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THE
BIRDS OF EUROPE
BY
JOHN GOULD, F.LS., &.
IN FIVE VOLUMES.
VOL. IL. INSESSORES.
LONDON: PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 20 BROAD STREET, GOLDEN SQUARE. 1837.
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LIST OF PLATES
VOLUME II.
Norz.—As the arrangement of the Plates during the course of publication was found to be impracticable, the Numbers here given will refer to the Plates when arranged, and the work may be quoted by them.
INSESSORES.
European Goatsucker Caprimulgus Europzus, Linn. 51 Red-collared Goatsucker — ruficollis, Temm. . 52 Swift Cypselus murarius, Temm.
White-bellied Swift alpinus, Temm. . vie Chimney Swallow Hirundo rustica, Linn. 54 Rufous Swallow rufula, Temm. 55 Rock Martin . rupestris, Linn. 56 Martin urbica, Linn. 57 Sand Martin = riparia, Linn. 58 Bee Eater Merops Apiaster, Linn. 59 Roller Coracias garrulus, Linn. . 60 Kingsfisher : 3 Alcedo Ispida, Linn. 61 Black and White Kingsdeher : ome SHERCDISE Lier 62 Pied Flycatcher Muscicapa luctuosa, Temm.
White-collared Hlyedtchier albicollis, Temm. gs Red-breasted Flycatcher parva, Bechst. 64 Spotted Flycatcher — grisola, Linn. 65 Great Shrike . Collurio Excubitor, Vig. . 66 Great Grey Shrike . ——-—— meridionalis, Vig. 67 Lesser Grey Shrike minor, Vig. 68 Red-backed Shrike . Lanius Collurio, Linn. 69 Woodchat rufus, Briss. 70 Golden Oriole Oriolus galbula, Linn. 71 Black Ouzel, or Blackbird Merula vulgaris, Ray. 72 Ring Ouzel torquata, Briss. 73 Migratory Ouzel migratoria, Swains. 74 Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis, Temm. 75 Fieldfare pilaris, Linn. 76 Missel Thrush viscivorus, Linn. 77 Song Thrush . MONS 17 a Redwing : Thacus, Linn.
Naumann’s Thrush . Naumannil, Temm. 79 Pallid Thrush pallidus, Pall. 80 White’s Thrush ——— Whitei, Eyton. 8] Siberian Thrush — Sibericus, Pall. 82 Water Ouzel . Cinclus aquaticus, Bechsé. 83 Black-bellied Water Ouwel melanogaster, Brehm. . 84 Pallas’s Water Ouzel — Pallasii, Temm. 85 Rock Thrush . Petrocincla saxatilis, Vig. 86 Blue Thrush SSS cyanea, Vig. 87 Black Wheatear Saxicola cachinnans, Temm. 88 Pied Wheatear — leucomela, Temm. 89 Wheatear —— (nanthe, Bechst. 90 Russet Wheatear stapazina, Temm. 91 Black-eared Wheatear aurita, Tem. 92 Whinchat rubetra, Bechst. 93 Stonechat — rubicola, Bechst. 94 Redstart Pheenicura ruticilla, Swains. 95 Black Redstart tithys, Jard. & Selb. 96 Blue-throated Warbler Suecica, Jard. & Selb. 97
LIST
Robin
Alpine Accentor Hedge Accentor Mountain Accentor Reed Locustelle
Brake Locustelle Willow Locustelle Creeping Locustelle Great Sedge Warbler Olive-tree Salicaria Reed Wren
Marsh Warbler
Sedge Warbler Moustached Warbler Aquatic Warbler Rufous Sedge Warbler Fantail Warbler Cetti’s Warbler
Silky Warbler Nightingale : Thrush Nightingale Gorget Warbler Orpheus Warbler Black-cap
Garden Warbler Ruppell’s Warbler . Sardinian Warbler . Sub-alpine Warbler Common White-throat Lesser White-throat Spectacle Warbler . Marmora’s Warbler Barred Warbler Dartford Warbler Wren A Willow Wren Chiff-chaff
Wood Wren
Yellow Willow Wren Melodious Willow Wren Natterer’s Warbler Richard’s Pipit Meadow Pipit
Tawny Pipit
Rock or Shore Pipit Tree Pipit ‘ Red-throated Pipit . Pied Wagtail . White-winged Wagtail White Wagtail ; Yellow-headed Wagtail . Yellow Wagtail Grey-headed Wagtail Grey Wagtail Fire-crested Wren . Golden-crested Wren Dalmatian Regulus
* Named erroneously Sylvia hippolais.
OF PLATES.
Erythaca rubecula, Swains. Accentor alpinus, Bechst. modularis, Cwv. montanellus, Zemm. Locustella fluviatilis.
avicula, Ray. ——-—\ luscinoides. certhiola.
Salicaria Turdoides, Selb. Olivetorum, Strick. . arundinacea, Selby. . palustris.
———— Phragmitis, Selb. ——— mclanopovonms aquatica.
galactotes.
cisticola. . ————? Cetti.
——? sericea. .
Philomela luscinia, Swains. Turdoides, Blyth. Calliope Lathamii. Curruca Orphea. . : — atricapilla, Bechst. hortensis, Bechst. aa SUP PeLlin. melanocephala, Lath. leucopogon. cinerea, Bechst. . garrula, Bechst. aa ae Conspicillata. Sarda. nisoria. : : Melizophilus provincialis, Leach. Troglodytes Europeus, Cuv. Sylvia trochilus, Gmel. rufa, Lath *. . == Silene VAM. 6 —— Icterina, Vieill. Hippolais, Temm. . - Nattereri, Temm. . Anthus Richardi, Vieill. . pratensis, Bechst. rufescens, Temm. aquaticus, Bechst.
——— arboreus, Bechst. rufogularis, Temm. Motacilla Yarrelliif. lugubris, Pall. alba, Linn. citreola, Pall. flava, Ray. neglecta, Gould. Boarula, Lath. Regulus ignicapillus, Cwv. vulgaris, Cu. = INCH. -
+ Named erroneously Motacilla alba. As I have every reason to believe that this species, one of the most elegant and familiar of our native birds, will prove to be quite distinct from either Motacilla lugubris or Motacilla alba, I would beg leave to name it after my valued friend William Yarrell, Esq.
EUROPEAN GOATSUCKER. Caprimulgus Europeus, Zevz./
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Genus CAPRIMULGUS, Linn.
Gen. Cuar. Bill very short, weak, curved at the tip, broad and depressed at the base; the upper mandible deflected at the point; gape very large, and extending to or beyond the posterior angle of the eyes; basal’edge of the upper mandible bordered with strong move- able bristles, directed forwards. Nosérz/s basal, tubular; or with a large prominent rim, clothed with very small feathers. Wings long, the first quill shorter than the second, which is the longest of all. Taz/ rounded or forked, of ten feathers. Tarsi short. Toes three before and one behind, the anterior ones united as far as the first joint by a mem-
brane ; the claw of the middle toe broad, and serrated on the inner edge.
EUROPEAN GOATSUCKER.
Caprimulgus europzeus, Linn.
L’Engoulevent ordinaire.
Tue Caprimulgus europeus was until within the last few years the only species of this curious and interesting race of birds known to inhabit Europe; a second has, however, been discovered by M. Natterer in the South of Spain, and described by him under the name of Caprimulgus ruficollis, from the conspicuous red band which crosses the back of the neck, certainly a far more appropriate term than the one (ewropeus) given to the present bird, which is now applicable to both species, or to any others that may hereafter be discovered.
The European Goatsucker is a migratory bird, inhabiting all the temperate portions of Europe during summer, and retiring southward beyond the Mediterranean on the approach of winter. It arrives in the British Islands from the middle to the end of May, and departs again about the latter end of September or beginning of October. While here it is distributed over the whole of the kingdom, residing in woods, plan- tations, thick beds of fern, (whence its provincial name of Fern Owl,) and districts clothed with tall grasses. Being strictly nocturnal in its habits, it avoids as much as possible the bright light of day, but on the ap- proach of twilight it may be seen hawking for Melolonthe, Phalene, and other nocturnal insects.
The flight of the Goatsucker is rapid in the extreme while in pursuit of its prey, and is accompanied by a number of evolutions, similar to those of the Swallow, but which are, if possible, performed with still greater ease and facility.
It makes no nest, but lays two eggs on the bare ground, amongst fern, heath, or long grass, sometimes in woods or furze, but always near woods, in which it may conceal itself by day. The eggs are white, marbled with light brown and grey.
The Goatsucker reposes mostly on the ground; and when it perches on the limb of a tree, it is commonly along the branch, and not across it like other birds.
«« The male,” says Montagu, ‘‘ makes a very singular noise during the period of incubation, not unlike the sound of a large spinning-wheel, and which it is observed to utter perched, with the head downwards ; besides which it emits a sharp squeak, repeated as it flies.”
The whole of the upper surface and the throat are of an ashy grey, numerously spotted and streaked with dark brown, and tinged with pale or yellowish brown; the head and back streaked longitudinally with black ; beneath the base of the under mandible runs a stripe of white, which extends along each side of the head ; in the centre of the throat a patch of white ; under surface yellowish brown, transversely barred with black ; outer webs of the quills blotched with red brown, the three exterior feathers having a large white patch on the inner webs near their tips; tail irregularly marked with black, grey, and yellowish brown, two outer tail-feathers on each side deeply tipped with white; bill and irides dark brown ; tarsi pale brown.
The female differs from the male only in being destitute of the white spots on the quill-feathers, and of the white tips of the lateral tail-feathers.
We have figured a male of the natural size.
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ED-COLLARED GOATSUCKER. Caprumulgus ruficollis; (Zmm/ Poa
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RED-COLLARED GOATSUCKER.
Caprimulgus ruficollis, Temm.
L'Engoulevent a collier roux.
Turoveu the kindness of Mr. John Natterer and the Directors of the Imperial Cabinet at Vienna, who have liberally forwarded the original specimen for our use, we are enabled to give a figure of this interesting species of Goatsucker, which is so extremely rare, that we know of no examples in the museums of this country, nor in any of those on the Continent, with the exception of Vienna. Northern Africa is, we doubt not, its natural habitat, whence it may occasionally pass into Europe, but so rarely that no other examples are on record than those referred to in the following notes, which accompanied the above-mentioned specimen, and which we prefer giving in M. Natterer’s own words. .
“< Caprimulgus ruficolis: male. Shot the 14th of July, 1817, some miles distant from Algeziras, in the oak- woods by daylight. Iris dark brown; legs reddish grey; nostrils oval with their borders much elevated ; length, 12 inches 8 lines ; extent of the wings, 22: inches; the tail exceeding the wings by 12 inch.
‘« Another male was shot on the 20th of July in the valley of the Rio del Miel near Algeziras, flying very low, an hour after sunset. Length, 13 inches and 3 lines; extent of the wings, 23: inches; the tail exceeding the wings by 1 inch and 8 lines.
** The female I shot while flying near the same spot on the 21st of July. Length, 12 inches and 8 lines ; extent of the wings, 223 inches; the tail exceeding the wings by 2 inches. The female closely resembles the male, differing only in having less white on the throat; the white tips of the two outer tail-feathers only 8 lines long, and tinged with brown on the outer web; the white spots on the three first primary quills smaller and tinged with ochre, and without any corresponding mark on the outer web as in the male; the remainder of the plumage is exactly the same as that of the male.
‘The name of the bird in the part of Spain where it was killed is Samada.. It seems to be a very rare bird, for I passed several nights in the adjacent woods without discovering any more examples.”
The male may be thus described :
Forehead, sides, and back of the head, back, and six centre tail-feathers ashy brown, with numerous extremely fine freckles of dark brown, which are most decided on the tail-feathers, where they assume the form of irregular bars; feathers on the centre of the head dark brown with paler edges freckled with a darker tint; throat, sides of the face, ear-coverts, and back of the neck rufous, which is very rich on the latter, where it forms a decided collar; from the angle of the mouth to the back of the neck passes a narrow line of white; on each side of the neck an irregular patch of white feathers with a crescent mark of deep brown at the tip; wing-coverts the same as the back, but having the tip of each feather rufous; scapularies dark brown, with a broad margin of buff on their outer edge, and with grey freckled with dark brown on the inner ; primaries dull brown; with a broad white spot on the inner web, forming a bar on the under side of the wings and a faint indication of it on the outer web; the secondaries and the tips of the primaries, particularly on their mner webs, having irregular and faint markings of grey; two outer tail-feathers on each side dark brown, irregularly blotched on the outer web with reddish brown and largely tipped with white; all the under-surface pale rufous, with irregular transverse arrow-shaped markings of deep brown, which are most numerous on the breast; bill and feet reddish grey.
We have figured the male of the natural size.
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SWIFT.
1. Cypselus murarius, /Z7nm./
Genus CYPSELUS, Ihe.
Gen. Cuar. Beak very short, triangular, large, all its base concealed, depressed; gape ex- tending beyond the eyes; upper mandible hooked at the point; nostri/s longitudinal, near the ridge of the beak, open, the edges raised and furnished with small feathers. Tarse very short. Toes four, all directed forwards and entirely divided; nazls short, strong and hooked. Taz/ composed of ten feathers. Wings very long; the first quell-feather a little shorter than the second.
SWIFT.
Cypselus murarius, Temm.
Le Martinet.
We know of no birds, and certainly none in Europe, possessed of equal power of flight with the species of the present genus: in fact, their natural habitat appears to be the air, their short feet and strong claws serving more especially to cling to the rough surface of rocks, towers, and high buildings, or firmly securing them while in a state of repose. Their extraordinary length of wing, combined with the shortness of their tarsi, prevents them walking on, or rising from, any level situation, unless by repeated exertions, or taking advan- tage of some slight elevation; they are therefore seldom, if ever, to be seen on the ground. These birds are distinguished not only by the velocity of their flight, but by the smooth and graceful sweeps they take during their aérial career in pursuit of the various insects constituting their food. In fine and serene weather, when these insect tribes ascend to an almost incredible elevation, the Swifts occupy the highest regions of the atmo- sphere, persevering in the chase almost beyond the reach of sight. Their degree of elevation, however, doubtless depends on that of the insects, and the latter on the influence of the weather; so that the low or high flight of these birds may be taken as a barometrical index of the state of the air, and the consequent pro- bability of rai or the contrary.
The Swift, which is spread over Europe generally, is essentially migratory. It arrives in England at the beginning of May, and leaves us again as early as August or September. It breeds in old buildings, steeples, ruins, towers, and rocks. The eggs are white.
The colour of the plumage, with the exception of the throat, which is white, is of a uniform sooty-black with bronze-coloured reflections. The sexes offer no external marks of distinction.
WHITE-BELLIED SWIFT.
Cypselus alpinus, Zemm.
Le Martinet a ventre blanc.
Tue claims of this fine Swift to a place in the Fauna of Great Britain rest on the circumstance of one noticed by Mr. Selby in the ‘‘ Transactions of the Northumberland, Newcastle, and Durham Natural History Society ;” and one we have personally inspected, which was killed by the gardener of R. Holford, Esq., on his estate at Kingsgate near Margate, in whose possession it now remains.
The natural habitat of the Cypselus alpinus is more exclusively limited to the middle of the southern dis- tricts of Europe, particularly its alpine regions, and the shores of the Mediterranean, being very abundant at Gibraltar, Sardinia, Malta, and throughout the whole of the Archipelago; and to these may also be added the northern parts of Africa. In its manners it closely resembles our well-known Swift, but possesses, if possible, still greater powers of flight.
It would appear that the clefts of rocks and high buildings are the sites which this bird chooses for the purpose of nidification ; the female laying three or four eggs of a uniform ivory white.
The sexes of this species present but little differences, the colour of the female being rather less decided ; in the male a uniform greyish brown is spread over the whole of the upper surface, which descends across the breast in the form of a band, along the flanks and over the inferior tail-coverts ; the throat and the middle of the belly are of a pure white, the tarsi covered with brown feathers, and the irides brown. Length from nine to ten inches.
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CHIMNEY SWALLOW. Hirundo rustica, (Zznm:/
Lrown prom Nabiwek on stone by TAL, Cond Lrunkeds by C Zallmanded.
Genus HIRUNDO, Linn.
Gen. Cuar. Bill short, much depressed, wide at the base; upper mandible bent at the tip and carinated ; the gape extending as far back as the eyes. Nostri/s basal, oblong, partly covered by a membrane. ‘Tarsz short. Toes slender, three before and one behind ; the outer toe united to the middle one as far as the first joint. Taz/ of twelve feathers,
generally forked. Wings long, acuminate, the first quill-feather the longest.
CHIMNEY SWALLOW.
Hirundo rustica, Lenn.
L/Hirondelle de Cheminée ou domestique.
Tue migration of the Swallow and the laws which regulate its movements are now so well understood that it will scarcely be necessary to advert to them here. In the British Islands and in all other portions of the European Continent, the period of its arrival may be calculated upon with tolerable certainty, a scattered few generally appearing in all parts of the same latitude from the fifth to the tenth of April, after which period their numbers become suddenly augmented, and the work of reproduction is almost immediately proceeded with. Two broods are generally produced in the course of the season, the first being mostly able to fly before midsummer, and the second in the month of August. The young on leaving the nest are assiduously supplied with food, and carefully attended by their parents, until they are sufficiently strong to provide for themselves. The task of incubation being accomplished, the Swallows congregate in extensive flocks, and in obedience to the laws of nature retrace their steps, and pass the remainder of the year in more southern countries, where the insect food so essential to their existence is ever abundant. In this migratory movement, the adults, we are inclined to believe, always precede their progeny, which remain with us as long as the weather continues open and a sufficient supply of insects can be obtained for their subsistence.
The members of this aérial tribe are only excelled in their power of flight by the Cypsel, or Swifts, and are seen to the greatest advantage in the air, where their dexterity in securing their prey, the manner in which they drink while passing over the stream, and the celerity with which they feed their young while on the wing, cannot fail to call forth our admiration.
It is now generally admitted that the Barn Swallow of America is quite distinct from the British species ; consequently the range of our bird is limited to the Old World. In the summer months the Hirundo rustica is universally dispersed over the whole of Europe, whence, as before stated, it migrates periodically into tro- pical regions; and as all migratory animals move from north to south, and vice versd, Africa constitutes its winter residence.
In the British Islands the sites chosen for its nests are the interiors of chimneys and of coal-pits; but in many parts of the Continent, where these situations are not frequently met with, it builds on church towers, old ruins, the eaves of houses, barns, and other outbuildings. The eggs are four or five in number, their colour white, speckled with reddish brown and pale blue.
Forehead and throat rich chestnut ; the remainder of the head, a band across the breast, and the whole of the upper surface black with blue reflections ; tail very deeply forked, the two outer feathers extending far beyond the others; a large white spot on the inner webs of all the feathers, except the two middle ones ; all the under surface white tinged with reddish brown, which is deepest on the vent and under tail-coverts ; bill and feet black.
The female has rather less of the rich chestnut on the forehead, the black is less brilliant, and the outer tail-feathers much shorter than in the male.
The young is entirely destitute of the chestnut on the forehead, the throat is merely tinged with rufous ; the band across the breast is but faintly indicated ; all the upper surface resembles that of the adult, but the tints are much more dull; the wings are also shorter, and it is destitute of the long tail-feathers, which are not acquired till the first moult.
Our Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the natural size.
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RUFOUS SWALLOW. Hirundo rufula, (7mm /
Drown from Nature & on Stone by S&L, Goubd, Lrinked by C alimoande,
RUFOUS SWALLOW.
Hirundo rufula, Temm.
LHirondelle rousseline.
Aursoues Africa, particularly the southern and western portions of that continent, constitutes the native habitat of this beautiful species of Swallow, the contiguous portions of Europe are not without its occasional presence, and notwithstanding it is now considered a portion of the Fauna of this quarter of the globe, still we do not believe it occurs at regular periods, as is the case with the rundo rustica, but that it occasionally strays across the Mediterranean from the northern coasts of Africa, where it is also a rare species.
In Le Vaillant’s ‘ Oiseaux d’Afrique’ will be found an interesting account of this species, from which we learn that it is so familiar that it readily enters the houses of the inhabitants, particularly those in the interior, frequently building its nest in the sleeping-room of the family; that the nest differs from those of the other species of the genus, being a hollow ball, the entrance to which is constructed in the form of a long tube, through which the female passes into the interior, which is lined with any loose and soft materials the bird may find at hand. The eggs, which are from four to six in number, are white sprinkled with small brown spots.
Like the other members of the genus, its food consists of insects and their larvee.
The top of the head, occiput, back, and wing-coverts are black with steel blue reflexions; the remainder of the wings and tail brownish black, with a faint indication of steel blue colour; back of the neck, rump, and upper tail-coverts deep rufous; sides of the face and throat pale rufous, which colour gradually becomes deeper and richer on the under-surface, flanks, and under tail-coverts ; beak, irides, and feet black.
The female resembles the male, except that the crown of the head is rust red instead of black, and the tail- feathers are not so long.
We have figured an adult male of the natural size.
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ROCK MARTIN. Hirundo rupestris,Zam/
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ROCK MARTIN.
Hirundo rupestris, Lenn.
L’Hirundelle de Rocher.
Turis bird is very abundant along the shores of the Mediterranean, and occurs also in such portions of Southern Europe as abound in rocky and precipitous places : it is an inhabitant of Savoy and Piedmont, but is more scarce in Switzerland, Germany, and the middle of France. As far as we are aware, it has never been found in the northern parts of Europe, nor has it as yet been observed in the British Isles. It is larger than the Common Sand Martin, to which species it bears a close resémblance both in the colouring of its plumage and also in its general economy. _It builds its nest and rears its young in the holes of rocks; the eggs being five or six in number, white, marked with minute dots.
We need hardly observe that its general habits and manners are in strict ee with those of its family. Its food consists of insects, which it takes during flight.
The sexes offer no distinguishable difference in the markings of their plumage.
The whole of the upper surface is a uniform light brown; the quills and tail-feathers being darker, the inner webs of all the feathers of the latter, except the two middle ones, having in their centre a large oval blotch of white ; the under surface is of a dull sandy white, slightly tinged with rufous.
We have figured a male and female of the natural size.
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MARTIN. Thrundo urbica, Zenx./
Ltrinted by C Zalinanded.
MARTIN.
Hirundo urbica, Lenn.
L’Hirondelle de fencinel
Lixe the Swallow this little fairy-like bird is strictly migratory, resorting during our winters to climes far to the south of the British Islands, and indeed to any other portion of Europe ; whence it does not return till the spring, generally making its appearance about the middle of April: but in this respect the Martin, as well as most other insectivorous birds, is influenced in a great measure by the state of the season, a certain degree of temperature being necessary for bringing forth the insects upon which its existence depends.
The flight of the Martin is not so rapid, nor attended with such sudden evolutions as that of the graceful Swallow, but it is nevertheless performed with great ease and buoyancy; and although it does not possess so long a wing in proportion to its size as any other of its European brethren, and is consequently less adapted for continued flight, still it is seldom if ever seen. resting either on trees or on the ground, but is continually traversing the air with apparently untiring wings, except during the period of nidification, when it descends to the earth for the purpose of collecting mud employed for the construction of its nest, which is erected under the eaves of houses and windows, the sides of rocks, under the arches of bridges, &c.: the nest when com- plete is a most compact and solid structure, firmly cemented together, the labour of one day being allowed to remain until the substance has got hard and dry, before the little mason proceeds to heap on more wet materials ; the only means of ingress or egress is a small hole on the most sheltered side of the nest: the interior is well lined with straw, hay, and feathers. The eggs are five in number, of a pinkish white. At first the young birds are fed in the nest, afterwards the parents cling to the outside by means of their claws, and feed them at the entrance ; when able to fly, they are fed on the wing for a considerable time, like the Swallow, and they occasionally resort to the house-top, or to the branches of some neighbouring tree, where they are also supplied with food by their parents, until they have acquired sufficient strength and confidence to launch forth and provide for themselves.
Like the Swallow, the Martin produces two broods in the year, the first of which are able to fly in July, and the second in August or the beginning of September. arly in October the Martins assemble in large flocks, frequently so numerous as almost to cover the roofs of houses, particularly in the villages situated on the borders of the Thames. About the middle of the month they commence their migration, continuing to depart in flocks till the early part of November, after the sixth or eighth of which month few are to be seen.
The notes of its song, which is frequently uttered during the period of incubation, are guttural, but soft and pleasing.
The female differs but little from the male: the young during the first autumn are readily distinguished by the less degree of brilliancy in their colouring.
The head, back of the neck, and back glossy bluish black ; wings and tail brownish black ; rump and all the under surface pure white; bill black ; tarsi and toes clothed with white downy feathers.
We have figured an adult male and female of the natural size.
SAND MARTIN. ‘ Hirundo riparia, /Len7/
Draven from Nauure bon stone ty Sk ool: Printed by C Fallmondel:
SAND MARTIN.
Hirundo riparia, Lenn.
L’Hirondelle de rivage.
Wir the exception of the place chosen for the purpose of incubation, the Sand Martin resembles its congeners; but in this respect the whole tribe of which this delicate species forms a part, are singularly different, both as regards the form of their nests and the situations chosen for their reception: for instance, if we examine the four species which take up their summer residence in the British Islands, we find that the Swift is directed to ruins, particularly inaccessible towers, and large public buildings; the Swallow gives preference to the entrances of chimneys and the mouths of pits ; while the little Fairy Martin adheres its hard clay nest to the sides of our dwellings, as if to court our protection and care; and the delicate little bird which forms the subject of the present plate is directed by the impulse of nature to nidify in places remarkably different from either of these, viz., steep and precipitous sand-banks, pits of chalk, &c., more particularly the former, appearing to give a preference to banks overhanging water, though we have occasionally observed their breeding-places far remote from any water. In the most imaccessible parts of these situations this little excavator digs a horizontal hole of considerable depth, sometimes even to three or four feet, at the far end of which it places a nest, loosely constructed of dried grass and feathers, in which are deposited four or five delicate egys, of a clear white. As soon as the young gain sufficient strength, they reach the edge of their subterraneous passage, and at an early period wing their way after their parents, who soon teach them to capture insects for themselves and become independent of their assistance.
The task of reproduction being performed, the Sand Martin congregates in flocks, which are greatly augmented by the end of autumn, at which period the multitude assembled almost surpasses belief. ‘The naturalist cannot look upon the vast herd of these little birds which collect to roost in the osier-beds on the banks of the Thames before their final departure, without admiring the design of an all-wise Creator in protecting these humble creatures during the period above alluded to, as by their means alone are kept in subjection the vast myriads of insects, which would otherwise become so numerous as to defy the power of man, with all his ingenuity, either to annihilate, or to work any apparent diminution of their numbers.
We have often observed the Sand Martin as early as the month of March, from which circumstance it must be ranked among the earliest of our summer visitors. There are few birds that have a more extensive range, being common throughout Europe, the continent of Africa, some portions of India, and, if we mistake not, it is spread over a great portion of the American continent.
It feeds exclusively on flies, which it captures on the wing, being endowed with powers of flight equal to any other species of the genus.
The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young of the year resemble the adults, except that the feathers of the upper parts are edged with a lighter margin.
The top of the head, upper surface, the body, and tail dark brown; throat, belly, and under tail-coverts white ; primaries, bill, and feet blackish brown.
The young of the year have the same colouring as the adult, except that each feather on the upper surface is bordered with yellowish white.
We have figured an adult, and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.
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BEEK BATER. Merops Apiaster /Ze727/
Dram trom Lite bs on Sema by SEL, Gould. Lroried by C udimanads
Genus MEROPS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak elongated, pointed, quadrangular, slightly arched, the ridge elevated. Nostrils basal, lateral, ovoid, open, slightly covered by hair directed forward. Tars? short. Toes three before and one behind; the second toe united to the middle one as far as the second articulation, and the middle toe to the inner one as far as the first articulation; the
hind toe large at its base, with a very small claw ; the second quil-feather the longest, the first very short.
BEE-EATER.
Merops apiaster, Lznn.
Le Guepier vulgaire.
Tue station which the species of this genus occupy appears to be intermediate between the Kingsfishers on the one hand, and the Swallows on the other: to the former they are allied by their elongated form of beak, shortness of tarsi, brilliancy of plumage, similarity of places of nidification, and the white colour of the eggs ; and to the latter by their gregarious habits, their lengthened wing, their great and continuous powers of flight, and their manner of capturing while on wing the insects which constitute their food.
The present beautiful species is we believe the only one of its genus which Europe can claim as its own.
It is a bird of migratory habits, visiting, in the greatest abundance, the warmer portions of the Continent, especially Italy, Spain, Sicily, the Archipelago, and Turkey; and, not unfrequently, France, Germany and Switzerland, straying at uncertain intervals across the Channel to the shores of England, sometimes singly, and sometimes in small flocks of eight, ten, or even twenty, but never remaining with us or attempting to breed, our climate being in all respects uncongenial to its habits. Montague informs us that it is nowhere so plentiful as in the southern parts of Russia, particularly about the rivers Don and Volga.
In the situation it chooses for a place of nidification, it greatly resembles our Sand-Martins, preferring precipitous sand-banks and the edges of rivers, in which it scoops out deep holes, generally in an oblique direction.
The eggs are from five to seven in number, of a pure white ; but whether deposited on the bare ground or in a nest we are not able to say with any degree of certainty, as it is a point on which different authors hold contradictory opinions.
In its manners it very much resembles the Swallow tribec, ontinuing like them for a length of time on the wing, and traversing backwards and forwards in pursuit of its food, which consists of flies, gnats, and small coleoptera, as well as bees and wasps, to which it is peculiarly partial, and from which it derives its name. Although its flight is, as above stated, like that of the Swallow, still we are informed its allied species in India are frequently in the habit of taking their food like the Flycatchers, whose manners they closely imitate, sitting motionless on a branch, darting at the insects as they pass, and returning again to their station. We have some grounds for suspecting that this peculiarity obtains more or less with all the species of this genus.
The sexes of the Bee-eater in general offer no material differences of plumage, except perhaps that the colours of the female are rather more obscure,—a circumstance which, as in the Kingsfisher, extends also to the young, the adult colouring of the plumage being assumed at an early age.
The beak is black, and one inch and three quarters in length; the irides red; the forehead yellowish white merging into blueish green; the occiput, back of the neck, and upper part of the back rich chestnut, fading off on the rump into a brownish amber; from the base of the beak proceeds a black mark which passes beneath the eye, and spreads over the coverts of the ear; the wings, except a large middle stripe of brown, are greenish, with something of an olive tinge ; the quill-feathers inclining to blue and ending in black ; the tail greenish; the chin and throat bright yellow, bounded by a black line which ascending reaches the ear- coverts; the breast and whole of the under surface blue, intermingled with reflections of green ; the first quill-feather rudimentary, the second the longest.
The tail is square with the exception of the two middle feathers, which are an inch longer than the others ; feet and tarsi reddish brown. Total length from ten to eleven inches.
We have represented an adult male in its finest state of plumage.
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v ROLLER. Coracias garrula; (Zin / Dron fron lyfe and: om Stone by The Could ' Printed ty Bedimandd
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Genus CORACIAS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak moderate, compressed, higher than broad, straight, cutting; wpper mandible curved towards the point. NVosérd/s basal, lateral, linear, pierced diagonally, partly closed by a membrane furnished with feathers. Feet, tarsus shorter than the middle toe, three toes before and one behind, entirely divided. Wings long, first primary a little shorter
than the second which is the longest.
ROLLER.
Coracias garrulus, Lenn.
Le Rollier vulgaire.
Tue Roller is one of the most beautiful of birds, and although the extraordinary brilliancy of its plumage, varying in an assemblage of the finest shades of blue and green, as well as its great rarity, might render its claim to a place in our Fauna doubtful in the minds of some of our readers to whom the species is but little known, so many instances of its occurrence in this country will be found recorded by various authors, that it is our pleasant duty to consider it British as well as European.
This handsome bird is said to be common in the oak forests of Germany, and also in many of those of Denmark and Sweden. It is less plentiful in France, and according to M. Temminck is never seen in Holland. Its capture in this country has generally happened along the extended line of our eastern coast, from Norfolk northwards. Frequenting large woods generally, it builds in the holes of decayed trees, and lays from four to seven eggs of a smooth and shining white, in form a short oval almost round, very like those of our King- fisher, but much larger.
The whole length of this bird is about twelve inches ; the bill is black towards the point, becoming brown at the base, with a few bristles ; irides of two circles, yellow and brown ; head, neck, breast and belly various shades of verditer blue, changing to pale green ; shoulders azure blue ; ee reddish brown ; rump purple ; wing primaries dark blueish black, edged lighter ; tail-feathers pale greenish blue, the outer ones tipped with black, those in the middle are also much darker in colour; legs reddish brown. In old niales the outer tail- feathers are somewhat elongated. Adult females differ but little from the males, but young birds do not attain their brilliant colours till the second year.
Their food consists of worms, snails and insects generally, and in their habits these birds are remarkably noisy and restless.
Our figure is of the natural size, and was taken from a fine adult male.
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KINGFISHER. Alcedo ispida, (Lin.
Drain trom Lie and on Stone by Jb. Goudd: y Lronted by C Liimanded
Genus ALCEDO.
Gen. Cuan. Beak long, straight, quadrangular, and acute. Nostrils placed at the base of the beak, oblique, and nearly closed by anaked membrane. Feet small ; tarsi short, naked. Toes three before, of which the external toe is united to the middle one as far as the second articulation, and the middle toe to the inner one as far as the first; hind toe large
at its junction with the tarsus. ‘Third guell-feather the longest.
KINGSFISHER. Alcedo ispida, Lznn.
Martin pécheur.
Wuen we behold the brilliant colours of this bird as it darts by us like a meteor, displaying the metallic lustre of its plumage, we cannot help fancying for the moment that we behold some erratic native of a tropical clime.
The appetite of the Kingsfisher is voracious, and his manners shy and retiring: dwelling near lonely and sequestered brooks and rivers, he sits for hours together motionless and solitary on some branch overhanging the stream, patiently watching the motions of the smaller fishes which constitute his food ; waiting for a favourable moment to dart with the velocity of an arrow upon the first that is near enough the surface or within the reach of his aim, seldom failing in the attempt. He then returns to his former station on some large stone or branch, where he commences the destruction of his captive, which is effected by shifting its position in his bill, so as to grasp it firmly near the tail, and then striking its head smartly against the object on which he rests: he now reverses its position, and swallows it head foremost ; the indigestible parts are afterwards ejected in a manner analogous to that of the Owls and birds of prey.
The Kingsfisher, however, does not confine himself entirely to this mode of watching in motionless solitude ; but should the stream be broad, or no favourable station for espionage present itself, he may be seen poising himself over it at an altitude of ten or fifteen feet, scrutinizing the element below for his food,—plunging upon it with a velocity which often carries him considerably below the surface. For these habits his muscular wedge-shaped body, increasing gradually from a long pointed bill, aided by the sleek metal-like surface of the plumage, which at the same time freely passes through and throws off the water, seems expressly to adapt him.
The wing of the Kingsfisher is short but powerful ; hence its flight is smooth, even, and exceedingly rapid.
Silent except during the pairing and breeding season, (when he occasionally utters a sharp piercing cry, indicative perhaps of attachment, ) and equally solitary and unsocial in his habits, the Kingsfisher dwells alone, seldom consorting with others, or even with his mate, except in the period of incubation and during the rearing of the young, when their joint labours are necessary, and both unite with great assiduity in the office of procuring the requisite supplies of food. The places selected for this purpose are steep and secluded banks overhanging ponds or rivers, where in a hole, generally at a considerable distance above the surface of the water, and extending to the depth of two or three feet into the bank, the female, without making a nest, lays five or six eggs of a beautiful pinky white. As soon as the young are hatched, the parent birds may be seen incessantly passing to and from the hole with food, the ejected exuviee of which in a short time form around the unfledged brood a putrid and offensive mass.
The young do not leave the hole until fully fledged and capable of flight ; when, seated on some neighbour- ing branch, they may be known by their clamorous twittering, greeting their parents as they pass, from whom they impatiently expect their supplies. In a short time, however, they commence plundering for themselves, assuming at that early age nearly the adult plumage. The /cedo cspida is the only species of the genus found in Europe, the western parts of which, including the British Isles, seem to be its proper habitat. The young appear to possess habits of partial migration, at least in our British Islands, wandering from the interior parts along the courses of rivers to the coast, frequenting, in the autumnal and winter months, the mouths of small rivulets and dykes near the sea; but more particularly those along the line of the southern coast and the shores of adjacent inlets.
The annexed Plate represents a male, between which and the female there is no distinguishing difference of plumage. The bill is black; irides dark; the crown of the head, cheeks, and wing-coverts, of a deep shining green, each feather tipt with a lighter metallic hue ; the rest of the upper surface, a brilliant azure ; the ear-feathers rufous, behind which a white spot extends to the nape of the neck. The throat white, the under surface fine rufous ; the legs bright orange.
Length seven inches ; weight from two ounces to two and a half.
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BLACK AND WHITE KINGFISHER.
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BLACK AND WHITE KINGSFISHER.
Alcedo rudis, Linn. Le Martin Pécheur Pie.
AxrHouGH the continents of Africa and Asia constitute the natural habitat of this species, still from its occur- rence in some of the islands of the Grecian Archipelago, it is necessarily added to the Fauna of Europe, although it is but a rare and accidental visitor. It is abundantly dispersed over the whole of Africa, particu- larly on the banks of the Nile and the other rivers of Egypt, as also those of Syria and the adjacent countries. The discovery of this Kingsfisher in a quarter of the globe where until lately only a single species had been found, renders it a bird of great interest, and we regret that we cannot lay before our readers any authentic information relative to its peculiar habits and manners. In the third part of his “‘ Manuel” M. Temminck merely states that it feeds on fishes, and lays white eggs. In the form of its bill and in its general structure, it so nearly resembles the A/cedo isprda, that although differing from it in size and in the character of its plu- mage, we may reasonably suppose its general economy to be in strict accordance with that species.
As is the case with most species of its tribe, the plumage of the sexes is very similar ; the female and young, however, appear to have the chest crossed with a somewhat narrow and single band of white, while the male has two bands, the upper one of which becomes very broad towards the shoulders, and gradually diminishes towards the middle of the chest; in other respects they are so similar that one description will be sufficient.
Crown of the head and occiput black ; the whole of the upper surface varied with numerous bars of black and white, the latter colour terminating and bordering all the feathers ; a black band extends from the angle of the beak and spreads over the ears; all the under parts white except the bands of black, which extend across the chest ; primaries black; tail white at the base, the remainder barred with black and white ; bill black ; feet reddish brown.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
1PIED FLYCATCHER. 2,WHITE-COLLARED FLYCATCHER. e Muscicapa lncnosa; (/72m/ Muscaeapa albicollis (Zam/
]) 4 Tin Ar. / ope en se 7 gq 77, zx a a a LTA [VU NANCE Oy HI bY / BL Coane. VuHtedn Oy l: LL
PIED FLYCATCHER.
Muscicapa luctuosa, Temm.
Le Gobe-mouche becfigue.
In the British Isles this interesting little bird is exceedingly local in the districts it chooses for its periodical visits. Arriving, on the return of spring, from the more congenial and warmer portions of the Old Continent, it takes up its abode, not, as might be expected, in the southern parts of our island, but in the northern and midland counties, especially Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire, finding probably either food or some other inducement, of which we have no knowledge, that is suited to its wants. In France and Germany it is far from being scarce ; but its most favourite tract is along the European shores of the Mediterranean, and over the whole of Italy. In Holland, and, we believe, in Denmark, Sweden and Russia, it is never seen.
The Pied Flycatcher is a most active and unwearied pursuer of the insect tribes, being continually in motion, darting at them as they pass, or searching after them among leaves and flowers. Whether it be for the sake of the fruit itself, or for the insects which abound near the figs, certain it is, that from the circum- stance of the bird being constantly found in the neighbourhood of fig trees, it has obtained the name of Beccafico. Jt constructs a nest in the holes of trees, and lays from four to six eggs, of a uniform pale blue colour.
WHITE-COLLARED FLYCATCHER.
Muscicapa albicollis, Temm.
Le Gobe-mouche a collier.
Autuoucs we have seen this species in a collection of British birds, and were informed that it was supposed to have been killed in England, still we have every reason to believe that it seldom advances so far north as England, or even the adjacent provinces of France or Germany; it is in fact more strictly confined to the central portion and Asiatic confines of Europe.
As regards the distinguishing characteristics of these two closely allied species, we may observe, that the adults in the plumage of summer may be easily distinguished from each other by the absence in the former of the entire collar round the neck ; but to render the description of both these species more complete, we beg leave to translate the following passage from the valuable Manuel d’ Ornithologie of M. Temminck: “The female of the two species, the males in their winter clothing, and the young, all resemble each other so closely as frequently to deceive. ‘They may be easily distinguished, except in the first species, by the little white speculum which occupies the centre of the wing in JZ. albzcollis, whilst the wing is of one colour in M. luctuosa ; secondly, by the lateral feathers of the tail, of which the two external have the edge whitish, more or less spread, according to age, in JZ. albecollis, whilst in the J. ductuosa the three lateral tail-feathers are slightly bordered with white edges. The manner of living, the note or call, and the song of the male offer very marked differences: the eggs also differ in colour. It is to M. Lotinguer that we are indebted for the knowledge of the double moult which annually takes place in these birds.”
In winter, according to the above-quoted author, both these species lose the black plumage of summer, and assume a uniform brown livery over all the upper parts, at which season the young, female and males, resemble each other: on the return of spring they moult again, the males assuming their black livery.
In the month of October, and during the greater part of the winter, both these species collect in countless flocks in Italy, where they are known by the common term of Becegjici, and at which time they are taken in immense numbers for the table, being considered an especial luxury.
The eggs of M. albicollis are greenish blue spotted with brown,
The Plate represents a male and female of AZ. ductuosa, and a male of J. albicollis, of the natural size, in
the plumage of summer.
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RED-BREASTED FLY-CATCHER. Musacapa parva; (Zechsé:/
Tran from Shaiuwe & on stone by ThE Could. * Printed ty CBulimandd:
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER.
Muscicapa parva, Bechst.
Le Gobe-mouche rougeatre.
So rare is this species of Flycatcher in the collections of Europe, and so little has been recorded of its history, that we are led to hope that the accompanying Plate illustrating the old and young bird, and the present notice of its habits and manners, will prove a trifling addition to our knowledge of European ornithology. During a recent visit to Vienna we had opportunities of observing it in a living state, both in its immature and adult plumage. Its actions and manners are strikingly peculiar, and appear to partake of those appertaining to the’ species of more than one genus; it resembles the Robin not only in the colour of its plumage but in several of its actions, being sprightly and animated, constantly jerking its tail and depressing its head in the manner our Redbreast is observed to do; it also imitates the action of the Whinchat in the depressed oscillating movement of the tail: thus it appears to form an intermediate link between the Muscicapide on the one hand, and the Saaicoline on the other. In the comparative length and robust form of its legs this intermediate station is also further evinced ; for though the tarsi have not the strength which we see in the true Sazicole, still they are more developed than in the genuine Flycatchers. It is a bird of migratory habits, and in Europe its habitat appears to be limited almost exclusively to the eastern portions of the continent. It is tolerably abundant in the neighbourhood of Vienna, and is known to breed annually in the woods of that district. From the circumstance of our having seen it in collections from the East Indies, particularly from that portion adjacent to Persia, it is doubtless widely diffused over the intermediate regions.
The sexes are alike in their colouring, but the female is less brilliant than the male. The upper figure in our Plate represents an adult male, and the lower one that of the young bird of the year in its second plumage,
the first having been spotted like that of the Robin. M.'Temminck states that the moult is simple, but that the colours of the plumage, particularly on the under surface, change periodically. Like the Muscicapide in general, the Red-breasted Flycatcher is quick and active, taking its prey on the wing with great dexterity. Its food consists of soft-winged insects, to which in all probability berries are occasionally added.
The nest, according to M. Temminck, is placed among the interwoven twigs of trees or in the forks of the branches, but of the number or colour of its eggs no information has yet reached us.
The male has the whole of the upper surface brown; the four middle tail-feathers and the extremities of the outer ones blackish brown; the base of the latter being white; the throat and breast of a bright rufous ; the under surface white tinged with rufous brown on the flanks ; the beak, legs, and irides brown.
The young have the breast, which is so richly tinted in the adult, white with a slight tinge of yellow.
The figures are of the natural size.
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SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.
Muscicapa grisola; Zaue/
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SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.
Muscicapa grisola, Lznn.
Le Gobe-mouche gris.
Turis species, like its congener the Pied Flycatcher, is one of the summer visitants that enliven our woods and gardens during this most pleasant season of the year. It is one of the latest of the spring birds, scarcely if ever arriving before the middle of May; but soon after this period it may be found throughout the whole of England and a portion of Scotland, wherever there exists a locality suitable to its economy : after remaining here during the summer, it migrates to more southern and congenial climates during September and October.
In its universal distribution the Spotted Flycatcher differs very considerably from the Pied Flycatcher, which is very local in its habitat; it is also less confined to large woods and plantations, and appears to give a pre- ference to gardens, shrubberies, and orchards. It does not evince the least fear or timidity, but frequently constructs its nest and rears its young over the door of the cottager, or upon the branches of fruit-trees nailed against the walls, sometimes in the decayed holes of trees, and frequently upon the ends of the beams or rafters in the gardener’s tool-house and other outbuildings.
The nest is constructed of moss and small twigs, lined with hair and feathers: the eggs are four or five in number, of a greyish white spotted with pale reddish brown. When the young quit the nest, they follow their parents to some neighbouring wood, garden, or plantation, where they are very diligently attended and fed.
The Spotted Flycatcher appears to enjoy a wide range over the continent of Europe, being very generally dispersed from the border of the Arctic Circle to its most southern boundary ; and we have also frequently observed it among collections from India.
It is a most active little bird, and is incessantly engaged in capturing the smaller winged insects which pass within the range of its chosen territory. Its favourite perch is generally a decayed branch, from which it sallies forth and ‘‘ returns after each of these aérial attacks.”
Its note is weak and monotonous, being little more than a feeble chirp.
The sexes are precisely alike in the colour and markings of their plumage. The young for a short period after they first begin to fly have the feathers tipped with a spot of yellowish white, giving them a mottled appearance.
The whole of the upper surface is brown, the crown of the head being spotted with a darker brown ; throat and belly white; sides of the neck, breast, and flanks streaked with brown; bill and legs dark brown.
We have figured an adult male of the natural size.
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GREAT SHRIKE. Lanius excubitor, (Ziz/
Colhumious: === ag)
Drown Poi Triried by 0 Gudimanded,
Genus COLLURIO, Vigors.
Gun. Cuar. Beak and feet as in the genus Lanius. Wings somewhat rounded, short; the first quill-feather shortest ; the second a little shorter than the following ones; the third, fourth and fifth, the longest and nearly equal. Taz/ elongated, graduated—Type of the genus
Lanius Excubitor, Linn.
GREAT SHRIKE.
Lanius Excubitor, Zznn. Collurio Excubitor, Vigors.
La Pie-grieche grise.
Tue present species forms the type of the genus Collurio as characterized by Mr. Vigors; and the reasons which induced that gentleman to separate certain birds from the genus Lanius—of which to form the genus Collurio,—were a short time ago explained by him to the Committee of Science and Correspondence of the Zoological Society, in the First Part of whose “‘ Proceedings,” page 42, the distinguishing characteristics of these two genera are clearly detailed. The principal feature which constitutes the ground of separation consists in the somewhat rounded form of wing, which in the true Lanii is more pointed,—and in the lengthened and graduated tail; to this may be added their general superiority of size:—the Grey Shrikes in this point manifest an ascendancy over the well-known Red-backed Shrike, the more rare Wood-chat, and their allied congeners.
The Great Shrike is one of the migratory birds of Great Britain, appearing however by no means regularly, so as to lead us to expect its annual return, but must be considered an uncertain straggler, being in some seasons very scarce, and in others more abundant, and that only during the months of autumn and winter, so as to make it rather doubtful whether it ever breeds in our island, although we are aware that such is said to be the case. It is extensively spread over Continental Europe, in many parts of which it remains stationary throughout the year; but in others it performs regular periodical migrations, departing and returning with the season.
The C. Excubitor is a bold and courageous bird, attacking others much larger than itself, and destroying mice, frogs, and small birds for its food, of which however we believe the hard-winged insects constitute a principal portion. In killing its prey, its chief instrument is its bill, which is thick and strong, and with which it penetrates the cranium of any small animal within its power. It never strikes with its claws in the manner of the Hawks, but uses them merely to assist in grasping and thus securing its victim ; for though the legs and toes are slender and apparently weak, they are well armed with claws and have the power of tight compression. The most singular fact, however, respecting its mode of feeding or securing its prey, is its well-authenticated habit of fixing it on a thorn or sharp-pointed stick, which it selects for that purpose, and then proceeding to tear it to pieces, at the same time satisfying its appetite. Of a New Holland bird, (the Vanga Destructor,) the same singular habit is recorded.
The specific name of Excubitor, or Sentinel, was given by Linneus as one highly appropriate, from the cir- cumstance of this bird being used on the Continent by falconers and persons engaged in procuring falcons for the purpose of hawking, especially the Peregrine during the period of its migrations. The Shrike acts as a sort of monitor, giving warning to the man in attendance of the approach of the sharp-eyed bird of prey, the appearance of which, even ata great distance, immediately elicits its querulous chattering cry. A net trap, artfully contrived, is placed for the capture of the falcon, and a live pigeon secured by a string, over which the man has perfect controul, allures the falcon to the fatal engine. In the mean time the Shrike, having warned the man of the near approach of the expected visitant, retires, as the danger increases, to a hole provided for its safety; there it continues chattering loudly, while the falcon pounces upon the fated pigeon, and is cunningly enticed by the gradual withdrawing of his victim, which he will not quit, within the circle of the net: the check-string once pulled, the capture is achieved. For its peculiar aid in this service, the Shrike is unrivalled, and when hawking was in vogue its merits were duly appreciated.
The favourite resorts of the Great Shrike are high hedges, coppices, and thick trees, among which it breeds, building a nest composed of grasses, moss, and vegetable fibres, and laying from five to seven white eggs marked with ash-grey and brownish blotches. The only difference to be observed in the plumage of the sexes, is that the breast of the female is transversely barred with faint lines of ash colour.
In the adult male the head, neck and back, are of a fine light ash; a band of black passes below the eye, and covers the ear-feathers ; wings black, with a white spot in the centre, formed by the white bases of the quill-feathers ; the outer tail-feathers white; the remainder black, terminating with white, which becomes more contracted as they approach the two middle feathers,—these are entirely black ; beak and feet black. Length nine inches.
We have figured an adult male.
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GREAT GREY SHRIKE.
Lamus meridionals, em
Collkurio. Vig.
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GREAT GREY SHRIKE.
Lanius meridionalis, Temm. Collurio meridionalis, Vig.
La Pie-Grieche méridionale.
We are indebted to the kindness and liberality of the officers of the British Museum, for allowing us to illustrate this fine species of Shrike from a specimen in the collection under their care, to which it was presented by Captain 8. E. Cook, who obtained it in the centre of Spain; a country which, with Italy, the southern provinces of France and the districts bordering on the Mediterranean, appears to be its native habitat. Of the European Shrikes, the Lanius meridionalis is that which comes least under our notice ; it is, however, the largest of its genus, and may be taken as typical of that group comprehended by Mr. Vigors under the generic title Colurio,—a group on which we offered some remarks when speaking of that rare British species the Lanius Excubitor of Linnzeus, with which the present bird closely agrees, but from which it may be distin- guished by its somewhat greater size, the darker grey of the upper surface, and especially by the beautiful vinous tinge which prevades the plumage of the breast. In the latter respect, indeed, it resembles the Lanius minor ; but with this bird it can never be confounded, the disparity of size being at once a distinguishing character between them, to which we may add the long and pointed wings and less graduated tail in Lanius minor, as opposed to the short wings and cuneiform tail of the Lanius meridionalis.
The habits and manners of this interesting and natural group, ally the species together as closely as their forms and colours; and although we have been able to obtain no precise information respecting our present subject, still we cannot for a moment doubt that it exhibits the same properties and acts the same tyrannical part in its mode of obtaining food as its British congener, preying upon the larger insects, especially those of the Coleopterous order, young or feeble birds, and even small mammalia. The nidification and eggs are unknown.
The top of the head and the whole of the plumage of the back are of a dark ash colour ; a large black band passes below the eyes and extends over the ear-coverts ; the wings are black, having the origins of the quill-feathers and the tips of the secondaries white ; the four middle tail-feathers are black, the exterior ones white; the breast and under part vinous or salmon-colour, fading into grey about the sides and thighs ; bill and legs black.
The female differs only in having the tints of the plumage more obscure, with faint transverse bars on the under parts.
We have figured a male in full plumage.
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LESSER GREY SHRIKE.
Lanius minor Zw, Collurio =) Veg]
Drom trom Lite & on Stone ty Th £. Gouda. trnted by CFubimandel:
LESSER GREY SHRIKE.
Lanius minor, Linn. Collurio minor, Vg.
La Pie-Grieche a Poitrine rose.
Tue Lesser Grey Shrike, or Rose-breasted Shrike of Temminck, though belonging to that division of the family to which Mr. Vigors has given the generic title of Collurio, (and which is distinguished from the restricted genus Lanius by the graduated tail and short rounded wing,) must nevertheless be regarded as forming a link between these two genera; inasmuch as the tail is rather rounded than decidedly graduated, and the wings are more lengthened than in any other species of the genus to which it is now assigned.
Of the European Shrikes, the present is certainly one of the most distinguished for the beauty and delicacy of its colouring: in size, it is inferior to the Lanius Excubitor of Linneus, but possesses a more strong and robust bill than is found in that bird,—to which, however, in manners, and in the general character of its plumage, it closely approximates.
The Lanius minor is strictly Continental; no instance, so far as we are aware, being on record of its ever having visited our Island. From. M. Temminck, to whose acquaintance with the birds of Europe the scientific world is so much indebted, we learn that its range on the Continent is very extensive, inhabiting, with the exception of Holland (in which it is rarely seen), Turkey, the Archipelago, Italy and Spain, breeding also in some parts of France and Germany, and visiting the northern portions of Europe as far as Russia. Thickets, trees, bushes, and hedge-rows are its favourite resort, among which it constructs its nest: the eggs, six in number, are oblong and of a dull green, having a zone of small spots round the centre, of an olive-grey.
Its food, like that of the other species of the genus, consists principally of insects, such as moths, and coleoptera, to which young or feeble birds are occasionally added.
The beak and legs are black ; a black band passes over the forehead, eyes and ears ; the top of the head, back and rump of a fine ash ; throat white; breast and sides of a delicate rose-colour ;. wings black, with a white bar across the quill-feathers ; the middle tail-feathers black, the two outer feathers quite white, the two next partially white, the succeeding feathers on each side less and less so.
The female differs as little from the male as those of the allied species Hvcudztor, and is only to be distin- guished by the more obscure rose-colour of the breast, and the black of the plumage having a tinge of brown.
The young of the year of both sexes after the autumn moult are destitute of the black band on the forehead, which remains grey during the winter, and the plumage of the superior surface is more or less broken with grey, the under parts being obscure; but after the moult of spring, both sexes gain the band over the fore- head and ears, the rose-colour of the breast becoming at the same time more lively. Total length eight inches.
Our figure represents an adult male of the natural size.
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: 1wOboS-deor stgoilely i ba wishin fein: Yeix yt Siidte taowlt .: r: isle S08 4 % { mney Betts ed: fe. ratulive mine ove ah Adeld eiarltastin slbbise ib Ai f rdeaestelliinp ode 220198 Yad: atide -
‘ tose no eoraat uti
| omnis: ot catteler ylligsayy tron ose haills odt to seodt aa dna welt aott oft ag a iSttily olstast of Es,
ROE cee MERE a Auk soaig aig aeeteuly Va OP} Vitis ee aE Rstrnt &
cavord ti s900 a watred égantale odt to donid od? tan Jetord.adt to w0losdagt suesdo aiait odd a. Lape
ree ere eee
dinedoit odd ag Baad stonld oid ‘to atativeol via tloden semitus alt thle anne dad 16 ‘thay auld ts putlon
*
Hib waploid oP 40. fOew eb salina teis equa ok To. aug inolg silt bas ctognke ait painuly wry atin Ol adt wta. hand aft tains ayvsa. Hod <a qa to toes ott vette: tad : Stole: gated alin aban
ideas ditedcal idl viom ont siiha off te enimoned 3 wear ody Ls Mholncyiaes aut
ea:
RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Lamius collurio, (Ze77./
Dra Ary Va dnwe ke on Stone b bef (ope tid Pie 77,7 77 - 5 Lrewm prim Nedare kon Stone ey S&L. bok Lronizdly C Linlinuagnae:
Genus LANIUS.
Grn. Cuar. Beak of moderate length, robust, compressed, straight at the base, curved at the up; edges of the upper mandible emarginated, and exhibiting a conspicuous tooth. Nostrils basal, lateral, nearly round, partly covered by a membrane. Gape furnished with stiff bristles. Feet moderate. Toes free. Acro-tarsia broadly scutellate. Wings somewhat pointed and rather short; the first quill-feather very short; the third the longest; the rest
gradually decreasing. Taz/ equal, or somewhat rounded.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE.
Lanius Collurio, Lenn.
Le Pie-griéche écorcheur.
Among the Shrikes which periodically visit our island, the Red-backed is the best known and most univer- sally spread. Its arrival usually occurs from the middle of April to the beginning of May, the exact period being regulated by the forwardness of the spring, inasmuch as its food consists almost solely of insects, the appearance of which depends upon the temperature of the season. Though found occasionally in the northern counties of England, it is by no means so abundant there as in the middle, and more especially the southern districts. In Scotland it is, we believe, altogether unknown, nor are we aware of its having been discovered in Ireland. It is partial to downs and open pastures, particularly such as are intersected or bordered by thick stunted hedges, where it may be commonly met with singly or in pairs, but never in flocks. Like the rest of the Shrikes, its manners and note are very peculiar, and serve at once to distinguish it from the small birds of other groups. Its chief food, as we have before observed, consists of insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and the larger kinds of flies, which it often takes on the wing. It may be generally noticed quietly perched in some commanding situation awaiting the approach of its prey, upon which it darts not unlike a Flycatcher, generally returning to the same perch. Besides insects, it is known to attack young and feeble birds, mice, lizards, slugs, &c., which, as is the case with most of its congeners, it impales on a sharp thorn or spike previously to tearing them to pieces.
Though small in size, the Red-backed Shrike is extremely fierce and courageous, defending itself with great obstinacy when wounded or assailed. On the Continent it is widely distributed, being spread throughout every province of Europe, from the south as far as Russia and Sweden ; and we may add that it is also a native of the North of Africa.
The Red-backed Shrike builds its nest in sharp thorny bushes, often at a considerable distance from the ground, constructing it of dried grasses and wool, with a lining of hair. The eggs are five or six in number, of a pinkish white, with spots of wood-brown disposed in zones chiefly at the larger end.
The sexes offer very considerable difference in their colouring ; that of the adult male is as follows :
Top of the head, occiput, upper part of the back, and rump, fine grey; a narrow band of black begins above the beak, passes round the eye, and spreads over the ear-coverts ; middle of the back and shoulders fine chestnut; quills brown; two middle tail-feathers black ; the rest white for more than half their basal length, the extremity being black tipped with white ; throat white ; under surface pale roseate ; bill and tarsi black.
The female wants the beautiful grey hood and mantle, as also the black streak on the face ; the whole of the upper plumage is dull reddish brown, with dusky transverse lmes more or less obscure ; a deeper tint of brown pervades the quills and tail-feathers ; the under surface is white, barred on the sides of the neck, the chest, and flanks, with fine semilunar lines of brown.
The young males of the year closely resemble the adult female ; in fact, the only difference consists in the feathers of the back being, in the former, more distinctly margined with transverse lines of brown.
Our Plate represents an adult male, and a young male of the year, of the natural size.
| apttitis Riedie acthok uke Uefa te aes tes Oty : si‘ athe SSF SV 1) weet Bee Oi} Parr, re - - i Bad Ri b. a " ; ie fe ih / ? 7 =a. J Pp Re: iF i n fibe ’ 7 fei : ty oft -t) : s » eG? ara Ajai TH: aretha thy a ae i F ¥,* a os 4 gis: " the, shee eh” thse P i
3 oo Ae Ieseliicenlt squid. amiviclnatig dd gab Deere abide -. it i be he ‘ : ni po ; rt wee hs Malis <t te
*F a 7 * b] 7 a j ; . ' : . arle i? ri? ach ud “ my, 1”, an . if y 3 * ? = a bh ri 1 i : - tet, . > a * P . é a . 4 ri . , Ee s i i ‘ i f. 4 - « : - a . é , ad ‘ ; : it ‘ 4 * > wirt : A ' F : s 1 4 * , sa - p is ' . ¢ F t ’ % " pA - * ‘ a ¥, < * ‘ 4 a bd “ ‘ . *-! , e , ‘ ¢ if i l ¥ . ' s $ * L ve . 2 . . . ’ } ' = ’ ‘ : ‘ my ‘ ¥ z ‘ / 3 : : ‘ " F 4 | r - ‘ ; “ , 2 ; Ta ' : “ x £ i F Py i . a Ss . : : : o-..e Fgcmes i ie? 8 a ' 4 AY F * 7) Re , * “ f 3) | +e
’ a +> . = F a. i ier. 0 2b Pg OYd) | ey ae sehiae J : ; SEARED A oe ' , iy { +¥° Dita: Pivbakl oe iets : oF Shore ebiiuide how lta ny ae ee ae pic Rene pee eee ee : 7 ‘ : is? : ~ ie. . ™) 7 ike ¥ ie Tye nae ; te — P me f F r ; a ‘ nd Deiter only 4 al 4 . 7 tein vt o ir _ a , r é fy itn mir 4a] ry ect Same a eee - oily ; 2 ; é . , . : y ; sth Hii F # bevest tee Ae yt fe sliet uncles Ti ‘ _ " ae anal alte ! ; PN TOK Se OR a Tiley nit 4 oe at Be ity oda = eee in no diy ¢> bial i be ahd i h tes tr ‘ : > i p a 7 : ft voy as oisauley. dadd) iin gree sacl , ap . bias ala te aed Hwa evil eal apy f rhouh ae Wad 8 . ; + SPER, gd eee Cirle 108) -tiel eT UG -.lsth os < cee, PRG a iy ee ES eae wih) gapped
id : ‘ ia 3 2 y A? ah f . aby. gee 5 abel gtn, 5 ie ¥ Sarre U 7 ’ F \ he as sae ‘to aasatfic fe leis 7 iin Sirs Win, aft i! ie ia: tate iss a Ka 2 < i. aor Me sayy: UNE tiys hoiisereae Hee
i Pe es Wan tne bexninny nit oT uve il’
gem WOODCHAT. Lamus rufus; (Bos/
& by J & £. Gould,
vd by C Ludlmanded:
WOODCHAT.
Lanius rufus, Briss.
La Pie-griéche rousse.
Axruoucx the Woodchat is abundantly spread over the Continent, particularly the warmer portions, such as Spain, Italy, and all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, it is so rare in the British Islands as scarcely to merit a place in our Fauna; indeed, two or three instances of its having been seen or captured in England are all that we are acquainted with, and we have ourselves never received it in a recent state. In general habits and manners it strictly resembles its nearly allied species the Red-backed Shrike, Lanius Collurio ; but a moment’s comparison will be sufficient to establish the distinctions of the two species. In one respect, however, the Woodchat appears to be peculiar ; we allude to the circumstance of the nearly allied style of colouring of the two sexes, which is contrary to what prevails in the Red-backed Shrike, and agrees more strictly with the rest of the European representatives of the present family. The only point by which the sexes may be distinguished is the less brilliant colouring of the female.
The food of the Woodchat consists of coleopterous and other large insects, and occasionally small and nestling birds. According to M. Temminck, it builds its nest in bushes, selecting the fork of a small branch among foliage sufficiently dense for its concealment. It lays five or six eggs, of a whitish green, irregularly blotched with grey.
The plumage is as follows: A narrow white band borders the margin of the upper mandible, and is followed by a black belt across the forehead ; the same colour occupying the ear-coverts passes down the sides of the neck and the middle of the back, where it fades off into grey; the occiput, back of the neck, and upper part of the back, rich chestnut ; wings black, the scapularies and a bar across the base of the quills being white ; upper tail-coverts white, with a tinge of yellow ; tail black, except the outer feather on each side, which is nearly white, and the next, which is tipped with white, and is white at its base; the third is also tipped with white ; beak and tarsi black.
In the female the black is tinged with brown, and the chestnut of the back is less vivid.
The Plate represents a male and female of the size of life.
bipbive Gbni beth oe Sihad aie te
ey i oa race Sh ie
ee
GOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolus Galbula, /Zznw/
Drawn trom Lite & on Stone by Sb L, Gould, Lrnted by C Halimande,
Genus ORIOLUS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak conical, straight, and sharp-pointed, flattened at its base; upper mandible ridged and slightly notched at the point. Vostrils basal, lateral, naked, and pierced hori- zontally in a large membrane. eet three toes before and one behind, the external toe united to the middle one at its base. Tarsus not exceeding the middle toe in length; third
guill-feather the longest.
GOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolus galbula, Lenn.
Le Loriot.
Tue genus Oriolus, as restricted by modern authors, comprises a group of birds pre-eminent for their beauty and the contrast of their colours, rich yellow and deep black dividing the plumage in proportions varying according to the difference of species ; and there is no genus the members of which are more naturally united to each other than the present.
The Orioles are strictly confined to the older or longest known portions of the globe ; various species being respectively disposed over Asia, Africa, the islands of the Indian Archipelago, and the southern and eastern portions of Europe. Their place in America appears to be supplied by the /céer? and the other genera of the family of Sturnde.
The Golden Oriole is to be considered as merely an occasional sojourner in England, its visits being but few, and only during the months of summer. Although undoubtedly scarce, it is by no means the most rare of those birds which, from their occurrence in England, have been admitted to a place in its Fauna. We are not aware that there are any instances on record of its breeding in this country: still we have reason to suppose that such would be the case, if, when it favours any part of our island with its residence, it were permitted to remain unmolested. In Italy and the whole of the southern provinces of Europe it is very abundant, and is also far from being uncommon in France, Holland, Germany, and some of the districts of Russia; paying all those countries an annual visit, for the purpose of incubation. We have received numerous specimens of this bird from Tripoli and the whole line of the northern coast of Africa, where it is exceedingly common ; and to which country, or at least its more northern parts, we have reason to suppose it migrates when absent during the winter months from Europe. We have never received this identical species from India, although there is one, the O. aureus, which closely approximates to it, but which may at once be distinguished by its rather smaller size, and by the black line passing through and beyond the eye, while in the European species the black colour reaches only to the anterior edge of the orbit. We have been informed that this latter species has also been found in Europe, which is not unlikely, as the border line of the two continents is merely con- ventional.
The nest of the Golden Oriole, like that of many of the natives of the tropical climates, is a striking example of ingenuity: it is composed of fibres of hemp or other vegetables ingeniously interwoven together, lined with fine moss or lichen, and suspended at the extremity of the tallest branches of lofty trees; the eggs are four or five in number, the ground-colour being a pure white, marked by a few well-defined purple brown, or black spots. Its food consists of wild berries and fruits, as well as insects and their larvee.
In the male, the beak is brownish red; irides red; general plumage fine king’s yellow, a black streak intervening between the beak and eye; the wings black with a bar of yellow; all the quill-feathers tipped with yellowish white; the two middle tail-feathers black ; the rest have their basal half black, and the other portion yellow ; tarsi lead-colour ; claws black. Length of the bird ten inches.
In the female, the yellow of the upper parts is clouded with an olive tinge, and below with grayish white, each feather having a longitudinal mark of a darker colour ; the wings are brownish black, and the tail-feathers, where black in the male, are obscure olive.
_ The young of the year resemble the female, but have the longitudinal markings of the lower parts stronger ; the irides brown, and beak of a dark gray.
Our Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
ve Tee
. ; gt | ih pis win aks a ‘wlliondnnd ea &w vt any i yt Blue it guile. a br heen Ae WR Ce fey S Z 5 mee : _. ’ act eat ; of
BLACK-OUZEL OR BLACKBIRD. Merula vulgaris; (Aay/.
Lr from Noakure & or Si comety SEL, Conbt,
SLrinted by C. udimunde,
Genus MERULA.
Gun. Cuar. Brill nearly as long as the head; straight at the base ; slightly bending towards the point, which is rather compressed ; the upper mandible emarginated; gape furnished with a few bristles. Nostrils basal, lateral and oval, partly covered by a naked membrane. Legs of mean length, muscular. Toes, three before and one behind ; the outer toe joined at its base to the middle one, which is shorter than the tarsus. C/aws slightly arcuate ; that of the hind toe the largest. Of the wings, the first quill is short, and the third and fourth are the longest.
BLACK OUZEL, or BLACKBIRD.
Merula vulgaris, Ray.
Le merle noir.
Tuis familiar species is very generally distributed over Europe ; and although it is stationary with us through- out the year, yet in some parts of the Continent it is a bird of passage; and we may add, that on the approach of severe winters the number in our own island is greatly augmented by temporary visiters from the North.
When we consider the style of colouring, form, and habits of this bird, with those of the Ring Ouzel and some other European species, we cannot but agree with our countryman Ray in considering them fully entitled to rank as a genus distinct and separate from that of Zurdus, with which Linneus and his followers blended them.
In their habits these birds are more terrestrial than the true Thrushes, frequenting secluded copses, hedge- rows and ravines, as well as gardens and shrubberies, skulking about under the bushes, and retiring from obser- vation with great celerity. Towards evening they may often be seen extremely restless and clamorous, uttering a shrill chatter as they dart from bush to bush in chase of each other before retiring to rest. It is more solitary in its habits than the Thrush, there seldom being more than two or three in the same immediate locality. There is also a slight degree of difference in the general construction of the nest, the colour of the eggs, and the situations chosen for the purpose of nidification, to which we may add the marked difference in colouring between the male and the female.
The song of the Blackbird, though not so melodious as that of the Thrush, is a clear bold strain, which, when heard in the calm mornings and evenings of spring, is very delightful, and renders the bird a general favourite. In its food the Blackbird is perfectly omnivorous, accommodating itself to such as the season offers : in winter it lives on berries, worms, and shelled snails, which it seeks for under hedgerows and other hiding-places ; in summer, on worms, insects and their larvae, as well as all kinds of fruits that the garden and hedgerow afford.
The Blackbird appears to be strictly confined to Europe, but its form is represented in the Himalaya mountains by an interesting and nearly allied species the Zurdus pecilopterus, and in the tropical regions of America by two or three other species.
It is an early breeder, often commencing the work of nidification in the months of February and March, building its nest in thick secluded bushes, laurels, ivy, or any densely leaved covert: the nest is constructed externally of moss, small twigs, and fibres plastered with mud, internally of fine dry grass: the eggs are usually five in number, of a blueish green blotched with reddish brown.
The young of both sexes greatly resemble the female, but are generally more spotted.
The male, with the exception of the bill and the orbits of the eyes, which are of a beautiful orange, is entirely of a jet black.
The female is of a deep umber brown inclining to black ; the chest, belly and thighs, varied with dashes of a darker colour.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
shriwot. gaiaaed eehatgete i hoodia xong |) bateanrain’4 annette: ng: hakay PY S é ' "ae aad Sten aa
: b Pero: POP earie
' a ’ M é Na hy Ma ahh Tae ‘ ma ‘ $i a ff 4 = ry f F ts e ay » OB ue eS is . nN = “ i ie ia OS x & ae i y é sy ae. ae ieee : ‘ my Y ; i = Ate ag Epis; 7 y F 7 = of a F ' tae ‘ # si 7 re f ey Wa H 4 : ry Was SSS ying! “PRED. PLOT ae » . Po he ‘ie h : ; : a ae eaihtia: ae rete ‘ , ‘ i i a: 44 ; dH iS at Weel tediery 5 ra ° Fs ; r ; Al ae Pid O74 be f m * Yen es ) j i ‘4 os) sr + i ' 1 t 7 f - int t? : wees ~ eile ytvay i ‘ ‘ vc 2 i y y) iniy wins fipeiy uit — | hy tales F $e wel pe ; i ; ! : a] POE WET WNT mee obit” eet a E : 7 a ee ay - : - : eel i _ Eien Rept Pe wt reheed whe iat. eee lca ; a 5 Wan?’ ale ae 4 m * 7 : 5 ad I ‘ ; fir’ F ‘ ii pes wears j ' f f ; Esoy ate Dut Led . i byes ho, a ft H : vet bee 1 - ~ * ph ie a } Het / j a * - " he ‘ (. Sener ait viet int eR : 25 4 a TOR aCe as Pia aa bin ; Matas Lass) ‘ cit jhe t hy} + { i ry 7 p ; P seer y} { ori AVE Ser AR arbre oy sp Pit Pa aS a ; i ase 9 he fas PG AS Oe a “f wl fee is Al, iy oman riya: ee bark" « bee aah wire a : ad vo ae NE ROSS SOT LS eR, ee th AV UtT oS. Fe ae Peet. Ee iy)’ Bi ounet shyt - J wi é t ‘ q a ” Ae q Aas , then 0 Linky G5 . OY Cha, CRE TEER. TOR tee 9 i} ae y obond { y and vee 4 Pe” pth igtizy HEN ee eee Y : ear | Sea Fe ee i Pye E02 Verte POMC Ya to ak: aise p ie ‘ : rt ate ei ae ‘ gs Wie 4 Me i ; te. %, cel Ly Th. BE TEAR SRY inn e144 < ‘ ‘ : i} . F 4 Jan Pe ae ase? ies ; i ’ i avert deibhioy dite fate _ t : ie Tea : 7 fn del y nt ie + iAore roo lms oe iid aloask ade aiding . : wrtury. Lie ples i se iY Sp ee Verse f P bs -9) eae, Uae We oy yee, £ 1 hii LD Rah aR tie) ee? Oh Wee alicia welt braids Hick. ad ‘ i gee: ry 5 eck eatae th nr e pes 4 Fae ae ree at a Parr é te to. assloals btw tala aids tiie: eink i:
Kigue =
5)
RING OUZEL. Merula torquata, (Zv7/s.)
y
SS s
th
anne,
iS
Lrrdid ty C2
RING OUZEL.
Merula torquata, Briss.
Le Merle a Plastron blanc.
‘« Tux periodical visits of this bird to our coast,” says Mr. Selby, “‘ are contrary to the others of the genus that migrate, viz. the Fieldfare, the Redwing, and the Common Thrush, as it arrives in spring, and immediately resorts to the mountainous districts of England and Scotland, preferring those that are the most stony and Although it doubtless always breeds in the situations above described, it may not unfrequently be seen traversing the hedgerows of cultivated lands during its passage to and from distant climates.
In general form and appearance it strictly resembles the Blackbird, but in its manners it is much more shy and distrustful, rarely admitting itself to be approached. Unlike that bird, it is not observed skulking among bushes, &c., but affects more open situations, which doubtless renders it habitually cautious, as being more
b
barren.’
necessary to its safety. Its voice is somewhat harsh and powerful, consisting of a few notes, which, according to Mr. Selby, are not unlike those of the Missel Thrush. On the Continent it is distributed through most of the northern countries, and is very common in Sweden, France, and Germany ; indeed, with the exception of Holland, it is universally distributed throughout Europe, as well as the adjacent parts of Asia and Africa. Tn all these countries it is said to be migratory; and we may easily conceive the cause of this to be the failure of a supply of food in the peculiar situations it frequents, and the consequent necessity of retiring to a more genial climate, where berries, fruits, and insects may be easily obtained.
The male differs from the female in the greater purity and contrast of his colours. The general plumage is black, each feather having a margin of grey; a broad gorget of pure white extends across the chest; the bill is blackish brown at the tip, and yellow at the base ; legs blackish.
The plumage of the female is more clouded with brownish grey, the pectoral gorget being less extensive and tinged with dusky brown.
The young males closely resemble the adult female, but in young females the gorget is scarcely perceptible.
The Plate represents an adult bird of each sex of the natural size.
AU Re
ty
ed hana
ih Be th k ‘ Mi r mo ,
Drom: trom Natarod on Stone by TE&E Gould.
\ « a} H 4 tg a4
MIGRATORY OUZEL.
Merula migratoria; /<Svacns./
Brnisedl by CHalimarcied
_—
MIGRATORY OUZEL.
Merula migratoria, Swazns.
Le Merle erratique.
Txus beautiful species of Thrush, if not the theme of poets, has nevertheless called forth many spirited and flowing descriptions, the most animated of which are to be found in the works of Wilson, Audubon, and Dr. Richardson. From the latter author we find that few of the feathered race seek a more northern region for the purpose of breeding than the Migratory Ouzel. “It arrives in the Missouri (in lat. 413°), from the east- ward, on the 11th of April; and in the course of its northerly movement, reaches Severn River, in Hudson’s Bay, about a fortnight later. Its first appearance at Carlton House, in lat. 53°, in the year 1827, was on the 22nd of April. In the same season it reached Fort Chepewyan, in lat. 582°, on the 7th of May, and Fort Franklin, in lat 65°, on the 20th of that month. Those that build their nests in the fifty-fourth parallel of latitude, begin to hatch in the end of May; but eleven degrees further to the north, that event is deferred till the 11th of June. The snow even then partially covers the ground; but there is, in those high latitudes, abundance of the berries of the Vaccinium uliginosum and Vitis idea, Arbutus alpina, Empetrum nigrum, and of some other plants, which after having been frozen up all the winter, are exposed, on the first melting of the snow, full of juice and in high flavour. Shortly afterwards, when the callow young require food, the parents obtain abundance of grubs.”
_ When we take into consideration the migratory habits of this bird, and the extreme high northern latitudes it affects, the fact of its occasionally occurring in Europe is not so startling as it would otherwise appear: a single glance at a globe will in fact make it plain to our readers, that when migrating from these high lati- tudes, a slight deviation from its regular course would carry it on to the continent of Europe, where, as we have before stated, it is occasionally seen. In the third part of his ‘ Manuel’ M. Temminck states that it has been killed in Germany; and M. Brehm informs us that it has been seen in the neighbourhood of Vienna. In its affinities we are inclined to consider this bird as a true Merula, or as belonging to that section of the Merulde which includes the Common Blackbird, and we also find that its habits, manners, song, and nidification are much infaccordance with those of that bird. ‘So much,” says M. Audubon, ‘ do certain notes of the Robin (the American name for the Merula migratoria) resemble those of the European Black- bird, that frequently while in England the cry of the latter, as it flew hurriedly off from a hedge-row, reminded me of that of the former when similarly surprised, and while in America the Robin of that country has in the same manner recalled to my recollection the Blackbird of England.”
The sexes are alike in plumage, but the tints of the female are somewhat paler, and she is also smaller in size.
Head and sides of the face deep sooty black; round the eye a circle of white; all the upper surface fuli- ginous grey tinged with brown on the shoulders ; wings and tail blackish brown externally edged with grey ; two outer tail-feathers tipped with white; chin white spotted with brownish black ; breast and under surface reddish orange, each feather delicately fringed with grey ; vent and under tail-coverts mingled white and grey ; bill yellow; irides hazel ; feet pale brown.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
a
I + 4 é + LY . ‘ ? id 7) eye 4 iy aber it rhe ae * € { by { Seas | 4 ¢ : Fe HF: 2 US eins o ‘ f ,
ae Aye
visas :
“*
ele Dae yi
“‘ihy ' ¢
ae ¢ 4
\
= Mir 10 ] \ a +) ‘7. - ak e M ¥ 9 . } " t ‘ HiT OS ye P ; bil rit
PES BROGhAS
7
jus debistias . sdilae: ltd wash ALE
Yaditey anette:
BLACK-THROATED THRUSH. Turdus atrogulans; (Zm-/
Printed by C Ealimandel,
tn
rom Nakare be on Stone ty Je Ca
Dron
BLACK-THROATED THRUSH.
Turdus atrogularis, Temm.
La Merle a gorge noire.
Tuis fine bird is one of the ornithological rarities of the Fauna of Europe : it is, however, a species of common occurrence in the Himalaya mountains, whence we have received numerous examples, differing in no respect from those taken in Europe. Although M. Temminck states that it is a native of Hungary and Russia but rare in Austria and Silesia, we have only seen two native-killed specimens, which are in the collection at Vienna, and one of them was, we believe, killed in the neighbourhood of that city : young birds are also said to have been taken in Germany. From the circumstance of most collections from the Himalaya mountains containing examples of this bird, the fact is clearly established that the northern and higher regions of Asia constitute its native habitat. Our knowledge of this species is so limited that we are unable to state with certainty whether the black gorget is characteristic of the summer plumage, or whether when once acquired it is permanent: we suspect the latter to be the case, as we have received specimens in various stages of plumage, some of which were totally devoid of the black throat, while others had it partially developed ; in all probability these last were females or immature birds.
The whole of the upper surface is brown with a slight tinge of red, the outer edges of the wing-feathers being somewhat lighter ; throat and chest dull black, each feather being slightly margined with white ; belly white ; under tail-coverts rufous brown ; bill dark at the point and yellow at the base; feet brown.
The Plate represents a male and a young male or the female of the natural size.
ag ray,
td . ’ . * by 2 » e H ‘ 7 i | - ’ wv! ° ” i" ° i pe at ’ ' ' ‘ 7 r a re he * ' 2 ri : i * “ { \ b. ‘ 4 u ‘ , . 4 A . - ‘ . ’ , é 4 t a } . “2 p= _' < i ‘ 7 a . , bee t x ‘ he
-_ . 7 ‘ .
¢ * P ‘ : . » 4 . , 4 a rs . g . 7 e . ; «
ee { .
Pal. i +
*. "7 1-3 a’ > ‘ . : 1 ' w : 2 i wee A th : ‘i ® ’ a + ) i 4 * ; 4 4 :
ie 7 ee = * aly. ag
FIELDFARE.
: Turdus puaris, (Lint)
Hi Jee ne Nedved om Stone by 4 aL, Contd, : Lurid ly C Lhidlmandes
FIELDFARE.
Turdus pilaris, Lenn.
Le Merle litorne.
Tue Feldfare is only a winter visitant of the British Islands and the temperate parts of Europe, arriving in autumn and departing northwards in the spring, its native habitat being the regions adjacent to the arctic circle, such as Sweden, Lapland, the Northern parts of Russia, Norway, &c., where, according to Mr. Hewit- son of Newcastle, it is very abundant. From this gentleman’s interesting and very valuable work on the eggs of British Birds, we have made the following extract : ‘We were soon delighted by the discovery of several of their nests, and were surprised to find them, so contrary to the habits of other species of the genus with which we are acquainted, breeding in society. Their nests were at various heights from the ground, from four feet to thirty or forty feet or upwards, mixed with old nests of the preceding year. They were, for the most part, placed against the trunk of the spruce fir; some were, however, at a considerable distance from it, upon the upper surface and towards the smaller end of the thicker branches. They resemble most nearly those of the Ring Ouzel: the outside is composed of sticks, and coarse grass and weeds gathered wet, matted together with a small quantity of clay, and lined with a thick bed of fine dry grass. The eggs are five and sometimes six in number, very like those of the Blackbird and Ring. Ouzel. The Fieldfare is the most abundant bird in Norway, building as above described in society, two hundred nests or more being frequently found within a very small space.”
After the breeding season is past, and when the severities of winter set in over those northern regions, vast flocks congregate together and pass gradually southwards till they find a locality affording the necessary means of subsistence ; hence, in our locality they spread themselves over fields and pasture lands in search of worms, grubs, and insects, retreating to thick hedges, where various berries supply them food, when the snow precludes their other means of support. Unlike the Song Thrush they are shy and wary, not allow- ing themselves to be approached, but taking wing and wheeling off in a body to some distant spot. This shy- ness of disposition, together with the harshness of their note, assimilates them strongly to the Missel Thrush, which in fact they closely resemble, except in their gregarious habits.
The sexual differences in the Fieldfare are so trifling as to be scarcely perceptible; indeed, it requires anatomical examination to ascertain the distinction.
The Fieldfare generally leaves us in March or April, and, as far as we know, there are no instances of their having bred in our island. Their powers of song are very moderate, and their common call note very like that. of: the Shrikes.
Their flesh is by many held in considerable esteem, and hence they are often eagerly pursued by the gunner, a circumstance which, if we mistake not, conduces much to their timid and suspicious habits.
In size, the Fieldfare is next to the Missel Thrush, but possesses a style of colouring peculiar to itself. The head, lower part of the neck and rump cinereous grey; the top of the back and wing-coverts chestnut brown ; space between the beak and the eye black; a greyish white streak passes above the eyes ; the throat and breast light rufous brown, with lanceolate black spots ; the feathers of the flanks are blotched with black and bordered with white ; the abdomen pure white ; tail black, the outer feathers being inclined to grey ; bill bright orange, with a black tip; tarsi black.
The Plate represents an adult bird of the natural size.
an pug ee ee ie Lr al Seis oli wii
f "i Be Zi ; : pee thet : : a ne ae ae P ae pee eg? re 4 ae Eh ~ nee oI oo ae sa | i CAPE he fs Dt 30 : 7 + ey t bdah TUR erie at Lae) th pet (a: weet al ARE at ig tani tei 4 iqtiel te 8 elie: ae oihtset si - aus 1 alt it abr loay: quekt eae tet Pears wglaaity arg ee 4b Ass ot bushi T 3 abyavret A bs a “atyid . 3 r He # A : d DES Otis E Pyyehs deg: VIM ate aie Pat 4 wn jy 7) tiene ee oe eet aa Bhd Saget iitiqd 2ootepa bete ak
‘ i “uF , - _ “3 ‘ +: a . ae i ‘ i 7 ‘ PURI Hae RE d a a - “ i} tints | rao at Bik i, af’ iff es
been 'f “otal aretha. esenne Herth | Rae iy Hie! 8
iy ; ; Valeri ep a be if ih: otsaegte tahoe teh shi: «At reeneedd enclilt ts |
‘ ‘ re it’ 14 ne Sheet Wade st eTaity hows obi : add :: atiden j ; <3 shih ots j : } ‘ : Bi tengt eqit bal as ashi a5.8 * ‘s
av
MISSEL THRUSH.
Turdus viscivorus. (Len/.
Drawn trom lige and on Stone ty LE, Cauda, . Lrintad by C Hulimanied.
Genus TURDUS. Auct.
Gen. Cuar. Beak moderate, emarginated, compressed and arched at its point. Upper mandible slightly notched. Gape furnished with a few bristles. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, partly closed by a naked membrane. Evternal toe joined at its base to the middle one,
which is shorter than the tarsus. First gwll-feather very short ; third or fourth the longest.
MISSEL THRUSH.
Turdus viscivorus, Lenn.
La Draine.
Tuts bird has derived its appellation from the alleged circumstance of its feeding upon the berries of the Misseltoe ; and we place it at the head of the genus as being the largest, and exhibiting the generic characters in the greatest perfection. Of all the Thrushes, the present species is the most extensively spread over the older continent, being not only found in Europe, but also in that altitude of the Himalaya Mountains and the high lands of Asia which afford a temperature similar to our own. Thinly dispersed over the British Isles, the Missel Thrush is a solitary and unsocial bird, differing considerably in its habits from the common favourite, which delights to dwell within the cultivated precincts of our shrubberies and gardens. Affecting remote situations, it retires from the haunts of human society to pasture lands, wide commons or meadows skirted by orchards or groves, feeding, like its generic companions, on snails, worms and the larve of insects, during the months of spring and summer, but resorts to berries, especially those of the mountain ash, the haw, and, according to authors, the misseltoe, when autumn and winter deprive it of more esteemed fare. It is one of our earliest breeders, the commencement of March being the season of incubation ; the place of nidification being sometimes orchard trees, at others those of more lofty growth, such as the elm or oak; and the nest, with a view to its concealment, is artfully placed either close against the stem or in a fork of one of the larger branches, being composed on the outside of coarse lichen, gray moss, or such dried vegetables as are found on the spot and accord with the colour of the tree: the materials are carelessly interwoven. Within this outside covering is a layer of mud neatly lined with fine grasses ; the female laying five eggs of a pale blueish white spotted with dull red.
As this bird is one of our earliest breeders, so also may the note of the male be heard the earliest in the spring, while, perched at the top of some tall tree, he serenades his mate with loud discordant sounds, which consist of monotonous unpleasant notes, repeated by the hour together. The Missel Thrush is very pugna- cious during the breeding season, attacking all birds indiscriminately should they intrude within a certain distance of his nest. After this period we have seen the Missel Thrush collected in small companies, but never in such congregated numbers as the migratory species of the genus.
The male and female differ from each other so little in size and colour, that one description will serve for both: the young, however, have their feathers edged with a darker colour, which soon disappears, when the plumage assumes the adult colouring.
The weight of the Missel Thrush is near five ounces ; its total length eleven inches.
The whole of the upper surface is of an ashy brown ; between the beak and eye the feathers are grayish white. The under-surface is white, more or less tinged with yellowish red varied with barb-shaped brown spots, which become more oval on the lower parts ; wing-coverts edged and tipped with white; the three outer tail-feathers ending in a lighter colour ; beak and legs yellowish white, the former the darkest.
The annexed Plate represents an adult male in its spring plumage.
veh Sibeneg att iis hovnkerts a ‘paicaa: Be : demvink cfnaiend dinea ebay rf veut a sive fsakalh
“2 | r F S . w ine Shi add ud sen! 06 18 Crowiay, tok bin eet me . a ‘ *, 4 ory Pa . - dergeol adi ited ro die | rreths ee -eolih Aline wb - a : v J ae : ahah 7 Atha ' r oa: ; . ; i ’ “4 Hevea Re CCI aaah, fee bee. «EE Ge | - a ) ate ; 2 ot ee \ ; ae . : i - We =< - sah iC ate ivivin | : : : ce MLL . te : 2. a ‘ ii ial i = i (a ; +s yt, ‘ ’ f - : i j : * <a ae Bes ¥* + ty “nial ade. gage D0) ee TO salen fh he Gee Mae? ceuvtie tig Gd, ae Nepertare wing trail whee | vid gi : F 4 i ‘aa; : P A P ' Z m wit gaitiidxe faa ferwoed a uote xe cneow a(t To fital) welt tic TP anely +00 Sie G4nioserie Sie ; Sia i es er , ’ ; f. fae quis thereaaess Mou Sie AL ear det yur a ie te ad Bee Ve. arte ule faire ae ie AS rie ‘wc i 7 : ‘ 13 Li h (PhEtiLs It lo sheila ‘ t qr 5 ' it. we . mri’ felar aut eee | . ; a S OA) A908 frist mh vid © JER fey pt ia 4 aT iS pe ivliie tiie Pe Vy alvin 3 i i wie + 4 ' ¥ : ey ts A f fF - j ~.* [ | eer aay ait £ 6 chdlitabiniinice Gee te find fneaed fan yuaniie & at HL k bean dity acho filak °* ‘ : ¥ r ' F “3 ' ¢ vs a “seitt | ne yes. [ieyase vipa te 4 Haviiys Der amie ain od nit rl l¥ ified 7 i! Fi . I " Wht > olive ofiial ot Fe nt he erty ol afaik avi bit ats HH t : : ’ i-ie i iy iu ia if tj i ay “iNnTD itt Gil Wii herp? Ayvitr > Aen f = ' F ’ , 4 e.? * ' , f e . « - ay . eae OTe ee Ke aoa EP aseeo Ae: b edage Jad jootatae Ba anithp To ante al seta vial fiqagistes atom To te aye tative fe alin coil tadetay oft enidign of siibiisok fae tal P ; aay SAD, £ OUNCE TO) ie au OE LTS ee 4d singed wit artes idl joules te ke olen 28 HE se fF 7 5 7 ind ‘t ( ' die mapa! rar ® f b ¥ ‘ ¥ ' sj a ae os } ! A : 7 } £ehl ; 4 i i ‘e79 i if tri") sit + fy J y “PLLA ; ; LY i wiry i r7e iL.¥ eb eG é \? CAPD Wiles Lit t . = . re ¥.¢ ' Pa. UT to j ‘a cs a a Page . fe ( uly dive Ietitiepe aficlve acute i Sul seaiburs tp Bah ad shoe ils m ston 307. youl oale ae rat, ind tothe te to ato oi Cernd atch aft dolby a mega Mrabto sails lied dive stare cid aritacaess J Ayeyyt Gt pees woe Si Bi ‘haf ‘Sid Jalivive ett ie a 7 a b : ’ #.. - os \ a y : 4 : ; ee E ~fihRE Ceve bl ee ih banilli yeh wk ‘eid oft of hains Prt sent iene fis if - etnies ice Sages 4 3,4 ot Fix. ¢ re a 4 P . « =, ‘ ‘ : F. ‘ x ihe, ripe ooee ok chthew finder rach bleh rife ah AY thers avind ila weet Ay ise circa ith at} Bleue a1 a a, « F, -_ a ae — it ote a < * - 7 rr eo * * ¥ “at 7 fod snes tata at Sotsalloa dian ty anally Ae ase weit ae hotiog aldt TA. -.tege aid lor oneuitalts : 7 ' ; : - * * i‘ a i i ~ . - F ~ ESS aa ‘TRUR Vidas ait Mi av ferunsie po yo ty) a AE Pee ; at 3rie itive spite wisdls dad forlj una Ss het 6 iE ee iahia duet cuit s9ftih olantet bes. sleet aE: e « a j r =" P ¢ a ) / ont vita: agate! ial we cdiilon ets 1O2 pie HM fiw trials eqearh)y 2b Te “ee if Py ‘youl REUSE othe di 7 A - Fy 7 - > oF oe : : .” Sahiohes stohe ond a aa en e a. img « 4°° P ‘on _ xiloai cvests dfesiak (ated alt = RITLIY “AN fi “ue tia ei dgn i fe athe fy a ihgiave att, © + deivese 248 veodiag sift o7e One Ad it aoeeded 5 one wen we te uf sont Tae rae nit. ated aH ’ . i - { ' ’ % t L: avertctale | faethe dite fetiat bare a igliog Aileeb agit h aaah tee dyagie onli ae, 2 308 J2lae see “wide } : 4 TL re ide? Dani fiat Dorolioe ahraroi-sitie’ sari? naGl ad) wa feta ras sentient eee ™ 7 " ‘ ps y , ‘is nw wow sh) otha datyrotley evel healed, ¢ iveli, cbt i we ge ities ai
.
var ed taleg pit ity aii ad atin J iuslia ie. Gia means oc = “. 7 ee
SONG THRUSH.
1L.Turdus musicus; /Leunmw./
Drown from Life b on Stone by Tbe Le. Gould. y .
REDWING. 2. Turdus [hacus; /“Zenn-/
Lune ty CBdimandel,
SONG THRUSH.
Turdus musicus, Linn.
La Merle grive.
Tuus universal favourite appears to inhabit every country in Europe, which may be considered its true habitat. It may be taken as a typical example of the true Thrushes, which, as a tribe, are numerously dispersed over a great portion of the globe: the temperate countries of America afford us several examples of this particular form ; both Asia and Africa as well as the Indian Islands having also their melodious Thrush. It is very generally dispersed over the wooded districts of the British Islands, and is particularly partial to shrubberies and thick hedge-rows. It is by no means fearful or suspicious of man, confidently venturing within the precincts ot gardens and orchards, where its bold, varied and energetic song secures it good-will and protection. It builds its nest early in the spring a few feet from the ground, in any tree or shrub within the immediate vicinity of its haunt. Its nest is outwardly constructed of coarse moss intermingled with dead leaves and grasses ; the inside is neatly covered with a composition of cow-dung, light vegetable mould, and clay ; and without any other lining the female deposits her eggs, which are usually four or five in number, of a beautiful blue colour spotted with black.
The habits of the Song Thrush differ materially from those of the Redwing and Fieldfare. It is not gregarious ; and although numbers annually arrive here from more northern countries, they scatter themselves singly over the fields and thickets in search of that food which the season affords. As the severities of winter approach, numbers appear to continue their migrations still further south; but it rarely occurs that our island is left entirely destitute.
The young at an early age assume the markings and general appearance of the parent birds: the difference in plumage which the sexes present is so trifling as to be scarcely distinguishable.
Their food consists of worms, insects, snails (more especially the Heliv nemorahs), and fruits.
The head and upper parts are of a brownish olive; sides of the neck and breast of a pale yellow, the latter varied with arrow-shaped spots of rich brown; centre of the belly white ; under wing-coverts pale reddish- orange, but neither so deep or decided in colour as in the Redwing ; base of the bill and legs light brown ; tip of the bill inclining to black.
Our Plate represents an adult bird in mature plumage.
REDWING.
Turdus Iliacus, Linn.
La Merle mauvis.
Tuus bird is strictly a migratory species ; for although it frequently remains with us for the greater part of the year, viz. from October till May or June, it invariably retires to the pine forests of Norway and Lapland for the purpose of breeding. It is rather inferior in size to the Thrush, and unlike that bird is gregarious, visiting us in the autumn in flocks of considerable numbers, and when the weather is mild frequenting pasture lands, feeding on insects, worms, &c. On the approach of frost, it subsists on the berries of the white thorn, mountain-ash, and ivy, the last of which it is very partial to, particularly in the spring. We have seen this plant in the month of May, entirely stript of its fruit by the Redwing. We have often known this bird perish from starvation when the winter has set in early and severe, in which case they subsist as long as there are any berries remaining on the trees before named ; but when this resource fails, they have not strength to proceed further south, and inevitably perish.
The habits of the Redwing are much more shy and suspicious than those of the Thrush. It evinces a great partiality for tall trees and woods, and never lives in low hedges and bushes like the Thrush. Its song is sunilar to that of the Thrush, with the exception of being less powerful ; it often sings sweetly before it leaves us for its more congenial and favourite breediug places.
Head and whole of the upper surface olive brown; the space between the bill and the eye dark brown, intermingled with yellow ; a streak of yellowish white extends over the eye; sides of the neck and flanks white with obscure blotches of brown ; belly pure white ; under wing-coverts reddish orange ; legs light brown ; the sexes present no external differences.
We have figured an adult male of its natural size.
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Tatu SHeTiag ate Ya palpi laTeron atl Mot aot, » ithe +
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fey ete tevigs elie $8 hears ~ adit Ws, wenefit agit ee a dered fon ie becngisegs ihe
bien ee e. on Wines s | mith
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-
ei Mies eT? oA ei 1a Toe
NAUMAN'’S THRUSH.
Turdus Naumannu,/wm/
Lravinyron Nature & on Sune ty S&L. Gonld. Lrnted ty C iallmandel.
NAUMANN’S THRUSH.
Turdus Naumann, Temm.
Le Merle Naumann.
So directly intermediate is this bird between the Fieldfare and Redwing, that had we not seen numerous examples we should have been inclined to consider it either an accidental variety or a hybrid produced between these two well-known birds. Although it does not occur in Europe so frequently as is mentioned by M. Temminck, still we have seen it in Continental collections; one in particular we recollect to have observed in the Museum at Munich, which was killed near that city: it appeared to he fully adult, and was in beautiful preservation. From the little information we could obtain respecting it, we can state with certainty that it is a species of the greatest rarity, visiting only the eastern portions of the Continent alone, and at very indefinite periods. It is strange that we have never observed a single specimen among the vast collections which have been sent home from India during the last few years, although that country directly intervenes between the eastern portions of Europe and Japan, where it is abundant. Two fine examples collected in the latter country have been transmitted to us by our valued friend M. Temminck ; these specimens offer little or no difference from the bird in the Munich Museum, of which our Plate is an accurate representation.
Of its habits and nidification nothing is known ; but in its general economy, food, &c., it doubtless resembles the other members of the group.
The sexes are scarcely distinguishable by their plumage; the female, like those of the Fieldfare and Red- wing, being only somewhat smaller in size, and rather less bright and decided in her markings.
Top of the head, ear-coverts, and upper surface deep brown, each feather being edged with reddish, which red tint becomes more conspicuous on the rump, scapularies, and secondaries ; a stripe of pale buff passes from the base of the bill over the eye; throat and upper part of the breast very pale buff; the sides of the neck ornamented with fine arrow-shaped markings of brown; chest and flanks dark brown, each feather broadly bordered with greyish white; belly white; under tail-coverts buff; tail and primaries dark brown, the outer edges of the tail-feathers tinged with reddish ; feet light brown ; bill light brown at the base, passing into dark brown at the tip.
The Plate represents a male of the natural size.
titted Wenhaeny ti ibs 7a i ohh iy gtd thy prea aye | iplactie enue aie
i
<< ; akan ee Ab
PALLIDM THRUS H. Turdus. palhdus ; (7d /
Lramyrom ANd: 01 Stone oy JEL, Cond.
PALLID THRUSH.
. Turdus pallidus, Pail. Le Merle blafard.
Tue claim of this bird to a place in the Fauna of Europe, says M. Temminck, (from whom we received the specimen from which our figure was taken,) is based on the capture of three individuals, one of which was taken in September 1823, near Herzberg in Saxony. It is one of the many discoveries made by Pallas, whose merits as a naturalist are too well known to require our praise.
Like the Turdus Stbericus this bird is extremely common in Japan, whence, through the kindness of M. Temminck, we have received several examples: it is also spread over the whole of Siberia, and occasionally passes the boundary line and visits the centre of Europe.
Of its habits, manners, and nidification nothing is known, but in these respects it doubtless closely resem- bles the other members of the genus.
The whole of the upper surface is of an olive brown; ear-coverts brown with a faint line of white down the centre of each feather; tips of the wing-coverts yellowish, forming a band across the wing; sides of the throat pale reddish brown blotched with white; chest and flanks pale reddish brown, the former ornamented with numerous spots of a darker tint; throat, centre of the abdomen, and under tail-coverts white; two outer tail-feathers largely tipped with whitish on their inner web; bill and feet light brown.
We possess other specimens in which the spots on the breast are wanting, and the white of the throat and abdomen is less pure; but whether this difference is occasioned by sex or age we are unable to determine.
We have figured the bird in both states of the natural size.
b
t: tee LiL
1k AfOC ay CT
P entiohda
Lewam from Nacarekon §
2
ONOY,
WHITE'S THRUSH. Turdus Whiter; (Zyéon./
———
WHITE’S THRUSH.
Turdus Whitei, Eyton. Le Merle de White.
Turex specimens of this rare bird having been killed in Europe, two on the banks of the Elbe near Hamburgh, and a third which was shot by Lord Malmesbury at Heron Court in Hampshire, in January, 1828, we have deemed it necessary to include a figure of it in the present work. ©
While at Hamburgh we were fortunate enough to obtain one of the specimens taken there, from the person who had it, in a fresh state ; this specimen now forms a part of the collection of T. B. L. Baker, Esq., of Hardwicke Court, Gloucester, who doubtless values it as one of the greatest rarities of his collection. Although we have placed this bird in the genus which comprehends the true Thrushes (the type of which is the Zurdus musicus, Linn.), still we doubt not that this bird, with the Zurdus varius of Dr. Horsfield and another from New South Wales, will be found to constitute a well-marked and distinct group among the Merulide. ¥rom the greater length of their wings, we are led to believe that these birds possess very consi- derable powers of flight, and that in all probability they are strictly migratory in their habits. When com- pared with the true Thrushes a considerable difference may be observed in the form and length of the tail, and also in the tarsi and toes.
In its general size the Zurdus White: exceeds by almost a fifth the Zurdus varius, while the bill is much smaller: the length of the wing in Mr. Baker’s specimen of Turdus Whitei is six inches and three quarters, while that of the Zwrdus varius and of the species from New South Wales scarcely exceeds five inches and a half. The great difference in size and the smaller bill will be sufficient to establish the specific value of this fine bird, which has with much propriety been dedicated to the celebrated and kind-hearted White, whose work on the Natural History of Selborne is not only fraught with instruction, but has given a decided impetus to the study of this branch of knowledge in this country. This species is very common in Japan, and is in all probability dispersed over a great part of Southern Siberia.
Crown of the head, back of the neck, back, rump, and upper tail-coverts light yellowish brown, each feather tipped with a crescent-shaped mark of blackish brown ; wing-coverts and tertiaries dark brown tipped with buffy brown; spurious wing dark blackish brown, crossed in the middle by a band of buff; primaries dark brown on their inner webs, and buffy brown on the outer; four central and two outer tail-feathers pale brown, the latter tipped with whitish; the remainder blackish brown; throat, centre of the abdomen, and under tail-coverts white; the remainder of the under surface pale buff, each feather passing into deep buff near the tip and terminating in a crescent of blackish brown ; bill and feet light brown.
Our figure is of the natural size.
prea },
y
i pet Hie Z fe
: > . 5 <a i ir kee CELE tink : iy yes me ‘he " i
i igang cH 4 tyne “as os) a tea Bae a Gosia fisehtinaa’ Hy TO ok Dy
ul
ibe eR | ie at \ ae ee le
et ae he
‘ | ; v Pe ‘ . fia | , | ' . 7 ’ J ao Pai) | | at wit ast :
Dream fram Nuatoveks on Stone by Jk B. Goad,
SIBERIAN THRUSH. Turdus Sibencus, (Aad/:/
Printed by C Hedimamded.
SIBERIAN THRUSH.
Turdus Sibericus, Pall.
"¢>;, Le Merle a sourcils blancs. -.
Tuts fine and rare Thrush was first described by Pallas as an inhabitant of Siberia, but on referring to the works of this author, his account of this species is so meagre that no information whatever is given relative to its habits and manners, except that, like the other members of the genus, it possesses considerable powers of song.
Were we more intimately acquainted with its economy, we doubt not that it would be found to differ in some slight degree from that of the common species, as from the peculiar silkiness and dark colouring of its plumage, together with its shorter tail, we cannot fail to observe a considerable difference in their form ; and in all probability the Tidus Sibericus will prove to be the intermediate form connecting the members of the genus Petrocincla with the true Thrushes, especially if, on investigation, it should be ascertained that the bird evinces a partiality for rocky situations.
From Siberia, where it inhabits the wooded mountains, it has been known occasionally to stray into Russia and the Crimea, and hence it becomes necessary to add it to the list of European birds. Besides these loca- lities we can also state that it is a very common bird in Japan.
The female may be readily distinguished from the male by having a lighter-coloured head and neck, which, with the whole of the under-surface, is spotted much after the manner of the typical members of the genus Turdus.
The specimens from which our figures are taken were kindly forwarded to us by M. Temminck, and may be thus described :
Male: forehead, crown of the head, and nape deep black; over each eye a broad stripe of white; all the remainder of the plumage brownish black, each feather edged with slaty grey ; bill and feet brown.
Female: forehead, crown of the head, and nape deep brown; chin and throat pale buff; sides of the face and neck and all the under surface slaty grey irregularly spotted with buffy white; tips of the feathers on the centre of the abdomen, vent, and under tail-coverts tipped with dull white ; primaries and secondaries brown ; the remainder of the plumage as in the male but lighter.
We have figured an adult male and female of the natural size.
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Genus CINCLUS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak slender, slightly bent upwards, compressed, cutting edges bending inwards ; upper mandible notched at the tip. Nostrils at the sides of the base, naked, cleft length- wise, partly covered by a membrane. Legs short ; toes three before, one behind, the outer toe joined at its base to the middle one. Wings short ; the first quill not half the length of the second, which is also shorter than the third and fourth.
WATER OUZEL.
Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst.
Le Cincle plongeur.
Tue genus Cinclus, as far as our knowledge at present extends, is very limited, including only three species, of which one is a native of the Himalayan mountains, another of Mexico, and the third (the subject now under consideration, ) is peculiar, we believe, to Europe, where it is dispersed among the mountainous districts of the Continent and also of our own island.
The lonely, secluded, and indeed local situations in which this bird resides, have prevented our becoming familiar with its habits and manners, which, from their extraordinary and novel character, merit a more strict attention than they have hitherto received. We here allude to the power which the Water Ouzel possesses of diving and remaining submersed beneath the water while in search of food,—habits which, though they have generally attracted the notice of naturalists, have not received that close and philosophical scrutiny which the subject deserves; and we would recommend, to those who have the opportunity, a close study of this bird in a state of nature ; for, however unqualified it may appear to be for such habits, it is undoubtedly capable of descending to the bottom of streams and rivers, for the purpose of prosecuting its search after insects and larvae which are the inhabitants of the stony bottoms of mountain streams.
As far as the fact of its submersion goes, we have ourselves many times witnessed it; but have never been able to mark unobserved the actions of the bird under water, so as to say whether it is by a powerful effort that it keeps itself submersed, or whether it is completely at its ease as some have asserted.
The Water Ouzel is a spirited and restless little bird, full of life and activity, flitting from stone to stone along the borders of streams ; and it is especially fond of perching upon any rock that happens to be elevated in the centre of the current, where, conspicuous by its white breast, it may be observed dipping its head and jerking its tail in a manner not unlike that of the Wren, at one moment pouring forth a lively twittering song, (and that even in the depth of winter, when the earth is covered with snow, ) and at the next diving down, and rising again at a considerable distance. When so disposed, its flight is straight, low and rapid,—in fact, much like the Kingfisher, and it is equally solitary in its habits. It is, however, seldom found in the same situations as the Kingfisher, the latter being a frequenter of streams which flow through a fertile country, while the Water Ouzel is peculiar to the rapid and limpid streams which descend the mountain sides, and run through glens at their base.
This interesting little bird builds its nest in the fissures of the rough stones and ridges which are common in such localities, and among the large loose stones of the margin. The nest is ably constructed of the various mosses and grasses nearest to hand, and covered with a dome, like that of the Wren: the eggs are from five to seven in number, of a pure and delicate white. The birds having arrived at maturity, neither undergo any peculiar changes in the plumage, nor exhibit external sexual differences. The young, however, are more brown on the upper surface, and the white extends over the whole of the abdomen, interrupted by little markings of brown, which become darker as they proceed.
In our islands we must look for the Water Ouzel in Wales (where we had the pleasure of obtaining the individuals from which the figures in the accompanying Plate were taken), Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and all the northern hilly counties. On the Continent it is extensively spread among the alpine and mountainous districts from Russia to Italy.
The upper surface is of a strong blackish brown, each feather having its outer edge black ; the throat and chest are pure white ; the abdomen rufous ; the beak black ; irides hazel.
Our Plate represents an adult, and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.
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BLACK: BELLIED WATER OUALI .
Cinclus melanogaster; / 7w/
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BLACK-BELLIED WATER OUZEL.
Cinclus melanogaster, Brehm.
La Cincle a ventre noir.
A specimen of M. Brehm’s Cinclus melanogaster having been transmitted to us by M. Temminck, we have ventured to give a figure of it, although we agree with the latter gentleman in questioning its specific value ; it therefore remains for a future knowledge of its habits and manners to decide whether it may be considered as distinct, or only a variety dependent upon difference of climate and locality. In its general size and relative admeasurements it is rather less than the common species (Cinclus aquaticus), and is of a deeper colour both on the upper and under surfaces. According to M. Brehm it inhabits the north-eastern parts of the Continent, visiting in very severe winters the coasts of the Baltic, and is neither shy in its habits nor distrustful of the presence of man.
Its food consists of insects and their larvee.
The head, back of the neck, and all the under surface deep chocolate black ; the feathers of the back dark grey in the centre, with broad black edgings; wings and tail black ; throat and chest white; feet dark brown ; bill blackish brown.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
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PALIAS’S WATER OUAKIL. Cinclus Pallasu; (Zéz20/
LDrawnfrom Natare & on Stone by S&L Could. Lronted bu C Hallmvande
PALLAS’S WATER OUZEL.
Cinclus Pallasu, Term.
La Cincle de Pallas.
In the third part of his ‘ Manuel d’Ornithologie,’ we find M. Temminck has included this rare species of Water Ouzel as an occasional visitant to the eastern confines of Europe, more particularly the Crimea and those portions of European Russia contiguous to the Asiatic continent. In our ‘Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains’ will be found a figure of this species as an inhabitant of the glenny streams of that fine country. Since the publication of that work we have received specimens of the young, as well as additional examples of the adult, and our present Plate is consequently rendered more complete and of greater interest by containing a representation of the bird in its young state, which on comparison will be found to possess a plumage very similar to that of the common species (Cinelus aquaticus). In the specimen from which our figure was taken, and which had nearly attained its full size, there was not the slightest trace of the chocolate colouring which characterizes the adult; in all probability therefore the change is effected by a total loss of the feathers early in the following spring, or at the second moult.
M. Temminck has favoured us with specimens of the Japan Water Ouzel, which differ so slightly from those killed in India as not, in our opinion, to admit of their being separated ; it may be observed, however, that the Japan specimens are rather darker in colour, and that this difference is even perceptible in the young of the two species. .
Whether the Cinclus Pallasu offers any material difference in its habits and manners from those of the British Water Ouzel we are unable to state, but in all probability they are very similar.
The adult is of an uniform chocolate brown, with the feet and bill black.
The young has the whole of the plumage of a fuliginous grey with numerous crescent-shaped markings of pale greyish white, which are most numerous on the throat, giving it a whitish appearance; feet and bill black.
We have figured an adult and a young bird of the natural size.
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ROCK THRUSH. Petrocmela saxatilis, / Vig/.
LFrinted by ©. Ludomandeh:
Genus PETROCINCLA.
Gren. Cuar. Beak stout, straight, the ridge arched at the point. Nostri/s basal, round, partly covered with hairs. Wings of middle length; the first guéd/-feather very short, or almost spurious, the third the longest, the second a little shorter. Feet moderate, somewhat strong; the acrotarst and paratars: perfect. Tazl equal.
Type of the genus, Turdus saxatilis, Linn.
ROCK THRUSH.
Petrocincla saxatilis, Vegors.
Le Merle de Roche.
Tue Rock Thrushes, of which the present may be taken as a good example, differ so much from the more typical birds of the family, in form as well as in habits, manners and the localities they frequent, as to justify their being raised to the rank of a genus. This was hinted at by M. Temminck, who formed them into a section, which section has been subsequently established as a genus by Mr. Vigors, under the name of Petrocincla.
These birds, instead of dwelling in groves and woods,—a circumstance which so peculiarly characterizes the Thrushes in general,—affect the rugged and inaccessible declivities of rocks and mountains, for which their form is adapted ; the shortness of their tails and the length of tarsi indicating them to be among those birds which live more exclusively on the open ground. In many respects they manifest a relationship to the Saaicole, between which and the rest of the Merulhde they seem to constitute a link of union, forming also a close alliance with various groups of ground Thrushes from other portions of the globe.
The present species is an inhabitant of the central and eastern portions of Europe, confining itself almost exclusively to the rocky and mountainous districts, especially the Alps, the Apennines, the Pyrenees, and some of the higher mountains in France. In such situations it incubates, constructing a nest of moss and herbage in clefts of the rock, among masses of loose stones, or in old ruins, laying four eggs of a pure greenish blue. M. Cuvier, in the short notice he gives of this bird in his Régne Animal, states that the male is distin- guished by its beautiful song ; but into any minute details respecting its manners and peculiarities, we do not profess ourselves able to enter, and it is a matter of regret, that those who have had so many opportunities of becoming acquainted with its habits, &c., in its native haunts, should have given us such meagre accounts respecting them.
The examples which have come into our hands prove it to be a species that undergoes several remarkable changes of plumage, which we cannot better explain than by availing ourselves, in our text, of the description given by M. Temminck, who appears to have paid a close attention to the subject.
‘In the adult male, the head and neck are of an ashy blue, darkening on the upper part of the back into black clouded with blue; below this a large white space extends as low as the upper tail-coverts, which are also black. The shoulders black; the quill-feathers dark brown ; the tail ferruginous red, except the two middle feathers, which are rufous brown ; the chest and whole of the under surface bright ferruginous, each feather, especially those of the inferior tail-coverts, being obscurely tipped with white ; beak blackish ; legs brown. Length seven inches and a half.”
‘¢ The females have the whole of the upper parts brown ; on the back are several large whitish markings bordered with brown; the throat and sides of the neck of a pure white ;” but it often happens that the feathers of that part are edged with ashy brown ; the rest of the inferior surface is of a reddish white, with fine transverse bars at the tip of each feather; tail of a light red, with the two middle feathers of an ashy brown.
The young of the year are, again, altogether different. The whole of the upper parts are ashy brown mottled with whitish grey; the end of each feather marked with a white spot; the quill-feathers and coverts are darker, the feathers forming the coverts having a grey border and whitish ends; tail red, lighter in colour at the extremity ; the under parts very similar in colour to those of the adult female, but with more of white varied with red, and a multitude of irregular markings of brown.
Its food consists of Scarabzei and other insects, as well as wild berries.
Our Plate represents a male and female in full plumage.
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THRUSH.
Petrocmcla cyanus, /
BLUE
(g:)
N & X S
BLUE THRUSH.
Petrocincla cyanus, V 2g.
Le Merle bleu.
Like its congener, the Rock Thrush (Perocincla saxatilis), the present species is a native of the rocky and mountainous districts of. Europe, particularly towards the south, being very abundant in Piedmont and the Apennines, and also of common occurrence throughout Spain, Sardinia, Italy and the Levant. It is met with also in the South of France, but is rare in Switzerland. India and China produce a bird in every respect identical, with the exception of size, those which are received from Asia being considerably smaller than their European representative. Although the congenial habitat of the Blue Thrush is the rocky scenery of mountain chains, among which it breeds and remains throughout the year, still in many of its characters it seems to constitute a link between the more typical form of the genus Petrocincla and that of the true Thrushes, which latter it approaches in the proportions of the tarsi and tail. In the typical Petrocincle, (P. savatiis, for example,) the tarsi are strong and very elongated; but the tail is short, a conformation in harmony with strictly terrestrial habits. In the present bird, the tarsi are more moderate and the tail more developed; still, however, as its habits, style of plumage and general outline declare, it is in every sense a member of the genus in which it is now placed.
The Blue Thrush is shy and solitary, dwelling with its mate in the still and sequestered recesses of the rocks, in the clefts of which it builds its nest, though this is not always the case, as it often chooses the crumbling walls of lonely towers or buildings, and sometimes the holes of trees, in which to rear its young. The eggs are dull greenish white. Its food, like that of its congener, consists of grasshoppers, large insects in general, and wild berries.
The male and female exhibit considerable difference in their plumage, the young males of the year resembling the latter. In the adult male, the whole of the upper surface is of a deep greyish blue, many of the feathers being margined with grey; the wings and tail are black ; the under surface is of a lighter blue than the upper, with obscure narrow bars of brown edged with white on the chest and abdomen ; the beak and tarsi are black.
The female has the whole of the upper surface brown, obscurely barred with ash colour ; the wings and tail blackish brown, each feather having a blueish margin ; the throat light brown, the feathers tipped and edged with black; the chest and under surface varied with light brown, grey and black, in pointed scales and transverse bars.
The young males may be seen in various stages between this style of colouring and the rich blue of the bird in its maturity.
The Plate represents a male and female in their adult plumage, of the natural size.
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BLACK WHEATEAR. Saxicola cachinnans; (7 cm /
BLACK WHEATEAR.
Saxicola cachinnans, Temm.
Le Traquet rieur.
Axruoucu the most proper situation for this fine species is doubtless among the true Wheatears (Sazicole), yet its greater size, robust bill, and more short and rounded wings, indicate a departure from the typical form, and an approximation to some other group, which at present we have not been able distinctly to make out ; we suspect, however, that the group to which it will ultimately be found to lead is one of the terrestrial division of the family of Meruhde. Though one of the birds of Europe, we cannot include it in our native fauna: it, is indeed, confined to the southern portions of the Continent, and is common at Gibraltar, where it is known annually to breed; it is also found in all the rocky and arid districts of Spain, Sicily, and the islands of the Mediterranean, as well as on the opposite coast of Africa. Judging from its form alone, we should be led to consider that the present species is not migratory, a supposition which is confirmed by its being a resident in countries where its food is ever abundant, and by its never having been known to visit the more northern districts of Europe, to which the Long-winged Wheatears are periodical visiters. We have said, that the present species is an inhabitant of the northern coast of Africa, which country also pro- duces another closely allied to it, differing only in having a more lengthened wing, and the top of the head of a pure snow white. These two birds are by many ornithologists considered as one species, and that the white-crowned one is the adult of the present bird. We have ourselves carefully examined both these birds, and have no hesitation in declaring that they are truly distinct, differing not only in colour, but in relative admea- surements, the white-crowned species having a body of the same size, but a wing nearly an inch longer, being in all respects a typical Wheatear. Whether this African species is also a native of any part of Europe, we have as yet had no opportunity of ascertaining. The confusion between the two species has evidently arisen from the circumstance, that the young of the white-headed or African species does not possess the white on the top of the head, and in this state cannot, except by a narrow scrutiny, be distinguished from the young or the female of the true Saxicola cachinnans.
In its manners, the Black Wheatear is shy and timid, avoiding the presence of man, and confining itself to arid rocky places, where it is rarely disturbed by his presence. Its food consists of insects, beetles, &c.
The general plumage of the male is black ; the rump white, as are the tail-feathers, except at their tips, which with the whole of the two middle feathers are black; beak and tarsi black ; irides dark brown.
The female resembles the male in the distribution of her colours, but the black is much less pure and strongly inclines to brown.
The young resemble the female in their plumage.
We have figured an adult male and female of the natural size.
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PIED WHEATEAR.
Saxicola leucomela; (Zemm/
Drammen Haturehe om Stone y SLE, Could. Linted by CHulimanded:
A s
PIED WHEATEAR.
Saxicola leucomela, Temm.
Le Traquet leucoméle.
Wuite the downs, commons, and barren heaths of our island are enlivened by the presence of the Common Wheatear (Saaicola Ginanthe, Bechst.), and the plains and deserts of Spain, Italy, and the southern districts of Europe in general are equally so with Sawicola aurita and stapazina, the northern portions, which include Rus- sia and Lapland, are to be enumerated among the places in which the present fine species habitually takes up its station ; and although so little is known respecting the natural habits of this bird as to leave us in a state of uncertainty regarding its migration, as well as the localities it chooses in which to incubate and rear its young, yet we may reasonably suppose that its general economy is in strict unison with that of its conge- ners. The Manuel of M. Temminck informs us, that so exclusively boreal is this species that it is never seen in temperate climates ; which circumstance will lead us to infer that Siberia, Upper Tartary, and the most northern portions of Asia will hereafter prove to be countries of which nature has destined this bird to be a native, and the limited numbers which occasionally visit Europe to be individuals traversing the outer limits of their appointed range.
The female we have never yet seen; her colouring, however, will be readily understood when we state that where the male is black, the same parts in the opposite sex are of a dull brown ; and the parts which are white in the former are of an obscure light brown in the latter.
It is said to construct a nest in rocks and old buildings, sometimes on the borders of rivers: of the number and colours of its eggs nothing is at present known.
The adult male has the top of the head, back of the neck, rump, base of the tail, breast, and under parts, with the exception of the vent, which is light rusty brown, of a pure white; the rest of the plumage being of an equally fine black, thus forming a strong contrast ; legs and bill black.
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.
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WHEATEAR, Saxicola cenanthe (AechZ/
POM.
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LUGO,
WHEATEAR.
Saxicola G#nanthe.
Le Traquet moteux.
Tus Wheatear is one of the summer migratory birds which annually visit the British Islands, arriving in March, when it disperses itself over wild heaths, moors, fallow grounds, and rabbit warrens, making a nest of moss and vegetable fibres, lined with hair or wool, generally in a hole on the ground or among loose stones, but not unfrequently in the cleft of a rock or at some distance in a deserted rabbit burrow, and laying five or six eggs of a uniform pale blue. The extreme delicacy of the Wheatear has caused it to be much sought after as a luxury for the table, for which purpose incredible numbers are annually taken. Mr. Pennant, in his British Zoology, states that at Eastbourne, in Sussex, the number annually taken amounts to 1840 dozen. ‘ They are principally caught by shepherds, who from the nature of their occupation have every opportunity of studying the habits of this bird, so as to contrive the most successful mode of securing them,which is generally effected by nooses of horsehair.
In September, previous to their departure to the Continent, they make the downs of our southern counties a place for their general assemblage, where they wait for a favourable wind to carry them over the intervening channel. |
In its habitat, the Wheatear is especially confined to open and bare grounds, seeking neither the covert of the furze nor the hedgerow, as is the case with the other British species of Scaicola,—a circumstance which, perhaps, in connexion with a trifling modification of form, has induced some authors, viz. Brisson, Stephens, &c., to separate it from S. rubetra, the Stonechat, and the Whinchat, S. rwbécoda, and advance it to the rank of a genus, to which they have given the name of Vittaflora, the propriety of which we leave to others to deter- mine, as it is not so much our object to enter into the minutiz of generic divisions, as to give a faithful por- traiture and history of each species, with a view to their natural arrangement on comprehensive principles.
The Wheatear is a pleasing and elegant bird in its plumage ; and its manners, though retired, are lively and active. Hopping and springing from clod to clod, and occasionally breaking out into short flights in pursuit of insects, it becomes conspicuous from the snow-white mark across the base of the tail.
Beside the softer insects which it captures on the wing, Coleoptera and their larve form its diet, to which worms, &c., are also added.
Although not generally classed among our song birds, nevertheless the Wheatear is not without its vocal powers, warbling a soft and sweet strain, not unfrequently while quivering on the wing a few yards from the earth : occasionally its notes rise to a bolder and more elevated pitch ; and when kept in confinement, a matter of no great difficulty, it charms us with its simple song, continued through the depths of winter.
In the adult male, the bill is black; the irides dark hazel; from the base of the bill a white line extends over each eye, and beneath it a broad black band passes which includes the orbits and ear-coverts ; upper part of the head and back cinereous gray ; rump and tail-coverts white; the two middle tail-feathers black ; the rest black two thirds. of their length from the base; wings blackish brown; each feather edged with a lighter rust-coloured border ; throat and neck beautiful buff, becoming lighter as it proceeds downwards ; tarsi black.
In the female, the under parts are brown ; the forehead inclining more to gray ; the black parts in the male, including the mark across the eye, are here exchanged for deep brown; the edges of the wing-feathers are more or less ferruginous ; the white at the base of the tail is less extensive, and the neck and chest are reddish, becoming lighter as it approaches the under surface.
The young of the year of both sexes somewhat resemble the adult female ; but a tinge of red pervades the whole of the plumage, and especially the edges of the quill- and tail-feathers. Total length about six inches.
We have figured a male and female in their spring plumage.
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WHEATEAR.
Saxicola Stapazina; (/7émm/
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RUSSET WHEATEAR.
Saxicola stapazina, Temm.
Le Traquet stapazin.
In making the Savicola stapazina a different species from the S. aurta, we rely not so much on our own observation as on the opinion of M. Temminck, who assured us personally that he had every reason for considering them as distinct species; and in his ‘‘ Manuel d’Ornithologie” he remarks, that the European habitat of the S. stapazena is more limited than that of 8. awrita, being restricted solely to the rocky borders of the Mediterranean, the South of Italy, Dalmatia and the Grecian Archipelago ; that it is rarely seen in the North of Italy, and never in the central districts of Europe. It is to be regretted, that in consequence of the peculiar localities in which alone this bird is found, our opportunities for studying it during its various changes are very limited : we have, however, exerted ourselves to obtain as many specimens as possible, and we now possess a series of examples, killed at different seasons of the year, upon which we rely for our de- scription. Unlike the Common Wheatear, which exhibits so marked a difference in the plumage of the sexes, the Russet Wheatear, in the adult stage, differs rather in the purity than in the decided contrast of colours which distinguishes the male and female; but, like the Sawicofe in general, each sex, after the autumn moult, loses, by the gradual action of the air and light, as the spring approaches, the rich rufous tone of colouring by which the plumage is at first characterized, the tints becoming gradually paler and the black of the wings deeper, the brown tips of the feathers being worn off.
In habits and manners, the Savicola stapazina is a true example of its genus, preferring, like the Wheatear, wide elevated downs, where it obtains its food, seldom perching upon trees, and never retiring to the wood- lands for shelter. Of its nidification nothing positive is known.
In the adult plumage of spring, the male is thus distinguished. From the beak to the eye, and from thence over the ear-coverts, extends a band of black, of which colour are the throat, scapulars and quills ; the top of the head, the rump and under parts are pure white; the back of the neck and back are light rufous; the tail white for three parts of its length and black at the tip, with the exception of the outer feathers, which are almost wholly black, and the two middle ones, which are quite so.
Immediately after the autumn moult, the top of the head and back of the neck have a shade of ash colour ; the breast is reddish, gradually passing into white, and the black scapulars and quills are edged with rufous.
The young males of the year resemble the female, in which the tints are altogether of a redder hue; the dark feathers of the throat and region of the eyes being brownish black, the quills and coverts edged with reddish, and the breast reddish white.
The Plate represents an adult of the natural size just after the autumn moult, and a bird of the first year, killed at the same season, differing only in the rufous edging of the wing-feathers.
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BLACK-EARED WHEAT EAR. |
Saxicola aurita,/Zomm./
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Binted by C Eplimandd,
BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR.
Saxicola aurita, Temm.
Le Traquet oreillard.
Iv a remark subjoined to a description of the Saztcola aurita, in M. Temminck’s ‘“ Manuel d’Ornithologie,” that learned naturalist observes, that had he not a thorough conviction of the distinction between this and the bird previously described by him, (S. séapazzna,) he should be ready to admit their specific identity, differing as they do in one point only, viz. the black throat of the latter being exchanged in the former for white or whitish rufous, the black band from the beak over the ear-coverts being alone retained: in the rest of the plumage the agreement is precise. For our own part, we confess, that were it not that M. Temminck expresses himself positively on this subject, and asserts that ‘‘ the s¢apazina in its different stages has the throat and a part of the neck always of a deep black or blackish,” we should have hesitated, the difference being less than is known to occur in many birds under the varying circumstances of age, sex, or season. We, however, follow the opinion of so distinguished an ornithologist, supported, as we doubt not it is, by positive proofs,—and therefore describe the species as truly distinct.
In habits and manners the Black-eared Wheatear agrees with its allied congener, inhabiting the hilly districts of the South of Europe: it is, however, more common in the North of Italy than the Russet Wheatear. Though in the centre of Europe it is never seen, the borders of the Mediterranean, the Apennines, Sardinia and the Neapolitan States are abundantly supplied with this species. Of its nidification we have no accounts upon which we can rely.
Adult male in spring : From the beak to the eye and thence over the ear-coverts extends a band of black ; head and rump pure white ; back of the neck and back light reddish brown ; throat and under parts white ; tail white for three parts of its length and tipped with black, excepting the outer feathers, which are nearly all black, and the two middle feathers, which are entirely so; wings black. |
The adult female nearly resembles the male in all her markings, having the head and upper surface reddish brown ; throat whitish ; breast reddish, becoming lighter below ; rump white ; and the wings blackish brown, each feather being finely edged with reddish.
After the autumn moult, the plumage exhibits the deep tints and rufous edgings to the feathers which characterize the preceding species at the same time. The young of the year differ little from the adult female, and exhibit only obscure traces of the ear-mark ; but their plumage is more equally tinted with rufous.
The Plate represents an adult male in the spring and autumn plumage.
WHINCHAT. Saxicola rubetra, (/PechsZ/
andcm Stone by! & £, Gorbd. tinted by C Lulinaniel:
WHINCHAT.
Saxicola rubetra, Bechst.
Le Grand Traquet.
Amone the smaller migratory birds which visit us on the return of spring, the Whinchat is one of the most pleasing and elegant ; it seldom, however, favours us with its presence before the middle of April, frequenting, in pairs, the pasture lands and commons of every part of England, but is more scarce in Devonshire and Cornwall, especially the western portions of those counties. Though not a distinguished songster, its simple and hurried notes are by no means unpleasing, and well accord with its active and sprightly manners. In some of its habits it is not unlike the Fly-catchers, perching on a stem of grass or dock, darting at the insects as they pass by, and returning again to its station. But its length of tarsi indicates the bare and open ground of meadows and commons to be its peculiar province; hence it is not found to frequent woods or thick coppices, as is the case with our songsters in general: shy and timid, it seldom allows itself to be approached, but with a quick and lively action flits forward to the next bush or elevation of earth, incessantly watching the intruder ; and, if again disturbed, repeating the same short flight ; still, however, keeping within the neighbourhood of its residence for the season, and where, on her sheltered nest, the female is carrying on the process of incuba- tion. During this period the male bird displays great restlessness and apprehension if the nest be approached, flitting from spray to spray, jerking its tail repeatedly, and uttering its querulous note, which may be repre- sented by the two syllables «—+tick, the latter of which is frequently reiterated, and the whole note is sounded so distinct and clear as to be heard at a considerable distance. It builds its nest on or near the ground, and forms it principally of coarse grasses lined with finer fibres: the eggs are in general five or six in number, of a greenish blue, minutely speckled with light reddish brown at the large end.
The Whinchat seems to be universally spread over the northern portion of the European continent, its favourite localities being the same as in England, viz. mountainous heaths and extensive pasture lands.
Although a general similarity exists between the plumage of the sexes, the males may always be distinguished by their