about llford, and also 
 in autumn on Epsom Common and other commons 
 in the south. This species is also frequently 
 
46 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 known as the black-headed bunting, which has led 
 to an unfortunate confusion with another species 
 (E. mdanocephala, Sco}).), which is only of very 
 rare occurrence in this country. 
 
 80. Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.) Lapland 
 Bunting. 
 
 [Casual; on migration.] The summer home 
 
 of the Lapland bunting is chiefly within the 
 
 Arctic circle, but it migrates southward in winter, and 
 
 is then found throughout the greater part of Northern 
 
 Europe. In England it frequently occurs during the 
 
 autumn migration, but seldom at any other season. 
 
 Since 1826, when it was first recognised as a visitor 
 
 to this country, some six or seven individuals have 
 
 been taken near London. On the 25th of October, 
 
 1892, Mr. Cole, of Great Portland Street, showed me 
 
 a female Lapland bunting which had been shot at 
 
 Kingsbury Reservoir. He called it a " bunting lark," 
 
 aud the name is, in one sense, not so inappropriate, as 
 
 the bird is very often found associating with larks. 1 
 
 1 The male Lapland bunting bears some resemblance to 
 the male reed bunting, but may readily be recognised by the 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 47 
 
 81. Plectroplienax nivalis (Linn.) Snow 
 Bunting. 
 
 [Winter; irregular.] Like the last-named species, 
 the summer home of this little wanderer lies in the 
 bleak and barren regions of the far north, it having 
 been found breeding almost as far north as man 
 has penetrated. In the vicinity of London it is 
 only of very irregular occurrence. Mr. A. F. Gates, 
 of Stratford, writes me as follows : — Ci I have a 
 specimen of this bird in my collection which was 
 shot at Temple Mills, Stratford, in January, 1892, 
 and after heavy gales I have occasionally seen small 
 flocks of them on Hackney Marshes. Mr. J. E. 
 Harting ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 75) only gives 
 three instances of its occurrence in Middlesex, viz., 
 a male shot near Edgeware in 1840, and which was 
 
 broad white stripe above instead of below the eye, extending 
 backwards down the side of the neck, and by the bright 
 chestnut band on the nape ; it is also a somewhat larger bird, 
 and the tarsi are black, with the hind claw long and nearly 
 straight. The female has the crown and chestnut collar 
 streaked with brown and black ; the upper plumage paler 
 than in the male, and the throat white, with an irregular 
 blackish gorget. 
 
48 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 in the collection of the late F. Bond until his death ; 
 one taken by a bird-catcher near Kingsbury Reser- 
 voir in October, 1862 (this was in company with 
 bramblings) ; and another male shot by Mr. C. 
 Wharton at Kingsbury, February 8th, 1865. 
 
 82 SturriUS vulgaris, Linn. Starling. 
 
 [Resident.] Common almost everywhere, includ- 
 ing many of the parks and gardens in urban 
 district. Gregarious in autumn and winter. 
 
 83. Pastor roseus (Linn.) Rose-coloured 
 Starling. 
 
 [Casual.'] An Oriental species in which the 
 migratory instinct appears to be particularly strong, 
 it having occurred at irregular intervals in almost 
 every part of Europe. It has visited nearly every 
 part of the British Islands, including the neigh- 
 bourhood of London. It was first recognised as 
 a visitor to this country from a specimen obtained 
 near Norwood (Middlesex) in 1742. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 49 
 
 84. Garrulus glandarius (Linn.) Jay. 
 
 [Resident.] This handsome and wary bird is 
 not nearly such a quickly decreasing species in 
 the vicinity of London as many people appear to 
 believe. It is certainly a local bird, but that is 
 due to the fact that its favourite haunts are old 
 woods, or dense plantations and thickets. It is 
 still fairly common in Epping and Hainhault Forests, 
 Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, and Ashtead 
 "Woods ; and less so in Hadley Wood. In the 
 Harrow district it still breeds near Oxhey and 
 Bushey (" Harrow Birds," p. 21), and I was informed 
 by an old resident that it was rather common 
 about Wembley Park and Kingsbury until about 
 ten years ago. Three or four years ago it was 
 still nesting in a wood near Finchley. On Wimble- 
 don Common, Mr. H. T. Booth tells me it was 
 scarce or unknown until about six years ago, since 
 which time it has remained comparatively common. 
 
 85. Pica rustica (Scop.) Magpie. 
 [Resident.] Of much more restricted distribu- 
 tion than the last-named species. At the present 
 
 D 
 
50 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 time it is confined to a few of the oldest woods 
 and parks, and is unknown away from these locali- 
 ties. It still breeds fairly commonly in the forest 
 district and in Ashtead Woods and other woods 
 in the neighbourhood ; I believe it also breeds, 
 though rarely, in Hadley Wood. In Wembley 
 Park I have often seen the birds about one particu- 
 lar little copse, and they have also wandered 
 from here to Alperton, where as many as five or 
 six were observed at once a few years ago; it is 
 to be hoped that this fine bird will not desert 
 the park if it should be thrown open to the public 
 as proposed. It also still breeds in the woods 
 about Oxhey, which are also in the neighbourhood 
 of Harrow. Even in London itself the magpie 
 has nested not very many years ago in Kensing- 
 ton Gardens, and Yarrell states in his u History 
 of British Birds" (first published between 1837 
 and 1843) that he had himself counted twenty- 
 three individuals in the same grounds. 
 
 & j 
 
 86. CorVUS monedula, Linn. Jackdaw. 
 [Resident] Of fairly general distribution, mostly 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 51 
 
 frequenting old churches, etc., or old timber in parks. 
 During the winter I have frequently seen flocks of 
 jackdaws about Ilford and other places. It has often 
 been noticed in Kensington Gardens and other of the 
 London parks. 
 
 87. Oorvus COrax, Linn. Raven. 
 
 [Casual ; formerly breeding.'] This fine bird is now 
 practically extinct in the neighbourhood of London, 
 but I suspect it has occasionally visited Epping Forest 
 within recent years. Not many years ago it still bred 
 in several parts of Essex ; Mr. J. H. Gurney has shown 
 that, until sixty years ago, a pair inhabited Wanstead 
 Park. Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton ("Harrow Birds," 
 p. 22) says : — " Dr. Ed. Hamilton notes this bird as 
 ' occasionally seen' in his time (1828-32), and re- 
 marks, ' I think the date of a pair of ravens nesting 
 in Lord North wick's was 1828 or 1829. I did not see 
 them, but I believe Goshawk did, and tried to get 
 them shot.' " Mr. Harting records its breeding in 
 Hyde Park in the early part of the century (" Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 95). 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF Illinois 
 
52 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 88. Corvus corone, Linn. Carrion Crow. 
 [Resident.'] More common in the northern districts 
 
 than the southern, owing to the scarcity of game and 
 gamekeepers in the former. I have found it nesting 
 abundantly everywhere around Harrow, occasionally 
 in woods, etc., but usually in the summits of the trees 
 about the fields. When placed in the smaller 
 branches at the top of the tree, the nest is unattain- 
 able, but may be often seen in a fork of the main 
 limbs, and is then often robbed. I have even found 
 the nest at a height of only twenty or twenty-five 
 feet from the ground. The crow is also found breed- 
 ing in Epping Forest, and occasionally at Ashtead 
 Woods, Wimbledon Common, and near Finchley. In 
 1887 and 1888, a pair even reared their young in 
 Kensington Gardens. 1 
 
 89. Corvus cornix, Linn. Hooded Crow. 
 
 [ Winter ; irregular ^\ Of irregular occurrence 
 
 during the autumn and winter, chiefly on the eastern 
 
 1 A ready distinction between the nest of this species and 
 that of the rook, is to be found in the lining : the rook using 
 grass, roots, etc. , while the carrion crow always lines its nest 
 with wool, fur, hair, rope-ends, etc. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 53 
 
 side, I observed a flock of between fifty and sixty 
 hooded crows near Ilford, November 19th, 1889 ; 
 they were feeding in a ploughed field in company with 
 a few rooks. Mr. J. E. Harting states (" Birds of 
 Middlesex ") that a few examples have been obtained 
 at long intervals at Cricklewood, Hendon, Kingsbury, 
 and Bushey. 
 
 90. CorvU3 frugilegUS, Linn. Rook. 
 [Resident.] One of our most familiar birds. There 
 are rookeries or single nests in almost every locality. 
 Among the largest of the rookeries near London may 
 be mentioned those in Ilford, Cranbrook, and Wan- 
 stead Parks. For mauy years a small rookery has 
 existed in Gray's Inn Gardens, in one of the busiest 
 parts of London. In 1890 there was still one pair 
 breeding in a private garden at Chalk Farm, close to 
 the L. & N.-W. station ; while in the same year two 
 pairs bred in another garden near Camden Town 
 station. 
 
 91. Alauda arvensis, Linn. Skylark 
 [Resident.'] This well-known songster is common 
 
54 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 everywhere around London : in winter its numbers are 
 increased by flocks of migratory birds. 
 
 92. Alauda arborea, Linn. Wood Lark. 
 [Resident.] A somewhat scarce and local species 
 in the neighbourhood of London. I have seen it 
 about Ilford in the winter, and I am told that the 
 nest has been found there, but I have no evidence 
 of this. Mr. J. E. Harting considers that in Middle- 
 sex the wood lark is " resident throughout the year, 
 but nowhere common " (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 72). 
 A nest was found near Bushey, May 18th, 1889, by 
 Mr. R. Bosworth Smith ("Harrow Birds," p. 23). 
 Mr. H. T. Booth informs me that he has observed 
 this species at Fulham during the "winter, and has 
 noticed it on Wimbledon Common in summer, but 
 he has not found the nest. 
 
 93. Otocorys alpestris (Linn.) Shore Lark. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare winter visitor at long intervals. 
 A specimen was taken alive on Hackney Marshes in 
 March, 1865 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 74). The 
 numbers that visit us have perceptibly increased of 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 55 
 
 recent years, and, as it breeds no farther away than 
 Norway, it may become even more common in the 
 future. 
 
 94. Cypselus apus (Linn.) Swift. 
 
 [May — July. 1 ] Tolerably common, and breeding 
 in every district around London. It is known locally 
 as "screecher," "deviling," etc. 
 
 95. Cypselus melba (Linn.) Alpine Swift. 
 
 [Casual.] A very rare visitor. Mr. Harting 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," pp. 128, 129) states that 
 one day in August, 1841, a white-bellied swift was 
 seen sporting with a number of the common species 
 over the reservoir at Kingsbury, and a bird of 
 this species shot the following day near Reading 
 is supposed by him to have been the same bird. 
 
 1 I once observed an individual near Harrow as early as 
 April 20th (1890), but it usually appears in the early part of 
 May. The majority invariably depart about the end of 
 July, but individuals are occasionally known to remain 
 later. 
 
56 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 96. CaprimulgUS europaeus, Linn. Nightjar. 
 [Mid-May — September.'] In the neighbourhood of 
 London the " goatsucker," or " fern owl," is some- 
 what scarce and local. It is found not uncommonly 
 in Epping Forest, and Mr. A. F. Gates states that 
 it occurs sparingly in Wanstead Park. I observed 
 an individual in Highgate Woods, May 23rd, 1888, 
 flying at mid-day, and being chased by a song 
 thrush ; three or four specimens are also said to 
 have been shot there in 1892 ("Naturalist's Jour- 
 nal," vol. i., p. 31). 1 have also noted it once in 
 May, 1889, at Alperton, Harrow; while it is a 
 regular visitor to Oxhey, where the eggs are stated 
 to have been found on three occasions, the last time 
 (1890) by Mr. R. Bosworth Smith ("' Harrow Birds," 
 p. 23). Mr. H. T. Booth informs me that it breeds 
 occasionally in Richmond Park and on Wimbledon 
 Common. Last year, 1892, I met with it breeding 
 rather commonly at Epsom and Ashtead. 
 
 97. lynx torquilla, Linn. Wryneck. 
 [Mid-April — Scptemher?^ A somewhat scarce and 
 local summer visitor, almost always found in 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 57 
 
 woods, etc. It visits the forest district regularly ; 
 Mr. B. R. Harrison, of Higligate, writes that it 
 occurs at Highgate ; and I have myself heard it in 
 the spring in Hadley Wood. Mr. G. E. H. Barrett- 
 Hamilton ("Harrow Birds," p. 24) notes it as not 
 at all common near Harrow, but records nests found 
 annually in the immediate vicinity of Harrow. I 
 heard the bird in Wembley Park in the spring of 
 1891. It also visits suitable localities all along the 
 southern district. 
 
 98. Grecinus viridis (Linn.) Green Wood- 
 pecker. 
 
 [Resident.] A forest-loving bird, and therefore 
 naturally rather local. It is not uncommon in the 
 forest district, and has also been met with in Wan- 
 stead Park. In 1891 I noticed it on several occa- 
 sions in Hadley Wood, and it has also been noticed 
 in Highgate Woods. It is reported to have bred 
 years ago at Harrow, and appears to have done so 
 more recently, as Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton 
 ("Harrow Birds," p. 24) states that « on July 24th, 
 1889, a young bird, still unable to fly, was brought 
 
58 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 to Mr. R. Bos worth Smith by a railway porter, who 
 said that he had caught it near Harrow. In the 
 south, a few inhabit Richmond Park, straying from 
 thence on to Wimbledon Common ; while I have 
 found it to be quite common in Ashtead Woods. 
 At Uxendon Farm, near Harrow, I observed some 
 incomplete burrows in 1891, which had probably 
 been made by this species. 
 
 99. Dendrocopus major (Linn.) Great 
 Spotted Woodpecker. 
 
 \ Resident; rare.] Scarce at any season, and rarely 
 breeding in the neighbourhood of London. It in- 
 habits Epping Forest, and has been observed in 
 Wan stead Park exceptionally. Mr. B. P. Harrison, 
 of Highgate, states that he has observed it in High- 
 gate Woods (" Naturalists' Journal," vol. i., p. 31). 
 It is now rare in Middlesex, though formerly not 
 uncommon ; but in the " Field " for April 26th, 
 1890, Caroline M. Roe, of Kendall Hall, Eistree, 
 writes : — " I have had the great spotted woodpecker 
 make its nest and hatch out in the grounds here." 
 I believe it occurs in Richmond Park, where I 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 59 
 
 have noticed one or two burrows, in the upper limbs 
 
 of trees, which were, certainly, too small to be those 
 of the green woodpecker. 
 
 100. Dendrocopus minor (Linn.) Lesser 
 Spotted Woodpecker. 
 
 [Resident.] Although only sparingly distributed, 
 this is probably the commonest woodpecker in most 
 localities near London. It is so shy and retiring 
 in its habits that one would seldom detect its 
 presence, were it not for its peculiar and unmis- 
 takable call ; this is a loud and shrill _pfee, plee, 
 plee, plee, pl ee ) quickly repeated, and coming with 
 almost startling effect in the stillness of some wood- 
 land glade ; practised eyes might sometimes detect 
 a little bird, scarcely as large as a great titmouse, 
 high up, clinging to the upper branches, but it 
 usually escapes notice. The lesser spotted wood- 
 pecker still inhabits the forest district, straying 
 from thence to Wanstead Park and Ilford. I have 
 seen a specimen obtained at the latter place. At 
 Highgate, in the early part of 1891, I several times 
 saw and heard an individual (or perhaps two), which 
 
60 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 frequented one of the woods. I have also heard it 
 once, February 8th, 1891, in Wembley Park, near 
 Harrow. In this locality it would appear to be not 
 at all scarce, as the eggs have been found near 
 here in 1891 and again in 1892, each time by Mr. 
 H. T. Booth. The first occasion was on May 31st, 
 1891, the site selected being a small stump on the 
 bank of the Brent, near the L. & N.-W. Railway ; 
 the stump itself was only three or four feet in height, 
 and the nesting-place was excavated near the top of 
 it ; there were two eggs in this, and the bird was 
 seen to leave it. A second nest was found in 1892 
 near Uxeudon Farm ; this was excavated at a greater 
 height in the decayed stem of a small tree, and con- 
 tained four eggs. I have visited the sites of both 
 these nests on more than oue occasion, and have also 
 seen the eggs. This species has been noticed occa- 
 sionally also in Richmond Park, while further aiield, 
 in Ashtead Woods and the neighbourhood, I have 
 often seen and heard it in 1892 and 1893. 
 
 101. Alced.0 ispida, Linn. Kingfisher. 
 [Resident.] Now, unfortunately, both local and 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 61 
 
 rare in the neighbourhood of London ; but half a 
 century ago it seems to have been very much more 
 common. At the present time I only know of one 
 locality where it still breeds in the vicinity of Lon- 
 don ; this is at Twyford Abbey on the Brent, where 
 a few pairs have bred for many years. They sel- 
 dom wander far from the grounds, although I have 
 occasionally seen them on a shady portion of the river 
 close to the canal which bounds the property re- 
 ferred to; on the slightest alarm, however, they 
 dart under the archway and regain their sacred pre- 
 cincts on the other side. Years ago specimens 
 have been observed or shot in various parts of 
 Middlesex, but such occurrences are rare at the 
 present time. In the east, I have evidence of 
 specimens being obtained from time to time in the 
 neighbourhood of Ilford, where they were fairly 
 common years ago, but have nearly been exter- 
 minated on the Koding and other streams by 
 means of the execrable practice of spreading nets 
 across the stream. An old taxidermist at Ilford 
 tells me, however, that a few still exist on those 
 streams in spite of persecution. Mr. A. F. Gates 
 
G2 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 writes me that he has seen it once in Wanstead 
 Park, and also occasionally on Hackney Marshes, 
 but there they usually fall victims to the gun of 
 the Cockney sportsman. Down in rural Essex, away 
 from the shadow of the metropolis, the kingfisher 
 is still quite common. James Rennie, in his " Bird 
 Architecture," published in 1844, mentions it as 
 breeding annually " in the bank of a stream at Lee, 
 in Kent." Instances are on record of its occurrence 
 in thickly populated districts, and even in these 
 days individuals are noticed from time to time on 
 the Serpentine in Hyde Park. 
 
 102. Upupa epops, Linn. Hoopoe. 
 
 [Casual; summer.] A very rare visitor in the 
 spring — I should, perhaps, say "and summer" — 
 but as very few of the birds arriving in spring live 
 to see the summer, this would be superfluous. Mr. 
 Harting ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 116) records one 
 shot in the summer of 1830 near Caen Wood, 
 Hampstead ; another was shot at Fulham on the 
 28th September, 1832 ; a third was obtained in 
 1850 at Golder's Green; and in April, 1865, one 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. C3 
 
 was shot at Neasdon. Edwards mentions a speci- 
 men shot at Norwood, which seems to be the 
 earliest record for the neighbourhood of London. 
 In the "Field" for April 26th, 1890, Caroline M. 
 Roe, of Kendall Hall, Elstree, writes that during 
 the greater part of April 17th, 1890, " a hoopoe, 
 in beautiful plumage, was on the small lawn in 
 front of my house. " In 1886 one frequented a 
 garden at Knotts Green for several days (Buxton's 
 " Epping Forest "). 
 
 103. Cuculus canorus, Linn. Cuckoo. 
 \Mid-AprU — August. 1 ] A regular summer visitor, 
 and of very general distribution ; it has even been 
 reported from Kensington Gardens in the spring. 
 
 101. Strix flammea, Linn. Barn Owl. 
 
 [Resident.] Occurs sparingly in most of the locali- 
 ties around London. It is not uncommon in the 
 forest district, straying from thence to llford and 
 
 1 In the neighbourhood of London its note is seldom heard 
 until the third week in April. The majority have departed 
 by the beginning of August, but young birds have occurred 
 much later. 
 
64 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 other places. I have noted it once (1888) at High- 
 gate, and have received an egg from there said to 
 belong to this species, although abnormally small. 
 In the neighbourhood of Harrow it is now rare as 
 a breeding species, although still nesting annually 
 in the district. In March, 1889, one of these birds 
 frequented the village of Alperton, near Harrow. 
 On the 24th of April, 1892, Mr. H. T. Booth dis- 
 lodged a barn owl from a hollow elm at Uxendon 
 Farm, near Harrow ; I subsequently visited the spot 
 with Mr. Booth, but the owl had then, apparently, 
 deserted the tree. In the south-west it has oc- 
 curred occasionally at Fulham and other localities, 
 while about Epsom and Ashtead, and other places 
 aw r ay from London, I believe it is not at all un- 
 common. 
 
 105. Asio otus (Linn.) Long-eared Owl. 
 
 [Resident.] A scarce bird near London, although 
 more common some twenty miles away, particularly 
 in Surrey. Mr. Harting ("Birds of Middlesex," 
 pp. 1-4, 15) mentions specimens shot at Hendon, 
 Kingsbury, December 31st, 1862, and between Kings- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 65 
 
 bury and Preston in January, 1865. He also states 
 that the eggs have been taken in Wembley Park in 
 June, 1861, and in Canon's Park, Edgeware, May 29th, 
 1863, and he adds that it is also found in Pinner 
 Wood, where he has reason to believe that it breeds, 
 and in Ruislip Wood, on the north-west side of the 
 county, while it was at one time common in Caen 
 Wood, Hampstead. It also occurs not uncommonly 
 about Epping in Essex. 
 
 106. Asio accipitrinus (Pall.) Shout-eared Owl. 
 
 [Winter ; irregular.] Of irregular occurrence dur- 
 ing the autumn and winter; it is frequently seen 
 abroad in the day-time, and not uncommonly falls to 
 the gun of the sportsman, owing to its frequenting 
 turnip fields and stubbles; it often goes under the 
 name of " woodcock owl." I have observed this 
 species on one occasion at Ilford, November 30th, 
 1889, when an individual crossed the road at sunset 
 at some height above me. One is recorded by Mr. 
 G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton ("Harrow Birds," p. 27) 
 as having been killed near Wembley between the 
 years 1828-32. Mr. Harting (" Birds of Middlesex," 
 
 E 
 
66 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 p. 15) records a male and female killed near Kings- 
 bury Reservoir in the winter of 1840-41 • a few 
 years later, in October, a pair were killed by the 
 late Mr. F. Bjnd and his brother as they rose with 
 a covey of partridges ; examples have also occurred 
 near Scratchwoods, Edgewarebury and Edgewarebury 
 Common, the last — at Edgewarebury — in November, 
 1865 ; in November, I860, one was shot near Caen 
 Wood, and another near the same place in December, 
 1861. 
 
 107. Syrnium ahlOO (Linn.) Tawny Owl. 
 
 [Resident.] Somewhat rare in the vicinity of Lon- 
 don. It is perhaps more common in Epping Forest 
 than elsewhere. I am told that it occurs in Bishop's 
 Wool, a considerable wood between Highgate and 
 Hampstead. In the early spring of 1889 this owl 
 was often to be heard at night at Alperton, near 
 Harrow. Mr. Harting notes it as "rare" in Middle- 
 sex, and records the capture of an adult male at the 
 Wells Springs, Kingsbury, in the spring of 1844, and 
 three examples at Caen Wood, Hampstead ("Birds 
 of Middlesex"). In the appendix to the "Flora of 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. G7 
 
 Harrow," p. 139, the Hon. F. C. Bridgeman states 
 that a nest was found in the Grove, Harrow, in the 
 spring of 1862. I have also seen specimens which 
 were shot recently at Epsom, and I believe it breeds 
 there. 
 
 1.08. Athene noctua (Scop.) Little Owl. 
 
 [Casual.] The first recorded British example of 
 this species was caught alive in a chimney near the 
 Tower of London, in 1758, since which time many 
 examples have been obtained in England, although it 
 is thought that most of them must have been 
 imported birds and not really wild. Mr. Harting 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 21) remarks : — " I have been 
 assured by Mr. Constantine Minasi (brother to the 
 late consul for the two Sicilies), a gentleman well 
 acquainted with birds, that some years ago, while 
 returning one evening from shooting at Kenton Park, 
 Sudbury, he distinctly saw a little owl on the wing." 
 This was written about the year 1866; the place is 
 rendered "Sunbury," but Sudbury is no doubt 
 meant. 
 
68 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 109. Circus cyaneus (Linn.) Hen Harrier. 
 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence in the vicinity 
 of London. Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton 
 (" Harrow Birds," p. 28) mentions one seen, between 
 1828 and 1832, in the flesh, at a bird-stuffer's shop at 
 Harrow, but it could not be ascertained whence it 
 came ; a second example (female) was seen near 
 Harrow by Lord Lilford, between 1846 and 1850. 
 Mr. Harting states that an adult male was shot in 
 the parish of Willesden, several years previously 
 to I860, and another bird, supposed to be a female, 
 was seen in 1862 near Blackpot Farm, Kingsbury. 
 
 110. Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Common Buzzard. 
 
 [Casual.] Now a very rare visitor, although 
 formerly frequent enough ; within the present 
 century it bred commonly in many parts of Essex, 
 but it has long ago been banished as a breeding 
 species from the eastern and south-eastern counties 
 of England. In the "Birds of Middlesex" (published 
 in 1866) Mr. Halting records its occurrence at 
 Kilburn, Edgeware, Mill Hill, and Harrow ; but it 
 occurs much more rarely in Middlesex at the present 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 69 
 
 day. The same authority mentions it as having 
 occurred of recent years in Epping Forest. 
 
 111. Buteo lagopus (J. F. Gmel.) Rough-legged 
 
 Buzzard. 
 [Casual.] Of exceptional occurrence during the 
 autumn and winter. Two examples in the Natural 
 History Museum were shot years ago by the late H. 
 Doubleday in Epping Forest. 
 
 112. HaliaetllS albicilla (Linn.) White-tailed 
 
 Eagle. 
 
 [Casual.] Examples, usually immature, of this 
 species are taken or observed almost annually in the 
 eastern counties of England during the autumn and 
 winter, when the birds bred in the nothern regions 
 are migrating southward ; and it is not in any way 
 remarkable for some of these occurrences to take 
 place in the neighbourhood of London. Yarrell 
 records specimens shot many years ago at Coombc 
 Wood, Wimbledon Common, Henley, and Epping. 
 Other names for this eagle, are " erne/' " cinereous 
 eagle," and " sea eagle." 
 
70 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 113. Accipiter nisus (Linn.) Sparrow Hawk. 
 
 [Resident.] Sparingly distributed around London, 
 but now]] ere common. It is not uncommon in 
 Epping and Hainhault Forests, often straying from 
 thence to Ilford, and occasionally to TVanstead Park. 
 It is also a casual visitor to Higbgate Wood. It still 
 breeds in the neighbourhood of Harrow, where I have 
 several times disturbed the bird from old nests of the 
 crow, etc., although I have not found the eggs. It 
 occurs occasionally in Richmond Park, while I have 
 frequently seen it at Epsom and Ashtead, and I believe 
 it breeds in the neighbourhood. 
 
 11 4. Milvus ictiriUS, Savigny. Kite. 
 
 [Casual.] Formerly common ; in the fifteenth and 
 sixteenth centuries, it was so abundant as a scavenger 
 in the streets of London as to attract the notice of 
 foreigners visiting this country, but for many years 
 now it has been practically extinct in this part of 
 England. Mr. Harting, however, records the fact that 
 kites have been observed by the late F. Bond at 
 Kingsbury on two occasions, once on April 3rd, 1850, 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 71 
 
 and again " about five years later " (" Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 11). 
 
 115. Pernis apivorus (Linn.) Honey Buzzard. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare visitor in the summer and 
 autumn. It has occurred during recent years in 
 Epping Forest, when a specimen was seen by Sir 
 T. F. Buxton, on Woodridden Hill, several times 
 in September, 1881 (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). A 
 specimen presented to the Natural History Museum 
 by Mr. H. Langton was obtained at Bishop Stortford, 
 which lies at no great distance north of Epping. 
 
 116. Falco peregrinus, Tunst. Peregrine 
 Falcon. 
 
 [Casual.] This fine species, famous in the history 
 of falconry, is still of occasional occurrence in the 
 vicinity of London. Mr. A. F. Gates writes me 
 as follows : — " One of these birds was picked up 
 wounded on the Stratford Marshes, quite close to 
 the railway station, in January, 1889, and was 
 recorded by me in the * Zoologist ' about that date. 
 The specimen is in the collection of Mr. Murray, 
 
72 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 of Stratford." Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton 
 ("Harrow Birds," p. 29) states, on the authority 
 of a bird-stuffer, that a pair of these birds were 
 shot close to Harrow during the Christmas holi- 
 days of 1888. Mr. Harting ("Birds of Middlesex") 
 says : — " I have seen a female peregrine that was 
 shot in January, 1862, at Forty Farm, in the 
 parish of Harrow. During the second week of 
 November, 1865, a peregrine was killed at Canon's 
 Park, Edgeware, and another seen. The following 
 week one was shot at Stanmore, and it is supposed 
 that these were a pair." He also mentions occur- 
 rences at Highgate, Southgate, Finchley and other 
 places, and says that for many years a pair fre- 
 quented the top of St. Paul's, where it was supposed 
 they had a nest. 
 
 117. Falco SUbbuteo, Linn. Hobby. 
 
 [Casual; summer.'] A rather scarce summer 
 visitor, although many years ago it used to breed 
 in more than one locality near London. Mr. J. 
 E. Harting records three eggs being taken from 
 an old crow's nest in Pinner Wood on the 3rd 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 73 
 
 of May, 1861 ; he also mentions its occurrence at 
 Harrow in 1862, and at Kingsbury on April 24th, 
 1863, and also at Kilburn, Primrose Hill, Bishop's 
 Wood, and other places (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 
 4, 5). The hobby has also been noticed several 
 times of recent years in Epping Forest, where a 
 pair nested and brought off young two years (1846- 
 47) on the Hill Hall estate (Buxton's "Epping 
 Forest "). Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that " there 
 is a specimen of this bird in Mr. Murray's collection 
 at Stratford, obtained on the Plaistow Marshes 
 some years back." On the 5th of August, 1892, 
 I observed a bird near Epsom which could not 
 possibly have been other than a hobby ; it was 
 coursing over the fields near some preserves, and 
 passed me twice at no considerable distance, thus 
 giving me a fairly good view of it. 
 
 118. Falco vespertinus, Linn. Red-footed 
 Falcon. 
 
 [Casual.] A very rare visitor, in spring and 
 summer, to the British Islands ; it has recently 
 occurred on one occasion in the immediate vicinity 
 
74 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 of London. Under date of October 6th, 1892, Mr. 
 W. E. Dawes, of 72 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, 
 writes as follows to the "Naturalists' Journal " for 
 October, 1802 : — " I have just finished stuffing 
 and mounting a very rare and beautiful bird, the 
 red-footed falcon or orange-legged hobby (Falco 
 rujipes). It is a female in mature plumage, and 
 was shot a few weeks ago at Nunhead, S.E., by 
 Mr. T. Brown ('Young Nimrod') of the Railway 
 Tavern, Nunhead, and it is now in his collection 
 of British birds. . . . These birds live to a great 
 extent (if not entirely) upon insects, a fact borne 
 out by the contents of the crop of this specimen, 
 in which were only the wing-cases of some beetles 
 and what appeared to be the skins of some small 
 caterpillars. They are no doubt harmless to young 
 game and poultiy." 
 
 119. Falco sesalon, Tunst. Merlin. 
 
 [Casual; ivintcr.~\ The merlin has its breeding 
 haunts chiefly in the northern portions of the British 
 Isles, but during the winter it migrates southward, 
 and is then of occasional occurrence in the neighbour- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 75 
 
 hood of London. In the winter of 1857 a bird- 
 catcher netted an immature female on Hampstead 
 Heath, and another individual was shot at Stone- 
 bridge, on the Brent, in April, 1861, and was obtained 
 by Mr. Harting for his collection (" Birds of Middle- 
 sex," p. 6). Another example, obtained at Turnham 
 Green, is in the Natural History Museum. The 
 merlin is also stated to have occurred in Epping Forest 
 during the winter. 
 
 120. Falco tinnunculllS, Linn. Kestrel. 
 
 [Partly resident.] The kestrel, or wind-hover, is 
 much the commonest raptorial bird in the neighbour- 
 hood of London, It is a not uncommon resident in 
 the forest district, straying from thence to Ilford, 
 Wanstead, Dagenham, etc. I have noted it occa- 
 sionally in Highgate Woods, and also in Hadley 
 "Wood. In the Harrow district it is still fairly common, 
 and a few pairs bred annually about Wembley Park, 
 Kenton, Pinner, and other places. I saw a nest 
 taken on May 3rd, 1891, near Kingsbury, there being 
 only one egg in it. About Epsom and Ashtead the 
 kestrel is also not uncommon, and, I believe, breed- 
 
76 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 ing. During the autumn and winter it is more 
 common everywhere around London, occurring then 
 frequently in the immediate vicinity of London. 
 
 121. Pandion haliaetus (Linn.) OsrREY. 
 
 [Casual.] To the southern and eastern coasts of 
 England the osprey is a not unfrequent visitor dur- 
 ing the autumn months, and it is therefore not very 
 surprising that it should occur in the neighbourhood 
 of London. Mr. Harting (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 2) 
 states that on the 1st of October, 1863, a male osprey 
 was shot near Uxbridge, in which neighbourhood it 
 had been observed for some days before it was killed ; 
 while in September, 1865, a pair of ospreys fre- 
 quented for some days a sheet of water on the estate 
 of Mr. J. D. Taylor, of Southgate. 
 
 122. Ardea cinerea, Linn. Common Heron. 
 
 [Resident.] Xot at all uncommon in the neigh- 
 bourhood of London. There is a very old heronry 
 in Wanstead Park, said to have numbered over 60 
 nests in 1890, and from w T hich the birds make long 
 excursions down the Thames and elsewhere ; I have 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 77 
 
 often seen them on the marshy ground near Bark- 
 ing. There is another heronry at Osterley Park, 
 Norwood (Middlesex), and it is probable that most 
 of the birds seen at Kingsbury Reservoir, and about 
 Harrow, come from there. There is also a new and 
 increasing heronry in one of the preserves in Rich- 
 mond Park, the birds from which occasionally visit 
 Putney and Ful ham; in 1890 there were about thirteen 
 nests in this heronry, all in three large trees, but 
 the previous year there were only four or five 
 nests. 
 
 123. Ardea purpurea, Linn. Purple Herox. 
 [Casual.] Although breeding as near to us as 
 Holland, the purple heron is only of irregular occur- 
 rence in England, chiefly in the eastern counties. 
 Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton (-'Harrow Birds," p. 
 31) records a specimen seen, in the flesh, in 1829, 
 in a bird-stuffer's shop at Harrow, and which was 
 said to have been killed near Harrow. Selby men- 
 tions a bird captured " near London," but it is not 
 known whether this refers to the above specimen or 
 not. 
 
itS THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 124. Ardea ralloides, Scop. Squacco Heron. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare and irregular visitor to this 
 country, chiefly in spring or summer. Mr. Harting 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 164) states that "a speci- 
 men of this bird was shot at Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 in 1840, and a second example has since been ob- 
 tained," the date being uncertain. 
 
 125. Nycticorax griseus (Linn.) Night Heron. 
 [Casual.] An occasional visitor in spring and 
 
 autumn. The first recorded occurrence in this 
 country was that of an individual shot "near London " 
 in May, 1782. The night heron is also included 
 in a list of birds occurring at Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 which was published in the "Zoologist" for 1843. 
 
 126. Ardetta minuta (Linn.) Little Bittern. 
 [Casual.] Of irregular occurrence in spring and 
 
 autumn, and exceptionally in winter. Mr. Harting 
 mentions several instances of its occurrence : — " A 
 male shot at Elstree Reservoir in 1840; another 
 male shot more recently at Kingsbury Reservoir ; 
 and an individual killed on the River Lea, near 
 
THE BIRDS OF LOXDOX. 79 
 
 Enfield, on the 18th September, 18-1:7, and sent 
 to the late Mr. Bond." 
 
 127. Botaurus Stellaris (Linn.) Common 
 Bittern. 
 
 [Casual.] Of rare and irregular occurrence at 
 the present time. Quite a number of occurrences 
 in Middlesex are on record. Mr. Harting (" Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 105) mentions specimens shot at 
 Kingsbury Reservoir, Hendon, and Stanmore, in 18-43 
 and 1856. Individuals are recorded in the "Field" 
 as having been obtained at Eastcote, near Ruislip 
 (1876); on the River Brent (1879); on the Brent 
 at Perivale (1887); at Xorthholt (1887); at the Lower 
 Farm, Denham, near Uxbridge (1887). An example 
 was killed " a few years ago " near Wanstead Park, 
 Essex (Buxton's "Epping Forest "). 
 
 128. Platalea lucorodia, Linn. Spoonbill. 
 
 [Casual. ~\ Now of very rare occurrence in the 
 neighbourhood of London, although Mr. Harting has 
 drawn attention to the fact that in early times there 
 was a breeding-place at Fulham ("Zoologist," 1886). 
 
80 THE BTRDS OF LONDON 
 
 The same authority gives a very interesting account of 
 the occurrence of a pair of spoonbills at the Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, October 23rd, 1865 \ they were a male 
 and female, both immature ("Birds of Middlesex," 
 pp. 166-170). 
 
 129. Anser cinereus, Meyer. Grey Lag-Goose. 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence during the 
 autumn and winter. Owing to the difficulty of 
 getting near them, it is very often impossible to 
 say to which species the birds seen from time 
 to time belong. Mr. Harting mentions grey 
 geese as having occurred several times at Kings- 
 bury Reservoir, without having been identified, 
 some of them probably bean geese. In the winter 
 of 1860-61, however, two birds were shot from a 
 " g a oo^ e " °f thirty, on the Brent, in Hendon 
 parish, and these proved to be grey lag-geese 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 33). Two birds seen 
 a few T years ago, near Ilford, may possibly have 
 belonged to this species, as may also a party of 
 fourteen geese which I observed flying over the 
 llampstead Road last winter. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 81 
 
 130. Anser albifrons (Scop.) White-fronted 
 
 Goose. 
 [Casual.] A rare visitor in the winter, when 
 it sometimes visits this country in some numbers 
 from the Continent. Mr. Harting only mentions 
 a single instance of its occurrence in Middlesex. 
 Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton ("Harrow Birds," 
 p. 33) says : — " Dr. Hamilton records a flock 
 which ' came and settled and remained for some 
 days in the fields below Sudbury.' Later, a bird 
 of this species was shot by his brother (1828-32)." 
 
 131. Bernicla ruficollis (Pall.) Red-breasted 
 
 Goose. 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence. Montagu, 
 on the authority of Dr. Latham, states that one 
 was shot " near London " in the severe frost 
 of 1766. Others have since been obtained in 
 various parts of the country, but none nearer 
 London than Maldon, Essex, where one was taken 
 in 1871. 
 
 132. Bernicla breilta (Pall.) Brent Goose. 
 [Casual.] This is essentially a marine bird, and 
 
82 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 apparently of rare occurrence in the London 
 district. In the "Zoologist" for 1843, the late 
 F. Bond recorded the occurrence of this species 
 at Kingsbury Reservoir. 
 
 133. Anas boscas, Linn. Mallard. 
 [Partly resident.'] Quite the commonest of its 
 family in the neighbourhood of London, being most 
 common in the autumn and winter, although a few 
 pairs breed in some localities annually. It is, natur- 
 ally, more frequent on the eastern side, where I have 
 seen it frequently at Dagenham Lake, Ilford, etc., 
 in the autumn and winter, and less commonly in the 
 spring. It also breeds annually in the forest dis- 
 trict, and some are stated to constantly frequent 
 Connaught Water (Buxton's " Epping Forest "). It 
 is not uncommon on Kingsbury Reservoir in the 
 winter, and I have also seen it near there in the 
 spring. It also seems to breed annually at Oxhey, 
 where several nests have been found recently 
 (" Harrow Birds," p. 34). 
 
 134. Anas strepera, Linn. Gad wall. 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence in the vicinity 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 83 
 
 of London. Mr. J. E. Harting mentions an adult 
 male obtained at Kingsbury Reservoir in 1S42-U 
 ('• Birds of Middlesex," p. 225). 
 
 135. Spatula clypeata (Linn.) Shoveler. 
 
 [Casual ; winter.'] An occasional winter visitor, 
 though scarce. It has occurred at Kingsbury Reser- 
 voir, but Mr. Harting remarks that seldom more 
 than five or six are seen at one time (" Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 224). 
 
 136. Dafila acuta (Linn.) Pintail Duck. 
 [Casual.] Of very irregular occurrence in the 
 
 neighbourhood of London. Mr. Harting says that 
 it " has occasionally been killed on our reservoirs 
 and fresh-water pools in winter, but its appearance 
 is very uncertain " (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 225). 
 
 137. Querquedula crecca (Linn.) Teal. 
 [Irregular ; ivi?iter.] Chiefly known as a winter 
 
 visitor to the neighbourhood of London, where it is 
 less frequent now than formerly. A few r pairs also 
 breed from time to time in several localities. I am 
 
84 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 informed that large numbers have sometimes been 
 observed on the large pond in Danston Park, near 
 Bexley. Mr. Harting states that in former years it was 
 a regular winter visitor to Middlesex, but at the time 
 lie wrote (1866), it was very uncertain in its appear- 
 ance (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 229-30). Near 
 Harrow a nest is stated to have been found at Ox- 
 hey Pond in 1875 ("Birds of Harrow," App.) 
 
 138. Mareca penelope (Linn.) Wigbon. 
 
 [Winter.] A fairly regular winter visitor; it 
 appears about the end of October, but is more 
 common later in the season. It occurs almost 
 annually on most of the larger reservoirs, etc., in 
 Middlesex, notably Kingsbury Reservoir. Mr. A. 
 F. Gates writes me that he has a fine bird of this 
 species in his collection which was obtained at 
 the latter place. The wigeon has occurred in 
 various parts of the forest district during the 
 winter (Buxton's " Epping Forest,") and I am in- 
 formed that it often frequents the lake in Danston 
 Park, Bexley, at the same season. I have also 
 observed it once in the autumn at Dagenham 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 85 
 
 Lake, beyond Barking, where it may possibly be 
 of frequent occurrence. 
 
 139. Fuligula ferina (Linn.) Pochard. 
 [Winte?\] A somewhat scarce and irregular 
 winter visitor to our larger reservoirs and other 
 waters. To Middlesex, Mr. Harting says it is a 
 " winter visitant, varying much in numbers in 
 different years" ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 235). 
 Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that he "heard of one 
 of these birds being seen on the waters of Wanstead 
 Park in the year 1888." 
 
 140. Fuligula nyroca (Giilden.) Ferruginous 
 Duck. 
 [Casual.] The ferruginous or white-eyed duck 
 is a rare visitor to this country, principally in the 
 winter and early spring. Near London, a solitary 
 female was shot at Kingsbury Reservoir on the 
 24th December, 1863 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 23G). 
 
 141. Fuligula Cristata (Leach.) Tufted Duck. 
 
 [Winter.'] A tolerably regular winter visitor to 
 
 our larger waters; it, however, varies greatly in 
 
86 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 numbers, apparently according to the severity of 
 the season. It has often occurred at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, and Mr. Harting states that as many as 
 thirty birds have been seen there at one time, 
 during hard weather. The tufted duck has also 
 occurred in winter at Wanstead Park. 
 
 142. Fuligula marila (Linn.) Scaup Duck. 
 
 [Casual.] A marine species of accidental occur- 
 rence in the vicinity of London. Mr. J. E. Harting 
 records two killed at Kingsbury Reservoir about 
 the same time — prior to 1843 ("Birds of Middlesex," 
 pp. 236, 237). A specimen from the same place 
 in the Natural History Museum, was presented by 
 Mr. Harting. 
 
 143. Clangula glaucion (Linn.) Golden-Eye. 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence in winter. 
 Mr. Harting notes its occurrence on three or four 
 occasions between 1863 and 1865 at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 238, 239). 
 
 144. OEdemia nigra (Linn.) Common Scoter. 
 [Casual.] Essentially a marine bird, but it has 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 87 
 
 been known to occur on several occasions at Kings- 
 bury Reservoir. Mr. A. F. Gates writes me as 
 follows : — " I have a specimen in my collection shot 
 by Mr. Broughton on the waters of the Welsh Harp, 
 at Hendon, in December, 1890, and which was 
 evidently blown inland during the rough weather 
 previously." Another specimen from the same place 
 is in the Natural History Museum, to which it was 
 presented by Mr. J. E. Harting, who has also 
 recorded other instances of its occurrence there. 
 
 145. MergUS merganser, Linn. Goosander . 
 [CastiaL] An occasional visitor to our waters in 
 
 winter. During the winter of 1885, a party of fifteen 
 goosanders remained on the Basin at "Wanstead Park 
 for five days (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). Mr. 
 Harting records a fine male shot at Kingsbury 
 "several winters" previously to 1866 ("Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 240). 
 
 146. MergUS serrator, Linn. Red-breasted 
 
 Merganser. 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence during the 
 winter months. It has been shot on two or three 
 
88 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 occasions at Kingsbury Reservoir (" Birds of Middle- 
 sex," p. 248). 
 
 147. Mergus albellus, Linn. Smew. 
 [Casual] A very rare winter visitor. Mr. Harting 
 gives three instances of its occurrence at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, viz., a single bird shot previously to 184o ; 
 two immature males and an adult female obtained 
 in January, 1849 ; and a fine old male killed in the 
 winter of 1860-61 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 239). 
 
 148. Columba palumbus, Linn. Ring-Dove. 
 
 [fieside}it.~\ The ring-dove or wood pigeon is more 
 or less common wherever there are woods or groves 
 suited to its habits. It is fairly common in the 
 forest district and in Hadley Wood ; scarce in High- 
 gate Woods ; abundant in Richmond Park, Ashtead 
 Woods, and other localities ; while it is more or less 
 commonly distributed over the remaining localities. 
 In the winter I have sometimes seen very large flocks 
 about Ashtead Woods. In the London parks it is a 
 common bird, even more so than in some rural locali- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 89 
 
 ties ; in Hyde Park it is quite abundant and also very 
 tame. 
 
 149. Oolumba cenas, Linn. Stock-Dove. 
 [Partly resident.'] Rather local, but not uncommon 
 in some localities. The birds that breed in the 
 neighbourhood of London seem to leave us in the 
 winter, their places then being taken by small 
 numbers of migratory birds. It breeds not uncom- 
 monly in the forest district, and also, I am told, 
 at Danston Park, near Bexley, where I have observed 
 the bird on one occasion. The nest is stated to 
 have been found near Harrow in 1888 and 1890 
 ("Harrow Birds," p. 37). I believe it still breeds 
 in Richmond Park, where the bird may frequently 
 be observed. 
 
 150. Turtur communis, Selby. Turtle-Dove. 
 [May — September."] Sparingly distributed in suit- 
 able localities during the breeding season; it almost 
 exclusively inhabits woods and copses. It breeds 
 in the forest district, Highgate "Woods (rarely), 
 
90 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 Perivale Wood (near Harrow), Wimbledon Common, 
 
 and other localities. 
 
 15T Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pall.) Pallas's 
 Sand-Grouse. 
 
 [Casual. ~\ An irregular visitor, whose visits appear 
 to be becoming more numerous of recent years. 
 Large numbers have reached this country from 
 time to time, and " specimens " have been obtained 
 in nearly every part of Great Britain, a few having 
 been killed in the vicinity of London. In July, 
 1863, two male birds were killed by Mr. John 
 Read, near South Mimms, and were recorded in 
 the "Zoologist" ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 139). 
 Mr. A. F. Gates writes me as follows:— "In 1888 
 a flock was seen and some specimens shot at 
 Barkingside, and which I recorded in the ' Zoo- 
 logist ' at that time." 
 
 152. Phasianus COlchicus (Linn.) Pheasant. 
 
 [Resident.'] A common bird in the " game " 
 districts ; not common in Middlesex owing to the 
 absence of preserves. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 91 
 
 153. Perdix cinerea, Lath. Common 
 Partridge. 
 [Resident.] More generally diffused than the 
 last, as it is not confined to game preserves, etc., 
 
 but breeds freely about the fields ; it is least 
 common in Middlesex 
 
 154. Caccabis rufa (Linn.) Red-legged 
 Partridge. 
 [Resident.] A local species in the neighbourhood 
 of London. Mr. A. F. Gates, of Stratford, writes : — 
 " As far as my experience goes I think this bird 
 is on the increase on the outskirts here ; it certainly 
 has, to a certain extent, driven our ' home ' bird 
 in some quarters farther afield." I have never 
 met with the red-legged, or French partridge in 
 Middlesex, where it seems to be scarce. Mr. Halt- 
 ing gives two instances of its occurrence in 1865, 
 in which year a covey was found on Brockley 
 Hill in October, and a brood was said to have been 
 reared at Elstree ; he, however, regards these birds 
 as being merely stragglers from Hertfordshire 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 141.) 
 
92 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 155. Ooturnix communis, Bonn. Quail. 
 
 [Summer ; rare.] A scarce visitor in the spring, 
 and has been known to nest occasionally ; it usually 
 leaves us n October, but is of exceptional occurrence 
 during the winter months. Mr. Harting records the 
 eggs being taken near Harrow in 1842 and 1848, 
 and also mentions a specimen obtained at Boreham 
 Wood ("Birds of Middlesex," pp. 141, 142). Mr. A. 
 F. Gates writes me that he saw a brace of these 
 birds rise from a ploughed field at Manor Park 
 (Essex) in October, 1889. 
 
 156. Crex pratensis, Bech. Land-Rail. 
 
 [May — Septemher.'] A regular visitor and of fairly 
 general distribution. It is, perhaps, most common in 
 Middlesex, where its note may be heard every spring 
 in the fields all around Harrow : there is not a 
 vestige of a cornfield here, and, owing to its evi- 
 dent partiality for these quiet meadows, the name 
 "corn-crake" seems to be a mis-nomer in this case. 
 I have also heard it occasionally about Highgate, 
 but it is more common further away from the 
 suburbs. I have seen the bird on one occasion 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 93 
 
 near Lewisham, and believe it occurs annually in 
 several places near there. Mr. H. T. Booth tells 
 me that one was killed in the Stamford Bridge 
 grounds (S.W.) in 1889, and considers the bird to 
 be scarce in his district. Further away, however, 
 as at Ewell and Epsom, I have found it to be not 
 uncommon. 
 
 157. Porzana maruetta (Leach). Spotted 
 Ceake. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare species in the neighbourhood 
 of London, usually occurring between May and 
 October. Mr. Harting gives twelve instances of 
 its occurrence in Middlesex up to 1866 ("Birds 
 of Middlesex "). It is of occasional occurrence in 
 the forest district (Buxton's " Epping Forest "). 
 Although both local and scarce, the spotted crake 
 breeds annually in East Anglia and other parts of 
 England, but I am not aware that it has nested 
 of recent years near London. 1 
 
 1 This species is intermediate in size between the land 
 rail and the little crake ; it is darker in plumage than the 
 former, and has the upper parts speckled with white. 
 
94 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 158. Porzana parva (Scop.) Little Crake. 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence. Mr. Harting 
 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 205) mentions one shot 
 on the banks of the Thames, near Chelsea, about 
 the year 1812, and Yarrell states that in May of 
 that year another was purchased in the shop of 
 a London poulterer. The little crake is a genuine 
 visitor to this country, chiefly on migration, and 
 breeds commonly over the larger part of the Con- 
 tinent. 
 
 159. Rallus aquaticus, Linn. Water-Rail. 
 
 [Resident.] A scarce bird near London ; pro- 
 bably more frequent in winter than at any other 
 season. It is stated to be fairly common about the 
 Forest streams (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). Mr. 
 Harting mentions a nest found at a small pond near 
 Kingsbury, but thinks that the water -rail is chiefly 
 a winter visitor to Middlesex, and notes its occur- 
 rence at that season at Elstree Reservoir, on the 
 River Brent, and near Hendon. A female bird was 
 picked up dead by the roadside near Osterley Park, 
 October 31st, 1890, and was recorded in the " Zoolo- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 95 
 
 gist" for February, 1891, by Mr. Anthony Bell", 
 of Ealing. 
 
 160. Gallinula chloropus (Linn.) Moor Hen. 
 [.Resident.] Common on almost every description 
 of water ; very abundant about Ilford. 
 
 161. Fulica atra, Linn. Coot. 
 
 [Resident.] A somewhat scarce and local species 
 in the neighbourhood of London. T have frequently 
 seen a few birds on the lakes in Ilford and Wanstead 
 Parks, where they breed, and I have received an egg 
 said to have been taken near Finchley. The coot 
 still breeds at Ruislip Reservoir and perhaps others 
 of the Middlesex reservoirs. 
 
 162. (Edicnemus scolopax (S. C. Gmel.) Stone 
 Curlew. 
 
 [Casual.] An occasional visitor, chiefly on spring 
 and autumn migration, although it sometimes occurs 
 as late as December, even in East Anglia, while Mr. 
 Howard Saunders says that a tolerable number pass 
 the winter in Cornwall and South Devon ("Man. 
 
96 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 Brit. Birds/' p. 515). Mr. Harting ('"Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 143) only gives one instance of its 
 occurrence in Middlesex up to 1866, this being 
 towards the end of April, 18-18, when a male bird 
 was shot in a fallow field near Bushey Heath. In 
 Epping Forest one was seen at Fairmead Thicket, 
 April 21st, 1883, while a young bird was taken in 
 the lower forest (Buxton's " Epping Forest"). Mr. 
 A. F. Gates informs me that one was shot on 
 Hackney Marshes in December, 1889, and adds: — 
 "They arrive in the eastern counties in April, leaving 
 in October, therefore I think the bird being obtained 
 so near London in December rather remarkable and 
 worth recording. I may mention that I saw this 
 bird within a few hours after its having been killed." 
 The occurrence of the bird as late as December, 
 however, although exceptional, is by no means un- 
 known. The species is also sometimes known as the 
 "great plover," "Norfolk plover," or "thicknee." 
 
 163. Oursorius gallicus (J. F. Gmel.) Cream- 
 coloured Courser. 
 
 [Casual.] A very rare and irregular visitor to 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 97 
 
 this country. Mr. A. F. Gates sends me the 
 following particulars of one of these birds which was 
 shot on Hackney Marshes (close to the Essex 
 boundary) on October the 19th, 1858, and recorded 
 in both the " Field " and " Zoologist " at the time : — 
 " It was followed for some time by a man who was 
 shooting with a muzzle-loader, but having exhausted 
 his supply of caps, he ran into the White House Inn 
 to borrow a fresh supply, and having told the land- 
 lord that there was a strange bird about, they both 
 went in pursuit. The day being very windy and 
 stormy, the bird had not gone many yards from where 
 it was first seen, and the landlord had the good 
 fortune to shoot it. This man's name w r as Beresford, 
 and the same inn is still kept on by his widow, who 
 has this bird, amongst several others, on view. 
 Cooper, of Radnor Street, St. Luke's, preserved the 
 bird, and I believe large sums of money were 
 offered for it at the time." 
 
 164. Eudromias morinellus (Linn.) Dotterel. 
 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence during the 
 
 spring and autumn migrations, when the bird is on 
 
98 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 its way to or from its northern breeding-grounds. In 
 April, 1859, a small 'trip' of these birds appeared 
 on Burnt Oak Farm, in the parish of Kingsbury 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 146). 
 
 165. iEgialitishiaticula(Linn.) Ringed Plover. 
 
 [On migration.] The "ringed dotterel," "stone- 
 hatch" or "sandlark" is a fairly regular visitor during 
 spring and autumn migrations, when it occurs at 
 Kingsbury Reservoir and other congenial localities. 
 
 166. JEgialitis CUronica (J. F. Gmel.) Little 
 Ringed Plover. 
 [Casual.] An extremely rare visitor to this 
 country. Only five genuine examples have been 
 obtained in this country, and two of these were shot 
 at Kingsbury Reservoir, where Mr. R. H. Mitford 
 killed an immature male on the 20th of August, 
 1864, while on the 30th of the same month Mr. 
 Harting also obtained an immature bird. 1 
 
 1 Several other birds, which have beeu recorded as 
 examples of this species, have been proved to belong to 
 the smaller and brighter-plumaged form of jE. hiaticida 
 (ringed plover) which visits us in spring from the south of 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 99 
 
 167. Oharadrius pluvialis, Linn. Golden 
 
 Plover. 
 
 [Winter.] A winter visitor, although perhaps most 
 frequent during the spring and autumn migrations. 
 Near Ilford, I have noted it on both migrations, and 
 small parties are also usually to be seen throughout 
 the winter. A pair obtained at Epping by the late 
 H. Doubleday are now in the Natural History 
 Museum. It also visits the neighbourhood of Kings- 
 bury and Harrow in some numbers during the 
 winter, although, apparently, less commonly than it 
 is stated to have been formerly. Last winter, I 
 twice saw this bird on some low -lying ground near 
 Ashtead Woods. 
 
 168. Squatarola helvetica (Linn.) Grey 
 
 Plover. 
 
 [On migration.'] A scarce visitor on migration ; I 
 do not know of its occurrence in the winter. Mr. 
 A. F. Gates writes me that in the spring of 1890, a 
 
 Europe. The differences between this form and the true 
 little ringed plover will be found summarised in Mr. 
 Howard Saunder's " Manual of British Birds," p. 526. 
 
100 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 flock of these birds settled on the Stratford Marshes, 
 and one was shot and was seen by him in the flesh. 
 It is stated to have occurred by the River Roding 
 in late autumn (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). In 
 the Natural History Museum is a specimen obtained 
 by H. Doubleday at Epping. 
 
 1G9. Vanellus vulgaris, Bech. Lapwing. 
 
 [Resident.] This is by far the commonest plover 
 at any season, and also the only one breeding in 
 the neighbourhood of London. I have bracketed 
 the species as " resident," but in my opinion it is 
 not realty so, for I suspect the birds that breed 
 near London wander from us in the winter, and 
 the large flocks that may then be observed are all 
 immigrant birds, and I have particularly observed 
 that the birds which breed with us invariably make 
 their appearance some time in March. I have found 
 the lapwing breeding commonly in the unfrequented 
 meadows around Harrow, Kingsbury and Edgeware. 
 A few also breed at Trent Park (near Barnet), also 
 near the remnant of Hainhault Forest and at Fair- 
 mead Bottom, Epping Forest, and a few pairs breed 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 101 
 
 on Epsom and Ashtead Commons in Surrey. Very 
 large flocks frequent the fields about Ilford and 
 Romford throughout the winter. The bird is also 
 known as the "peewit" from its familiar and most 
 usual note. 
 
 170. Strepsilas interpres (Linn.) Turnstone. 
 
 [Casual.] A shore-frequenting bird, of very rare 
 occurrence inland. On the 21th August, 1861, Mr. 
 Harting came across one of these birds at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, while the keeper informed him that many 
 years ago he had killed two late in autumn at the 
 same reservoir (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 157, 158). 
 
 171. Haematopus OStralegUS, Linn. Oyster- 
 Catcher. 
 
 [Casual.] Another shore-lover, but which is occa- 
 sionally found on inland waters. Mr. Harting ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 159) mentions one shot by the 
 late F. Bond at Kingsbury Reservoir in July, 1859, 
 and another killed at Elstree Reservoir early in 
 April, 186G. 
 
102 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 172. Recurvirostra avocetta, Linn. Avocet. 
 [Casual.] Eighty or ninety years ago the avocet 
 nested commonly in many parts of the English coasts, 
 but the combined efforts of the agriculturist, the 
 collector, and the artificial fly-dresser proved too much 
 for it, and at the present time it is merely an irregular 
 visitor to our shores. In the neighbourhood of 
 London it is naturally of very rare occurrence, but 
 in May, 1854, a solitary bird was shot at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 182). 
 
 173. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.) Grey 
 Phalarope. 
 
 [Irregular.] An irregular visitor, chiefly during 
 the autumn, but occasionally in the winter or spring. 
 Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that " a fine specimen of 
 this uncommon bird was shot on Saturday, November 
 8th, 1891, on the marshes adjacent to the town of 
 Stratford ; there is also a record of one killed by a 
 stone from a boy's catapult on Wanstend Flats in 
 November, 1888. This last bird is, I believe, in a 
 private gentleman's collection at Forest Gate." 
 Another specimen was shot at North Weald by 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 103 
 
 the Rev. L. Cockerell (Buxton's " Epping Forest"). 
 Mr. Harting says that the late F. Bond shot a pair at 
 Kingsbury Reservoir in September, 1841, and another 
 pair were shot at the same place in the winter of 1850 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," pp. 214, 215). In October 
 last I saw a grey phalarope in the shop of a London 
 taxidermist which had been shot at the same reservoir 
 about a year previously. 
 
 174. Scolopax rusticula, Linn. Woodcock. 
 
 [Partly resident.'] Chiefly known as a winter 
 visitor near London, but it has been known to 
 breed in the forest district, and may, perhaps, 
 do so annually. An old taxidermist at Ilford 
 informed me that this bird was quite common 
 years ago in Hainhault Forest, before it was cleared, 
 and that it was then frequently taken near Ilford, 
 where it still occurs although more rarely. In 
 Epping Forest, it is of fairly frequent occurrence 
 during the winter ; a specimen was shot on Hackney 
 Marshes in November, 1891. I have observed 
 the woodcock once, March 27th, 1891, in Hadley 
 Wood, and Mr. B. R. Harrison, of Highgate, writes 
 
104 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 me that he has observed it in Bishop's Wood 
 near that place. In the neighbourhood of Harrow 
 the woodcock is now only of occasional occurrence, 
 although it is recorded as having been more plenti- 
 ful in former years. Mr. Harting (writing in 1866) 
 says that " Wembley Park used to be a famous 
 place for cocks." It has also even occurred in 
 the London narks. 
 
 175. Gallinago major (J. F. Gmel.) Great 
 
 Snipe. 
 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence, principally 
 during the autumn migration. Mr. A. F. Gates 
 writes me that " one was shot near Forest Gate 
 in November, 1889, and brought to me for identi- 
 fication; it was a very fine specimen." Of two 
 specimens in the late F. Bond's collection, one 
 was shot at Kingsbury in 1842, and the second 
 in Hendon Fields, November, 1851 ; a third speci- 
 men was shot, late in the autumn of 1856, on 
 the Brent, and another was killed on Bushey Heath 
 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 188). 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 105 
 
 176. GallinagO CCelestis (Frenzel). Common 
 Snipe. 
 
 [Winter.] Not at all uncommon between October 
 and March. A few birds visit the neighbourhood 
 of Ilford and Wanstead and also Hackney Marshes 
 annually, and specimens are often shot. I am 
 informed that recently it was observed in a field 
 near the Brent at Stonebridge Park for several 
 successive winters ; it has also been observed at 
 that season near Harrow and in other parts of 
 Middlesex. I believe it has been reported to breed 
 on Wimbledon Common, but Mr. H. T. Booth, 
 who knows the district well, informs me that he 
 has only seen the bird there on one occasion, and 
 that was in winter. The common snipe is also 
 of occasional occurrence near Epsom in winter, 
 and has even been observed in Hyde Park, while 
 it was lately observed on the Thames at Black- 
 friar's Bridge. The variety known as "Sabine's 
 snipe " is now generally regarded as a melanism of 
 the common snipe : a bird which was believed to 
 have belonged to this variety was shot on the 
 
10G THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 Brent in the winter of 1SG0-61, but was not pre- 
 served ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 187.) 
 
 177. Gallinago gallinula, Linn. Jack 
 
 SXIPE. 
 
 [Winter.] Like the last, a fairly regular winter 
 visitor, but scarcely so common. Its distribution 
 is substantially the same as that of the common 
 snipe, but in Middlesex at least it seems to occur 
 much more rarely than in former years. It appears 
 to be tolerably frequent in the neighbourhood of 
 Ilford and Wanstead and on Hackney Marshes. 
 
 178. Macrorhamphus griseus (J. F. Gmel.) 
 Ked-breasted Snipe. 
 
 [Casual.] Also known as brown snipe. An 
 American species of very rare occurrence in this 
 country, A specimen was shot on the Brent, 
 near Stonebridge, in October, 1862, and a second, 
 in the late F. Bond's collection, was killed, some 
 years previously to 186G, on the banks of the 
 Thames at Battersea (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 195). 
 
THE BIRDS OF LOXDOX. 107 
 
 The first-mentioned example is now in the Natural 
 History Museum. 
 
 179. Tringa fuscicollis, Vieill. Bonaparte's 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 [Casiial.] Another American species, and of very 
 rare occurrence in the British Isles. Mr. Harting 
 says that a specimen from Mr. Dresser's collection, 
 sold at Steven's in December, 1865, was labelled, 
 "Shot by Mr. Goodair, at Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 1856" ("Birds of Middlesex"). 
 
 180. Tringa alpina, Linn. Dunlin. 
 
 [On migration.'] A fairly regular visitor to our 
 larger waters during the spring and autumn 
 migrations. It often drops down on Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, and specimens have frequently been shot 
 there. 
 
 181. Tringa minuta, Leisler. Little Stint. 
 
 [On migration; carnal.] Occurs from time to 
 time on our reservoirs and lakes during the spring 
 and autumn migrations. A specimen in the Natural 
 
108 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 History Museum was shot, in October, at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, at which place about a score of birds have 
 been obtained. A specimen procured by H. Double- 
 day at Epping is also in the same museum. 
 
 182. Tringa temmincki, Leisler. Temminck's 
 
 Stint. 
 [Casual.] Occurs, at intervals, in spring and 
 autumn at the larger reservoirs, etc. At Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, two examples were obtained in the spring 
 of 1839, while several others occurred in the autumn 
 of the same year ; another specimen was taken in 
 May, 1859, and one on the 31st August, 1861 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 200). A specimen from 
 the same place is in the Natural History Museum. 
 
 183. Tringa SUbarquata (Giild.) Curlew- 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence on migration, 
 chiefly in autumn. Mr. Harting mentions six or 
 seven instances of its occurrence at Kingsbury Reier- 
 voir between the years 1811 and 1865, chiefly in the 
 month of September. A specimen obtained at 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 101) 
 
 Epping by Doubleday is in the Natural History 
 Museum. 
 
 184. Tringa canutus, Linn. Knot. 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence on migration 
 or in winter. I have seen a specimen stated to 
 have been shot near II ford. It is of casual occur- 
 rence at Kingsbury Reservoir ("Birds of Middlesex/' 
 p. 196). 
 
 185. Calidris arenaria (Linn.) Sanderling. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare visitor during migration. The 
 occurrence of one at Kingsbury Reservoir was re- 
 corded in the "Zoologist" for 1841 by the late F. 
 Bond, while two others were obtained at the same 
 reservoir about ten years later (0]). cit., p. 156). 
 
 186. Machetes pugnax (Linn.) Buff. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare visitor during the migrations. 
 It appears to have been of more frequent occurrence 
 at Kingsbury Reservoir formerly than it is at the 
 present time, for Mr. Harting says that between 
 1838 (when the reservoir was formed) and 1866 
 
110 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 about a dozen of the birds were killed there (" Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 181). The female is termed the 
 "reeve," the name "ruff" belonging to the male 
 bird. 
 
 187. Totanus hypoleucus (Linn.) Common 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 [0)i migration.] The common sandpiper or 
 summer snipe annually visits our brooks and reser- 
 voirs on its passage to and from its northern 
 breeding-grounds. It usually makes its first 
 appearance about the end of April, and, after a 
 short stay, it leaves us again until the end of 
 July ; the earliest date I have noted it on the 
 Brent, in spring, is April 26th, and in summer, 
 July 21st. It occurs on most of the larger streams 
 around London, and Mr. Gates writes me that he 
 has frequently observed it on the lakes in Wanstead 
 Park. A pair are even stated to have been 
 observed in Kensington Gardens in June, 1890. 
 The note is a shrill and rapidly-uttered peet, peet, 
 2ieet, and the flight is swift and erratic. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. Ill 
 
 188. Totanus glareola (J. F. Gmel.) Wood 
 Sandpiper, 
 
 [Casual] A rare visitor to our larger reservoirs 
 in autumn. The late F. Bond obtained five birds 
 at Kingsbury Reservoir, while Mr. Harting saw one 
 at the same place on the 4th August, 1863, just 
 after it was killed, and he also mentions two more 
 from the same locality in the collection of Mr. 
 Minasi ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 178). A specimen 
 in the Natural History Museum was obtained at 
 the sauie reservoir, but no date is given, and it may 
 perhaps be one of the above-mentioned specimens. 
 
 189. Totanus OChropus (Linn.) Green 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 [On migration.] Occurs during the spring and 
 autumn migrations on several of our larger streams. 
 I have observed it on the Brent at Stonebridge 
 Park on the 2nd May, and it also occurs in other 
 parts of Middlesex ; in the Natural History 
 Museum is a specimen from Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 while there are also a pair from Epping which 
 were procured by Doubleday. During migration 
 
112 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 the bird frequently occurs on some of the forest 
 streams. Mr. Harting states that it has occasionally 
 been killed in December and January (* Birds of 
 Middlesex "). 
 
 190. Totanus calidris (Linn.) Common Redshank. 
 [Casual.] An occasional visitor to our reservoirs, 
 etc., in spring or autumn. Mr. Harting mentions 
 its occurrence at Kingsbury Reservoir in April, 
 1865, and May and August, 1863 (Op. cit, p. 172). 
 A specimen in the Natural History Museum from the 
 same place was obtained in August. I believe this 
 species also visits Dagenham Lake, beyond Barking. 
 
 191. Totanus fuSCUS (Linn.) Spotted Redshank. 
 [Casual.] Of rare occurrence in autumn and 
 spring. At Kingsbury Reservoir, a fine bird, in 
 breeding plumage, was killed in June, 1841, and 
 a second example obtained in August, 1859, while 
 another individual, in winter plumage, was shot at 
 Stonebridge, on the Brent, in 1849 ("Birds of 
 Middlesex/' pp. 171, 172). 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 113 
 
 192. Totanus canescens (J. F. Gmel.) Green- 
 
 shank. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare and irregular visitor during 
 the spring and autumn migrations. Mr. Harting 
 mentions the occurrences of ten birds at or near 
 Kingsbury Reservoir between 1839 and 1863, in 
 the months of August and September, and he also 
 flushed a greenshank from a small pond between 
 Kingsbury and Stanmore in August, 1864 ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 180). 
 
 193. Limosa lapponica (Linn.) Bar-tailed 
 
 GODWIT. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare and uncertain visitor in spring 
 or autumn. In May, 1851, a fine example, in full 
 summer plumage, was shot at Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 while four more birds were seen there on the 
 29th of April, 1863 ("Birds of Middlesex," pp. 
 183, 184). 
 
 194. Limosa belgica (J. F. Gmel.) Black-tailed 
 
 Godwit. 
 
 [Casual.] Of very rare occurrence at the present 
 
 day, although it may have been more frequent 
 
 H 
 
114 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 formerly. Yarrell mentions three occurrences at 
 Kingsbury Reservoir in spring, and its occurrence 
 there is also recorded in the -'Zoologist" for 1843 
 (Op. cit., p. 183). In the early part of the century 
 this godwit still bred in several parts of the eastern 
 counties. 
 
 195. Numsnius arquata (Linn.) Common Curlew. 
 
 [Casual.] Of occasional occurrence in spring or 
 autumn. Mr. A. F. Gates writes me that i( two 
 of these birds were shot on the Hackney Marshes 
 after rough weather during the present year (1892) 
 and were sent to a local taxidermist for preservation. 
 It has been seen several times about Epping Forest, 
 and one was killed at Copped Hall (Buxton's " Epping 
 Forest ") ; and it has also been observed occasionally 
 near Harrow and in other parts of Middlesex. 
 
 196. Numenius phaeopus (Linn.) Whimbrel. 
 
 [Casual.] A rare visitor at irregular intervals ; 
 I have never observed it nearer London than the 
 mouth of the Thames. It has been shot or seen 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 115 
 
 on four occasions at Kingsbury Reservoir between 
 1850 and 1866 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 171). 
 
 197. Hydrochelidon nigra (Linn.) Black Tern. 
 
 [Spring and autumn.] Occurs on the Thames in 
 spring and autumn, though not common ; it also 
 visits the larger reservoirs, etc. Two specimens 
 killed on the Thames are in the Natural History 
 Museum. 
 
 198. Sterna fluviatilis, Nauru. Common Tern. 
 
 [Spring and autumn.] Occurs on the Thames and 
 the larger reservoirs, etc., during the spring and 
 autumn. This is the commonest of the terns which 
 visit us, and it has even been noticed occasionally 
 on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. 
 
 199. Sterna macrura, Naum. Arctic Tern. 
 
 [Spring and autumn.] Like the last, this tern 
 visits the neighbourhood of London in the spring 
 and autumn, but it is never so common. 
 
11G THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 200. Sterna minuta, Linn. Little Tern. 
 [0)i migration.] Of irregular occurrence on the 
 spring and autumn migrations, but it is not at all 
 common. 
 
 201. Xema sabinii (J. Sabine). Sabine's Gull. 
 [Casual.] This gull has its breeding-grounds in 
 the Arctic regions, migrating southward in winter, 
 when it occasionally occurs in the British Islands. 
 Mr. Harting records a bird killed near Blackwall in 
 September, 18G2 (" Birds of Middlesex," p. 251). 
 
 202. Larus minutus, Pall. Little Gull. 
 [Casual] Of rare occurrence in the vicinity of 
 London, although it occurs in some numbers from 
 time to time, during winter, on the east coast of 
 England. The first recognised occurrence of the 
 little gull in this country was that of a young bird 
 shot on the Thames, near Chelsea, prior to 1813, 
 and described by Montague. Mr. Harting mentions 
 another, shot in the spring of 1863 while flying- 
 over the Thames in Blackwall Reach ("Birds of 
 Middlesex," p. 254). 
 
THE BIEDS OF LONDON. 117 
 
 203. Larus ridibundus, Linn. Black-headed 
 Gull. 
 
 [Winter.] Of frequent occurrence during the 
 spring and autumn migrations, while it often visits us 
 in flocks during the winter, it being naturally most 
 abundant on the eastern side, as at Ilford, Dagenham 
 Lake, etc., at which places I have come across 
 numbers of this gull during the autumn and winter. 
 On the 7th of December, 1890, I observed very large 
 flocks of gulls in the fields about Ilford, composed of 
 various species of gulls, the black-headed gull, how- 
 ever, forming a considerable proportion, while I also 
 recognised herring gulls and kittiwakes. Black- 
 headed gulls have also occasionally visited Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, the Serpentine in Hyde Park, and other 
 places. 
 
 204. Larus melanocephalus, Natt. Meditek- 
 iiaxeax Black-headed Gull. 
 
 [Casual,^ Quite of accidental occurrence in this 
 country. In the Natural History Museum is an 
 immature example said to have been shot in January, 
 1866, near Barking Creek on the Thames, and 
 
118 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 identified by Mr. Howard Saunders in 1871. There 
 seems to be no reason for doubting the authenticity 
 of this occurrence, and I have therefore included 
 this bird in the present work on the strength of it. 
 (See Mr. Saunder's remarks in his " Man. Brit. Birds," 
 p. 651). A second example was obtained a few years 
 aa'o at Brevdon Broad, Norfolk. 
 
 205. Larus canus, Linn. Common Gull. 
 
 [TFwifcr.] Not at all a common species, although 
 occurring occasionally up the Thames and in various 
 localities around London, it having occurred now and 
 then in the London Parks ; I have observed it once 
 in St. James' Park in March. Mr. Harting mentions 
 the occurrence, prior to I860, of three birds at 
 Kingsbury Reservoir and a flock at Bushey Park. In 
 winter the common gull has the head and nape 
 spotted and streaked with greyish-brown, which 
 renders it easy of recognition. 
 
 206. Larus argentatus, J. F. Gmel. Herring 
 Gull. 
 
 [Winter.] Of not uncommon occurrence in winter 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 119 
 
 on the eastern side, and frequently straying up the 
 Thames. I have often seen small numbers of herring 
 gulls, in company with other species, about Ilford, 
 Barking, and Dagenham Lake, during the autumn 
 and winter, but in every case they were immature 
 birds. On the 24th of May, 1891, I saw one of these 
 birds in a ploughed field near Wimbledon Common ; 
 it seemed to be in mature plumage, and from its 
 manner it was either exhausted or injured in some 
 way. 
 
 207. Larus fuscus, Linn. Lesser Black-Backed 
 Gull. 
 [Casual.] A rare bird in the neighbourhood of 
 London, but occasionally occurring in autumn or 
 winter, chiefly after rough weather. It has occurred 
 at Kingsbury Reservoir on two or three occasions 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 281). 
 
 208. Larus marillUS, Linn. Great Black-backed 
 Gull. 
 
 [Casual.] This fine species is of rare occurrence in 
 the vicinity of London, but examples, usually inima- 
 
120 THE BIRDS OF LONDON, 
 
 ture, have been taken or observed from time to time. 
 Mr. J. E. Harting states that the late F. Bond shot 
 an old bird of this species, many years previously to 
 1866, at Kingsbury Reservoir, while a large immature 
 grey gull seen there in 1862, and two more seen in 
 1864, were probably of this species ("Birds of Middle- 
 sex," p. 263). 
 
 209. Rissa tridactyla (Linn.) Kittiwake Gull. 
 [Irregular.] A somewhat irregular visitor, chiefly 
 after rough weather. I have observed it in winter, 
 near Ilford, in company with other species, and have 
 seen a few at Dagenham Lake in autumn. It has also 
 been occasionally noticed in the forest district after 
 stormy weather (Buxton's "Epping Forest"). Mr. 
 Harting mentions it as occasionally occurring at 
 Kingsbury and Elstree Reservoirs after strong easterly 
 winds ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 259). The kittiwake 
 has also been noticed more than once on the Ser- 
 pentine in Hyde Park. 
 
 210. Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temm.) 
 
 POMATORHINE SKUA. 
 
 I Casual.] A rare and irregular visitor. Mr. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 121 
 
 Harting mentions one shot near Kingsbury prior to 
 1843, another killed near Harrow in 1841, and a 
 third found dead " more recently " in Wembley Park, 
 while another example was shot on the Thames, 
 towards the mouth, in August, 1862 ("Birds of 
 Middlesex "). 
 
 211. Stercorarius crepidatus (J. F. Gmel.) 
 
 Arctic or Richardson's Skua. 
 
 [Casual.] Of rare and occasional occurrence during 
 migration. Several examples have been shot on the 
 Thames, while in the autumn of 1842 four young 
 birds of the year were shot at Kingsbury Reservoir 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 270). In the Natural 
 History Museum there is an immature example from 
 Gravesend. 
 
 212. Fratercula arctica (Linn.) Puffin. 
 
 [Casual.] Of accidental occurrence during 
 stormy weather. Lord Lilford has recorded one that 
 was captured, May 16th, 1885, in a bedroom of the 
 house of Sir John Walrond in Brook Street, Grosvenor 
 Square. 
 
122 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 213. Colymbus arcticus, Linn. Black-throated 
 Diver. 
 [Casual.] A very rare visitor, and of quite excep- 
 tional occurrence in the neighbourhood of London. 
 A specimen in the Natural History Museum was 
 obtained years ago at Fulham and presented by 
 W. J. Broderip. Mr. Harting states that a young 
 male was shot by the late F. Bond at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir, in the winter of 1843. 
 
 214. Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn. Red- 
 throated Diver. 
 
 [Casual; winter.] A rare bird, but of more 
 frequent occurrence than the last. Mr. Harting 
 says that in winter birds of this species have often 
 been seen, and occasionally shot, at Kingsbury 
 Reservoir ("Birds of Middlesex," pp. 245, 246). 
 In January, 1877, an immature bird was seen on 
 Wanstead Basin (Buxton's " Epping Forest "). 
 
 215. Podicipes cristatus(Linn.) Great Crested 
 Grebe. 
 
 [TTmte?\] A not unfrequent visitor to our reser- 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 123 
 
 voirs and larger ponds, chiefly during the early part of 
 the year; I do not know of its having bred any- 
 where in the neighbourhood of London. Mr. A. F. 
 Gates informs me that the great crested grebe 
 has been seen, at rare intervals, on the water in 
 Wanstead Park. It has also been seen once or 
 twice of recent years on the ponds in Richmond 
 Park. Mr. Harting gives four instances of its oc- 
 currence, previously to 1866, at Kingsbury Reservoir, 
 during February and March. 
 
 216. Podicipes griseigena (Bodd.) Red-necked 
 Grebe. 
 
 [Casual.'] A rare and accidental visitor. Mr. A. 
 F. Gates writes me as follows concerning it : — 
 "During the year 1877 news was brought me that 
 one of these birds was to be seen on the water at 
 Finnis's Park at Wanstead, yet although I went 
 some few times I was unable to see it, but have 
 every reason to believe that it was seen there, as 
 my informant was well-acquainted with these birds." 
 This latter surmise appears to be correct, as it is 
 recorded elsewhere (Buxton's "Epping Forest") that 
 
124 THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 in February, 1877, one of these birds was a week 
 on the Basin at Wanstead Park. 
 
 217. Podicipes nigricollis, C. L. Brehm. Black- 
 kecked or Eared Grebe. 
 
 [Casual. 1 A rare and irregular visitor. Two 
 specimens were obtained at Kingsbury Reservoir in 
 1841, and its subsequent occurrence at the same 
 place was recorded in the "Zoologist" for 1843 
 ("Birds of Middlesex/' p. 244). 
 
 218. Podicipes fluviatilis (Timst.) Little 
 Grebe. 
 
 [Parti?/ resident.] Most common during migra- 
 tion or in winter, it being comparatively rare as 
 a breeding-species near London. I believe it breeds 
 in Wanstead Park, where the bird may frequently 
 be seen, and it even nests in some of the London 
 parks, particularly in St. James' Park. Col. 
 Bridgeman states that a nest was found near 
 Oxhey, in 1875 ("Birds of Harrow"). This 
 year (1893) I have found it breeding not un- 
 commonly on Epsom and Esher Commons. Mr. 
 
THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 125 
 
 A. F. Gates writes me that he has occasionally 
 observed it on Hackney Marshes. 
 
 219. Puffinus anglorum (Temnt.) Manx 
 Shearwater. 
 
 [Casual.] Of quite accidental occurrence in the 
 vicinity of Loudon. Mr. G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton 
 ("Harrow Birds," add.) gives the following in- 
 stance of its occurrence near Harrow : — " Through 
 the kindness of Mr. D. Meinertzhagen, of Harrow 
 School, I have been able to examine a specimen 
 of this bird, which was caught by a workman in 
 a field at Greenwell, near Sudbury, while being 
 chased by rooks. ... It was caught on September 
 22nd, 1891, and died on September 27th." 
 
 220. Cymochorea leucorrhoa (Vieill.) Fork- 
 tailed Petrel. 
 
 [Casual.] An American species which appears 
 to have considerably increased its numbers on 
 this side of the Atlantic during the last half- 
 century. It is, however, of only accidental occur- 
 rence in the neighbourhood of London. Mr. Harting 
 
12G THE BIRDS OF LONDON. 
 
 mentions one caught alive, in an exhausted state, 
 by a man at work on the high road between 
 Edgeware and Stanmore, on the 4th January, 1850, 
 and a second, shot near Bow Creek, in March, 18G4 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 271). Mr. A. F. Gates 
 writes me that ' ' a specimen of this uncommon bird 
 was shot from the river wall, close to Barking 
 Town, in 1874." This species is also sometimes 
 known as ' ; Leach's petrel." 
 
 221. Procellaria pelagica, Linn. Storm Petrel. 
 [Casual.] This well-known little wanderer is 
 another accidental visitor of rare occurrence. It 
 has occasionally occurred on the Thames, and Mr. 
 Harting (" Birds of Middlesex") mentions one shot 
 in November, 1824, between Blackfriars and 
 "Westminster Bridges, and another caught in October, 
 1857, on the Edgeware Road, near Paddington. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 28a. Accentor collaris (Scop.) Alpine Accentor. 
 One of these birds, the first taken in England, was 
 shot in August, 1817, on the border of Epping 
 Forest, near Walthamstow, by James Pamplin of 
 Walthamstow, and was subsequently identified by 
 Gould. 
 
 46a. Anthus richardi, Vieill. Richard's Pipit. 
 Occurred "near London" in 1812 (Vigors) and in 
 1836 (Gould, "Birds of Europe"). 
 
 60a. Serinus hortulanus, K. L. Koch. Serin. 
 Mr. Howard Saunders states that one or two 
 examples have been obtained "near London" ("Man. 
 Brit. Birds/' p. 169). 
 
 *** Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linn.) Chough. 
 
 A few months ago I heard of a chough being 
 127 
 
12S APPENDIX 
 
 knocked over with a stone at Balharn and taken to 
 a taxidermist's shop ; it was an old bird, and I could 
 only surmise that it had escaped from captivity. 
 
 92a. Alauda brachydactyla, Leisl. Short-toed 
 Lark. 
 
 In the Natural History Museum is a specimen 
 labelled "Orpington, Kent. May, 1884. Presented 
 by Theo. Fisher." 
 
 101a. Merops apiaster, Linn. Bee-Eater. 
 
 A very rare visitor at long intervals. Mr. Hart- 
 ing has seen a stuffed specimen said to have been 
 killed many years ago between Kingsbury and 
 Hampstead; he could obtain no further particulars 
 as to its capture ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 121). It 
 is also stated to have been observed at Wanstead, 
 Essex (Buxton's " Epping Forest)." 
 
 108a. Scops gill (Scop.) Scops Owl. 
 
 "One example of this little owl was taken some 
 time since near London" (Yarrell, "British Birds"). 
 
APPENDTX. 129 
 
 1086. Bubo ignavus, T. Forster. Eagle Owl. 
 
 hi the " Zoologist," Mr. Thos. Hall writes that 
 "on the 3rd November, 1845, my father preserved 
 for Mr. Burgess, Temple House, Hampstead, a female 
 specimen of the great horned owl (Strix bubo). 
 It was caught, after much trouble, in a hedge near 
 the house, and was kept for some time until it 
 died," — it having been severely wounded in the wing 
 ("Birds of Middlesex," p. 13). 
 
 1 1 la. Aquila chrysaetus (Linn.) Golden Eagle. 
 Authenticated instances of the occurrence of this 
 fine bird are extremely rare; for although records 
 are not wanting, they very probably refer to im- 
 mature examples of the white-tailed eagle, and not 
 long since a reported golden eagle turned out to be 
 a rough-legged buzzard ! Mr. Harting states that 
 "During the autumn of 1859, a gentleman well 
 acquainted with the bird saw a golden eagle on the 
 wing in the neighbourhood of Barnet, and the fol- 
 lowing week the capture of one in Kent was reported. 
 He conjectures that it was the same bird" ("Birds 
 of Middlesex," p. 1). A specimen (measuring seven 
 
 feet six inches across the wings) is reported to I ave 
 
 I 
 
130 APPENDIX. 
 
 been obtained two years ago at Waltham Cross: 
 vide daily papers of January 15th, 1891. 
 
 *** Bernicla canadensis (Linn.) Canada Goose. 
 The Canada goose is not now recognised as a 
 true visitor to the British Islands, it having been 
 domesticated in this country for upwards of two 
 centuries. Two of the birds were shot by the late 
 F. Bond many years ago on Kingsbury Reservoir. 
 
 132a. Cygnus olor (J. F. Gmel.) Mute Swan. 
 
 Occurs in a semi-domesticated condition on the 
 Thames, etc. An ad nit male, shot at Kingsbury Re- 
 servoir in 1888, is in the Natural History Museum. 
 
 *** Tringoides macularius (Linn.) Spotted 
 Sandpiper. 
 A specimen in the Natural History Museum is 
 labelled: "Kingsbury Reservoir. Bond Collection/' 
 The latest worker. Mr. Howard Saunders, however, 
 does not include the species in the British list, on 
 the ground that there is insufficient evidence of 
 its capture in this country. (See his remarks in 
 his '• Manual of British Birds," p. 592.) 
 
 THE END. 
 
I N D E X. 
 
 Accentor, Alpine 
 
 , Hedge 
 
 Alpine Swift 
 Arctic Skua . . 
 
 Tern . . 
 
 Avocet . . . 
 
 127 
 15 
 
 .").") 
 121 
 115 
 102 
 
 Bunting, Reed . 
 
 , Rustic. . 
 
 — ■ — , Snow . . 
 
 , Yellow 
 
 Butcher-Bird . 
 Buzzard, Common 
 , Rough-legg* 
 
 .V( . F. 
 
 45 
 45 
 47 
 
 4:! 
 
 Barn Owl .... 
 Bar-tailed Godwit 
 Beau Goose .... 
 Bearded Titmouse . 
 Bee-Eater .... 
 Bittern, Common . 
 
 , Little .... 
 
 Blackbird . . . . 
 
 Blackcap 
 
 Black-headed Gull 
 Black-necked Grebe . 
 Black Redstart . . 
 Black-tailed Godwit . 
 Black-throated Diver 
 Black Tern .... 
 Blue Felt .... 
 Bonaparte's Sandpiper 
 Brambling .... 
 Brent Goose .... 
 Brown Snipe . . . 
 Bullrinch 
 
 63 
 113 
 
 80 
 15 
 
 Canada Goose 
 Carrion Crow 
 Chaffinch . . 
 128 Chiffchaff . 
 
 79 Chough . . 
 
 78 
 
 OS 
 69 
 
 130 
 
 — , Corn . 
 — , Lapland 
 — , Ortolan 
 
 8 
 
 117 
 
 124 
 
 5 
 
 113 
 
 122 
 
 115 
 
 2 
 
 107 
 
 36 
 
 81 
 
 106 
 
 38 
 
 43 
 
 42 
 
 42 
 
 46 
 
 44 
 
 Cirl Banting . . . 
 Coal Titmouse . 
 Common Buzzard . 
 
 Curlew .... 
 
 Gull .... 
 
 — — Heron .... 
 
 Partridge . 
 
 Redshank . . 
 
 Sandpiper . . 
 
 Scoter .... 
 
 Snipe .... 
 
 Tern .... 
 
 Coot 
 
 Corn Bunting . 
 Corn Crake .... 
 Crake, Corn .... 
 
 , Little .... 
 
 , Spotted . 
 
 Cream-coloured Courser 
 Creeper, Tree . . . 
 
 35 
 
 11 
 
 127 
 
 43 
 
 17 
 
 (is 
 
 114 
 
 IIS 
 
 76 
 
 91 
 
 112 
 
 110 
 
 86 
 
 105 
 
 115 
 
 95 
 
 42 
 
 92 
 
 92 
 
 94 
 
 93 
 
 96 
 
 20 
 
 131 
 
13: 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Crossbill . . . 
 
 , Parrot . . 
 
 , Two-barred 
 
 , White wing* 
 
 Crow, Carrion . 
 
 — , Hooded . 
 
 , Royston . 
 
 Cuckoo . 
 Curlew, Common 
 
 , Stone . 
 
 Curlew -Sandpiper 
 
 Dabchick. . . 
 
 Dipper . . 
 
 Diver, Black-throate< 
 
 — — , Red-throated 
 Dotterel . . . 
 
 , Ringed . 
 
 Dove, Ring . . 
 
 — , Stock . . 
 , Turtle. . 
 Duck. Femiginon 
 
 , Pintail . 
 
 , Scaup . 
 
 — , Tufted 
 
 - - , Wild . . 
 Dunlin . . . 
 
 Eagle Owl . . 
 
 -, Cinereous 
 
 , Golden 
 
 , Sea . 
 
 , White-tailed 
 
 Eared Grebe 
 Erne .... 
 
 Falcon, Peregrine 
 
 , Red-footed 
 
 Ferruginous Duck 
 Fieldfare . . . 
 Finch, Mountain 
 Fire-crested Wren 
 Flycatcher, Pied 
 -j Spotted . 
 
 Page 
 40 
 41 
 42 
 42 
 52 
 52 
 52 
 63 
 
 114 
 95 
 
 108 
 
 124 
 
 15 
 
 122 
 
 122 
 
 Fork-tailed Petrel 
 French Partridge 
 
 07 
 98 
 88 
 89 
 
 89 
 85 
 83 
 86 
 85 
 82 
 107 
 
 1 29 
 69 
 
 129 
 69 
 69 
 
 124 
 69 
 
 71 
 73 
 85 
 2 
 36 
 11 
 28 
 28 
 
 Gad wall . . . 
 ! Garden Warbler 
 
 Glead (Kite) 
 
 Goatsucker . . 
 
 Godwit. Bar tailed 
 
 , Black-tailed 
 
 Golden Eagle . 
 j Golden- 1' ye . 
 
 ( rolden Plover . 
 j Goosander 
 
 Goldfinch 
 1 Goose, Bean . 
 | , Brent . . 
 
 , Canada . 
 
 I > Grey Lag 
 
 , Red -breasted 
 
 , White-fronted 
 
 Grasshopper Warbler 
 
 '•reat Black-backed Gull 
 
 Crested Grebe 
 
 - Plover . . 
 
 Snipe . 
 
 Spotted Woodpe 
 
 ( Irebe, Eared . 
 
 , Great Crested 
 
 , Little . . . 
 
 i , Red-necked . 
 
 , Black-necked 
 
 Greenfinch . . . 
 ! Green Sandpiper . 
 , Green shank . 
 
 Green Woodpecker 
 
 Grey Phalarope 
 
 Plover . . . 
 
 Lag Goose 
 
 Grosbeak, Pine. . 
 
 , Scarlet . . 
 
 Gull, Black-headed 
 
 , Common . . 
 
 , Great Black-b 
 
 , Herring . . 
 
 cker 
 
 ked 
 
INDEX. 
 
 133 
 
 Page 
 Gull, Kittiwake . . . .120 
 
 , Lesser Black-backed . J 19 , 
 
 , Little 116 
 
 , Mediterranean Black- 
 headed 117 
 
 , Sabine's 110 
 
 Harrier, Hen 68 1 
 
 Hawfinch 31 | 
 
 Hawk, Sparrow . . .70 
 
 Hedge Accentor . . . . 15 
 
 Sparrow 15 
 
 Hen Harrier 08 
 
 Heron, Common .... 70 
 
 , Night 7S 
 
 , Purple 77 
 
 , Squacco 78 
 
 Herring Gull 118 
 
 Hobby 72 
 
 , Orange-legged . . . 73 
 
 Hooded Crow 52 | 
 
 Hoopoe 02 1 
 
 House Sparrow .... 34 
 
 Jackdaw 50 
 
 .lack Snipe 100 
 
 Jay 49 
 
 Kestrel 75 
 
 Kingfisher 00 
 
 Kite 70 
 
 Kittiwake Gull . . . . 120 
 
 Knot 109 
 
 Land-Rail 92 
 
 Lapland Bunting .... 40 
 
 Lapwing 100 
 
 Lark, Bunting 46 
 
 , Shore 54 
 
 , Short-toed .... 128 
 
 , Sky 53 
 
 , Wood 54 
 
 Leach's Petrel 125 
 
 Lesser Black-backed Gull 110 
 
 Page 
 
 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 59 
 
 Tern UG 
 
 Linnet, Brown 36 
 
 — — , Green 31 
 
 -, Mountain .... 38 
 
 Little Crake 94 
 
 Grebe ...... 124 
 
 Gull HO 
 
 Owl 07 
 
 Ringed Plover . . . 98 
 
 Tern 1 16 
 
 Stint 107 
 
 Long-eared Owl ... 64 
 
 Magpie : 49 
 
 Mallard ....... 82 
 
 Manx Shearwater . • . . 125 
 Marsh Titmouse ... .18 
 
 Martin, House 30 
 
 , Sand 30 
 
 Mavis 1 
 
 Meadow Pipit 2 1 
 
 Mediterranean Black-headed 
 
 Gull H7 
 
 Merganser, Red-breasted . 87 
 
 Merlin '4 
 
 Mistle Thrush 1 
 
 Mistletoe Thrush .... 1 
 
 Moor Hen 95 
 
 Mountain Finch .... 3d 
 
 Mute Swan 1 30 
 
 Night Heron 78 
 
 Nightingale 7 
 
 Nightjar 56 
 
 Norfolk Plover 95 
 
 Nuthatch 19 
 
 Orange-legged Hobby . • 73 
 
 Oriole, Golden 25 
 
 Orphean Warbler .... 8 
 
 Ortolan 44 
 
 Osprey 70 
 
 Ouzel, Ring 2 
 
134 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ouzel, Water (Dipper) 
 Owl, Barn .... 
 , Brown . . 
 
 — , Eagle .... 
 
 — , Little .... 
 , Long-eared . 
 
 Page 
 . 15 
 . 63 
 . 06 
 . 129 
 . 67 
 . 64 
 
 , Scops 128 
 
 , Short-eared .... 0,") 
 
 -, Tawny 66 
 
 — , White (Barn) . . . 63 
 
 Oxeve, (Great Tit) ... 16 
 
 Oyster-Catcher 101 
 
 1 'alias's Sand Grouse . . . 90 
 
 Partridge, Common ... ill 
 
 1 French 91 
 
 , Red-legged . ... 91 
 
 Pastor, Rose-coloured . . 4S 
 
 Peewit 100 
 
 Peregrine Falcon . . . . 71 
 
 Petrel, Fork-tailed . . . 1 25 
 
 , Leach's 125 
 
 , Storm 126 
 
 Phalarope, Grey . . . .102 
 
 Pheasant. . . . . . . 90 
 
 Pigeon, Wood 88 
 
 Pine Grosbeak 4!) 
 
 Pintail Duck 83 
 
 Pipit, Meadow 2i 
 
 -, Richard's . • . .127 
 
 , Rock 24 
 
 , Tree 23 
 
 Plover, Golden 99 
 
 , Great 95 
 
 , Grey 99 
 
 , Little Ringed . . . 98 
 
 , Norfolk 95 
 
 , Ringed OS 
 
 Pochard So 
 
 Pomatorhine Skua . . . 120 
 
 Puffin 121 
 
 Purple Heron 77 
 
 Quail 
 
 92 
 
 Page: 
 
 Rail, Land 92 
 
 , Water 94 
 
 Rain-Bird (Green Wood- 
 pecker) 57 
 
 Riven 51 
 
 Redbreast 6 
 
 Red-breasted Goose ... 81 
 
 Merganser .... 87 
 
 Snipe 106 
 
 Red-footed Falcon . . . 73 
 
 Red-legged Partridge . . 91 
 
 Redpoll, Lesser .... --7 
 
 , Mealy 37 
 
 Red-necked Grebe . . . 123 
 
 Red-throated Diver . . 122 
 Redshank, Common . . .112 
 
 . Spotted 112 
 
 Redstart 5 
 
 , Black 5 
 
 Redwing 1 
 
 Reed Bunting 45 
 
 Sparrow 45 
 
 Warbler 13 
 
 Reeve 100 
 
 Richard's Pipit . . . .127 
 Richardson's Skua . . .121 
 
 Ring-Dove 88 
 
 Ouzel 2 
 
 Ringed Dotterel .... 98 
 
 Plover 98 
 
 Robin 6 
 
 Rock Pipit 24 
 
 Rook 53 
 
 Royston Crow •" 2 
 
 Ruff 109 
 
 Rough-legged Buzzard . . 0!) 
 
 Sabine's Gull 116 
 
 Sanderling 109 
 
 Sand Grouse, Pallas's . . 90 
 
 Lark OS 
 
 Martin 30 
 
 Sandpiper, Bonaparte's . ,107 
 , Common 110 
 
INDEX. 
 
 135 
 
 Sandpiper, Curlew 
 
 , Green 
 
 , Spotted .... 
 
 , Wood 
 
 Scarlet Grosbeak . 
 
 Scaup Duck 
 
 Scops Owl 
 
 Scoter, Common . . . 
 Sea-Pie (Oyster-Catcher) 
 Sea- Swallow (Terns) . 
 Sedge Warbler . . . . 
 
 Serin 
 
 Shore Lark 
 
 Shearwater, Manx 
 Short eared Owl . 
 Short-toed Lark . 
 
 Shoveller 
 
 Shrike, Great Grey . 
 — — , Red-backed . . 
 
 Siskin 
 
 Skylark 
 
 Skua, Arctic . . . . 
 
 , Richardson's 
 
 — — , Pomatorhine 
 
 Smew 
 
 Snipe, Brown . . . . 
 
 , Common . . . . 
 
 , Great 
 
 , Jack .... 
 
 , Red-breasted 
 
 , Summer . . . . 
 
 Snow Bunting . 
 Song Thrush . 
 Sparrow Hawk . 
 
 — — , Hedge 
 
 , House 
 
 , Tree ... 
 
 Spoonbill 
 
 Spotted Crake . • . . 
 Squacco Heron . . 
 Spotted Redshank . 
 
 Starling 
 
 — — , Rose-coloured . 
 Stint, Little. . . . 
 
 10S 
 
 111 
 
 130 
 
 111 
 
 39 
 
 86 
 
 128 
 
 86 
 
 101 
 
 115 
 
 141 
 
 127 
 
 54 
 
 125 
 
 65 
 
 1 28 
 
 83 
 
 26 
 
 27 
 
 34 
 
 53 
 
 121 
 
 121 
 
 120 
 
 88 
 
 106 
 
 105 
 
 104 
 
 106 
 
 106 
 
 105 
 
 47 
 
 1 
 
 70 
 
 15 
 
 34 
 
 34 
 
 79 
 
 93 
 
 78 
 
 19] 
 
 -18 
 
 48 
 
 107 
 
 Stint, Temminck's 
 Stock-Dove . 
 Stonechat 
 Stone Curlew . 
 Storm Petrel 
 Swan, Mute . . 
 Swallow . . . 
 Swift .... 
 •, Alpine 
 
 Teal 
 
 Temminck's Stint . 
 Tern, Arctic 
 
 , Black .... 
 
 , Common . 
 
 , Lesser. . . . 
 
 , Little .... 
 
 Thicknee 
 
 Thrush, Mistle . . . 
 
 , Mistletoe . . . 
 
 , Song .... 
 
 Titlark (Meadow Pipit) 
 Titmouse, Bearded 
 
 , Blue .... 
 
 , Coal .... 
 
 , Crested . . 
 
 , Great .... 
 
 , Long-tailed . . 
 
 , Marsh. . . 
 
 Tree Creeper . . 
 
 Pipit .... 
 
 Sparrow . 
 
 Tufted Duck . . . 
 Turnstone .... 
 Turtle Dove .... 
 
 Twite 
 
 Two-barred Crossbill . 
 
 AGE 
 
 108 
 
 89 
 
 4 
 
 95 
 
 126 
 
 130 
 
 30 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 83 
 
 108 
 
 115 
 
 115 
 
 115 
 
 116 
 
 116 
 
 95 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 24 
 
 1.1 
 
 IS 
 
 17 
 
 IS 
 
 16 
 
 1(\ 
 
 IS 
 
 20 
 
 23 
 
 34 
 
 85 
 
 101 
 
 Ml 
 
 :;s 
 
 42 
 
 Wagtail, Blue-heade< 
 
 , Grey . . . 
 
 , Pied . . . 
 
 , White . . . 
 
 , Yellow . . 
 
 20 
 20 
 23 
 
136 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Warbler, Dart ford 
 
 - — Garden . 
 
 , Grasshoppe 
 ■ — , Orphean . 
 -, Reed . . 
 . Sedge . 
 
 - — , Willow . 
 Water Ouzel (Dipper) 
 
 Hen ( Moor Hen) 
 
 Rail . . 
 
 Wax wing . . 
 Wheatear . . 
 Whhnbrel . . 
 Whinchat 
 
 White-fronted (loose 
 White-tailed Eagle 
 Whitethroat, Common 
 
 , Lesser . . 
 
 White- winged Crossbill 
 
 •A.IK | 
 
 n 
 
 9 
 
 14 
 
 .s 
 
 14 
 12 
 15 
 95 
 94 
 27 
 
 3 
 114 
 
 4 
 81 
 (39 
 
 7 
 
 Wigeon 
 
 Wild Duck 
 
 Willow Wren 
 
 Windhover (Kestrel) . . . 
 
 Woodcock 
 
 Wood lark . . . , . . 
 Woodpecker, Great Spotted 
 
 -, Green . . .... 
 
 , Lesser Spotted . . . 
 
 Wood Pigeon 
 
 Sandpiper 
 
 Wren : 
 
 Wren. Fire -crested 
 
 , Golden-crested . 
 
 — -, Willow 
 
 1 Wood 
 
 Wryneck 
 
 42 Yellow He 
 
 'AGE 
 
 S4 
 82 
 12 
 75 
 
 103 
 54 
 58 
 57 
 59 
 88 
 
 111 
 12 
 11 
 10 
 12 
 12 
 56 
 
 43 
 
 Printed by Ccnva?i &> Co., Limited, Perth. 
 
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