---------------------------------------- -------- ,note3 surrounding text indicates bold2 surrounding text indicates italics4 ---------------------------------------- -------- ,illustration3 ,plate #ca4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,painted ,,spur-,,fowl,,galloperdix ,,lunulosa 7one half ,nat4 size7 ,,cassell',s ,,book ,,of ,,birds4 ,,from ,,the ,,text ,,of ,,dr4 ,,brehm4 ,,by ,,thomas ,,rymer ,,jones1 ,f4,r4,s41 ,,professor ,,of ,,natural ,,history ,,and ,,comparative ,,anatomy ,,in ,,king',s ,,college1 ,,london4 ,,with ,,upwards ,,of ,four ,hundred ,engravings1 and a ,series of ,coloured ,plates4 ,,in ,,four ,,volumes4 ,,vol4 ,,iv4 ,,cassell1 ,,petter1 ,,galpin1 ,,london1 ,,paris1 ,,and ,,new ,,york4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,,the ,,stilt-,,walkers 7,grallatores74 ,,the ,,bustards 7,otides73--,the ,great ,bustard--,the ,little ,bustard--,the ,houbaras--,the ,indian ,houbara--,the ,african ,ruffled ,bustard--,the ,florikin #a-i ,,the ,,coursers 7,tachydromi73--,the ,cream-coloured ,courser--,the ,trochilus1 or ,crocodile ,watcher--,the ,pratincoles1 or ,swallow-winged ,waders--,the ,collared ,pratincole #i-ad ,,the ,,thick-,,knees 7dicnemi73--,the ,common ,thick-knee1 or ,stone ,curlew #ad1 #ae ,,the ,,plovers 7,charadrii73--,the ,golden ,plover--,the ,ringed ,plover--,the ,dotted ,plovers--,the ,dotted ,plover1 or ,dotterel--,the ,shore ,plovers--,the ,little ,shore ,plover1 or ,little ,ringed ,plover--,the ,lapwings1 or ,peewits--,the ,peewit1 or ,lapwing--,the ,spur-winged ,lapwing--,the ,lappeted ,peewit--,the ,turnstone--,the ,pied ,oyster-catcher1 or ,sea ,pie #ae-bi ,,the ,,snipes 7,limicol73--,the ,true ,snipes--,the ,woodcock--,the ,marsh ,snipes--,the ,common ,snipe--,the ,moor ,snipes--,the ,jack ,snipe #bi-ce ,,the ,,sandpipers 7,tring73--,the ,curlew ,sandpipers--,the ,pigmy ,curlew ,sandpiper--,the ,sanderling--,the ,mud ,sandpiper--,the ,dwarf ,sandpiper--,the ,ruff #ce-db ,,the ,,phalaropes 7,phalaropi73--,the ,hyperborean ,phalarope--,the ,red ,phalarope #db-dd ,,the ,,longshanks 7,totani7 #dd1 #de ,,the ,,true ,,sandpipers 7,actitis73--,the ,common ,sandpiper--,the ,greenshank #de-dg ,,the ,,godwits 7,limosa73--,the ,red or ,bar-tailed ,godwit--,the ,black-winged ,stilt #dg-ej ,,the ,,scooping ,,avocets 7,recurvirostr73--,the ,scooping ,avocet #ej1 #ea ,,the ,,curlews 7,numenii73--,the ,great ,curlew1 or ,whaap--,the ,hard-billed ,waders--,the ,ibises--,the ,falcinels--,the ,glossy ,ibis--,the ,scarlet ,ibis--,the ,white1 ,egyptian1 or ,sacred ,ibis #ea-eh ,,the ,,spoonbills 7,platale73--,the ,common ,spoonbill4 ,the ,,boat-,,bills 7,cancromata73--,the ,whale-headed ,stork1 or ,shoe-beak--,the ,savaku1 or ,boat-bill--,the ,hammer-head1 or ,shadow ,bird #eh-fc ,,the ,,storks 7,ciconi73--,the ,tantali--,the ,ibis-like ,tantalus--,the ,true ,storks--,the ,white or ,house ,stork--,the ,simbil--,the ,senegal ,jabiru--,the ,jabiru #fc-gd ,,the ,,adjutants1 ,,argalas1 ,,or ,,marabous 7,leptoptilos7 ,the ,african ,marabou--,the ,indian ,adjutant1 or ,argala #gd1 #ge ,,the ,,clapper-,,billed ,,storks1 ,,or ,,shell-,,eaters 7,anastomus73--,the ,african ,clapper-bill1 or ,shell-eater #ge1gf ,,the ,,herons 7,arde73--,the ,common ,heron--,the ,giant ,heron4 ,the ,,white ,,herons 7,herodias73--,the ,great ,white ,heron--,the ,lesser ,egret--,the ,cattle ,heron--,the ,night ,heron #gf-hc ,,the ,,bitterns 7,ardetta73--,the ,little ,bittern--,the ,common ,bittern--,the ,sun ,bittern1 or ,peacock ,heron #hc-hg ,,the ,,marsh-,,waders 7,paludicol74 ,the ,,cranes 7,grues73--,the ,common ,crane--,the ,demoiselle1 or ,numidian ,crane4 ,the ,,african ,,crowned ,,cranes 7,balearica73--,the ,crowned ,african or ,peacock ,crane4 ,the ,,field ,,storks 7,arvicol74 ,the ,,snake ,,cranes 7,dicholophus73--,the ,brazilian ,cariama1 or ,crested ,screamer #hg-id ,,the ,,trumpeters 7,psophia73--,the ,agami1 or ,gold-breasted ,trumpeter4 ,the ,,screamers 7,palamede73--,the ,aniuma1 or ,horned ,screamer--,the ,chauna1 or ,tschaja #id-ih ,,the ,,rails 7,ralli74 ,the ,,snipe ,,rails 7,rhyncha73--,the ,golden ,rail1 or ,painted ,cape ,snipe--,the ,water ,rail--,the ,,aramides 7,aramides73--,the ,serrakura--,the ,land ,rail1 or ,corn ,crake4 ,the ,,jacanas 7,parr73--,the ,chilian ,jacana--,the ,chinese ,jacana #ih-ajc ,,the ,,water-,,hens 7,gallinul74 ,the ,,gallinules 7,porphyrio73--,the ,hyacinthine ,porphyrio--,the ,purple ,gallinule4 ,the ,,water-,,hens 7,stagnicola73--,the ,common ,gallinule1 or ,moor-hen #ajc-aaj ,,the ,,coots 7,fulica73--,the ,common ,coot--,the ,finfoots--,the ,surinam ,finfoot1 or ,picapare #aaj-aac ,,the ,,swimmers 7,natatores74 ,,the ,,sieve ,,beaks 7,lamellirostres74 ,the ,,flamingoes 7,phnicopteri74 ,the ,,swans 7,cygni73--,the ,mute ,swan--,the ,whistling ,swan--,bewick's ,swan--,the ,black-necked ,swan--,the ,black ,swan #aad-abi ,,the ,,geese 7,anseres73--,the ,spur-winged ,goose--,the ,grey1 or ,wild ,goose--,the ,canada ,goose--,the ,snow ,goose4 ,the ,,sea ,,geese 7,bernicla73--,the ,brent ,goose4 ,the ,,foxy ,,geese 7,chenalopex73--,the ,nile ,goose4 ,the ,,dwarf ,,geese 7,nettapus73--,the ,white-bodied ,goose ,teal--,the ,cereopsis ,goose #abi-adc ,,the ,,ducks 7,anates73--,the ,ruddy ,sheldrake1 or ,brahminy ,duck4 ,the ,,sheldrakes 7,vulpanser73--,the ,common ,sheldrake4 ,the ,,tree ,,ducks 7,dendrocygna73--,the ,widow ,duck--,the ,wild ,duck--,the ,wood or ,summer ,duck--,the ,chinese ,teal1 or ,mandarin ,duck--,the ,shoveler ,duck--,the ,musk ,duck4 ,the ,,diving ,,ducks 7,fuligul74 ,the ,,eider ,,ducks 7,somateria73--,the ,true ,eider ,duck1 or ,st4 ,cuthbert's ,duck--,the ,king ,eider4 ,the ,,western or ,,steller',s ,,eider ,,duck 7,somateria or ,heniconetta ,stellerii74 ,the ,,scoters 7,oidemia73--,the ,velvet ,scoter4 ,the ,,fen ,,ducks 7,aythya73--,the ,red-headed ,duck1 ,dunbird1 or ,pochard4 ,the ,,pin-,,tailed ,,ducks 7,erismatura73--,the ,white-headed ,pin-tailed ,duck #adc-agj ,,the ,,mergansers1 or ,,goosanders 7,mergi73--,the ,white-headed ,goosander--,the ,green-headed ,goosander #agj-agd ,,the ,,sea-,,fliers 7,longipennes74 ,,the ,,terns1 or ,,sea ,,swallows 7,stern74 ,the ,,rapacious ,,terns 7,sylochelidon73--,the ,caspian ,tern4 ,the ,,river ,,terns 7,sterna73--,the ,common ,tern--,the ,lesser ,tern4 ,the ,,water ,,swallows 7,hydrochelidon73--,the ,black ,marsh ,tern--,the ,white-winged ,tern--,the ,white bearded ,tern--,the ,white or ,silky ,tern--,the ,noddy #age-ahe ,,the ,,scissor-,,bills 7,rhynchopes73--,the ,indian ,scissor-bill #ahe1 #ahf ,,the ,,gulls 7,lari73--,the ,fishing ,gulls--,the ,great ,black-backed ,gulls--,the ,lesser ,black-backed or ,yellow-legged ,gull--,the ,herring ,gull--,the ,large or ,glaucous ,white-winged ,gull--,the ,lesser ,white-winged ,gull4 ,the ,,ice ,,gulls 7,pagophila73--,the ,ivory ,gull #ahf-aid ,,the ,,kittiwakes 7,rissa74 ,the ,,black-,,headed ,,gulls 7,chroicocephalus73--,the ,laughing ,gull--,the ,great ,black-headed ,gull--,the ,lesser ,black-headed ,gull--,the ,little ,gull #aid-aih ,,the ,,skuas 7,lestres73--,the ,common ,skua--,buffon's or the ,parasite ,skua--,ross's ,rosy ,gull #aih-bjc ,,the ,,petrels1 or ,,storm ,,birds 7,procellarid74--,the ,,albatrosses 7,diomed73--,the ,wandering ,albatross--,the ,yellow-billed ,albatross--,the ,sooty ,albatross4 ,the ,,true ,,petrels 7,procellari73--,the ,giant ,petrel--,the ,fulmar ,petrel--,the ,cape ,petrel--,the ,broad-billed ,prion1 or ,duck ,petrel4 ,the ,,storm ,,petrels 7,oceanides73--,the ,common ,storm ,petrel--,leach's ,storm ,petrel #bjc-bag ,,the ,,puffins 7,puffini73--,the ,manx ,puffin1 or ,shearwater #bag1 #bah ,,the ,,oar-,,footed ,,sea-,,fliers 7,steganopodes74 ,,the ,,tropic ,,birds 7,phaton73--,the ,white-tailed ,tropic ,bird4 ,the ,red-tailed ,tropic ,bird4 ,the ,,gannets 7,sula73--,the ,common ,gannet--,the ,frigate ,bird #bai-bbg ,,the ,,cormorants 7,haliei74 ,the ,,darters1 or ,,snake-,,necks 7,plotus73--,the ,anhinga--,le ,vaillant's ,snake ,bird--,the ,common ,cormorant #bbg-bce ,,the ,,pelicans 7,pelecani73--,the ,white ,pelican--,the ,great ,tufted or ,dalmatian ,pelican #bce-bci ,,the ,,divers 7,urinatores74 ,,the ,,grebes 7,podicipites73--,the ,crested ,grebe--,the ,little ,grebe4 ,the ,,divers 7,colymbi73--,the ,great ,northern ,diver--,the ,black-throated ,diver--,the ,red-throated ,diver4 ,the ,,loons 7,uri73 ,the ,greenland ,dove1 or ,black ,guillemot4 ,the ,,true ,,guillemots 7,uria73 ,the ,common or ,foolish ,guillemot--,the ,little ,auk or ,guillemot #bdj-bee ,,the ,,starikis 7,phaleres73--,the ,stariki4 ,the ,,auks 7,alc73--,the ,razor-bill--,the ,great ,auk--,the ,coulterneb1 or ,arctic ,puffin #bee-bfd ,,the ,,penguins 7,aptenodytes73--,the ,king ,penguin4 ,the ,,true ,,penguins 7,spheniscus73--,the ,spectacled1 or ,cape ,penguin4 ,the ,,leaping ,,penguins 7,eudypetes73--,the ,golden or ,crested ,penguin #bfe-bfh ,illustration ,,list ,,of ,,illustrations4 ,,coloured ,,plates4 ,,plate ,,xxxi4--,,painted ,,spur ,,fowl 7,galloperdix lunulosa74 ,,xxxii4--,,the ,,houbara 7,otis ,macquenii74 ,,xxxiii4--,,the ,,lapwing 7,vanellus cristatus74 ,,xxxiv4--,,squacco ,,heron 7,buphus ,comata74 ,,xxxv4--,,chinese ,,jacana 7,hydrophasianus ,sinensis74 ,,xxxvi4--,,ruddy ,,sheldrake 7,casarca rutila74 ,,xxxvii4--,,mandarin ,,duck 7,aix galericulata74 ,,xxxviii4--,,tern 7,sterna ,hirundo74 ,,xxxix4--,,great ,,northern ,,diver 7,colymbus glacialis74 ,,xl4--,,puffin 7,fratercula ,arctica74 ,,wood ,,engravings4 ,,fig4 ,,page #a4 ,bustards 7,otis tarda7 #d #b4 ,the ,little ,bustard 7,otis tetrax1 or ,tetrax campestris7 #e #c4 ,the ,trochilus1 or ,crocodile ,watcher 7,hyas gyptiacus7 #i #d4 ,the ,collared ,pratincole 7,glareola pratincola7 #ab #e4 ,the ,common ,thick-knee1 or ,stone ,curlew 7dicnemus crepitans7 #ac #f4 ,the ,golden ,plover 7,charadrius auratus71 and the ,dotterel 7,eudromias ,morinellus7 #ag #g4 ,the ,lapwing1 or ,peewit 7,vanellus cristatus7 #ba #h4 ,the ,spur-winged ,lapwing 7,hoplopterus spinosus7 #bd #i4 ,the ,turnstone 7,strepsilas interpres7 #be #aj4 ,the ,pied ,oyster-catcher1 or ,sea ,pie 7,hmatopus ostralegus7 #bh #aa4 ,the ,woodcock 7,scolopax rusticola7 #cb #ab4 ,the ,sanderling 7,calidris arenaria7 #cg #ac4 ,the ,ruff 7,philomachus pugnax7 #dj #ad4 ,ruffs ,fighting #da #ae4 ,the ,scooping ,avocet 7,recurvirostra avocetta7 #eb #af4 ,the ,great ,curlew 7,numenius arquatus7 #ec #ag4 ,the ,white or ,sacred ,ibis 7,threskiornis religiosa7 #eg #ah4 ,the ,spoonbill 7,platalea leucorodia7 #fj #ai4 ,the ,whale-headed ,stork1 or ,shoe-beak 7,balniceps rex7 #fa #bj4 ,the ,savaku1 or ,boat-bill 7,cancroma cochlearia7 #fd #ba4 ,the ,hammer-head1 or ,shadow-bird 7,scopus umbretta7 #fe #bb4 ,the ,ibis-like ,tantalus 7,tantalus ibis7 #ff #bc4 ,adjutants #fh #bd4 ,the ,simbil 7,spenorhynchus ,abdimii7 #fi #be4 ,the ,senegal ,jabiru 7,mycteria ,senegalensis7 #gb #bf4 ,the ,marabou 7,leptoptilos crumenifer7 #gc #bg4 ,the ,african ,clapper-bill 7,anastomus lamelligerus7 #gf #bh4 ,group of ,herons #gg #bi4 ,the ,giant ,heron 7,ardea ,goliath7 #gi #cj4 ,the ,great ,white ,heron 7,herodias alba7 #hj #ca4 ,the ,lesser ,egret 7,herodias garzetta7 #ha #cb4 ,day and ,night ,herons #hd #cc4 ,the ,common ,bittern 7,botaurus stellaris7 #he #cd4 ,the ,sun ,bittern1 or ,peacock ,heron 7,eurypyga helias7 #hh #ce4 ,crowned1 ,demoiselle1 and ,common ,cranes #ib #cf4 ,the ,cariama1 or ,crested ,screamer 7,dicholophus cristatus7 #ic #cg4 ,the ,gold-breasted ,trumpeter 7,psophia crepitans7 #if #ch4 ,the ,aniuma1 or ,horned ,screamer 7,palamedea cornuta7 #ig #ci4 ,the ,golden ,rail1 or ,painted ,cape ,snipe 7,rhyncha ,capensis7 #ajj #dj4 ,the ,jacana 7,parra ,jacana7 #ajd #da4 ,the ,hyacinthine ,porphyrio 7,porphyrio hyacinthinus7 #ajh #db4 ,home of the ,moor-hens 7,gallinula chloropus7 #aji #dc4 ,the ,stilt ,bird 7,charadrius himantopus7 #aac #dd4 ,the ,flamingo 7,phnicopterus roseus7 #aaf #de4 ,the ,whistling ,swan 7,cygnus musicus7 #abd #df4 ,black-necked ,swans 7,cygnus nigricollis7 #abh #dg4 ,the ,black ,swan 7,cygnus or ,chenopsis atratus7 #abi #dh4 ,the ,spur-winged ,goose 7,plectropterus ,gambensis7 #acb #di4 ,the ,grey or ,wild ,goose 7,anser cinereus7 #acc #ej4 ,the ,brent ,goose 7,bernicla torquata7 #acg #ea4 ,the ,nile ,goose 7,chenalopex gyptiacus7 #adj #eb4 ,cereopsis ,geese #ada #ec4 ,the ,ruddy ,sheldrake1 or ,brahminy ,duck 7,casarca rutila7 #add #ed4 ,the ,sheldrake 7,vulpanser tadorna7 #ade #ee4 ,the ,widow ,duck 7,dendrocygna viduata7 #adi #ef4 ,the ,wild ,duck 7,anas boschas7 #aeb #eg4 ,the ,wood or ,summer ,duck 7,aix sponsa7 #aec #eh4 ,the ,shoveler ,duck 7,spatula clypeata7 #aeg #ei4 ,eider ,ducks at ,home #afa #fj4 ,the ,eider ,ducks 7,somateria mollissima7 #afd #fa4 ,the ,green-headed ,goosander 7,mergus merganser7 #agc #fb4 ,the ,caspian ,tern 7,sylochelidon ,caspia7 #agg #fc4 ,terns and their ,nests #ahj #fd4 ,black-backed and ,herring ,gulls #ahi #fe4 ,the ,laughing ,gull 7,chroicocephalus ridibundus7 #aif #ff4 ,the ,common ,skua 7,lestris catarractes7 #bjj #fg4 ,the ,rosy ,gull 7,rhodostethia rosea7 #bjd #fh4 ,the ,wandering ,albatross 7,diomedea exulans7 #bje #fi4 ,the ,giant ,petrel 7,procellaria or ,ossifragus gigantea7 #bjh #gj4 ,the ,fulmar ,petrel 7,procellaria glacialis7 #bji #ga4 ,the ,cape ,petrel 7,procellaria or ,daption ,capensis7 #bab #gb4 ,storm ,petrels #bac #gc4 ,the ,storm ,petrel 7,thalassidroma pelagica7 #baf #gd4 ,the ,white-tailed ,tropic ,bird 7,phaton thereus7 #bba #ge4 ,the ,frigate ,bird 7,tachypetes aquila7 #bbe #gf4 ,le ,vaillant's ,snake ,bird1 or ,darter 7,plotus ,levaillantii7 #bbi #gg4 ,the ,cormorant 7,phalacrocorax carbo7 #bcc #gh4 ,the ,pelican 7,pelecanus onocrotalus7 #bcg #gi4 ,the ,crested ,grebe 7,podiceps cristatus7 #bdd #hj4 ,the ,common or ,foolish ,guillemot 7,uria troile7 #bec #ha4 ,an ,assemblage of ,auks #bef #hb4 ,the ,great ,auk1 or ,giant ,penguin 7,alca pinguinus7 #beg #hc4 ,giant ,penguins #bfj #hd4 ,the ,coulterneb1 or ,arctic ,puffin #bfe #he4 ,the ,golden ,penguin 7,chrysocome catarractes7 #bfg ,illustration ,,cassell',s ,,book ,,of ,,birds4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,stilt-,,walkers 7,grallatores74 ,,the birds belonging to this order have unusually long legs1 formed in such a manner as to enable many of them to seek their food at a certain distance in the water2 and are further characterised by their long thin neck1 slender high tarsi1 bare thighs1 three or four toed feet1 and fully-developed wings2 but the construction of the bill1 wings1 and tail1 and the coloration of the plumage is so various1 as to render a general description almost impossible4 ,the ,grallatores are met with in every portion of our globe1 and alike occupy open plains1 mountain ranges--even as high as the snow-line--fertile valleys1 or arid deserts1 contesting possession of the sea-shore or river banks with the ,true ,swimming ,birds1 and that in such extraordinary numbers1 as often to render it a matter of wonder whence a sufficient supply of food can be obtained4 ,during a three days' passage into the ,white ,nile we have seen an almost uninterrupted line of birds of this description1 numbering some fifty different species1 running1 fishing1 and bathing1 in thousands and tens of thousands1 upon each side of the stream1 and literally swarming in every lake1 pond1 or ditch in the vicinity4 ,in ,southern ,asia and some of the islands of ,southern and ,central ,america they are equally numerous1 and overspread the sea-shore for miles4 ,travellers in ,southern ,india tell us that it is not uncommon to see them perched so thickly on the trees as to give these the appearance of being covered with magnificent white blossoms4 ,insects1 worms1 spawn1 fishes1 and various small animals and reptiles1 constitute the principal food of these voracious birds2 some also consume seeds1 leaves1 and tender shoots of plants4 ,as regards their powers of locomotion considerable difference is observable1 according to the situations which the various species have been created to occupy2 for while some run with the utmost swiftness1 and fly with an energy scarcely inferior to that displayed by the ,raptores1 others move but slowly over the surface of the ground1 and make their way through the air with comparative labour and difficulty4 ,some few frequent the branches of trees1 and only take to the water in emergencies2 but1 for the most part1 they both dive and swim with extraordinary facility4 ,the vocal powers of the ,grallatores are extremely limited2 indeed1 some species are capable of producing nothing more than a hoarse1 hissing note1 while others endeavour to make up for their deficiency in this respect by clapping with their mandibles4 ,no less various is the development of the senses1 or the peculiarities of disposition observable in the members of this extensive section1 and to these we must therefore allude more particularly when describing the different groups under which they have been classified4 ,all such as inhabit the temperate zones migrate1 whilst those occupying warmer regions make excursions with great regularity at certain seasons1 but probably do not venture to any great distance from their native haunts4 ,of the incubation of these birds it is impossible to speak in general terms4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,bustards 7,otides7 ,coloured ,plate ,,xxxii4 are of large size1 with a heavy body1 thick neck1 moderately large head1 and a powerful beak1 almost as long as the head2 this beak is of conical form1 but compressed at its base1 and slightly arched at the ridge of the upper mandible4 ,the tarsi are high and strong1 the feet furnished with three toes1 the wings wedge-shaped1 and formed of well-developed quills1 of which the third is the longest2 the tail is composed of twenty broad feathers2 and the plumage is thick1 smooth1 and compact3 in some instances1 the feathers on the head and nape are prolonged or very brilliantly coloured4 ,the male is recognisable from his mate by his superior size and brighter hues4 ,the young resemble the mother after the first moulting4 ,these birds are represented in every division of our globe1 with the exception of ,america1 and are especially numerous in the grassy steppes and barren tracts of ,asia and ,africa4 ,in ,europe they occupy the open cultivated country1 but are never so numerously met with as in other parts of the ,old ,world4 ,they entirely avoid large forests1 but occasionally take up their abode in woodland districts4 ,such as occupy warm latitudes do not migrate1 whilst the natives of temperate zones either go south at the approach of winter1 or at least wander forth and sweep the surrounding country4 ,during the breeding season they live in small parties1 but afterwards associate in large flocks1 often numbering some hundreds4 ,they are remarkably shy and wary1 usually keeping to open ground1 and in the summer endeavour to elude pursuers by their wonderful rapidity of foot1 which enables them to scud along at a most extraordinary pace4 ,at this season1 if alarmed1 they run for some distance before rising1 but once on the wing1 fly with strength and rapidity1 always keeping near the ground4 ,in the autumn1 on the contrary1 they rise with facility1 and fly to a great distance4 ,some species of ,bustards are capable of uttering clear resonant notes1 while others are so deficient in this respect as to produce nothing more than an occasional dull and toneless sound4 ,as regards the development of their senses1 with the exception probably of that of smell1 they are highly endowed1 and in their intercourse with their feathered companions1 or even with man himself1 exhibit no slight degree of intelligence and courage4 ,,the ,,great ,,bustard4 ,the ,,great ,,bustard 7,otis tarda71 as it has been called1 is distinguishable from all other species of the family by the beard-like tuft of feathers that adorns the chin of the male bird4 ,the head1 upper breast1 and upper part of the wing1 are light grey2 the feathers on the back reddish yellow1 striped with black2 those of the nape rust-red1 tipped with white1 and decorated with a black stripe1 the exterior being almost entirely white4 ,the primary quills are dark greyish brown1 with blackish brown tip and outer web1 and yellowish white shaft2 the secondaries are black with white roots1 those at the exterior being nearly pure white4 ,the beard consists of about thirty long1 slender1 and ragged greyish white feathers4 ,the eye is deep brown1 the beak blackish1 and the foot grey4 ,this fine and stately bird is from three feet and a quarter to three feet and a half long1 and from seven feet and a half to eight feet broad2 the wing measures two feet and a quarter1 and the tail eleven inches4 ,the female is much smaller than her mate1 less striking in colour and without a beard2 her length is at most two feet and three-quarters1 and the expanse of the wings six feet4 ,these birds occupy the wild open parts of ,europe and ,asia1 only occasionally visiting ,north-western ,africa during the winter months4 ,in ,great ,britain they were formerly abundant1 but are now quite extinct2 in ,france and ,germany they are occasionally met with1 and are more or less numerous throughout ,southern ,europe4 ,mr4 ,nicholson1 who had an opportunity of studying the habits of the ,bustard in the neighbourhood of ,seville1 where it is still common1 tells us that the stomachs of those he killed were literally crammed with stalks and ears of barley1 and with the leaves of a large green weed1 and a kind of black beetle4 ,such as he observed generally flew1 when flushed1 two miles or more at an elevation of at least a hundred yards4 ,the same gentleman states that they never attempted to escape by running1 and that if winged1 they showed a disposition to remain and fight rather than to have recourse to their legs4 ,an individual1 kept by ,mr4 ,bartley1 lived principally upon birds1 chiefly ,sparrows1 which it swallowed whole1 feathers and all1 with the greatest avidity2 it also ate the flowers of charlock and the leaves of rape1 as well as mice1 and1 indeed1 any animal substance it casually met with4 ,in disposition these ,bustards are so shy and wild that1 according to ,schomburghk1 they can never be approached except whilst eating4 ,on the ,continent they are often shot with a rifle4 ,the flesh of the young is much esteemed1 and is often exposed for sale in ,european markets4 ,like other members of the family1 this species is not stationary in one place1 but when it does not actually migrate1 flies1 at certain seasons of the year1 to a considerable distance from its native haunts4 ,when about to mount on the wing1 it takes two or three springy steps1 and then rises with slowly flapping pinions until it has reached a certain height1 when it darts away with such rapidity as almost baffles the eye and gun of the sportsman4 ,whilst in flight the neck and legs are stretched forwards1 and the hinder part of the body kept low1 thus imparting an indescribable peculiarity to the bird when seen in the air4 ,the voice of the ,great ,bustard is so low as to be scarcely audible except at a short distance4 ,according to ,naumann1 during the breeding season it utters a deep dull sound1 resembling the syllables hah1 hah1 hah4 ,in their habits these birds are strictly terrestrial2 the whole day is passed upon the ground2 the early morning hours being occupied in fighting1 screaming1 and feeding2 at noon they repose for a time and dust themselves preparatory to going again in search of food before evening closes in4 ,the pairing season is in ,april1 and at that time desperate battles take place among the males4 ,during these engagements the tails of the combatants are raised and spread out in the manner of a fan1 the wings hang down to the ground1 and they charge each other like ,turkey-cocks4 ,the strongest collects about him the largest harem1 and pairing takes place in the same amusing way as among the ,turkeys4 ,the female lays two or three olive-grey eggs1 marked with red and liver-brown spots1 in a hole which she scratches in the ground4 ,the period of incubation is said to be twenty-eight days1 and as soon as the young are hatched1 they are capable of following their mother in search of food4 ,the methods adopted for capturing the ,bustard are various4 ,from its extremely shy nature1 and from its habit of keeping to the open country1 it is not easy of approach4 ,of wayfaring people1 however1 it seems to have little apprehension2 the usual plan1 therefore1 is for the sportsman either to clothe himself like a peasant1 or to put on female apparel1 and to make up to it with a basket on his back1 and holding the gun closely by his side4 ,sometimes1 also1 these birds are chased with greyhounds1 which are conveyed towards them in covered carts1 until such time as they evince symptoms of alarm and begin to move off1 when the dogs are slipped from their couplings4 ,illustration3 ,,bustards 7,otis tarda74 ,in the ,catalogue of the ,tradescant ,museum1 preserved at ,south ,lambeth1 bearing date #afef1 is mentioned3 ,the ,bustard1 as big as a ,turkey1 usually taken by greyhounds on ,newmarket ,heath2 and ,mr4 ,knox states in his ,systematic ,catalogue of the ,birds of ,sussex1 published in #ahce1 that he met with some very old people who1 in their younger days1 had seen flocks of these noble birds on the downs4 ,royston ,heath is mentioned by ,willughby as frequented by them1 and ,white of ,selborne1 in his ,journal records3 ,i spent three hours of this day1 ,november #ag1 #aghb1 at a lone farmhouse in the midst of the downs1 between ,andover and ,winton4 ,the carter told us that1 about twelve years before1 he had seen a flock of eighteen ,bustards on that farm1 and once since only two4 ,the authors of the ,catalogue of the ,birds of ,norfolk and ,suffolk1 published in #ahbg1 affirm that ,bustards1 although much scarcer than formerly1 still continue to breed in the open parts of both counties1 and ,yarrell gives other instances of their occurrence within a comparatively recent period4 ,that they were formerly considered articles of special luxury for the table is evidenced by the price affixed to them in ,dugdale's ,origines ,judiciales1 in an account of the various kinds of game consumed at a feast in the ,inner ,temple ,hall on the #afth of ,october1 #aeee1 namely3 ,bustards1 #ajs42 ,swans1 #ajs42 ,cranes1 #ajs42 while ,turkeys are estimated only at #ds4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,little ,,bustard 7,otis tetrax1 or ,tetrax campestris74 ,,the ,,little ,,bustard4 ,the ,,little ,,bustard 7,otis tetrax1 or ,tetrax campestris7 differs from the above species1 not only in the inferiority of its size and general coloration1 but in the curious prolongation of the feathers on the nape and throat4 ,in the male bird the black throat is enlivened by white streaks1 one of which passes from the ear to the gullet1 and the other over the crop2 the face is dark grey1 the top of the head light yellow spotted and marked with black2 the edges of the wings1 feathers of the tail-covers and entire under side are white1 the quills dark brown1 and tail-feathers white1 marked with two lines at their extremity4 ,the eye is light or brownish1 the beak horn-grey tipped with black1 and the foot straw-colour4 ,the length of this species is from eighteen to nineteen inches1 its breadth thirty-six inches1 the wing measures ten and the tail five inches4 ,the female is smaller than her mate1 and has the side of her head of a yellowish hue2 her throat is whitish2 breast light yellow1 striped with black2 the spots upon her mantle are more clearly defined than in the plumage of the male2 the feathers of her upper wing-covers are white spotted with black2 her under side is white4 ,the ,little ,bustard is met with principally in the southern parts of ,europe1 extending from the south of ,france1 over ,turkey1 ,greece1 ,italy1 and ,spain2 it is particularly numerous in ,sardinia1 and is seen in large flocks upon the steppes of ,southern ,russia1 particularly during the migratory season4 ,according to ,yarrell1 this bird can only be regarded as an accidental or winter visitor to ,great ,britain1 it having been killed here only between autumn and the middle of spring4 ,the nest or eggs have never been found in the ,british ,islands4 ,in the course of its migrations1 it occasionally visits the country round the ,altai ,mountains1 and ,syria4 ,during our stay in ,egypt1 we saw but a single specimen4 ,unlike the larger species1 the ,little ,bustard is not restricted to flat and open districts1 but frequently inhabits mountainous regions2 in ,spain it principally occupies vineyards1 wherever these may be situated4 ,although closely resembling the species last described in many respects1 it yet differs from it considerably in the ease and comparative lightness of its movements4 ,its gait is more graceful1 and its pace extraordinarily rapid2 its flight is swift and capable of being long-sustained4 ,in disposition it is cautious1 but by no means so shy as the ,great ,bustard3 if disturbed it seeks safety by squatting close to the ground among the grass or brushwood2 and its voice is seldom heard except during the period of incubation4 ,insects1 worms1 beetles1 grasshoppers1 larv1 and occasionally portions of plants or seeds constitute the food of this species2 the young probably are reared exclusively on insect diet4 ,the breeding season commences about the end of ,april1 and is inaugurated by violent battles between the male birds2 the eggs1 from four to five in number1 are about the size of those of the ,domestic ,fowl1 and have a glossy yellowish brown or yellowish green shell more or less distinctly spotted with reddish brown2 they are deposited in a slight hollow on the ground4 ,the male seldom goes to any great distance from his mate whilst she is brooding1 and beguiles the time by making short undulating flights in her immediate vicinity4 ,we are almost without particulars respecting the rearing of the young4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,houbaras 7,hubara7 constitute a distinct group1 comprising but two species1 both of which have been found in ,europe4 ,the distinguishing characteristics of these birds are their long beak1 short foot1 the crest upon their head1 and the beautiful collar that adorns their neck4 ,,the ,,indian ,,houbara4 ,the ,,indian ,,houbara 7,hubara ,macquenii7 is an inhabitant of ,southern ,asia1 and from thence has occasionally visited ,central ,europe and even ,england4 ,upon the brow and sides of the head the plumage is of a reddish grey1 powdered with brown2 the long crest is black in front and white behind2 the feathers on the nape are whitish1 striped with brown and grey1 and those on the back ochre-yellow delicately pencilled1 and in some parts spotted with black2 the throat is white above and brown below2 the upper breast grey1 and the belly yellowish white4 ,the collar is composed of long streaming feathers situated on both sides of the neck2 of these the lower ones are white1 those higher up white with black tips and base1 whilst those at the top are entirely black4 ,the quills have white roots and black tips2 the tail is of a reddish shade delicately spotted and decorated with two stripes2 the eye is bright yellow2 the beak slate-grey2 and the foot greenish yellow4 ,according to ,jerdon1 the length of the male varies from twenty-five to thirty inches1 and its breadth from four to five feet2 the wing measures from fourteen to fifteen1 and the tail from nine to ten inches4 ,after the breeding season1 the male moults his beautiful crest4 ,according to ,jerdon1 the ,indian ,houbara is found throughout the plains of the ,punjaub and ,upper ,scinde1 occasionally crossing the ,sutlej at ,ferozepore2 but no record exists of its occurrence eastward of ,delhi4 ,it is probably a permanent resident in the localities where it is found1 as no notice is given of its appearance at any particular season4 ,this bird inhabits open and sandy plains1 or undulating sandy districts besprinkled with scattered tufts of grass2 it also frequents fields of wheat and other grain1 and is generally met with in open ground4 ,being very wary it is approached with difficulty1 except in the heat of the day1 when it lies down beneath a thick tuft or other shelter1 and is easily secured4 ,the ,houbara is much hunted with ,hawks both in the ,punjaub and ,scinde1 the ,falco sacer being generally employed for this purpose4 ,the bird1 however1 occasionally baffles the ,falcon by ejecting a horrible1 stinking fluid1 which besmears and spoils the plumage of his enemy2 just as in ,africa its congener is said to defend itself from the ,sakr ,falcon4 ,adams states that the ,houbara is very destructive to wheat-fields1 as it eats the young shoots2 but insects of various kinds doubtless constitute its principal food4 ,the flesh is exceedingly tender1 and is often so loaded with fat that the skins are with difficulty dried and preserved4 ,captain ,hutton tells us that this bird is common in the bare and stony plains of ,afghanistan1 where it is met with in parties of five or six together4 ,it flies heavily1 and for a short distance only1 soon alighting and running over the ground4 ,the ,houbara has been found in ,mesopotamia and other parts of ,asia1 and occasionally1 but very rarely1 in ,europe4 ,the stomach of a specimen killed in a stubble-field in ,lincolnshire1 in #ahdg1 was filled with caterpillars of the common yellow underwing moth1 small shelled snails1 and beetles4 ,the eggs of this species are from three to five in number1 yellowish1 spotted1 and oval-shaped1 and about the same size as those of the ,turkey4 ,viera informs us that the eggs are deposited in a slight hollow1 amongst the grass or corn2 that the brood make their appearance within five weeks2 and that they at once begin to run about after the manner of young chickens4 ,the following graphic account of hawking the ,houbara is given by ,sir ,john ,malcolm1 in his ,sketches of ,persia3--,we went1 says that writer1 to see a kind of hawking peculiar1 ,i believe1 to the sandy plains of ,persia1 on which the ,houbara1 a noble species of ,bustard1 is found on almost bare plains1 where it has no shelter but a small shrub called 'geetuck4' ,when we went in quest of these birds we were a party of twenty1 all well mounted4 ,two kinds of ,hawks are necessary for this sport3 the first1 the ,cherkh 7the same which is flown at the antelope71 attacks them on the ground1 but will not follow them on the wing2 for this reason the ,bhyree1 a ,hawk well known in ,india1 is flown the moment the ,houbara rises4 ,as we rode along in an extended line1 the men who carried the ,cherkhs every now and then unhooded them and held them up that they might look over the plain4 ,the first ,houbara we found afforded us a proof of the astonishing quickness of sight of one of these ,hawks2 she fluttered to be loose1 and the man who held her gave a whoop as he threw her off his hand1 and then set off at full speed4 ,we all did the same4 ,at first we only saw our ,hawk skimming over the plain1 but soon perceived at the distance of more than a mile the beautiful speckled ,houbara1 with his head erect and wings outspread1 running forward to meet his adversary4 ,the ,hawk made several unsuccessful pounces1 which were either evaded or repelled by the beak and wings of the ,houbara1 which at last found an opportunity of rising1 when a ,bhyree was instantly flown1 and the party were again at full gallop4 ,we had a flight of more than a mile1 and then the ,houbara alighted and was killed by another ,cherkh1 which attacked him on the ground4 ,this bird weighed ten pounds4 ,we killed several others1 but were not always successful1 having seen our ,hawks twice completely beaten during the two days that we followed the sport4 ,when taken young1 the ,houbara is susceptible of being tamed1 and has been reared among the fowls in a ,farm-yard3 when thus treated it is1 however1 very shy and timorous1 hiding itself in holes and corners1 and refuses to breed4 ,,the ,,african ,,ruffled ,,bustard4 ,the ,,african ,,ruffled ,,bustard 7,hubara undulata71 though of larger size1 closely resembles the above species in its general appearance1 but has the back and wings of a deeper brown shade1 and the crest entirely white4 ,although rarely met with in ,europe1 this ,houbara is plentiful in the sandy deserts of ,arabia and ,north ,africa1 where its exquisitely-flavoured flesh is much prized4 ,we are but imperfectly acquainted with its habits1 and have no information respecting its eggs or nidification4 ,gould is of opinion that the crest of the female is either very small or entirely wanting1 and that the male bird only wears his plume during the breeding season4 ,,the ,,florikin4 ,the ,,florikin 7,sypheotidis ,bengalensis71 one of the most valued game-birds of ,india1 is during the breeding season of a glossy black upon the head1 nape1 breast1 and entire under side2 the back1 secondaries1 rump1 and feathers of the lower tail-covers are of a brownish hue1 delicately marked with zigzag black lines1 and each feather decorated with a black spot in its centre2 the shoulder-feathers and quills are pure white2 of the latter the three first are black upon the outer web1 whilst the rest have black shafts and tips4 ,the tail is black1 spotted with brown1 and tipped with white4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak black above1 and yellow beneath2 the foot is greenish yellow1 and the heel blue4 ,this species is from twenty-four to twenty-seven inches long1 and from forty-four to forty-seven broad2 the wing measures fourteen and the tail seven inches4 ,after the breeding season the male appears in a different garb1 in some degree resembling that of his mate4 ,the head and entire upper portion of the body are1 in the female1 of a pale red1 spotted1 striped1 and marked with black and brown2 the feathers on the upper wing-covers are whitish1 and those of the nape lined with black2 the quills are striped dark brown and red4 ,the female is from twenty-eight to twenty-nine inches long1 and fifty inches broad4 ,this fine bird1 according to ,jerdon1 is found throughout ,lower ,bengal1 north of the ,ganges1 extending to the south bank above the junction of the ,jumna1 and thence spreading through the valley of the ,jumna into ,rajpootana1 the ,cis-,sutlej ,states1 and parts of the ,punjaub2 in the east it occurs in ,dacca1 ,tipperah1 ,silhet1 and ,assam1 and northwards to the foot of the ,himalayas4 ,it frequents large tracts of moderately high grass1 whether interspersed with bushes or otherwise1 grass charrs1 or rivers1 and occasionally cultivated ground2 but it appears to be very capricious in its choice1 several often congregating in certain spots to the exclusion of others that seemed equally favourable4 ,from ,february to ,april it may be seen stalking about the thin grass early in the morning1 and it is observed to be often found about newly-burnt patches2 or one or more may be noticed winging their way to some cultivated spot1 a pea-field1 or mustard-field1 to make their morning repast1 after which they fly back to some thicker patch of grass to rest during the heat of the day4 ,at this time1 as well as during the earlier part of the year1 they are usually met with singly1 sometimes in pairs1 male and female1 not far distant from each other2 or1 as stated previously1 three or four will be found in some favoured spot4 ,according to ,hodgson1 the ,florikin is neither monogamous nor polygamous1 but the sexes live apart1 at no great distance1 and this would appear to be very probable4 ,the ,florikin breeds from ,june to ,august4 ,at this season the cock bird may be seen rising perpendicularly into the air with a hurried flapping of his wings1 occasionally stopping for a second or two1 and then rising still higher1 raising his crest at the same time1 puffing out the feathers of his neck and breast1 and afterwards dropping down to the ground2 he repeats this manuvre several times successively1 humming1 as ,hodgson asserts1 in a peculiar tone4 ,such females as happen to be near obey this saltatory summons2 and1 according to ,hodgson1 when one approaches1 he trails his wings1 raises and spreads his tail like a ,turkey-cock1 humming all the while4 ,at this time the hen ,florikin is generally to be found in lower ground and thicker grass1 and is flushed with difficulty1 as she conceals herself at the first approach of danger4 ,she lays from two to four eggs in some sequestered spot1 well hidden by the grass2 these are of a dull olivaceous tint1 more or less blotched1 and covered with dark spots4 ,two females are said not unfrequently to brood near each other4 ,illustration3 ,plate #cb4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,the ,,houbara ,,otis ,,macqueenii 7one quarter ,nat4 size7 ,the ,florikin has a steady flapping flight1 which is not very rapid1 and is seldom prolonged to any considerable distance4 ,when feeding1 it is shy and wary1 and will often rise at some distance1 but speedily takes refuge in a thick patch of grass1 and may then be easily approached4 ,it is usually silent1 but if suddenly startled rises with a shrill metallic chik1 chik1 which is occasionally repeated during its flight4 ,the food of the ,florikin consists chiefly of insects1 grasshoppers1 beetles1 and caterpillars2 but it also eats small lizards1 snakes1 centipedes1 and similar fare4 ,according to ,hodgson1 it often consumes seeds and sprouts1 but ,jerdon is of opinion that these are not taken by choice1 but swallowed with the insect diet4 ,this bird is highly esteemed for the table1 and by some numbered amongst the most delicate of ,indian game4 ,in all parts of ,india1 therefore1 the ,florikin is eagerly sought for by sportsmen4 ,it is frequently killed during a tiger-chase1 and is occasionally taken by the help of the ,falcon4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,trochilus1 ,,or ,,crocodile ,,watcher 7,hyas gyptiacus74 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,coursers 7,tachydromi71 a group in many respects closely resembling the smaller species of ,otides1 are slenderly-formed birds1 with long legs1 large1 pointed wings1 short tails1 and a moderate-sized delicate beak of about the same length as the head1 in most instances slightly curved1 and covered with a cere at its base4 ,the leg is slender1 the foot furnished with three toes1 which are armed with delicately small claws1 and almost entirely unconnected4 ,the tolerably thick plumage is usually of a nearly uniform reddish brown colour1 or sandy yellow1 and varies according to the sex and age4 ,these birds inhabit the arid plains and sandy deserts of ,africa and ,southern ,asia1 one species alone frequenting such spots as are in the vicinity of water1 into which1 however1 it does not venture to wade4 ,their flight is rapid and powerful1 and upon the ground they run with almost incredible ease and speed4 ,insects and larv constitute their diet2 the seeds occasionally found in their stomachs being only accidentally swallowed in their hasty search for food4 ,except during the breeding season they live in small parties1 and frequently associate with birds of similar habits4 ,it is undetermined whether the ,tachydromi should be regarded as stationary birds or not2 some species certainly wander over the country1 and occasionally appear at great distances from their native haunts4 ,,the ,,cream-,,coloured ,,courser4 ,the ,,cream-,,coloured ,,courser 7,cursorius isabellinus7 possesses a slender body and large wings1 in which the second quill is longer than the rest2 a comparatively short1 broadly-rounded tail1 composed of from twelve to fourteen feathers2 a long1 decidedly-curved bill1 slender tarsi1 and feet furnished with three toes4 ,the thick1 soft plumage is of a cream-colour1 the upper parts of the body having a reddish and the under side a yellowish tinge2 the nape is blueish grey1 divided from the rest of the body by a white and a black line commencing at the eyes1 and merging into a triangular patch on the nape2 the secondaries are sand-yellow1 with a black spot near the white tip1 and a pale inner web4 ,all the tail-feathers are reddish cream-colour1 except two in the centre2 these are tipped with white1 and striped with black4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak blackish1 and the foot straw-colour4 ,this species is from eight inches and a half to nine inches long1 and nineteen broad2 the wing measures six inches1 and the tail two inches and a half4 ,the female closely resembles her mate2 the young are at once recognised by the mottled and spotted appearance of their somewhat lighter plumage2 their primary quills have yellow tips1 and the nape is adorned by a whitish stripe bordered by a few black feathers4 ,the ,cream-coloured ,courser is a native of ,africa1 and is met with in ,egypt1 ,nubia1 and ,abyssinia1 being most numerous in the last-mentioned country2 it appears in summer along the coast-line from ,tangiers to ,tripoli1 and is seldom found north of the ,mediterranean4 ,this bird is one of the rarest visitors to our shores1 but three or four specimens have occurred in ,great ,britain since #aghe4 ,some years ago one was shot in ,kent1 whilst running over some light land4 ,so little timidity did it exhibit that the gentleman who killed it had time to send for a gun1 which did not readily go off1 and he in consequence missed his aim4 ,the report frightened the bird away1 but after making a turn or two it again settled within a hundred yards1 and was dispatched4 ,it was observed to run with incredible swiftness1 and at intervals to pick up something from the ground1 and was so bold as to render it difficult to make it rise in order to shoot it while on the wing4 ,the note was not like that of a ,plover1 nor1 indeed1 to be compared with that of any known bird4 ,from ,february to ,july these ,coursers live in pairs1 and are usually met with running together over the arid sands of their desert haunts4 ,travellers tell us that they frequently dart along with such extraordinary rapidity that1 like the spokes in a swiftly-turned wheel1 their limbs become invisible1 so that at a distance they present the appearance of legless bodies darting through the air2 if pursued by man1 it is not uncommon for them thus to avoid his approach for hours together4 ,if very sorely pressed1 they rise upon the wing to a moderate height1 and hover for a time before recommencing their wild career4 ,they will allow a rider to come nearer than a man on foot2 but even when mounted1 it is extremely difficult to get a shot at them1 as their many enemies soon render them very timid4 ,we learn from ,bdeker that the eggs of this species are from three to four in number1 short and broad1 with a sand-coloured glossy shell1 marked and dotted with a darker shade4 ,these are deposited in a slight hollow in the ground amongst short grass or stones4 ,we are unacquainted with further particulars respecting the nidification of the ,cream-coloured ,courser4 ,,the ,,trochilus1 ,,or ,,crocodile ,,watcher4 ,the ,,trochilus1 or ,,crocodile ,,watcher 7,hyas gyptiacus1 or ,trochilus71 differs in many essential particulars from the above group1 to which1 however1 it is nearly allied4 ,the body of this bird is compact1 the neck short1 and the head moderately large4 ,the beak is not more than half as long as the head1 compressed at its sides1 and drawn in at the margins2 the upper mandible rises gently from the base1 and again curves downwards towards the tip2 the lower mandible is straight2 the leg is high1 bare1 and but three-toed2 the wing1 in which the first quill exceeds the rest in length1 is so long1 that it extends as far as the tip of the rounded tail4 ,the secondary quills are also unusually developed4 ,in this very beautiful bird1 the top of the head1 the broad cheek-stripes which unite at the nape1 a wide stripe on the breast1 and the long slender back-feathers are all black2 the eyebrows1 throat1 gullet1 and entire under side are white1 shading into pale reddish brown on the sides and breast1 and into brownish yellow in the region of the rump2 the feathers on the shoulder and upper covers are pale slate-blue or grey2 the quills1 with the exception of the first 7which has only a light border at the base of the outer web7 are black in the centre and at the tip1 the rest of the feathers being white1 thus forming two broad stripes to the wings1 which have a very fine appearance when fully spread4 ,the tail-feathers are blueish grey tipped with white1 and decorated with a black stripe4 ,the eye is light brown1 the beak black1 and the foot light grey4 ,the body is about eight inches and a half in length2 the wing measures five inches1 and the tail two inches and three-quarters4 ,the female is but little smaller than her mate4 ,herodotus gives the following quaint account of the supposed strange friendship between this species and the crocodile3--,all other beasts and birds1 says that old ,greek writer1 avoid the crocodile1 but he is at peace with the ,trochilus1 because he receives benefits from it1 for when the crocodile gets out of the water and then opens his jaws1 which he does most commonly towards the west1 the ,trochilus enters his mouth and swallows the leeches which cling to his teeth4 ,the huge beast is so pleased with this service that he never injures the little bird4 ,this well-known account is still current in ,egypt1 with the addition of another tale traditional among the ,nile boatmen concerning this bird1 which they call the ,zic-zac1 in imitation of its call4 ,the crocodile1 they say1 while reposing on a sandbank1 often falls asleep1 quite forgetful of his bird friend1 who is busy within his large mouth clearing his teeth from their troublesome leech appendages4 ,the ,zic-zac1 finding the huge door closely shut upon him1 gives the crocodile a sharp reminder of his presence by striking his spurs into the mouth of the monster1 who immediately sets the prisoner free4 ,the ,hyas gyptiacus is met with throughout all the country watered by the ,nile1 and on the shores of all the rivers of ,western ,africa4 ,it is very doubtful whether any stray specimens have really visited ,europe as has been stated2 this species1 according to our own observations1 being strictly stationary in its habits1 and only quitting one sandbank for another when compelled to do so by the rising of the water4 ,in all its movements this brisk and pretty little bird displays great ease and rapidity4 ,during the course of its flight1 which is never long sustained1 it keeps close to the surface of the river1 and frequently repeats its shrill whistling cry4 ,towards every living creature the ,trochilus manifests the same utter fearlessness which he exhibits towards his neighbour the crocodile1 over and around whose large body he constantly disports himself on the sandbanks1 and gleans off the insect parasites that torment him4 ,we can distinctly affirm that we have ourselves repeatedly seen the little creature performing the tooth-clearing operation the ancients attributed to it1 and which many modern writers have declared to be fabulous4 ,insects of all kinds1 worms1 small fish1 mussels1 and1 according to some authorities1 scraps of meat1 and occasionally seeds1 form the principal diet of the ,crocodile-,watcher4 ,only once1 in spite of all our endeavours1 could we discover the carefully-concealed eggs4 ,after many fruitless efforts our attention was attracted whilst looking through a telescope by a pair of birds1 one of which was sitting in the sand1 and the other running hither and thither in the immediate vicinity4 ,using every precaution we approached1 but were no sooner observed than the brooding parent arose1 and after going hurriedly to a short distance1 joined its mate1 and both together walked slowly from the spot with such a wonderful affectation of indifference1 that we were completely taken in1 and should not have carried our investigations any further had not a slight unevenness of the ground caught our eye4 ,on removing the sand1 two beautiful eggs were brought to light1 having a reddish yellow shell1 dotted and marked in a variety of ways4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,collared ,,pratincole 7,glareola pratincola74 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,pratincoles1 or ,,swallow-,,winged ,,waders 7,tracheli71 are recognisable at once by the swallow-like formation of their long wings1 in which the first quill exceeds the rest in length2 by their long1 straight1 or forked tail composed of fourteen feathers1 and their slender bare legs4 ,the toes1 four in number1 are very slender1 the three in front are connected by a skin1 and furnished with narrow1 sharp1 and almost straight claws4 ,the plumage1 which varies but little either in the sexes or at different seasons of the year1 is very similar in all the species4 ,the ,pratincoles1 or ,sea ,partridges as they are called on the ,continent1 inhabit the temperate and warm portions of the eastern hemisphere1 and frequent the borders of lakes and rivers in the vicinity of mountains4 ,like the ,swallow1 they seek their insect prey whilst upon the wing1 or from the surface of the ground1 over which they run with great rapidity4 ,the eggs1 three or four in number1 are deposited in a slight nest placed among rushes or thick marshy herbage4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,common ,,thick-,,knee1 ,,or ,,stone ,,curlew 7dicnemus crepitans74 ,,the ,,collared ,,pratincole4 ,the ,,collared ,,pratincole 7,glareola pratincola7 is a beautiful bird1 about ten inches long and twenty-two inches and a half broad1 with the wing measuring seven inches1 and the tail1 at the centre of the fork1 two inches and a half4 ,the upper portions of the body are greyish brown1 the wings1 lower breast1 and under side white2 the reddish yellow throat is encircled by a brown ring1 and the head is brownish grey2 the tail-feathers and quills are tipped with black4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak black1 with bright red corners1 and the foot blackish brown4 ,the male and female are almost alike in size4 ,this bird inhabits ,northern ,africa1 and the countries watered by the ,don1 the ,volga1 and the ,caspian and ,black ,seas2 and although it periodically visits ,france1 is rarely seen in ,great ,britain4 ,everywhere it occupies the margins of rivers and lakes1 equally frequenting the vicinity of fresh and salt water4 ,the ,collared ,pratincole flies with great ease and swiftness1 and indulges in a variety of graceful evolutions whilst on the wing2 upon the ground its walk1 though rapid1 is seldom prolonged1 and every step is accompanied by a constant whipping with the tail4 ,its food consists principally of aquatic insects1 but it seizes its prey with equal facility on land1 from the surface of the water or in the air2 indeed1 it is not uncommon to see one of these active little birds dart to a height of several feet into the air1 in order to seize a passing fly4 ,it consumes locusts in great numbers1 and1 according to ,jules ,verreaux1 is often to be found in the track of the hosts of these creatures that are met with in ,southern ,africa4 ,the nest consists of a slight hollow in the ground1 lined with fibres and blades of grass2 the eggs1 four in number1 have a yellowish brown or greenish grey shell1 spotted with grey1 and variously marked with light brown and deep black4 ,so great is the attachment of these ,pratincoles for their mates and young that we are told1 should one of a pair be shot1 the other at once runs to its companion's side in utter disregard of its own safety4 ,if the little family are intruded on1 the parents frequently feign to be wounded1 or by other devices entice the enemy from the nest4 ,the helpless young1 if alarmed1 crouch to the ground1 and are with difficulty detected1 owing to the earthy colour of their downy feathers2 they grow very rapidly1 and soon attain the plumage of the adult birds4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,thick-,,knees 7dicnemi7 constitute a sub-family whose members are at once recognisable by their comparatively large size1 moderately long thin neck1 thick head1 large eyes1 and a straight beak of about the same length as the head1 with the culmen slightly depressed and swollen at the tip4 ,the knees are very thick1 the toes three in number1 and the wings1 in which the second quill is the longest1 of moderate size2 the secondary quills are of unusual length4 ,the tail is wedge-shaped1 and composed of from twelve to fourteen feathers4 ,these birds are migratory1 and are met with in all parts of the world1 with the exception of ,north ,america2 open moorlands are the localities they prefer1 as affording them the largest supply of the small quadrupeds1 reptiles1 worms1 and insects upon which they subsist1 and which they seek during the evening or at night4 ,in the daytime the ,thick-knees remain closely squatted beneath a stone or any similar shelter1 and if disturbed fly to a short distance1 before running off rapidly to some place of concealment4 ,the female deposits her two eggs on the bare ground2 the young are able to follow their parents as soon as they quit the shell4 ,,the ,,common ,,thick-,,knee1 ,,or ,,stone ,,curlew4 ,the ,,common ,,thick-,,knee1 or ,,stone ,,curlew 7dicnemus crepitans71 is from sixteen to seventeen inches long and from twenty-nine to thirty broad2 the wing measures eight inches and half1 and the tail about five inches4 ,the feathers upon the upper parts of the body are reddish grey1 striped in the centre with blackish brown2 the brow1 a patch over the eyes and a line above and below the cere are white1 the under side and a stripe on the upper wing are yellowish white1 the quills black1 and the tail-feathers bordered with black and white at their sides4 ,the eye is golden yellow1 the beak yellow with black tip1 the foot straw-colour1 and the eyelids yellow4 ,the plumage of the young is principally of a rust-red4 ,these birds are natives of the desert and barren districts of ,northern ,africa1 ,western ,asia1 and ,southern ,europe1 being especially numerous in ,syria1 ,persia1 ,arabia1 and ,india4 ,such as occupy the most northern portions of their habitat go south late in the autumn and return to their former haunts early in spring1 whilst such as dwell in the countries watered by the ,mediterranean remain throughout the entire year in the same localities4 ,in ,egypt1 notwithstanding their usual preference for barren tracts1 the ,stone ,curlews not only venture into towns and perch upon houses1 but occasionally make their nests on the roofs1 always provided that the situation be such as to permit them to have a clear space about them1 and an elevated perch from whence they can reconnoitre in order to elude the approach of danger4 ,a nearly-allied species1 residing in ,south ,africa1 frequents the outskirts of forests1 selecting spots thickly covered with brushwood1 in which it conceals itself if alarmed4 ,the ,common ,thick-knee or ,norfolk ,plover1 as it is called in ,england1 is only a summer visitor to our country1 appearing in ,april and departing in ,september or ,october4 ,it is most numerous in the south and south-west parts of our island1 and does not go north of ,yorkshire4 ,ireland it rarely visits4 ,according to ,mr4 ,salmon1 of ,thetford1 it is numerously distributed all over our warren and fallow lands during the breeding season1 which commences about the second week in ,april1 the female depositing her pair of eggs upon the bare ground1 without any nest whatever2 it is generally supposed that the males take no part in the labour of incubation2 this ,i suspect is not the case4 ,wishing to procure for a friend a few specimens in their breeding plumage1 ,i employed a boy to take them for me1 this he did by ensnaring them on the nest1 and the result was that all he caught during the day proved upon dissection to be males4 ,they assemble in flocks previous to their departure1 which is usually by the end of ,october2 but should the weather continue open1 a few will remain to a much later period4 ,i started one as late as the #ith ,december1 in the autumn of #ahcd4 ,montague records an instance of this bird being killed in ,devonshire as early as ,february in #ahjg4 ,the ,stone ,curlew is singularly shy and cautious in avoiding observers1 and should it be disturbed1 at once seeks shelter by crouching to the ground2 if still followed1 it endeavours to escape by running1 and is rarely forced to have recourse to its wings4 ,its flight is gentle and easy1 but seldom long sustained4 ,during the day it usually remains quiet1 and in ,south ,africa conceals itself from the presence of man almost after the manner of an ,owl4 ,no sooner1 however1 has night set in1 than it appears in quite a new character1 darting lightly about on rapid wing in search of food and water1 or running swiftly over the surface of the ground4 ,it is not uncommon for a pair of these birds to wander for miles in search of a drinking-place1 returning before morning to their usual haunts4 ,whilst thus actively employed1 their clear resonant call of cur-lui is constantly heard4 ,frogs1 lizards1 mice1 and occasionally eggs and small birds form their principal food2 field-mice they catch after the manner of a cat1 and crunch the bones previous to swallowing their prey2 insects they also kill before consuming them2 grains of sand and pebbles are employed to assist the process of digestion4 ,at the commencement of spring1 battles between the males frequently occur in order to obtain a desired female4 ,the eggs1 from two to three in number1 are deposited about ,april in a slight hollow in the sand1 these are about the size of ,hens' eggs and of the same shape1 with a pale yellowish shell1 spotted and streaked with deep yellow and blackish brown4 ,the female broods and hatches her family in about sixteen days2 during this time she is carefully guarded by her watchful mate4 ,as soon as the young quit the nest1 they follow their parent and receive instruction in the art of obtaining food3 should danger be at hand1 a cry warns them to seek shelter1 and they at once conceal themselves by lying close to the ground4 ,the ,thick-knee exhibits considerable courage when protecting its family1 and has been seen to defend its nest with vigour against the approach of sheep or dogs4 ,one of these birds1 kept by ,brehm the elder1 became extraordinarily tame and ran freely about the house1 testifying the utmost attachment to his master1 eating from his hand1 and allowing himself to be caressed at pleasure4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,plovers 7,charadrii7 constitute a family of short-necked1 large-headed birds1 of small size1 with moderately long1 slender1 but thick-jointed legs1 three-toed feet1 the hinder toe being either entirely wanting or but slightly developed and much raised4 ,the wings are pointed and slender1 with the first or second quill longer than the rest1 and the secondaries prolonged4 ,the short tail is composed of twelve feathers1 and slightly rounded at its extremity4 ,the beak1 which is rarely more than half as long as the head1 is soft at its base and hard on the raised portion at its extremity4 ,the thick compact plumage varies in the sexes1 and according to the season of the year4 ,the ,plovers are met with in every quarter of the globe1 and while some occupy the interior of the country1 frequenting its plains and open grounds1 others prefer the vicinity of the sea1 or the margins of lakes and rivers1 obtaining their food principally from the water2 others1 again1 select desert tracts1 marshes1 or mountainous districts4 ,during the breeding season all live in pairs1 but near together2 subsequently they collect together into large parties1 which gradually increase in size as the season for migrating approaches4 ,in their habits the ,plovers are usually active2 they run and fly with equal facility1 and though they rarely attempt to swim1 are not altogether unsuccessful in that particular4 ,almost all the species utter a plaintive whistle1 and during the breeding season can produce a few connected1 pleasing notes4 ,the three or four pear-shaped variegated eggs are deposited in a slight hollow in the ground1 in which a few blades of grass are occasionally placed4 ,both parents assist in the work of incubation4 ,reptiles1 worms1 small quadrupeds1 and insects constitute the food of these birds4 ,their flesh is regarded as a delicacy1 and they are therefore objects of great attraction to the sportsman1 although they often render themselves extremely troublesome by uttering their shrill cry1 and thus warning their feathered companions of the approach of danger4 ,from this habit they have received the name of tell-tales4 ,the ,charadrius carunculata1 an ,african species1 writes ,livingstone1 a most plaguey sort of 'public-spirited individual1' follows you everywhere1 flying overhead1 and is most persevering in his attempts to give fair warning to all the animals within hearing to flee from the approach of danger4 ,,the ,,golden ,,plover4 ,the ,,golden ,,plover 7,charadrius auratus1 or pluvialis7 is at once recognisable by its slender beak and feet1 pointed wings1 and golden plumage4 ,the feathers on the upper portions of the body are black1 thickly covered with small green or golden yellow spots1 the entire under side is black4 ,in the autumn1 the throat and breast are spotted with yellowish grey2 the belly is white2 the black tail-feathers are streaked with white2 and the black throat is decorated with a white stripe commencing at the brow and merging into the breast4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak black1 and the foot blackish grey4 ,this species is ten inches long and twenty-two broad2 the wing measures seven inches1 and the tail three inches and a half4 ,the ,golden ,plovers are especially numerous in the cooler portions of the globe1 becoming gradually rarer towards #eg north latitude4 ,in ,england they are generally distributed1 but such as occupy the southern parts go northwards to the high hills and swampy ground of ,scotland and the northern counties of ,england during the breeding season4 ,these migrations usually take place at night1 the birds flying at a considerable height from the ground4 ,during the day they rest or seek for food1 and1 strangely enough1 select not their usually favourite marshes1 but fields and cultivated ground4 ,these ,plovers are brisk and nimble1 running with great rapidity1 and flying1 not only swiftly1 but gracefully4 ,during the period of incubation they indulge in a variety of elegant gyrations in the vicinity of the nest1 and their plaintive1 clear whistle is heard to most advantage at that season4 ,worms1 larv1 beetles1 snails1 and slugs constitute their principal nourishment1 and in order to assist digestion small pebbles are also swallowed4 ,water would appear to be a real necessary of life to these birds1 as they love to wash and cleanse their feathers in it daily4 ,the eggs1 generally four in number1 have a yellowish1 stone-coloured shell1 marked and spotted with brownish black4 ,these are deposited in a slight hollow in the ground1 lined with a few fibres or blades of grass4 ,the young leave the nest immediately after quitting the shell1 and follow their parents for about a month1 after which time they are able to fly and seek for food on their own account4 ,it is uncertain whether the father assists in the incubation of the eggs4 ,macgillivray gives the following graphic description of the parental affection observable in the male birds1 as witnessed by himself on some heath-covered mountain4 ,presently a breeze rolls away the mist1 and discloses a number of these watchful sentinels1 each on his mound of faded moss1 and all emitting their mellow cries the moment we offer to advance4 ,they are males1 whose mates are brooding over their eggs1 or leading their down-clad and toddling chicks among the 7to them7 pleasant peat-bogs that intervene between the high banks1 clad with luxuriant heath not yet recovered from the effects of the winter frosts1 and little meadows of cotton-grass1 white as the snow-wreaths that lie on the hills4 ,how prettily they run over the grey moss and lichens1 their little feet twinkling1 and their full1 bright1 and soft eyes gleaming as they commence their attempts to entice us away from their chosen retreats4 ,the attempts to lure intruders from their nest1 above alluded to1 consist in a most excellent feigning of being desperately wounded and unable to fly1 or by affecting to have lamed a leg1 and thus enticing the enemy to follow the cunning bird1 as it slowly retreats in an opposite direction to that occupied by its beloved progeny4 ,when the young are able to fly1 the ,plovers associate in flocks1 which remain on the moors till winter begins1 when they quit them for pasture lands4 ,as the season advances1 and the cold becomes severe1 they descend to the coast1 and usually remain in the vicinity of the sea during the winter4 ,occasionally they are so tame that1 according to the authority above quoted1 they will allow a sportsman to approach within fifteen yards1 and even walk around them several times in order to drive them together before taking aim4 ,in windy weather1 continues ,macgillivray1 they often rest by lying flat on the ground1 and ,i have reason to think that at night this is the general practice4 ,in the ,hebrides ,i have often gone to shoot them by moonlight1 when they seemed as actively engaged as in the day1 which was also the case with the ,snipes1 but ,i seldom succeeded in my object1 it being extremely difficult to estimate the distance at night4 ,the numbers that at this season frequent the sandy pastures and shores of the outer ,hebrides is astonishing4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,golden ,,plover 7,charadrius auratus71 ,,and ,,the ,,dotterel 7,eudromias ,morinellus74 ,the ,golden ,plover is in great request for the table1 and is in perfection about ,september and ,october4 ,the specific name of pluvialis has been given to the ,golden ,plover on account of the extraordinary restlessness it exhibits before bad weather4 ,a very remarkable instance of this characteristic is given by the ,rev4 ,r4 ,lubbock1 in his ,fauna of ,norfolk4 ,according to that gentleman1 he was much struck by the perpetual wheeling1 now high1 now low1 of a large flock of these birds one fine bright day at the end of ,december4 ,they were not still for a moment1 and yet there appeared to be no cause for such unwonted disturbance4 ,all next day they were in the same state of uproar1 and on the following morning1 which was as calm and mild as the preceding1 the ,plovers had all departed4 ,about five o'clock in the morning1 on the same day1 the wind began to howl1 signs of a severe tempest set in1 and by the evening so much snow had fallen that in some places the drifts were six or seven feet in depth4 ,,the ,,ringed ,,plover4 ,the ,,ringed ,,plover 7,charadrius hiaticula7 is light brownish ash-colour on the upper parts of the body2 the large wing-covers being tipped with white2 the throat and belly are white1 the former having a black patch upon its front2 the cheeks are black1 divided between the eyes by a white line2 the quills are dusky1 part of the shafts and the web at the base being white4 ,of the twelve feathers that compose the tail1 the two centre ones are brown1 with dark tips1 the three next black towards the end1 the next one only brown on the inner web1 and the outer one entirely white4 ,the claws are black1 the eyes hazel1 and the feet orange1 the beak is orange1 tipped with black4 ,during the winter these colours are less bright and the black upon the throat comparatively very pale4 ,the female has less white upon the front and more upon the wings1 and her plumage generally is of a more cineraceous brown4 ,the young are dusky black and without the white on the front2 their bill is dusky1 and their foot yellowish brown4 ,the length of this species is seven inches and half1 and the span of the wing1 sixteen inches2 the bill measures one inch and half4 ,the ,ringed ,plover is abundantly met with in ,germany and ,holland1 and is also found in ,france and ,italy2 during the summer it visits ,russia and ,siberia1 whilst in ,great ,britain it remains throughout the greater part of the year1 being especially numerous in all such parts of our coast as are well covered with sand and shingle4 ,this species has1 however1 been known to breed in the sandy warrens of ,norfolk and ,suffolk1 at a considerable distance from the sea4 ,the food of this ,plover consists of insects1 worms1 and small crustaceans4 ,the four eggs laid by the female are deposited near the sea1 in a hole in the sand1 above high-water mark2 occasionally this cavity is lined with tiny stones1 of about the size of a pea1 and from this circumstance has been derived the name of ,stone ,hatch1 by which the bird is known in some parts of ,england4 ,the eggs have a cineraceous brown shell1 spotted with black and greyish blue4 ,if disturbed while brooding1 the parents at once feign lameness1 and anxiously endeavour to lead intruders away from their little family4 ,the note of the ,ringed ,plover is a shrill whistle4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,dotted ,,plovers 7,eudromias7 form a distinct group1 having their high straight beak compressed in the centre of the upper mandible1 and of greater length than their large head4 ,a portion of the wing is much prolonged1 and the tarsus covered with horny plates4 ,the dotted plumage is very similar in the various species4 ,,the ,,dotted ,,plover1 ,,or ,,dotterel4 ,the ,,dotted ,,plover1 or ,,dotterel 7,eudromias ,morinellus71 has a garb well suited to the rocky haunts that it frequents4 ,the feathers on the upper parts of the body are of a blackish shade1 edged with rust-red2 the grey head is separated from the rust-red breast by a narrow white and a black line2 the lower breast is black in its centre1 and the belly white2 a broad light stripe passes over the eyes to the nape4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak black1 and the foot greenish yellow4 ,in autumn the upper portions of the body are deep grey1 the feathers on the crown of the head black and rust-yellow1 and the stripe over the eyes pale rust-yellow2 the upper breast is grey and the rest of the under side white4 ,the female resembles her mate1 but is less beautifully coloured4 ,this species is from eight inches and three-quarters to nine inches long1 and eighteen broad2 the wing measures five inches and three-quarters2 and the tail two inches and three-quarters4 ,the ,dotterels inhabit the mountainous tracts of the northern portions of the globe1 and are occasionally seen at an altitude of ten thousand feet above the level of the sea4 ,during the winter they wander south2 rarely1 however1 going beyond the countries bordering the ,mediterranean4 ,these migrations take place in ,august1 and are carried on in flocks1 which travel both by day and night4 ,the homeward journey is not commenced earlier than ,april4 ,the ,dotterel visits ,great ,britain during the summer1 appearing first in the south-eastern part of ,england4 ,it seldom goes far west1 but takes a northern course1 and always inhabits high ground4 ,mr4 ,heysham1 of ,carlisle1 gives the following account of the habits of this bird1 drawn from his own observation3-- ,in the neighbourhood of ,carlisle1 ,dotterels seldom make their appearance before the middle of ,may1 about which time they are occasionally seen in different localities in flocks which vary in number from five to fifteen1 and almost invariably resort to heaths1 barren pastures1 fallow lands1 c41 in open and exposed situations1 where they continue1 if unmolested1 from ten days to a fortnight1 and then retire to the mountains and the vicinity of lakes to incubate4 ,the most favourite breeding haunts of these birds are always near to1 or on the summits of1 the highest mountains1 particularly those that are densely covered with the woolly fringe-moss 7,tricostomum lanuginosum71 which1 indeed1 grows more or less profusely on nearly all the most elevated parts of this alpine district4 ,in these lonely places they constantly reside the whole of the breeding season1 a considerable part of the time enveloped in clouds1 and daily soaked with rain or the drenching mist so extremely prevalent in these dreary regions4 ,the ,dotterel is by no means a solitary bird at this time1 as a few pairs usually associate together1 and live to all appearance in the greatest harmony4 ,these birds do not make any nest1 but deposit their eggs1 which seldom exceed three in number1 in a cavity on dry ground covered with vegetation1 and generally near a moderate-sized stone or fragment of rock4 ,in early seasons old females will occasionally lay their eggs about the #bfth of ,may1 but the greater part seldom commence before the first or second week in ,june2 they appear1 however1 to vary greatly in this respect4 ,the male assists in the incubation of the young4 ,a week previous to their departure1 continues the same observer1 they congregate in flocks1 and continue together until they finally leave this country1 which is sometimes during the latter part of ,august1 at others not before the beginning of ,september4 ,a few birds are1 no doubt1 occasionally seen after this period1 but they are either late broods1 or birds that are returning from more northern latitudes4 ,with regard to their manners1 ,mr4 ,heysham says3--,on the #crd of ,july we found two or three pairs near the most elevated portion of this mountain2 and on all our visits thither1 whether early in the morning or late in the afternoon1 the greater part were always seen near the same place1 sitting on the ground4 ,when first discovered1 they permitted us to approach within a short distance without showing any symptoms of alarm1 and frequently afterwards1 when within a few paces watching their movements1 some would move slowly about and pick up an insect1 others would remain motionless1 now and then stretching out their wings1 and a few would occasionally tug with each other1 at the same time uttering a few notes which had some resemblance to those of the ,common ,linnet4 ,in short1 they appeared to be so very indifferent with regard to our presence1 that at last my assistant could not avoid exclaiming1 ',what stupid birds these are6' ,the female that had young nevertheless evinced considerable anxiety for their safety1 whenever we came near the place where they were concealed1 and as long as we remained in the vicinity1 she constantly flew to and fro above us1 uttering her note of alarm4 ,as soon as the young birds were fully feathered1 two were killed for the purpose of examining their plumage in this state1 and we found that after they had been fired at once or twice they became more wary1 and eventually we had some little difficulty in approaching sufficiently near to effect our purpose4 ,the stomachs ,i dissected were all filled with the elytra and remains of small coleopterous insects1 which in all probability constitute their principal food during the breeding season4 ,the pear-shaped eggs of the ,dotterel are three or four in number1 and have a smooth lustreless shell1 of a pale yellowish brown or greenish hue1 irregularly spotted with white4 ,upon one occasion we accidentally disturbed a brood1 and having taken the young in our hand and shown them to the mother1 she at once boldly ruffled her feathers1 shook her wings1 and endeavoured to excite pity by a variety of gesticulations4 ,no sooner were the prisoners released than she uttered a cry of delight1 and gathered them under her wings1 after the manner of a ,barn-door ,fowl4 ,the flesh of this ,plover is extremely delicate4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,shore ,,plovers 7gialites7 occupy the sandy or gravelly shores of rivers on the sea-coast1 and are characterised by their comparatively small size1 delicate beaks1 long pointed wings1 and the uniform hue of the sandy plumage on the upper parts of the body4 ,the under side is white1 and the neck encircled by a band4 ,,the ,,little ,,shore ,,plover1 ,,or ,,little ,,ringed ,,plover4 ,the ,,little ,,shore ,,plover1 or ,,little ,,ringed ,,plover 7gialites minor71 as the best known species is called1 scarcely exceeds a ,lark in size2 the length of the body being about six inches and a half1 and the span of the wing eighteen inches4 ,the wing measures four inches and one-third1 and the tail three inches and one-third4 ,in this bird the cheeks1 crown of the head1 and upper portions of the plumage are earthy grey1 the under side is white as far as the throat1 round which passes a black band2 the quills1 bridles1 and a streak on the brow are also black4 ,the latter is bounded by a white line1 which is again edged with black4 ,the eye is dark brown1 with a circle around it of ,king's yellow2 the beak is black1 and the foot reddish grey4 ,all these colours are paler in the female4 ,the young are without the black collar on the neck4 ,this species is met with throughout ,europe1 almost the whole of ,asia1 and a great portion of the ,african continent4 ,it1 however1 only visits the more southern countries during the course of its migrations1 which extend from ,august and ,september to ,march or ,april4 ,southern ,europe is1 we believe1 the farthest point at which it is known to breed4 ,in the northern portions of the globe it almost exclusively frequents the rush-covered banks of marshy water at some distance from the sea1 but occasionally1 during the winter journeyings1 which they make in large flocks1 these birds are seen upon the coast4 ,the ,little ,ringed ,plover is rare in ,great ,britain4 ,mr4 ,gould says1 ,we are indebted to our friend ,mr4 ,doubleday1 of ,epping1 for the loan of an example of this elegant little ,plover1 which he informs us was taken at ,shoreham1 in ,sussex4 ,from the extreme youth of the specimen transmitted to us1 it is clear that it must have been bred on the spot4 ,the food of this species consists of various insects1 larv1 mussels1 and similar fare4 ,they drink much1 bathe freely once or twice a day1 and frequently obtain their prey from under stones in or near the water4 ,in their habits they closely resemble such of their brethren as we have already described4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,lapwing1 ,,or ,,peewit 7,vanellus cristatus74 ,the four pretty little pale reddish-yellow eggs have a delicate lustreless shell1 marked and dotted with grey and blackish brown1 and are deposited in a slight hollow on a gravelly or pebbly bank1 at such a height as to be in no danger from the rising of the water4 ,during fine days1 the parents leave the brood exposed to the rays of the sun1 but in rainy weather and at night they share the labour of incubation1 and sit constantly4 ,the young are hatched in sixteen or seventeen days1 and leave the nest as soon as their plumage is dry1 and in a few days begin to pick food4 ,in a few days more they are able to support themselves1 but remain with their parents during the first migration4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,lapwings1 or ,,peewits 7,vanelli71 represent a family of birds characterised by their size1 the strength of their beak1 and the height of the tarsi4 ,the foot is1 in many instances1 furnished with four toes4 ,in some species the head is adorned with a crest2 some have spurs on the wings1 and others a remarkable development of skin at the corners of the beak4 ,the sexes are nearly alike1 and the young speedily attain the plumage of the adult bird4 ,the ,peewits occupy every latitude1 and are met with in the most diverse situations1 for whilst some species exclusively seek the vicinity of water or marshy ground1 others frequent arid plains or the burning sands of the desert4 ,in disposition they are lively1 and possess such a restless curiosity concerning every object around them as frequently renders them most troublesome to the sportsman1 whose insidious approach they at once proclaim to all their feathered companions4 ,all the members of this family1 though social in their habits1 live almost constantly in pairs1 which remain together even during the winter migrations2 indeed1 it is probable that at this season even the young have each a chosen companion4 ,insects1 worms1 and similar fare afford them the means of subsistence2 but they also occasionally consume seeds1 young leaves1 and shoots4 ,the nest is merely a hollow in the ground more or less slightly lined1 and contains four eggs4 ,the flesh of these birds is hard and indigestible4 ,,the ,,peewit1 ,,or ,,lapwing4 ,the ,,peewit1 or ,,lapwing 7,vanellus cristatus71 represents a division of the above group having four toes upon the foot1 blunt wings1 and a crest upon the head4 ,the crown1 fore part of the throat1 upper breast1 and half the tail1 are glossy black2 the mantle-feathers deep green1 with a blue or purple gloss2 the sides of the neck1 lower breast1 body1 and lower half of the tail are white1 and some of the feathers on the upper and lower tail-covers dark rusty yellow4 ,the crest is composed of long narrow feathers4 ,the female has a smaller crest1 and the fore parts of the throat spotted black and white4 ,the young resemble the mother1 but are duller in their tints1 and have broad rust-yellow feathers on the upper portion of the body4 ,in all the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and the foot dirty red4 ,this species is thirteen inches long and twenty-seven broad2 the wing measures eight inches and a half1 and the tail four inches4 7,see ,coloured ,plate ,,xxxiii47 ,the ,lapwing occupies a wide range1 extending from #fa north latitude1 as far as ,northern ,india and ,north ,africa4 ,in some parts of ,china it is as common as in ,great ,britain4 ,some writers are of opinion that this ,peewit breeds in ,spain1 but1 according to our own observations1 it only appears in that land at the end of ,october1 and leaves again to go north at the beginning of ,march4 ,radde mentions having seen it on the ,amur1 being particularly numerous at ,tarai-,noor2 strange to say1 such as he observed did not remain in the vicinity of the water during the summer1 but occupied dry and barren steppes throughout the whole season of incubation4 ,in ,india1 according to ,jerdon1 this species is only found in the ,punjaub1 where it breeds4 ,the ,peewit is especially numerous in ,holland1 and is generally distributed over the ,british ,isles1 except in the extreme north of ,scotland and the ,hebrides1 everywhere occupying moorlands1 downs1 and swampy lands1 and depositing its four eggs in a slight hollow1 which is lined with a few straws or blades of grass4 ,the eggs are pyriform1 and have a pale brownish yellow or olive-coloured shell1 prettily spotted and marked with brownish black4 ,the young leave the nest as soon as they are hatched1 and if alarmed1 at once take refuge in the moss or grass4 ,both parents exhibit great affection and anxiety for their young1 and should a stranger venture to approach the nest1 fly around him1 and use every endeavour to lure him from the spot1 sometimes running as if lame1 or fluttering as though with a broken wing to tempt pursuit2 nevertheless1 in spite of all her arts1 the ,lapwing's nest is frequently rifled1 and numbers of eggs are sent to the ,london market4 ,according to ,mr4 ,selby1 the trade of collecting them continues about two months1 and great expertness in the discovery of the nests is shown by those accustomed to it4 ,they generally judge of their situation pretty accurately by the conduct of the female birds1 who1 upon being disturbed1 invariably fly from the nest1 and then run near the ground for a short distance without uttering any alarm cry4 ,the males on the contrary are very clamorous1 and fly round the intruder1 endeavouring by various instinctive arts to divert his attention4 ,so expert1 says another observer1 have some men become1 that they will not only walk straight to a nest which may be at a considerable distance1 but tell the probable number of eggs it may contain1 generally judging of the situation and number of eggs by the conduct of the female bird4 ,when the young are reared1 the ,lapwings associate in flocks which1 at the end of autumn1 exchange the higher moorlands for lower ground1 and frequent the ploughed fields4 ,when going to a distance1 they fly with speed often in an irregular body1 but sometimes in lines1 alighting in silence after various evolutions4 ,about the middle of ,march they return to higher ground1 again to resume their family duties4 ,the ,lapwing feeds on worms1 insects1 slugs1 and larv1 and on this account is frequently kept in gardens2 but when thus domesticated1 it needs a supply of food1 when wintry frosts debar it from its usual diet4 ,the two ,english names of this bird have been derived from its most striking peculiarities1 the one1 ,peewit1 from its singular cry1 and the other1 ,lapwing1 from the strange1 remarkable flapping of its wings during flight4 ,,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,lapwing4 ,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,lapwing 7,hoplopterus spinosus7 is characterised by a spur-like appendage on its wings1 its long legs1 three-toed feet1 a blunt crest upon the head1 and its comparatively pointed wing1 in which the second quill exceeds the rest in length4 ,in this species the mantle is greyish brown1 part of the head and the under side are black2 the sides of the head1 throat1 belly1 and the nape and region of the wings are all white2 the primary quills and tail-feathers are principally tipped with black1 some of the largest feathers on the wing-covers and two entire tail-feathers being white4 ,the sexes are alike in plumage1 and do not vary in their tints at any season of the year4 ,this bird is very common in ,egypt1 where it usually occupies the vicinity of water2 nevertheless it entirely avoids the sea-coast1 but occasionally sojourns near lakes of brackish water4 ,in the northern portion of ,central ,africa it is constantly seen1 but is rare in ,nubia1 ,eastern ,soudan1 and ,habesch4 ,during the spring and autumn it sometimes wanders as far as ,greece1 and1 according to ,lindermayer1 is occasionally met with there on the sea-coast4 ,whether it also breeds in ,greece1 is at present uncertain4 ,this bird1 called ,siksak by the ,arabs1 in imitation of its peculiar cry1 is sometimes erroneously supposed to be the bird alluded to by ,herodotus1 as clearing the parasites from the teeth of the crocodile4 ,this mistake has no doubt arisen from the fact that it frequently occupies the sandbanks on which these monsters repose1 and is often seen running fearlessly over and about their huge bodies4 ,like the rest of their brethren1 these ,lapwings render themselves most obnoxious to the naturalist or sportsman1 by the pertinacity with which they warn all their companions of the approach of danger1 and by thus constantly annoying him1 destroy the impression of pleasure that the grace and ease of their movements would otherwise excite4 ,day and night this restlessness continues1 and has given rise to a legend among the ,arabs that this tormenting little bird received the curse of perpetual sleeplessness1 together with the spur upon its shoulder1 as a punishment for former indolent habits4 ,towards its feathered associates it exhibits the same irritable demeanour1 frequently attacking even such as are larger than itself with astonishing boldness1 and often inflicting serious damage with its armed wing4 ,insects1 worms1 mussels1 and sand1 are usually found on dissection in its stomach4 ,its flesh is very unpalatable4 ,the period of incubation commences about the middle of ,march4 ,in ,egypt a moist field is usually selected by a breeding pair1 whilst on the ,upper ,nile sandbanks are preferred4 ,the eggs are smaller than those of the ,european ,lapwing1 and are coloured with mixed green1 yellow and grey1 marked with blackish brown spots1 which do not extend over the narrow end4 ,we have found as many as six eggs in one nest1 but possibly they were deposited by more than one female4 ,occasionally we have seen earth strewn on the nest1 but whether this was the result of accident or design we could not ascertain4 ,when first hatched the young are covered with greyish down1 but soon acquire plumage similar to that of the adults1 and leave the nest very shortly after quitting the shell4 ,like others of their kind1 they run with astonishing rapidity1 and conceal themselves with great dexterity at the approach of danger4 ,as regards their movements and habits1 these ,lapwings resemble such species as we have already described4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,lappeted ,,peewits 7,sarciophorus7 are recognisable by the skin-like appendages at the base of the beak1 and by a horny excrescence at the joint of the wing2 the powerful bill is moderately long and the foot rather large2 the hinder toe is but slightly developed4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,lapwing 7,hoplopterus spinosus74 ,,the ,,lappeted ,,peewit4 ,the ,,lappeted ,,peewit 7,sarciophorus pileatus7 is reddish grey on the upper parts of the body and white on the nape and under side2 the head1 throat1 tips of the quills and tail-feathers are black4 ,the eye is a beautiful golden yellow1 the beak blood-red at its base and black at the tip1 and the foot red4 ,the length of this species is ten inches and two-thirds1 and the breadth twenty-four inches2 the wing measures six inches and three-quarters1 and the tail three inches and a half4 ,these birds occupy barren plains and live in pairs or small families4 ,during our travels through ,bahiuda and ,cordofania we saw them daily1 and upon one occasion met with them in the ,samchara1 seeking for insects among the droppings of the cattle4 ,in their habits they resemble both the ,common and ,spurred ,peewit1 their flight being similar to that of the latter bird4 ,in disposition they are shy and wary4 ,we were unable to obtain further particulars concerning them4 ,,the ,,turnstone4 ,illustration3 ,plate #cc4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,the ,,lapwing ,,vanellus ,,cristatus 7about one half ,nat4 size7 ,the ,,turnstone 7,strepsilas interpres7 is the representative of a sub-family1 characterised by their powerful body1 short neck1 comparatively large and high-browed head1 and long pointed wing1 in which the first quill is the longest1 some of the feathers being of unusual length4 ,the tail1 composed of twelve feathers1 is scarcely of medium size1 and has a gently-rounded tip2 the conical beak is shorter than the head1 curves slightly upwards1 and is flattened at its culmen2 the short legs are powerful2 the foot furnished with four toes2 and the brightly-coloured plumage thick and compact4 ,during summer the adult male has the brow1 cheeks1 a broad collar on the nape1 the lower part of the back1 the throat1 feathers of the lower wing-covers1 and a stripe above the wings of a pure white2 a line commencing near the brow and passing near the eyes to the throat1 the fore part and sides of the neck and breast is black2 the mantle-feathers are spotted black and red1 and those on the crown striped black and white2 the feathers of the wing-covers are chestnut-brown1 spotted with black1 the quills blackish1 and the tail-feathers white at the roots and tip1 with a broad black stripe near the extremity2 the rump also shows a broad brown stripe4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and foot orange-yellow4 ,this species is nine inches long and eighteen across the span of the wing2 the wing measures six inches and the tail six inches and a half4 ,in the young the plumage is a mixture of blackish brown and rust-yellow1 the fore part of the body being greyish black4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,turnstone 7,strepsilas interpres74 ,these birds are met with in all parts of the world1 everywhere occupying the sea-coast4 ,in ,scandinavia1 ,iceland1 and ,greenland1 they appear at the end of ,april or beginning of ,may and leave again about the end of the last week of ,august1 at which time they occur on the shores of the ,mediterranean4 ,they visit ,england regularly1 remaining during the winter and going north to breed4 ,they are restless and active birds1 and run rapidly1 with wings lowered1 but usually only for a short distance1 pausing from time to time1 for a few moments1 in the course of their swift career2 their flight is easy1 and accompanied by a variety of graceful evolutions4 ,their cry1 which is shrill and penetrating1 is uttered with such various degrees of rapidity1 as to produce very different effects4 ,in disposition they are cautious and usually shy4 ,audubon states that he had ocular demonstration of the fact1 that1 as its name imports1 this species actually turns over stones and other objects to search for food1 and gives the following interesting account of the proceedings of four of these birds1 which he observed on the beach of ,gaveston ,island1 whilst he was engaged together with a sailor in carrying the carcase of a deer to be washed3--,they merely1 he says1 ran a little distance out of our course1 and on our returning came back immediately to the same place2 this they did four different times1 and after we were done remained busily engaged in searching for food4 ,none of them were more than fifteen or twenty yards distant1 and ,i was delighted to see the ingenuity with which they turned over the oyster-shells1 clods of mud1 and other small bodies left exposed by the retiring tide4 ,whenever the object was not too large1 the bird bent its legs to half their length1 placed its bill beneath it1 and with a sudden1 quick jerk of the head pushed it off1 when it quickly picked up the food which was thus exposed to view1 and walked deliberately to the next shell to perform the same operation4 ,in some instances when the clusters of oyster-shells or clods of mud were too heavy to be removed in the ordinary manner1 they would not only use the bill and head1 but also the breast1 pushing the object with all their strength1 and reminding me of the labour which ,i have undergone in turning over a large turtle4 ,among the seaweeds which had been cast on the shore they used only the bill1 tossing the garbage from side to side with a dexterity extremely pleasant to behold4 ,in this manner ,i saw these four ,turnstones examine almost every portion of the shore1 along a space of from thirty to forty yards2 after which ,i drove them away1 that our hunters might not kill them on their return4 ,upon the coast of ,cape ,may and ,egg ,harbour this species is known by the name of the ,horsefoot ,snipe1 from the fact that it subsists during a portion of the summer almost entirely on the spawn and eggs of the great king crab1 called by the common people the horsefoot4 ,this spawn may often be seen by bushels in the hollows and eddies on the coast4 ,during the breeding season these birds retire to high northern latitudes1 so that their mode of nidification was long a mystery1 until ,mr4 ,hewitson1 who made diligent search for the ,turnstone's nest on the coast of ,norway1 was at last successful4 ,we had1 he writes1 visited numerous islands with little encouragement1 and were about to land upon a flat rock1 bare1 except where here and there grew tufts of grass or stunted juniper clinging to its surface1 when our attention was attracted by the singular cry of a ,turnstone1 which in its eager watch had seen our approach and perched itself upon an eminence of the rock1 assuring us by its querulous oft-repeated note and anxious motions that its nest was there4 ,we remained in the boat a short time1 until we had watched it behind a tuft of grass1 near which1 after a minute search1 we succeeded in finding the nest1 in a situation in which ,i should never have suspected to meet with a bird of this sort breeding2 it was placed against the ledge of the rock1 and consisted of nothing more than the drooping leaves of the juniper-bush1 under a creeping branch of which1 the eggs1 four in number1 were snugly concealed and admirably sheltered from the many storms by which these bleak and exposed rocks are visited1 allowing just sufficient room for the bird to cover them4 ,we afterwards found more nests with little difficulty4 ,all the nests contained four eggs each4 ,the time of breeding is about the middle of ,june4 ,the eggs measure one inch and two lines in breadth1 and are of an olive-green colour1 spotted and streaked with ash-blue and two shades of reddish brown4 ,the parents are much attached to their offspring4 ,the habits of the latter resemble those of young ,plovers4 ,audubon mentions an instance in which one of these birds was reared by a lady1 who fed it on boiled rice and bread soaked in milk4 ,,the ,,pied ,,oyster-,,catcher1 ,,or ,,sea ,,pie4 ,the ,,pied ,,oyster-,,catcher1 or ,,sea ,,pie 7,hmatopus ostralegus71 possesses a compact body1 large head1 long straight beak1 which is much compressed and of conical form2 moderately high1 powerful feet1 furnished with short broad toes connected by a skin2 medium-sized and pointed wings1 in which the first quill is the longest2 and a short straight tail1 composed of twelve feathers4 ,the plumage on the upper portions of the body is of a glossy black2 the neck1 crop1 and rump1 a patch under the eye and the belly are white2 the primary quills and tail-feathers black1 with white roots4 ,the eyes are bright blood-red1 edged with orange4 ,the broad rings that surrounds the eyes and the beak are vermilion1 the latter tipped with a lighter shade2 the feet are dark flesh-red4 ,the length of the male is sixteen inches2 its breadth across the wings thirty-one inches and a half2 the wing measures nine inches and a half1 and the tail fully four inches4 ,the female is smaller than her mate1 and has less black upon her breast4 ,during the winter this species has a crescent-shaped white patch upon the throat4 ,the ,pied ,oyster-catchers are met with along almost the entire coast of the ,old and ,new ,worlds 7being especially numerous on the more rocky portions74 ,they are also found in ,greenland and on the islands of the ,northern and ,arctic ,oceans4 ,during the winter they appear in ,southern ,europe1 but are by no means common4 ,the migrations of these birds vary considerably with the climate of their native haunts2 such as inhabit shores warmed by the ,gulf ,stream remaining in the same localities from one year to another2 whilst in those latitudes where the seas are covered with ice during the cold season1 they are compelled to go south in order to obtain the requisite supply of food4 ,during the course of these enforced wanderings the mainland is rarely traversed1 the fugitive keeping as near as possible to the shore1 or1 when necessary1 crossing even large tracts of water without any inconvenience4 ,occupants of the shores of the eastern and northern seas seek their winter quarters principally in ,france and the north of ,spain1 whilst those occupying the coast of ,china appear regularly in ,southern ,india4 ,in ,great ,britain the ,pied ,oyster-catchers are permanent residents1 and never extend their flight to any great distance1 but after the breeding season assemble in flocks1 and in winter betake themselves to estuaries and promontories4 ,in ,april these flocks disperse in pairs1 and rove about the sandy beach in small parties4 ,while searching for food they usually keep apart from other birds1 but are occasionally seen in company with the ,curlew1 ,turnstone1 and ,redshank4 ,at high-water they retire to rocky headlands or similar places of safety1 where they remain until the turn of the tide has left their hunting-grounds again exposed4 ,while reposing1 according to ,macgillivray1 the ,sea ,pies stand with their legs quite straight1 or on one leg only1 the other being drawn up2 the body is held in a horizontal position2 the neck retracted2 the head either directed forward or with the bill buried among the feathers of the back4 ,in this attitude they present a very curious appearance when seen in a high wind1 as each bird directs its breast towards the quarter from which it blows4 ,on a sandy beach they often follow each other in long lines1 or crouch to the ground4 ,their flight is strong and steady1 performed by regular beats of the extended wings1 with the neck drawn in1 and the feet directed backwards4 ,when going to sleep they rest on one leg only4 ,over the surface of the sandy shore they run with great rapidity1 and wade with ease in muddy places1 their short1 flat-soled feet being well adapted for that purpose4 ,during the period of incubation the ,sea ,pies utter a great variety of pleasing notes1 whilst at other times their cry is not particularly agreeable4 ,of all the many feathered occupants of our shores1 these birds are by far the most restless and pugnacious1 though apparently without malice4 ,towards all their larger companions they exhibit an incessant desire to resent intrusion1 and at once dart upon a bird of prey with loud cries1 and drive the unwelcome visitor away from the spot4 ,should no foreign foe appear1 and thus afford them an opportunity for venting their exuberant spirits1 the males will harry and annoy each other until their fury rising1 the strife that apparently began in sport terminates in a real battle1 during which the antagonists strike each other most mercilessly with their wings and beak4 ,towards men they exhibit extreme shyness1 and1 except during the breeding season1 scarcely permit his approach4 ,in this particular1 however1 they show much intelligence1 and readily distinguish the shepherd or fishermen from their enemy the sportsman4 ,after the breeding season1 says ,macgillivray1 the ,sea ,pies1 especially plentiful in the ,scottish ,isles1 form flocks that are frequently very numerous1 being composed of from twenty to one hundred individuals or more4 ,at this period they are met with chiefly on the low rocky shores1 or at the mouths of rivers1 where at low water they obtain their food1 which consists of limpets1 barnacles1 small bivalve shells swallowed entire1 young crabs1 and other marine animals4 ,although frequently seen on extensive low sands1 they seem rather to betake themselves thither for security than for the purpose of looking for food4 ,on low1 pebbly1 muddy1 or sandy shores they always prefer the edge of the water1 in which they wade1 although they search the exposed parts4 ,limpets and barnacles form their chief food2 but1 although they have been said to eat oysters and large bivalve mollusca1 ,i have not found such animals in their stomach4 ,the bivalve shells found in their gizzard or sophagus are generally1 when of small size1 either entire or merely crushed1 but when large1 are deprived in a greater or less degree of their testaceous envelopes4 ,along with their food they swallow particles of gravel1 frequently of considerable size4 ,i have found some a quarter of an inch in diameter4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,pied ,,oyster-,,catcher1 ,,or ,,sea ,,pie 7,hmatopus ostralegus74 ,bivalve shells1 when closed1 are usually opened by these birds by striking them at the hinge1 while cockles are obtained by holding the shell with the foot and wrenching with the bill as with a crowbar4 ,when the shores are flat and the surface thus remains covered with a shallow stratum of water1 after the tide has ebbed1 the ,oyster-catchers find their prey more readily1 as the shells are then partially opened1 and they can easily insert their wedge-shaped bill and force them asunder2 but where the sand soon dries and there are no rocks from which the limpet can be obtained1 they follow the line of the advancing and retreating waves4 ,such of these birds as are stationary during all seasons commence the business of incubation as early as the middle of ,april1 while such as migrate do not lay until somewhat later in the spring2 at this season1 after the usual rivalry between the males1 the pairs keep apart from each other1 but frequently remain in the immediate vicinity of some of their weaker feathered associates1 with whom they live in the utmost harmony4 ,the nest of the ,sea ,pie is a mere hollow in the shore1 and is usually situated amongst the tangled weed thrown above high water mark1 or on grassy spots in the immediate vicinity of the sea4 ,the eggs1 two or three in number1 are large and of an oval form with a pale brownish shell1 spotted1 streaked1 and very variously marked with light violet1 deep greyish brown and greyish black4 ,the female1 who alone broods1 does not sit during the noonday hours1 and hatches her little family in about three weeks4 ,the young at first conceal themselves if alarmed1 but even at a very early period can run1 swim1 and dive with considerable facility4 ,whilst in charge of their offspring1 the parents exhibit unusual courage and foresight1 and should the mother perish1 the father at once undertakes all her duties4 ,the flesh of the ,sea ,pie is unpalatable1 but by many the eggs are much esteemed4 ,gadamer states that a pair of ,oyster-catchers reared by him from the nest became so tame that they knew his voice and greeted his appearance with loud cries4 ,these birds were allowed to run freely about the poultry-yard1 and rendered excellent service to its more timid occupants by warning the ,fowls of the approach of a ,hawk1 or any other feathered marauder4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,snipes 7,limicol7 form a second division of the ,stilt-walkers1 which embraces several minor groups1 all characterised by having the hinder part of the body of cylindrical form1 a moderately long neck1 a medium-sized and much-arched head1 and a long slender beak2 the latter is curved or straight throughout its length1 with the sides compressed and grooved to the tip1 which is obtuse and in some instances flexible1 of a much softer texture than in most birds1 and frequently covered with a highly sensitive membrane4 ,the long slender tarsi are usually more or less high2 the toes generally long1 the lateral ones sometimes united to the middle toe by a membrane2 the hind toe short1 resting on the ground1 or entirely wanting2 the long pointed wing is more or less sickle-shaped2 and the short tail composed of from twelve to twenty-six feathers4 ,the plumage varies considerably in thickness and coloration1 both in the various groups and at different seasons of the year2 the sexes are1 however1 very similar to each other4 ,the members of this section usually inhabit marshy land1 the borders of swampy lakes1 and the sea-coast4 ,in the breeding season they live in pairs1 but congregate in large flocks during the autumn or winter1 and are more or less migratory4 ,fruits1 worms1 slugs1 and aquatic mollusca1 afford them their principal means of existence2 some few also eat seeds4 ,both sexes assist in the process of incubation1 and generally construct a slight nest upon the ground4 ,the eggs are pear-shaped and from two to four in number4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,snipes 7,scolopaces7 are characterised by their powerful but comparatively short body1 moderately long neck1 which is compressed at its sides1 a very high-browed head1 and large1 prominent eyes4 ,the long slender beak is straight on the side and rather turned down near the tip1 which is obtuse and bent over that of the lower mandible2 the extremity of the bill is thickened1 soft1 and very tender at its extremity1 so that this part1 which is richly supplied with nerves1 serves as a delicate organ of touch1 and is used for searching in the soft ground for the insects and worms that constitute the food of these birds4 ,the more or less long tarsi are covered in front with narrow transverse scales1 the anterior toes are long1 that in the middle being of unusual length1 the hinder toe is short1 elevated1 and reaches to the ground1 the wings are broad1 but comparatively short1 and the short broad tail1 composed of from twelve to twenty-six feathers1 is rounded at its extremity4 ,the plumage of this group1 which is soft and thick1 varies in its coloration according to the situations occupied by its possessor4 ,the ,snipes must be regarded as natives of the north and temperate portions of the earth1 although they also visit its warmest latitudes4 ,many species frequent swampy woods1 but for the most part they seek their food in marshes and morasses1 remaining concealed during the day and searching for their food principally early in the morning or during the evening hours4 ,although by no means of social disposition1 they are occasionally seen congregated together in considerable numbers2 these assemblages are1 however1 owing apparently to the attraction of a suitable locality1 as each bird lives1 as it were1 for itself and pays but little heed to its companions4 ,early in spring1 the males exhibit a very pugnacious disposition1 and have many fierce encounters with their rivals before obtaining a mate4 ,the movements of the ,snipes1 both on the ground and in the air and water1 are extremely active and easy1 and the facility with which they seize and extract their insect prey from the mud and ooze1 must be regarded as truly astonishing4 ,their voice is usually monotonous and harsh1 but during the period of incubation the male indulges in a variety of gesticulations and peculiar notes4 ,when alarmed1 these birds generally lie close to the ground or among the herbage1 or suddenly starting on wing escape by a flight which is short1 elevated1 rapid1 and irregular4 ,the four moderate-sized and pear-shaped eggs have a dirty yellow or greenish shell spotted with brown1 and are deposited in a slight hole in the ground4 ,the young1 when they are hatched1 are clad in a downy chequered garb of black and brown1 and quit the nest on the day they escape from the shell4 ,the ,snipes are migratory in their habits and generally breed in high northern latitudes1 but some are indigenous in this country1 in all parts of which they rear their young1 being especially numerous towards the north of ,britain4 ,their flesh is much esteemed4 ,,the ,,woodcock4 ,the ,,woodcock 7,scolopax rusticola7 possesses a comparatively strong beak1 rounded at the tip1 and short stout feet with a very small claw upon the hind toe4 ,the wing is blunt1 and the tail composed of twelve feathers4 ,upon the forehead the plumage is grey1 the sides of the head and nape are striped brown and reddish yellow2 the rest of the upper portions of the body are spotted with various shades of brown1 grey1 and black4 ,the large eye is brown1 and the beak and foot horn-grey4 ,this species is twelve inches long and twenty-two broad2 the wing measures three1 and the tail three inches and a half4 ,the ,woodcock is met with throughout the whole of ,europe1 with the exception of its most northern islands1 and throughout ,northern and ,central ,asia4 ,it also visits ,north-western ,africa and ,india1 as far south as ,madras1 and1 according to ,mountaineer1 breeds immediately beneath the snow line of the ,himalayas4 ,in ,sweden1 ,great ,britain1 and the northern part of ,germany1 some frequently remain throughout the entire year1 while those occupying colder latitudes invariably wander south at the approach of autumn4 ,by far the greater number1 however1 of the birds that appear in ,england and ,scotland are merely winter residents1 arriving about ,october1 and leaving for more northern regions in ,march4 ,mr4 ,selby1 who resided near the eastern coast of ,northumberland1 and thus had ample opportunities for observing the arrival of flocks of ,woodcocks1 says3--,i have found that they always come over in the greatest abundance in hazy weather with little wind1 and that blowing from the north-east2 and it is probable that they then find the upper region of the atmosphere in which they fly freer from the counter currents of air1 than in more open weather4 ,after a night of this description1 ,i have frequently met with great numbers upon the edges of plantations1 in hedges1 and even in turnip-fields1 and enjoyed excellent sport for the day2 but1 on seeking for a renewal of success1 ,i have not found a single bird1 the whole flight having proceeded on their course during the intervening night4 ,it is during this time that ,woodcocks1 like most migratory birds1 perform their journeys2 and it seems probable that those which halt upon the eastern coast of ,scotland1 and the northern counties of ,england have completed their task from shore to shore1 between sunset and sunrise1 as they appear but little fatigued on their arrival1 provided the weather has been calm4 ,the distance of the coasts of ,norway and ,sweden1 from whence these visitors are supposed to come1 offers no objection to this supposition1 as a continued flight of eight or ten hours1 even at a rate inferior to what ,i conceive they are capable of accomplishing1 would suffice for the transit4 ,a respectable person who lived upon the coast1 continues the same observer1 and who1 being a keen pursuer of wild fowl1 was in the habit of frequenting the sea-shore at an early hour in the morning1 assured me that he had more than once noticed the arrival of a flight of ,woodcocks coming from the north-east just at day-dawn4 ,his notice was first attracted by a peculiar sound in the air above his head2 this1 upon attending to it1 he found proceeded from birds descending in an almost perpendicular direction which1 upon approaching the shore1 separated and flew toward the interior2 these he pursued and shot1 and they proved to be1 as he had surmised1 ,woodcocks4 ,the first flocks of these birds that arrive upon our coast1 according to ,yarrell1 consist for the most part of females which only remain for a few days and then journey further south1 while the later flocks1 some of which remain to breed1 are principally composed of male birds4 ,so numerously are ,woodcocks met with in ,greece at some seasons1 that we are told1 three ,englishmen on a sporting tour in the ,peloponnesus shot no less than #ejj brace in the course of three days2 during the actual winter they are far less common in that country1 and by ,february have generally commenced leaving ,southern ,europe and ,north-western ,asia for ,morocco1 or the regions around the ,altai ,mountains4 ,taking one year with another in ,europe1 ,march may be regarded as the month in which these birds commence their migrations1 the exact date for setting forth depending1 according to the testimony of an observer who studied their habits for seventeen years1 not as is usually supposed on the actual state of the weather1 but on signs of approaching cold1 to which the keen instinct of these birds renders them peculiarly susceptible4 ,like many of their feathered brethren1 they usually travel against the wind1 and do not continue their journey on dark or very windy nights3 if thus compelled to descend1 they prefer seeking shelter in some wood or forest1 but if traversing an open country1 often take refuge in a well-planted garden or hedge-row4 ,during the course of their flight1 however1 they keep as much as possible over wooded localities1 and unless alarmed1 do not rise to any great height in the air1 through which they sweep rapidly1 ascending1 descending1 or making their way through the branches of the forest with equal ease and dexterity4 ,when endeavouring to attract the attention of their females1 the motions of these birds are entirely different2 at such times the plumage is inflated1 and the aspirants for admiration fly heavily along with slowly flapping wings1 in a manner resembling that of the ,owl4 ,should two rival males encounter each other when thus engaged1 they at once commence hostilities1 and after a merciless attack with beak and wings1 often end by falling together into the trees beneath them4 ,the strangest circumstance connected with these exhibitions of jealousy is1 that they occur amongst the flocks during the migratory season1 and not1 as is generally the case1 only at the period of incubation4 ,upon the ground the ,woodcocks are less expert in their movements2 they walk slowly1 with a somewhat tripping step1 and never venture any distance on foot4 ,in their native woods they usually remain comparatively quiet during the day1 and only exhibit their full activity and briskness towards evening4 ,in disposition they are extremely shy1 and invariably prefer shady and retired situations1 only penetrated by a kind of twilight4 ,if chance should lead them across an open space during the day1 they generally crouch flat on the ground1 and1 owing to the sombre hue of their feathers1 are not easily detected2 in this position they will often remain until almost trodden upon1 when they suddenly rise and endeavour to elude the sportsman by darting through the trees and bushes1 always taking care to keep well on the side opposite to the enemy4 ,in their intercourse with each other1 ,woodcocks are by no means social1 every individual going its own way without any reference to its companions4 ,in their demeanour towards men1 and birds of a different species1 they usually exhibit the utmost timidity4 ,instances1 however1 are recorded of their having been reared from the nest1 and rendered so tame that they would come at their owner's call1 and greet his approach with every indication of delight4 ,the call of the male consists of a sort of humming note1 while the female only utters a gentle piping cry4 ,the food of these birds consists of worms1 larv1 and insects1 which are sought for by means of the long bill beneath dry leaves and cattle droppings1 or are obtained by probing the surface of moist and marshy localities4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,woodcock 7,scolopax rusticola74 ,the ,woodcock1 we are told1 in the notes to the ,lays of the ,deer ,forest1 breeds to a considerable extent in most parts of the forest1 and also in other woods of ,morayshire1 the ,aird of ,inverness1 and on the ,dee1 the ,don1 the ,spey1 and other parts of the ,highlands1 but within our knowledge nowhere so numerously as in ,tarnaway4 ,without any search1 and merely on the accidental occasions of roe-hunting1 we have found in one season nineteen nests with eggs4 ,it would1 however1 be more proper to say beds than nests2 for1 like those of the ,plover1 they are merely slight hollows formed by the nestling of the birds in dry soft spots1 or on the fallen leaves4 ,as the nests are on dry ground1 the old ones will sometimes carry their young in their claws to the nearest spring or green strip4 ,several times when the hounds1 in beating the ground1 have come upon a brood1 we have seen the old bird rise with a young one in her claws1 and carry it fifty or one hundred yards away1 and1 if followed to the place where she alighted1 she has repeated the transaction until too much harassed4 ,one morning1 while sitting on a grey stone1 ,i saw a dark eye which was fixed upon mine from the bed of dead leaves before me1 when suddenly the little brown head of a young ,woodcock peeped out from the feathers of the old one's breast1 uttering that plaintive cry for which language has no sign4 ,there were two more young ,woodcocks1 and to relieve the anxiety of the madre1 ,i left her4 ,near the place where ,i found her there was a soft green strip such as ,woodcocks love4 ,i had no doubt that the family would be there next day1 and as ,i passed ,i turned aside to see what they were doing4 ,upon a dry bank1 half down the brae1 ,i almost stumbled over a bird which rose at my feet1 and as it started through the trees ,i saw that it had something in its claws1 and at the same time ,i heard the plaintive cry of little ,woodcocks just under my feet4 ,i looked down1 there were two1 and ,i thought a ,hawk had carried off the third1 and perhaps killed the mother4 ,this1 however1 ,i found1 on following the bird1 was the old ,woodcock1 which1 being flushed again suddenly1 after a low flight of only a few yards1 dropped what she was carrying--her own young ,woodcock4 ,i gave her a little time to find him1 which was not difficult1 as he called to her as loud as his tiny bill could pipe4 ,in a few moments ,i ran forward1 and she rose with him in her feet1 her long legs dangling and swinging with her little burden like a parachute4 ,i left her to pursue her flight in peace1 and went on my way1 but ,i have no doubt she went back for the other two1 for several times afterwards ,i saw them all together in the soft green glade4 ,the three or four eggs laid by the female are large1 broad1 and short in shape1 with a smooth1 lustreless1 light reddish yellow shell1 very variously marked with different shades of red and brown4 ,the mother alone broods and hatches her little family in about seventeen or eighteen days4 ,if disturbed whilst sitting1 she allows the intruder to approach quite close before quitting her charge1 and after flying to a short distance almost immediately returns2 even should she be deprived of an egg she still continues to brood4 ,whilst thus engaged the female receives little or no attention from her mate1 but the young are no sooner hatched than the male at once undertakes his share of parental duties1 and exhibits equally with the mother a most touching anxiety and devotion in their behalf4 ,should an enemy intrude upon them1 the old birds employ every effort to attract attention to themselves1 while the young immediately crouch beneath the long grass or moss1 in which they can rarely be discovered without the aid of a dog4 ,when three weeks old the fledglings begin to use their wings1 but are capable of seeking food before they can fly4 ,until lately it has been supposed that ,woodcocks lay but once in the year1 or at most only produce a second supply of eggs if the first has been stolen or destroyed4 ,recent observations1 however1 tend to prove this idea to be erroneous4 ,hoffmann1 in particular1 after long and careful investigation1 is of opinion that in favourable seasons each pair of these birds rears two broods4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,marsh ,,snipes 7,gallinago7 are characterised by their comparatively long1 flat beak1 moderately long1 bare foot1 and long1 thin toes1 which are entirely unconnected2 the wing is much incised1 and the short tail composed of from fourteen to twenty-six feathers4 ,,the ,,common ,,snipe4 ,the ,,common ,,snipe1 or ,,becassine 7,gallinago scolopacinus71 has the upper portion of the body brownish black1 and is decorated with a broad1 rusty yellow stripe upon the centre of the head1 and four long lines of the same colour on the back and shoulders2 the under side is white1 the fore part of the throat grey1 while the upper parts of the breast and sides are spotted with brown4 ,the tail is formed of fourteen feathers4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak black1 and the foot deep grey4 ,this species is eleven inches long and seventeen broad1 the wing measures five inches1 and the tail two inches and a quarter4 ,the ,common ,snipe is met with principally in the north of ,europe and ,asia1 but also probably breeds in the southern portions of the former continent and in ,north ,africa2 in some parts of ,europe it is extremely common1 and in ,england and ,scotland breeds not only in the northern counties1 but along the whole southern coast4 ,large flocks also come to the ,british ,isles from ,scandinavia during the winter1 and leave again about the month of ,april4 ,recent observations have proved that the species of ,marsh ,snipes met with in ,north ,america are not identical with the ,gallinago scotopacinus4 ,during the course of its migrations the ,common ,snipe wanders over all lands between forty-five and thirteen degrees north latitude2 they appear in ,india at the beginning of ,october in numerous flocks1 and at certain seasons occupy the shores of the ,nile and ,ganges with great regularity4 ,this species frequents marshy grounds1 moist rush-covered localities1 or wet meadows1 and usually avoids the extremes of heat and cold by keeping to the moors in summer and seeking the shelter of the valleys during the winter4 ,in severe frosts1 or storms of snow1 it takes refuge near springing rills or the immediate vicinity of flowing streams4 ,insects1 worms1 or slugs afford its principal means of subsistence2 and for these it searches by probing the moist ground with its long bill4 ,although frequently associated in flocks during their migrations1 these birds always exhibit the same unsocial disposition1 each individual pursuing its own course1 or seeking its provender in entire disregard of its companions4 ,as with the ,woodcock1 this species goes in quest of food principally after twilight2 but1 unlike that bird1 is also active during the day1 and at most reposes for a few hours at noon4 ,upon the ground the ,common ,snipe moves leisurely but easily1 keeping the head erect2 its flight is rapid1 and usually takes a zigzag course immediately after the bird has risen into the air4 ,generally when about to fly it suddenly takes an upward direction2 and after rapidly pursuing an undulating path1 returns almost immediately to the spot from whence it started2 and then1 drawing in its wings1 falls obliquely to the ground4 ,if alarmed1 it frequently springs high1 and takes flight beyond reach of the gun1 turning nimbly1 in a zigzag direction1 for #bjj or #cjj paces1 and sometimes soaring out of sight4 ,this ,snipe swims well1 and occasionally takes to the water when not compelled to do so2 if hotly pursued by a bird of prey or other enemy1 it sometimes endeavours to save itself by diving4 ,at the commencement of the breeding season1 the males indulge in most arduous endeavours to attract the attention of their desired mates1 whose admiration they essay to excite by soaring rapidly into the air1 describing a variety of evolutions1 and then darting earthward with closed wings4 ,all these active exertions1 which often continue for half an hour at a time1 are accompanied by a most strange humming sound1 respecting which naturalists are not yet agreed1 some considering it to be produced by the rapid action of the powerful pinions1 while others have supposed it to be occasioned by the long tail-feathers4 ,whilst engaged in these animated manuvres1 the male birds not only so far forget their usual timidity as to perch freely on the projecting branches of trees1 but entirely lay aside their usual indifferent demeanour towards their companions1 and frequently vent their jealous rivalry in fierce and sharp encounters4 ,the female forms her loosely-constructed nest of withered leaves1 heath-grass1 and a few feathers1 in some retired spot1 generally beneath the shelter of the stump of an alder-tree or willow4 ,the eggs1 which are comparatively large1 and usually four in number1 are lustreless1 and of yellowish or greenish white1 spotted with grey and various shades of brown4 ,the young are hatched by the mother in fifteen or sixteen days1 and when they quit the shell are covered with chequered down2 this is moulted in about eight or ten days1 and in a few weeks they are able to fly4 ,the parents tend their little family with great care1 and feed them until their bills are strong enough to enable them to provide for themselves4 ,sir ,humphry ,davy states that if the young are molested1 the old birds at once commence a loud drumming sound over the head of the intruder1 as though to divert his attention from their beloved charge1 and thus allow the latter time to seek concealment2 which they at once do1 hiding themselves completely from view with most admirable instinct4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,moor ,,snipes 7,philolimnos7 are recognisable by their short high beak1 with narrow culmen and broad tip2 their graduated tail1 composed of twelve feathers1 and pointed at its centre2 their very muscular stomach2 and the brilliant metallic gloss upon the plumage of the back4 ,,the ,,jack ,,snipe4 ,the ,,jack ,,snipe 7,philolimnos gallinula7 is only about nine inches long and fifteen broad2 the wing measures four inches1 and the tail about one inch and two-thirds4 ,in this species1 the bridles1 a stripe below the cheeks and the head1 are brown1 with two lines above and below the eyes of reddish yellow2 the blackish blue mantle-feathers have a beautiful green and purple sheen1 and are decorated with four reddish yellow stripes4 ,the throat1 breast1 and sides are grey1 lined and spotted with brown2 the rest of the body is white4 ,the quills and tail-feathers are pale black2 the latter edged with reddish yellow4 ,the sexes are almost alike in colour2 during the spring the plumage of the female is of a reddish hue upon the wings1 and that of the young less resplendent and glossy4 ,russia and ,western ,siberia may be regarded as the strongholds of this small bird1 which makes its appearance later and departs earlier than the ,common ,snipe4 ,it breeds in the northern parts of ,europe and ,asia1 and is very generally diffused throughout ,india4 ,in ,england it is but rarely seen in the summer1 and appears in one particular spot year after year4 ,the ,jack ,snipe prefers thick coverts1 and compared with those of its kind already described is usually but seldom seen1 although in some localities it is occasionally tolerably numerous4 ,at the commencement of ,march1 it generally quits its winter quarters1 and returns under cover of the night to its native haunts4 ,this ,snipe is usually found in pairs1 and seeks its food on marshy ground2 but at other times conceals itself among the neighbouring long grass and rushes4 ,if disturbed1 it delays taking wing until the enemy is almost treading upon it1 and has actually been caught when just rising1 by having a hat put over it4 ,when flushed1 the ,jack ,snipe does not utter any note4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,sandpipers 7,tring7 are known by their slender body1 moderately long neck1 small head1 long pointed wings1 in which the first quill exceeds the rest in length1 and a moderate tail1 either rounded or doubly incised at its extremity4 ,the beak is either longer than1 or as long as1 the head1 slender1 compressed at the sides1 with the culmen near the tip slightly depressed and enlarged4 ,the slender bare foot is furnished1 in most instances1 with four toes2 of these the three placed in front are long and entirely disunited1 while the very small and delicate hind toe is raised too high to reach the ground4 ,the thick compact plumage is principally a mixture of greyish brown and reddish yellow1 but varies considerably according to the season1 and age or sex of the bird2 in the winter it is ashy grey above1 white shaded with grey beneath4 ,the colour of the sexes is nearly alike4 ,sandpipers are met with in all portions of the globe1 but principally frequent its northern parts4 ,marine marshes on the sea-shore1 or the borders of lakes and rivers1 are the situations they prefer1 visiting the temperate climates during the winter1 and returning to the colder latitudes to spend the summer months4 ,their migrations take place in large parties1 which fly by night or early in the morning4 ,during the recess of the tide1 they may be seen upon the sea-shore1 seeking their food from the refuse of the ocean1 or quietly and intently probing the sands in search of worms and shell-fish1 and sometimes retreating rapidly before the advancing surge1 and profiting by what the wave leaves on its retreat4 ,in all their movements they display great activity1 either when running rapidly and lightly on the fore part of their toes over the surface of the moist sand1 when swimming in the water1 or when winging their way with a varied1 graceful1 and rapid flight through the air4 ,the voice of these birds is clear1 piping1 and resonant4 ,all the various species are social and peaceful in their habits1 and it is probable that the encounters in which they indulge at certain seasons of the year are as much in sport as in rivalry4 ,the food of the ,sandpiper consists of worms1 small molluscs1 insects1 larv1 and similar fare1 but occasionally of delicate seeds4 ,the four pear-shaped eggs are deposited in a dry hollow on the ground1 which is slightly lined with a few blades of grass4 ,the female alone broods2 the young come forth covered with down1 they at once leave the nest1 and grow with great rapidity4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,curlew ,,sandpipers 7,limicola7 have a compact body1 short neck1 and small head2 the beak is longer than the head1 and only soft and flexible at its tip1 which is broad1 and curves slightly downward4 ,the low1 stout1 bare foot is furnished with four toes4 ,the wings are pointed1 and have the first and second quills of equal length1 and longer than the rest2 the tail is short and pointed towards its centre4 ,,the ,,pigmy ,,curlew ,,sandpiper4 ,the ,,pigmy ,,curlew ,,sandpiper 7,limicola pygma7 has the crown blackish brown1 decorated with reddish yellow stripes2 the mantle-feathers are black lined with reddish yellow2 the upper wing is ash-grey2 the feathers on the lower throat1 crop1 and sides of the breast are reddish yellow1 spotted with brown and tipped with white2 the under side is white4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak reddish grey at its base and black at its extremity1 and the foot dark greenish grey4 ,during the autumn the upper parts of the body are dark grey1 and the feathers have a somewhat mottled appearance1 as their shafts are of a dark and their edges of a light shade4 ,this bird is six inches long and thirteen broad1 the wing measures four inches and one-third1 and the tail one inch and a half4 ,the ,pigmy ,curlew is met with principally in the northern parts of ,asia and ,america1 and also1 though more rarely1 in ,europe4 ,in ,england it has been known to breed occasionally4 ,moist river-banks or marshy localities are the situations it prefers1 and from these it obtains the insects1 larv1 and worms upon which it principally subsists4 ,unlike the rest of the family1 it does not associate with other birds4 ,the ,pigmy ,curlew flies well and rapidly1 walks with short interrupted steps1 and1 if disturbed1 crouches flat to the ground1 and allows the enemy to approach quite close before taking wing4 ,the voice resembles that of the ,common ,sandpiper4 ,keitel tells us that in its habits this species does not differ from the rest of the family4 ,the eggs found by that gentleman in ,lapland were long and pear-shaped1 with a dull olive-yellow shell1 marked with greyish brown4 ,,the ,,sanderling4 ,the ,,sanderling 7,calidris arenaria7 has the hinder toe entirely undeveloped4 ,this small bird is only seven inches long and fifteen broad4 ,in spring the upper parts of the body are black1 or brownish red1 spotted with yellow and white2 the blackish brown upper wing is marked with zigzag rust-red spots1 and striped with white4 ,the under side1 as far as the white breast1 is reddish grey1 the feathers having dark spots on the shafts and white edges4 ,the five outer tail-feathers are whitish grey1 with white roots2 the eyes are deep brown2 the beak and the foot deep grey4 ,during winter the feathers on the upper portions of the body are light grey tipped with white1 darkly spotted on the shafts1 and the under side is pure white4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,sanderling 7,calidris arenaria74 ,this elegant little bird occupies the coasts of all the northern portions of the globe4 ,during the course of its migrations it visits ,southern ,europe1 keeping near the shores even while journeying from one country to another1 and but rarely crossing the mainland4 ,this species is met with on most of the sandy shores of ,great ,britain and ,ireland1 and is occasionally found near large pieces of fresh water2 it is not supposed to breed in this country1 but has been seen in ,january and ,february1 ,april1 ,june1 ,august1 and ,october4 ,like other ,sandpipers1 it associates in more or less numerous flocks while in winter quarters1 but lives in pairs throughout the summer4 ,in disposition it is gentler and more confiding than other members of its family1 but closely resembles them in its general habits4 ,upon the ground it runs with grace and agility1 and exhibits the utmost dexterity in its beautiful and rapid movements through the air1 during which it frequently joins company with parties of other shore birds4 ,with so little timidity does the ,sanderling regard man1 that it is not uncommon for it to permit his close approach1 and even if shot at it often only moves a few paces from the spot4 ,naumann mentions that upon one occasion1 after watching the proceedings of five of these birds that were standing almost close to him in most evident disregard of his presence1 the thought struck him that he would arrange some snares he had in his pocket and take the whole party prisoners4 ,this he accordingly did1 the intended victims quietly watching his arrangements1 and finally walking amongst1 and entangling themselves in the treacherous strings4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,mud ,,sandpipers 7,pelidna7 are comparatively slender birds1 with a straight or curved beak1 of about the length of the head1 and slightly widened at its tip2 slender bare feet1 furnished with four toes1 moderate-sized wings1 and a rounded or doubly incised tail4 ,the plumage is moulted twice in the year4 ,,the ,,mud ,,sandpiper4 ,the ,,mud ,,sandpiper 7,pelidna subarquata7 is about seven inches long and ten broad4 ,the wing measures five inches1 and the tail one inch and two-thirds4 ,in spring the entire under side is rust-red of various shades2 the feathers on the crown of the head are blackish1 with reddish grey edges2 the nape rust-red streaked with white2 and the rest of the upper parts of the body covered with deep black feathers1 spotted with light rust-red1 and edged with light grey or rust-yellow4 ,the tail-feathers are ash-grey1 those in the centre being the darkest2 all have white shafts and edges4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and the foot blackish brown4 ,in autumn the feathers on the head and nape are blackish grey1 varied with white and dark edges2 those on the back and upper wings are deep blackish grey with black shafts2 and the feathers on the under side whitish grey1 shaded1 spotted1 and shafted with a deeper tint2 the bridles are brown2 a whitish line passes above the eye4 ,in young birds the feathers of the head are greyish brown with rusty grey edges2 those of the back and shoulders of a blackish shade with reddish yellow edges2 the under side and rump are white1 gullet and crop reddish grey4 ,the sexes are almost alike in colour4 ,these birds are met with in all the northern portions of our globe1 and during the course of their winter migrations appear with great regularity in ,north ,africa1 where they are very common2 they also visit the shores of the ,red ,sea1 ,indian ,ocean1 ,atlantic1 and the ,dead ,sea1 and have been seen about the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,in ,europe they especially resort to the coasts of ,france and ,holland1 where they arrive about the middle of ,april1 and leave again from the end of ,july to ,october2 their migrations are always carried on at night4 ,flat muddy shores are the localities they principally frequent1 and over these they disport themselves with great activity1 moving lightly about in pursuit of food throughout the entire day1 only pausing to indulge in a short sleep at noon4 ,if disturbed they at once rise rapidly into the air1 and after darting to some little distance1 return immediately to the spot whence they were driven4 ,in disposition they are social and naturally fearless1 but frequently learn to imitate the timidity exhibited by most of their companions on the sea-shore4 ,according to our own observations1 they are often seen associated with other birds1 and apparently under the guidance of one of the largest members of the party1 whose movements and example they obey in a manner most amusingly resembling a game at follow-my-leader1 running wherever he runs1 and flying where he flies1 as though actuated by one spirit2 these gambols usually terminate by all the males uttering a warning cry1 and the whole flock swooping in a compact mass for some few hundred paces over the water1 and then returning to the shore1 there to resume their animated sport4 ,it is improbable that this species breeds in the southern parts of our globe2 such nests as we have found in northern regions were nothing more than a slight hollow in the ground1 and contained four pear-shaped eggs1 having a greenish shell shaded with dark grey1 and spotted with deep brown4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,dwarf ,,sandpipers 7,actodroma7 are small birds1 with short beaks1 either quite straight or curving gently towards the tip2 the moderate-sized feet are slender and bare1 with the toes almost entirely unconnected4 ,,the ,,dwarf ,,sandpiper4 ,the ,,dwarf ,,sandpiper 7,actodroma minuta71 the smallest of all the tribe1 is only five inches and a half long and eleven inches and a half broad2 the wing measures three inches and a half1 and the tail one inch and a half4 ,during spring the feathers on the crown of the head are black1 edged with rust-red1 those on the nape grey marked with a darker shade1 and those on the sides of the neck and upper breast light rust-red spotted with brown2 a whitish stripe passes over the eyes1 and between the latter and the beak a dark brown line4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and the foot greenish black4 ,in autumn all the feathers on the upper portions of the body are deep grey1 with brown lines on the shafts2 the gullet1 sides of the head1 and lower breast are reddish grey1 the rest of the under side is white4 ,this species principally inhabits the northern portions of the globe1 but during the course of its extensive wanderings is met with at certain seasons on almost every coast4 ,in ,england it usually occupies the shores of the eastern and southern counties4 ,during its migrations1 which are carried on by night and in large flocks1 it visits ,egypt in vast numbers1 and is frequently to be seen associated with a great variety of other species4 ,moist muddy coasts and shores are the situations it prefers1 though it by no means avoids sandy localities4 ,in disposition the ,dwarf ,sandpipers are lively and active1 graceful and easy in all their movements4 ,with their own kind they live in the utmost harmony1 and exhibit but little fear towards man2 in other respects they resemble the members of the family already described4 ,it is probable that the ,dwarf ,sandpipers breed in the extreme north of ,europe1 but as yet their nests have only been found in ,greenland and the most northern parts of the ,american continent4 ,the four smooth glossy eggs are placed in a slight depression in the earth1 and have a dull1 greyish yellow shell1 clouded with grey1 and spotted and dotted with brown of various shades at the broad end4 ,,the ,,ruff4 ,the ,,ruff 7,philomachus pugnax7 has a straight beak of about the same length as the head1 or a little longer1 and slightly depressed at its tip2 the high slender feet are bare1 and furnished with four toes3 of these the three placed in front are connected by a skin2 the hind toe is short and much raised4 ,the moderate-sized pointed wing has the first quill longer than the rest1 and the short tail is slightly rounded2 the plumage is soft and thick4 ,the male bird is about a third larger than his mate1 and has during the spring his face covered with warts1 and his neck adorned with a strange and beautiful collar2 both these peculiarities1 however1 disappear towards autumn4 ,so varied and changeful is the coloration of the plumage1 that a detailed description is almost impossible4 ,the collar above alluded to is composed of harsh feathers1 about three inches long1 and so wonderfully different in their hues that scarcely two males are exactly like each other2 black and brown1 and white feathers of various shades1 spotted1 striped1 and marked in every conceivable way1 appear indifferently on this part of the plumage4 ,the upper wing is deep brownish grey1 and the blackish grey tail is spotted with black2 the belly is white1 and the rest of the body very variously coloured and marked4 ,it has1 we believe1 been ascertained that each male exhibits the same hues and markings every succeeding year4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak generally greenish or greenish yellow1 and the foot reddish yellow4 ,this species is from eleven inches to twelve inches and a half long1 and from twenty-three inches and a half to twenty-four inches across2 the wing measures from seven inches to seven inches and a half1 and the tail about three inches4 ,the plumage of the female1 which does not vary as does that of her mate1 is principally reddish grey1 darkly spotted upon the upper portions of the body4 ,the face and brow are light grey1 the crown is grey1 striped with brownish black2 the nape-feathers are grey1 those on the back and shoulders blackish brown1 edged with rust-red4 ,the throat and gullet are grey1 and the belly-feathers of a whitish hue4 ,the female is ten inches long1 and twenty-one inches and a half broad4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,ruff 7,philomachus pugnax74 ,,male ,,in ,,full ,,plumage4 ,illustration3 ,,ruffs ,,fighting4 ,the ,ruffs were originally natives of the northern portion of the ,eastern ,hemisphere1 but are now occasionally met with in ,north ,america4 ,during their migrations they not only visit every country of ,europe and ,asia1 but the entire ,african continent1 usually taking up their abode on extensive bogs or marshy plains1 and frequently appearing in the immediate neighbourhood of the sea1 where they often mingle with the busy hosts that are ever ready to seize upon the rich and varied store of food left behind by the receding tide4 ,naumann asserts1 however1 that this species never remains near or ventures into the water1 but after joining in the busy scene for a short time1 always returns to its usual haunts4 ,unlike other ,sandpipers1 these birds are met with far inland1 where they not only dwell upon the banks of rivers1 but wander into the plains and cultivated districts4 ,in ,central ,europe they usually arrive in flocks1 about ,may1 and begin to leave about ,july and ,august1 travelling by night1 and pursuing their course in long lines that sometimes assume a wedge-like arrangement1 the males journeying apart from the females4 ,the extensive parties seen by us in the ,soudan consisted almost exclusively of females1 from which fact we concluded that the males do not often migrate so far south as ,africa4 ,the females are the first to seek and the last to leave the winter quarters1 and yet strange to say1 they generally return to their last summer's abode in company with their former mates4 ,before and after the breeding season1 male and female are scarcely distinguishable1 either in appearance or demeanour2 but during that period the former exhibit an excitement that is quite without a parallel4 ,water insects1 beetles1 and worms1 with seeds of many kinds1 afford them the means of subsistence1 and for these they seek principally at early morning or evening1 visiting certain spots with great regularity1 and keeping strictly within a limited hunting ground4 ,whilst thus engaged they move leisurely1 and with conscious dignity1 keeping steadily and quietly at work1 and only betraying their presence by a weak hoarse cry1 as they rise with light and hovering wing into the air4 ,at the approach of night they become somewhat more lively1 and indulge in sportive flights in company with their feathered brethren4 ,no sooner1 however1 has the period of incubation set in than the pacific disposition of these birds appears to undergo a complete change1 and the males commence a series of fierce encounters1 arising not merely from a feeling of rivalry or jealousy1 but respecting such trifles as the possession of a worm or the choice of a resting-place4 ,whether in their native haunts or confined in a cage1 and whether females be concerned in the matter or not1 the same restless desire to attack and injure each other takes possession of the male birds1 who1 in their wild state1 carry on their battles in regular fighting-grounds1 employed year after year for the same purpose4 ,moist and rather elevated spots are usually preferred1 and to these a certain number of combatants resort daily1 each as a rule having his own peculiar place1 whereon to take his stand till an enemy appears4 ,naumann states that until the collar of the males has attained its full beauty they are not privileged to appear in the lists4 ,no sooner has a willing adversary come forward1 than the excited couple rush upon each other1 and struggle on till one or both are exhausted1 when they pause and return to their former standing-places1 to recover strength and breath for a second encounter4 ,these strange battles are strictly duels1 although from the fact of two or three couples engaging at the same time1 and that often in such a limited space as to compel them to attack across each other1 an ordinary spectator would often imagine that he was witnessing a general mle1 instead of the entirely distinct settlement of individual wrongs and grievances4 ,a more ridiculous sight could scarcely be imagined than the appearance of the furious combatants1 as they stand ruffling and swelling out their plumage1 with collar and breast feathers erect1 literally trembling with rage1 and darting backwards and forwards towards their adversary2 rapidly ducking their wart-covered heads1 and keeping the hinder part of the body much raised1 as they snap and probe the enemy in a very ecstasy of blind fury4 ,at the conclusion of the fray1 the combatants again stand trembling before each other1 shaking themselves1 and tossing up their heads in defiance2 after which demonstration1 if not too much fatigued1 they resume their standing-places1 and again look out for a willing and equally excited foe4 ,owing to the soft construction of the bill1 serious injuries never result from these encounters2 the loss of a few feathers1 or the chance of being caught and pulled about by the collar1 being the worst evils to which the apparently bloodthirsty duellists are exposed4 ,naumann is of opinion that the knobs and excrescences often seen on the beaks of the birds are attributable to blows or twists received in these violent affrays4 ,occasionally a female appears and takes up her post in the fighting-ground1 but never does more than indulge her curiosity1 by mingling with the combatants1 and watching their proceedings for a short space2 after which she retires1 sometimes accompanied by one of the males1 who1 however1 almost immediately returns to the field of action1 without further reference to her proceedings4 ,when the period for depositing the eggs arrives1 the males separate1 each in company with two females1 or vice vers1 and make their nest of dry grass and stubble on some high point in a marshy locality4 ,the eggs1 four1 or occasionally only three1 in number1 are of unusual size1 with a greenish or brownish shell1 more or less faintly spotted with reddish brown or pale black4 ,the mother1 who alone broods and hatches her young in from seventeen to nineteen days1 is much attached to her charge1 and in every respect conducts herself like a female ,snipe2 whilst her spouse does not concern himself in the least about the rising generation1 but fights incessantly throughout the whole breeding season1 after which he flies about regardless of his family1 until the time comes for seeking his winter quarters4 ,these birds are only summer visitors to ,england1 appearing in ,april and taking leave in autumn2 formerly1 however1 many ,ruffs remained throughout the warm season1 to breed in the fenny districts1 and were caught in considerable numbers in ,lincolnshire4 ,since the draining of the fens they have become comparatively scarce4 ,some years ago they were regularly procured and fattened for the table4 ,montagu tells us that he visited the room at ,spalding where the captives were kept1 and that his entrance drove them from their stands1 compelling some to trespass on the premises of others1 and thus producing many battles4 ,it is1 he says1 a remarkable character of these birds that they feed most greedily the moment they are taken4 ,no sooner is a basin of bread and milk put before them than it is instantly contended for2 and so pugnacious is their disposition1 that they would starve in the midst of plenty if several dishes of food were not placed among them at a distance from one another4 ,the capture of these birds was formerly effected by means of clap-nets1 with stuffed birds as decoys1 placed around the hills where they assembled in the spring previous to incubation1 and placed in such a manner as to be movable by means of a long string1 thus producing a jerk resembling the jump so common among the ,ruffs 7who1 at the sight of a wanderer flying by1 will leap or flit a yard off the ground71 and by that means induce those on the wing to alight4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,phalaropes 7,phalaropi7 possess a moderate-sized1 delicate beak1 which is slightly curved at its tip4 ,in some species the bill is not broader than it is high1 in others it is somewhat flattened in front4 ,the weak low feet are bare1 and furnished with four toes1 of which the three anterior are united at the base1 and more or less lobed on the sides as far as the tips2 the hind toe is short1 elevated1 and margined slightly by a narrow membrane4 ,the wing is long and pointed1 with its first quill longer than the rest2 the short rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,in their mode of life these birds differ from all other members of the feathered creation4 ,their plumage is thick and closely set2 and the toes being united at the base by a web1 besides being bordered by a continuation of that membrane1 make the feet efficient as paddles1 although they are equally adapted for progression on dry land4 ,the accomplishments of the ,phalarope are1 therefore1 very varied--they fly rapidly1 like the ,snipes2 run1 after the fashion of the ,sandpipers2 and swim1 not only with all the facility of ,ducks1 but venture out upon the surface of the ocean even in the midst of the roughest waves4 ,during the breeding season they repair to the coast1 where they build a neat nest1 composed of grass and weeds1 upon the sea-shore1 or in some slight hollow on the ground4 ,the eggs are four in number4 ,the usual habitat of the ,phalaropes is in the ,arctic and ,northern ,seas1 from whence they but rarely wander far1 their migrations usually being confined to the surface of the ocean4 ,,the ,,hyperborean ,,phalarope4 ,the ,,hyperborean ,,phalarope 7,lobipes hyperboreus1 or ,phalaropus hyperboreus7 resembles the ,sandpipers in some respects1 but differs from them in the comparative shortness of its tail and slenderness of its beak4 ,upon the upper portions of the body the feathers are blackish grey1 and on the lower back and shoulders black edged with reddish yellow2 the sides of the nape are rust-red1 the throat and under parts grey1 shading into white on the sides and crop4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and the foot lead-grey1 with the web and projecting edges yellowish and grey4 ,the male is from six inches and three-quarters to seven inches long1 and from twelve inches and two-thirds to twelve inches and three-quarters broad2 the wing measures four1 and the tail two inches4 ,the female is about a line longer1 and one inch broader than her mate4 ,these birds inhabit the north-eastern portions of ,europe and ,northern ,asia1 and are numerous upon the extensive lakes and rivers of ,siberia and ,north ,america2 their range1 however1 probably does not extend far south1 even during the course of their migrations4 ,with us they frequent the ,orkney ,islands1 where they arrive about ,july1 and depart again as winter approaches4 ,in its habits this species is essentially aquatic4 ,it swims with the utmost buoyancy and ease1 though it is not known to dive even when hard pressed2 and1 according to ,audubon1 indulges in the remarkable habit of alighting whilst at sea1 even at a distance of one hundred miles from shore1 on beds of floating seaweed1 over which its lobed feet enable it to run with great lightness and rapidity4 ,its flight is strong and swift1 but when on the ground its movements are inferior in agility to those of the ,tringas4 ,insects1 worms1 and minute mollusca form its principal means of subsistence1 these it obtains from among tangled beds of floating seaweed1 or as it moves lightly over the surface of the water4 ,the call is a sharp clear tweet1 tweet4 ,audubon mentions having seen little parties of these birds living in pairs upon the small fresh-water lakes in ,labrador1 near which they also breed4 ,the nest1 which is usually made in a hollow in marshes1 or on the islands of fresh-water lakes1 is formed principally of grass1 and covered with a few bits of hay or moss4 ,the eggs1 from one to four in number1 have usually a dark olive-coloured shell1 thickly spotted with black4 ,the young grow rapidly1 and are anxiously tended by their parents1 who employ a variety of artifices to lure strangers from the nest4 ,,the ,,red ,,phalarope4 ,the ,,red ,,phalarope 7,phalaropus rufus7 represents a group of the above birds recognisable by their superior length of tail and the construction of the beak1 which is as long as the head1 and flat and curved at its extremity4 ,this species is larger than the ,phalaropus hyperboreus1 being fully eight inches long1 and nearly fourteen broad2 the wings measure five inches1 and the tail two inches and three-quarters4 ,upon the crown1 back1 and shoulders1 the feathers are black1 edged with rust-red2 the lower back1 upper wing-covers1 and sides of the tail are dark grey2 and the under side is of a beautiful brownish red4 ,the female is jet-black upon the crown and nape1 and exhibits two greyish black stripes which pass down the sides of the head1 the back and shoulder feathers are blueish grey1 darkly shafted1 and those on the under parts of the body white1 edged with grey at the sides4 ,the native haunts of these birds1 according to ,gould1 are the regions within the ,arctic ,circle1 where they live during summer1 migrating as winter approaches to more temperate climes1 and dispersing singly or in pairs throughout most of the countries of ,europe1 being especially numerous in the ,british ,isles4 ,this species is abundant in many parts of ,asia and ,america4 ,although its powers of wing are very great1 says the above writer1 we cannot look for its periodical visits with any certainty2 and the places1 moreover1 which it selects are sometimes very extraordinary4 ,for instance1 it will continue for weeks1 if unmolested1 about a puddle in a farmyard1 manifesting a familiar and unsuspecting disposition1 and allowing itself to be approached with freedom4 ,it does not1 however1 confine itself to one spot1 but after remaining at a certain place from three to four weeks1 suddenly departs2 if on the approach of spring1 towards the north1 and in autumn towards the south4 ,every ,european country is visited1 though at uncertain and often long intervals4 ,the ,red ,phalarope swims well1 and takes its food in the surface of the water with the utmost agility and address2 indeed it seeks its nourishment there alone1 and whilst thus engaged displays a great variety of graceful attitudes and manuvres4 ,even if closely approached it exhibits no fear1 but quietly continues its search for the aquatic insects and small thin-skinned crustaceans on which it subsists4 ,audubon gives the following account of a large flock of these birds that he met with on the shores of the ,ohio4 ,they swam beautifully and played lightly about as they picked up substances floating in the water1 dispersed again and again1 until at length coming opposite to a small sand-bar1 stretching out from the shore to the distance of a few yards1 they directed their course towards it1 and waded out4 ,when just landing they were so close to each other that ,i could not withstand the temptation1 and so levelled my gun1 pulled both triggers1 and saw that ,i had made considerable havoc among them4 ,those which had not been hit flew in a compact body1 while the birds that had been but slightly wounded made for the water and swam away so fast that they seemed to be running on the surface4 ,the four eggs laid by this species have a stone-coloured shell1 spotted and speckled with dark brown4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,longshanks 7,totani7 constitute a group possessing light slender bodies1 moderately long necks1 and small heads4 ,the wings are long and pointed1 with the first quill exceeding the rest in length2 the short tail is composed of twelve feathers1 and is either graduated1 wedge-like1 or rounded at its extremity4 ,the beak is either as long as1 or longer than1 the head1 and furnished with a pointed tip2 this difference in the construction of the bill enables these birds to seize their food among gravel or stones on the shores of lakes and rivers1 or on the coast1 instead of seeking it by probing soft sand and mud4 ,the foot is variously formed1 being in some instances high and thin1 and in others short and powerful2 the toes are three or four in number4 ,the short compact plumage1 which is moulted twice in the year1 is of sombre hue2 male and female are almost alike1 both in their coloration and size4 ,these birds principally frequent the northern portions of the globe1 and from thence wander forth into warmer latitudes1 where they not only live1 but breed4 ,river-banks1 marshes1 and the shores of fresh-water lakes1 are their usual haunts2 whilst some few occupy the sea-coast1 and others frequent moist woods4 ,during the winter they associate with many varieties of their feathered brethren1 whose society they appear to prefer to that of their own species4 ,they walk well1 fly rapidly and easily1 and for the most part dive with facility1 remaining under water for a considerable time1 and coming up at a distance from the place where they went down4 ,while thus progressing they are supposed to move by the agency of their wings4 ,under ordinary circumstances1 however1 they merely stand while fishing1 keeping only their head and neck below the surface as they explore the ground beneath4 ,in all the various species the voice is high1 flute-like1 and resonant4 ,the food of the ,totani consists of insects1 worms1 small molluscs1 and fishes1 and is obtained1 not by probing the earth1 a process to which their hard sharp bill is not adapted1 but from the surface of the ground1 or from amongst stones and gravel4 ,shortly after the snow has melted1 these birds commence the duties attendant on incubation1 and resort to their favourite fresh-water marshes or moist woods for the purpose of breeding4 ,the nest1 which is usually situated on the ground among the grass1 is a mere depression1 made smooth and neat within1 and lined with grass or any similar materials4 ,in some instances1 however1 the ,totani build upon low trees1 stones1 or branches1 either making a small abode for themselves with moss and other vegetable matter1 or using a deserted nest as a repository for their young family4 ,the large pear-shaped eggs are four in number1 and have an olive-green shell1 marked with brownish grey4 ,the female alone broods1 whilst her mate busies himself in anxious endeavours to protect her and her charge by flying around with troubled cries should they be disturbed4 ,the young can leave the nest as soon as they quit the shell1 and1 if alarmed1 at once conceal themselves with much adroitness upon the ground or in the grass4 ,when fledged they usually fly about to very considerable distances over the country1 until the season arrives for commencing their winter migration4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,sandpipers 7,actitis7 are small1 delicately-formed birds1 with straight1 flexible1 but hard-tipped beaks2 the moderate-sized1 crescent-shaped wing is rather pointed at its extremity2 and the long graduated tail composed of twelve feathers4 ,the soft compact plumage is peculiar both in its coloration and markings1 and varies but little at different seasons4 ,the females are somewhat smaller than their mates4 ,,the ,,common ,,sandpiper4 ,the ,,common ,,sandpiper 7,actitis hypoleucos7 is of a yellow-brown on the upper portion of the body1 shaded with green and purple1 and marked with black4 ,the feathers on the side of the crop are of a brownish hue1 with shafts and oval spots of a deeper shade4 ,those on the under side are white2 the primaries are brownish black1 delicately bordered with whitish grey towards the tips1 and from the third quill decorated with white spots1 which gradually increase in size as they approach the body4 ,the lower secondaries are pale blackish brown1 with white roots and tips2 the centre tail-feathers brownish grey1 shafted with black1 and spotted and edged with reddish yellow2 the rest white1 more or less striped with black4 ,the eye is brown2 the beak greyish black1 with lighter base1 and the foot lead-grey4 ,the length of this species is from seven inches and three-quarters to eight inches1 and from twelve inches and a half to thirteen inches broad4 ,the wing measures four inches1 and the tail two inches and a half4 ,the ,common ,sandpipers are abundantly met with on all the streams1 lakes1 and sea-coasts of the northern portions of both hemispheres1 and both live and breed in the temperate latitudes1 remaining in the latter from one year to another1 while such as occupy the colder regions wander as far as ,southern ,europe and ,northern ,africa4 ,great ,britain and ,ireland are regularly visited during the summer by these birds1 but they do not1 we believe1 resort to the ,orkney or ,shetland ,isles4 ,a correspondent1 quoted by ,yarrell1 who writes from the vicinity of ,clitheroe1 says1 ,the ,common ,sandpiper breeds with us1 and this year ,i started an old one from her nest at the root of a fir-tree4 ,she screamed out and rolled about in such a manner1 and seemed so completely disabled1 that although perfectly aware that her intention was to allure me from her nest1 ,i could not resist my inclination to pursue her1 and in consequence ,i had great difficulty in finding the nest again4 ,it was built of a few dried leaves of a ,weymouth pine1 and contained three young ones just hatched1 and an egg through the shell of which the bill of the young chick was just making its way2 yet1 young as they were1 on my taking out the egg to examine it1 the little things1 which could not have been out of their shells more than an hour or two1 set off out of the nest with as much celerity as if they had been running about for a fortnight4 ,the ,common ,sandpipers appear in ,central ,europe towards the middle of ,april or beginning of ,may1 and by ,july have reared their young1 and commenced flying about the country previous to leaving it1 which they do about the second or third week in ,september4 ,their migrations are carried on in small parties of from six to twenty individuals1 and take place at night2 the birds descending1 when day breaks1 to seek for food upon a river-bank or similar locality1 and usually sleeping for a few hours at noon4 ,should the chosen spot prove attractive1 it is not uncommon for these parties to remain for several days before resuming their journey4 ,sandy localities1 covered with bushes or reeds1 are the favourite resorts of these birds2 the latter affording a safe retreat in case of danger or alarm1 to which their timid1 cautious disposition renders them peculiarly susceptible4 ,naumann mentions that a garden-seat placed about four feet above the surface of a pond in his garden1 and thickly overhung with branches and surrounded by bushes1 was regularly selected as a sleeping-place by all the ,sandpipers that crossed his grounds during their migrations4 ,the movements of this species are in many respects unlike others of its kind2 it stands erect1 walks with an active tripping step1 and constantly whips its tail while in motion4 ,the flight is swift and easy1 but1 unlike that of most other ,sandpipers1 is seldom carried on at any great height in the air1 the bird usually sweeping so close over the surface of the water as almost to wet its wings2 only when finally quitting a spot does it rise far from the earth1 and rapidly seeks another hunting ground4 ,if much alarmed1 it betakes itself to the water1 and either swims or dives to a safe distance from the place of danger4 ,although remarkably shy1 this species appears readily to distinguish those who are likely to molest it2 and exhibits such adroitness in seeking concealment as frequently to escape even from the clutches of a ,sparrow-hawk4 ,it seldom associates with other shore birds2 and the breeding season once over1 the pairs usually separate1 and1 like their companions1 go their own way1 only joining their fellows if the chosen spot be favourable for food1 without any reference to each other's presence4 ,as the season for incubation approaches1 the male birds exhibit much excitement1 and display themselves to the greatest advantage1 darting through the air in zigzag lines1 and trilling forth their call in the hope of attracting the attention of their desired mates4 ,this call1 which commences in a low tone1 gradually swelling and dying away1 is exchanged at other times for a high1 clear1 resonant1 piping note4 ,the nest is formed of twigs1 reeds1 stubble1 or dry leaves1 and is placed at a safe distance from the water1 beneath a sheltering shrub or bush4 ,the pear-shaped eggs vary somewhat in size and form1 and have a delicate1 glossy1 reddish yellow shell1 marked and spotted with various shades of brown4 ,both sexes brood1 and exhibit great uneasiness when disturbed2 should they be deprived of an egg they at once desert their post4 ,the young are hatched in about a fortnight1 but remain a little longer under the mother's wing1 after which they are led forth to seek their own food1 and in four weeks are fully fledged and self dependent4 ,the parents display much anxiety for the safety of their little family1 and1 if molested1 express their alarm by loud cries2 whilst the young at once hurry to a place of concealment1 and remain so quiet as to render their discovery almost impossible without the aid of a dog4 ,insects1 larv1 and worms form the usual fare of the ,common ,sandpipers1 and in search of these they often display most amusing dexterity1 gently approaching such active-winged prey as flies and gnats1 with every sign of extreme caution1 and then snapping up the desired morsels by an almost unerring stroke4 ,,the ,,greenshank4 ,the ,,greenshank 7,glottis chloropus7 represents a group distinguished by their long1 slender1 hard beak1 which curves decidedly upwards1 and their high green feet1 which have the toes connected by a skin4 ,the species we have selected as a type of the rest is the largest of all1 being from twelve to thirteen inches long1 and from twenty-one and a half to twenty-two inches across the wings4 ,the wing measures seven and the tail three inches4 ,the feathers on the upper portions of the body are black1 edged with white2 the lower back1 rump1 and under side are pure white as far as the breast1 which is striped and spotted with black2 the tail is grey in the centre1 and spotted white and black at its sides4 ,during the autumn the head1 nape1 and sides of the throat are striped greyish-black and white1 and the mantle-feathers deep grey1 spotted and shafted with black1 and edged with white2 those on the lower web and crop are striped and shafted with black4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak blackish green1 and the foot greyish green4 ,the ,greenshank principally inhabits the northern portions of the ,eastern ,hemisphere1 and from thence wanders as far as ,india1 ,southern ,china1 and ,africa4 ,in ,australia these birds are not seen1 and it is still doubtful whether they visit the ,american continent4 ,in some parts of ,siberia they are remarkably numerous during the summer months4 ,such of this species as appear in ,central ,europe arrive about the end of ,july1 and wander about over the face of the country till ,august or ,september1 when they commence leaving in order to winter further south4 ,in ,april and ,may they return to the north1 travelling by night1 and only rarely performing even a short part of the journey during the day4 ,the ,greenshank is a summer visitor to ,great ,britain1 and is principally seen during its spring and autumnal migrations4 ,in the ,hebrides1 says ,macgillivray1 it is met with in early spring1 and generally departs in ,october1 although ,i have observed individuals there in ,november4 ,previous to the commencement of the breeding season1 and after the young are fledged1 it resorts to the shores of the sea1 frequenting pools of brackish water at the head of the sand-fords1 and the shallow margins of bays and creeks4 ,its habits are very similar to those of the ,redshank1 with which it associates in autumn4 ,it is extremely shy and vigilant1 insomuch that we can very seldom shoot it unless after it has deposited its eggs4 ,many individuals remain during the summer1 when they are to be found by the lakes in the interior2 indeed1 the number of them in ,uist1 ,harris1 and ,lewis is astonishing4 ,at that season it is very easily discovered1 for when you are perhaps more than a quarter of a mile distant it rises into the air with clamorous cries1 alarming all the birds in its neighbourhood1 flies round the place of its nest1 now wheeling off to a distance1 again advancing towards you1 and at intervals alighting by the edge of the lake1 when it continues its cries1 vibrating its body all the while4 ,i once found a nest of this bird in the ,island of ,harris4 ,it was at a considerable distance from the water1 and consisted of a few fragments of heath and some blades of grass1 placed in a hollow cavity scraped in the turf1 in an exposed place4 ,the nest1 in fact1 resembled that of the ,golden ,plover1 the ,curlew1 or the ,lapwing4 ,the eggs1 placed with their narrow ends together1 were four in number1 pyriform1 larger than those of the ,lapwing1 and smaller than those of the ,golden ,plover1 equally pointed with the latter1 but proportionately broader1 and more rounded at the larger end than either4 ,the high clear cry of this bird has been compared by ,yarrell to the sound of the syllables chio1 chio4 ,insects1 larv1 young frogs1 and small fishes are all devoured by the ,greenshank2 but it is at present undecided as to what may be regarded as its principal means of subsistence1 nor are we much better informed concerning its habits during the period of incubation1 except that it breeds in the north-eastern portions of the globe1 and forms a slight nest of blades of grass1 upon a green knoll1 usually beneath the shelter of a tree4 ,the four large eggs are deposited in ,june1 and have a pale greenish yellow shell1 marked with brownish grey and reddish brown spots of various sizes4 ,the eggs of the ,greenshank are regarded as among the greatest rarities of oological collections4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,godwits 7,limosa7 are recognisable by their large powerful body1 moderate-sized neck1 and small head4 ,the high slender foot is four-toed1 and the wing long and pointed1 with the first quill longer than the rest2 the short1 somewhat rounded tail1 is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the smooth thick plumage is of very uniform hue1 and varies according to the season of the year4 ,the birds of this sub-family have some resemblance to the ,snipes1 and also to the ,tring2 but their legs are longer and somewhat stouter in proportion to their size4 ,the chief difference1 however1 is in the bill1 which in birds that as far as regards their haunts are such close neighbours1 is the most important4 ,the beak of the ,godwits is very long1 soft1 and flexible2 its whole length is rather compressed1 and triangular at the base1 depressed in the rest of the length1 and dilated and obtuse at the tip4 ,it has been described as1 not a snapping bill1 nor a boring bill1 neither is it a scooping bill1 nor a dabbling bill2 indeed1 it is difficult to find a single epithet descriptive of the function it performs1 or rather of the manner in which it performs its functions4 ,it is not shovelling or scooping1 for these birds do not remove from its place the sludge and sediment of the water among which they seek their food2 and they do not dabble and wash the mud as ,ducks do1 till they find the substance of which they are in quest4 ',poking' is the nearest epithet1 but does not express the action exactly1 as they 'try about' and select their food by the sense of touch1 and not by sight4 ,these ,godwits are more of a wading habit than the ,snipes1 yet their food is not found in the water1 but in the ooze2 and if the ooze is soft enough to be penetrated by the bill1 the fact of its being with or without a small stratum of water over it is of little consequence4 ,their food consists chiefly of mud-worms1 mud-insects1 and mud-larv1 and the places which they frequent are the localities in which these most abound4 ,the banks of the eddies of slow-running streams1 or the accumulation of sludge that is left bare in the estuaries and creeks upon the shores of low rich land1 on the ebbing of the tide1 and especially the streams of mud from the richer ground into the pools of fens1 are the favourite resorts of these birds4 ,they breed in the fens1 at a considerable distance inland1 if the ground is suitable1 but they descend nearer to the sea in winter4 ,in their inland haunts they hide themselves during the heat of the day among the long grass where they have their nests2 but when near the sea1 their resting-time varies with that at which the tide leaves their feeding-places in the best condition4 ,godwits run very fast1 and make their escape to a considerable distance before taking wing1 at which time they utter a very loud1 harsh1 and somewhat bleating note4 ,these birds were formerly much more common with us than they are now1 and were regarded by our forefathers as the daintiest dish in ,england4 ,they were sometimes valued as high as four nobles the dozen1 after they had been fattened for the market on bread and milk4 ,,the ,,red ,,or ,,bar-,,tailed ,,godwit4 ,the ,,red or ,,bar-,,tailed ,,godwit 7,limosa rufa7 is on the crown and nape of a light rust-red1 striped with brown4 ,the feathers on the back and shoulders are black1 spotted and edged with rust-red2 those of the wing-covers grey with white borders4 ,the rump is white1 spotted with brown4 ,the eyebrows1 throat1 sides of neck1 and lower parts of the body are bright1 dark rust-red2 the sides of the breast and lower tail-covers spotted with black4 ,the quills are black1 veined with white2 and the tail grey1 striped with white4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak reddish1 tipped with blackish grey1 and the foot black4 ,in the plumage of the female all these colours are duller4 ,during the autumn the coat is principally of a greyish shade1 the upper portions of the body being grey1 spotted with blackish brown2 the centre of the beak1 rump1 and lower tail-covers are white4 ,this species is fifteen inches and a half long and twenty-six broad2 the wing measures two inches1 and the tail two inches and three-quarters4 ,great numbers of these birds visit ,england both during their spring and autumnal migrations1 but they have never been known to breed in our island1 though some few remain throughout the winter4 ,in ,holland and the level parts of ,france they are far more common1 and are annually killed in great numbers for the ,london market4 ,the ,red ,godwits are usually met with in small parties1 and generally occupy the muddy banks of river mouths or the oozy shores of sea inlets1 as such spots afford a rich supply of the worms1 small molluscs1 and aquatic animals upon which they subsist4 ,in ,april the males acquire their full beauty of plumage1 and at once retire as far north as ,iceland1 ,lapland1 and ,sweden to breed4 ,upon the wing their movements are powerful1 though not very rapid4 ,if disturbed they utter a cry somewhat resembling the bleat of a goat4 ,we are almost entirely without reliable particulars respecting the incubation of this bird4 ,,the ,,black-,,winged ,,stilt4 ,the ,,black-,,winged ,,stilt 7,hypsibates himantopus1 or ,himantopus melanopterus7 has a small slight body1 slender neck1 moderate-sized head1 and a long1 weak1 straight bill1 which is broad and soft at its base1 rounded at the culmen1 and curved at its slender tip2 the high1 weak1 and unusually long foot is unfeathered1 and furnished with three toes2 these are connected by a short skin1 and armed with small1 slender1 sharp claws4 ,the long1 pointed wings have the first quill very considerably longer than the rest2 the medium-sized tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the short compact plumage1 which is of an almost fur-like texture on the under side1 varies much in appearance1 according to the season or age of the bird4 ,in spring1 the back of the head1 the nape1 and a narrow stripe across the mantle are black1 the latter is shaded with green2 the tail is ash-grey2 and the rest of the plumage white1 delicately tinted with rose-red on the fore parts of the body4 ,in the female the hues are less clearly defined1 and the white less pure2 the tail is lustreless1 and the dark stripe on the nape paler but broader than in the male bird4 ,in winter the head and nape are of a greyish shade4 ,the young have the under side greyish white1 the nape grey marked with white1 and the shoulder-feathers grey4 ,in all the eye is of a beautiful carmine-red2 the beak black1 and the foot pale carmine or rose-red4 ,this species is fourteen inches and a half long1 and twenty-seven broad2 the wing measures nine and the tail three inches4 ,the ,black-winged ,stilt inhabits ,southern and ,south-eastern ,europe1 ,central ,asia1 and ,northern ,africa2 and during the course of its migrations visits ,india1 the region of the large salt lakes in ,central ,asia1 and the countries watered by the ,upper ,nile4 ,in ,southern ,russia and ,egypt it is remarkably numerous1 and remains throughout the entire year2 in ,hungary it is also extremely common2 whilst in ,spain1 ,greece1 and ,southern ,italy it only appears when journeying to or from its winter quarters4 ,such of these birds as occupy ,southern ,europe usually frequent the vicinity of extensive lakes1 and lead a most retired life2 but in ,egypt1 on the contrary1 flocks numbering some two hundred or three hundred individuals1 venture boldly into and about the villages1 wherever small pieces of water are to be found1 and allow a man to approach them within a few paces without any demonstration of alarm4 ,these winter guests remain almost stationary throughout the cold season1 and during that time become very fat4 ,towards ,april most of the flock disappear1 while some few remain to breed4 ,in ,england1 according to ,yarrell1 this bird is an accidental though not unfrequent visitor4 ,on the #ith of ,june1 #ahbb1 says the ,rev4 ,r4 ,lubbock1 ,i was returning in the evening from fishing upon ,hickling ,broad1 in ,norfolk1 when a bird of this species flew past the boat within thirty yards4 ,the legs were extended behind1 even more in proportion than those of a ,heron2 the wings were very much arched2 the flight vigorous and regular4 ,the colour and the length of limb made me guess what it must be4 ,we searched for it early next morning1 and found it precisely in the same place as the evening before1 but it was standing in a shallow pool of water1 mid-leg deep1 apparently snapping at the insects as they buzzed around it4 ,although the ,black-winged ,stilts cannot be regarded as sea-birds1 they prefer salt water1 and occasionally appear on the actual coast1 in company with several of its regular occupants4 ,salt lakes and ponds are1 however1 their favourite resorts1 except during the breeding season1 when they seek the vicinity of fresh or brackish water4 ,these birds are eminently social in their habits1 and usually live in small companies of from six to twelve individuals1 only keeping apart in pairs during the period of incubation1 and again assembling1 but in large flocks1 throughout the winter months4 ,insects of various kinds1 principally flies1 gnats1 beetles1 and larv1 form their principal means of subsistence1 and these they seize with equal address from the surface of the water1 in the air1 or from amidst the mud and slime4 ,in ,egypt this species breeds in ,april1 and in ,may constructs a careless nest of coarse grass4 ,wilson tells us that a nearly-allied bird inhabiting ,america merely places a bed of dry grass upon the marshy ground to receive the eggs when first deposited1 but afterwards constructs a regular nest of a variety of dry materials1 which are heaped together till they frequently form a mass weighing two or three pounds4 ,the eggs1 which are generally four in number1 resemble those of the ,peewit in form and size1 but have a far more delicate shell1 of a brownish1 olive1 or greenish yellow1 marked with grey and reddish brown spots of various shapes and sizes1 which are most thickly strewn over the broad end4 ,in ,hungary the flesh of the ,black-winged ,stilt is eaten during the winter1 but even at that season is not very palatable4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,scooping ,,avocets 7,recurvirostr7 are recognisable by their powerful body1 moderately long1 thin neck1 large head1 and long slender beak1 grooved on its sides to the middle1 and compressed towards its acute tip1 which is curved either upwards or downwards4 ,the margins are sharp and entire1 the bill hard and smooth4 ,the long slender tarsi are covered with scales2 and the very long powerful foot furnished with four toes2 the latter are sometimes united by a web in front1 the hind toe being either extremely short or undeveloped4 ,the long1 pointed wings have the first quill longer than the rest4 ,the short rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the plumage of the back is close and compact1 and that of the under side of downy texture4 ,these birds inhabit most countries of our globe1 and frequent the swampy margins of rivers1 or salt marshes1 where they are usually seen in pools of shallow water1 fluttering their wings1 and shaking their half-bent legs1 an action which causes them to appear as if they would tumble over1 while at the same time they utter a sharp note like the syllable click often repeated4 ,occasionally they are seen collected in small groups1 on open downs covered with grasses and other kinds of vegetation1 when1 if alarmed1 they frequently run off in a straight line1 or fly very close to the ground4 ,their mode of feeding is by scooping1 or as it were beating the soft soil with their flat upturned bill2 and when thus engaged they are generally seen wading up to their breasts in the pools left by the receding tide4 ,they never swim voluntarily1 although furnished with feet so extensively palmated as to have induced the early systematists to place them among the swimming birds2 nevertheless1 this structure is an admirable provision to enable them to traverse the soft and yielding mud in which they find their food4 ,the nest is generally formed of dry grasses1 seaweeds1 and small twigs1 heaped up to the thickness of several inches1 and placed among thick tufts of grass1 in the neighbourhood of shallow water4 ,the eggs are four in number4 ,,the ,,scooping ,,avocet4 ,the ,,scooping ,,avocet 7,recurvirostra avocetta7 is black upon the top of the head1 nape1 shoulders1 and a large portion of the wings2 the rest of the latter and the remainder of the entire plumage is white4 ,the eye is reddish brown1 the beak black1 and the foot greyish blue4 ,in the female1 these colours are less distinct2 in the young the black feathers have a brownish shade1 and those on the wings are edged with reddish grey4 ,the upcurved bill of this bird is most remarkable1 and entirely unsuited to probe the ground or break the shell of ordinary-sized molluscs4 ,the slightest frost1 therefore1 drives the ,avocet to the oozy muddy flats of estuaries1 bays1 and similar situations1 where it can patter about with its wide-webbed feet1 and gather small crustaceans and sea-worms4 ,those who have seen a ,stork or a ,crane with a frog at the tip of its long mandibles1 and watched it1 as1 with an upward movement of the head1 it dropped the victim into its throat1 will have a good idea of the action of the ,avocet when it has captured a small shrimp1 a marine insect1 or any other of the objects upon which it lives1 and at once perceive that1 with such a peculiarly-formed beak1 it could not feed in any other manner4 ,the ,scooping ,avocets are numerously met with throughout the ,eastern ,hemisphere1 even as far south as the ,cape of ,good ,hope2 in ,central ,europe they appear in ,april1 and commence leaving again about ,september4 ,a century ago1 before the ,english fens were drained1 they were common in the marshes of ,norfolk and ,lincolnshire2 but are now rarely seen4 ,these birds only frequent the immediate vicinity of salt water1 and are almost exclusively met with on shallow muddy sea-coasts1 or the slimy banks of brackish lakes4 ,when occupying the shores1 they follow the advance and recess of the tide in search of food1 and are often seen half a mile out upon the sands when the waves have retired4 ,among the many varieties of sea-birds that frequent the sea-shore1 the ,scooping ,avocets are always conspicuous1 as they move slowly along1 with body erect and slender neck gracefully curved1 or fly rapidly through the air1 with broadly-flapping wings1 and their long legs stretched directly out4 ,in the water they exhibit great skill1 and frequently venture out to a very considerable depth4 ,the piping note uttered by this species has a somewhat melancholy but not unpleasing tone1 and is replaced during the period of incubation by a plaintive call1 which is constantly and rapidly repeated4 ,in disposition the ,avocets are unsocial1 and only rarely keep company with their feathered companions2 whilst towards man they exhibit much timidity1 and considerable intelligence in discerning such persons as are likely to prove dangerous4 ,at the commencement of the season for incubation1 the pairs seek a suitable spot whereon to breed1 and usually prefer grass-covered flats1 or fields1 in the immediate vicinity of the sea4 ,the nest is a mere hollow1 slightly lined with dry blades of grass1 or fibres1 and contains from two to four pear-shaped eggs1 about as large as those of the ,peewit1 with a thin1 lustreless1 greenish yellow shell1 more or less marked with blackish grey or violet spots4 ,both sexes brood1 and tend the young 7which are hatched in about eighteen days7 with great affection1 leading them at first about the fields1 then near large pools1 and only venturing with them to the open sea when they begin to use their wings4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,curlews 7,numenii7 are very beautifully-formed birds1 with a slender body1 long thin neck1 small head1 and a very long1 slightly-curved1 and soft beak1 which is broad at its base1 and horny at its tip4 ,the upper mandible is a trifle longer than1 and bends somewhat over1 the lower portion of the bill2 the slender1 high1 broad-soled feet are bare1 and furnished with four toes1 connected by a decided web2 the wings are long and pointed1 with the first quill longer than the rest2 the moderate-sized tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the close compact plumage does not vary in the sexes1 or at different seasons of the year4 ,the members of this group include about a dozen species1 and are met with in almost every portion of the globe4 ,,the ,,great ,,curlew1 ,,or ,,whaap4 ,the ,,great ,,curlew1 or ,,whaap 7,numenius arquatus71 is from twenty-six to twenty-eight inches long 7this measurement includes the beak1 which is from seven to eight inches long71 and from forty-five to forty-seven inches across the span of the wings2 the wing measures from twelve to thirteen inches1 and the tail from four inches and a half to five inches and a half4 ,on the upper portions of the body the feathers are brown1 edged with light reddish yellow1 those of the lower back are white1 spotted with brown1 and those on the under side reddish yellow1 shafted and spotted with brown4 ,the quills are black1 spotted and bordered with white1 and the tail-feathers white1 striped with brown4 ,the eye is dark brown2 the beak black1 with a yellowish grey base to the lower mandible2 and the foot lead-grey4 ,the young have in proportion to their size a shorter beak than the adult birds1 thicker feet1 and paler markings on the under side4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,scooping ,,avocet 7,recurvirostra avocella74 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,great ,,curlew 7,numenius arquatus74 ,,one-,,quarter ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,curlews inhabit both hemispheres1 and breed principally in the northern portions of the globe1 appearing regularly in ,central ,africa and ,india during the course of their migrations4 ,according to ,von der ,muhle1 they are occasionally seen in ,greece and ,spain throughout the year1 but these are probably young stragglers that have not commenced breeding4 ,in ,great ,britain these birds frequent all parts of the coast1 feeding at low water1 on worms1 insects1 and small crustaceans1 left by the retiring tide1 and visiting the adjacent fields when those feeding-places are covered4 ,at the end of ,march or beginning of ,april they leave the shore and seek the higher moorlands to pair and rear their young4 ,the ,common ,curlew1 according to ,jardine1 is entirely an inhabitant of upland moors and pastures during the breeding season1 and in the soft and dewy mornings of ,may and ,june forms an object in their early solitude which adds to their wildness4 ,at first dawn1 when nothing can be seen but rounded hills of rich and green pasture rising one beyond another1 with perhaps an extensive meadow looking almost boundless through the shadows and mists of morn1 or a long string of sheep marching off at a sleepy pace on their well-beaten track to some favourite feeding-ground1 the shrill tremulous call of the ,curlew to his mate has something in it wild and melancholy1 yet always pleasing in its associations4 ,in such situations do they pair1 making almost no nest1 and during the commencement of their amours run skulkingly among the long grass and rushes1 the male rising and sailing round1 or descending with the wings closed above his back1 and uttering his peculiar quavering whistle4 ,the appearance of an intruder requires more demonstration of his powers1 and he approaches near1 buffeting and 'whaaping' with all his might4 ,when the young are hatched they remain near the spot1 and are for a long time difficult to raise2 a pointer will stand and road them1 and at this time they are tender and well-flavoured2 by autumn they are nearly all dispersed to the sea-coast1 and have lost their clear whistle4 ,in disposition the ,curlews are extremely cautious and shy1 and for this reason constantly associate with a variety of other shore birds1 thus making as it were common cause against danger1 and frequently almost driving the sportsman to despair1 by the keenness with which they detect and proclaim his presence1 whilst they constantly permit the near approach of such persons as they have reason to know will not molest them4 ,the nest of this species is nothing more than a depression in the moss or grass1 slightly lined with similar materials1 and contains four large pear-shaped eggs1 with a lustreless1 dirty olive-brown shell1 shaded with brown and green1 and variously marked with blackish brown4 ,the parents exhibit much attachment to their young1 and probably relieve each other when brooding4 ,insects of all kinds1 worms1 mussels1 small crustaceans and reptiles1 fish1 and many varieties of vegetable produce1 especially berries1 are all consumed by these birds1 whilst the young are reared exclusively on insects4 ,the ,common ,curlew is readily tamed1 as the following interesting account of a captive will show3--,this bird1 says ,montagu1 had been shot in the wing1 and was at first so extremely shy that he was obliged to be crammed with meat for a day or two1 when he began to eat worms2 but as this was precarious food1 he was tempted to eat bread-and-milk1 like ,ruffs4 ,to induce this substitution1 worms were put into a mess of bread mixed with milk1 and it was curious to observe how cautiously he avoided the mixture1 by carrying every worm to the pond and well washing it previously to swallowing4 ,in the course of a few days this new diet did not appear unpalatable to him1 and1 from being poor and emaciated1 he got plump and in high health4 ,in the course of a month or six weeks this bird became excessively tame1 and would follow a person across the menagerie for a bit of bread or a small fish1 of which he was remarkably fond4 ,but he became almost omnivorous--fish1 water lizards1 small frogs1 insects of every kind that were not too large to swallow2 and1 in default of other food1 barley with the ducks was not rejected4 ,this very great favourite was at last killed by a rat1 as it was suspected1 after a short life of two years in confinement1 but he had in that time fully satisfied our inquiries into his natural habits4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,hard-,,billed ,,waders 7,herodi7 are recognisable by their more or less powerful and slender body1 which is very thin at its sides2 their long neck1 small head1 and strong1 thick1 high1 and long beak1 the upper surface of which is partially overspread with a horny coat2 occasionally the bill is broad at its extremity4 ,the high long legs are bare and four-toed4 ,the anterior toes being usually partially webbed1 and always furnished with powerful claws2 the long wings are rounded1 and the short tail composed of small feathers4 ,the plumage is close and compact2 in some species the bridles1 face1 or neck are bare4 ,the members of this group usually occupy marshy ground1 or shallow pieces of water1 and subsist upon crabs1 various water grubs1 and molluscs4 ,the nests are placed upon trees or other raised situations4 ,the eggs are white or blueish green1 and occasionally decorated with faint spots4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,ibises 7,ibides7 are comparatively small but powerfully-framed birds1 with a long neck1 small head1 and a long rounded beak1 which curves downwards in the form of a sickle1 has the margins blunt1 and the upper mandible grooved to the tip2 the long thin legs are furnished with moderate-sized toes1 of which those placed in front are connected by a short skin1 and furnished with narrow1 pointed claws1 the centre one of which is denticulated4 ,in the long1 broad1 rounded wings1 the second quill exceeds the rest in length2 the short broad tail is formed of twelve feathers1 and is either rounded or incised at its extremity4 ,the plumage is thick and compact4 ,some of the smaller species resemble the ,curlews in their general formation1 but differ from them in colour1 and are entirely without markings on their feathers4 ,other species are distinguishable by the bareness of the face and throat1 the prolongation of the nape-feathers1 and other peculiarities4 ,the sexes are almost alike1 but vary their plumage somewhat at different seasons2 the young do not resemble the adult birds4 ,the ,ibises occupy the warmer portions of the globe1 only a few species appearing in temperate latitudes at certain seasons2 they usually frequent the banks of rivers1 lakes1 and swampy localities1 in flocks which wade knee-deep in search of the frogs1 water lizards1 snails1 and water insects1 that afford them the principal means of subsistence4 ,some species1 on the contrary1 resort to plains and open dry tracts in search of worms and insects of various kinds2 while others take their stand upon the decaying trunks of trees as they float down the streams1 in order to watch for the approach of fish1 which they at once pounce upon and readily seize by means of their long beaks4 ,the calls of hunger appeased1 these birds generally resort to the most elevated and exposed branches of neighbouring trees1 where they stand in an erect posture1 resting their heavy mandibles upon their breast4 ,in such situations they are extremely cautious and vigilant4 ,their flight is principally performed in sweeps high up in the air1 but when migrating at change of season1 or wandering as they often do in search of food1 they usually arrange themselves in two lines1 diverging from a leader4 ,all the various species are social in their habits1 and live in company with many varieties of shore birds4 ,even during the period of incubation the same disposition is manifest1 the flocks keep together1 not only in their winter quarters1 but throughout the breeding season2 some few species1 however1 are exceptions to this rule1 and separate in pairs whilst rearing their young4 ,the nests are usually placed upon trees growing in the water or on marshy ground1 and are formed of twigs1 fibres1 blades of grass1 and similar materials2 it is not uncommon1 however1 for the breeding pair to avoid all labour by taking possession of an empty nest4 ,the eggs are from three to six in number1 and have the shell of uniform hue4 ,it is uncertain whether both parents assist in the task of incubation2 they both1 however1 testify great anxiety for their offspring1 and tend them even long after they have joined the rest of the flock4 ,the young birds attain their full strength but slowly1 and do not undertake the cares of a family until they are two and in some instances three years old4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,falcinels 7,falcinellus7 constitute a group of the above birds1 possessing a slender body1 moderately long neck1 thin1 curved1 and long beak1 medium-sized foot1 and somewhat broad1 rounded wings1 in which the second and third quills are the longest2 the tail is short1 the plumage thick1 and the face bare4 ,,the ,,glossy ,,ibis4 ,the ,,glossy ,,ibis 7,falcinellus igneus71 a ,european representative of the above group1 is of a brownish red on the throat1 breast1 belly1 legs1 and upper portions of the wings4 ,the crown of the head is dark brown1 shaded with red2 the back1 tail1 and quills are brown1 with a green or violet sheen4 ,the eye is brown1 the bare circles around it greenish grey2 the beak dull dark green1 and the foot greenish grey4 ,during the winter the head and throat are black1 and the feathers lower down of a lighter shade1 with white edges2 those on the upper part of the body exhibit a mixture of copper-colour and green2 the under side is brownish4 ,this species is from nineteen to twenty-three inches long1 and from thirty-five to thirty-eight broad2 the wing measures from thirteen to fourteen inches1 and the tail three inches and a half4 ,the ,glossy ,ibis frequents the whole of ,central ,europe1 a large portion of ,asia1 and ,northern ,africa1 and visits the central and western portions of the latter continent4 ,during its migration1 it is met with in ,india in large numbers during cold weather1 whilst in ,egypt it remains throughout the year4 ,in ,central ,europe it arrives about the end of ,april1 and leaves again from ,august to ,september4 ,it is reported to have even visited ,great ,britain4 ,the ,ibis1 says ,montagu1 is adopted as part of the arms of ,liverpool1 and formerly1 if not at present1 stood conspicuous on the ,guildhall in golden array4 ,it was termed the ',liver1' from which that flourishing town derived its name1 and is now standing on the spot where the ',pool' was1 on the verge of which the ,liver was killed4 ,aristotle records that the ,glossy ,ibis1 or ,liver1 was called ,leheras1 or ,jeheras1 by the ancient ,egyptians4 ,river-banks1 edges of large tanks1 djeels1 swamps1 and inundated paddy-fields1 are the favourite resorts of these birds1 affording them a plentiful supply of the mussels1 fish1 small reptiles1 and similar fare1 for which they wade deep into the water during the winter months2 whilst in summer1 on the contrary1 they subsist principally upon larv1 worms1 and insects of various kinds1 seizing their prey with great dexterity1 even when upon the wing4 ,they roost at night in beds of large reeds1 and fly in flocks1 which move with remarkable regularity1 and generally assume the form of a wedge4 ,the loud call of the ,glossy ,ibis is often uttered in flight and when alarmed4 ,it is now fully ascertained that these birds breed in ,europe1 and we have to thank ,lbenstein for an account of their nests1 as seen by himself in the ,donautieflnder4 ,these nests were situated in a reed-covered marsh1 and placed on willow bushes1 usually at eight or ten feet from the ground4 ,in many instances the nests1 which were somewhat numerous1 proved to be those of other birds1 repaired and lined with straw for the reception of the young4 ,the three or four oval-shaped eggs were about the size of those of the ,domestic ,hen1 and had a thick1 blueish green1 or pale green1 shell4 ,the flesh of the ,glossy ,ibis is excellent4 ,,the ,,scarlet ,,ibis4 ,the ,,scarlet ,,ibis 7,ibis rubra7 resembles the species last described in most respects1 with some slight difference in the construction of the wings and tail2 in the former the third quill is larger than the rest3 the face is bare4 ,in the adult bird the plumage is of a uniform bright scarlet1 only varied by the blackish brown on the outer web and tips of the quills2 the eye is yellow2 the beak brown at its extremity1 with a flesh-red base2 the bare broad bridles and the throat are of the latter colour2 and the foot of a somewhat lighter shade4 ,the length is twenty-four inches2 the wing measures ten and the tail three inches4 ,in the young the plumage on the back is pale brown1 the under side of a whitish hue1 and the beak yellowish2 the bare face and legs are flesh-red4 ,after the moulting1 these colours are paler and greyer2 and after the second moulting are exchanged for a pale rose-red1 which1 at each succeeding change becomes deeper1 till it attains the magnificent scarlet of the adult bird4 ,central ,america and the northern portions of ,south ,america as far as the ,amazon are the native haunts of this fine species1 and from thence it wanders forth occasionally into the most southern of the ,united ,states4 ,edwards gives the following interesting account of a flock of these beautiful birds that he met with in a cane-brake near the forests bordering the river ,amazon3--,in this part the ,scarlet ,ibis had nested1 and the bended tops of the canes were covered with half-grown birds in their black plumage1 interspersed with many in the brilliant scarlet plumage of the adult4 ,they seemed little troubled at our approach1 merely flying a few steps forward1 and crossing the stream4 ,continuing our road1 the flocks increased in size1 the red birds became more frequent1 and the canes bent over with their weight like reeds4 ,wood ,ibises and ,spoonbills were likewise numerous4 ,the nests of all these filled every bit of ground where a nest could be placed2 and the younger ,ibises1 covered with down1 and standing like so many ,storks1 their heavy bills resting upon their breasts1 and uttering no cry1 were in strong contrast to the well-feathered ,spoonbills1 beautiful in their slightly roseate dress1 and noisily loquacious4 ,their mode of feeding their young is remarkable4 ,in the throat of the old female ,ibis1 directly at the base of the lower mandible1 is a dilatation of skin forming a pouch1 which is capable of holding the bulk of a small ,hen's egg4 ,she would return from fishing on the shallows with this pouch distended by tiny fishes1 and allowed her young to pick them out with their bills4 ,the flight of this ,ibis is lofty and strong1 and it utters a loud and peculiar cry as it passes through the air4 ,according to ,sagra1 this species breeds in ,december and ,january4 ,the eggs1 three or four in number1 are laid upon the ground1 and have a greenish shell4 ,schomburghk states that young and adult birds do not associate with each other1 but unite in distinct bands4 ,the ,scarlet ,ibis is sometimes domesticated1 and accompanies the poultry1 occasionally showing great courage in defending itself1 not only from their attacks1 but from those of cats4 ,the flesh is generally esteemed as good food1 and the rich and gaudy plumage is used by the ,brazilians for various kinds of ornamentation4 ,,the ,,white1 ,,egyptian1 ,,or ,,sacred ,,ibis4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,white ,,or ,,sacred ,,ibis 7,threskiornis religiosa74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,white1 ,,egyptian1 or ,,sacred ,,ibis 7,threskiornis religiosa1 or ,geronticus thiopica71 represents a group having the head and neck bare1 and the webs of the shoulder-feathers disunited or open1 and loose at their extremities4 ,the plumage is principally white1 with a yellowish shade on the wings1 and blueish black tips to the quills and shoulder-feathers4 ,the eye is carmine-red1 the beak black1 and the foot blackish brown4 ,the bare black skin on the neck is of a velvety texture4 ,in the young birds the head and throat are covered with dark brown and blackish feathers edged with white2 the rest of the plumage resembles that of the adult bird4 ,after the first moulting the young attain the streaming shoulder-feathers1 but only exhibit the bare head and neck in their third year4 ,this species is from twenty-eight to twenty-nine inches long1 and fifty-one broad2 the wing measures from thirteen to fourteen1 and the tail six inches4 ,this bird has been the subject of many strange tales from the most remote times1 and is called the ,sacred ,ibis because it figures extensively1 and evidently in a religious character1 on the hieroglyphics of ancient ,egypt4 ,it is not improbable that the estimation in which it was held arose from the fact that its annual appearance was coincident with the rising of the ,nile1 a phenomenon on which depends the prosperity of the whole country4 ,according to our own observations1 this species is now but rarely seen in ,egypt1 and was never met with by us below eighteen degrees north latitude2 it1 however1 occurs regularly in ,south ,nubia and the ,soudan1 where it arrives at the beginning of the rainy season1 and after having reared its young1 migrates1 or wanders over the country to a considerable distance4 ,in ,india it is not uncommon during the cold season4 ,river-banks1 marshes1 tanks1 and water-courses are the situations it usually frequents in search of aquatic insects1 molluscs1 and probably small reptiles1 or it flies in small parties over the steppes in search of grasshoppers1 beetles1 and similar fare4 ,this ,ibis was formerly supposed to destroy and eat snakes1 and the supposition appeared corroborated by the fact that ,cuvier actually discovered the remains of a snake within the body of a mummied ,ibis2 recent specimens1 however1 seldom contain anything but molluscs and insects4 ,some seem to feed entirely on fishes and aquatic insects1 of which they destroy far more than they can possibly consume2 and it is not uncommon for them1 when tired of killing fish and fully satiated1 to leave the rest to be devoured by birds of prey or some of the other frequenters of the water4 ,when desirous of procuring food of this description1 they walk with a slow firm step1 and in large parties1 through shallow muddy lakes1 and when they have discovered a suitable and well-stored spot1 they dance1 as it were1 all through it1 stirring up the mud at the bottom with their feet4 ,the victims as they rise to the surface are immediately struck with the long beak and deprived of life4 ,in the course of a very short time hundreds of fishes1 frogs1 and reptiles cover the surface1 and are greedily swallowed till the birds become perfectly gorged4 ,we were fortunate enough to discover a breeding settlement on a small island in the ,white ,nile1 and found that the ,ibises had built principally on the branches of a very thorny and thickly-foliaged species of mimosa1 called by the natives ,harahri4 ,the nests were flat1 loosely constructed of thin twigs and grass1 and placed close together on the densest branches4 ,the three or four white coarse-shelled eggs were of about the size of those laid by the ,domestic ,hen4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,spoonbills 7,platale7 constitute a small group of very remarkable birds1 possessing a powerful body1 moderate-sized1 strong neck1 and small head2 the long almost straight beak is flat and spoon-shaped towards its extremity1 its interior is grooved1 and the upper mandible hooked and nail-like at its tip4 ,the strong1 medium-sized foot has the three anterior toes much webbed1 and furnished with small blunt claws4 ,the wings are large and broad1 and have the second quill longer than the rest2 the tail is short1 rounded1 and composed of twelve feathers4 ,the remarkably thick plumage does not vary either in the sexes or at different seasons1 but changes its hue somewhat as the birds become older4 ,the back of the head is adorned with a crest1 and the upper throat is bare2 in some instances a portion of the crown is also unfeathered4 ,the members of this group occupy almost every portion of the globe1 and resemble each other very closely in their mode of life and habits4 ,,the ,,common ,,spoonbill4 ,the ,,common ,,spoonbill 7,platalea leucorodia7 has a portion of the throat bare1 and the head adorned with a flowing crest4 ,the plumage of this bird is entirely pure white1 except a yellowish stripe around the crop4 ,the eye is carmine-red1 the beak black tipped with yellow1 the foot black1 the eye-ring yellowish green1 and the throat greenish yellow4 ,the female is smaller than her mate2 the young are without the yellow patch on the breast1 and have no crest4 ,this species is from thirty to thirty-one inches long1 and fifty-two inches broad2 the wing measures seventeen1 and the tail five inches4 ,such of these remarkable birds as inhabit ,central ,asia remain throughout the entire year2 whilst those frequenting more northern latitudes arrive with the ,storks about ,march or ,april1 and leave about ,august or ,september4 ,during the course of these wanderings1 the ,british ,islands are occasionally1 but rarely1 visited4 ,as with the ,ibises1 the migrating flocks assume the form of two diverging lines1 and usually travel in the day1 resting from time to time in such localities as afford a good supply of food4 ,the shores of rivers and lakes1 marsh land1 or slimy muddy spots upon the coast are the favourite resorts of the ,spoonbill1 and around these it is constantly to be seen stalking slowly1 or wading with body bent and bill waving from side to side as it searches amongst the mud1 or snatches from the water the fish1 crabs1 mussels1 snails1 small reptiles1 and aquatic insects on which it mainly subsists4 ,this bird1 however1 has a very decided preference for fish diet1 and exhibits wonderful dexterity in disposing of the slippery prey1 even if five or six inches in length1 seizing and turning them adroitly in its beak1 and swallowing them head downwards4 ,the entire day is passed in thus searching for food1 with the exception of a short time devoted to repose at noon2 and at night it retires shortly after sunset to sleep upon the branches1 only resuming its active labours at sunrise4 ,occasionally1 but probably very rarely1 it is seen at work till a later hour4 ,the flight of the ,spoonbill is beautifully light1 and often performed in circles1 or the bird assumes a hovering motion1 and flies with neck stretched directly forward1 making rapid strokes with its wings2 the voice is quaking1 and only audible at a short distance4 ,in disposition these birds are usually timid and cautious1 but if not molested soon acquire confidence4 ,with their own kind they live in the utmost harmony1 and are constantly to be seen billing and arranging each other's feathers1 with every demonstration of sympathy and affection4 ,even when excited by hunger they never actually quarrel2 and appear almost incapable of existing apart from their companions4 ,during the breeding season the same social disposition is also manifested1 regular settlements are formed1 and as many nests as possible are placed close together on trees2 should the latter not be attainable1 reeds are sometimes resorted to for this purpose4 ,the nest is broad1 and carelessly constructed of dry twigs and reeds1 lined with leaves1 rushes1 or grass1 and contains from two to four large1 thick-shelled1 and coarsely-grained eggs1 of a lustreless1 whitish hue1 very variously spotted1 and marked with pale reddish grey and yellow4 ,both sexes probably brood and tend their young with great care2 the latter remain with their parents until after their return from the winter migration1 and do not commence the cares of a family till they are three years old4 ,the ,spoonbill is readily tamed if taken young1 and soon accustoms itself to all kinds of nourishment2 in some countries it is still hunted on account of its flesh1 which is not1 however1 particularly well-flavoured4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,boat-,,bills 7,cancromata7 comprise two strange species1 the one occupying ,south ,america1 the other a native of ,africa1 and both possessing a very remarkable and powerful broad high beak1 a muscular body1 moderately long1 thick neck2 long1 broad1 rounded wings1 in which the third and fourth quills exceed the rest in length1 a moderate-sized1 straight tail1 and long toes4 ,the soft thick plumage forms a crest upon the nape4 ,,the ,,whale-,,headed ,,stork1 ,,or ,,shoe-,,beak4 ,the ,,whale-,,headed ,,stork1 or ,,shoe-,,beak 7,balniceps rex71 is recognisable by its great size1 heavy body1 thick neck1 large head1 and the peculiar form of its beak1 which1 in appearance1 much resembles a wooden shoe4 ,in this bill the grooved upper mandible curves slightly inwards1 and terminates in a decided hook1 whilst its lower portion is entirely covered with a leathery skin4 ,the legs are very long2 the feet large1 and the long toes furnished with very powerful claws2 the wings1 which are broad and long1 have the third and fourth quills longer than the rest2 the tail is of medium size1 straight1 composed of twelve feathers1 and the head is adorned with a crest4 ,the large-feathered1 but soft plumage1 of an ashy grey4 ,all the body-feathers are edged with grey1 and those of the tail and quills with greyish black2 the eye is light yellow1 the beak horn-grey1 and the foot black4 ,this remarkable species is extremely numerous on the marshy grounds and rain-beds near the ,white ,nile and the neighbouring streams1 and is especially common between five and eight degrees north latitude4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,spoonbill 7,platalea leucorodia74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,according to ,mr4 ,petherick1 who1 in #ahfj1 first brought the ,shoe-beaks to ,england1 they are but rarely seen on the banks of the ,nile itself1 as these1 shelving off more or less abruptly1 furnish few favourable spots for indulging their propensities4 ,although occasionally seen in the ,bahr-il-,gagal1 they prefer the natural banks of the morasses of the interior1 where the shallowness of the water1 distributed over a large surface1 affords them greater facilities for procuring food4 ,they are usually seen wading about in pairs or parties1 and1 if disturbed1 fly low over the water1 and settle at no great distance2 but if really terrified1 or fired at1 they rise in flocks1 high into the air1 and1 after hovering and wheeling around1 settle on the highest trees1 and as long as their foes are in sight will not return to the water4 ,their roosting-places at night are said to be on the ground4 ,their food consists principally of fish and water-snakes1 which they have been seen to catch and devour4 ,they will also feed on the intestines of dead animals1 the carcases of which they easily rip open with the strong hook of the upper bill4 ,their breeding-time is in the rainy season1 during the months of ,july and ,august2 and the spot chosen is among reeds or high grass1 immediately at the water's edge1 or on some small elevated and dry spot1 entirely surrounded by water4 ,the bird1 before laying1 scrapes a hole in the earth1 in which1 without any lining of grass or feathers1 the female deposits her eggs4 ,as many as a dozen have been found in the same nest4 ,numbers of these nests1 says ,mr4 ,petherick1 have been robbed by my men of both eggs and young2 but the young birds so taken invariably died4 ,after repeated unsuccessful attempts to rear them1 continued for two years1 the eggs were eventually hatched under ,hens1 which were procured at a considerable distance1 from the ,raik negroes4 ,as soon as the ,hens began to lay1 and in due time to sit1 a part of their eggs were replaced by half the number of those of the ,balniceps1 as fresh as possible from the nest1 the locality of which was previously known1 and several young birds were successfully hatched4 ,these young birds ran about the premises of the camp1 and1 to the great discomfort of the poor ,hens1 would persist in performing all sorts of unchicken-like manuvres with their large beaks and extended wings in a small artificial pool1 constantly supplied with water by several negresses retained for their especial benefit4 ,negro boys were also employed to supply their little pond with live fish1 upon which1 and occasionally the intestines of animals killed for our use1 chopped into small pieces1 they were reared4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,whale-,,headed ,,stork1 ,,or ,,shoe-,,beak 7,balniceps rex74 ,,the ,,savaku1 ,,or ,,boat-,,bill4 ,the ,,savaku1 or ,,boat-,,bill 7,cancroma cochlearia71 has a compact body1 a comparatively short strong neck1 thick flat-crowned head1 and an extremely broad bill1 which is longer than the head1 much depressed and dilated towards its middle4 ,the culmen is prominently keeled with a deep lateral groove1 extending to the tip1 which is acutely hooked2 the nostrils are placed in the lateral groove on the surface of the bill1 their openings are longitudinal1 and partly covered by a membrane4 ,the moderate-sized1 powerful wings have the fourth quill longer than the rest2 the short broad tail is composed of twelve feathers1 and the long slender legs are clothed almost to the knee2 the soft streaming feathers upon the nape form a plume2 the cheek-stripes and a portion of the throat are bare2 the broad cheeks and fore part of the neck are white2 the lower neck and breast yellowish white2 the back is light grey2 the back of the neck and belly are reddish brown1 with black sides2 the quills and tail-feathers are whitish grey2 the brown eye is edged with grey1 and the brown beak has a yellow margin to the lower mandible2 the foot is of a yellowish shade4 ,the male of this species is twenty-two inches long and thirty-eight across2 the wing measures eleven inches and a half1 and the tail four inches and a half2 the female is somewhat smaller than her mate2 the plumage of the young is at first entirely reddish brown1 with the back of a deeper colour than the under side4 ,this bird is an inhabitant of ,brazil1 where it frequents the reed or bush covered banks of streams1 and lives either solitary1 or1 during the breeding season1 in pairs1 keeping principally amongst the thickest trees or bushes1 and hopping nimbly from branch to branch4 ,water insects of all kinds probably afford it the principal means of subsistence1 although the stomachs of specimens examined by the ,prince von ,wied only contained worms4 ,we are unacquainted with the voice and other habits of this strange bird1 except that it occasionally produces a clapping sound with its bill1 after the manner of a ,stork4 ,the eggs of the ,savaku are oval in shape1 pure white1 and lustreless4 ,,the ,,hammer-,,head1 ,,or ,,shadow-,,bird4 ,the ,,hammer-,,head1 or ,,shadow-,,bird 7,scopus umbretta71 is an ,african species1 and represents a family possessing a compact1 almost conical body1 short thick neck1 comparatively large head1 and broad1 much-rounded wing1 in which the third quill is longer than the rest1 and a medium-sized tail1 composed of twelve feathers4 ,the high beak is longer than the head1 straight1 compressed at its sides1 and slightly bent at its tip4 ,the feet are moderate1 with toes but slightly connected4 ,the head is decorated with a bushy crest1 and the thick streaming plumage is of an almost uniform umber-brown1 with the under side of a lighter shade4 ,the quills are glossy and darker than the back1 and the tail-feathers are enlivened by a broad1 purplish brown band at their extremities1 and narrow irregular lines of the same at their roots4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak black1 and the foot either black or blackish brown4 ,the length is twenty and the breadth forty inches2 the wing measures eleven inches and two-thirds and the tail six inches4 ,the female differs in no respect from her mate4 ,this remarkable species inhabits all the central and southern portions of the ,african continent1 including ,madagascar2 and is also met with in ,southern ,arabia1 but is nowhere numerous4 ,the ,hammer-heads1 says ,layard are strange1 weird birds1 frequenting ponds1 marshes1 rivers1 and lakes1 flitting about with great activity in the dusk of the evening1 and preying upon frogs1 small fish1 and similar fare4 ,at times1 when two or three are feeding in the same small pool1 they execute a singular dance1 skipping round one another1 opening and closing their wings1 and performing strange antics4 ,they breed on trees and rocky ledges1 forming a huge structure of sticks1 some of them of considerable thickness4 ,these nests are so solid that they will bear the weight of a large heavy man on the domed roof without collapsing4 ,the entrance is a small hole1 generally placed on the most inaccessible side4 ,the pure white eggs are from three to five in number4 ,on my late friend ,jackson's farm1 at ,nels ,poort1 there is a singular rocky glen between two hills4 ,in this spot a beautiful permanent spring1 called ',jackal's ,fountain1' takes its rise4 ,of course1 in consequence1 there are a few wild almond and other trees2 indeed1 the place is a little oasis amid the barren mountains1 and a favourite resort for hynas1 jackals1 leopards1 and other wild animals4 ,on the ledges of the rocks in this secluded spot a colony of ,hammer-heads have built for years4 ,some of the nests are quite inaccessible1 whilst others can be reached with a little trouble4 ,i counted six or eight within fifty yards1 all exhibiting the same form and structure1 and some of them containing at least a large cartload of sticks4 ,about some that ,i visited ,i found brass and bone buttons1 bits of crockery1 bleached bones1 c4 ,mr4 ,jackson told me that if a 'tottie' lost his knife or tinder-box on the farm1 or within some miles of the place1 he made a point of examining these nests1 and frequently with success2 the occupants1 like the ,bower ,bird of ,australia1 embellishing their dwellings with any glittering or bright-coloured thing they can pick up4 ,in the karroo between ,worcester and ,robertson ,i saw a nest placed on the ground on the side of a trifling rise2 it was at least three yards in length1 by one and a half across1 with a small entrance-hole at one end4 ,from ,jules ,verreaux we learn that these remarkable structures contain three distinct chambers1 the partitions of which are carefully formed1 like the outer walls1 of twigs and clay most artistically worked together1 and entered by a hole just large enough to admit the body of the bird4 ,of these compartments the hindermost is the largest1 and so raised as to remain dry should heavy rain penetrate the outer parts of the nest2 so excellently1 however1 is the entrance constructed1 that such accidents but rarely occur1 or1 if water should break through1 are readily and at once repaired4 ,the large back chamber is covered with a soft bed formed of various vegetable materials1 for the reception of the eggs1 which are hatched by the united attentions of both parents2 the centre apartment serves as a pantry1 and usually contains a goodly supply of provender2 while the small outer compartment is employed as a guard-room1 from which a strict watch is kept in case of approaching danger1 the vigilant owner1 according to ,verreaux1 lying flat on the ground as he reconnoitres1 and keeping his head protruded through the entrance-hole4 ,the young when first hatched are almost naked1 with but a very slight development of greyish brown down4 ,they grow slowly1 and are tended with much affection by their parents1 who feed them principally at early morning and evening4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,storks 7,ciconi7 are stoutly-built birds1 with thick beaks1 long legs1 and short toes4 ,the bill is long1 straight1 and conical1 occasionally slightly curved upwards1 and compressed towards its tip2 the legs are long1 powerful1 and usually covered with scales2 the toes are short3 of these the inner and centre toes are only slightly connected1 while the outermost and middle toes are united by a web as far as the first joint2 the claws are thick and stumpy4 ,in the long broad wing the third or fourth quill is longer than the rest4 ,the short1 rounded tail is formed of twelve feathers4 ,in some species the head and throat are covered with long and narrow1 and in others with short rounded feathers2 in others1 again1 these are scanty1 and either almost hairy in texture1 or1 as the birds increase in age1 terminate in horny lancet-shaped points2 the rest of the plumage1 which is formed of large compact feathers1 is occasionally glossy and beautifully coloured4 ,all the various species have the region of the eye and throat bare1 in some this bareness extends over the brow and cheeks4 ,the sexes differ in size1 and the young are recognisable by the comparative paleness of their tints4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,savaku1 ,,or ,,boat-,,bill 7,cancroma cochlearia74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,storks are met with in almost every portion of the globe1 and are especially numerous in its warmest latitudes4 ,such as dwell in the north migrate or wander to a very considerable distance1 whilst the occupants of southern countries are stationary4 ,everywhere they principally frequent flat marshy localities1 or the vicinity of rivers and streams1 occasionally appearing upon arid plains or cultivated ground in search of grasshoppers and other insects4 ,well-wooded districts are for the most part their favourite resorts1 as they constantly select trees both for breeding purposes and as resting-places for the night2 some few species1 however1 prove exceptions to this rule1 and make their nests on roofs1 chimneys1 or other elevated situations in the immediate vicinity of men4 ,all the various members of this group exhibit much similarity in their mode of life and demeanour2 they walk slowly and with a certain dignity1 keeping the neck gently arched1 wade deep into the water1 though they rarely swim1 and fly lightly1 with neck and limbs stretched directly out1 at a considerable distance from the ground4 ,the almost entire deficiency of voice observable in these birds is supplied by a peculiar habit of clapping loudly with the beak when excited4 ,some species of ,storks greedily devour carrion1 and for this reason are regarded with much favour by man2 while all subsist in a great measure upon fish1 reptiles1 young birds1 small quadrupeds1 worms1 insects1 and similar fare1 and seek their food during daylight4 ,the nests1 which are of great size1 are formed of dry branches1 sticks1 and such-like materials1 lined with more elastic substances4 ,the large eggs1 which are of uniform hue and few in number1 are hatched by the female alone2 the male1 however1 is much attached to his young1 and tends his mate with exemplary care4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,hammer-,,head1 ,,or ,,shadow-,,bird 7,scopus umbretta74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,tantali 7,tantalus7 have a powerful beak1 moderate-sized strong neck1 and rather large head4 ,the beak resembles that of the ,true ,stork1 but is thicker at its base1 has its tip slightly hooked1 and the margins turned roundly inwards4 ,the tarsi are high and powerful1 and the long toes broadly webbed2 in the long broad wings the second quill exceeds the rest in length2 the tail is short1 and the plumage thick1 soft1 and beautifully coloured4 ,the sexes differ in size1 and the young do not resemble the adult bird4 ,these birds are usually classed with the ,ibises1 but in our opinion their proper place is among the ,storks4 ,,the ,,ibis-,,like ,,tantalus4 ,the ,,ibis-,,like ,,tantalus 7,tantalus ibis7 is a most beautiful bird1 with white plumage marked with deep rose-red on the wing-covers1 and shaded with rose-red on the back2 the quills and tail-feathers are of glossy greenish black4 ,the eye is yellowish white1 the beak of a waxy yellow1 the foot pale red1 and the bare face cinnabar-red4 ,the young are attired in a garb of yellowish grey1 with throat and mantle of a darker hue4 ,the size of this striking bird varies from thirty-four to forty inches1 and its breadth from sixty-two to sixty-seven inches2 the wing measures eighteen1 and the tail six inches4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,ibis-,,like ,,tantalus 7,tantalus ibis74 ,the ,ibis-like ,tantalus is an inhabitant of ,central ,africa1 from which it occasionally but rarely wanders as far as ,egypt or the coast4 ,in the region of the ,blue and ,white ,nile1 on the contrary1 it is often numerously met with1 and makes its appearance in company with the ,ibis and ,little ,house ,stork1 remaining in ,soudan during the rainy season1 and again disappearing4 ,in ,august the plumage of this bird displays its full beauty1 and we may therefore infer that the period of incubation commences about ,september4 ,river-banks1 or the immediate vicinity of streams1 tanks1 and pools1 are the localities it frequents1 and in and about them it may be seen at morning and evening wading in search of fish1 reptiles1 and worms1 or engaged in the capture of birds and small quadrupeds2 about noon it resorts to the trees and sand-islands in large flocks1 or takes its mid-day repose standing upright in shallow water4 ,in all its movements the ,tantalus closely resembles the ,stork1 but owing to its superior beauty of plumage1 presents a more striking appearance when in the air4 ,we are without any particulars respecting the nidification of this bird1 but ,jerdon informs us that a nearly-allied ,indian species breeds in societies1 and forms large nests upon high trees2 the three or four eggs have a white shell1 faintly spotted with yellow4 ,bodinus states that this bird has the very peculiar habit of fishing for prey with the bill wide open1 as though it expected its victims to enter its jaws without further trouble2 according to the same authority it is by no means a greedy feeder1 and quite undeserving of its ,german name of the ,insatiable4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,storks 7,ciconia7 have a powerful broad-breasted body1 rather long muscular neck1 moderate-sized head1 and a long conical beak1 which has its margins turned decidedly inwards1 and its entire surface covered with a horny coat4 ,the legs are long and bare1 and the toes short and broad2 of these the centre and outer toe are connected as far as the first joint4 ,the very long1 broad1 and rather blunt wings have the third1 fourth1 and fifth quills of equal length1 and longer than the rest2 the rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers1 and the thick glossy plumage is of very uniform tint4 ,these birds frequent the marshy districts of ,europe1 and seek their food principally on the banks of rivers1 or in moist localities4 ,fishes1 reptiles1 and small birds constitute their ordinary fare2 but they occasionally frequent dry open plains or cultivated grounds1 in order to obtain grasshoppers1 to which they are extremely partial1 and a variety of other insects4 ,their huge nest1 composed of sticks and twigs1 is placed on buildings and tree-stumps4 ,occasionally these enormous structures1 which are employed and repaired by many succeeding generations1 are said to attain a height of four or even six feet4 ,the female alone carries on the work of incubation1 although her mate shares in her proverbial attachment to the little family4 ,the ,hebrew name for the ,stork1 says ,dr4 ,tristram1 is derived from a root signifying 'kindness1' from the devoted maternal and filial affection of which the ,stork has in all ages been held to be the type and emblem4 ,this maternal instinct implied in the ,hebrew name is repeatedly noticed by ,greek and ,latin authors1 who believed further that the young repaid the care of their parents1 by tending them in old age1 and1 contrary to the habits of all other animals1 attended them through life4 ,though we certainly have no proof of this rather pleasing conceit1 the devotion of the old birds to their offspring is very strongly displayed1 and has been corroborated by modern observation4 ,the ,stork has a very ardent attachment to certain localities1 and nothing but unremitting persecution can drive it from a spot which has once been selected for a nest4 ,year after year--indeed1 generation after generation--a pair of birds return every spring to the same place1 and either rebuild or thoroughly repair their old nest4 ,if any accident happen to one of the pair1 its place is speedily supplied1 and the succession of tenants maintained4 ,the only instance of a breeding-place having been deserted which ever fell under my own observation was under curious circumstances4 ,on the highest point of a large mass of ruin1 at ,rabbath ,ammon1 were the remains of a deserted pile of sticks1 an old ,storks' nest4 ,one of the birds had got its leg entangled and broken in a chink of the ruin1 where it had perished miserably1 and its gaunt skeleton1 with the pinion-feathers still remaining on the wing-bones1 swayed to and fro suspended in mid-air1 and had effectually scared all its fellows from the spot4 ,illustration3 ,,adjutants4 ,,the ,,white ,,or ,,house ,,stork4 ,the ,,white or ,,house ,,stork 7,ciconia alba7 has its plumage of a dirty white1 with the exception of the quills and longest feathers on the wing-covers1 which are black2 the eye is brown2 the beak bright1 and the foot blood-red4 ,this bird is forty-two inches long1 and eighty-six across the wings2 the wing measures twenty-five1 and the tail ten inches4 ,the female is somewhat smaller than her mate4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,simbil 7,spenorhynchus ,abdimii74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,white ,stork1 though common in many parts of ,central ,europe1 is now but rarely seen in ,great ,britain1 and is met with during its annual migrations as far south as #ac north latitude4 ,the multitudes of these huge birds which arrive in ,palestine at certain seasons1 and at once distribute themselves over the whole land1 is truly startling1 whilst in winter not one is to be seen4 ,on the #beth of ,march1 says ,dr4 ,tristram1 vast flocks suddenly appeared steadily travelling northwards1 and leaving large detachments on every plain and hill4 ,from that period till about the #dth of ,may they kept possession of the whole land1 except where the ground was utterly barren1 abounding specially in any marshy plains4 ,they did not congregate like rooks1 but like sheep or cattle scattered over a wide pasture2 they systematically quartered every acre of the country1 probably until they had cleared it of all the snakes1 lizards1 and frogs they could find1 when either scarcity1 or the increasing heat of summer1 reminded them of their northern homes1 and they withdrew as suddenly as they had arrived1 leaving behind them only a pair here and there at the established nesting-places4 ,they were equally abundant on both sides of ,jordan4 ,on ,mount ,nebo they so covered the range that at first1 and until we examined them through our telescopes1 we took them for vast flocks of ,moabite sheep pasturing4 ,in the year #aheh ,i had observed them arrive on the #bbnd of ,march1 just two days earlier4 ,their halt in ,syria agrees with the time of their arrival in ,russia1 which is said to be the beginning of ,may4 ,in ,holland and ,denmark they arrive about the middle of ,april4 ,in various parts of ,holland the nest of the ,stork1 built on the chimney-top1 remains undisturbed for many succeeding years1 and the owners return with unerring sagacity to the well-known spot4 ,the joy which they manifest on again taking possession of their dwelling1 and the attachment they manifest towards their benevolent hosts1 are familiar to everybody4 ,in all countries where the ,stork breeds it is protected2 boxes are provided on the tops of the houses1 and he considers himself a fortunate man whose roof is selected for their residence4 ,on the continent of ,europe1 indeed1 the ,stork is a welcome visitor everywhere1 as its taste for offal and carrion renders it extremely useful2 for this reason in many places it is regarded with great favour1 and this kindly feeling is often carried to such a length as not only to subject a person ill-using it to unpleasant remarks1 but to actual danger2 indeed1 in some parts it is looked upon as almost a sin to molest it4 ,in consequence of being thus favoured1 the ,stork frequently becomes exceedingly tame1 and may be seen stalking about the streets with the utmost confidence1 and scarcely moving out of the way of a passer-by4 ,these birds1 according to popular belief1 are not unmindful of the kindness shown them1 and the eggs and young that are frequently found outside the nests are considered by the peasants to be tokens of their gratitude4 ,,the ,,simbil4 ,the ,,simbil 7,spenorhynchus ,abdimii7 is an inhabitant of ,southern ,africa1 and represents a division of the above birds having the face bare4 ,in this species the head and neck are greenish black1 with a purple gloss1 and the mantle-quills and tail black1 shaded with green2 the under side is white2 the eye brown1 the ring around it blue2 the bare portions of the face and throat are red2 the beak is greenish1 tipped with red2 and the foot brownish grey1 with pale red joints4 ,the length of the body is twenty-eight and span of the wings sixty inches2 the pinion measures seventeen and the tail seven inches4 ,this bird is common in some parts of ,central ,africa1 where it frequents the villages during the breeding season1 and makes its nest occasionally upon the houses1 but usually in the mimosa-trees in their immediate vicinity4 ,the eggs are very various in shape1 and smaller than those of ,ciconia alba4 ,this ,stork is held in such regard by the natives as rendered it almost impossible for us to procure its eggs1 and at last we only succeeded by affecting to require them as an ingredient in remedies for certain cases of illness4 ,to have touched one on any less serious grounds would have been to rouse the whole village4 ,the flesh of the ,simbil is regarded by the colonists as excellent food4 ,layard tells us that an allied species1 the ,ciconia nigra1 is extremely difficult to obtain1 and puts all the sportsman's powers of woodcraft to the test in order to circumvent him2 for if the bird be wounded1 he proves no mean antagonist1 striking fiercely with his sharp-pointed and powerful bill at the face and hands of his pursuers4 ,on one occasion1 says that gentleman1 having only broken the tip of a wing with a long shot1 ,i had to dispatch my bird with half a charge of dust-shot1 so great was his resistance2 he1 moreover1 as if aware of his greater chance1 took to the water1 and would not be driven from it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,giant ,,storks 7,mycteria7 are comparatively tall birds1 with a slender body1 long neck1 and rather large head2 the very long beak is almost straight or very slightly curved1 and furnished with a saddle-shaped cere at its base1 and skinny knobs or appendages beneath4 ,the tarsi are high1 and the toes short2 the long and rounded wing has its third quill longer than the rest2 the tail is straight1 and of medium length4 ,the sexes are almost alike in size4 ,the young are less brightly coloured than the adult birds4 ,of the three species of ,giant ,storks with which we are acquainted1 one occupies ,africa1 another ,australia1 and the third ,south ,america2 these birds nearly resemble each other in their general appearance and habits4 ,,the ,,senegal ,,jabiru4 ,the ,,senegal ,,jabiru 7,mycteria ,senegalensis7 is a large powerful bird1 with the head1 throat1 upper wing1 shoulders1 and tail of a glossy metallic black2 the rest of the plumage is of dazzling whiteness4 ,in the beak the upper mandible is of very pale tint for about three inches from its base1 and the under one for about one inch and a half2 then comes a bar of black for about three inches1 and from that to the end the bill is reddish1 increasing in depth of colour to the bright vermilion tip4 ,on each side of the upper mandible is a large semi-oval and transparent space1 which at the back part is continued upwards in a curved direction across the fore part of the eyes and over the nostrils4 ,beneath the base of the bill1 just at the beginning of the feathery part1 are two very small1 pear-shaped1 pendent1 yellowish wattles adhering by very small necks4 ,the bare portions of the face are reddish1 the eyes and eye-rings yellow2 the broad movable cere is also yellow1 surrounded by a narrow border of black feathers4 ,the tarsi are brownish grey1 the knee and toe-joints dull red4 ,this species is fifty-six inches long1 and ninety-two broad2 the wing measures twenty-five1 and the tail ten inches4 ,in the young1 all the dark parts of the plumage are brownish grey1 and the under side dirty greyish yellow4 ,their eye is brown1 and beak blackish red2 the appendages beneath the beak are not developed4 ,this fine bird is a native of ,africa1 where it principally frequents the regions watered by the ,white and ,blue ,nile1 but is also seen in other parts of the continent4 ,it lives in pairs1 and occupies the shores of rivers1 or the vicinity of lakes1 tanks1 and morasses1 only quitting these for a short period during the rainy season2 occasionally1 but very rarely1 it is met with near shallow salt water4 ,upon the ground it moves with a certain stately grace1 and1 owing to its length of leg1 appears taller than it really is4 ,whilst in the air its fine black and white pinions render it a most striking and beautiful object4 ,unfortunately for science1 the ,senegal ,jabiru is so extremely shy as to render any close observation of its habits almost impossible4 ,in the stomachs of such specimens as we examined1 we found reptiles and beetles2 it also eats fish1 and1 according to ,rppell1 has been seen upon carrion1 but whether the bird was eating the putrid flesh1 or merely gleaning off the insects that were feasting thereon1 is at present uncertain4 ,gurney states that the pairs remain united for life1 and entertain each other by a most strange dancing kind of performance4 ,should one of them die1 the survivor does not soon mate again4 ,it is probable that this species breeds on trees1 and builds a nest resembling that of the ,stork4 ,,the ,,jabiru4 ,the ,,jabiru 7,mycteria ,australis7 has the head and neck of a deep glossy green1 shading into purple and violet at the back of the head2 the large wing-covers1 scapularies1 lower part of the back1 and tail are glossy green1 tinged with a golden lustre2 the rest of the plumage is pure white4 ,the beak is black1 the eye deep hazel1 and the leg bright red4 ,this species has a wide range over ,australia1 and at the time of its first colonisation was seen as near to ,sydney as ,botany ,bay2 in the neighbourhood of the ,hunter ,river1 it is occasionally met with1 and is comparatively common in the vicinity of ,botany ,bay4 ,macgillivray and ,gilbert also found it at ,port ,essington4 ,the ,jabiru frequents the vicinity of salt-water creeks1 and obtains its food principally from the necks of land running out into the sea1 or on sandbanks and morasses4 ,it is very difficult of approach1 and if pursued1 hides amongst the dense reeds in the lagoons2 the natives1 we are told1 steal upon it when reposing1 as it frequently does1 upon the tarsi1 the bird taking some time to rise from that position4 ,in #ahea1 ,dr4 ,bennett purchased a fine living specimen1 which was brought to ,sydney from ,port ,macquarie1 and we have to thank that careful observer for the following interesting particulars respecting this remarkable and otherwise almost unknown species4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,senegal ,,jabiru 7,mycteria ,senegalensis74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the first evening it was at my house1 says the above naturalist1 it walked into the hall1 gazed at the gas-lamp which had just been lighted1 and then proceeded to walk upstairs1 seeking for a roosting-place2 but not liking the ascent1 quietly came down again1 returning into the yard1 and afterwards went to roost in the coach-house between the carriages1 where it now retires regularly every evening soon after dark4 ,it may always be found in that part of the yard where the sun is shining1 and with its face invariably towards it4 ,when hungry it seeks for the cook1 who usually feeds it2 and if she has neglected its food1 looks into the kitchen as if to remind her of the neglect1 and waits quietly1 but with a searching eye1 during the time the meat is cutting up1 until it is fed4 ,it is amusing to observe this bird catch flies2 it remains very quiet1 as if asleep1 and on a fly passing1 it is snapped up in an instant4 ,there happened to be a pugnacious fussy little ,bantam ,cock in the yard1 who would not permit the intrusion of any stranger2 and on seeing the ,jabiru he strutted up with expanded and fluttering wings and ruffled feathers1 in a violent state of excitement1 cackling and screaming most vehemently1 and making efforts as energetic as so diminutive a bird was capable of to frighten1 and drive him out of the yard4 ,the ,jabiru1 with his keen bright eyes1 regarded the little fluttering object with cool contempt1 and walked about as before2 the ,bantam followed4 ,at last the ,jabiru turned and strode after the consequential little creature1 as if to tread it under his feet1 when the ,bantam seeing matters take this turn made off as fast as possible1 like all little bullies1 and did not again venture to attack so formidable an opponent4 ,in a few days the ,jabiru became quite domesticated among the poultry4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,marabou 7,leptoptilos crumenifer74 ,,one-,,eighth ,,natural ,,size4 ,he was occasionally fed upon fish cut up into small pieces1 which he beat about with the mandibles1 and after continuing this process for some little time1 swallowed them4 ,i have1 continues ,dr4 ,bennett1 noticed him watch the ground very attentively under the trees1 and then dart his bill into the earth and bring up larv1 which ,i found were those of locusts 7,tettigoni74 ,when the bird observed a slight motion of the ground1 he darted his beak down1 and devoured the insect as it was emerging from the soil4 ,he became latterly very familiar4 ,when called to be fed1 he ran from any part of the yard1 clapping his long mandibles4 ,unfortunately1 this rare bird sickened1 and refused food for several days1 avoided the open air1 and was at last found dead in the stable4 ,his skeleton is in the ,osteological ,collection of the ,british ,museum4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,adjutants1 ,,argalas1 or ,,marabous 7,leptoptilos71 are at once recognisable by the pouch-like appendage on the lower part of the neck1 their clumsy body1 thick bare neck1 scabious head1 more or less covered with a few downy feathers1 and their huge beak1 which is very thick1 four-sided1 and almost conical in front4 ,their legs are long1 wings strong and rounded1 with the fourth quill longer than the rest2 the tail is of a medium size1 with the feathers of its lower covers extraordinarily and beautifully developed4 ,these birds inhabit ,south ,asia and ,central ,africa1 and render most important service to man by clearing off a host of unclean and putrid substances1 that would otherwise pollute the air and constantly breed disease and death in those hot regions4 ,,the ,,african ,,marabou4 ,the ,,african ,,marabou 7,leptoptilos crumenifer7 has the flesh-coloured head sparsely covered with short hairy feathers1 and the neck bare4 ,upon the mantle the plumage is of a glossy1 metallic1 dark green1 and white on the under side and nape2 the quills and tail-feathers are black and lustreless2 the larger feathers of the covers are edged with white on the outer web4 ,the eye is brown1 beak dull whitish yellow1 and the foot black4 ,this huge bird is generally about five feet long2 of this the bill measures a foot and a half1 and the tail one foot4 ,the span of the wings is ten feet1 and the length of the pinion twenty-eight inches4 ,mr4 ,smeathman1 who had many opportunities of observing this species1 states that an adult often measures as much as seven feet1 and the head being covered with thin whitish down1 it has at a distance much the appearance of a grey-headed man4 ,these birds1 he says1 are met with in companies near the mouths of rivers1 and as they advance with extended wings1 might readily be mistaken for canoes1 or1 when on the banks1 for persons picking up shells4 ,a young ,marabou about five feet high was brought up tame1 and presented to the chief of the ,bananas1 where ,mr4 ,smeathman lived4 ,being fed in the great hall1 it soon became quite familiar1 and duly attended at dinner-time1 placing itself behind its master's chair frequently before the guests entered4 ,the servants were obliged to watch it narrowly1 and to defend the provisions with switches2 but in spite of these precautions it would frequently snatch something from the table--a whole boiled fowl1 for example--which it devoured in an instant4 ,,the ,,indian ,,adjutant1 ,,or ,,argala4 ,the ,,indian ,,adjutant1 or ,,argala 7,leptoptilos argala71 a nearly-allied species1 is very common in some portions of ,northern ,india1 especially ,bengal and the ,north-eastern ,provinces1 where it arrives in ,april or ,may1 and departs in ,october1 a few unpaired birds only remaining behind in the south4 ,jerdon tells us that it soars with the ,vultures to an immense height1 ready to descend on any carcase that may be discovered4 ,in ,calcutta and other large towns1 the labours of these birds are regarded as so important that they are protected by law1 and become so tame as to be seen walking familiarly about the town1 lurking about the slaughter-houses and burning-grounds of the ,hindoos1 or examining the heaps of refuse accumulated in the streets1 ready to be carted away by the scavengers4 ,they do not1 however1 rely entirely on this highly-flavoured diet1 but forage in the tanks and ditches for frogs and fish4 ,during the heat of the day they retire to trees or house-tops1 where they may be seen resting on the whole tarsus4 ,the nests are made about rocky cliffs or occasionally on lofty trees1 away from hills4 ,the white eggs are two in number2 when first hatched the young are covered with white down4 ,the ,hindoos have a popular superstition that if the head of an ,adjutant be split whilst the bird is still alive1 the celebrated stone called the tahir mora1 or poison-killer1 will be discovered4 ,this stone is supposed to be an antidote for all kinds of poisons4 ,the soft and beautiful feathers on the under tail-covers of this and allied species form a well-known and valuable article of commerce2 and to obtain these1 in many parts of ,india the birds are kept in flocks about the villages4 ,we are told that there is a popular idea in ,india1 that the souls of the ,brahmins possess these birds4 ,they are thought invulnerable2 and when ,mr4 ,ives missed his shots at several1 the standers-by observed with great satisfaction that he would never succeed in wounding them4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,clapper-,,billed ,,storks1 or ,,shell-,,eaters 7,anastomus71 inhabit ,africa and ,southern ,asia4 ,these most remarkable birds have a comparatively slender body1 covered with short thick plumage1 the head is small1 the wing large1 broad1 and pointed1 with its second and third quills longer than the rest2 the short tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the thick beak has its margins slightly incised1 and the mandibles so formed that they only close together at the base and tip of the bill4 ,the foot resembles that of the ,stork1 and the plumage is close and compact4 ,,the ,,african ,,clapper-,,bill1 ,,or ,,shell-,,eater4 ,the ,,african ,,clapper-,,bill1 or ,,shell-,,eater 7,anastomus lamelligerus71 is about the size of the ,common ,stork--that is1 thirty-three inches long4 ,in this bird all the feathers on the neck1 belly1 and legs are tipped with narrow horny little plates2 these plates and the feather-shafts have a green and purple gloss4 ,the eye is reddish1 the bare bridles and throat yellowish grey1 the beak yellowish1 and feet black4 ,the young are without the horny plates at the tips of their feathers1 and are principally of a brownish grey4 ,this ,shell-eater is a native of ,central and ,southern ,africa1 and is met with in large flocks on the shores of the ,blue ,river4 ,we are unacquainted with its habits1 except that it consumes fish1 frogs1 and molluscs of various kinds4 ,jerdon1 however1 tells us that the ,anastomus osculans1 a nearly-allied species1 which is common in all the marshy districts of ,india1 subsists entirely upon shell-fish4 ,i was formerly of opinion1 says that writer1 that the open space between the mandibles was mainly caused by a process of training a ,bhyri1 and these1 as is usual1 had their eyes sewn up1 to prevent their struggling or fluttering4 ,to feed them the falconer had a quantity of the large ,ampullaria brought1 which were placed before the captive and blinded ,shell-eaters4 ,the bird secured a shell by its feet1 and after sundry alterations of its position1 succeeded in cutting off the operculum as cleanly as if it had been done by a razor1 but so rapidly that ,i was unable to see the exact way in which it was accomplished4 ,it then inserted the tip of its beak into the open mouth of the shell1 and after working it about for a short time1 pulled out the entire shell-fish1 almost to its utmost tip4 ,these birds are sometimes caught by means of a bamboo with a noose attached2 this is bent down1 and fixed tightly to the ground by a small peg1 to which an ,ampullaria is fastened4 ,the ,shell-eater1 while hunting about1 soon finds the shell1 and in moving it to get at its contents the peg is withdrawn1 the bamboo flies up1 and the noose catches the bird1 which remains dangling in mid-air4 ,the ,indian ,shell-eater breeds upon high trees about ,june or ,july1 and associates in large flocks during the whole period of incubation4 ,the eggs are four in number1 and are of a dirty white4 ,the young are defended by their parents with great courage and fierceness4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,african ,,clapper-,,bill 7,anastomus lamelligerus74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,herons 7,arde7 are large1 ungainly birds1 with a weak body1 much compressed at its sides1 a long thin neck1 and small1 narrow1 flat head4 ,the strong straight beak is as long as1 or longer1 than the head1 compressed at the sides and culmen2 the sharp margins are turned inwards1 the tip is incised1 and in its entire surface1 except in the region of the nostrils1 covered with a hard1 smooth1 horny coat4 ,the legs and toes are moderately long1 the claw of the centre toe being curiously denticulated on its lower side4 ,the long1 broad1 blunt wing has its second1 third1 and fourth quills of almost equal length2 the short rounded tail is composed of from ten to twelve feathers4 ,the thick1 soft1 lax plumage is often much prolonged on the crown of the head and upper breast2 and though strikingly and very variously coloured in the different species1 is never remarkably gay4 ,the ,persians1 however1 catch these birds1 and after depriving them of the long feathers1 which are highly prized1 suffer them to depart4 ,these feathers1 together with tufts of diamonds and other precious stones1 set in the form of ,heron's plumes1 adorn the dhul bandt of the ,persian monarch4 ,the members of this group are met with in most parts of the globe1 migrating according to the change of seasons1 or when their supply of food falls short4 ,swamps1 shallow rivers1 and pools are their favourite haunts1 and in these they quietly stand1 with their necks drawn down between their shoulders1 watching the approach of a fish1 upon which they suddenly dart1 and seizing it in the beak1 swallow it in an instant4 ,they also consume small quadrupeds1 frogs1 and a variety of insects4 ,some species have been seen perched upon the backs of cattle1 and feeding upon the larv that infest their hides4 ,the nest of the ,herons1 which is usually erected on lofty trees1 on elevated buildings1 or among the tall reeds and river-banks1 is constructed of sticks1 lined with small twigs1 and so loosely put together as to form a large flat expanse4 ,illustration3 ,,group ,,of ,,herons4 ,,the ,,common ,,heron4 ,the ,,common ,,heron 7,ardea cinerea7 represents a group possessing a thin body1 long neck1 long powerful beak1 and plumage of more or less sombre appearance4 ,in the adult birds the crown and brow are white1 the neck greyish white1 the back ash-grey1 varied by the white of its long feathers2 the sides of the lower parts are black2 a stripe from the eye to the nape1 three long crest-feathers1 a threefold row of spots on the front of the neck1 and the large quills1 are all black2 and the upper secondaries and tail-feathers grey4 ,the eyes are golden yellow1 the bare patches on the face greenish yellow1 the beak is straw-colour1 and the foot brownish black4 ,this species is forty-two inches long and seventy-five broad1 the wing nineteen and the tail seven inches4 ,the young are greyer than the adults1 and have no crest4 ,owing to the large size of their wings1 these ,herons are enabled to support themselves in the air with but little exertion1 and can mount without fatigue to a great height when pursued by their natural enemies the ,falcons4 ,this ,heron is a successful fisher1 and might be taken as a very picture of patience as it stands1 motionless as a statue1 up to its knees in water1 with neck slightly extended and eye steadily fixed1 but fully awake to the slightest movement4 ,suddenly its head is darted forward with unerring aim1 a small fish is captured and instantly swallowed1 head foremost4 ,an eel of some size is brought to land and beaten to death on the bank1 and a large fish impaled on the bill1 if worth the labour1 is carried to a safe retreat and devoured at leisure4 ,a frog is swallowed whole1 and a water-rat is usually killed by having its skull split open4 ,the ,heron devours shrimps1 small crabs1 newts1 and a variety of water-beetles1 in large quantities4 ,should the fishing at a selected spot be unsuccessful1 the bird rises a few feet into the air and slowly flaps its way to a little distance1 where1 standing on one leg1 with its head thrown back1 it awaits better fortune4 ,whilst on the watch it is silent1 but as it flies off utters its harsh grating scream4 ,a great portion of the day is passed on the branches of lofty trees1 whither these birds often repair with a booty too large to be disposed of at once4 ,during the winter ,herons live solitarily1 but in the month of ,march begin to congregate and soon after repair to their breeding-places1 called heronries4 ,these are generally situated in stately clumps of trees or groves1 and were formerly so favoured that a fine of twenty shillings or three months' imprisonment1 or the suretyship of two persons1 bound in twenty pounds each1 was the penalty for killing one of their feathered occupants4 ,no ,herons were allowed to be taken 7out of a man's own premises7 except by hawking or shooting with the long-bow4 ,for taking the young out of the nest a fine of six shillings was imposed1 and for taking or destroying the eggs from the #cast of ,march to the #cjth of ,june a man was subjected to imprisonment for a year1 besides having to pay eightpence for every egg4 ,pennant counted more than eighty nests upon one oak at ,cressy ,hall1 near ,spalding1 ,lincolnshire1 an estate then belonging to the ,heron family1 one of the most ancient in this county4 ,sometimes ,herons build on steep rocks near the coast4 ,although the favour bestowed upon these birds in former times has ceased1 there still exist many heronries in different parts of ,england1 and also of ,scotland4 ,on the eastern coast they may be met with in great numbers after the breeding season is over2 and an observer in the neighbourhood of ,stonehaven1 writing to ,mr4 ,macgillivray1 says3--,in autumn1 when they appear to be most numerous1 ,i have seen one hundred or one hundred and twenty or more together1 their numbers being made up probably in a great measure from young birds of the year4 ,when disturbed they betake themselves round some corner of the rocks to a neighbouring bay1 flying heavily along1 generally within gunshot of the water's surface4 ,during high tide they rest on detached rocks1 at a short distance from the land1 and occasionally on the face of some of the heughs1 or high sandbanks4 ,once or twice1 says the same correspondent1 ,i have seen them in the fields4 ,i recollect one forenoon seeing four of them standing in a ploughed field1 in most grotesque attitudes1 reminding one more of a consultation of witches than of anything else4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,giant ,,heron 7,ardea ,goliath74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the nests of the ,herons are huge masses of sticks1 about a yard across1 lined with a little grass or other soft materials1 and are placed close to each other4 ,each nest contains four or five eggs1 on which the female sits constantly for three weeks1 and is meanwhile fed by her mate4 ,the young are quite helpless till they are sufficiently fledged to perch on the branches1 where they receive nourishment from their parents4 ,herons1 according to ,layard1 are very abundant throughout ,southern ,africa1 in all suitable localities1 feeding upon fish1 frogs1 and an occasional snake4 ,i am told1 says this observer1 that they breed on the ,cape ,flats1 placing their nests in company on tufts of grass and rushes1 surrounded with water4 ,this seems very different from their ,european practice1 but there is no reason to doubt the word of my informant4 ,,the ,,giant ,,heron4 ,the ,,giant ,,heron 7,ardea ,goliath7 is a powerful bird1 of about fifty-two inches long and seventy-one inches broad2 the wing measures twenty-one and the tail eight inches4 ,upon the head1 upper neck1 centre of breast1 and belly1 the plumage is brownish red2 the back and upper breast are dark grey1 and the throat and gullet white2 the eyes are yellow1 the eye-rings violet1 and the bridles green2 the upper mandible is black1 and lower one violet tipped with greenish yellow2 the foot is black4 ,this species leads a solitary life upon the shores of the fresh-water lakes and streams of ,central ,africa4 ,in disposition it is extremely shy2 it flies badly1 has a harsh loud voice1 and subsists upon fish1 reptiles1 birds1 and small quadrupeds4 ,in other respects it closely resembles the ,ardea cinerea4 ,we are entirely without particulars respecting its habits4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,great ,,white ,,heron 7,herodias alba74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,illustration3 ,plate #cd4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,buphus ,,comata ,,squacco ,,heron 7about ,nat4 size7 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,white ,,herons 7,herodias7 possess a slender body1 long neck1 and a comparatively weak bill4 ,their pure white plumage is adorned with long streaming feathers on the back during the period of incubation4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,lesser ,,egret 7,herodias garzetta74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,great ,,white ,,heron4 ,the ,,great ,,white ,,heron 7,herodias alba7 has the entire plumage of pure and dazzling white4 ,the eye is yellow1 and the beak dark yellow2 the bare cheeks are greenish yellow1 and the feet dark grey4 ,this species is forty inches long and seventy-two broad2 the wing measures twenty-one inches1 and the tail seven inches and a half4 ,the beak changes colour1 not according to the age of the bird1 but at different seasons of the year4 ,the young do not exhibit the streaming feathers on the back4 ,this ,heron inhabits the southern parts of ,siberia and ,south-eastern ,europe1 and during its migrations appears in ,south ,asia and ,north ,africa4 ,in ,india1 and ,south and ,western ,africa1 it is replaced by a very similar species4 ,in ,england it is occasionally but rarely seen4 ,like its congeners1 this beautiful bird occupies marshy ground in the vicinity of water1 preferring such spots as are least frequented by man1 and subsists upon the same fare as other members of its family4 ,in its general air and movements1 however1 it differs from them in many respects2 it walks with a more stately step1 flies faster and more gracefully1 and constantly assumes a variety of strange postures2 when standing1 it frequently buries its head1 neck1 and one leg in its plumage1 and thus presents the appearance of a great white ball fastened to the top of a thin stick4 ,the large nest of this bird is placed amongst reeds1 of portions of which it is also built2 so firm and strong are these heaps that1 as we are told1 they can support the weight of a man4 ,the eggs are usually three or four in number1 and have a smoother shell and bluer tint than those of the species before described4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,egret4 ,the ,,lesser ,,egret 7,herodias garzetta7 resembles the above bird in its general appearance and habits1 but it is not more than twenty-four inches long and forty-two broad2 the wing measures twelve and the tail four inches4 ,in this species the eye is bright red1 the beak black1 and the foot black1 with greenish yellow joints4 ,this beautiful little ,egret occupies the same latitudes as the larger species1 and1 according to ,layard1 has been procured both in winter and nuptial dress in the vicinity of ,cape ,town2 also at ,colesberg1 and at the ,kneysna4 ,the stomachs examined by that naturalist contained multitudes of small aquatic shells4 ,a nearly-allied species 7,ardea egretta7 is common on the ,kneysna1 but is so shy as to be almost unapproachable2 it breeds on a small rock on the sea4 ,the ,little ,egret is now very rare in ,great ,britain1 but was formerly much more common1 and was regarded by our forefathers as a dainty article of food4 ,in the celebrated feast on the enthronisation of ,archbishop ,nevill no less than #a1jjj ,egrets are mentioned in the bill of fare4 ,,the ,,cattle ,,heron4 ,the ,,cattle ,,heron 7,bubulcus ibis7 represents a group recognisable by their compact form1 short neck1 short powerful beak1 short legs1 and the hair-like development of some of their feathers4 ,the plumage is pure white during the breeding season1 adorned with long1 flowing1 rust-red feathers on the crown1 upper breast1 and back4 ,the eyes are light yellow1 the bridles and eyelids greenish yellow1 the beak is orange1 and the foot of the adult bird reddish yellow2 that of the young is of a brownish shade4 ,the male is nineteen inches long and thirty-four broad2 the wing measures nine inches and a quarter1 and the tail three inches and a quarter2 the female is not quite so large4 ,this species is extremely common in ,egypt1 where1 unlike other ,herons1 it frequents inhabited districts1 preferring inundated fields1 and only occasionally visiting the banks of lakes or streams4 ,in ,egypt it is constantly seen following the buffaloes and cattle1 or inspecting their backs1 in search of insects or grubs2 and in ,eastern ,soudan accompanying droves of elephants for the same purpose4 ,we have been told1 on reliable authority1 that as many as twenty of these birds are sometimes seen upon a single elephant4 ,with the natives they live on most excellent terms1 and carry on their acceptable work quite regardless of their presence4 ,such of these birds as inhabit ,egypt commence breeding when the ,nile rises1 while those dwelling in ,eastern ,soudan lay somewhat earlier in the year4 ,the nests are built close together upon trees1 and are constantly seen close to the huts of the natives4 ,the eggs1 from three to five in number1 are oval in form1 and have a greenish blue shell4 ,,the ,,night ,,heron4 ,the ,,night ,,heron 7,nycticorax ,europus7 has a compact body1 short1 thick1 broad beak1 curved at its culmen1 moderately high legs1 broad wings1 and thick plumage1 which1 unlike that of the members of the family already described1 has but three of its feathers unusually prolonged2 these are slender1 and placed on the back of the head4 ,in the adult bird1 the crown1 nape1 upper part of the back1 and shoulders are greenish black1 the rest of the mantle and sides of the throat dark grey2 the feathers on the under side are pale straw-yellow1 and the three long crest-feathers either quite white or white and black4 ,the eye is of a rich purple1 the beak black with yellow base1 the bare patch on the head green1 and the foot greenish yellow4 ,in the young1 the mantle is brown1 spotted with brownish yellow and yellowish white2 the throat yellow1 and belly white1 spotted with brown2 the eyebrows are brown1 and the head without crest4 ,this species is from twenty-one to twenty-two inches long1 and forty-four broad2 the wing measures twelve inches and a half1 and the tail four inches and a quarter4 ,the ,night ,heron is extremely common in ,holland in the summer1 and is also met with in ,germany1 ,italy1 the south of ,france1 and ,spain2 occasionally1 but very rarely1 it has been shot in ,great ,britain4 ,it visits ,africa during the winter1 and is found far in the interior of that continent4 ,in northern latitudes it appears about the end of ,april1 and leaves again in ,september or ,october4 ,the ,night ,herons both sleep and breed upon trees1 and therefore principally frequent well-wooded localities1 whether these be in the vicinity of water or not2 in moist1 well-planted regions1 however1 they are especially numerous4 ,except during the breeding season they sleep1 or at any rate remain quiet1 throughout the entire day1 and only descend at twilight from their perches in order to seek for food4 ,upon the ground they progress slowly1 with short steps1 but move in the air with comparative swiftness1 alternating an easy gliding motion with rapid but noiseless strokes of the wings4 ,in places where these birds abound1 they are often seen flying together in very large flocks1 at a considerable height1 on their way to a suitable hunting-ground1 over which they generally hover before alighting4 ,among the branches they climb with an agility that is not exceeded by any member of the family4 ,their voice is extremely harsh1 and somewhat resembles the discordant croak of the ,raven4 ,the ,night ,herons breed from ,may to ,july1 and usually form regular settlements not only of their own species1 but with many allied birds4 ,the large1 carelessly-constructed nest is placed high on trees1 and contains four or five oval green eggs of very various shades4 ,the female broods1 whilst her mate mounts guard quietly perched by her side1 or quarrels with and teases other males in his neighbourhood4 ,the ,great ,night ,heron of ,america1 which is considered by ,audubon and others as a distinct species1 is seen as far as the northern and eastern extremities of the ,united ,states1 but is unknown farther northwards4 ,in the winter it goes as far as the tropics4 ,these birds arrive in ,pennsylvania in ,april1 and immediately take possession of their old nurseries1 usually in the depths of a cedar swamp1 or of some inundated and inaccessible grove of oaks2 there they pass the day till twilight comes1 and then the parent birds sally forth to the sea-shores and marshes in search of food for themselves and young1 proceeding in marshalled ranks1 and uttering from time to time a guttural kwah1 in a hollow voice1 that resembles the sound of a person vomiting4 ,the eyries of the ,kwah birds have been occupied from remote times by eighty or one hundred pairs1 and when the trees are felled1 they only remove to another part of the same swamp4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,bitterns 7,ardetta7 are recognisable by their comparatively small size1 slender bill1 low feathered tarsi1 their short wings1 in which the second quill is longer than the rest1 and weak short tail4 ,the plumage1 which is by no means striking in its coloration1 varies in hue according to the age and sex of the bird4 ,,the ,,little ,,bittern4 ,the ,,little ,,bittern 7,ardetta minuta7 is from fourteen to sixteen inches long1 and from twenty-one to twenty-three broad2 the wing measures five inches and three-quarters1 and the tail two inches4 ,this elegant bird is of a glossy blackish green on the crown1 nape1 back1 and shoulders2 the upper wing and under side are reddish yellow1 spotted with black on the side of the breast2 the quills and tail-feathers are black2 the eye and bridles yellow4 ,the pale yellow beak is brown at its culmen2 and the foot greenish yellow4 ,in the female all the dark parts are brownish black1 and the light portions of the plumage pale yellow2 the young have the crown and nape reddish brown1 striped with a deeper shade1 the under side spotted brown and reddish yellow1 and lower belly and tail-covers white4 ,the ,little ,bittern is only a summer visitor to ,great ,britain4 ,it frequents marshes1 osier holts1 and other places in the neighbourhood of water1 feeding on such small animal food as is there easily obtained4 ,illustration3 ,,day ,,and ,,night ,,herons4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,common ,,bittern 7,botaurus stellaris74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,common ,,bittern 7,botaurus stellaris7 is the representative of a group having a compact body1 long thin neck1 a narrow high beak1 large-toed feet1 broad wings1 a tail composed of ten feathers1 and thick plumage1 which is slightly prolonged on the neck4 ,the sexes only differ in their size4 ,in both the crown is black1 the nape greyish black1 mixed with yellow1 and the rest of the plumage spotted and streaked with dark brown of various shades2 the throat exhibits three stripes2 the eye is bright yellow1 and the bare portion around it greyish green2 the upper mandible is brownish grey1 and the lower one of greenish hue2 the foot is light green1 with yellow joints4 ,this bird is twenty-eight inches long and forty-eight broad4 ,the wing measures fifteen and the tail five inches4 ,the nest is placed in marshes1 among reeds4 ,the eggs are five in number1 of an olive colour4 ,its food consists principally of fish and reptiles of various kinds4 ,during the breeding season it utters a loud bellowing noise1 and for this cause it probably received the generic name of ,botaurus4 ,this bellowing noise1 says ,latham1 is supposed to arise from a loose membrane1 which can be filled with air and exploded at pleasure4 ,the situation of it is at the divarication of the windpipe4 ,it is capable of great distension1 and is probably the cause of this singular phenomenon1 observed1 we believe1 in no other bird1 at least in the same degree4 ,at other times the bird makes a sharp harsh cry on rising1 not unlike that of a ,wild ,goose4 ,,the ,,sun ,,bittern1 ,,or ,,peacock ,,heron4 ,the ,,sun ,,bittern1 or ,,peacock ,,heron 7,eurypyga helias71 represents a group of ,south ,american birds1 having a small meagre body1 long thin neck1 a head resembling that of a ,heron1 and a long1 straight1 hard-pointed1 and powerful beak1 compressed at its sides1 and slightly arched at its culmen4 ,the high slender foot has the hinder toe moderately developed2 and the large broad wing has its third quill longer than the rest2 the remarkably long tail is composed of broad feathers4 ,the rich1 lax1 and variegated plumage is black upon the head and nape2 the eyebrows1 a line that passes from the corner of the mouth to the nape1 the chin1 and throat are all white2 the feathers on the back and shoulders1 and the upper secondaries are black1 striped with brownish red2 the feathers on the rump and upper tail-covers are black and white2 those on the neck striped black and white2 and those on the under side yellowish or brownish white2 the quills are light grey1 veined with black and white1 and striped with brown2 the tail is similarly coloured1 but is broadly marked with a black stripe1 edged on one side with brown4 ,slight variations from the above colours and markings are often observable4 ,the eye is red1 the beak yellow1 and the foot straw-colour4 ,this species is about sixteen inches long4 ,this beautiful bird is a native of the northern parts of ,south ,america1 and is met with on the coast and river-banks from ,guiana to ,peru1 and from ,ecuador to the ,province of ,goyas1 in ,brazil4 ,upon the shores of the ,orinoco and ,amazon it is especially numerous4 ,we are told by travellers that among all the gorgeously-coloured inhabitants of these luxuriant regions1 the ,peacock ,heron is conspicuous1 presenting as it does a most brilliant combination of yellow1 green1 black1 brown1 and grey1 when seen by the full light of the sun1 in whose rays it delights to bask1 keeping meanwhile its wings and tail gracefully outspread4 ,in ,para1 in ,northern ,brazil1 says ,bates1 the banks at the edge of the water are clothed with mangrove bushes1 and beneath them the muddy banks1 into which the long roots that hang down from the fruit before it leaves the branches strike their fibres1 swarm with crabs4 ,on the lower branches the beautiful ,ardea ,eurypyga helias is found4 ,this is a small ,heron1 of exquisitely graceful shape and mien2 its plumage is minutely variegated with bars and spots of many colours1 like the wings of certain kinds of moths4 ,it is difficult to see the bird in the woods1 on account of its sombre colours and the shadiness of its dwelling-places2 but its note1 a soft1 long-drawn whistle1 often betrays its hiding-place4 ,i was told by the ,indians that it builds on trees1 and that the nest1 which is made of clay1 is beautifully constructed4 ,it is a favourite pet-bird of the ,brazilians1 who call it ,pava 7pronounced ',pavaong'71 or ,peacock4 ,i often had opportunities of observing its habits4 ,it soon becomes tame1 and walks about the floors of houses1 picking up scraps of food1 or catching insects1 which it secures by walking gently to the place where they settle1 and spearing them with its long slender beak4 ,it allows itself to be handled by children1 and will answer to its name ',pava6 ,pava6' walking up with a dainty1 circumspect gait1 and taking a fly or beetle from the hand4 ,according to ,castelnau1 in its wild state the ,sun ,bittern is by no means so amiable1 but if molested1 springs upon its enemy as a cat does upon a mouse1 beating the air meanwhile with its wings4 ,for further particulars respecting the habits of this beautiful species1 we are indebted to observations made on birds that have been successfully reared in the ,zoological ,gardens of ,london and ,amsterdam4 ,a pair of ,peacock ,herons purchased in #ahfb by the ,london ,zoological ,society1 in #ahfe showed symptoms of a desire to breed4 ,according to ,mr4 ,bartlett1 whom we have to thank for the following interesting particulars1 early in ,may they commenced carrying bits of grass1 sticks1 and such-like scraps1 and were constantly walking round their pond1 evidently in search of materials to compose a nest1 and appeared to try to mix wet dirt with bits of moss4 ,this proceeding suggested the idea of supplying them with wet clay and mud1 which they at once employed4 ,after a short time1 they decided to make their nest on the top of a pole or tree about ten feet from the ground1 on which was fixed an old straw nest4 ,both birds carried up mud and clay1 mixed with bits of straw and grass-roots1 in order to form the outer wall1 and plastered the inside thickly with a coating of mud4 ,shortly after the nest was completed a broken egg was found1 and in the early part of ,june another was laid2 both parents took their turn in the work of incubation1 and hatched the young bird on the #ith of ,july4 ,it was covered with fine short down1 and closely resembled a young ,plover or ,snipe in its general appearance4 ,it remained in the nest1 and was fed with small live fishes and insects1 and did not gape or cry1 but as soon as the parents appeared with food1 it pecked the morsels from them1 and swallowed them4 ,it left the nest in twenty-one days1 its wings being strong enough to bear it to the ground1 where it was fed as before1 and never returned to the nest2 it grew very rapidly1 and in two months' time was not distinguishable from the adults4 ,early in ,august the old birds began to repair the nest1 adding a fresh lining of mud and clay2 and at the end of the month the female laid another egg4 ,this time the male attended more to the duties of incubation than his partner1 who devoted her principal attention to feeding her now full-grown offspring4 ,the second young bird was hatched on the #bhth of ,september1 but received such slight attention from its parents that the keeper feared it might starve from their neglect1 and he therefore determined to go up by a ladder and feed it4 ,the hungry little fellow took the food readily from his hand1 and was thus reared till it arrived at maturity4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,marsh-,,waders 7,paludicol7 comprise so great a variety of species as to render a general description of their characteristics extremely difficult4 ,in these birds the body is powerful1 the neck of moderate size1 the head small1 the beak round and straight1 the legs long1 and the feet furnished with four toes2 the wings are of medium length1 and the tail short4 ,the thick plumage varies strikingly in its hues in old and young birds1 and but little in the sexes4 ,most of the members of this group occupy moist or boggy localities1 and pass their lives upon the ground1 while some few frequent the branches of trees4 ,insects1 small animals of various kinds1 combined with vegetable diet1 afford them the means of subsistence4 ,the eggs are deposited in a nest1 and have a spotted shell4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,cranes 7,grues7 constitute by far the largest1 best formed1 and most intelligent division of the above birds1 and are characterised by their almost conical body1 long thin neck1 small1 beautifully-shaped head1 and sharp1 moderately strong beak1 which is straight and slightly compressed at its sides and blunt at the culmen1 about as long as the head1 soft at its base1 and hard at the tip4 ,the long powerful legs are bare1 and the feet are furnished with four toes2 of these the hinder toe is so small as not to touch the ground2 the exterior and centre toes are connected by skin as far as the first joints2 the claws are short1 blunt1 and flatly curved1 the wings large and broad1 with the third quill longer than the rest and the upper secondaries much prolonged2 the short tail is usually rounded1 and the thick plumage composed of small feathers2 in some species the head and neck are bare1 in others adorned with beautiful plumes4 ,the sexes are similar in their coloration1 but differ much in size2 the young resemble the adult bird after the first moulting1 but only attain the flowing crest at a later period4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,sun ,,bittern1 ,,or ,,peacock ,,heron 7,eurypyga helias74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,cranes are met with in almost every portion of the globe1 but are especially numerous in its warmer regions2 such as inhabit northern latitudes migrate as far as1 but do not breed in the countries near the equator4 ,marshy localities or morasses1 in the vicinity of cultivated land1 are the situations they prefer1 as affording a rich and constant supply of the frogs1 molluscs1 worms1 and vegetable diet upon which they subsist4 ,in ,palestine the ,cranes visit the cultivated districts only in the time of their spring migrations1 when but a few pairs remain in the marshy plains1 while the greater number pass on to the north4 ,in the ,southern ,wilderness they resort in immense numbers to certain favourite roosting-places during the winter4 ,towards evening at this season1 we are told that clouds of these enormous birds literally darken the air4 ,their roosting-place1 according to ,dr4 ,tristram1 is usually a gently-sloping1 isolated knoll1 where no ambush is possible1 and where they can keep a good look-out on all sides4 ,in such situations their whooping and trumpeting cry is to be heard through the entire night4 ,the following interesting particulars respecting the migrations of these birds in the ,wilderness of ,sinai are from the notes of the ,rev4 ,f4 ,w4 ,holland3--,on ,march the #bbnd we saw an immense flock of ,cranes crossing the ,red ,sea from ,africa4 ,the line appeared to stretch across the whole breadth of the sea4 ,five days afterwards we found a solitary one amongst the mountains1 which did not attempt to fly1 but stalked majestically on before our camels1 quite regardless of a few revolver bullets whizzing close past him4 ,at last an ,arab boy gave chase1 and running him into a bush soon caught him1 and returned in triumph1 holding him up by the tips of his wings4 ,when released he stalked on as unconcernedly as before2 but when on the point of being caught again1 the strange bird suddenly took wing1 and after wheeling round several times flew away over the mountains4 ,on the #acth of ,april1 three days south of ,beersheba1 in the desert1 another large flock of more than two thousand ,cranes passed over our heads1 all going north as the others4 ,in the beginning of ,may1 several smaller flocks were seen crossing the same desert from ,akabah towards ,suez4 ,,the ,,common ,,crane4 ,the ,,common ,,crane 7,grus cinerea7 is recognisable by its partially bare head1 and the long curly feathers on its upper wing-covers4 ,in this bird the plumage is principally ash-grey1 black in the region of the throat and brow1 and whitish on the side of the neck2 the quills are black1 the eyes brownish red1 and the feet blackish2 the beak is reddish at its base1 and blackish green at its tip4 ,this species is four feet and a half long1 and seven and three-quarters broad2 the wing measures twenty-five and the tail eight inches in length4 ,the ,common ,crane is a native of the northern portions of the ,eastern ,hemisphere1 from ,central ,siberia to ,scandinavia1 and from thence wanders south as far as ,china1 ,india1 and ,central and ,western ,africa4 ,the periodical migrations of these birds are remarkable for such punctuality that for a long series of years they have been observed to pass through ,france in the month of ,october1 invariably returning during the latter half of the month of ,march4 ,on these occasions they always fly in large flocks1 which move with great rapidity2 and alight during the day to rest and seek for food4 ,the ,common ,crane1 although now only an occasional visitor to ,england1 was formerly much more common1 and bred in the marshes1 which then afforded it food and shelter4 ,since these have been drained1 and the land cultivated1 they have almost entirely disappeared4 ,in ,charles ,,ii4's time ,sir ,thomas ,browne writes3 ,cranes are often seen here in hard weather1 especially about the champaign and fieldy part4 ,it seems they have been more plentiful1 for in a bill when the ,mayor entertained the ,duke of ,norfolk1 ,i met with ,cranes in a dish4 ,in an account preserved by ,leland1 in his ,collectanea ,antiqua1 of the great feast at the enthronisation of ,george ,nevill1 ,archbishop of ,york and ,chancellor of ,england1 in the reign of ,king ,edward ,,iv41 #bjd ,cranes form a part of the goodly provision detailed2 and in the second course of the dinners1 ,crane forms the first rost dish1 followed by ,cony1 ,heronshaw1 and ,curlew4 ,during their migrations1 these birds always fly in two lines1 which in front meet in an acute angle1 thus forming a figure somewhat resembling the ,greek letter ,greek3 g1 which1 indeed1 is said to have derived its shape from this very circumstance4 ,one of the company always flies in advance of the rest1 and thus constitutes the vertex of the angle2 and if the movements of the flock are watched1 it may readily be observed that when this individual becomes fatigued by being the first to cleave the air1 it falls to the rear1 and leaves the next in succession to take its post4 ,it has been noticed1 moreover1 that when the ,cranes in their migratory flights meet with a lofty mountain1 they utter shrill cries1 appear anxious and restless1 and fly without any kind of order4 ,gradually1 and each for itself1 they now ascend spirally until such time as they have attained sufficient height to pass over the obstacle1 when1 assuming their original formation1 they proceed on their course4 ,at times their flight is so very high that1 notwithstanding each individual occupies a considerable space1 the birds themselves1 though heard in the air1 are not perceptible to the naked eye4 ,their shrill1 loud1 and trumpet-like note is audible far and near1 and if at a short distance is almost deafening4 ,their voices are rendered more powerful by the peculiar construction of the windpipe1 which forms several curvatures in the breast-bone1 before descending into and joining the lungs4 ,this tall and stately bird1 when it stands upright1 reaches to the breast of a man4 ,it is of a shy and wary disposition1 and when a large flock alights in a field1 either for the purpose of feeding or resting1 one or more of the party is always seen standing at some little distance1 with head erect1 and evidently on the watch4 ,on the approach of danger this individual is the first to take wing1 on which the rest follow its example4 ,the nest of the ,crane is generally placed among the thick reeds or in the luxuriant herbage of their favourite marshes1 but occasionally on the top of some deserted edifice4 ,the eggs are two in number1 and have a greenish shell1 spotted with brown4 ,both parents brood1 and feed their offspring at first in the nest2 the young do not attain their full strength of wing until several months old4 ,,the ,,demoiselle1 ,,or ,,numidian ,,crane4 ,the ,,demoiselle1 or ,,numidian ,,crane 7,anthropoides virgo71 is distinguishable from its congeners by its short beak and entirely feathered head1 which is decorated with two flowing plumes2 also by the length of the plumage on the lower neck1 and the prolonged but straight feathers on the upper wing-covers4 ,the unusually soft plumage is chiefly light grey2 the long feathers on the lower neck are deep black1 the crests pure white1 and the quills greyish black2 the eye is bright red2 the beak dull green at the base1 horn-grey towards the extremity1 and pale red at the tip2 the foot is black4 ,this species is from thirty-two to thirty-three inches long and sixty-four broad2 the wing measures seventeen and the tail six inches4 ,the young are without the flowing feathers on the head and neck4 ,this beautiful and attractive bird inhabits ,south-eastern ,europe and ,central ,asia1 and is especially numerous at the mouth of the ,volga1 in the countries bordering on the ,caspian ,sea1 and in ,mongolia and ,tartary2 from thence it wanders as far as ,southern ,india and ,central ,africa2 occasionally it has been also met with in ,south-western ,europe4 ,the ,demoiselle ,crane arrives and departs about the same time as the other members of the family1 and like them frequents the vicinity of water or morasses1 but1 according to ,radde1 sometimes occupies mountain regions1 even to an altitude of #c1ejj feet above the sea4 ,in its habits and modes of life it closely resembles the ,cranes already described1 and like them lays but two eggs4 ,both sexes brood1 and commence their preparations about ,april2 by the end of ,july the young are fledged1 and shortly after that time are able to fly in company with the adults4 ,the ,demoiselles have received their name from the dancing movements in which they frequently indulge1 the males entertaining the females and each other by leaping and turning round1 accompanying all their actions with a constant waving of the head4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,african ,,crowned ,,cranes 7,balearica7 possess a powerful body1 moderate-sized neck1 large head1 and a strong1 conical1 slightly-curved bill of medium length2 the legs and feet are long2 the claws strong2 the wings very much rounded1 with the fourth quill longer than the rest2 the tail is short and straight2 and the plumage thick4 ,the back of the head is adorned with a conspicuous plume of bristle-like feathers1 while those on the neck and upper breast are prolonged1 and those on the wing-covers disunited at the web2 the prominent cheeks and throat are bare4 ,the sexes differ but little in colour2 the young are of duller complexion than the adults4 ,these fine birds are natives of ,africa1 and have hitherto been classed with the ,cranes2 owing1 however1 to the many important points in which they differ from the members of that family1 we have preferred to place them in a different group4 ,,the ,,crowned ,,african ,,or ,,peacock ,,crane4 ,the ,,crowned ,,african or ,,peacock ,,crane 7,balearica pavonina7 has black plumage1 and a golden yellow and black crest2 the feathers on the wing-covers are pure white1 and most of the upper secondaries reddish brown1 those at the exterior being golden yellow2 the eye is white2 the cheeks are light flesh-pink above1 and bright red below2 the beak is black1 tipped with white2 and the foot blackish grey4 ,during the life of this bird the plumage is covered with a blueish dust4 ,the length of the body is thirty-eight inches1 the breadth seventy-two2 the wing measures nineteen inches and a half1 and the tail eight inches and a half4 ,this species was formerly supposed to be a native of the ,balearic ,isles1 whence its scientific name4 ,central ,africa1 from #ag north latitude1 is1 however1 really its principal habitat2 whilst in the most southern portions of that continent it is replaced by a nearly-allied species4 ,in these regions it occupies the flat bush-covered shores of rivers and streams1 or light woods1 and is to be seen during the day principally upon the small islands and sandbanks1 whither it comes in pairs or small flocks1 either to seek for food or to perform a variety of dancing movements4 ,during the rainy season these small parties often increase to companies numbering more than one hundred birds1 and occasionally they associate with the ,grey or ,demoiselle ,cranes4 ,upon the ground the ,crowned ,crane usually walks erect and slowly1 with its crest upraised2 but if sore pressed it can run with such swiftness as renders it a matter of difficulty for a man to overtake it4 ,before rising into the air it runs for a short distance with wings outspread1 and then mounts with slowly-flapping pinions1 extended neck1 and crest laid back4 ,it is at present uncertain whether both sexes indulge in the exercise above alluded to1 during which the performers often spring three or four feet high1 turn1 twist1 and step with their feet as if dancing4 ,their loud call is supposed to resemble the ,arabic word ,rharmuk1 and may be heard at the distance of at least a quarter of a mile4 ,seeds1 grains1 berries1 portions of plants1 insects1 and occasionally mussels or small fish1 are the principal food of these birds2 and for these they begin to seek about sunrise1 and after feeding for about two hours bathe1 dance1 and preen themselves4 ,this one repast is usually sufficient for the entire day2 at night they fly with loud trumpeting cries to seek repose upon the trees4 ,we have seen as many as thirty or forty ,peacock ,cranes perching in the branches1 and from this circumstance conclude that they also breed in similar situations4 ,the capture of these birds is attended with much difficulty1 owing to their extreme shyness2 when caught1 however1 they are readily tamed1 and carry on their dancing movements even in captivity4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,field ,,storks 7,arvicol7 have a short or moderately long bill1 with soft base and horny tip2 high feet1 furnished with small toes1 the hinder of which is too short to reach the ground2 and medium-sized or short wings4 ,the tail is of various lengths1 and the plumage rather thick2 the cheek-stripes and a patch around the eye are bare4 ,these birds are natives of ,south ,america1 where they frequent dry1 cultivated districts1 and subsist upon seeds and insects2 their nests are placed on or near the ground2 the eggs are of uniform hue4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,snake ,,cranes 7,dicholophus7 constitute a group of remarkable birds1 having a slender body1 long neck1 moderately large head1 and short1 hard1 powerful wings1 in which the fourth and fifth quills are longer than the rest1 and shoulder-feathers prolonged4 ,the long1 decidedly-rounded tail is formed of ten feathers1 the slender beak is shorter than the head1 slightly compressed1 straight or curved1 and hooked at its tip4 ,the long legs are unfeathered1 and the short toes armed with thick1 hooked1 and pointed claws1 resembling those of a bird of prey4 ,the head-feathers are soft1 long1 and pointed2 and those on the brow graduated from the base of the beak1 till they form an upright crest4 ,the plumage on the belly and rump is of downy texture1 and that about the base of the bill bristle-like2 the cheek-stripes are bare4 ,,the ,,brazilian ,,cariama1 ,,or ,,crested ,,screamer4 ,illustration3 ,,crowned1 ,,demoiselle1 ,,and ,,common ,,cranes4 ,the ,,brazilian ,,cariama1 or ,,crested ,,screamer 7,dicholophus cristatus71 has grey plumage1 each feather delicately marked with zigzag lines of various shades2 upon the breast1 the feathers are only marked upon the shaft2 and those on the lower belly are without any lines4 ,the long feathers on the head and neck are blackish brown1 the quills brown1 striped with white2 the two centre tail-feathers are greyish brown1 the rest blackish brown in the middle1 and white at the base and tip4 ,the eyes are light sulphur-yellow1 the cheek-stripes greyish flesh-pink1 the bare eye-rings blueish1 and the feet reddish brown in front1 and bright red at their sides2 the beak is coral-red4 ,the female has shorter feathers on her head and a yellowish shade in her plumage4 ,the young resemble the mother4 ,this bird is from thirty-one to thirty-two inches long2 the wing measures fourteen and the tail twelve inches4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,cariama1 ,,or ,,crested ,,screamer 7,dicholophus cristatus74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,cariamas inhabit the extensive open meadows of ,central ,brazil1 and are also met with throughout a great portion of ,south ,america4 ,in the states of ,la ,plata they are replaced by a very similar species4 ,these birds live in pairs or small families1 and if disturbed1 at once take refuge in the long grass that covers their favourite haunts1 peeping forth from time to time1 in order to reconnoitre1 and forthwith returning to their place of safety4 ,so cautious are they1 indeed1 that ,burmeister tells us he has often heard their voices close to him during an entire day1 without ever succeeding in catching a glimpse of them4 ,in the daytime the ,cariamas are occupied in searching for the insects1 snakes1 and other reptiles upon which they subsist4 ,owing to the great services they render by destroying the latter noxious creatures1 the natives are forbidden by law to kill them4 ,burmeister tells us that they also eat berries4 ,unlike the ,cranes1 these birds are constantly in motion throughout the day4 ,according to the ,prince von ,wied1 they occasionally repose upon the branches1 but if alarmed1 at once return to the ground1 and endeavour to save themselves by running1 a mode of locomotion which they perform with such extraordinary rapidity as to outstrip a horseman4 ,the harsh loud voice of this species has been compared to the barking or yelping of a young dog1 or the hoarse cry of a bird of prey4 ,these most unpleasing sounds are sometimes continued for half an hour at a time1 the noisy performer sitting upright on a branch1 and turning its head about in a sort of accompaniment to its harsh screams1 which ,burmeister remarks are enough to drive any person with weak nerves from its vicinity4 ,during the period of incubation1 the males contend fiercely1 tearing each other with their beaks1 and presenting a most ludicrous appearance1 as1 with plumage inflated and tail fully spread1 they bound into the air4 ,the nest is usually placed in trees1 at no great height from the ground1 and is formed of dry twigs1 lined with a coating of clay or dung4 ,the two eggs1 which are about as large as those of the ,peacock1 have a white shell1 sparsely dotted with rust-red4 ,the young1 when first hatched1 are clad in thick reddish down1 marked with deep greyish brown1 and remain for some time in the nest4 ,the ,crested ,screamers are readily tamed and reared in the poultry-yard4 ,burmeister saw two of these birds that were domesticated in a farmhouse1 standing warming themselves at the fire among a group of men and children4 ,if driven forcibly to one side1 they merely retired quietly to a short distance1 and almost immediately returned to their former position4 ,although the flesh of the ,cariama is white and well-flavoured1 it is seldom killed1 as its swiftness of foot renders its capture a work of much difficulty1 even to a mounted sportsman4 ,the plan usually adopted1 according to the ,prince von ,wied1 is to follow it patiently on horseback1 until at last it is driven into a corner and becomes too weary to make further attempts to escape or elude pursuit4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,trumpeters 7,psophia7 possess a powerful body1 moderately long neck1 medium-sized head1 and short1 curved beak1 compressed at its sides and hooked at its tip4 ,the feet are high1 the tarsi long1 the toes short1 and armed with curved sharp claws2 the exterior and centre toes are united by a short skin2 the arched wing has its fourth quill longer than the rest2 the tail is short and weak1 and the plumage principally composed of large feathers4 ,those on the head and neck are of velvety1 and those on the under side of downy texture4 ,these birds frequent the ,south ,american forests1 where they render themselves conspicuous by their most peculiar and noisy cry4 ,this loud trumpet-like sound is uttered six or seven times in succession1 without opening the beak1 and is so deep and sonorous that it appears to proceed from the bird's entire body4 ,according to ,pallas1 the strange noise results from a peculiar construction of the windpipe1 which at its upper portion is as thick as a ,swan's quill1 but becomes more slender as it enters the chest1 when it gives off two membranous semicircular air-bags1 of which the right is the largest1 and divided into three or four cells4 ,the hollow internal drumming1 preceded by a wild cry1 is evidently produced by the vibration of the air forced into these air-bags by the action of the muscles of the thorax4 ,during the performance the chest heaves as in birds when singing4 ,,the ,,agami1 ,,or ,,gold-,,breasted ,,trumpeter4 ,the ,,agami1 or ,,gold-,,breasted ,,trumpeter 7,psophia crepitans71 is black upon the head1 neck1 upper back1 wings1 lower breast1 belly1 and rump2 the shoulder-feathers are purplish black1 shaded with blue or green2 the upper breast is steel-blue1 with a copper-red sheen4 ,the eye is reddish brown1 the bare ring around it flesh-pink1 the beak greenish white1 and the foot yellowish pink4 ,this species is twenty inches long2 the wing measures eleven inches1 and the tail one inch4 ,the ,agami occupies such parts of ,south ,america as are situated north of the ,amazon1 while on the other side of that mighty stream it is replaced by another but nearly-allied species4 ,both occupy forests1 and are met with in large flocks1 that often number some two hundred birds4 ,these parties wander about together in search of the fruit1 berries1 seeds1 and insects upon which they subsist2 and usually move with a slow and stately step1 enlivening themselves from time to time by leaping into the air with a variety of ludicrous movements1 and if disturbed1 they at once seek safety by running4 ,their flight is so weak1 according to ,schomburghk1 that when crossing a river they are often compelled to drop upon the water and save themselves by swimming4 ,this statement explains the reason why the habitat of the two species is so strictly confined to the two sides of the ,amazon4 ,if much pressed1 after running some distance1 they flutter into the branches or lie close to the ground1 and are then readily shot4 ,when alarmed1 their remarkable cry is heard to most advantage4 ,the ,agamis usually deposit their eggs in a slight hollow on the ground1 generally at the foot of a tree4 ,the eggs have a light green shell1 and are ten in number4 ,the young leave the nest as soon as they are hatched1 but do not lose their downy covering till they are several weeks old4 ,these interesting birds become remarkably docile when domesticated1 as the following account1 drawn from the ,galerie des ,oiseaux1 will show3--,the ,agami soon learns to obey the voice of its master1 follows him wherever he goes1 and appears delighted at receiving his caresses2 it welcomes his return with alacrity1 and seems to repine at his absence4 ,in the same proportion that it appreciates the favours bestowed upon it1 it is jealous of any rival4 ,should even a dog approach1 it immediately assails it with its beak and drives it to a distance1 with every symptom of displeasure4 ,it presents itself regularly at the dinner-table1 from which it chases all domestic animals1 and sometimes even the negroes who wait at table1 should they happen to be strangers1 and only asks for a share of the dinner after it has expelled from the room all who might aspire to favourable notice from the family4 ,it is remarkably courageous2 dogs of moderate size are obliged to cede to its authority4 ,it walks out alone1 without any danger of losing itself1 and it is even asserted that an ,agami may be trusted with the care of a flock of sheep1 and that every morning it will drive ducks and fowls to their feeding-place and bring them home at night1 after carefully collecting any stragglers4 ,as for the bird itself1 it is never shut up1 but sleeps just where it pleases1 upon the roof of a barn1 or in the farmyard4 ,its trumpeting is described as resembling the sound produced by a person endeavouring to pronounce ,tou1 tou1 tou2 tou1 tou1 tou1 with his mouth shut1 or the doleful noise made by the ,dutch bakers1 who blow a glass trumpet to inform their customers when their bread is taken out of the oven4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,screamers 7,palamede7 constitute a group of strange birds1 possessing large heavy bodies1 long necks1 small heads1 long powerful wings1 strong tail1 and moderately high1 thick foot1 with remarkably long toes4 ,the bill is shorter than the head1 compressed at the culmen1 hooked at its tip1 and covered with a cere at its base4 ,the legs are partially bare1 and the exterior and middle toes connected by a skin2 the hind toe is so long as to touch the ground2 the claws are of moderate size1 slightly hooked1 and pointed4 ,in the wing the third quill is longer than the rest1 and the rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers2 the plumage of the body is thick2 the neck is covered with small feathers4 ,the members of this group have two powerful spurs on the joint of the wing1 and one species has a horny protuberance on the head4 ,the sexes are unlike in colour4 ,the ,screamers frequent the marshy grounds of ,south ,america1 where they live in pairs or small parties4 ,in disposition they are extremely timid and shy1 but soon betray their presence by their noisy vociferations4 ,seeds and portions of plants constitute their principal fare1 but they do not reject insects1 small reptiles1 or even fishes4 ,upon the ground they move with much dignity1 and in their manner of flight nearly resemble some of the larger birds of prey2 when at rest1 they generally perch on the branches of lofty trees4 ,although usually peaceful1 they exhibit much courage if attacked1 and defend themselves boldly with the formidable spurs upon their wings4 ,the nest is large1 situated on the ground in their favourite marshes1 and contains two unspotted eggs4 ,the horn and spurs of this bird are much esteemed by the ,indians as healing remedies1 and in many parts of the interior are articles of trade4 ,,the ,,aniuma1 ,,or ,,horned ,,screamer4 ,the ,,aniuma1 or ,,horned ,,screamer 7,palamedea cornuta71 is characterised by a horn upon the brow1 its thickly-plumaged bridles1 and the short feathers on its head and neck4 ,the horn of this species1 which is about five or six inches long1 either straight and upright or slightly curved1 is situated near the beak1 and is about a line and a half in diameter at its base4 ,the upper wing-spur is about two inches long1 pointed and triangular1 and curves gently upwards2 and the lower one strong1 almost straight1 and about four lines long4 ,the velvety feathers on the crown are whitish grey tipped with black2 those of the cheeks1 throat1 neck1 back1 breast1 wings1 and tail are blackish brown2 those on the shoulder and large wing-covers of a greenish metallic shade2 and the small cover-feathers yellowish at their roots4 ,the feathers on the lower throat and upper breast are silver-grey1 broadly edged with black1 and those of the belly and rump pure white1 the horn whitish grey1 and the foot slate-colour4 ,this bird is thirty inches long and seventy-eight broad2 the wing measures twenty-one1 and the tail eleven inches4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,gold-,,breasted ,,trumpeter 7,psophia crepitans74 ,the ,aniuma is a native of ,brazil1 where it frequents the vast swamps and savannahs1 and preys upon the swarms of small animals with which they teem4 ,in these localities1 an incessant discord of jarring sounds arises from the voices of the multifarious inhabitants1 but high and shrill above them all is heard the loud startling cry of the ,horned ,screamer4 ,formidable snakes of all kinds infest these haunts2 but by the aid of the powerful1 large1 hard spurs upon the joint of each wing1 it is enabled to protect itself and its young from their assaults4 ,if not attacked1 however1 its habits are shy1 and its disposition gentle4 ,when in search of the leaves and seeds of the aquatic plants on which it partly subsists1 it wades deep into the water1 and when on the ground walks with an air of pride1 keeping its head elevated4 ,its flight1 as might be expected from the length and spread of its wings1 is strong and sweeping4 ,these birds live in pairs that are united for life1 and make their nest on the ground4 ,according to the natives they lay two white eggs4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,aniuma1 ,,or ,,horned ,,screamer 7,palamedea cornuta74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,chauna1 ,,or ,,tschaja4 ,the ,,chauna1 or ,,tschaja 7,chauna ,chavaria71 has a horn upon the brow1 but a shorter beak than the ,aniuma2 the bridles are bare1 the nape decorated with a crest1 and the plumage soft1 but not of velvety texture1 on the head and neck4 ,the feathers of the crest and on the crown are grey1 those on the cheeks1 throat1 and upper neck white1 those of the mantle brown1 of the nape and upper breast deep greyish blue4 ,the edges of the wings1 the lower wing-covers1 and feathers on the rump and belly are whitish4 ,the eyes are yellow1 and the bridles and bare eye-rings flesh-red2 the beak is black1 and the foot light red4 ,this species is thirty-two inches1 the wing measures nineteen1 and the tail eight inches4 ,the ,chaunas are peculiar to the northern parts of ,south and ,central ,america1 where they frequent marshes1 or occasionally river-banks1 either in pairs or small parties4 ,their manners are shy1 and when not disturbed their gait is stately and slow4 ,in the air their movements are easy and swift1 but they are unable to run without the assistance of their wings2 when about to rest1 they resort to the branches of high trees4 ,according to ,gray1 these birds are kept by the natives with their poultry1 going with them to feed about the neighbourhood during the day1 and proving very useful in defending the fowls1 by the aid of their spurs1 from the attacks of the numerous feathered tyrants with which the country is infested4 ,marshy or inundated localities are the situations they principally frequent1 as their food consists entirely of the leaves of aquatic plants1 grapes1 and seeds4 ,the spacious nest is made of small branches1 and is usually placed in a bush surrounded by water1 or among reeds and rushes4 ,the eggs are two in number1 and have a rough white shell4 ,according to ,gray1 if the living bird be handled1 a peculiar crackling is felt1 which is caused by the quantity of air lodged between the skin and the muscles4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,rails 7,ralli7 are characterised by their high body1 which is much compressed at its sides1 their moderately long neck and small head4 ,the bill is variously formed1 compressed at the sides1 and seldom longer than the head4 ,in the high1 long-toed foot1 the hind toe is well developed1 the wing is rounded1 and does not extend so far as the extremity of the rounded tail1 which is formed of twelve feathers4 ,the plumage is compact and thick4 ,the members of this family inhabit almost every portion of the globe1 and exhibit many modifications of form1 according to the situation they are created to occupy4 ,owing to the slender shape of their bodies1 they are able to thread their way through beds of the thickest stems of reeds1 bulrushes1 and other aquatic plants1 among which they seek shelter2 or1 like the ,land ,rail1 penetrate the tall grass of the meadow1 and that so rapidly and noiselessly that they elude pursuit with the greatest ease1 and seldom can be forced to take wing4 ,all the various species are able to pass over the surface of soft ooze1 or the flat leaves of plants that float thickly on the water of their favourite haunts2 many of them can also swim with much facility4 ,the ,rails are social in their habits1 and frequently assemble in small flocks1 which remain together until the migratory season4 ,insects1 larv1 worms1 eggs1 and even young nestlings1 frequently fall a prey to them2 but seeds of various kinds and portions of plants form their principal fare4 ,the nest1 which is very carefully constructed1 is usually placed among reeds1 grass1 or rushes2 the light-coloured eggs are darkly spotted1 and from three to twelve in number4 ,both parents brood1 and they rear two families during the summer4 ,the flesh of these birds is excellent1 but it is difficult to shoot them without the aid of a dog4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,snipe ,,rails 7,rhyncha7 are recognisable by the peculiar form of their bill1 which is longer than the head1 straight at the base1 compressed at its sides1 and inclines and curves downwards at the tip of both mandibles1 which are of equal length4 ,the moderate-sized foot is furnished with short unconnected toes1 and has the hind toe placed higher than the rest2 the broad wing is slightly rounded1 the third quill being longer than the rest2 and the tail is composed of twelve feathers4 ,the plumage is very beautifully variegated1 the dress of the male being usually of quieter tints than his mate2 and for this reason superficial observers have often been mistaken as to the sex of the latter4 ,,the ,,golden ,,rail1 ,,or ,,painted ,,cape ,,snipe4 ,the ,,golden ,,rail1 or ,,painted ,,cape ,,snipe 7,rhyncha ,capensis71 is of a blackish grey on the upper part of the body2 the eyebrows1 a stripe on the head1 and another on the shoulder1 are yellowish2 the upper wing is brown1 marked with black2 the lower throat and upper breast are deep blackish grey and white2 the rest of the under side is white2 the quills and tail-feathers are adorned with golden eyes and black spots4 ,in the female the upper parts of the body are dark brown1 irregularly striped with greenish black4 ,the brown head has a green gloss1 the eyebrows are yellowish white1 a line over the head is yellowish1 the neck reddish brown1 and the upper breast blackish brown2 the under side and a line on the shoulder are white1 the quills and tail-feathers green and black1 enlivened by golden eyes1 and the feathers of the wing-covers green1 striped with black2 the eye is brown1 the beak dark green at the base1 and tipped with brownish red2 the foot is light green4 ,the male is nine inches long and sixteen and a quarter broad2 the wing measures five inches and one-sixth1 and the tail two inches2 while the female is ten inches long and eighteen broad4 ,the ,painted ,snipes are dispersed over a large portion of ,africa4 ,they keep together in small parties1 and lead a quiet and retired life1 beneath the sheltering leaves of aquatic plants that overspread the morasses and river-banks1 which are their favourite haunts4 ,we are almost entirely without particulars respecting these birds1 except that they run well and swiftly1 and flutter rather than fly1 when compelled to rise into the air4 ,near the ,cape they are known by the name of ,keuvitts1 as that word is supposed to resemble their cry1 which is constantly heard during evening4 ,we obtained two eggs from the ovary of one of these ,snipes1 shot in the month of ,may2 in form and colour these resembled the eggs of the ,gallinago4 ,,the ,,water ,,rail4 ,the ,,water ,,rail 7,rallus aquaticus7 represents a group having the bill rather longer than the head1 straight or slightly curved1 and compressed at its sides2 the feet are moderately large1 the wings short1 blunt1 arched1 and formed of soft quills1 of which the third and fourth are the longest2 and a very short1 narrow tail1 composed of twelve weak1 curved1 and pointed feathers4 ,the thick compact plumage is of a golden yellow1 spotted with black on the back2 the lower part of the body and sides of the head are blueish grey1 striped with black and white on the thighs4 ,the belly and rump are brownish yellow1 the quills pale brownish black1 edged with greenish brown1 and tail-feathers black bordered with olive-brown4 ,the eye is dull red1 the beak brownish grey at the culmen1 and bright red at its margins and lower mandible1 the foot is brownish green4 ,the female is smaller than her mate1 but resembles him in colour4 ,the young are reddish grey on the under side1 spotted with various shades of black4 ,this species is eleven inches long and fifteen broad2 the wing measures four inches and a half1 and the tail two inches and one-sixth4 ,the ,water ,rail is a native of ,northern and ,central ,europe1 and ,central ,asia1 as far east as the river ,amoor2 and is also met with in ,southern ,europe and ,northern ,africa during the course of its wanderings4 ,in ,england it is permanently resident1 and is to be found if sought for at all seasons of the year1 but owing to its shy and sedentary habits1 and the peculiar situations it frequents1 is not very frequently seen4 ,marshes1 pools1 or water-courses are the favourite haunts of this bird2 such as are covered and edged with reeds1 dense grass1 or aquatic plants being preferred1 as in these it finds a constant shelter and refuge1 the narrow form of its head and body enabling it to pass through the closest masses with great facility4 ,to this fact it is indebted for its principal means of security1 as when driven into the air it flies awkwardly and slowly1 with the legs hanging down4 ,few dogs even succeed in forcing it into view before it has gained its retreat1 which is often a rat-hole1 or a tangled mass of tree-roots4 ,when disturbed1 it occasionally runs along the surface of the water1 supported by the floating leaves1 for which purpose its broad1 spreading feet are well adapted2 it can also dive with much facility4 ,worms1 slugs1 aquatic insects1 together with the leaves and seeds of aquatic plants1 are its principal food1 and for these it chiefly seeks during the twilight hours4 ,the nest of the ,water ,rail is composed of sedges and coarse grass loosely heaped together1 and is made on the ground1 amongst reeds and rushes1 beneath bushes1 and occasionally in short herbage4 ,the eggs1 from six to ten in number1 vary somewhat in colour1 but are usually brownish white1 or greenish1 spotted with violet1 grey1 and brown4 ,the young look like little1 round1 puffy balls of down when first hatched1 and at once roll into the water1 where they swim about with as much delight and enjoyment as if they had been accustomed to the exercise for years4 ,when domesticated1 the ,rallus aquaticus often exhibits the utmost affection and docility4 ,in an instance that came under our notice1 one of these birds not only ran freely about the house1 following and obeying its master1 but slept at night in his bed1 beneath the coverlet4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,golden ,,rail1 ,,or ,,painted ,,cape ,,snipe 7,rhyncha ,capensis74 ,,one-,,third ,,natural ,,size4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,aramides 7,aramides7 are slenderly-formed birds1 with strong bills1 which are longer than the head1 compressed at the sides1 and slightly arched at the culmen2 the legs are long1 the tarsi thin1 the moderate-sized toes quite unconnected1 and the claws long1 sharp1 and curved4 ,the medium-sized wing has the third and fourth quills longer than the rest2 the tail is moderate1 and the plumage of uniform hue4 ,the members of this group occupy the marshy grounds of ,central ,brazil1 where they seem to be general favourites among the country people1 sometimes evincing a remarkable susceptibility of domestication4 ,,the ,,serrakura4 ,the ,,serrakura 7,aramides gigas7 is about eighteen inches long2 the wing measures ten and the tail three inches4 ,upon the head1 upper neck1 and legs1 the plumage is slate-grey1 and reddish brown on the nape2 the back and wing-covers are olive-green1 and the lower belly and rump black2 the quills1 lower breast1 and sides of belly are bright rust-red2 and the tail-feathers of blackish hue4 ,the eye is bright red1 the bill yellowish green tipped with grey1 and the foot flesh-pink4 ,these birds frequent the marsh-lands or moist grounds in the interior of ,brazil1 in search of the seeds and insects upon which they subsist4 ,throughout the morning and evening hours1 their peculiar resonant cry is constantly heard1 but owing to their shyness and the dexterity with which they conceal themselves1 they are but rarely seen4 ,the nest is placed amongst reeds or long grass4 ,the eggs have a pale reddish yellow shell1 slightly spotted with brown4 ,when taken young1 these birds are readily domesticated4 ,azara tells us that he saw a tame ,serrakura running about a poultry-yard in ,paraguay1 and not only boldly defending itself from1 but attacking the fowls1 with whose most vulnerable parts it was evidently well acquainted4 ,this bird showed a great fondness for eggs1 and no sooner was one laid1 than it was seized upon1 carried off1 and devoured2 nor did its audacity end here1 for if the unlucky hens were longer in laying the next than suited its impatient temper1 it fell upon them and pecked them so viciously that they were obliged to quit the nest4 ,these depredations were not confined to its master's premises2 every yard in the neighbourhood was regularly visited and plundered1 until at last complaints became so numerous and urgent1 that this troublesome but most interesting little thief had to be killed4 ,,the ,,land ,,rail1 ,,or ,,corn ,,crake4 ,the ,,land ,,rail1 or ,,corn ,,crake 7,crex pratensis71 is recognisable by its high body1 with much compressed sides1 its moderately-long neck1 and large head2 and its short1 strong1 compressed beak1 with high culmen2 the leg is of medium length1 and partially feathered2 the wing is wedge-shaped1 its second quill being longer than the rest2 and the short weak tail is almost entirely concealed under the covers4 ,the smooth but not very thick plumage is of a blackish brown above1 spotted with yellowish grey2 the throat and fore parts of the neck are ash-grey1 with brownish grey sides1 spotted with brownish red2 the wings are brownish red1 spotted with yellowish white4 ,the eye is light brown1 the beak brownish grey1 and the foot lead-grey4 ,the female is not so brightly coloured4 ,this species is eleven inches long and eighteen broad2 the wing measures five inches and a half1 and the tail two inches4 ,the ,land ,rail is found throughout a great part of ,central ,asia and the whole of ,northern ,europe1 and visits not only the southern portions of the latter continent during the course of its peregrinations1 but penetrates as far as ,central ,africa4 ,in the ,british ,isles it is a summer resident1 and appears in the southern counties about ,april1 generally departing about ,october4 ,marshy meadows1 fields of green corn1 and beds of reeds and rushes are its favourite resorts1 and in these its peculiar creaking note is constantly to be heard4 ,this call1 according to ,yarrell1 may be exactly imitated by passing the edge of the thumb-nail1 or a piece of wood1 briskly along the line of the points of the teeth of a small comb1 and so similar is the sound1 that the bird may be decoyed by it within a very short distance4 ,the male is the caller1 and he continues to utter his discordant cry until a mate be found and incubation commenced1 after which he is less frequently heard4 ,in its general habits this species resembles the members of its family already described1 and exhibits not only a similar dexterity in avoiding pursuit or observation1 but1 when alarmed1 is cunning enough1 we are told1 to simulate death4 ,mr4 ,jesse relates the following interesting anecdote in corroboration of this fact3--,a gentleman had a ,corn ,crake brought to him by his dog1 to all appearance lifeless4 ,as it lay on the ground he turned it over with his foot1 and felt convinced that it was dead4 ,standing by1 however1 in silence1 he suddenly saw it open an eye2 he then took it up1 its head fell1 its legs hung loose1 and it again appeared quite dead4 ,he then put it in his pocket1 but before long he felt it all alive1 and struggling to escape4 ,he then took it out1 it was as lifeless as before4 ,having laid it again on the ground and retired to some distance1 the bird in about five minutes warily raised its head1 looked around1 and decamped at full speed4 ,the pairing season commences almost as soon as the ,corn ,crakes arrive1 and during this period the males guard their mates with jealous care from the approach of a rival1 and drive off any intruder with loud harsh cries4 ,the nest is built when the herbage has attained a sufficient height1 and is formed of fibres1 moss1 dry blades of grass1 and similar materials4 ,the eggs1 which are usually seven or nine1 but occasionally as many as twelve in number1 are large and beautifully formed1 with a smooth1 glossy1 yellowish1 or greenish white shell1 strewn with spots of various shades4 ,the female broods for three weeks1 and sits with so much devotion that she will remain to be taken in the hand rather than desert her offspring4 ,the young are covered with black down1 and at first seek shelter beneath their parents' wing2 if alarmed they run like mice over the ground1 and are almost instantly in a place of safety4 ,the flesh of this species is good for the table4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,jacanas 7,parr7 form a group of remarkable birds1 occupying the warmer parts of both hemispheres1 and characterised by their slender body1 long thin beak1 narrow pointed wings1 short tail1 composed of slender feathers 7in one species the latter are much prolonged towards the centre71 and the extraordinary length of their thin toes and claws4 ,the heavy1 beautifully-coloured plumage is alike in both sexes1 but the young differ considerably in appearance from the parents4 ,most members of this group have a bare patch or excrescence on the brow1 and a thorn-like appendage on the first wing-joint4 ,these beautiful birds frequent marshy ground1 on the borders of rivers and ponds1 and obtain the seeds and aquatic insects--that form their principal means of subsistence--from amongst the aquatic plants1 over the surface of which their long feet enable them to run with astonishing rapidity4 ,the nest is made among reeds1 and contains usually either three or four eggs4 ,the cry of the ,jacanas somewhat resembles a laugh1 and is generally uttered just after they have alighted1 or when they are about to take wing4 ,if suddenly surprised they instantly give warning to their companions1 and immediately fly away1 the whole party following1 with neck outstretched1 and screaming loudly4 ,,the ,,chilian ,,jacana4 ,the ,,chilian ,,jacana 7,parra ,jacana7 represents a division of the above group1 having the slender wing armed with a spur1 and composed of pointed feathers4 ,the third quill is longer than the rest4 ,the delicate bill is bare at its corners1 and has a skinny appendage at its base2 the feet are long and thin1 and have the claws and toes of nearly equal length4 ,the short tail1 formed of ten soft1 slightly-pointed feathers1 is rounded at its extremity4 ,in the adult of this species the head1 neck1 breast1 and belly are black1 and the back1 wings1 and sides of the belly reddish brown4 ,the quills are yellowish green1 tipped with black1 and the tail dark reddish brown2 the eye is pale yellow1 the beak red1 tipped with yellow2 the bare patches on the brow and corners of the bill are blood-red1 the feet grey1 and the wing-spurs yellow4 ,the young are yellowish white on the under side2 the crown of the head and nape are black1 and the back olive-brown4 ,this species is from nine to ten inches long1 the wing measures five inches and one-sixth1 and the tail two inches4 ,a bird so well armed as the ,chilian ,jacana1 says ,molina1 cannot want for means of defence in case of necessity1 and it of course fights with great courage and vigour everything that attempts to molest it4 ,it is never seen in elevated places1 and never perches upon trees1 but lives wholly in the plains1 and feeds upon insects and worms4 ,it builds its nest in the grass1 where it lays four coloured eggs1 spotted with black1 a little larger than those of a ,partridge4 ,it keeps in pairs1 and the male and female are almost always together1 but it is rarely seen in flocks4 ,when these birds perceive anyone searching for their eggs1 they at first conceal themselves in the grass1 without discovering any apprehension2 but as soon as they see the person approaching the spot where the nest is placed1 they rush out with fury to defend it4 ,it is observed that this bird never makes the least noise during the day1 and that it cries at night only when it hears some one passing4 ,for this reason the ,araucanians when at war are accustomed to watch the cry of this bird1 which serves them as a sentinel to inform them of the approach of an enemy4 ,they were formerly accustomed in ,chili to hunt these birds with the ,falcon1 but this mode has been long out of use4 ,the ,jacana is good game1 in no respect inferior to the ,woodcock4 ,,the ,,chinese ,,jacana4 ,the ,,chinese ,,jacana1 or ,,water ,,pheasant 7,hydrophasianus ,sinensis71 differs from other ,jacanas1 inasmuch as it is without the naked forehead and appendages at the corner of the mouth1 for which they are so remarkable2 the tail1 moreover1 has the four central feathers of extraordinary length2 the first and second primary quills of the wings are longer than the rest2 the beak is very slender1 the foot somewhat powerful1 and the toes proportionately shorter than those of the spur-winged birds4 ,in the ,chinese ,water ,pheasant the fore part of the head1 face1 chin1 neck1 and upper breast are white2 the hinder neck is yellowish white1 marked with a black stripe1 that separates it from the upper neck4 ,the upper parts of the body are dark brown1 gleaming in certain lights with purple4 ,the upper wing-covers are white4 ,a patch on the head is black2 the breast deep brownish black2 the lower wing-covers nut-brown2 the first wing-quill black1 and the second of a very dark shade2 the third quill is black on the outer web and at the tip2 its other parts are white2 the secondary quills are singularly marked2 the tail is black1 the eye dark brown1 the beak blue at its base and greenish towards its point4 ,the length of the male is eighteen inches1 and the breadth twenty-four inches4 ,the wing measures eight and the tail ten inches4 ,the female is larger than her mate4 ,one measured by ,jerdon was twenty inches long and thirty broad4 ,during the winter the plumage of these birds is of a pale greyish brown on the upper part of the body1 and the small wing-covers are transversely banded2 the crown and nape are brown1 the regions of the eyebrows white1 and forehead spotted with white4 ,this beautiful bird is not confined to ,china1 but is to be found throughout ,india and ,ceylon wherever suitable localities invite its presence4 ,in disposition it is by no means shy1 and indeed appears to court admiration1 for if driven from the floating lotus-leaves on which it walks1 it gives itself but little trouble to escape from observation4 ,at certain seasons it is said to utter sounds resembling the mewing of a cat or the whining of a puppy4 ,its food consists of aquatic insects1 small mollusca1 and vegetable substances4 ,its nest is constructed of aquatic plants1 and floats upon the surface of the water4 ,in ,july or ,august the female lays from four to seven beautiful eggs1 of a bronze-brown or greenish shade4 ,in winter these birds associate in small parties1 but are not easily procurable1 as if one is wounded it immediately dives1 and when it again comes to the surface allows nothing but its bill to appear above water4 ,the flesh of this species is excellent4 ,jerdon tells us that in ,purneah the natives say that before the incubation1 i4e41 the breeding1 this ,jacana says dub1 dub 7go under water71 and afterwards in the cold weather powai1 powai1 which in ,purneah dialect means next year4 ,amongst the ,cingalese1 according to ,latham1 it is known as the ,cat ,teal1 from the peculiarity of its cry4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,water ,,hens 7,gallinul7 constitute a numerous and varied family1 closely related to the last-mentioned species1 and largely distributed throughout the warm and temperate parts of the earth4 ,these birds are characterised by their powerful1 compactly-built body1 moderately long neck1 large head1 and short1 strong1 deep1 thick beak1 the culmen of which is strongly arched2 and in most instances are further distinguished by a naked projection from the beak1 which spreads over the forehead4 ,their legs are strong and of moderate length1 and their toes either very long1 or provided with broad lateral fringes or lobes4 ,their wings are short1 the third or fourth quill being usually the longest2 the tail is very short1 and they are more or less without variety of tint4 ,in their anatomical structure they are very closely related to the ,rallid4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,jacana 7,parra ,jacana74 ,,one-,,half ,,natural ,,size4 ,all the ,gallinul are inhabitants of marshy districts1 and some of them might even be called water-fowl4 ,they usually prefer sedgy lakes1 large swampy morasses and brooks1 or ponds and rivers well stocked with vegetation1 but are without exception restricted to fresh water4 ,they are generally seen swimming about in open spaces4 ,they run with less agility than the ,rails1 but far surpass them in their powers of swimming and diving4 ,although these birds are by no means social in disposition1 they show a remarkable attachment to any locality of which they have taken possession1 keeping others1 even of their own species1 at a distance1 and sometimes exhibit resolute courage in driving away intruders much larger and stronger than themselves4 ,they also attack small birds with murderous rancour1 and are very destructive to young fledglings4 ,on the other hand1 they are tenderly attached to their own progeny1 both parents exerting themselves for their defence and support1 and evincing the greatest affection for each other4 ,the nest is always built either among or in the immediate vicinity of the water-plants that abound in their favourite resorts4 ,the female lays from four to twelve smooth-shelled and spotted eggs2 the nestlings when first hatched are clad in dark-coloured down4 ,as soon as the young are capable of exertion1 they and the parent quit the place of their birth and wing their way1 in some instances farther south1 or merely to a more favourable situation1 where they remain till after the moulting season4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ce4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,hydrophasianus ,,sinensis ,,chinese ,,jacana 7about ,nat4 size7 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,gallinules 7,porphyrio71 the most beautiful of the ,european ,gallinul1 and known in some countries as the ,sultan's ,chickens1 were regarded by the ancient ,greeks and ,romans almost as objects of religious worship1 and were kept in the neighbourhood of their temples1 as though under the special protection of the gods4 ,even at the present day they are less persecuted than many of their congeners1 probably on account of the beauty of their plumage4 ,the members of this group are moderate-sized but powerfully built birds1 distinguished by their strong1 hard1 thick1 and very deep beak1 which is of about the same length as the head1 and at its base expands into a broad callosity1 that spreads over the region of the forehead4 ,the tarsi are long1 and the feet strong1 with large1 widely-separated toes4 ,their wings are of moderate length1 the plumage smooth1 and remarkable for its rich colouring4 ,these birds are generally to be met with in swampy localities1 in the vicinity of fields of corn1 or in rice-fields1 which as they are almost constantly under water1 seem to suit them as well as their favourite marshes4 ,as regards their food1 the ,sultan's ,chickens differ in no respect from the rest of the family4 ,during the breeding season1 they are constantly prowling about the ponds in search of the nests of other birds1 which they plunder in the most daring manner4 ,their thefts are by no means restricted to attacks on smaller species2 they rifle the larger ones with utter recklessness1 so that in any marsh frequented by the ,gallinules the broken egg-shells testify to their destructive habits2 they likewise often lay in wait for ,sparrows after the manner of a cat before a mouse-hole2 a single blow with their powerful beak at once destroys their victim1 which is speedily torn to pieces and eaten4 ,tristram mentions having seen an imprisoned bird thus devour young ,ducks4 ,,the ,,hyacinthine ,,porphyrio4 ,the ,,hyacinthine ,,porphyrio 7,porphyrio hyacinthinus7 has the face and fore part of the neck of a beautiful bright blue2 the hinder part of the head1 neck1 and belly and thighs are dark indigo-blue1 as are the breast1 back1 wing-covers1 and quills1 but these last are more vivid in their tints2 the region of the vent is white2 the eye is pale red1 surrounded by a narrow circle of yellow2 the beak and its prolongation over the forehead are brilliant red1 and the feet yellowish red4 ,the length of this bird is about eighteen inches and breadth thirty-two inches4 ,in young birds the plumage of the back is greyish blue1 and the under parts speckled with white4 ,the ,hyacinthine ,porphyrio occupies the marshy districts of ,spain and ,italy1 and is probably also to be found in ,north-western ,africa4 ,in ,north-eastern ,africa it is represented by a nearly-allied species1 called by the ,arabs the ,dickme1 to which we have given the name of ,porphyrio chloronotus4 ,this species is to be seen in numbers1 which vary with the season of the year1 in ,sardinia1 ,sicily1 the lake district of the eastern coast of ,spain1 in the neighbourhood of ,albufera de ,valencia1 upon the coast of ,valencia1 and near ,algiers4 ,although usually migratory in their habits1 many of these birds remain throughout the winter in the vicinity of their breeding-places4 ,in their deportment they remind us of our own ,water-hens1 but they have a prouder gait1 and step with greater freedom4 ,their toes spread out so widely that they cover a considerable surface1 and each stride is accompanied with a jerking movement of the tail2 they are able1 moreover1 half fluttering and half running1 to make their way over a floating surface of aquatic plants4 ,they likewise swim with considerable facility1 lying lightly upon the water1 and as they row themselves along1 constantly bow with their head1 as though keeping time with the strokes of their feet4 ,when upon the wing1 the beauty of their plumage is fully displayed2 their flight1 however1 is inelegant1 they rise unwillingly into the air1 and fluttering onwards1 fall quickly to the ground1 always1 if possible1 among high reeds1 sedge1 or rice1 amongst which they at once hide themselves4 ,during flight1 their long legs hang down behind1 and render them easily recognisable at a distance4 ,their voice somewhat resembles the cackling or clucking of a ,hen1 reminding us at the same time of that of the ,water-hen1 but it is of stronger and deeper tone4 ,like the rest of the family1 which it closely resembles in its general habits1 this species eats the tender shoots of young corn1 grass1 and various kinds of grain4 ,when the breeding season approaches1 the mated pairs generally resort to rice-fields1 and settle down in some place of concealment among the reeds and rushes4 ,their nest1 which floats upon the top of the water1 is but a rude agglomeration of dry grass1 rice-straw1 reeds1 and other similar materials4 ,in this roughly-constructed cradle1 the female about the end of ,may lays from three to five eggs1 of somewhat elongated shape1 with a smooth polished shell1 the ground colour of which is dark silvery grey or reddish brown4 ,when first hatched the young are dressed in a suit of dark grey down1 their beak1 forehead1 and legs being of a blueish tinge4 ,they soon learn to swim about and to dive1 but their parents continue to watch over them for a considerable period with great tenderness4 ,according to ,jerdon1 this species is said to destroy large numbers of ,wild ,ducks' eggs1 by sucking them2 and one of these birds has been seen to seize a duckling in its huge foot1 crush its head1 and eat out the brains1 leaving the rest untouched4 ,,the ,,purple ,,gallinule4 ,the ,,purple ,,gallinule 7,porphyrio chloronotus7 is indigo-blue upon the nape and fore-part of the wing1 and bright blue on the front of the neck4 ,the breast is indigo-blue1 gradually shaded to a slaty-black on the belly4 ,the mantle is dark green4 ,the eye is yellowish brown1 the beak blood-red1 and the foot brick-red4 ,this species is seventeen inches long and thirty broad4 ,the ,purple ,gallinule is principally found in the lake districts of ,lower ,egypt1 its presence extending thence east over ,syria and the region watered by the ,euphrates4 ,as far as our observations enable us to judge1 it is a bird of passage1 and makes its appearance in ,egypt about the end of ,april1 leaving that country in ,september4 ,it does not1 as far as we could learn1 ascend the ,nile1 nor did we ever see it in the countries through which the ,upper ,nile passes4 ,its general habits closely resemble those of the species above described4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,water-,,hens 7,stagnicola7 are recognisable by the structure of their beak1 which is of conical form and compressed at its sides1 its base being prolonged over the forehead1 and its cutting edges finely denticulated4 ,the feet are large1 with long toes1 furnished at the sides with broad1 web-like folds of skin2 the wings are broad and obtuse1 the third quill being the longest2 the tail is short1 and formed of twelve feathers4 ,the plumage is thick and luxuriant4 ,these birds are more aquatic in their habits than the ,rails2 they swim with great facility1 disporting themselves upon the surface in a singular manner1 and continually striking the water with their tails4 ,when approached or alarmed1 they have recourse to diving1 employing their wings to assist their progress under water1 or take flight1 skimming along close to the surface till they reach a place of shelter4 ,on the land they move with ease1 whisking with the tail at intervals as they walk1 and are enabled by the compressed shape of their bodies to run rapidly through coverts or thick herbage4 ,from the length of their toes1 they can also walk over considerable spaces of still waters1 supported on the floating foliage of aquatic plants4 ,the borders of rivers and lakes are their favourite resorts1 especially when the current is slow and deep1 and the stream bordered with rocks and herbage1 as the latter affords a safe shelter during the day4 ,the food of these birds consists of slugs1 worms1 and insects1 together with various kinds of grain and vegetable matter4 ,the nest is a thick mass of interlaced grasses1 rushes1 and flags1 and is generally placed in a retired spot among the reeds by the water-side4 ,,the ,,common ,,gallinule1 ,,or ,,moor-,,hen4 ,the ,,common ,,gallinule1 or ,,moor-,,hen 7,stagnicola1 or ,gallinula chloropus71 is1 notwithstanding the plainness of its attire1 a very beautiful bird4 ,the plumage of the back is dark olive-brown1 elsewhere dark slate-grey2 the thighs are spotted with white1 the region of the vent is pure white4 ,the colour of the eye is peculiar2 immediately round the pupil is a circle of yellow1 to which succeeds a second of green1 while a third exterior ring is red4 ,the beak towards its base is vermilion-red1 towards its apex yellow2 the foot greenish yellow4 ,the length of this bird is twelve inches1 its breadth twenty-three inches2 the length of the wing seven inches and a half1 and the length of the tail three inches and a half4 ,the habitat of the ,moor-hen extends all over ,europe and a considerable portion of ,asia1 but it is seldom seen in ,africa4 ,in ,europe1 with the exception of the high northern latitudes1 it is everywhere common4 ,in ,england it is met with at all seasons1 whilst in ,germany it is a bird of passage1 arriving about the end of ,march1 and departing in ,october2 some few1 however1 remain all through the winter4 ,these birds generally travel by night1 and probably on foot1 at least some of them have been captured under circumstances that lead to such a supposition4 ,in early spring they usually arrive in pairs1 in the vicinity of their breeding-places1 but occasionally they come singly4 ,naumann1 who watched a pair of ,moor-hens from his garden for several consecutive years1 sometimes observed that the males and sometimes the females appeared first2 on one occasion the female came alone1 and seemed to use her best endeavours to get a partner to join her1 but in vain1 until at length1 after a fortnight's sojourn1 she disappeared4 ,on another occasion the male arrived by himself1 and seemed by no means to consider his solitary condition as one of single blessedness2 day and night he reiterated his call-note1 almost without intermission1 and sometimes in such a pitiable tone that it was almost distressing to hear him1 until at length1 on the fifth evening1 his anxiously looked-for mate arrived1 and put an end to his love-lorn suspense4 ,when a pair has once taken possession of a suitable pond they are silent1 but if a female is first upon the spot1 she seems to invite any passing male to join her4 ,the individual so invited frequently flies around her in wide circles1 as though bethinking himself what he should do2 generally1 however1 he is content to pursue his journey alone1 as is made manifest by the renewed solicitations of the female4 ,slow waters1 the margins of which are thickly covered with sedge and coarse grasses1 or at least with reeds and brushwood1 and partially overgrown with floating herbage1 afford the requisite conditions for their residence4 ,each family of ,moor-hens seems to prefer having a whole pond to itself1 and it is only on extensive pieces of water that several pairs are to be met with1 and even in this case each pair strives jealously to keep possession of its own territory4 ,there is something particularly pleasing in the appearance of these graceful and well-proportioned birds when undisturbed in their quiet pools4 ,as they move1 the points of their wings cross each other1 and their tail1 held perpendicularly upwards1 is constantly kept moving in little jerks1 their neck being bent into the shape of the letter ,s1 and their body laying horizontally on the water4 ,occasionally they come on dry land to obtain a little repose1 either on a tuft of weeds1 or on the bough of a tree1 or sometimes on a piece of floating wood4 ,here they employ themselves in preening and oiling their feathers1 preparatory to taking another swim1 or to ensconcing themselves among the rushes and thick grass4 ,their narrow and apparently compressed bodies enable them to make their way with facility over weeds and leaves floating upon the top of the water4 ,upon firm ground they move lightly and gracefully1 with long and measured steps1 and should they be suddenly surprised1 they will rise and fly to their pond1 with a flight somewhat resembling that of a ,barn-door ,fowl4 ,when on the water their power of diving is extraordinary2 at the slightest appearance of danger they vanish like lightning1 and having plunged beneath the surface1 use both wings and feet to row themselves along4 ,should they under these circumstances be forced to come up again to breathe1 only the beak is protruded1 and that under the protecting shelter of a tuft of herbage4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,hyacinthine ,,porphyrio 7,porphyrio hyacinthinus74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,illustration3 ,,home ,,of ,,the ,,moor-,,hens 7,gallinula chloropus74 ,the nest is usually placed among reeds on the ground1 sometimes on the bank at the edge of the pool1 occasionally among roots of trees1 or long grass1 or on branches overhanging the river1 when there is danger of the water rising and overwhelming the nest4 ,this instinctive forethought is1 however1 equalled1 if not surpassed by the ready ingenuity of these birds when such a danger unexpectedly arises1 as the following account by ,mr4 ,selby will show3 ,during the early part of the summer of #ahce1 a pair of ,moor-hens built their nest by the margin of the ornamental pond by ,bell's ,hill1 a piece of water of considerable extent1 and ordinarily fed by a spring from the height above1 but into which the contents of another large pond can be occasionally admitted4 ,this was done while the female was sitting2 and as the nest had been built when the water-level stood low1 the sudden influx of this large body of water from the second pond caused a rise of several inches1 so as to threaten the speedy destruction of the eggs4 ,this the birds seem to have been aware of1 and immediately took precaution against so imminent a danger2 for when the gardener1 seeing the sudden rise of the water1 went to look after the nest1 expecting to find it covered1 and the eggs destroyed1 or at least forsaken by the hen1 he observed1 while at a distance1 both birds busily engaged about the brink1 where the nest was placed1 and when near enough he clearly perceived that they were adding1 with all possible dispatch fresh materials to raise the fabric beyond the level of the increased contents of the pond1 and that the eggs had by some means been removed from the nest by the birds1 and were then deposited upon the grass1 about a foot or more from the margin of the water4 ,he watched them for some time1 and saw the nest rapidly increase in height1 but ,i regret to add that he did not remain long enough1 fearing he might create alarm1 to witness the interesting act of replacing the eggs1 which must have taken place shortly afterwards1 for upon his return in less than an hour1 he found the hen quietly sitting upon them in the newly-raised nest4 ,in a few days afterwards the young were hatched1 and1 as usual1 soon quitted the nest and took to the water with their parents4 ,the nest1 continues ,mr4 ,selby1 was shown to me soon afterwards1 and ,i could then plainly discern the difference between the new and the older part of the fabric4 ,the construction of the ,moor-hen's nest is a serious operation1 in which both parents assist4 ,the materials made use of are leaves of various kinds1 both dry and fresh2 these are piled upon each other1 sometimes apparently in a very slovenly manner1 but at others with more care1 so that when completed the structure looks like a coarsely-made basket of leaves1 in the centre of which is a basin-shaped depression1 wherein the eggs1 from seven to eleven in number1 are deposited in the course of about a fortnight4 ,the eggs are of moderate size1 the shells hard1 fine-grained1 and smooth1 but dull-looking4 ,their colour is pale rusty yellow1 spotted with violet-grey and ash-grey1 and besprinkled with cinnamon and reddish brown specks4 ,both sexes take a share in the incubation of the eggs1 which are hatched after the lapse of twenty or twenty-one days4 ,the young remain in the nest about twenty-four hours after their escape from the egg1 at the end of which time they are introduced by their mother to their new element1 the water1 to which they are heartily welcomed by their male parent4 ,the family now begins to be a very interesting spectacle2 the young brood swims about1 closely following the movements of the old birds1 all of them eagerly watching for worms or insects that their affectionate caterers pick up for them2 and as soon as they see one caught1 all simultaneously rush forward to obtain the coveted morsel4 ,after a few days1 however1 they learn how to obtain their own food1 although they are still carefully watched and protected from danger4 ,at the slightest warning they vanish2 indeed1 it is wonderful to see the celerity of their movements4 ,in about a fortnight they are able to shift for themselves1 and their elders begin to make preparations for rearing a second brood1 which1 after the lapse of a few weeks1 make their appearance upon the water1 and the scene we have just described is enacted over again1 but with additional circumstances that make it still more interesting4 ,by the time the second family show themselves1 those of the first brood are half grown up1 and might be supposed to trouble themselves very little about the additional members of their family2 such1 however1 is by no means the case2 small and great1 old and young1 seem to meet each other in the most affectionate manner4 ,the half-grown birds at once begin to share with their parents the labour of providing for their new brothers and sisters1 to whom they bring food in their beaks1 and watch over them with the greatest assiduity1 just as their parents had done to them a few weeks previously4 ,as the number of the second brood is usually smaller than that of the first1 and the parent birds are not a bit less assiduous in helping their younger than they were in providing for their elder children1 the latter grow rapidly2 they generally swim in the middle of the little flock1 and are fed and cared for by all4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,coots 7,fulica7 are distinguished from the above birds by the structure of their feet1 the ,water-hens having the toes bordered by simple folds of the integument1 whilst in the ,coots these membranous folds are scalloped1 and more elaborately constructed4 ,in conformity with such enlargement of their feet1 which make excellent oars1 the members of this group spend more of their time in water than on land4 ,during the course of the day1 however1 they frequently come on shore in order to repose and preen their feathers4 ,upon level ground they run with considerable facility1 and in their powers of diving might compete with many of the really web-footed birds4 ,if alarmed1 they at once plunge to a very considerable depth1 and when under water1 row themselves along by means of their feet and wings for a considerable distance before again rising to the surface4 ,it is probable that during these immersions they obtain the greater part of the larv1 worms1 mollusca1 and vegetable matter on which they principally subsist4 ,although the flight of the ,coots is somewhat superior to that of the ,common ,gallinules1 they but seldom take wing1 and when about to do so are compelled to run before rising into the air1 in order to obtain sufficient impetus4 ,should they endeavour to take flight from the water1 they are obliged to flutter along for some distance1 striking the surface with the soles of their feet1 and splashing along in such a noisy manner that they may be heard at a considerable distance4 ,no sooner have a pair of ,coots selected a pond for their residence than they immediately set about the important work of building their nest4 ,on large sheets of water1 on which several couples may have taken up their abode1 this business is by no means an easy task1 as many battles must be fought before the question of appropriated territory is satisfactorily settled2 indeed1 in localities where many of these birds have congregated1 their shrieking1 splashing1 and flying about seems interminable2 no sooner does one pair encroach upon the domain of another1 than the invaded male at once hastens to the combat1 and furious encounters take place1 until the enemy is fairly driven away4 ,sometimes these engagements afford a very interesting spectacle4 ,the battle-field is generally some quiet creek1 in which the birds swim around each other1 using the arms with which ,nature has provided them with all their might1 hacking with their bills1 striking with their wings1 and kicking with their feet1 until one or other is compelled to yield4 ,these affairs settled1 the labour of building is at once commenced4 ,the nests are placed near the water1 either amidst or upon aquatic plants that there abound2 sometimes they are raised upon a bed of reeds or similar matter1 or float upon the surface of the pool4 ,the foundation of the nest is generally laid with dry reeds and stubble1 while the upper part is formed of finer material and more carefully arranged1 the interior is snugly lined with soft hay1 rushes1 and leaves4 ,the eggs1 from seven to fifteen in number1 are smooth-shelled1 but lustreless4 ,the female does not begin to sit until the last egg is laid2 the young make their appearance in about twenty-one days2 when first hatched they are beautiful little creatures1 clad in dark-coloured down1 with flaming red heads4 ,they at once betake themselves to the water1 where they are carefully fed1 tended1 and valorously defended by both the parent birds4 ,at first they seem to prefer to keep themselves hidden among the reeds1 but at night they retire to the nest4 ,as they get stronger they become more independent1 and even before they are fully fledged are well able to provide for themselves4 ,although the flesh of the ,coots is scarcely eatable1 they are nevertheless frequently killed for the sake of the sport4 ,in ,italy great numbers are caught by means of nets1 and they are commonly sold in the markets at a very low price4 ,,the ,,common ,,coot4 ,the ,,common ,,coot 7,fulica atra7 very closely resembles the ,water-hens1 except in the peculiar construction of its feet4 ,its body is powerfully framed and slightly compressed at the sides2 the neck is of moderate length1 and the head rather large2 the beak is conical1 compressed at the sides1 and has its sharp cutting margins slightly denticulated4 ,the callosity upon the forehead is large2 the foot moderately high1 strong1 compressed at the sides1 and furnished with long toes1 each of which is fringed laterally with a broad expansion of the skin divided into lobes4 ,the wings are of moderate length1 with their second and third quills longer than the rest2 the tail consists of fourteen or sixteen quills1 and is very short1 being almost entirely hidden by its covers4 ,the plumage1 which is of extraordinary thickness1 is almost entirely of a uniform slaty-black2 the head and neck1 however1 are darker1 and the breast and belly lighter than the rest of the body4 ,the eyes are light red1 the beak and callosity on the brow pure white1 and the feet lead-grey1 merging towards the heel into a reddish green4 ,in young birds the plumage on the under side of the body is light grey mixed with black1 and the mantle tinged with an olive shade4 ,this species is eighteen inches long1 and thirty broad2 the wing measures nine1 and the tail three inches4 ,the ,common ,coot is a native of ,europe1 and is met with in all parts of that continent2 it has also been seen during the winter in ,central ,asia1 and the interior of ,africa4 ,in ,germany it is found on every piece of water adapted for its residence1 and is abundant in ,england on all fresh-water lakes4 ,in the choice of a locality it seems to avoid streams and rivers1 as also salt water1 but readily takes up its abode near still deep water1 the margins of which are fringed with sedges and tall reeds4 ,for their winter quarters1 these birds resort to the extensive marshes of ,southern ,europe1 and to the northern and central parts of ,africa1 returning to their usual haunts as soon as the snow begins to melt1 and there remaining till the autumn2 unlike allied species1 they assemble in large flocks previous to commencing their migrations4 ,the food of the ,common ,coot consists of shelled molluscs1 worms1 larv1 and a variety of vegetable substances2 in southern climates we are told they sometimes visit the corn-fields in order to devour the grain4 ,we are not inclined to question this statement1 as we have not only seen them eat corn with avidity when in a state of captivity1 but appear to prefer that diet even when fishes were offered them4 ,the nests of this species are large1 and1 though clumsily formed1 are strong and compact4 ,so remarkable1 indeed1 is the strength of these apparently careless structures1 that ,mr4 ,hewitson tells us1 upon one occasion when standing up to his knees in water1 a nest made of flags and broken reeds afforded him a firm seat4 ,the eggs are of a pale yellowish brown1 delicately spotted with dark ashy green1 and marked with brown4 ,the ,coot when properly prepared before roasting is tolerable eating1 otherwise1 it becomes imbued with a fishy flavour owing to an oil which exudes from the skin when cooking4 ,during the winter great numbers are killed upon the coast while roosting on the sandbanks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,finfoots 7,podo71 a group of birds inhabiting ,south ,america and ,senegal1 present many difficulties in their classification1 although1 judging from their structure generally1 and more especially from the formation of their skeleton1 they show the closest relationship with the ,coots4 ,their toes are not exactly webbed1 but furnished with broad lateral membranes admirably adapted for swimming2 their bodies are small and slender1 but strongly built2 their long neck curves gracefully2 their wings are weak and their tail strong and broad4 ,the beak1 which is about the same length as the head1 is thin and feeble1 slightly arched along the line of the culmen1 but without any callous prolongation on the brow4 ,the legs are very stout and feathered to the tarsus2 the front toes exceed the tarsus in length1 and are furnished1 as we have said1 with lateral folds which perform the office of a web2 the hind toe is small and without any appendage2 in the wing the second and third quills are longer than the rest2 the tail is composed of eighteen feathers1 which are slightly rounded at their extremities4 ,,the ,,surinam ,,finfoot1 ,,or ,,picapare4 ,the ,,surinam ,,finfoot1 or ,,picapare 7,heliornis ,surinamensis71 has the head and upper neck black2 the back1 wings1 and tail are brown2 a stripe over the eye1 the throat and front of neck are white2 the breast and belly yellowish white4 ,the eye is brown1 beak pale greyish yellow with brown base and black point2 in old birds the bill has a red shade4 ,the feet are yellowish red1 the inner and hinder parts of the tarsus black1 and the toes marked with a black band over every joint4 ,the length of this bird is twelve inches1 breadth sixteen inches1 length of wing five and a half inches1 and tail three and one-sixth inches4 ,according to observations made by the ,prince von ,wied1 the ,picapare is to be met with in ,brazil and ,paraguay1 its habitat extending to #be south latitude1 so that it may be said to occur throughout a considerable part of ,south ,america4 ,it is by no means scarce upon the rivers of ,east ,brazil1 but is often overlooked1 as it hides itself amongst the luxuriant vegetation that covers the shore2 wherever darkness and silence favour its presence1 it is always to be found4 ,very frequently it may be seen sitting on a thin branch1 partially immersed in the water1 and occupied in bowing its head in a most peculiar manner4 ,its food consists of aquatic insects and seeds1 in search of which it occasionally plunges its head under water4 ,its voice1 which is emitted from the throat1 somewhat resembles the barking of a little dog4 ,we learn from the same authority that the young of these birds are only two in number1 and are reared during the hot season4 ,at first they are nearly naked1 and hide themselves under the wings of their parents1 holding themselves on by means of their beaks2 when they have grown a little stronger1 they may be seen sitting upon their mother's back1 and even accompanying her in her dives under water4 ,if alarmed when with its young1 the ,picapare at once takes wing1 and betakes itself to the shelter of the thick bushes that cover the shore2 if still further pressed it hides among rushes and reeds until the danger is passed4 ,it seems only to dive when seriously alarmed1 as for example1 when shot at2 on such occasions it will remain under water for a considerable space of time2 its powers of diving1 however1 are far inferior to those of many water birds4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,stilt ,,bird 7,charadrius himantopus74 ,,the ,,swimmers 7,natatores74 ,,but little difference of opinion exists among naturalists as to the limits of our last order2 indeed1 a swimming bird is at once recognisable by characters so sharply defined that there is scarcely room for doubt or hesitation4 ,the grand character whereby they are all distinguishable is to be found in the structure of their feet1 the toes of which are more or less completely united to each other by a broad web by which they are converted into paddles1 admirably adapted to propel them through their appropriate element4 ,hence they swim with facility1 and frequent rivers1 lakes1 and seas4 ,generally speaking1 the ,natatores move awkwardly on land1 as1 in order to render the strokes of their paddle-like feet more effective1 their legs are placed more or less behind the centre of gravity1 so that when on the ground they have1 in a great measure1 to retain their balance by muscular exertion1 as may be seen in the ,goose or ,swan as they waddle clumsily over the grass4 ,in some cases these birds are compelled to assume an upright attitude1 as do the ,auks and ,penguins4 ,in the structure of the feet important differences are observable1 generally only the three front toes are connected together by the web1 but occasionally the hind toe is likewise included in the expansion of the skin1 or is provided with lateral appendages that materially enlarge its surface4 ,the form of the body in the swimming birds is boat-like2 in those that dive1 the ribs are strong and carried back1 so as to almost entirely surround the enclosed viscera1 and thus defend them from undue pressure4 ,their plumage is dense1 close1 and waterproof1 consisting of a thick under garment of down overlaid with broad flat feathers1 which throw off the water as if their surface were oiled4 ,in many groups the neck is very long and the tail very short1 while in others the tail composed of rigid quills is employed as a rudder when the birds are diving4 ,some are utterly incapable of flight1 and use their wings in the water as though they were fins4 ,the members of this order live almost exclusively upon animal food1 only a few preferring a vegetable diet4 ,all1 without exception1 are sociable in their habits2 most of them exceedingly prolific1 some species1 however1 lay but one egg4 ,frequently they crowd their favourite breeding-places in great numbers1 and are devotedly attached to their offspring2 some will even incubate eggs1 and rear young that are not their own4 ,,the ,,sieve ,,beaks4 ,the ,,sieve ,,beaks 7,lamellirostres71 according to our usual plan1 are placed at the head of the ,natatorial order1 as in these ,,tooth-,,billed and ,,soft-,,billed ,,swimmers1 as they have been called by various writers1 the peculiar attributes of ,swimming ,birds are most equally developed1 and their locomotive capabilities most varied4 ,whoever examines a ,duck with attention1 will appreciate the leading features whereby the ,lamellirostres are distinguished4 ,their bill is generally depressed1 broad1 and always laminated at the sides2 the lamination being more prominent in some species than in others1 but always so arranged as to form a sieve-like apparatus1 by means of which these birds obtain their food1 in a manner peculiar to themselves4 ,this remarkably constructed beak1 which is seldom longer than the head1 is usually straight1 broad1 and flatly arched above1 terminating in front in a broad nail-like appendage1 while at the sides it presents a series of horny lamin1 which interlock with similar developments from the under jaw4 ,with the exception of the margins1 which are tolerably hard1 the entire beak is covered with a soft skin1 and is largely supplied with branches of the fifth pair of nerves1 so as evidently to be endowed with great sensibility1 as is likewise the tongue1 which is large and fleshy except at its sides1 which are fringed and toothed with horny ridges4 ,when we observe the use that the ,duck makes of this organ1 we perceive that1 unlike other birds1 it discriminates its food1 not by sight or smell1 but by the sense of touch resident in its tongue4 ,it plunges its beak into the mud1 and brings up whatever it may happen to meet with1 and from this mouthful of stuff it selects1 by the aid of that member alone1 whatever is good for food2 while what is useless escapes through the straining apparatus at the sides of the bill4 ,in comparison with this remarkable structure of the beak1 the other characters whereby these birds are distinguishable become of secondary importance1 nevertheless they also are somewhat striking4 ,the slightly elongated body is strongly built1 the neck either of moderate length1 or very long and slender1 the high and narrow head of medium size4 ,the tarsus is small or moderate 7or1 exceptionally1 very high71 four-toed1 and webbed in front4 ,the moderate-sized wings are somewhat pointed2 they consist occasionally of but twelve feathers1 and are either truncate or rounded1 sometimes wedge-shaped or pointed at the extremity4 ,the plumage is always close1 smooth1 and well packed with down4 ,the distribution of the various races of these birds is more limited than that of many ,natatorial families1 and some of them at certain seasons migrate regularly from colder to warmer climates1 and vice vers4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,flamingo 7,phnicopterus roseus74 ,the ,,flamingoes 7,phnicopteri71 notwithstanding their extraordinary length of leg and neck1 which have induced some authors to class them with the ,wading ,birds1 are1 both in their general structure and mode of life1 most undoubtedly to be regarded as members of the present order1 and are1 as their internal anatomy teaches1 very nearly related to the ,swans4 ,their body is slenderly built1 neck very long1 head large1 and the wings1 in which the second quill is the longest1 of moderate length2 the tail1 which consists of twelve feathers1 is remarkably short4 ,the peculiarly constructed beak is somewhat longer than the head1 higher than broad1 but thick and bent down towards the middle1 at an obtuse angle4 ,the upper mandible1 which is much smaller and feebler than the lower1 is remarkably flat2 both mandibles are provided at their circumference with the lamellated sieve-like structure characteristic of the ,lamellirostres4 ,the whole apparatus very much resembles a box1 of which the lower jaw forms the body1 while the upper mandible constitutes the lid4 ,this extraordinary bill is covered with soft skin1 but is hard at its apex1 and towards its base presents a soft cere4 ,the legs1 which are most disproportionately long and slender1 are denuded of feathers for a considerable distance above the heel2 the three front toes are of moderate length1 and connected by a broad1 slightly-excavated web4 ,the hind toe1 which is considerably elevated1 is short and feeble4 ,the thick1 compact1 soft plumage is beautifully coloured1 and is exactly comparable to that of other ,swimming ,birds4 ,the internal structure of the ,flamingo has been carefully studied by ,wagner1 and found to correspond in every particular with that of the ,ducks 7,anatid74 ,naturalists are at present acquainted with about half a dozen species belonging to this group1 and although the history of some of them is far from complete1 enough is known to induce us to believe that in their mode of life they differ in no respect from the species with which we are best acquainted4 ,these remarkable birds are widely distributed over the warmer portions of the globe1 and are met with principally in ,asia1 ,africa1 and ,south ,europe4 ,according to the accounts of both ancient and modern writers1 they make their appearance every year in great numbers in the vicinity of the lakes of ,sardinia and ,sicily1 as also in ,albufera de ,valencia1 and other parts of ,spain4 ,along the coasts of ,egypt1 ,tripoli1 ,tunis1 ,algiers1 and ,morocco1 they are abundant1 as also in ,smyrna1 and near the banks of the ,volga1 but are very rarely met with in ,greece4 ,occasionally a few stragglers have been seen as far north as the banks of the ,rhine2 generally speaking1 however1 the south coast of ,europe must be regarded as their northern limit1 and ,north ,africa and ,central ,asia as their usual habitat4 ,those species that inhabit the ,western ,hemisphere are likewise confined within corresponding limits4 ,lakes of salt or brackish water in the vicinity of sea-coasts are the favourite resorts of the ,flamingoes4 ,to lakes of fresh water they are only casual visitants1 and never resort to them for any length of time4 ,on the other hand1 they are always very abundant on the sea-coast1 more especially where the shores are flat and swampy4 ,all are birds of passage1 and the migrations of some occur with such regularity that the period of their return may be predicted with tolerable accuracy4 ,according to ,cetti1 ,flamingoes appear in ,sardinia about the middle of ,august1 and depart thence in ,march or the beginning of ,april4 ,in ,south ,italy they are stationary1 remaining in the same locality all the year round4 ,only those who have had the good fortune to see these birds assembled in flocks1 consisting of many thousands1 can form an adequate idea of the beauty of their appearance4 ,looking from ,cagliari to the sea1 says ,cetti1 it seemed to be banked in with a wall of red bricks1 or to be covered with countless numbers of roses4 ,on nearer approach these proved to be ,flamingoes ranged in regular ranks4 ,aurora herself was never adorned with more roseate tints than the wings of these birds1 they seemed literally to glow with pink and carmine4 ,the name of the ,flamingo1 both in ,greek and ,latin1 was derived from the magnificent hues of their glorious wings1 and the ,french in the epithet flammant only repeat the same idea4 ,the first impression produced by such a spectacle is not easily to be forgotten2 the birds stood in ranks1 not merely of thousands1 but literally of hundreds of thousands1 ranged in interminable array4 ,as the sunlight played upon the dazzling white and glowing red1 the effect was indescribable2 at length1 taking alarm at something1 the whole body of them rose into the air1 displaying their wings to still greater advantage1 as they formed themselves into an immense wedge-shaped phalanx1 and winged their way far up into the blue sky4 ,when standing quietly upon the shore1 the appearance of these birds very much resembles that of an army drawn up in order of battle2 the ,cingalese call them ,english soldier birds1 the ,south ,americans simply soldiers1 and indeed not without cause1 for1 as ,humboldt informs us1 the inhabitants of ,angostura1 soon after the establishment of that colony1 were one day thrown into a state of great alarm by the sudden appearance of what they took to be a numerous army1 and it was only when the supposed enemy took flight to the shores of the ,orinoco1 that they discovered their mistake4 ,a solitary ,flamingo is very rarely seen1 never perhaps before the commencement of the pairing season1 and even then it must be some young bird that has strayed by accident from its fellows4 ,usually they keep together in flocks1 and carefully avoid any locality where danger might be apprehended4 ,open waters are usually selected as their fishing-place1 and should a boat approach they at once take flight whilst it is still far off1 so that it is by no means easy to observe their proceedings1 except with the aid of a telescope4 ,in general they may be seen with their legs immersed in the water1 or more rarely on the dry shore or on sandbanks with their necks curved in a very peculiar manner 7see page #aaf7 in front of the breast1 the head being laid as it were upon the back1 or buried beneath the shoulder-feathers of the wing2 generally the whole weight of the body is supported by one leg1 the other being held obliquely backwards or drawn up close to the body2 in this strange position the ,flamingo sleeps4 ,the manner in which these birds obtain their food is equally remarkable4 ,like all other sieve-beaked birds1 the materials upon which they subsist are procured by raking in the mud4 ,the ,flamingo when in search of food1 wades into the water to a convenient depth1 and then bends down its long neck until its head is upon the same level as its feet2 it then plunges its beak1 with the upper mandible downwards1 into the mud4 ,in this position the bird rakes about at the bottom of the water1 moving backwards and forwards with short steps1 and opening and shutting its bill whilst its tongue is busily at work4 ,in this manner1 by the delicate sense of touch resident in that member1 the ,flamingo examines the contents of its mouth1 retaining what is useful as food1 and straining out through the sieve-like apparatus the mud or non-nutritive materials with which it is accompanied4 ,meanwhile1 by the movements of its webbed feet1 it is continually stirring up the bottom1 and thus putting in motion all the little aquatic animals of which it is in search4 ,the gait of the ,flamingo very much resembles that of the ,long-legged ,waders1 but is not exactly similar1 although the difference is not easily described4 ,its steps are longer1 more regular1 and more vacillating1 as might be expected from the extraordinary length of its legs1 but at the same time its movements are easy1 and differ widely from the accounts given of them by some writers1 who tell us that when walking it is compelled to help itself along by its beak4 ,its beak1 however1 is occasionally employed to assist it in its movements1 as for example1 when having bent its legs under its body it lies down upon the ground to rest1 and is suddenly obliged to rise from this position1 the bill is employed to assist in getting up1 but this once accomplished it runs away with tolerable speed in the manner above described4 ,when taking flight from the sea or lake in which it has been feeding1 it not unfrequently goes to a considerable distance1 half running and half flying over the surface of the water1 much after the manner of a ,duck or ,water-hen4 ,in deep water it also swims apparently without the slightest effort1 and although its progress may be somewhat slower than that of the ,short-legged ,swimmers1 it is evidently more enduring4 ,its flight1 when once it has raised itself out of the water in the manner above described1 is light and tolerably rapid1 the quick strokes of its wings producing a noise not unlike that which accompanies the flight of ,ducks and ,wild ,geese1 indeed1 the sound made by the rising of a whole flock has been compared to distant thunder4 ,when fairly on the wing a flying ,flamingo could not be mistaken for any other bird1 even by the most unpractised novice4 ,unlike the generality of long-necked birds1 it stretches not only its long legs1 but its neck straight out1 thus presenting an appearance of extraordinary length and slenderness2 so that1 with its narrow wings exactly in the centre1 it assumes pretty much the shape of a cross4 ,when flying together in considerable numbers1 the flock1 as we have already said1 arrange themselves in regular phalanx1 either in one long line1 or in a wedge-shape like that of the letter ,v4 ,when descending from a great height1 their flight assumes a spiral direction1 but just before alighting they sweep forward for a little distance over the water until they find a suitable spot whereon to settle4 ,the loud harsh voice of these birds somewhat resembles that of a ,goose4 ,the food of the ,flamingo consists principally of water-snails1 worms1 crustaceans and small fishes1 but it by no means despises vegetable substances1 and in a state of captivity will eat boiled rice1 corn1 or soaked bread4 ,our information concerning the breeding of these birds is not very satisfactory4 ,labat many years ago gave a very strange description of their mode of incubation1 which was subsequently contradicted by ,dampier2 and later writers have contented themselves with copying these accounts without ascertaining their accuracy4 ,dampier informs us that the ,flamingoes build their nests where plenty of dirt is procurable4 ,this dirt they rake together by means of their feet1 so as to form a hillock1 which stands like a little island1 a foot and a half above the water1 each hillock being of a conical shape1 and having a depression at the top1 on which the nest is placed4 ,labat states that the hillocks are solid1 as high as the surface of the water1 but that above this point they are hollowed like a basin1 and that when the birds lay or incubate their eggs1 they place themselves upright1 not upon the hillock1 but close to it1 with their feet upon the ground1 in such a manner1 that leaning against the hillock they cover the nest with their tail4 ,naumann in the strongest terms refuses to believe either of the above accounts1 and from our own observations on the living birds we ourselves quite acquiesce in the doubts he expresses4 ,it is true we have never seen a ,flamingo actually engaged in incubating2 but at ,mensala1 in ,egypt1 where we obtained a full-grown egg from the oviduct of a dead female1 we procured the following information concerning the mode of incubation4 ,the ,flamingo makes her nest in shallow places in the water1 or1 as the ,arabs assert1 upon flat insular spots1 overgrown with low vegetation4 ,in the first case the nest is a conical heap of mud scraped together by the feet of the bird1 and raised so high that its top is a foot and a half above the water4 ,in the second case it consists of a mere hollow trough1 scooped out in the soil and lined with sedge1 rushes1 grass1 and similar materials4 ,the number of eggs laid is generally two1 occasionally three4 ,their shape is elongated1 and their shell smooth and of chalky whiteness4 ,the bird when brooding most undoubtedly sits upon her eggs in the usual manner1 bending her legs beneath her1 and lying flat upon the nest4 ,the duration of incubation is stated to be from thirty to thirty-two days4 ,the young when hatched immediately betake themselves to the water1 and swim from the day of their birth4 ,they soon learn to run1 but are not capable of flight till a lapse of several weeks4 ,the chase after ,flamingoes requires considerable caution4 ,in the daytime they are so timid that it is almost impossible to get within gunshot of one of their numerous assemblages1 seeing that while feeding they invariably station some of the older members of the flock to warn them of the approach of danger4 ,the ,arabs informed us1 however1 that they may be procured in considerable numbers by a very simple contrivance4 ,the plan adopted in ,egypt is to suspend ordinary fishing-nets between two boats1 and in this manner to sail directly towards the sleeping-place of the birds2 thus suddenly awakened1 the ,flamingoes fly against the nets1 in which they are easily captured1 and in this manner fifty or sixty are sometimes taken at once4 ,the fishermen on the ,lake of ,mensala adopt a still stranger plan3 after having1 by carefully watching a flock1 discovered where the sentinels are placed 7the latter always remain bolt upright1 whilst the rest of the flock sleep with their heads under their wings71 a naked fisherman1 having his head covered with a bundle of grass or reeds1 swims or creeps towards the unsuspecting birds1 and suddenly seizing the sentry1 plunges his head under water1 and breaks his neck before an alarm can be given4 ,the sleepers then become easy victims4 ,this latter account we should certainly not have credited without corroborative evidence4 ,in ,north ,egypt1 however1 dozens of these beautiful birds may be seen exposed for sale in the markets1 where they are eagerly bought for the table2 their flesh is excellent1 and quite devoid of the oily flavour which we fully expected would have rendered it unpalatable4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,swans 7,cygni71 from their proud looks and majestic demeanour1 must ever hold a conspicuous position in the order to which they belong4 ,their imposing size and elegant appearance at once rivet attention1 and closer examination shows that amongst ,lamellirostral birds they form a sharply-defined group1 easily distinguishable from the ,ducks and the ,geese1 with which they have been sometimes associated4 ,their body is elongated1 their neck very long1 and their head moderate4 ,their beak is straight1 of equal breadth throughout1 rounded in front1 and at its base naked and protuberant4 ,the upper mandible is flatly vaulted above1 and terminates anteriorly in a roundish nail4 ,the length of the beak is pretty nearly the same as that of the head2 the legs are short1 and placed very far back2 the middle toe is longer than the tarsus1 and the hinder toe1 which is small and feeble1 is so much elevated that in walking it does not reach the ground2 while the web connecting the three front toes is remarkably broad and complete4 ,in the construction of the wing1 the relative proportions between the bony framework and the quills is deserving of notice1 the former being very long1 the latter somewhat short1 while the primary quills1 of which the second is the longest1 are scarcely longer than the secondaries and the tertiaries4 ,the tail consists of eighteen or twenty graduated feathers4 ,on the under surface the plumage is thick and fur-like2 on the upper side1 on the contrary1 the feathers are broad2 but everywhere1 both above and below1 the body is richly covered with down4 ,with the exception of the equatorial regions of our globe1 ,swans are to be met with in every climate1 but they principally abound in temperate and cold latitudes4 ,in ,asia and ,europe three species are met with1 which occasionally extend their winter visits as far as ,north ,africa4 ,two of these species are likewise met with in ,america1 together with several others that are peculiar to that continent2 while at least one other very conspicuous species is an inhabitant of ,australia4 ,the extent over which these several kinds are spread is very considerable1 and their migrations extend over a great distance4 ,all the species are migratory1 but by no means all the individuals belonging to each1 seeing that there are many of them whose residence is within the limits of the temperate zone1 that remain all the year round in the same locality1 or at all events1 content themselves with wandering to some place not very far remote from their usual residence4 ,the following interesting account of the migrations of these birds is given by ,franklin3 ,about the first of ,september the ,swans leave the ,polar ,sea1 and resort to the lakes and rivers in and about the latitude of ,hudson's ,bay2 there they remain till ,october1 preparing for their departure for the winter1 when they collect in flocks of from twenty to thirty1 and seizing a favourable opportunity1 with the wind not opposed to the direction of their flight1 they mount high in the air1 form a prolonged wedge1 and with loud screams depart for more genial climes4 ,while making either their semi-annual transmigration1 or on shorter expeditions1 an occasional scream1 equal to1 ',how do you all come on behind8' issues from the leader1 which is always replied to by some posterior ,swan with an ',all's well6' vociferation4 ,when the leader of the party becomes fatigued with his extra duty of cutting the air1 he falls into the rear1 and his neighbour takes his place4 ,when mounted1 as they sometimes are1 several thousand feet above the earth1 with their delicate outline scarcely perceptible against the clear blue of heaven1 this harsh sound1 softened and modulated by distance1 and issuing from the immense void above1 assumes a supernatural kind of tone4 ,the permanent habitat of the ,swans is always upon large lakes of fresh water1 or in marshy situations where fresh water is abundant4 ,during their migrations1 however1 they take up a temporary residence on water of any kind4 ,their nests are generally placed on rivers or fresh-water lakes1 but probably this is only on account of the shallowness of such situations1 as after the breeding season some betake themselves to the sea1 or wherever food is most abundantly procurable4 ,the ,swans are only active in the day1 and even their migrations are never carried on by night4 ,in their locomotive capabilities they surpass most other ,swimming ,birds4 ,their domain is the water1 and it is only unwillingly that they ever venture on dry land2 nor do they readily take wing1 unless compelled to do so by unavoidable necessity4 ,the very backward position of their legs renders walking on land difficult1 so that when on dry ground their gait is heavy and vacillating4 ,their flight apparently requires considerable effort1 more especially when they attempt to rise from the surface of the water2 when1 however1 they have gained a certain altitude1 it is extremely rapid4 ,it would appear almost impossible for these birds to rise from the ground1 and they never venture to alight on dry land4 ,when beginning their flight from the water1 they always stretch out their necks horizontally to their full length1 striking the surface with their wings1 and splashing with their broad-soled feet2 and thus1 half flying and half walking1 they proceed for a distance of from forty to eighty feet1 before they can acquire impetus to enable them to mount into the air4 ,when1 however1 this is once accomplished1 their movements are perfectly easy and free4 ,when alighting from their flight they glide obliquely downwards to the water1 and when they have nearly reached it1 spread out their webbed feet to stay their headlong career1 and moderate the shock of their descent4 ,as relates to their vocal powers1 different species of ,swans vary considerably2 some appear to be mute1 but generally speaking their cry may be said to have somewhat the sound of a trumpet1 and much resembles the voice of the ,cranes4 ,some commonly1 however1 only utter a loud hissing or a low muttering noise2 in other species1 on the contrary1 the voice is loud and powerful1 and somewhat varied1 so that when heard from a distance its effect is by no means disagreeable4 ,the cry of the male is always louder and of a deeper tone than that of the female4 ,the young pipe1 like young ,geese4 ,the manners of ,swans are gentle1 and rather shy1 nevertheless they exhibit a certain degree of vanity and consciousness of power1 often manifested in their domineering behaviour towards other ,water-fowl4 ,only those of the same species associate in large numbers1 and they seem particularly jealous of intruders4 ,the matrimonial engagements of these birds are kept with exemplary fidelity1 and last throughout their lives4 ,no sooner have they paired1 than the happy couple begin to show the tenderest affection towards each other1 manifested by innumerable graceful caresses2 they swim together with indefatigable constancy1 and should danger approach defend each other with the utmost courage and self-devotion4 ,their care for their young progeny is equally remarkable4 ,although the male does not himself actually take a share in the duties of incubation1 all his energies seem to be devoted to the protection of his mate during her patient retirement1 and he may at such times always be seen1 either swimming proudly and defiantly around her1 or reposing in the immediate vicinity of the nest1 as though to cheer her confinement by his presence4 ,although the labour of nidification seems to devolve principally upon the female1 she is eagerly assisted by her mate1 whose employment seems chiefly to be the procuration of materials1 which he supplies abundantly1 dragging them with his beak1 sometimes from a considerable distance1 or pushing them before him in heaps towards the selected locality4 ,the nest1 when completed1 is a very large but inartistically constructed pile1 composed of all sorts of water plants1 confusedly heaped together1 but surmounted with a finer covering of sedge grass and other softer materials4 ,the place chosen for the situation of the nest is generally some small island1 and its size such that it would float even with the weight of its occupants upon it4 ,in this capacious cradle the female ,swan lays from six to eight thick-shelled eggs1 of a dirty white1 or dirty pale green colour1 from which1 after the lapse of five or six weeks1 the young brood make their escape4 ,when first hatched the ,cygnets are pretty little creatures1 warmly clad in a thick covering of down2 after having remained in the nest for a day or so1 they venture out and trust themselves upon the water4 ,sometimes the mother carries them upon her back1 sometimes takes them beneath the shelter of her wings1 and always watches over them with the greatest tenderness and anxiety1 until they are able to take care of themselves4 ,no sooner1 however1 are they completely fledged1 than they finally separate themselves from their parents1 never to see them again2 for should they next year make their appearance in the same locality1 they would at once be driven away1 and treated as any other intruders4 ,the food of the ,swans is very diversified1 consisting of such vegetables of various kinds as grow in ponds and marshes1 roots1 leaves1 and seeds1 beetles and their larv1 worms1 snails1 tadpoles1 and fishes2 anything1 in short1 that affords nourishment4 ,they are not so strictly vegetable feeders as the ,geese1 neither are they so carnivorous as the ,ducks1 but in this respect they seem to occupy a middle position between the two4 ,their food is principally obtained at the bottom of the pond1 which1 owing to the length of their necks1 they are able to reach1 even in water of considerable depth2 and here they gather aquatic plants1 or1 straining the mud through their sieve-like jaws1 extract such nutriment as it affords4 ,as the ,wild ,swans1 owing to their great size and strength1 are well able to defend themselves against ordinary assailants1 they have few enemies to fear1 with the exception of the larger ,eagles and of the arch-destroyer1 man himself1 who wages constant war against them1 partly on account of their flesh1 which affords excellent food1 and partly for their feathers and down1 the latter of which in particular is extremely valuable4 ,the chase after these birds1 however1 requires considerable skill and perseverance1 owing to their extreme watchfulness and the rapidity of their flight4 ,in the north they are generally pursued in a boat whilst they are swimming in the water2 the sportsman taking advantage of a high wind1 and then steering with all sail directly towards them1 in this manner he is sometimes able to approach them so closely as to get them within range of his gun1 more especially as they always prefer to fly right against the wind4 ,in ,algeria1 as ,buvry informs us1 they are taken in the same manner as the ,flamingoes1 by wading towards them under cover of floating herbage1 or they are often captured on the shores of sheltered bays by means of hooks1 and lines of camel's hair1 baited with bread1 flesh1 or fish4 ,when the bird has swallowed the bait1 says ,buvry1 it must perforce remain quiet until the hunter comes to rescue it from its unpleasant position4 ,,the ,,mute ,,swan4 ,the ,,mute ,,swan 7,cygnus olor71 the species so frequently seen in this country living upon our ornamental water in a state of semi-domestication1 and sometimes described by writers as the ,tame ,swan 7,cygnus mansuetus7 is1 in its wild state1 an inhabitant of ,northern ,europe and ,northern ,asia1 more especially of ,eastern ,siberia1 and is easily recognisable by the callous protuberance at the base of its bill4 ,its body is elongate1 its neck extremely long and slender1 and its bill1 which is nearly of the same length as the head1 of a red colour1 surmounted at its base with the black knob-like protuberance above alluded to4 ,the plumage of the adult is white1 that of the young grey1 or occasionally white4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak red1 while the bridles and protuberance at the base of the beak are black2 the feet brownish or pure black4 ,this bird is seventy inches long1 and one hundred inches broad2 the length of the wing is twenty-seven inches1 and of the tail ten to eleven inches2 the female is not quite so large4 ,brehm is of opinion that the ,polish ,swan 7,cygnus immutabilis7 of ,yarrell1 is merely a variety of the above species1 but the following extract from a paper1 read by ,yarrell before the ,zoological ,society1 will give our readers that naturalist's reasons for maintaining that these birds are not identical1 although in their appearance1 habits1 and mode of life1 they closely resemble each other4 ,the ,london dealers in birds1 he says1 have long been in the habit of receiving from the ,baltic a large ,swan which they distinguish by the name of the ,polish ,swan4 ,during the severe weather of ,january1 #ahch1 several flocks of these ,polish ,swans were seen pursuing a southern course along the line of our north-east coast1 from ,scotland to the mouth of the ,thames1 and several specimens were obtained4 ,the circumstance of these flocks being seen without any observable difference in the specimens obtained1 all of which were distinct from our ,mute ,swan2 the fact also that the ,cygnets1 as far as we observed1 were of a pure white colour like the parent birds1 and did not assume at any age the grey colour borne for the greater part of the first two years by the young of the other species of ,swans2 and an anatomical distinction in the form of the cranium1 which was described by ,mr4 ,pelerin in the ,magazine of ,natural ,history1 induce me to consider this ,swan as a distinct species1 and in reference to the unchangeable colour of the plumage1 ,i proposed for it the name of ,cygnus immutabilis4 ,as additional peculiarities of this species1 ,yarrell notes that the parent birds were remarkable in having the legs1 toes1 and their intervening membranes1 of a pale ash-grey colour4 ,the black tubercle at the base of the beak was of small size1 and there was a slight difference in the nostrils1 the elongated openings of which did not reach the black colour at the base of the beak4 ,the ,mute ,swan1 as it has erroneously been called from the fact of its possessing a soft voice very unlike the harsh tones of its wild brethren1 utters a somewhat monotonous and plaintive call during the spring1 or occasionally later in the season when moving about with its young4 ,col4 ,hawker1 in his ,sporting ,notes1 describes this ,swan's melody as consisting of two notes1 ,c and the minor third ,e flat1 adding that the musician he heard kept working with his head1 as though delighted with the sounds he was producing4 ,in ,england1 where these birds live in a state of semi-domestication1 they are met with at all seasons4 ,during the period of incubation they live in pairs1 and jealously drive away all intruders from the domain they have appropriated for the purpose of building4 ,the nest1 which is formed of a mass of reeds and rushes1 is placed near the edge of the river or pond1 or on an island1 and by a most wonderful instinct is frequently raised to a height sufficient to escape a rising of the water even before man himself has observed any indication of such a danger4 ,the eggs are six or seven in number1 and have a dull greenish white shell2 their length is about four inches by two inches nine lines broad4 ,during the whole period of incubation1 which lasts about six weeks1 the male is in constant attendance to guard his spouse1 boldly chasing off all intruders1 and occasionally taking his place upon the nest4 ,when first hatched1 the young follow the mother about in the water1 and are frequently carried on her back as she sails along the stream4 ,speaking of these birds in their wild state1 ,lloyd says1 ,in flying they make a strange appearance2 their long necks protrude1 and resemble at a distance long lines with black points2 their heavy bodies and triangular wings seeming mere appendages to the prolonged neck4 ,when thus in motion1 their wings pass through so few degrees of a circle that1 unless seen horizontally1 they appear almost quiescent1 their movements being widely different from the semicircular sweeps of the ,goose4 ,the ,swan1 when migrating1 with a moderate wind in its favour1 and mounted high in the air1 travels at the rate of one hundred miles or more an hour4 ,i have often timed the flight of the ,goose1 and found one mile a minute a common rapidity1 and when the two birds1 in a change of feeding ground1 have been flying near each other1 the ,swan invariably passed with nearly double the velocity4 ,the ,mute ,swan was first brought to ,england from the island of ,cyprus by ,richard ,i41 and is still regarded as a royal bird which no subject can claim when kept in a public river1 except by permission of the crown4 ,formerly1 when this permission was accorded1 a ,swan mark was granted in order to identify the property of the persons so endowed4 ,in the days of ,queen ,elizabeth it was ordered that all ,swans in the ,thames and its tributaries should be upped1 i4e41 taken up and marked on the skin of the bill on an appointed day in the presence of the king's ,swanherd4 ,this ceremony1 known to us as ,swan hopping1 was performed annually1 until quite recently1 upon the first ,monday in ,august4 ,the flesh of this ,swan was formerly highly esteemed1 and was served as one of the principal dishes on state occasions4 ,the value of one of these birds in the reign of ,edward ,,iii4 may be estimated by the fact1 that while the best ,capon sold for sixpence1 the best ,hen for fourpence1 and twelve eggs for one penny1 the price of a ,swan was fixed at four shillings1 and the poulterers were forbidden by proclamation to exact a larger sum4 ,the late ,bishop of ,norwich gave ,mr4 ,yarrell the following account of the manner in which young ,swans were formerly fed at ,norwich for the table3 ,the town clerk1 he says1 sent a note to the public ,swanherd1 and to the members of the ,corporation there who had ,swans and ,swan rights4 ,on the second ,monday in ,august the ,swans were collected in a small stew or pond 7the number varying from fifty to seventy74 ,they began to feed immediately1 being provided with as much barley as they could eat1 and were usually ready for killing in ,november2 these were all ,cygnets4 ,if kept beyond ,november they begin to fall off1 losing both flesh and fat1 the flesh also becomes darker in colour and stronger in flavour4 ,a printed copy of the following lines was usually sent with each bird3-- ,,to ,,roast ,a ,,swan4 ,take three pounds of beef1 beat fine in a mortar1 ,put it into the ,swan1 that is when you've caught her2 ,some pepper1 salt1 mace1 some nutmeg1 an onion1 ,will heighten the flavour in ,gourmand's opinion4 ,then tie it up tight with a small piece of tape1 ,that the gravy and other things may not escape2 ,a meal paste1 rather stiff1 should be laid on the breast1 ,and some whited brown paper should cover the rest4 ,fifteen minutes at least1 ere the ,swan you take down1 ,pull the paste off the bird that the breast may get brown4 ,,the ,,gravy4 ,to a gravy of beef1 strong and good1 ,i opine ,you'll be right if you add half a pint of port wine2 ,pour this through the ,swan1 yes1 quite through the belly1 ,then serve the whole up with some hot currant jelly4 ,n4,b4--,the ,swan must not be skinned4 ,,the ,,whistling ,,swan4 ,the ,,whistling ,,swan 7,cygnus musicus7 has a more compact body and shorter and thicker neck than the ,cygnus olor4 ,the beak1 which is without the cere1 is raised at its yellow base1 and tipped with black4 ,this species is sixty inches long1 and from ninety to ninety-six broad1 the wing measures twenty-four1 and the tail eight inches4 ,the ,whistling ,swan is a native of the colder latitudes of both hemispheres1 but has been known to breed as far south as ,greece4 ,in ,england1 where it is only a winter visitor1 it is sometimes seen in large flocks1 should the season be severe1 but very rarely occurs in mild winters4 ,in the eastern countries of ,europe it is numerously met with4 ,the winter peregrinations of this bird take it at certain seasons into ,egypt and ,northern ,africa1 as also to the north-western portions of the ,african continent1 as for example the lakes of ,morocco1 ,algeria1 and ,tunis4 ,it also sometimes visits ,spain4 ,in an easterly direction it is to be met with in great numbers throughout the lake districts of ,central ,russia1 and also near the mouths of large rivers1 both in ,southern ,russia and ,central ,siberia4 ,of the ,whistling ,swans that breed in ,iceland1 few ever wander far from their native place1 and this for a very simple reason1 namely1 that owing to the ,gulf stream which sweeps through its numerous bays and creeks1 and the many hot springs derived from volcanic sources1 the inland lakes are kept free from ice1 while in ,russia the swans are all obliged to take their departure before the setting in of winter freezes the lakes and rivers4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,whistling ,,swan 7,cygnus musicus74 ,,one-,,sixteenth ,,natural ,,size4 ,in its general appearance the ,whistling ,swan bears some resemblance to the ,mute or ,tame ,swan1 but is by no means so elegant in its shape4 ,its neck has not the same flexibility or the same graceful bend2 nevertheless1 though surpassed in grace by ,cygnus olor1 it is a very beautiful bird4 ,the main feature in which it differs from other ,swans is its loud-toned and agreeable voice4 ,pallas informs us that its voice has a sound as sweet as that of a silver bell1 and adds1 it sings as it flies1 and may be heard at a great distance1 indeed all that has been said of the notes of the dying ,swan is no fable1 for with its last breath the wounded ',singing ,swan' utters its song4 ,the epithet musicus1 says ,faber1 is well bestowed on these birds1 for when a little flock of them approaches1 flying in the air1 their tuneful melancholy voices sound like trumpets heard at a distance4 ,olaf tells us1 when a company of these birds passes through the air1 their song during the long winter nights is truly delightful1 equal to the notes of a violin4 ,it is certain1 says ,arman1 that the voice of a ,singing ,swan has a more silvery tone than that of any other creature4 ,when wounded1 its breath produces this silver sound1 so that its song is celebrated in many a ,russian ballad4 ,oesel says1 ,their song consists of two notes1 which when uttered by the whole flock are very loud1 and may be heard at the distance of three ,english miles4 ,at last1 says ,homeyer1 ,i have heard the voice of the ,singing ,swan4 ,eight or ten of these birds were swimming about a hundred yards from the shore1 and uttering their loud full-sounding notes4 ,i cannot say that any melody was distinguishable2 there was first a single1 long-drawn1 well-sounding note1 followed by another in a lower key1 so that altogether they formed a sound that was not inharmonious4 ,notwithstanding the distance at which ,i was1 the notes were brought distinctly to my ear over the water4 ,schilling expresses himself still more plainly3 ,when1 owing to the intensity of the frost the water of the sea is frozen1 and the streams everywhere converted into ice1 and the ,swans are thus shut out from all the shallows where they usually obtain their food1 these stately birds assemble by hundreds in any patch of water that may be still accessible1 and there1 with melancholy cries1 bewail their destitute condition4 ,at such times during the long winter evenings1 and throughout the night1 ,i have often listened to their many-voiced lamentations1 which have been heard distinctly at a distance of three or four miles4 ,sometimes the notes thus heard would resemble the sound of a bell1 sometimes that of some wind instrument4 ,still it was not exactly like either of them1 just as a living voice cannot be imitated by dead metal4 ,this peculiar concert realised in my mind the truth of what ,i had heard concerning the song of the ,swan1 which ,i had before regarded as a poetical fiction4 ,indeed1 in one sense it might truly be called the death-song of these beautiful creatures1 for1 seeing that they are quite unable to obtain their food in deep water1 they must soon die of hunger1 as they no longer have strength enough to fly to a warmer climate1 and are thus often found starved to death and frozen upon the ice2 still to the last we hear their clear melancholy voice4 ,from these extracts we hope the reader will be able to arrive at a more correct idea of the real character of the song of the dying ,swan4 ,the poetical notions which have been entertained upon the subject have1 it appears1 really some foundation1 but the facts have been so distorted as to become no longer recognisable4 ,the dying ,swan1 we find1 has nothing peculiar in its notes1 but its last cries may be as loud and musical as any others to which it has previously given utterance4 ,in ,russia1 we are told1 the ,whistling ,swan is preferred as an ornamental bird to our ,tame ,swan1 principally on account of the loudness of its voice4 ,montagu gives the following interesting account of one of these birds which was shot at ,bridgewater1 and was given to him after it recovered from its wounds3-- ,this beautiful and docile creature is now in high health1 living with many sorts of ,ducks1 in the greatest harmony4 ,towards the spring she becomes more clamorous and impatient of confinement1 but at all times will approach those persons who are in the habit of feeding her1 and will take food from the hand1 at the same time uttering those plaintive harmonious notes for which the species has been remarkable1 and which are always attended with a singular jerk of the head4 ,she usually carries her neck straight and erect1 either upon the water or when stationary upon land2 but in walking the head is lowered1 and the neck reclining on the back4 ,in the season of love she flaps along the surface of the water1 and would undoubtedly fly if the precaution of annually cutting the feathers of one wing were omitted4 ,her nature is gentle1 timid1 and sociable1 and she will follow those with whom she is acquainted from one side of the menagerie to the other1 especially the ladies of the family dressed in white2 is often turned out of her course by a pugnacious male ,shieldrake1 and acts only offensively when food is the object1 and then only when resentment is not expected4 ,she eats but little grass on land1 but will devour aquatic plants occasionally4 ,barley1 however1 is her principal food1 and she never attempts to touch bread1 which is sometimes thrown to other birds2 nor will she devour small fish1 which some of the ,diving ,ducks greedily eat4 ,the nesting-place of the ,whistling ,swan is in the wide swamps of ,finland and ,north ,russia2 considerable numbers likewise breed in ,iceland and ,north ,america4 ,in ,iceland1 ,faber tells us1 they may be seen in ,february upon ponds of fresh water1 and there they remain until the end of ,april1 when most of them resort to more elevated situations2 some of them1 however1 remain in the valleys4 ,a small pond or lake is always selected as a breeding-place1 and if a pair should not be able to appropriate a whole pond1 they take possession of part as their own peculiar property1 and resolutely drive away all intruders4 ,the nest1 which is sometimes raised upon an island1 but often floats upon the water1 is generally a huge structure1 built of reeds1 rushes1 sedge1 and water-plants1 and its cavity carefully lined with down4 ,about the end of ,april or the beginning of ,may 7probably much earlier in more southern latitudes7 the female lays from five to seven yellowish white1 greenish1 or brownish yellow eggs1 from which the young come forth during the first days of ,july4 ,the faithful husband during the whole period of incubation keeps his partner company1 lying upon the nest1 but taking no part in the brooding4 ,towards the middle of ,october the whole family may be seen swimming about together1 the young ones being by that time nearly fully fledged4 ,throughout the north these ,swans are eagerly sought for1 and many are mercilessly destroyed during the moulting season4 ,when moulting their wing-quills they are attacked in their breeding-ponds by means of small boats1 and numbers of them killed with sticks4 ,both old and young are at this season very fat1 and are in much request for the table4 ,,bewick',s ,,swan4 ,,bewick',s ,,swan 7,cygnus ,bewickii7 is considerably smaller than the species above described4 ,in this bird the neck is very slender1 the bill much raised at its base1 and the tail composed of eighteen feathers2 in other respects it resembles the ,cygnus musicus4 ,the plumage is at first grey1 afterwards white1 tinged with rust-red on the crown of the head and under surface of the body1 and ultimately becomes of a pale white4 ,bewick's ,swan is an annual visitor to ,great ,britain1 and is most numerously seen during severe and long-continued snowstorms1 when it resorts to the open sea-coast of estuaries4 ,mr4 ,blackwall1 describing a flock of these birds seen in ,lancashire1 says1 ,they were observed flying at an elevation not exceeding fifty yards above the surface of the earth4 ,they flew in a line1 taking a northerly direction1 and their loud calls1 for they were very clamorous when on the wing1 might be heard to a considerable distance4 ,one individual of this flock having been wounded1 was placed on a reservoir1 near the place where it fell4 ,when on the water it had somewhat the appearance of a ,goose1 being almost wholly devoid of that grace and majesty by which the ,mute ,swan is so distinguished4 ,it appeared to be a shy and timid bird1 and could only be approached by stratagem1 when it intimated its apprehension by uttering its call4 ,this bird carefully avoided the company of a ,mute ,swan that occupied the same piece of water4 ,according to ,yarrell1 some other specimens taken near ,belfast were very gentle and timid1 and never attempted to molest the ,wild ,fowl contained in the same pond1 though all were their inferiors both in size and strength4 ,this ,swan appears by preference to spend the greater portion of its time on land4 ,its voice1 which is chiefly heard during the migratory season1 is a low deep whistle1 once repeated4 ,temminck states that this species breeds in ,iceland in ,may1 and has been seen in ,picardy during the winter4 ,,the ,,black-,,necked ,,swan4 ,the ,,black-,,necked ,,swan 7,cygnus nigricollis7 is a beautiful bird1 inhabiting ,south ,america1 and recognisable from its northern brethren by the shortness of its wings1 which do not extend beyond the base of the tail1 which is composed of eighteen feathers1 and by the black in its plumage4 ,in this bird the entire body is white with black head and neck1 the former enlivened by a white line upon the brow4 ,the eye is brown1 and the beak lead-grey2 the cere and bare cheek-stripes are blood-red1 and the feet pale red4 ,this species is forty-eight inches long1 the wing measures fourteen1 and the tail from six to seven inches4 ,the habitat of the ,black-necked ,swan is limited to the most southern portion of ,america1 extending from ,south ,peru to the ,falkland ,islands1 and from that point along the east coast as far as ,santos in ,brazil4 ,the residence of these birds varies with the season of the year2 during the spring and autumn they are met with in small parties about ,buenos ,ayres on their way to their more northern haunts1 where they remain throughout the winter1 when they return south to breed4 ,during the period of incubation they occupy the lagoons and lakes of the interior1 and after that season unite with their own and allied species into large flocks4 ,the flight of this ,swan is light and beautiful1 but in other respects it is without the grace that characterises most members of this family4 ,while swimming the neck is held erect1 after the manner of a ,goose4 ,we are without particulars concerning the incubation of these birds1 beyond that when first hatched the young are covered with white down1 and that they grow with such rapidity that by the autumn they are scarcely distinguishable from their parents4 ,the late ,earl of ,derby was presented with the first ,black-necked ,swan ever brought to ,europe2 to this were afterwards added seven more4 ,after the death of the ,earl two were presented to her ,majesty1 and the rest consigned to the ,zoological ,gardens1 in the ,regent's ,park1 where they lived for many years without breeding4 ,in #ahef1 however1 a pair commenced a nest1 but did not lay until the following year1 since which time they have incubated annually4 ,,the ,,black ,,swan4 ,the ,,black ,,swan 7,cygnus-,chenopsis-atratus7 has a slender body1 very long neck1 and small well-formed head2 the beak nearly equals the head in length1 and is without a cere4 ,in this species almost the entire plumage is of a brownish black1 lightest on the under side1 and shading into blackish grey at the edges of the feathers4 ,this sombre garb is relieved by the brilliant white of the primary and of a considerable portion of the secondary quills4 ,the eyes are scarlet1 the bridles red1 and the feet black3 the beak is carmine-red1 tipped with white1 a stripe near the extremity of the upper mandible is also white4 ,this bird is not quite so large as the ,cygnus olor4 ,the ,black ,swan is not merely strictly confined to ,australia1 but inhabits only its southern and western districts1 occupying the rivers1 estuaries1 lagoons1 and large pieces of water frequently in large flocks4 ,on arms of the sea1 which expand into sheets of shallow water1 these birds are especially numerous1 as in such localities they are beyond the reach of severe winds or pursuit from the natives4 ,in the white man1 however1 says ,mr4 ,gould1 the ,black ,swan finds an enemy so deadly1 that it has been almost1 if not entirely1 extirpated4 ,one most destructive mode in which this is effected1 is that of chasing the birds with a boat at the time they shed their primary quill-feathers1 when1 being unable to fly1 they are soon rowed down and captured4 ,the breeding season is from the beginning of ,october to the middle of ,january4 ,mr4 ,gould procured newly-hatched young1 clad in greyish white1 at ,southport ,river1 on the #cast of ,december1 and took five newly-laid eggs on ,flinders' ,island on ,bass' ,straits1 on the #acth ,january4 ,the nest is large1 composed of flags and other herbage1 and generally placed on an isolated island4 ,the eggs are from five to eight1 pale green stained all over with buffy brown1 and are four and a half inches long by two and three-quarters broad4 ,the ,black ,swan is graceful in demeanour1 and gentle and harmless unless molested4 ,illustration3 ,,black-,,necked ,,swans 7,cygnus nigricollis74 ,these birds are to be found in most aviaries in ,europe1 but as an instance of their most successful rearing1 ,mr4 ,gould gives us the following account of some of them kept on the ,wandle1 at ,carshalton1 ,surrey1 by ,mr4 ,s4 ,gurney3--,they were purchased from ,baker1 ,leadenhall ,market1 in #ahea1 but did not breed till #ahed1 when they laid their first egg on ,january #a4 ,it was a most severe winter1 snow on the ground1 and intense frost nearly the whole time they were sitting4 ,they hatched their young during the greatest cold of that winter1 from which they did not suffer1 though they had no shelter of any kind1 and their nest was fully exposed to the east wind4 ,out of the ninety-three young ones hatched by them up to the present year1 #ahfb 7inclusive71 about half that number have been reared4 ,some of them have died from disease1 but most of them have been killed by the old ones dragging them about in the fields1 when they have fallen into small holes on their backs1 and have not been able to recover themselves4 ,they have bred sixteen times in seven years1 having laid #aaa eggs4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,black ,,swan 7,cygnus or ,chenopsis atratus74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,geese 7,anseres7 constitute a very numerous family1 whose members are met with in all parts of the world4 ,in these birds the body is compact1 the neck short1 and the head large2 the legs are situated near the middle of the body4 ,the beak1 which nearly equals the head in length1 and slopes gradually to its tip1 is vaulted above and flat beneath1 compressed at its sides1 and terminated by a large broad nail2 its margins are more or less denticulated1 and its surface covered with a soft skin4 ,the moderate-sized foot has its three anterior toes united by a large web1 and armed with stout1 strong1 flatly-curved claws4 ,in the large1 broad1 pointed wing the second quill is longer than the rest1 and the upper secondaries are less developed than in the ,swan2 the wrist-joint exhibits a hard knob1 which in some species assumes the form of a powerful spur4 ,the short tail is composed of from fourteen to twenty feathers1 and is either broadly rounded or straight at its extremity4 ,the plumage is very similarly coloured in both sexes1 but varies considerably in different groups2 the young when one year old resemble their parents4 ,every division of the world has its own appropriate species of ,geese4 ,in ,europe1 and in ,asia1 many different kinds are to be met with in almost equal abundance1 and in high northern latitudes many are common to the eastern and western hemispheres4 ,towards the south1 however1 the habitat of the different races is more sharply defined4 ,the ,geese are less exclusively aquatic than any other ,lamellirostres2 indeed1 some of them pass the greater part of their lives on dry land1 and a few might almost be called arboreal in their habits1 seeing that they not only resort to and roost upon trees1 but build their nests among the branches4 ,most of them prefer plains to mountainous districts2 nevertheless1 certain species are to be met with at considerable altitudes1 both in the ,himalayas and the ,andes4 ,they walk extremely well1 and though in swimming they are neither so graceful as the ,swans nor as active as the ,ducks1 they row themselves along with ease and facility2 on an emergency many of them will dive to a considerable depth1 and the power and endurance of their flight is remarkable4 ,when flying in companies1 they always arrange themselves in a regular ,v-shaped phalanx1 the form of which appears to be of importance2 neither is it difficult to understand why they so persistently adopt the same arrangement1 as it is evident that such a disposition is the only one that would enable every individual of the numerous party to have a free and unobstructed range of vision1 and1 moreover1 it possibly facilitates their passage through the air1 at all events it affords free scope for the use of their wings1 which otherwise1 from their crowding together1 would be seriously interfered with4 ,very generally a flight of ,wild ,geese will be seen to press onward with unbroken ranks until they are quite lost in the distance2 occasionally1 however1 they will1 as it were1 with one consent relax their speed1 break up their phalanx1 and for a short space become confusedly mixed together4 ,soon1 however1 a leader again places himself at their head2 his followers resume their ranks1 and the whole body moves forward in precisely the same order as before4 ,their flight is accompanied by a loud rushing noise1 caused by the powerful strokes of their wings1 and the rising or setting down of a flock presents a very bustling scene4 ,when walking on level ground1 the ,geese keep the fore part of the body slightly elevated1 with their neck straight or somewhat bent4 ,their steps are short and quick1 and upon occasions many species can run with considerable speed4 ,while swimming1 the breast is deeply immersed1 while the tail1 on the contrary1 is raised above the surface of the water4 ,their voice varies with the species2 most of them express their anger by loud and prolonged hissing1 some cackle1 while others1 like the ,singing ,swans1 produce loud resonant notes that can be heard at a great distance4 ,these birds differ very much1 both as to the localities they select for their nesting-places1 and the season at which they breed4 ,many species1 as spring approaches1 begin to assemble in remote morasses and unfrequented swamps1 and here upon small islands or hillocks they make a rude kind of nest1 composed of water-plants1 and lined with down4 ,some1 on the contrary1 select the forked branches and hollow trunks of trees1 or occasionally convert to their own use the eyries of other birds4 ,their brood consists of from six to twelve well-shaped1 thick-shelled eggs1 always of a dull and uniform tint4 ,the usual duration of incubation is about a month4 ,the newly-hatched ,goslings are covered with a soft warm coat of greyish down1 and soon begin1 under the guidance of their parents1 to provide for themselves4 ,they run and swim actively on the very day of their birth1 and their growth is so rapid1 that in the course of a couple of months they are completely fledged4 ,they1 however1 remain together as a family for a very long period4 ,all ,geese live principally upon vegetable diet2 by means of the hard margins of their beak they are able to crop grass1 and also to collect grain1 and a variety of vegetables4 ,they likewise procure various small animals and aquatic plants from the bottom of the water4 ,,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,goose4 ,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,goose 7,plectropterus ,gambensis7 is characterised by its large size1 slender body1 long neck1 strong beak1 furnished with an excrescence at its base1 its unfeathered face1 and long bare legs4 ,the feet are provided with long toes1 connected by large webs2 in the long1 pointed wings the upper secondaries are much developed1 and the wrist-joint armed with a powerful spur2 the tail is of moderate length and wedge-shaped1 and the plumage1 composed of large feathers1 is smooth and compact4 ,in this bird the cheeks1 chin1 throat1 centre of breast1 under side1 and the short feathers on the upper wing-covers are all white2 the rest of the plumage is blackish green4 ,the eyes are reddish brown1 the beak and the excrescence at its base blueish red2 the feet dull light red4 ,this species is three feet long and five feet and a half broad2 the tail measures seven inches4 ,the female is considerably smaller than her mate1 but resembles him in the coloration of her feathers2 the young are brown on the upper parts of the body1 with black wings1 a greyish brown neck1 and white throat2 the rest of their plumage is light grey4 ,the habitat of the ,spur-winged ,goose extends over the whole of ,central and ,south ,africa1 where it occupies the borders of streams or rain tanks1 in small parties1 and seldom wanders to any distance from its usual haunts4 ,during the months of ,march and ,july it retires to secluded and marshy localities in order to moult1 as at those periods it is unable to fly4 ,at the commencement of the rainy season the flocks separate in pairs1 and seek their breeding-places4 ,the large nest1 which is formed of rushes1 reeds1 and grass1 is occasionally placed in the water1 and contains from three to six eggs4 ,the downy young appear about ,september or ,october1 and remain with their parents until they are full-grown4 ,within the first year they acquire the same plumage as the adults1 but do not exhibit the excrescence on the bill till they are somewhat older4 ,when in the water the movements of this species resemble those of its brethren1 but upon the ground its gait is very similar to that of the ,stork4 ,when about to fly it runs for some distance1 and then rises with powerful and rapid strokes of its wings to a considerable height2 occasionally whilst in the air it may be seen indulging in a very peculiar hovering motion4 ,we have never heard the ,spur-winged ,goose do more than utter a hoarse hissing sound4 ,according to our own observations it is timid and cautious in its intercourse with man1 but appears to take little heed of any of its feathered companions4 ,yarrell mentions that two specimens of this bird have been shot in ,england1 the one in ,cornwall1 the other in ,yorkshire1 and for many years several have been kept in the ,zoological ,gardens1 ,regent's ,park4 ,,the ,,grey ,,or ,,wild ,,goose4 ,the ,,grey or ,,wild ,,goose 7,anser cinereus71 the species from which our ,domestic ,goose is descended1 has the feathers on the upper portions of the body of a brownish grey1 edged with a whitish shade2 whilst those on the under side are yellowish grey bordered with deep grey4 ,the wing is dark grey1 and the region of the rump pure white2 the quills and tail-feathers are blackish grey with white shafts1 the latter are also tipped with white2 the eye is light brown1 the beak yellow1 and the foot pale red4 ,this species is fully three feet long1 and five feet and a half broad2 the wing measures eighteen1 and the tail six inches4 ,the ,grey ,wild ,goose was formerly very common in the fenny districts of ,england1 but is now comparatively rare both in this country and in ,ireland4 ,it is a winter visitor to ,orkney and ,shetland1 but does not remain to breed1 passing northwards in the spring4 ,,the ,,canada ,,goose4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,spur-,,winged ,,goose 7,plectropterus ,gambensis74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,canada ,,goose 7,cygnopsis ,canadensis7 nearly resembles the ,domestic ,goose in many particulars1 but is recognisable therefrom by its comparatively slender body1 long neck1 and variegated plumage4 ,in this bird the head and nape are black1 and the cheeks1 throat1 and gullet white or greyish white2 the feathers on the upper part of the body are brownish grey with light edges2 those on the breast and upper neck dark grey1 and those on the rest of the under side pure white2 the primary quills are blackish brown2 the secondaries and tail 7the latter composed of sixteen or eighteen feathers7 are black4 ,the eye is greyish brown1 the beak black1 and the foot blackish grey4 ,the length of the male is from thirty-five to thirty-six inches1 and his breadth from sixty-three to sixty-five inches2 the wing measures eighteen inches1 and the tail seven and a half4 ,the female is not quite so large4 ,the ,canada ,goose has frequently been shot in this country1 and it is therefore included by ,yarrell amongst ,british birds4 ,large flocks have been seen in ,cambridgeshire1 and specimens have been killed in ,hampshire1 ,cornwall1 and the ,scilly ,isles4 ,a writer in the ,magazine of ,natural ,history also gives an account of a small flock of these birds that frequented and made their nest near ,derby4 ,this species1 the ,common ,wild ,goose of ,america1 is well known throughout the ,united ,states1 both as a resident and migratory bird4 ,it advances north about ,april and ,may1 when the disappearance of the snow and ice allows it to find berries and other vegetable matter2 and after feeding for about three weeks1 separates from the flock1 and with its mate seeks such retired spots for breeding as afford a supply of suitable food4 ,the nest is usually made upon the ground1 but occasionally in trees1 or in the deserted eyrie of a ,raven or ,fishing ,hawk4 ,during the breeding season the ,gander displays his courage to the greatest advantage4 ,audubon gives the following account of his personal experience in this particular4 ,i knew a male1 says that writer1 that appeared larger than usual1 and of which all the lower parts were of a rich cream-colour4 ,it returned three years in succession to a large pond a few miles from the mouth of the ,green ,river1 in ,kentucky1 and whenever ,i visited the nest it seemed to look upon me with utter contempt4 ,it would stand in a stately attitude until ,i reached within a few yards of the nest1 when suddenly lowering its head and shaking it1 as if it were dislocated from the neck1 it would open its wings and launch into the air1 flying directly at me4 ,so daring was this fine fellow that in two instances he struck me a blow with one of his wings on the right arm1 which for an instant ,i thought was broken4 ,i observed that immediately after such an effort to defend his nest and mate1 he would run swiftly towards them1 pass his head and neck several times over and around the female1 and again assume his attitude of defiance4 ,should danger be imminent1 the brave ,gander urges his mate to fly off1 and resolutely remains near the nest until he is assured of her safety1 when he betakes himself to flight1 mocking1 as it were1 by his notes his disappointed enemy4 ,suppose all to be peace and quiet around the fond pair1 and the female to be sitting in security upon her eggs4 ,the nest is placed near the bank of a noble stream or lake1 the clear sky is spread over the scene1 the bright beams glitter on the waters1 and a thousand odorous flowers give beauty to the swamp which was of late so dismal4 ,the ,gander passes to and fro over the liquid element1 moving as if lord of the waters2 now he inclines his head with a graceful curve1 now sips to quench his thirst1 and as noontide has arrived he paddles his way towards the shore to relieve for awhile his patient consort4 ,carefully tended and taught1 the young grow apace1 and by the beginning of ,september are able to fly from one shore to another2 then1 as the increasing frosts give warning of approaching winter1 the separate families unite1 and on perceiving the coming of a snow-storm1 at the general warning cry of the ,ganders1 the united flock rises high into the air1 and the young are instructed how to move4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,grey ,,or ,,wild ,,goose 7,anser cinereus74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,but now the host has been marshalled1 and off it starts1 showing as it proceeds at one time an extended front1 at another a single lengthened file1 and now arraying itself in an angular form4 ,the old males advance in front1 the females follow2 the young come in succession according to their strength1 the weakest forming the rear4 ,should one feel fatigued1 his position is changed in the ranks1 and he assumes a place in the wake of another1 who cleaves the air before him4 ,two1 three1 or more days elapse before they find a secure resting-place4 ,the fat with which they were loaded at their departure has rapidly wasted2 they are fatigued1 and experience the keen gnawings of hunger2 but now they spy a wide estuary1 towards which they direct their course4 ,alighting on the water1 they swim to the beach1 stand and gaze around them2 the young full of joy1 the old full of fear1 for they are well aware that many foes have been waiting their arrival4 ,all night the flock remains silent1 but not inactive2 they betake themselves with care to the grassy shores1 where they allay the cravings of appetite1 and recruit their wasted strength4 ,soon as the early dawn lightens the surface of the deep1 they rise into the air and proceed southward1 until arriving in some place where they think they may be enabled to rest in security1 they remain during the winter4 ,at length1 after many annoyances1 they joyfully perceive the return of spring1 and prepare to fly away from their greatest enemy1 man4 ,the ,canada ,goose arrives in the western districts of that country about the beginning of ,september1 and frequents the lakes1 rivers1 and wet savannahs of the interior as well as the sea-shore4 ,these birds usually feed by plunging their head and the fore parts of their body beneath the surface1 but never by diving4 ,in the fields they pluck the grass sideways1 like the ,domestic ,goose1 and pat the earth with their feet to drive the earthworms from their retreats4 ,they frequently alight in corn-fields to feed on the tender blades1 and everywhere are extremely vigilant4 ,while the flock reposes1 sentinels are placed on the watch to rouse their sleeping companions if danger should approach4 ,if pursued into the water1 the ,ganders utter loud cries1 and in a few moments they rise simultaneously1 and fly off in a compact body4 ,so acute1 says ,audubon1 is their sense of hearing1 that they are able to distinguish the different sounds or footsteps of their foes with astonishing accuracy4 ,thus the breaking of a stick by a deer is distinguished from the same accident occasioned by a man4 ,if a dozen large turtles drop into the water1 making a great noise in their fall1 or if the same effect has been produced by an alligator1 the ,wild ,goose pays no regard to it1 but however faint and distant may be the sound of an ,indian's paddle that may by accident have struck the side of his canoe1 it is at once marked1 every individual raises its head and looks intently towards the place from which the noise has proceeded1 and in silence all watch the movements of their enemy4 ,i was much surprised one day1 while on the coast of ,labrador1 to see how cunningly one of these birds1 which in consequence of the moult was quite unable to fly1 managed for awhile to elude our pursuit4 ,it was first perceived at some distance from the shore1 when the boat was rowed towards it1 and it swam before us with great speed1 making directly towards the land2 but when we came within a few yards of it1 it dived1 and nothing could be seen of it for a long time4 ,every one of the party stood on tip-toe1 to mark the spot where it should rise1 but all in vain1 when the man at the rudder accidentally looked down over the stern1 and then saw the ,goose1 its body immersed1 the point of its bill alone above water1 and its feet busily engaged in propelling it so as to keep pace with the movements of the boat4 ,the sailor attempted to catch it while within a foot or two of him1 but with the swiftness of thought it shifted from side to side1 fore and aft1 until1 delighted at having witnessed so much sagacity in a ,goose1 ,i begged the party to suffer the poor bird to escape4 ,the residents in ,hudson's ,bay eagerly welcome the arrival of these birds1 on which they depend for their winter supply of provisions4 ,huts are built over the marshes where they feed1 and decoys set up to lure them to destruction4 ,in some years as many as three thousand or four thousand have been killed in ,hudson's ,bay1 and salted for winter use4 ,the eggs are also much esteemed1 and the feathers form an important article of commerce4 ,the call of the ,canada ,goose resembles the syllables1 ,hawk1 hawk1 hawk1 awhawk1 awhawk4 ,,the ,,snow ,,goose4 ,the ,,snow ,,goose 7,anser ,chen hyperboreus7 has the entire plumage of a pure white1 with the exception of the first ten quills1 which are black1 with white roots1 and white shafts tipped with black4 ,in young birds the feathers on the upper back1 shoulders1 a portion of the neck1 the breast1 and sides are blackish grey2 the head and nape are shaded with grey2 the lower back and feathers on the upper tail-covers are dark grey2 the primary and secondary quills greyish black1 the latter bordered with greyish white2 the tail-feathers are also dark grey1 and similarly edged4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the beak dull pale red1 edged with black1 and the foot pale bright red4 ,this species is from twenty-six to twenty-seven inches long1 and from fifty-two to fifty-three broad2 the wing measures sixteen and the tail six inches4 ,the young of this species1 says ,audubon1 begin to acquire their whiteness about the head and neck after the first year1 but the upper parts remain of a dark blueish colour until the bird suddenly becomes white all over1 at least this is the case with such as are kept in captivity4 ,my friend ,dr4 ,bachman1 of ,charleston1 ,south ,carolina1 kept a male ,snow ,goose several years along with his tame ,geese4 ,he had received it from a friend while it was in its grey plumage1 and the following spring it became white4 ,it had been procured in the autumn1 and proved to be a male4 ,in a few days it became very gentle1 and for several years it mated with a ,common ,goose1 but the eggs produced by the latter never hatched4 ,the ,snow ,goose was in the habit of daily frequenting a mill-pond in the vicinity1 and returning regularly at night along with the rest2 but in the beginning of each spring it occasioned much trouble4 ,it then continually raised its head and wings1 and attempted to fly off2 but finding this impossible1 it was anxious to perform its journey on foot1 and it was several times overtaken and brought back1 after it had proceeded more than a mile1 having crossed fences and plantations in a direct course northward4 ,this propensity cost it its life2 it had proceeded as far as the banks of the ,cooper ,river1 when it was shot by a person who supposed it to be a wild bird4 ,a ,snow ,goose kept by ,audubon himself exhibited the same desire to go northward on the return of spring4 ,when migrating northward1 although they start at the same time1 the young and old keep in separate flocks1 the young continuing to remain apart from the old even when approaching the higher latitudes4 ,during the whole winter1 indeed1 they remain divided1 although in the same localities2 and ,audubon informs us that1 although the young and old are often seen to repose on the same sand-bar1 the flocks keep at as great a distance as possible from each other4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,sea ,,geese 7,bernicla7 are comparatively small1 compactly-built birds1 with short necks and moderately large heads2 the short delicate beak is strong1 broad and high at its base1 slender towards its tip1 and slightly denticulated at its margins2 the foot is low1 but powerful2 and the wing so long as to extend as far as the tip of the short tail1 which is rounded at its extremity4 ,the thick plumage is principally of a deep grey1 marked with black1 white1 and reddish brown4 ,these ,geese are met with in the extreme north of ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america2 the ,american1 formerly considered as distinct from the ,european1 being evidently only a variety4 ,the home of these birds is to be found upon the coasts and islands situated between #fj and #hj of north latitude4 ,only a few breed in ,iceland2 but in ,spitzbergen they are very numerous1 and further east they abound throughout the summer along all the shores of the ,icy ,ocean2 they are likewise numerous in ,hudson's ,bay and the neighbouring waters4 ,from the above inhospitable regions they make annual pilgrimages to warmer climates1 appearing in ,great ,britain towards the end of ,october or the beginning of ,november4 ,at this time they crowd the vicinity of the coast in thousands and tens of thousands2 far as the eye can reach they may sometimes be seen wading around the banks of sand and amid the shallows left by the receding tide2 their cries are to be heard above the roar of the surf2 and the masses1 when they take flight and rise into the air1 resemble at a distance a thick and wide-spread smoke1 their numbers being absolutely incalculable4 ,a few individuals may also be sometimes seen in the interior of the country upon lakes and other large sheets of water2 these1 however1 can only be regarded as stragglers3 all ,sea ,geese well deserve the name1 as under ordinary circumstances they never leave the coast4 ,as relates to their ordinary food1 these birds differ from ,common ,geese in so far that1 besides grass and marine plants1 they eat a considerable proportion of animal food4 ,in northern regions they feed upon whatever is there to be met with4 ,with us they prefer meadow grass and tender herbage4 ,in captivity they readily feed upon grain1 to which1 however1 should be added a considerable proportion of green vegetables4 ,,the ,,brent ,,goose4 ,the ,,brent ,,goose 7,bernicla torquata7 is black upon the head1 neck1 quills1 and tail2 the feathers on the breast1 back1 and upper belly are dark grey1 with light tips2 the sides of the belly1 rump1 and upper tail-covers are white2 the sides of the throat are decorated with a white crescent-shaped patch4 ,the young are without the white feathers on the throat1 and are darker than the adult birds4 ,the ,brent ,geese are constant summer visitors to the ,british shores1 arriving in ,october and departing about the end of ,april4 ,these birds are distinguishable beyond all others of the family by the elegance of their movements and their peaceful demeanour2 they walk well both upon firm ground and over a muddy surface2 they swim rapidly and buoyantly1 and dive with facility2 their power of flight surpasses that of any other ,geese2 they do not1 however1 when flying adopt the wedge-like arrangement so commonly seen among their congeners1 but make their way through the air in large noisy flocks1 in which the birds are promiscuously crowded together4 ,the noise made by one of these vast assemblages1 as they rise from the ground1 resembles the roll of distant thunder1 and even when flying at a considerable elevation the movement of their wings produces a whizzing sound which is distinctly audible4 ,their voice is very harsh2 the call-note somewhat resembles the syllables ,kn-ng1 often repeated2 when feeding they utter a rough hoarse ,krch1 while their expression of anger is a low hiss4 ,like others of their race they always live associated in flocks1 and should an unfortunate straggler become accidentally separated from his companions1 he may be seen flying anxiously about in search of others of his species1 never resting until once more safe in their society4 ,the behaviour of these birds in the presence of man proclaims them at once to be unsophisticated children of the north1 who have never experienced the tender mercies of their arch-enemy4 ,they seem at first to witness his approach without any suspicion of danger1 and it is only after suffering severely for their temerity that they become wild and distrustful4 ,on their first arrival1 indeed1 whole families of them may sometimes be killed with stones and clubs1 and they are taken in snares more easily than most other ,geese4 ,in calm weather1 says ,colonel ,hawker1 these ,geese have in general the cunning to leave the mud as soon as the tide flows high enough to bear an enemy1 and then they go off to sea and feed on the drifting weeds4 ,to kill ,brent ,geese by day1 go out in a small punt at low water1 and keep as near as possible to the edge of the sea4 ,you will then hear them like a pack of hounds in full cry1 and they will repeatedly pass within fair shot1 provided you are well concealed1 and the weather is windy to make them fly low4 ,before you fire at them1 spring suddenly up1 and these awkward birds will be in such a fright as to hover together and present a mark like a barn door4 ,the ,brent ,geese when fat are excellent eating4 ,in confinement they are at first exceedingly timid1 but soon become reconciled to their new condition1 and even show marked attachment to those who feed them1 coming at their call1 and1 if kindly treated1 following their footsteps like dogs4 ,in a farmyard1 or upon a large pond1 they are extremely ornamental1 and deserve much more attention than they have as yet received4 ,the ,brent ,geese have been long known to breed in considerable numbers on the shores of ,spitzbergen1 but it is only recently that we have had any definite accounts of their proceedings4 ,malmgren tells us that their breeding-places are chiefly to be met with in the western and northern coasts of the island1 and on the rocks in the vicinity1 more especially in places resorted to by ,eider ,ducks4 ,their nests are very rudely constructed with the stems and leaves of water-plants1 and are often placed so close to those of the ,eider ,duck that those birds frequently steal their eggs in great numbers4 ,the brood of the ,brent ,goose consists of from six to eight comparatively small1 thin-shelled1 lustreless eggs1 of a dirty1 greenish white colour4 ,middendorf found a young bird newly hatched about the middle of ,july4 ,further than this we have no information4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,brent ,,goose 7,bernicla torquata74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,upon the southern coasts of the ,baltic and in ,holland1 during the spring and autumn1 thousands of these birds are shot1 and a still greater number captured by means of decoys4 ,their flesh is much esteemed1 but has occasionally a disagreeable rancid taste1 probably owing to the shell-fish upon which they feed4 ,to remedy this1 it is usual in ,holland to keep them for some time before they are killed1 feeding them with grain and other vegetable diet4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,foxy ,,geese 7,chenalopex7 are at once recognisable from the above species by their slender neck1 large head1 short beak1 high foot1 broad wing1 and beautiful plumage4 ,the somewhat feeble bill1 which is raised at the base and depressed towards the tips1 terminates in a broad1 round nail2 the partially bare foot is slender1 and furnished with small toes2 the wings exhibit a slight spur at the wrist-joint1 and have the upper secondary quills well developed2 the short tail is composed of fourteen feathers4 ,the members of this group are natives of ,africa and ,syria4 ,,the ,,nile ,,goose4 ,the ,,nile ,,goose 7,chenalopex gyptiacus7 has unusually variegated plumage4 ,in this species the sides of head and front of the neck are yellowish white1 finely dotted2 the patch around the eye1 the nape1 and a broad band about the throat1 are reddish brown2 the feathers on the upper portions of the body are grey and black1 and those of the under side reddish yellow1 marked with black and white2 the centre of the breast and belly are of lighter shade1 and the former is decorated with a large1 round1 reddish brown patch2 the white wing-covers are striped with black and enlivened by a fine metallic lustre2 the tips of the quills and the tail-feathers are glossy black2 the eye is orange or yellow2 the beak blueish red with blueish grey base1 and light tip to the upper mandible2 the foot is reddish1 or light yellow4 ,this bird is two feet three inches long and four feet and a half broad2 the wing measures sixteen inches and the tail five inches and a quarter4 ,the female is smaller than her mate1 but nearly resembles him in her general appearance2 her plumage1 however1 is not so finely marked1 and the patch upon her breast of inferior size4 ,the head-quarters of the ,nile ,goose extend from ,egypt to the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and from the east coast far into the interior of ,africa2 along the west coast of that continent it probably does not occur4 ,from ,africa its range extends throughout ,palestine and ,syria1 reaching as far as ,greece1 ,italy1 and the south of ,spain4 ,during our travels in ,africa we had abundant opportunities of observing these beautiful birds1 whose portrait is not unfrequently to be seen sculptured upon the monuments of ancient ,egypt4 ,in ,lower ,egypt they are abundant all along the ,nile1 except in such places as are particularly unsuited to their habits2 as1 for example1 where the river washes walls of bare rock1 or where no islands are to be met with4 ,in ,southern ,nubia they are to be seen in large flocks2 in ,soudan they are regular occupants of the banks of the rivers1 and are even met with upon pools of rain-water1 as well as large ponds1 at a considerable distance from their banks4 ,during the breeding season these birds generally occur in pairs1 afterwards in company with their young families2 but at a later period they associate together in large flocks1 and in the moulting season1 during which they are not incapable of flight1 innumerable hosts of them may be seen crowding the shores of the river for hours together4 ,on one occasion during our journeyings along the ,white ,nile1 for three successive days we found the banks crowded with countless birds1 of which the ,nile ,geese formed a very conspicuous portion2 they are1 however1 never to be seen at any great distance from water1 except1 indeed1 when winging their way high in the air4 ,they seem1 moreover1 to prefer certain parts of the river1 from whence they fly into the neighbouring fields in search of food1 returning to them again when their hunger is satisfied4 ,each pair takes possession of a certain space of ground1 from which they jealously expel all intruders2 nevertheless1 the males readily associate with each other1 and may often be seen together apparently enjoying a quiet chat1 or occasionally a bit of fighting4 ,the personal endowments of the ,nile ,geese are quite on a par with the elegance of their plumage4 ,in running they emulate the long-legged ,spurred ,geese2 they swim gracefully and without effort1 keeping the fore part of their bodies deeply immersed2 they are able1 moreover1 to dive to a considerable depth1 rowing themselves along when under water both with their feet and wings4 ,their flight is noisy1 but light and rapid4 ,when flying in pairs1 one follows close behind the other2 when in large flocks1 they frequently observe no regular order1 except they are bound upon a long journey1 on which occasions they adopt the ,v-like phalanx4 ,their voice has some distant resemblance to that of our ,domestic ,goose2 it is1 however1 hoarse1 and reminds the listener of the notes of a cracked trumpet4 ,in all its proceedings this ,goose seems to be particularly cautious and circumspect2 always watchful for its own safety1 it mistrusts the slightest approach of a stranger1 and in this respect is more afraid of a foreigner than of the negroes1 with whose appearance it is most familiar4 ,its temper and disposition are by no means in accordance with the beauty of its appearance2 indeed1 it must be classed with the most domineering and vicious of its race1 for although living in society it can hardly be said ever to be at peace with its companions4 ,during the pairing season the battles between the males are literally to the death 7at least so we have found it in some that we kept in confinement72 they follow one another with loud cries and unappeasable fury1 bite savagely1 and beat each other with their wings until one or both fall exhausted to the ground4 ,the ,ganders seem to delight in tyrannising over all the other inmates of the pond1 and not content with persecuting ,ducks and ,geese considerably larger than themselves1 such is their boldness and audacity that they will sometimes attack even man himself4 ,should one of them encounter another male of his own species1 either alone or accompanied by a female1 it will fall upon him as though it were a bird of prey1 and should it be unable to kill him by blows inflicted with the beak and wings1 will try to drown him4 ,no sooner is the vanquished bird so exhausted as to be unable to resist1 than1 mounting upon its body1 the victor seizes it by the neck and holds its head under water until life is quite extinct4 ,with such dangerous propensities it is not to be wondered at that this species1 notwithstanding the vivacity of its manners and the beauty of its appearance1 is scarcely admissible among other birds4 ,the food of the ,nile ,goose is of a very promiscuous character2 like our own ,wild ,geese it may be seen grazing in the fields upon all sorts of vegetables2 after the manner of ,ducks it obtains nutriment from the mud of shallow pools1 and will even dive to the bottom of rivers in search of what is there procurable4 ,at certain seasons the young birds are passionately fond of locusts1 and neither old nor young have the slightest objection to animal food2 they do not1 however1 appear to eat fishes4 ,it may occasionally happen in places where no trees are to be met with that these birds construct their nests upon the ground1 but wherever there are woods coming to the water's edge1 or even single trees of suitable dimensions1 their nests must be looked for among the branches4 ,in ,africa they generally select for this purpose the thorny mimosa1 known among the ,arabs as the ,harahsi4 ,their nest is very generally constructed of branches derived from the tree itself1 inter-mixed with smaller twigs1 and warmly lined with grasses4 ,the number of eggs1 according to our own experience1 varies from four to six2 our black hunters nevertheless asserted that they had taken ten or twelve from a single nest4 ,the eggs are of very round shape1 thick-shelled1 smooth1 and of a yellowish or greyish white colour4 ,the breeding-time of these birds varies according to the season4 ,in ,egypt breeding commences about the beginning of ,september4 ,from individuals kept in confinement we have ascertained that the period of incubation extends over twenty-seven or twenty-eight days1 and that only the female sits upon the eggs4 ,during this period the ,gander keeps careful watch1 sitting constantly close to his mate and giving timely warning of the approach of any intruder4 ,once a day1 and that always in the afternoon1 the breeding female leaves her nest1 having previously covered her eggs warmly with down4 ,the young are able to run about immediately after leaving the egg1 and on the slightest alarm hurry at once into the water1 where they immediately dive2 their education very much resembles that of the goslings of the ,grey ,goose4 ,in ,egypt the ,nile ,goose is much sought after both by ,turks and ,europeans4 ,its flesh differs little as an article of food from that of the ,wild ,geese2 that of the young birds is excellent1 but the old are hard and tough1 nevertheless they make capital soup4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,dwarf ,,geese 7,nettapus7 form a distinct group1 whose members occupy ,south ,asia1 ,africa1 and ,australia4 ,these birds are characterised by their small beak1 which is high at the base1 slopes gradually to the tip1 and is furnished with very short1 broad denticulations2 their wings are abruptly rounded1 and their tail composed of twelve feathers4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,nile ,,goose 7,chenalopex gyptiacus74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,white-,,bodied ,,goose ,,teal4 ,the ,,white-,,bodied ,,goose ,,teal 7,nettapus ,coromandelianus7 is black on the crown of the head1 and of a magnificent green shaded with purple over the entire mantle2 the face1 back of the head1 neck1 and under side are pure white2 the throat is partially encircled by a black band2 the feathers on the belly and the lower tail-covers are spotted with black and white1 those of the upper covers are greyish brown with light spots1 the tail-feathers blackish brown2 the extremities of the primary quills are spotted with white1 the lower secondaries exhibit similar but smaller spots1 whilst the upper secondaries are marked with black2 the eye is red2 the beak black2 and the foot greenish brown2 during the period of incubation the latter is spotted with black4 ,this small ,goose is not more than thirteen or fourteen inches long1 the wing measures six inches and a half1 and the tail three and a quarter4 ,in the plumage of the female the brown is less conspicuous1 and the mantle comparatively lustreless2 her quills are also without any white spots2 the sides of the wings and tail-covers are pale brown2 the feathers on the nape are marked with dark lines1 those of the under side with dirty white1 and the thighs with pale grey4 ,this most beautiful little ,goose1 according to ,jerdon1 is met with in ,india1 as also in ,ceylon1 and on the ,malay ,peninsula4 ,in some parts of ,india it is very numerous1 but is rare in the ,north-west ,provinces4 ,its favourite resorts are ponds covered with reeds and rich in grass1 and upon these it may sometimes be seen in numerous flocks4 ,its flight is rapid1 and when upon the wing it utters a loud peculiar cry4 ,according to ,blyth it walks badly1 and after making a few steps regularly squats down2 hence it is possible1 or rather probable1 that in a wild state it seldom comes upon dry land4 ,so long as it has not suffered persecution it is extremely tame and trustful4 ,it makes its nest in the cavity of some old hollow tree1 or occasionally in ruins or old walls1 sometimes at a distance from the water4 ,the small eggs1 which are eight1 ten1 or more in number1 have a white shell4 ,the young are at first clad in a coat of thick grey down1 and almost immediately after their birth they are literally cast out of the nest by their parents1 who at once conduct them to the nearest pond4 ,we are told by one observer that only the female broods1 while the ,gander amuses himself in the society of others of his own sex4 ,jerdon1 however1 doubts this statement1 or at least that such is always the case1 basing his scruples upon the fact that in more than one instance he has seen both male and female fly together from the tree in which their nest was situated4 ,the flesh of these ,geese is not much esteemed2 nevertheless it is said that at certain seasons it is tolerably good4 ,illustration3 ,,cereopsis ,,geese4 ,,the ,,cereopsis ,,goose4 ,the ,,cereopsis ,,goose 7,cereopsis ,nov-,hollandi7 is recognisable by its powerful body1 thick short neck1 small head1 and short strong beak1 which is high at the base1 and covered with a cere almost to the blunt and hooked extremity4 ,the webbed feet have long tarsi1 short toes1 and large powerful claws4 ,in the broad wings the shoulder-quills are well developed4 ,the tail is short and rounded2 the thick plumage is of a beautiful dark grey1 shaded with brown4 ,the crown of the head is somewhat lighter1 and the back decorated with round1 blackish brown spots1 situated at the tips of some of the feathers4 ,the lower halves of the secondary quills and tail-feathers are also brownish black4 ,the eye is scarlet1 the beak black1 the cere greenish yellow1 and the foot blackish4 ,the female resembles her mate in the coloration of her plumage1 but is recognisable by her inferior size4 ,the ,cereopsis ,goose1 the only member of the family to which it belongs1 is one of those extraordinary birds that at once arrest the attention of the traveller4 ,not many years ago the localities where it was the most numerous appear to have been the islands in ,bass's ,straits4 ,labillardire relates that the first specimens he obtained were captured by the sailors with their hands2 and ,flinders tells us that one of his boat's crew killed a great number with short sticks1 and took several alive4 ,bailly not only confirmed these accounts1 but states that those he saw could be easily run in upon and captured without trouble4 ,all the above navigators speak of the flesh as being excellent1 much better1 indeed1 than that of ,european ,geese1 and seem to have prosecuted the chase with considerable ardour4 ,as a necessary consequence1 later visitors found not only that the bird was no longer plentiful1 but that from many of these islands it had been completely extirpated4 ,gould1 who shot a pair on ,isabella ,island1 nevertheless thinks that several of them may yet exist upon unvisited parts of the southern coast of ,australia4 ,an old ,bushman1 however1 remarks that on the ,australian continent he only saw them twice--in one case there was a small flock1 and in the other only two birds1 which were in company with some other ,geese4 ,the ,cereopsis1 or ,hen ,goose1 as it is called1 lives1 as might be expected from such an appellation1 much more on dry land than on the water4 ,it walks well1 and swims badly2 indeed1 judging from individuals kept in our ,zoological ,gardens1 it seldom enters the water of its own free will4 ,its flight1 likewise1 is performed with difficulty1 and is remarkably heavy4 ,its voice is a dull buzzing sound1 very unlike the cry of a ,goose4 ,we have but scanty information respecting the habits of these birds in their wild state2 but from their behaviour in captivity it is easy to form an idea of their usual mode of life4 ,in its aversion to water the ,cereopsis differs from all other ,geese4 ,except when driven into a pond1 it spends its whole time on land1 devoting the morning and evening to the procuration of food1 but reposing during the heat of the day and throughout the night4 ,it is seldom seen in company with other species2 indeed1 its disposition is even more quarrelsome and imperious than that of the ,nile ,goose4 ,a pair of these birds1 when placed among other water-fowl1 begin in a very short time to assume unlimited authority1 and their behaviour becomes 7especially during the breeding season7 absolutely insupportable4 ,nevertheless1 they soon learn to recognise their keepers1 to whom they exhibit considerable attachment4 ,in ,new ,holland they would long ago have been numbered among the inhabitants of every farmyard had it not been for this unbearable conduct4 ,such as have been brought to ,europe have again and again hatched and reared a numerous progeny1 so that with us they might readily be acclimatised4 ,one principal obstacle to their breeding in the north is the contrariety of the seasons4 ,in ,australia they breed in the spring1 which1 of course1 corresponds with our autumn2 so that in the northern hemisphere1 the young brood1 becoming at once exposed to the rigours of winter1 not unfrequently perish4 ,we have1 however1 already learnt that those birds that have lost their eggs breed again in ,february1 hence in the succeeding months there is every reason to suppose the young may be reared without difficulty4 ,during pairing time the affection of the sexes towards each other is unmistakable4 ,the ,gander walks around his mate with graceful salutations1 keeps vigilant watch over her safety1 and resolutely drives away all other intruders1 great and small1 that may happen to approach the domain which he has selected4 ,the care of constructing the nest appears to devolve upon the female1 who always selects the best materials within her reach2 and1 although the result of her labours is not an artistically-constructed cradle1 it is considerably more so than the nests of the generality of ,geese1 its interior being smoothly rounded and comfortably lined with feathers4 ,the eggs are comparatively small1 somewhat round in shape1 smooth-shelled1 and of a yellowish white colour4 ,from observations made in ,paris we found the duration of incubation to extend over thirty days2 in a colder climate it is somewhat longer4 ,in the park of our friend1 ,m4 ,cornly1 in ,belgium1 thirty-eight days elapsed before the young escaped from their shell4 ,on the very day of their escape they ran after their mother1 picking up food from among the grass4 ,they refused to eat hard-boiled eggs1 chopped earthworms1 and other kinds of animal food1 and would not even touch white bread1 confining themselves exclusively1 as it appeared1 to green vegetables4 ,no sooner are the young hatched than the pugnacity of the ,gander displays itself in full force2 he seems to fear nothing1 and attacks a man with as much animosity as he exhibits towards every other animal that intrudes upon his privacy4 ,i considered my ,gander bad enough before1 writes ,m4 ,cornly1 but now ,i think he must be mad4 ,he attacks every living thing indiscriminately4 ,one of my large ,cranes happened to come in his way2 he flew at him1 and although the keeper was not a hundred yards off1 and ran as fast as he could to part them1 the poor ,crane was killed before he could interfere4 ,one night the ,gander got into the stable where another of these birds was kept1 and in the morning the body of the ,crane was found almost hacked to pieces4 ,however ornamental these ,geese may be1 it is evident that it is only where they have plenty of room to themselves and are not likely to interfere with other animals1 that they are eligible subjects for domestication4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,ruddy ,,sheldrake1 ,,or ,,brahminy ,,duck 7,casarca rutila74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,ducks 7,anates7 constitute the most numerous and varied family of the entire order1 and are at once distinguishable from the ,geese by the flatness of their feet1 and from the ,swans by the shortness of their necks4 ,in these birds the body is short and broad1 the neck short or moderately long1 and the head thick2 the beak1 which is about the same length as the head1 is either of uniform breadth1 or is highest towards the tip2 the base of the bill is more or less high1 and in some instances furnished with an excrescence2 the upper mandible is arched1 and projects so far over the sides of the lower one as partially to enclose it2 the margins of both mandibles are sharply denticulated2 the weak flat foot1 which is placed very far back1 has the centre toe as long as the tarsus2 the hind toe is well developed1 and in some species furnished with a membranous lobe2 the claws are weak2 in the moderate-sized1 narrow1 and pointed wing the second quill is the longest2 the short broad tail is composed of from fourteen to twenty feathers1 and is either rounded or pointed at its extremity4 ,the plumage1 which is rich1 smooth1 and thickly interspersed with down1 varies in colour according to the sex or age of the bird2 that of the male is more or less brilliant1 and that of the female of comparatively sombre hue4 ,the members of this family1 regarded generally1 are to be met with in every climate2 the number of species is1 however1 greater in warm than in cold latitudes1 while on the contrary in northern regions individuals of the same species swarm in immense numbers4 ,ducks frequent both fresh and salt water1 being sometimes met with on mountain lakes to a considerable elevation2 at the approach of winter they migrate to southern latitudes1 often in incalculable hosts4 ,in the extent of their migrations some species emulate the ,swallow itself1 while others wander no further than is absolutely necessary in order to obtain food4 ,these migrations are generally commenced at sunset2 towards midnight the birds alight upon some expanse of water1 and after resting for a few hours recommence their journey in the early morning4 ,their flight is conducted either in one long string or in a wedge-like phalanx4 ,the power of locomotion displayed by these birds is very various2 some species can walk upon dry ground almost as well as the ,geese1 while others waddle along with considerable difficulty4 ,all are excellent swimmers1 but they only dive exceptionally1 and with considerable effort4 ,their flight is accomplished by rapid movements of their wings1 and they are able to rise as easily from the surface of the water as from the ground4 ,ducks subsist upon both animal and vegetable food2 some1 however1 prefer the former1 while others confine themselves to the latter diet4 ,they are for the most part monogamous1 and generally associate during the breeding season in great numbers2 a circumstance in which they differ remarkably from the ,swans and ,geese4 ,some build their nests in holes in the ground or in the clefts of rocks2 others in hollow trees1 or even among the branches1 some making use of the deserted nests of land birds2 while others build upon the ground a rude structure composed of stalks and leaves1 warmly lined with down4 ,the number of eggs varies in different species from six to sixteen2 the period of incubation extends from twenty-one to twenty-four days4 ,illustration3 ,plate #cf4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,casarca ,,rutila ,,ruddy ,,shieldrake 7about #a_/c ,nat4 size7 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,sheldrake 7,vulpanser ladorna74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,ruddy ,,sheldrake1 ,,or ,,brahminy ,,duck4 ,the ,,ruddy ,,sheldrake1 or ,,brahminy ,,duck 7,casarca rutila71 represents a group possessing slender bodies1 moderate-sized wings1 and somewhat remarkably coloured plumage1 which differs but little in the sexes4 ,in this species the body is almost entirely of a bright rust-red2 the cheek is yellowish white2 the neck reddish yellow2 the wing is decorated with a glossy green patch1 and has its covers of a pure white2 the margins of the wings1 upper tail-covers1 quills1 and tail1 are glossy greenish black4 ,during the breeding season the male has a clearly-defined band of greenish black on the lower throat2 the female rarely exhibits this collar1 and is smaller than her mate2 her entire plumage is also less brightly coloured1 and her face of a whitish shade2 the eye is light brown2 the beak black2 and the foot lead-grey4 ,this species is from twenty-four inches to twenty-five inches long and forty-four inches broad2 the wing measures sixteen inches1 and the tail seven inches4 ,the ,ruddy ,sheldrakes inhabit ,central ,asia1 and from thence spread in an easterly direction to the ,upper ,amoor1 and westwards as far as ,morocco4 ,in the course of their wanderings they are pretty regular visitants to ,greece and ,south ,italy4 ,as winter guests they are well known throughout the ,indian ,peninsula1 and are by no means uncommon upon the lakes of ,egypt4 ,in ,tunis1 ,algiers1 and ,morocco they are abundant1 but do not apparently extend their range into the interior of ,africa4 ,the gait of this beautiful bird is light and elegant2 it does not waddle as most ,ducks do1 but steps out like a ,goose2 it is an excellent swimmer1 and upon an emergency dives with facility4 ,its flight is strong and enduring1 and its voice loud1 but by no means unpleasing4 ,its food consists principally of vegetable materials2 ,jerdon1 indeed1 says he has been told that it will sometimes eat carrion1 but adds that he has never seen it so employed1 though he has often observed it feeding in fields of corn4 ,until the approach of the breeding season the ,brahminy ,ducks live very peaceably in company with other swimming birds1 but about that time they become very pugnacious and quarrelsome4 ,towards the end of ,april or the beginning of ,may the different pairs retire to their appropriate nesting-places1 which are generally in holes in the ground4 ,in ,north-west ,africa1 ,calvin found one of their nests in the cleft of a perpendicular rock1 which had likewise been the nesting-place of ,robins1 ,kites1 and ,vultures4 ,in ,siberia they not unfrequently build in the holes of ,siberian marmots1 and occasionally in hollow trees4 ,the nest1 which is composed of dry grass and lined with down1 usually contains from four to six roundish thin-shelled eggs1 of a glossy white or yellowish white4 ,as soon as the young brood are sufficiently dry after their escape from the shell they leap from the nest and make their way to the nearest pond1 where1 under the careful superintendence of their parents1 they pass the earlier part of their lives4 ,at first they are clad in a suit of down1 which is brownish grey upon the upper part of the body with the exception of a whitish spot upon the breast2 the lower surface is of a dirty white4 ,pallas states that in ,mongolia these birds are regarded as sacred4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,sheldrakes 7,vulpanser7 differ from the above birds in the formation of their beak1 the comparative shortness of their wings and legs1 and in the coloration of their plumage4 ,in this group the upper mandible is broadest towards its extremity1 and in the male exhibits an excrescence at its base1 which swells considerably during the breeding season1 and afterwards almost entirely disappears4 ,,the ,,common ,,sheldrake4 ,the ,,common ,,sheldrake 7,vulpanser tadorna7 is a beautiful bird1 with head and neck of dark glossy green4 ,the shoulders exhibit two large black spots2 a patch on the breast1 the centre of the back1 the wing-covers1 side of the body and upper portion of the tail are pure white4 ,the centre of the breast and belly are greyish black2 a broad band on the neck1 and some of the upper secondaries are of a bright reddish brown4 ,the lower tail-covers are yellowish2 the quills blackish grey1 and the wings decorated with a metallic green patch4 ,the eye is dark rust-red1 the beak carmine-red1 and foot flesh-brown4 ,this species is two feet long1 and three feet and a half broad2 the wing measures fourteen inches1 and the tail four inches and a half4 ,the female is similarly but less beautifully coloured4 ,in young birds the nape is grey1 the upper part of the back and under side are yellowish grey2 there is also no band upon their breasts4 ,the range of the ,sheldrake extends north to about the middle of ,sweden1 and south as far as ,north ,africa1 where they are to be met with on every lake during the winter1 and make their appearance in countless multitudes4 ,they are likewise numerous upon the coasts of ,china and ,japan1 as well as upon the great lakes of ,siberia and ,central ,asia2 nevertheless1 they decidedly prefer salt water to fresh1 and are always most abundant upon the sea itself1 or upon salt-water lakes4 ,in ,great ,britain these birds are indigenous1 and breed upon every part of the coast4 ,even in extensive collections of water-fowl1 where various species of ,ducks are seen in close proximity to each other1 the ,sheldrakes are conspicuously beautiful2 but when seen swimming on the sea or crowding the surface of some large lake1 the eye is enchanted with the variety and elegance of their movements4 ,in ,africa they add an unspeakable charm to the lake scenery1 the brilliancy and liveliness of their colours rendering them prominent objects at a very considerable distance4 ,even upon the islands near ,schleswig1 ,jutland1 and ,denmark1 where they are almost household birds1 they invariably call forth the admiration of the beholder4 ,in their general habits they bear some resemblance to the ,brahminy ,ducks before described2 their gait1 however1 is somewhat heavier1 and they swim with greater facility4 ,in their voices there is no resemblance whatever between the two species4 ,the call-note of the female is a loud ,quack1 and that of the male a deep ,koer1 while during the pairing season they give utterance to a peculiar whistle4 ,their food is preferably vegetable1 consisting of the tender parts of seaweeds and other plants which abound in salt water2 they will likewise eat grass1 and when in confinement occasionally devour small fishes1 molluscs1 and small crustaceans2 neither do they altogether refuse flesh4 ,these birds seek their food less by swimming than by wading4 ,as the tide recedes they may be seen running like shore-birds just at the margin of the water1 and carefully examining the contents of every little pool4 ,during the morning they visit the fields1 in order to hunt for insects and grubs1 as well as for vegetable matter2 they sometimes for a like purpose resort to marshes and swampy places4 ,the ,common ,sheldrakes construct their nests only in holes or burrows excavated in the earth4 ,whoever has been much in the vicinity of the sea-coast1 says ,bodinus1 will probably have observed with surprise that a pair or two of these birds1 seen at the distance of half a mile or so1 in some open spot1 suddenly disappear in a most unaccountable manner1 and on visiting the place will find that they have taken refuge underground1 in some hole formed by a fox1 badger1 or rabbit2 nay1 more1 that they have positively taken up their abode in this strange locality even while its formidable four-footed occupant is actually in possession of the premises4 ,it is now an undeniable fact1 established by the concurrent testimony of numerous observers1 that the ,sheldrake and the fox not unfrequently dwell in the same hole1 and that the latter1 who spares no other bird1 does not molest or injure its adventurous lodger4 ,we have certainly not been able to verify this statement by personal observations1 and have moreover found on one occasion the wings and feathers of a ,sheldrake lying close to a hole inhabited by a fox2 but there was nothing to show that the fox had been the murderer1 even under circumstances so suspicious1 seeing that the spot was in the vicinity of a wood much frequented by ,hawks and other birds of prey4 ,were we asked why the bloodthirsty quadruped should thus spare the poor ,duck1 we should confidently reply that it was on account of the extraordinary courage of the bird4 ,we have ourselves seen a young ,sheldrake1 not many days old1 defend itself valorously against animals of large size1 such as fowls1 small dogs1 and rabbits4 ,instead of running away1 it showed a bold front1 holding its neck outstretched1 angrily repelling every attack1 and never seeming to think of retreating until its assailant had retired4 ,the old birds1 more especially during the breeding season1 are equally courageous2 the male stands bravely forward1 and confronts his opponent with loud hisses1 until1 daunted by his angry1 threatening demeanour1 the enemy sneaks away4 ,having put his adversary to flight1 he returns to his mate1 who stands up nobly to assist her spouse1 and both give utterance to their mutual congratulations over the victory in loud screams and frequent caresses4 ,the following particulars concerning the breeding of these birds1 by the forester ,grmelbein1 will be read with interest4 ,towards the end of ,may1 ,grmelbein1 while busily employed in a wood at some distance from the coast1 observed a pair of ,sheldrakes that flew around his party several times in succession1 and as often flew towards and alighted on a hill of sand at some little distance1 where the male always stationed himself as if to keep watch1 while the female leisurely entered a hole1 in which she remained about a quarter of an hour4 ,when she again came to the surface she approached her mate1 and after apparently holding a consultation they both took a circular flight into some neighbouring fields1 where they alighted on spots quite remote from each other1 evidently for the purpose of misleading anyone who might be watching their movements4 ,on observing this manuvre1 ,grmelbein hastened to the hill1 and there found the hole of a fox1 at the entrance of which were numerous footmarks of the fox and of the ,ducks1 together with recent excreta from both4 ,after watching the birds1 however1 for some days1 it was discovered that1 with the view of deceiving the men1 they had only made a pretence of having their nest in the hole above mentioned1 and that their real residence was another much larger excavation1 in the joint occupation of a bitch-fox and a badger4 ,this second hole being carefully watched1 it was seen that the badger was in the habit of walking in and out of his abode1 which was subsequently found to be ten feet deep1 without troubling himself at all about his feathered visitors1 whose footmarks were traceable to a depth of seven feet4 ,there were1 however1 other holes belonging to the same den1 through which the fox was also in the habit of passing4 ,the ground before these entrances was trampled smooth by the feet of the ,ducks1 and as clearly impressed with the footmarks of the fox4 ,on perceiving this1 ,grmelbein concealed himself behind a wall in such a manner as to be able to watch all their proceedings1 nor had he long to wait before he saw the sly ,sheldrakes paying their accustomed visit to the labourers and the sand-hill above mentioned2 after which1 flying close to the ground1 they came to the real nesting-place1 when1 after carefully looking around them1 they walked into the fox-hole as quietly and unconsciously as ,ducks in a farmyard would go to their roosting-place4 ,there they remained about half an hour1 when they again made their appearance1 climbed hastily to the top of the hill beneath which the den was situated1 and finding1 as they thought1 the coast clear1 flew off to the meadows4 ,in the ,island of ,sylt and others off the coast of ,schleswig1 the inhabitants construct artificial burrows1 covered with movable lids1 near which at the proper season they place quantities of broom and moss1 so that the coming birds may find everything ready4 ,these consequently take up their abode in the prepared burrows without the slightest scruple1 and that sometimes quite close to the houses of their owners2 nay1 they at length become so familiarised with their keepers that they may be said to be in a state of semi-domestication4 ,in these burrows the females1 if not disturbed1 will lay from seven to twelve large1 smooth1 white1 thin-shelled eggs2 but if the eggs are gradually taken from the nest1 as they are at ,sylt1 the females will go on laying till they have laid twenty or thirty4 ,when the mother bird begins to sit1 she carefully surrounds her eggs with down1 and when she leaves her nest covers them with the same warm material4 ,after the lapse of about twenty-six days1 the young make their appearance1 and soon follow their mother to the neighbouring moors1 generally stopping1 however1 to have a swim in a pond of fresh water that is found on the road thither4 ,to the inhabitants of ,sylt and other islands in the ,north ,sea1 it appears1 therefore1 that the ,sheldrakes are objects of considerable attention4 ,the eggs serve as important additions to their table2 and the down from their nests1 scarcely inferior to that of the ,eider1 is extremely valuable4 ,the flesh of these birds is not much esteemed1 having a rancid or oily taste and a disagreeable smell2 they are therefore never killed1 but1 on the contrary1 are protected by the inhabitants of the islands they frequent4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,tree ,,ducks 7,dendrocygna7 form a group having a high slender body1 moderately long neck1 delicately-shaped head1 and weak bill2 the legs are long1 the wings blunt1 with the third and fourth quills longer than the rest2 the tail is rounded at its extremity1 and the plumage variegated4 ,,the ,,widow ,,duck4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,widow ,,duck 7,dendrocygna viduata74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,widow ,,duck 7,dendrocygna viduata7 has the face and throat white1 shaded with reddish brown on the brow and cheeks2 the back of head1 nape1 and sides of the neck are bright reddish brown2 the sides of the breast and the back reddish olive1 darkly spotted and marked2 the long lower shoulder-feathers are olive-brown edged with yellowish white2 the lower back1 centre of tail1 and entire under side below the breast are black2 the sides of the body are greyish white1 striped with blackish brown2 the upper wing-covers are bright reddish brown2 secondary quills olive-brown1 with green edges1 and the quills and tail-feathers greenish black2 the eye is reddish brown1 beak black1 with a dark grey stripe near its nail-like tip2 the foot is lead-grey4 ,this species is eighteen inches long and thirty-two inches broad2 the wing measures eight inches and three-quarters1 the tail two inches and two-thirds4 ,the female closely resembles her mate4 ,all travellers who have visited ,south ,america describe this bird as occurring in amazing multitudes1 more especially in the marshy grounds of the prairies2 and travellers in ,africa assert that it is equally abundant in the southern and western regions of that continent4 ,upon the ,upper ,blue ,nile we have ourselves several times met with it in extraordinarily large flocks1 which1 in closely-packed ranks1 covered the banks of the river to a great distance1 and when they rose into the air had the appearance of a dense cloud4 ,heuglin states that the males and females of these birds remain constantly separate from each other2 such a statement1 however1 we can positively contradict1 seeing that we have killed individuals of both sexes at a single shot4 ,we are by no means well informed as to the history of these birds1 and about their mode of breeding we know little or nothing certainly4 ,the ,widow ,duck is distinguishable among its congeners by a gait which sometimes resembles that of a ,goose1 as also by the heaviness of its flight1 but more particularly by its predilection for sandbanks and sandy places upon the riverside1 to which1 when driven away1 it invariably returns4 ,the ,prince von ,wied tells us that at ,sertong1 in the province of ,bahia1 it is very abundant in swampy1 overflooded meadows1 also in marshes1 as well as in lakes and other open sheets of water2 it is1 likewise1 often to be seen upon the sea-coast4 ,as regards the latter statement1 however1 ,schomburghk expressly says that he has never met with it on the sea-coast1 but that in the swamps of ,savannah it is particularly numerous1 and with this our experience in ,africa quite coincides4 ,of their behaviour ,schomburghk gives a very pleasing sketch3--,the pretty little ,bisisi ,ducks1 says that writer1 seem to be under a ban in this neighbourhood2 no sooner did we see a flock of them than men jumped at once into the water almost up to their necks1 and began to shoot with their well-directed arrows as rapidly as possible into the thickest part of the flock4 ,if the birds flew high1 so that they could see the arrows1 the flock immediately parted1 just like a swarm of ,passenger ,pigeons when a ,hawk swoops upon them4 ,in the confusion of their flight they broke each other's wings1 and many of them fell to the ground stunned and wounded4 ,when two flocks of them met1 the hubbub was still greater4 ,i have on such occasions seen as many as five or even eight of them fall to the ground together1 although only one of them had been hit by an arrow2 and when a flock of them1 under such circumstances1 came within range of my gun1 ,i have not unfrequently brought down ten or a dozen of them at one shot4 ,we learn further from ,schomburghk that these ,ducks are very easily tamed1 and the ,indians generally keep them domesticated in the neighbourhood of their dwellings4 ,,the ,,wild ,,duck4 ,the ,,wild ,,duck 7,anas boschas7 represents a group characterised by their powerful body1 short neck1 broad slightly-raised bill1 which terminates in a decidedly-curved and nail-like tip2 their moderately high feet1 placed in the centre of the body1 and furnished with long toes2 and their rounded tail--the feathers on the upper covers of which curl upwards4 ,the coloration of the plumage varies considerably in the sexes4 ,in the male bird the head and upper neck are green2 the fore part of the breast is brown1 shaded with a variety of tints2 the shoulder-feathers are greyish white2 the back is a mixture of black and brown2 the upper wings are decorated with a patch of fine blue1 bordered with white2 the lower back and rump are blackish green1 and the rest of the under side greyish white1 delicately lined with black2 a narrow white band divides the green throat from the reddish brown breast2 the upper wing-covers are blackish green1 the lower covers deep black1 and the quills dark grey4 ,the eye is light brown1 beak greenish yellow1 and foot pale red4 ,during the autumn the male assumes a dress similar to that of the female4 ,the latter is reddish grey1 darkly spotted on the head and neck2 her crown is blackish brown1 and back brown1 its feathers marked and edged with various shades of grey1 yellow1 and black4 ,the lower throat and crop are light chestnut-brown1 decorated with black crescent-shaped patches2 the rest of the under side is spotted with brown4 ,this fine bird is twenty-four inches long and forty inches broad2 the wing measures eleven inches and the tail three and a half4 ,the ,wild ,duck well deserves the epithet ,communis1 applied to it by some writers1 seeing that its range extends not only over the northern hemisphere in the vicinity of the ,pole1 but during the winter extends southwards to the very verge of the torrid zone4 ,in the extreme north it must be regarded as a bird of passage1 seeing that on the approach of winter it migrates regularly towards the south1 returning again northwards when the intensity of the cold has abated4 ,in more southern countries it is merely a wanderer4 ,in ,october and ,november the ,wild ,ducks assemble in large flocks1 and commence their migrations towards more hospitable climates2 most of them make their way as far as ,italy1 ,greece1 and ,spain2 some even visit ,northern ,africa1 or corresponding latitudes on the ,asiatic continent4 ,in the vicinity of the lakes of ,southern ,europe they may about this time be seen arriving in flocks of thousands and hundreds of thousands1 when they alight upon the water1 covering a space of half a square league in extent2 and when they rise all at once into the air1 producing a rushing sound1 audible at a great distance1 and resembling the roar of the surf on a storm-beaten shore4 ,in ,february1 or at the latest in ,march1 they commence their return journey1 hence they are sometimes called on the ,continent ,march ,ducks4 ,it is only occasionally that they are to be seen upon the sea-coast4 ,these must be considered as strictly belonging to the race of fresh-water ,ducks1 and it is to lakes and ponds thickly covered with sedges and water-plants that they most generally resort4 ,waters which are here and there free from herbage1 more especially if overhung at the sides with bushes and marsh-plants1 afford them their favourite resort1 and it is in such places that they generally pass the winter and rear their progeny2 in similar localities they likewise procure the greater part of their food1 and from thence make little excursions to the ponds and lakes1 ditches and fields1 that may happen to be in the vicinity4 ,they are very seldom seen upon open waters1 but generally seek the shelter of little islands and shallow places overgrown with water-plants1 where1 half running and half wading1 they can search with their beaks for whatever nutriment is to be found4 ,wild ,ducks may be classed with the most gluttonous birds with which we are acquainted4 ,they devour the leaves and tender tops of water-plants1 the buds1 young shoots1 and ripe seeds1 being in turn equally acceptable2 and are likewise exceedingly fond of the different kinds of corn and of bulbous roots4 ,they1 moreover1 eagerly hunt after all sorts of small animals1 from worms and snails to tadpoles1 frogs1 and fishes2 they seem1 indeed1 to be always suffering from the pangs of hunger1 and so long as they are awake are constantly endeavouring to alleviate them4 ,in their general habits the ,wild ,ducks closely resemble our tame species1 which are in reality their lineal descendants2 the tame ,ducks are1 however1 far behind their progenitors in watchfulness1 energy1 and vigour4 ,they swim1 dive1 and fly much in the same manner1 but decidedly better than tame ,ducks2 their voice1 likewise1 is precisely similar4 ,the loud1 short ,quack of the female1 and the duller ,quack of the male2 the conversational ,weck1 weck1 and the call-note1 ,wack1 wack2 the alarm-cry1 ,katsch1 or ,rab1 rab2 in short1 all the sounds with which we are familiar in the tame ,ducks are exactly repeated by their wild relatives4 ,soon after their arrival1 the ,wild ,ducks begin to choose their mates1 the selection of course involving many a battle between the rival males2 but their partners do not need to be won by a prolonged courtship4 ,their habit of associating in large flocks is at once laid aside1 and they attach themselves to their spouses with ardent devotion4 ,the place selected for the nest is generally some quiet1 retired1 dry spot under a bush or concealed by herbage1 and very generally near the water1 but sometimes at a considerable distance from it4 ,occasionally and1 indeed1 not unfrequently1 they will take possession of some nest placed in a tree--such1 for example1 as that of a ,crow4 ,their proper nest is constructed of the stems and leaves of various plants1 loosely put together1 so as to present internally a rounded cavity1 which at a subsequent period is warmly lined with down and feathers4 ,the brood consists of from eight to sixteen eggs1 of a somewhat elongated shape1 hard1 smooth-shelled1 and of a greyish white colour2 in fact1 exactly similar to those of the domesticated ,duck4 ,the period of incubation1 during which the female1 who alone broods1 sits with the greatest patience and self-devotion1 extends over from twenty to twenty-eight days4 ,the newly-hatched young ones remain perhaps for a single day in the nest1 and are then taken to the water4 ,those that are born in a nest placed at a considerable elevation simply spring out and fall upon the ground1 without receiving the slightest injury4 ,it is quite a mistake to say1 as some writers have done1 that they are carried down by their mother in her beak4 ,during the first few days of their lives they endeavour to conceal themselves as much as possible among the reeds and water-plants2 and it is only when their wings have to be tried that they venture to show themselves in open water4 ,meanwhile the mother takes the greatest pains to conceal them from observation4 ,in case of danger she makes every endeavour to draw it upon herself1 or if the assailants are such as to make it at all practicable1 she flies at them with the utmost fury1 and uses every effort to drive them away4 ,the young brood follow her with every demonstration of affection2 they watch her slightest warning1 listen to every sound she utters1 and when bidden1 at once hide themselves among weeds or sink down between the inequalities of the ground4 ,their growth is exceedingly rapid1 so that in about six weeks they are able to fly4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,wild ,,duck 7,anas boschas74 ,whilst the mother is thus busily employed in defending and instructing her offspring1 the male ,duck gives himself very little trouble about his family2 sometimes he takes another mate1 but if this is not the case1 he joins his male companions in their recreations on the water4 ,even before the eggs are hatched1 the old birds begin to moult their feathers1 and soon exchange their beautiful nuptial dress for the duller plumage in which they appear during the four months of summer1 after which1 partly by moulting1 and partly by change of colour in their feathers1 they resume their splendid autumnal garb4 ,at this latter period the young birds likewise undergo their first moult1 after which the family becomes again united4 ,both parents and their progeny remain together during the autumn1 and ultimately fly in company with each other to their winter quarters4 ,illustration3 ,plate #cg4 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,aix ,,galericulata ,,mandarin ,,duck 7about #e_/h ,nat4 size7 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,wood ,,or ,,summer ,,duck 7,aix sponsa74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the flesh of these birds is so surpassingly excellent1 that the chase after them is everywhere carried on with unrelenting perseverance4 ,it would lead us too far from our subject were we here even to glance at the multiplied contrivances whereby they are killed or captured1 sometimes in immense numbers4 ,the markets of ,italy1 ,greece1 ,spain1 and ,egypt1 are1 during the winter season1 filled to overflowing with ,ducks of all descriptions1 among which the ,wild ,duck is by far the most plentiful2 they are then everywhere to be purchased for a few pence4 ,in ,greece1 however1 the mode of catching them is somewhat peculiar4 ,on many of the lakes in that country1 which are for the most part covered with vegetation1 there are generally long patches of open water1 indicating those parts which are too deep to allow of the growth of plants from the bottom4 ,as winter sets in these open spaces are closed by nets prepared for the purpose1 and during the passage of the ,ducks the evenings are devoted to their capture4 ,when it begins to grow dark1 two boats1 efficiently manned1 and each of them furnished with a lantern and a bell1 put off in opposite directions towards the enclosed space1 and as they row slowly along1 display their lanterns1 ring their bells1 and thus drive before them the ,ducks which1 instead of taking flight1 crowd outwards towards the nets1 with which they are ultimately enclosed4 ,from ,von der ,mhle and ,lindermayer we learn that they are sometimes also taken by means of a casting-net4 ,to accomplish this1 the sportsmen1 having ascertained the position of the ,ducks1 row slowly towards them with muffled oars1 at the same time occupying their attention by displaying a lighted lantern suspended at the end of a long pole1 carried at the bow of the boat4 ,the curiosity of the ,ducks being thus excited1 they approach the light in great numbers without seeing their enemies below1 who thus succeed in throwing a net over them1 and capturing a score or so at a single haul4 ,,the ,,wood ,,or ,,summer ,,duck4 ,the ,,wood or ,,summer ,,duck 7,aix sponsa7 represents a group possessing a slender body1 moderately long1 thin neck1 a large crested head1 and a short slender bill1 which terminates in a hooked and nail-like tip4 ,in these birds the short powerful foot is placed far backward2 the narrow1 pointed wing has its first and second quill longer than the rest2 and the very broad strong tail is composed of sixteen feathers1 and rounded at its extremity4 ,the plumage of this species is magnificently coloured1 and forms a crest at the back of the head2 a small space between the eyes and the base of upper mandible is bare4 ,this beautiful bird has the feathers on the crown of head and the cheeks of glossy dark green2 the sides of head and a patch on sides of the neck are purplish green shaded with blue2 the crest is golden green1 decorated with two narrow white stripes that commence on the brow2 the sides of the upper neck and breast are bright reddish brown dotted with white2 some of the shoulder-feathers1 hinder parts of back1 and upper tail-covers1 are blackish green2 the rest of the shoulder-feathers1 the primary quills1 and tail1 greenish purple1 shaded with blue and glossy black2 some of the exterior tail-feathers are prolonged1 and of an orange hue2 the lower tail-covers are brown2 the chin1 throat1 a band on the upper neck1 the centre of the breast1 and the belly1 are white2 the sides of the body yellowish grey1 marked with black2 some of the long feathers on these parts are black edged with white2 the eye is bright red2 eyelid orange2 beak whitish1 with reddish base and black tip2 the foot is reddish yellow4 ,this species is seventeen inches and a half long and twenty-seven and a half broad2 the wing measures eight and a half1 and tail four inches4 ,the female is somewhat smaller than her mate1 and without an actual crest upon her head2 her plumage is deep brownish green on the back1 shaded with purple and spotted2 the head is greyish green1 neck brownish grey1 gullet white1 breast white spotted with brown1 and belly pure white2 the eyes are surrounded by a broad white line1 which passes from thence as far as the region of the ear4 ,the ,summer ,duck is a native of ,america1 where it occupies the ,united ,states1 and thence wanders regularly to the central portions of that continent and to the ,west ,indies2 it has also been killed in ,great ,britain1 ,france1 and ,germany1 but most probably these specimens were not stragglers but birds that had been reared in aviaries4 ,according to ,audubon1 the flight of the ,wood ,duck is remarkable for its speed1 and the ease and elegance with which it is performed4 ,it passes1 he says1 through the wood1 and even among the branches of trees1 with as much facility as the ,passenger ,pigeon1 and when removing from some secluded haunt to its breeding-grounds1 at the approach of night it shoots over the trees like a meteor1 scarcely emitting any sound from its wings4 ,wilson asserts that these birds seldom fly in parties of more than three or four individuals together2 but ,audubon expresses his surprise at such a statement from the admired author of ,american ,ornithology1 and assures his readers that he has seen hundreds in a single flock1 and has known fifteen to be killed by a single shot4 ,in disposition the ,wood ,duck is naturally bold and fearless2 but1 if molested1 soon becomes shy and cautious4 ,when in captivity it is very readily tamed1 and exhibits much attachment to those who feed it4 ,in their natural state these birds subsist upon grain1 reeds1 delicate shoots of plants1 worms1 snails1 and insects1 the latter being gleaned from the trees1 or snapped at as they float through the air2 they will also readily devour small reptiles1 and a variety of similar fare4 ,when tame1 they can be reared on corn or fish1 and in fact will eat almost anything that may be offered them4 ,the period of incubation commences about ,march1 and at this season the parties separate in pairs and commence their search for a convenient breeding-place4 ,for this purpose a squirrel's or ,woodpecker's hole is usually selected as affording all that they require1 and into this the female at once creeps in order to make the preparations necessary for the reception of her eggs1 while her faithful spouse keeps watch outside4 ,about ,may1 or in some localities a month later1 the eggs1 from seven to twelve in number1 are deposited2 they are small1 oval1 and have a smooth white or yellowish shell4 ,as soon as all the eggs are laid1 the female covers them with down1 spreading it thickly over them whenever she quits her charge4 ,no sooner is the mother burdened with family cares than1 as is the case with some other species1 she is deserted by her hitherto devoted mate1 who joins his male companions and roams with them over neighbouring pieces of water until the close of the moulting season4 ,the period of incubation lasts about twenty-five days4 ,if1 says ,audubon1 the nest of the ,wood ,duck is placed immediately over the water1 the young1 the moment they are hatched1 scramble to the mouth of the hole1 launch into the air with their little wings and feet spread out1 and drop into their favourite element2 but whenever their birthplace is at some distance from it1 the mother carries them to it one by one in her bill1 holding them so as not to injure their tender frames4 ,on several occasions1 however1 when the hole was thirty1 forty1 or more yards from a pool or other piece of water1 ,i observed the mother suffered the young to fall on the grasses and dried leaves beneath the trees1 and afterwards led them to the nearest edge of the next pool or creek4 ,at this early age the young answer to their parent's call with a mellow ',pee1 pee1 pee1' often and rapidly repeated4 ,the call of the mother at such time is soft1 low1 and prolonged1 resembling the syllables ',pe-1 pe-4' ,the watch-note of the male1 which resembles ',hoe-k1' is never uttered by the female2 indeed1 the male himself seldom uses it unless alarmed by some uncommon sound or the sight of a distant enemy1 or when intent on calling passing birds of his own species4 ,wilson mentions having heard from an eye-witness that a female of this species was seen carrying down thirteen young from her nest to the ground in the space of ten minutes4 ,this she accomplished by seizing them one by one in her bill by the wing or back of the neck1 and thus bearing them to the foot of the tree1 whence she afterwards led them to the water4 ,,the ,,chinese ,,teal1 ,,or ,,mandarin ,,duck4 ,the ,,chinese ,,teal1 or ,,mandarin ,,duck 7,aix galericulata71 represents the group ,cosmonessa1 comprising birds closely resembling the ,summer ,ducks above described4 ,this well-known species is not merely adorned with a crest1 but has a flowing collar1 and two remarkable fans or plumes situated on the shoulders4 ,in the gorgeously apparelled male the green crest is purplish blue in front1 with brown and green at the sides and back2 a broad1 brownish yellow line shading into yellowish white passes from the eyes to the nape2 the long-pointed collar-feathers are bright red1 the front of the neck and sides of the breast brownish red4 ,the back-feathers are light brown2 the fan-like shoulder-plumes steel-blue on the outer and brownish yellow on the inner web1 which is edged with black and white4 ,the sides of the breast exhibit two white and two black stripes2 the sides of body are yellowish grey darkly marked2 the under parts white1 and the quills brownish grey bordered with white on the outer web4 ,the eye is yellowish red1 the beak red1 with a white tip1 and the foot reddish yellow4 ,the female closely resembles the female ,aix sponsa in appearance4 ,the brilliant plumage of the male is thrown off from ,may to ,august1 when the bird also loses its crest and wing-fans1 and assumes a sober-tinted dress similar to that of his mate4 ,the ,mandarin ,ducks are natives of ,japan and ,china1 and are highly esteemed in the latter country as exhibiting1 it is supposed1 a most striking example of conjugal attachment and fidelity4 ,a pair of these birds are frequently placed in a gaily-decorated cage1 and carried in their marriage processions1 and are afterwards presented to the bride and bridegroom as worthy objects of their emulation4 ,so highly1 indeed1 are they valued1 that ,dr4 ,bennett1 we are told1 was informed by a friend whom he commissioned to buy him a pair1 that he could send him two live mandarins to ,australia with far more ease than a pair of ,mandarin ,ducks4 ,to the above naturalist we are indebted for the following interesting particulars concerning the attachment to their mates that characterises these beautiful birds3--,one day ,mr4 ,beales' aviary at ,macao was broken open1 and the male bird stolen2 his poor mate remained in a retired part of the aviary and refused to be comforted4 ,she would scarcely take any food1 and allowed her plumage to become dirty2 in vain did another ,drake endeavour to console her for her loss1 she rejected all his advances1 and remained disconsolate4 ,after some time the lost bird was discovered in the hut of a ,chinese of the lower class1 and was brought back again4 ,as soon as he recognised his old abode1 he expressed his joy by flapping his wings and quacking vehemently1 and no sooner did his mate recognise his voice than she almost quacked to screaming with ecstacy1 and flew to meet him1 and both expressed their joy by crossing necks and quacking together4 ,next morning the returned spouse fell upon the unfortunate ,drake who had made advances to his mate in his absence1 pecked his eyes out1 and otherwise so disfigured him as to occasion his death in the course of a few days4 ,according to ,schrenck1 this species appears in the countries watered by the ,amoor about ,may1 and departs again at the end of ,august2 at this season it is always met with in small or large flocks1 which are so extremely shy that they rarely come within gunshot4 ,whilst on the wing these parties crowd closely together in front1 whilst the birds in the rear occupy a comparatively free space2 the same authority states he has repeatedly seen ,mandarin ,ducks perching upon trees4 ,these beautiful birds have been successfully reared in the ,london ,zoological ,gardens1 some being hatched under the parent1 and others under a ,domestic ,hen2 the latter hatching the eggs two days sooner than the mother4 ,the eggs are of a creamy brown colour4 ,,the ,,shoveler ,,duck4 ,the ,,shoveler ,,duck 7,spatula clypeata7 represents a group distinguished by their very remarkable and large bill1 slender at its base1 very broad and vaulted towards its extremity1 and finely denticulated at its margins4 ,the plumage of the male of this species is much variegated4 ,the head and upper neck are dark green2 the nape1 upper back1 and short shoulder-feathers edged with light grey2 the lower neck1 crop1 and the upper wing-covers are white2 the rest of the wing is light blue1 decorated with a broad white stripe and a patch of metallic green4 ,the lower parts of the back and rump are blackish green2 the breast and belly chestnut-brown4 ,the lower tail-covers are black1 the quills brown1 the centre tail-feathers brown bordered with white1 and those at the sides more or less white4 ,the eye is golden yellow1 the bill black1 and the foot reddish yellow4 ,this bird is nineteen inches long and thirty inches broad2 the wing measures ten inches and a half1 and tail two and a half4 ,the plumage of the female is greyish yellow1 darkly spotted2 the upper wing is grey1 with a small greyish green patch1 and her bill greenish yellow1 edged with pale red4 ,the summer costume of the male resembles that of his mate4 ,the ,shoveler ,duck inhabits the temperate regions of the earth1 and only occasionally wanders into northern latitudes4 ,in ,europe it is met with in all parts as far north as ,norway4 ,in ,great ,britain it is usually only a winter visitor1 but occasionally remains to breed4 ,from these temperate latitudes it wanders forth during the winter to ,mexico1 ,north and ,central ,africa1 the ,south of ,china1 and ,india4 ,audubon1 who met with this bird in the ,united ,states1 where he tells us it is rare1 says3--,the ,shoveler walks prettily1 and ,i have often admired its movements in the puddles formed by heavy dashes of rain in our ,southern corn-fields1 where ,i have found it in company with the ,wood ,duck1 ,mallard1 and ,pin-tail4 ,its flight resembles that of the ,blue-winged ,teal1 and in tenderness as well as in flavour its flesh rivals that of that beautiful bird as an article of food4 ,no sportsman who is a judge will ever pass a ,shoveler to shoot a ,canvas-back4 ,it is rarely ever found on salt water1 and then only when compelled to resort thither4 ,the ,shoveler ,ducks pass a good deal of the day on dry land2 they1 however1 principally frequent lakes1 marshes1 rivers1 and muddy shores1 in search of insects1 molluscs1 worms1 and crustaceans1 that form their principal means of subsistence2 they also consume grass and other vegetable matter4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,shoveler ,,duck 7,spatula clypeata74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the remarkable beak possessed by these birds is admirably suited for the use to which it is destined1 its laminated sides being furnished with numerous nerves1 which endow it with a delicate sense of touch1 enabling it at once to select such matters as are fitted for sustenance4 ,the nest1 which is placed on a tuft of herbage1 is composed of fine grass1 the eggs being carefully covered with down from the mother's breast4 ,the eggs are of a buffy white1 tinged with green2 their size is about two inches two lines by one inch six lines4 ,,the ,,musk ,,duck4 ,the ,,musk ,,duck 7,cairina moschata7 is recognisable by its slender rounded body1 tolerably slender neck1 and large head1 and by its comparatively long powerful beak1 which is elevated at its base4 ,the bare bridles are covered with large fleshy warts1 and the claws are short and broad4 ,the proportionately short wings have the third quill longer than the rest4 ,the tail is strong and rounded1 and composed of eighteen feathers4 ,the plumage of the male is principally brownish black2 the top of the head brownish green2 the rump1 wings1 and rest of the upper part of the body are shaded with metallic green and purple-violet4 ,the quills are green1 shimmering with dark steel-blue2 the wing-covers mostly white1 the under parts dull blackish brown2 the under tail-covers shining green2 the eye yellow2 the naked places on the face brownish black2 the warty excrescences dark red1 partially spotted with black4 ,the bill is black1 with a cross stripe of blueish white just in front of the nostrils2 towards the point it is of a pale flesh-colour4 ,length of male1 thirty-two inches2 breadth1 forty-seven inches2 length of wing1 fourteen inches and a half2 length of tail1 seven inches and three-quarters4 ,the female is considerably smaller than her mate1 but in other respects they very much resemble each other4 ,all travellers who have had an opportunity of studying these ,ducks in a wild state tell us that they are beautiful1 lively1 and well-flavoured birds1 equally attractive to the naturalist and the sportsman4 ,this species is extensively distributed throughout the ,south ,american continent1 from ,paraguay to ,guiana1 and is to be met with almost in equal numbers near the mouths of rivers flowing into the sea1 and amid the swamps and marshes of wild uncultivated parts of the country4 ,the ,prince von ,wied found it swimming upon rivers in the depths of the primitive forests1 and also in still1 secluded bays1 and upon islands near the sea-coast4 ,schomburghk observed it at an altitude of #a1ejj feet above the level of the sea4 ,during the mid-day heat1 and in the afternoon1 these birds generally seek out shady places upon the shores and on sandbanks2 in the morning and evening they employ themselves in searching for their food1 which consists of fishes and snails1 also alg and other water-plants4 ,they invariably pass the night upon trees1 and if disturbed in the daytime always seek shelter among their branches2 even those which spend their days in marshes and morasses exchange these localities as the sun descends for extensive woods1 and perch upon the loftiest trees they can find4 ,their flight is remarkably rapid1 and is always1 at their first rising1 accompanied by a loud noise1 somewhat resembling that produced by a covey of ,partridges when first flushed4 ,their pairing-time seems to be signalised by incessant quarrelling amongst the jealous males2 and if the violence of these combats is to be judged of by the number of feathers left upon their battle-fields1 they are more than usually pugnacious4 ,their nest is sometimes built in the hollow of a tree near the sea-shore1 sometimes amid the branches4 ,the female parent shows herself most vigilant in protecting her young ones1 and should they be attacked1 rushes at once to their rescue2 when she has succeeded in driving back their enemies she calls them together with a peculiar cry4 ,these birds seem to have two broods during the season--one in ,may1 the other in ,september4 ,in ,brazil1 tame ,musk ,ducks are everywhere to be met with2 indeed1 at the period of the visit of the ,prince von ,wied there seemed to be no others kept in a state of domestication4 ,in ,germany1 also1 breeders have endeavoured to rear them for the table1 and speak favourably of the result of their efforts4 ,in their good opinion of these birds we cannot participate4 ,to say nothing of their being unable to endure the cold of our winter so well as other more common species1 we consider them to be positively dangerous2 they not only attack and do serious damage to other ,ducks1 but they have been known to set upon children and injure them very seriously4 ,should any of their companions fall under their displeasure1 they follow them unremittingly by land or water1 pluck their feathers off and bite them savagely2 indeed1 they not unfrequently kill them outright by swimming after them and holding them so long under water that they are drowned4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,diving ,,ducks 7,fuligul7 were formerly considered as belonging to the same race as the preceding1 from which they are now properly separated1 seeing that they have no more in common with them than ,geese or ,swans4 ,the ,diving ,ducks are at once recognisable by their short1 broad1 plump body1 by their short thick neck1 their large head1 and moderate-sized beak2 the latter is broad1 furnished with very short teeth1 and occasionally somewhat enlarged at the base4 ,the tarsi are short1 feathered quite to the heel1 and compressed laterally4 ,the anterior toes are large1 long1 and strongly webbed4 ,the wings are short and vaulted1 the two first quills being the longest4 ,the tail is short1 but broad1 consisting of from fourteen to eighteen close-set feathers2 the general plumage is thick and close1 differing in colour according to sex and age1 and on the head is generally prolonged into a tuft or crest1 which is rendered more conspicuous by the brightness of its colours4 ,these ,ducks1 in correspondence with their power of diving1 always prefer open deep water to such as is either shallow or overgrown with plants4 ,the greater number of them live upon the sea1 and only visit fresh water during the breeding season4 ,there are1 however1 some that must be considered as fresh-water birds1 seeing that they spend the greater portion of their lives upon ponds1 lakes1 or rivers4 ,in consequence of the backward position of their legs1 they are obliged1 when they stand or walk1 to keep themselves very upright2 indeed1 their gait can scarcely be called a waddle1 inasmuch as it is with difficulty that they stagger along4 ,their flight is1 perhaps1 better than that of most other ,ducks1 and when once on the wing they move pretty rapidly through the air4 ,in the water they are quite in their proper element2 their broad powerful body is so deeply immersed that only a small portion of the top of the back is visible1 and their tail touches the surface of the water4 ,as they row themselves nimbly along1 striking well out their broadly-webbed feet1 they tilt their body tail upwards1 and disappear with a single stroke4 ,these birds are not1 like the ,divers1 able to catch their prey by pursuing it under water2 when they dive they seem to plunge more or less perpendicularly down to the bottom1 and1 after about a minute's absence1 again make their appearance nearly upon the same spot from whence they vanished4 ,as it is from the bottom of the water that they obtain their food1 even those inhabiting fresh water have necessarily to dive to a considerable depth2 whilst those that live in the sea must occasionally plunge still deeper1 even to the depth of fifty or sixty fathoms--a fact of which it is easy to convince oneself by examining the contents of their stomachs4 ,a few of them seem to prefer a vegetable diet1 but the greater number live upon small bivalve shell-fish and other mollusca2 they likewise eat worms1 crustaceans1 and fishes1 while those that inhabit fresh water also feed upon aquatic insects4 ,the booty thus procured from the bottom is also swallowed under water4 ,the ,diving ,ducks1 when employed in fishing for their food1 only come to the surface to breathe4 ,their voice is totally different from that of the ,swimming ,ducks2 instead of quacking they only screech4 ,the manner of their breeding agrees pretty closely with that of ordinary ,ducks2 still1 however1 there are points of difference4 ,they breed more in company with each other1 and sometimes form regular settlements4 ,two females even of different species will occasionally lay their eggs in the same nest1 sharing the duties of incubation and the charge of the young brood4 ,some individuals exhibit a sort of mania for brooding2 they will slip into the nests of other birds1 roll away the eggs1 and take possession of them1 or even tempt the nestlings away from their proper parents in order to take them under their own care4 ,the eggs are rounder1 the shells more closely-grained than those of the ,common ,ducks1 but in other respects resemble them4 ,some ,diving ,ducks are valuable on account of the down with which they line their nests1 others on account of the excellence of their flesh1 but1 generally speaking1 the latter is rank and ill-flavoured4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,eider ,,ducks 7,somateria7 first claim our attention1 inasmuch as they are not only the largest and most beautiful of the ,diving ,ducks1 but also the most useful members of the family1 ornamenting the seas that they frequent1 and conferring inestimable benefit upon the inhabitants of the inhospitable coasts where they are common4 ,apart from their very considerable size1 the ,eider ,ducks are distinguishable by their long slender beak1 the base of which extends up the forehead1 and is divided by a triangular projection of the feathers2 the upper mandible1 which is brightly coloured1 terminates in a large nail-like appendage1 covering the entire anterior margin of the bill2 the tarsi are short1 the feet broad-soled1 and the toes long2 the wings are of moderate length1 the second primary quill being the longest2 the tertiary quills1 which are sickle-shaped1 are deflected1 and prolonged so as to overlap the primaries2 the tail1 which is slightly rounded at its extremity1 consists of fourteen or sixteen tapering feathers4 ,the general plumage is soft1 thick1 and fleecy4 ,in the adult male the prevailing colours are simply black and white2 the head1 however1 is ornamented with sea-green1 and the breast suffused with roseate pink or brownish yellow2 in one species smalt-blue is likewise observable4 ,the colour of the female is brownish grey or reddish brown4 ,all the various species inhabit the colder regions of the ,northern ,hemisphere4 ,although the name of these ,ducks is supposed to be derived from the river ,eider1 dividing the duchy of ,holstein from ,lower ,schleswig1 they are in reality seldom found south of the sixty-third degree of north latitude1 from which point to the ,north ,cape they are met with in vast numbers all along the coast and in the fiords that indent it in every direction1 stretching sometimes #bjj miles inland4 ,the northern shores of ,russia1 ,siberia1 and the same latitudes of ,north ,america1 are also inhabited by these valuable fowls4 ,the ,eider ,ducks are strictly sea-birds2 upon dry land they walk with extreme difficulty1 and as they clumsily waddle along often stumble and fall down flat on the ground4 ,their flight seems difficult and fatiguing1 requiring the sustained rapid action of their proportionately short wings4 ,they rarely rise to any height in the air1 but wing their way straight down into the water beneath1 and it is only when they reach this1 their proper element1 that they begin to show what are their real capabilities4 ,they swim with the body less deeply immersed than the generality of ,diving ,ducks1 but their movements are quicker than those of any of their congeners4 ,the breeding-time of the ,eider ,ducks is rather late in the season1 generally towards the end of ,may1 sometimes in ,june or ,july2 about this period they assemble upon certain small islands1 apparently selected because they are easily accessible2 the birds then separate into pairs1 each pair proceeding at once to chose a place for establishing its nest1 the principal conditions required being seclusion and safety4 ,in localities where the birds are tended as though they were private property1 the owners of the islands to which they resort take care to furnish a supply of old boxes1 platforms built with stones1 boards covered with brushwood1 and other similar conveniences for breeding4 ,though shy enough before1 the birds now become wonderfully tame and fearless2 they not only unhesitatingly take possession of the platforms1 boxes1 ledges1 and other contrivances prepared for them1 but allow themselves to be driven to the most suitable places1 without being at all alarmed or disturbed at the presence of their conductors4 ,they come into the immediate neighbourhood of the solitary huts of their keepers1 and will enter them in search of a snug corner in which to build2 indeed1 it not unfrequently happens that adventurous females will take possession of bedrooms1 stables1 and other similar localities1 to the great inconvenience and discomfort of the keeper's wife4 ,at first the male bird always accompanies his mate in these pedestrian excursions in search of lodgings1 which generally occupy them during the morning2 about noon they fly away towards the fiords or swim about upon the open sea2 but towards evening they come on shore to pass the night4 ,while the female is employed in laying her eggs1 the male watches over the nest with great perseverance and devotion2 but no sooner is the number of eggs complete1 and the female begins in earnest the work of incubation1 than the male flies off1 leaving both nest and wife1 and hastens to join the society of other males who may be disporting themselves far out at sea4 ,upon the rocks and scaars upon the coast of ,norway these forlorn widowers may be seen playing together by hundreds4 ,the nest of the ,eider ,duck is a very simple affair1 consisting merely of a few twigs1 stalks of seaweed1 blades of grass1 straw1 and similar materials1 such as can be picked up in the immediate neighbourhood1 heaped together in the most slovenly manner2 the rougher the framework1 however1 so much thicker and more valuable is the rich lining of down--the costly toll which the breeding birds have to pay to the masters of the soil for their temporary residence4 ,after the lapse of a few days1 the female sits most assiduously2 in places where she is accustomed to the sight of men she will not stir even should they approach her nest2 she simply bows her head to the ground1 and slightly spreads her wings so as to make herself as inconspicuous as possible4 ,the colour of her plumage generally coincides so exactly with that of the surrounding rocks1 that to an unpractised eye the bird is with difficulty distinguishable from the ground on which it sits4 ,we have more than once had convincing proof of the efficacy of this mode of concealment1 in the shape of a sharp bite on the leg1 inflicted by the beak of a brooding female1 of whose presence we were quite unaware before--at the last moment--she flew away4 ,those females who happen to have taken up their abode in the vicinity of men will allow themselves to be taken up from the nest while their eggs are examined1 after which they immediately settle down again to brood1 without showing the slightest desire to escape4 ,frequently we have sat close to their nests for hours together1 have stroked their feathers1 put our hands between their bodies and their eggs to note the temperature1 and yet few of them have stirred from the spot4 ,some of them would occasionally bite our fingers as if in play1 but the majority testified neither timidity nor annoyance4 ,some we purposely took to a little distance from their nesting-place and placed upon the ground1 but they would immediately waddle back to their domicile1 arrange the down around the eggs1 and quietly resume their position1 as if nothing had happened4 ,when left quite to themselves the brooding females quit their nests regularly every morning1 taking care1 however1 to cover their eggs warmly with down1 so that they may not be chilled during their absence2 having done this1 away they fly out to sea1 and dive assiduously for half an hour in search of food1 and in this short period manage to fill their crops almost to bursting with various kinds of shell-fish1 after which they return at once to their charge4 ,the males are much more timid than the females1 even when with them at the breeding season or whilst keeping watch over their nests4 ,should any one approach1 they immediately get into a terrible flurry1 toss their heads1 call loudly to their wives1 and after blustering for a little time1 fly off to sea1 whence they anxiously watch the proceedings of the disturber of their quietude4 ,after the lapse of twenty-five or twenty-six days1 the young ones break their shells and make their appearance2 they are beautiful little creatures1 clad in rich parti-coloured down4 ,from the first moment of their birth they are well able both to swim and to dive2 they also walk with considerable facility1 even better than their mother1 who takes them1 before their downy coat has had time to dry1 down to the sea4 ,should the breeding-place be far from the sea1 and the departure of the little flock be unusually delayed1 the keepers frequently come to their assistance1 and1 putting the entire brood into a basket1 walk with them to the shore1 followed by the waddling parents1 who seem quite satisfied with the arrangement4 ,illustration3 ,,eider ,,ducks ,,at ,,home4 ,the sea1 indeed1 is the safest place for these helpless nestlings1 as there they can most readily escape from their natural enemies the ,falcons1 ,ravens1 and ,skuas4 ,very frequently several mothers1 accompanied by their little families1 consort together1 and then they present to the observer a very attractive spectacle4 ,should the parent birds perceive that they are followed by a boat1 they at once begin to paddle away with all their strength1 hoping to escape from their pursuers1 and it is not till the boat has come close upon them that they decide upon taking wing2 by so doing they are of course compelled to desert the young birds1 who1 however1 seem very well to understand how to provide for their own safety1 as they immediately make for the land1 and scrambling on to the shore1 may be seen running nimbly in search of some convenient hiding-place1 dropping down between stones1 or concealing themselves behind slight inequalities of the ground1 from which they are scarcely distinguishable4 ,should the threatened danger pass away1 they will be found after a little time hastening back to the sea1 into which they immediately plunge1 and paddle away directly from the shore1 until they are joined either by their own mother or by some other elderly female belonging to their flock4 ,should their mother be killed1 the young1 if unable to do without assistance1 at once join some other family1 into which they are received without the slightest reluctance1 and tended and cared for by the old birds precisely as if they were their own offspring4 ,the instinct for brooding in the ,eider ,ducks is indeed very remarkable2 they will even steal each other's eggs in order to brood upon them4 ,the nestlings grow rapidly1 and often within a week from their birth are well able to procure their own food2 they remain1 nevertheless1 in company with their parents till the early part of the following year4 ,in their earliest infancy they are fed with small crustaceans and other soft-bodied animals2 at a later period they live for the most part upon bivalve shell-fish1 but likewise feed willingly on fishes1 or indeed on any small marine animals that they may meet with4 ,although the ,eider ,ducks constitute a considerable portion of the wealth of the countries they inhabit1 they are by no means cared for and protected as they might be4 ,intelligent landholders1 whose property the breeding-places are1 take the opportunity while the birds are laying to remove some of their eggs1 and thus succeed in making them lay a greater number than they otherwise would do4 ,moreover1 they are content to wait patiently until the breeding-time is over before they gather the down from their nests4 ,more generally1 however1 neither birds nor eggs are taken the least care of4 ,notwithstanding that their flesh is not by any means palatable1 these ,ducks are continually persecuted and slaughtered1 and the consequence is1 that in ,spitzbergen and other localities where the sale of the ,eider-down used to be reckoned by the hundredweight1 it is now reckoned only by pounds4 ,malmgren assures us that it is a rare thing to see young birds in the autumn2 and the bird-catchers are loud in their complaints of a scarcity1 for which they have only their own improvidence to blame4 ,in ,greenland the diminution1 although not quite so conspicuous1 is still very great1 not more than a thousand pounds being now collected there annually4 ,formerly1 says ,holboell1 the gross quantity of down procured in ,south ,greenland in the course of a year was #e1jjg lbs41 and ,north ,greenland produced about half that quantity4 ,according to the usual reckoning a dozen nests yield a pound weight of the raw material1 so that every year #ajd1ebj birds were not only despoiled of their down but also robbed of their eggs4 ,,the ,,true ,,eider ,,duck1 ,,or ,,st4 ,,cuthbert',s ,,duck4 ,the ,,true ,,eider ,,duck1 or ,,st4 ,,cuthbert',s ,,duck 7,somateria mollissima71 has the cheeks1 chin1 back1 and breast white1 the latter with a reddish tinge4 ,front and sides of the head black2 nape1 to the throat1 pea-green2 quills and tail brown1 marked on the wings with velvet-black4 ,the eye is reddish brown1 the beak greenish yellow1 the foot olive-green4 ,the length of this bird is twenty-four inches1 the breadth forty2 the length of wing eleven inches1 and length of tail three inches and a half4 ,the female is smaller than the male1 and her plumage rust-red1 marked on the head and neck with longitudinal brown streaks1 elsewhere with crescent-shaped black spots2 her under side with deep brown1 slightly lined with black4 ,after the breeding season the plumage of the male loses much of its beautiful glistening appearance1 both head and neck become blackish grey1 more darkly clouded1 the shoulders greyish black1 and the region of the crop yellowish white1 marked with black and rust-brown upon the borders of the individual feathers4 ,it seems probable that this change of plumage is not produced by moulting1 but by a gradual change in the colour of the feathers4 ,this valuable ,duck is met with throughout the northern regions of the globe1 its range extending from ,jutland to ,spitzbergen1 and from the west coast of ,europe along its northern shores to ,greenland and ,iceland4 ,it is a constant resident in some of the northern parts of ,england and ,scotland1 and has the name of ,st4 ,cuthbert's ,duck from the numbers that nest in that island4 ,its most southern breeding-places are upon the ,island of ,sylt and other small ,danish islands in the same latitude1 and from thence north it is met with in continually increasing numbers4 ,in ,iceland1 ,greenland1 and ,norway1 it is very abundant1 and is preserved with the utmost strictness4 ,their nests along the coast of ,norway1 we are told1 produce1 from the down they yield1 on an average1 a profit of five pounds a-piece in the year2 so that a small barren rock1 frequented by these birds1 becomes a very valuable property1 and has often been the subject of litigation between ,norwegian landholders4 ,some years ago the ,eider ,fowl were killed in such numbers that their extinction in that country seemed imminent1 but in #ahdg the ,norwegian ,parliament passed a law for their relief1 and since that time their pursuers have been obliged to confine themselves to robbing the nests2 the consequence is that these ,ducks are now very plentiful1 and from the perfect security in which they live have attained a degree of impudent assurance unsurpassed by the ,london ,sparrows1 or their own distant connections on the ornamental waters in our parks4 ,in the town of ,tromse they come to the house doors to be fed1 and walk about as if strongly impressed with the consciousness of their own importance4 ,in the northern parts of ,great ,britain these birds are seen assembling in groups along the shores of the mainland about ,april1 from whence they cross to the adjacent islands early in ,may4 ,the nest of this species1 which contains from four to ten 7generally six or eight7 well-shaped1 smooth-shelled eggs1 usually of a dusky greyish green1 is formed of fine seaweed1 and is lined1 after the eggs are deposited1 with down from the mother's breast1 placed so thickly that the eggs are completely hidden from view4 ,the down from a single nest1 when cleansed1 although sufficient in bulk to fill a man's hat1 seldom weighs more than one ounce4 ,in northern countries the business of robbing the nests of this valuable material begins soon after the eggs are laid1 the female replacing it by a fresh supply from her breast1 until it is quite bare1 when the male bird in turn strips himself to provide a warm covering for his young4 ,in a month's time1 says ,mr4 ,selby1 the little family are led or carried in their parent's bill to the water1 where they swim and dive with facility2 the mother meanwhile carefully watching over them to defend them from their biped foes1 and feigning lameness to lure their pursuers from the spot4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,eider ,,duck 7,somateria mollissima74 ,the care which the mother takes of her young1 says ,audubon1 cannot be exceeded4 ,she leads them gently in a close flock in shallow waters1 where1 by diving1 they procure food1 and at times1 when the young are fatigued and at some distance from the shore1 she sinks her body in the water and receives them on her back1 where they remain several minutes4 ,at the approach of their merciless enemy1 the ,black-backed ,gull1 the mother beats the water with her wings1 as if intending to raise the spray around her1 and1 on her uttering a peculiar sound1 the young dive in all directions1 while she endeavours to entice the marauder to follow her1 by feigning lameness1 or she leaps out of the water and attacks her enemy1 often so vigorously that1 exhausted and disappointed1 he is glad to fly off1 on which she alights near the rocks1 among which she expects to find her brood1 and calls them to her side4 ,now and then ,i saw two females which had formed an attachment for each other1 as if for the purpose of more effectually contributing to the safety of their young1 and it was very seldom that ,i saw these prudent mothers assailed by the ,gulls4 ,we must not omit to mention that the eagerness of these birds for brooding is so great1 that1 when robbed of their eggs1 they have frequently been known to steal the eggs or even the young of others of their species4 ,in its natural state the ,eider ,duck subsists upon small fish1 molluscs1 crustaceans1 and fish spawn1 but when kept confined will eat grain4 ,the flight of this species1 which is steady and rapid1 is usually carried on near the surface of the water2 it dives with facility1 and is capable of remaining submerged for a considerable time4 ,,the ,,king ,,eider4 ,the ,,king ,,eider 7,somateria spectabilis7 has the bill1 the sides of which are elevated1 arched and ridged1 surrounded by a fine black band2 a similar band runs from the base of the under mandible down each side of the neck4 ,the upper head is grey1 the cheeks are sea-green1 the neck1 back1 and sides of the rump white1 the front of the breast is light flesh-red2 the scapulars1 lower part of back1 wings1 tail1 and belly1 are white1 and the rest of the feathers black2 tertials1 as in the preceding species1 deflected4 ,the eye is brown1 beak red1 and foot reddish4 ,the female is distinguishable from that of the ,true ,eider by her light reddish brown plumage1 and by the structure of the base of the bill4 ,general ,sabine states 7in the ,appendix to ,sir ,e4 ,parry's first ,voyage7 that these birds were abundant in the ,north ,georgian ,islands1 their nests being placed on the ground in the neighbourhood of fresh-water ponds1 and their food consisting of the aquatic vegetation4 ,sir ,j4 ,c4 ,ross says1 ,vast numbers of this beautiful ,duck resort annually to the shores and islands of the ,arctic ,regions in the breeding season1 and have on many occasions afforded a valuable and salutary supply of fresh provision to the crews of the vessels employed on those seas4 ,on our late voyages comparatively few were obtained1 although seen in very great numbers4 ,they do not retire far to the south in the winter1 but assemble in large flocks1 the males by themselves1 and the females with their young brood are often met with in the ,atlantic ,ocean1 far distant from any land1 where the numerous crustaceans and other marine animals afford them abundance of food4 ,this species1 which very rarely occurs in ,great ,britain1 was found1 on one occasion1 according to ,dr4 ,latham1 about ,june1 at ,papa ,westra1 one of the ,orkney ,islands4 ,the eggs1 six in number1 rather smaller than those of the ,true ,eider ,duck1 were embedded in down1 and placed on a rock overhanging the sea4 ,nuttall states that the eggs of this bird are whitish1 while ,yarrell describes them as pale green1 and ,audubon as of a uniform dull greenish hue4 ,latham tells us that in ,greenland1 where the ,king ,ducks are common1 the natives assemble in canoes1 and by their shouts terrify the birds1 which dive to avoid them2 but as the place where they are about to emerge is betrayed by the bubbling of the water1 their pursuers follow them1 and the same game being several times repeated1 the birds are at length tired out and easily secured4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,western or ,,steller',s ,,eider ,,duck 7,somateria or ,heniconetta ,stelleri7 is a smaller species1 still more beautifully coloured and marked4 ,in the male the head1 nape1 and sides of neck are white1 a spot on the forehead1 and a transverse band at the back of the head are green1 a circle round the eye1 the fore and hinder neck1 the rump1 tail1 and points of the quills are black4 ,the upper wing-covers and shoulders are white1 striped with dark blue4 ,the under side1 as far as the blackish brown centre of the belly1 is yellowish brown4 ,in the plumage of the female reddish brown predominates4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak grey1 and the foot greenish grey4 ,the ,western ,eider ,duck was first described by ,steller1 from specimens which he obtained in ,kamschatka1 where it builds on inaccessible rocks4 ,but few specimens of this rare ,duck have been shot in ,england4 ,this species is exclusively a sea bird1 is never seen entering the estuaries of rivers1 and breeds among rocks and precipices4 ,it flies in large flocks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,scoters 7,oidemia7 are birds of considerable size1 with remarkably dark plumage4 ,their beak is moderately long1 broad1 irregularly swollen at its junction with the forehead1 and bright coloured4 ,the tarsi are short1 the toes long and large1 and the wings of medium length2 the tail1 which is wedge-shaped1 consists of fourteen feathers2 the soft and velvety plumage only exhibits colour on the head and wings4 ,all the species belonging to this group are inhabitants of high latitudes1 and breed within the ,arctic ,circle4 ,,the ,,velvet ,,scoter4 ,the ,,velvet ,,scoter 7,oidemia fusca71 one of the species most common in ,great ,britain1 is coal-black1 with the exception of a spot beneath the eye1 and another on the wing1 which are white2 the beak is bright yellowish red1 marked with black at the edges and at its base2 the feet are pale flesh-red1 varied with black at the joints2 the eye is pearl-white4 ,the female is dark brown1 with the exception of a white spot in the region of the ear1 a white patch upon the wing1 a yellowish bridle-streak1 and a grey place upon the centre of the breast4 ,her eye is brown1 her beak black1 and her foot greenish yellow4 ,the length of this species is twenty-four inches2 the breadth forty inches2 the length of the wing twelve inches1 and that of the tail three inches and a half4 ,the range of the ,velvet ,scoter extends from the northern parts of ,scandinavia eastward as far as ,america4 ,in the north of ,russia and ,siberia it is common4 ,during its excursions it not only visits our shores1 but goes still further southwards1 and has occasionally been seen even upon the coasts of ,spain and in ,greece1 but rarely shows itself inland4 ,it makes its appearance in our latitudes late in the year1 generally about the middle of ,november or the beginning of ,december1 and returns to its northern home early in the spring4 ,in the neighbourhood of the ,gulf ,stream1 where the sea remains open1 it may be met with throughout the winter1 frequenting the fjords and bays1 sometimes in numerous flocks1 at others only in small parties1 and seldom visits the shores4 ,the ,velvet ,scoter walks and flies badly1 but swims well and dives admirably4 ,naumann states that it is less shy than the generality of its race1 a statement which we cannot subscribe to2 in ,norway1 at least1 we have always observed it to be one of the most timid and circumspect of diving birds4 ,the food of these ,ducks consists principally of bivalve shell-fish2 in their breeding-places they may likewise procure insects1 worms1 and probably small fishes2 but it is upon the bivalve molluscs that they chiefly feed1 and to obtain these they will even leave their brooding-ground and fly out to sea4 ,they have also been observed to feed upon vegetable substances4 ,upon the mountain lakes of ,southern ,norway the ,velvet ,scoters breed with tolerable regularity2 and further to the north there is hardly a sheet of water of this description1 if not too remote from the sea1 upon which their young are not to be found4 ,about the middle of ,june their rudely-constructed nests may be met with hidden in bushes or high grass1 or amid tufts of rushes4 ,the nest itself is constructed of coarse sticks1 stalks1 and leaves1 loosely heaped together1 and lined with down plucked from the body of the female4 ,the eight or ten eggs constituting a brood are elongated1 smooth1 and shining1 and of a reddish yellow colour4 ,the young remain in their native lakes until fully able to fly1 and do not betake themselves to the sea till the end of ,october4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,fen ,,ducks 7,aythya7 are handsome1 strongly-built birds1 with moderately long beaks1 which are not dilated at the base2 short1 broad-soled feet2 moderately long1 pointed wings1 and smooth plumage4 ,the range of the members of this group extends from the ,arctic ,circle to the tropics4 ,they do not inhabit very high latitudes1 and only visit the south during their migrations4 ,they may1 therefore1 be considered as properly belonging to the temperate zone4 ,during the winter months they are to be met with in ,southern ,russia and the low countries bordering on the ,danube1 also in ,greece1 ,south ,italy1 ,spain1 and throughout the north of ,africa4 ,these birds make their migrations by night1 great numbers of them flying together in large flocks1 generally without any regular order1 but sometimes arranged in converging oblique lines4 ,in the spring they are usually seen in pairs or in small parties4 ,during the summer they visit lakes of fresh water1 large ponds1 morasses1 or fens having a considerable surface of water of sufficient depth1 sometimes resorting to smaller ponds which may happen to be in the neighbourhood4 ,as regards their locomotive powers1 these ,ducks are decidedly the best endowed of their family--they can walk tolerably well1 but1 being very unwieldy1 they do not willingly come upon dry land1 and then only to repose upon some sandbank1 or beat up any masses of reeds that may be lying on the margin of the pond4 ,when swimming their body is not so deeply immersed as is that of some of their congeners2 they cut through the waves1 however1 with the same rapidity1 and dive as quickly as any of their neighbours4 ,their flight is hasty and performed by frequent strokes of their wings1 that make a perceptible rushing sound1 but do not propel them very quickly through the air2 nevertheless1 they do not seem to become fatigued so quickly as might be expected4 ,during the summer time the ,fen ,ducks live almost entirely on vegetable substances2 bulbous roots1 buds1 and tender shoots of trees1 succulent leaves1 blossoms and seeds of water-plants1 constitute the staple of their diet2 they will1 however1 likewise catch aquatic insects1 fishes1 and pond mollusca2 in fact1 they seem to like variety4 ,during their migrations they appear more partial to animal food1 and when they indulge in this to any extent1 their flesh1 at other times excellent food1 acquires a somewhat disagreeable flavour4 ,their breeding-time begins late in the season1 generally about the middle of ,may1 when they usually construct their nests among the sedges and reeds that grow upon the margins of the marsh or pond which they may have selected for their residence4 ,whether this be fresh water or salt seems to be to them a matter of no consequence4 ,sometimes they will build in situations frequented by man1 sometimes by the side of very small ponds1 but in the latter case they soon remove their young ones to a more roomy locality4 ,after their first arrival they spend a long time in the society of other species of ,ducks1 apparently without ever thinking of the great object of their visit4 ,towards the end of ,april they become restless and lively1 and the males begin to utter their amorous call1 the flock separates into pairs1 which at once set to work in earnest to construct their nests4 ,there does not seem to be any fighting amongst the males2 the females quietly select their mates1 and the espoused couple immediately resort to their building ground4 ,the nest is usually a mere pile of sedges1 stalks of reeds1 hay1 straw1 and leaves1 slightly hollowed at the top1 and warmly lined with feathers4 ,the eggs1 eight or ten in number1 sometimes in exceptional cases more1 sometimes fewer1 are moderately large1 roundish1 and of a dull grey or olive-green4 ,so long as the female continues to lay1 her mate remains true to his duty1 and carefully watches over her safety4 ,when1 however1 she begins to sit upon her eggs1 the male deserts his charge1 leaves her while he amuses himself in the society of other roving males1 and finally troubles himself no more about either mother or eggs4 ,after the lapse of twenty-two or twenty-three days1 the young ones make their appearance1 and on the very day of their birth are to be seen paddling about upon the surface of the water1 but at first they do not venture beyond the shelter of the floating herbage at the side of the pond4 ,soon1 however1 their parent1 by the pressure of her body1 crushes down the reeds and water-plants1 so as to make a sort of bed1 to be used as a sleeping or resting place1 and here she may be found sitting1 closely surrounded by her little flock1 as they sun themselves and preen their feathers4 ,if disturbed in their snug retreat1 they endeavour to save themselves by repeatedly diving1 and if the threatened danger continues1 the mother hastens to lead them to a more secluded spot1 always1 if possible1 making their way thither by water1 never1 except in cases of urgent necessity1 trusting to the dry land4 ,the size of the young ,ducks rapidly increases1 and they do not learn to fly until they have attained their full growth4 ,owing to the excellence of their flesh1 the chase after these birds is eagerly followed up1 and the sportsman is able sometimes to bring down several of them at once1 seeing that1 if pursued1 the young birds always crowd closely together4 ,occasionally they are taken in considerable numbers by means of decoys4 ,,the ,,red-,,headed ,,duck1 ,,dunbird1 ,,or ,,pochard4 ,the ,,red-,,headed ,,duck1 ,,dunbird1 or ,,pochard 7,aythya ferina71 one of the best-known representatives of the above group1 is of a beautiful brownish red upon the head and fore part of the neck1 the front of the breast is black1 the back and sides are pure ash-grey1 delicately marked with cross lines of black4 ,the under side is greyish white1 the region of the vent black2 the wing-covers are ash-grey1 the wing-spots light grey1 and the quills and tail grey4 ,the eye is yellow1 the beak black at its base1 and the margins elsewhere blueish grey2 the foot is greenish grey4 ,in the female the head and neck are reddish greyish brown1 marked with an indistinct crescent of dark brown4 ,her body is whitish grey1 and wings ash-grey4 ,the young males in their summer dress resemble the females1 but are somewhat brighter in hue1 and have the back-feathers of a purer grey4 ,the length of this bird is nineteen inches1 its breadth thirty inches1 the wing measures nine inches and a half1 and the tail two inches and a half4 ,the ,red-headed ,ducks are winter visitors to ,great ,britain1 appearing in ,october1 and1 as a rule1 departing in spring4 ,occasionally a few have been said to remain and breed in ,norfolk4 ,these birds do not confine themselves to the sea-coast1 but visit inland lakes and rivers4 ,their note is usually a low whistle1 but1 when alarmed1 they utter a hoarse croak4 ,the nest1 which is placed among rushes or coarse herbage1 contains from ten to twelve buffish-white eggs2 they are about two inches long1 and one inch and five-eighths broad4 ,although1 says ,audubon 7in speaking of this species1 which is numerously met with during winter about ,new ,orleans1 ,east ,florida1 and ,chesapeake ,bay71 these ,ducks dive much and to a great depth1 while in our bays and estuaries1 yet when in the shallow ponds of the interior1 they are seen dabbling in the mud along the shores1 much in the manner of the ,mallard2 and1 on occasionally shooting them there1 ,i have found their stomach crammed with young tadpoles and small water lizards1 as well as with blades of grass2 nay1 on several occasions ,i have found pretty large acorns and beech-nuts in their throats1 as well as snails1 entire or broken1 and fragments of the shells of several small unios1 together with much gravel4 ,pochards are sold in large numbers in the ,london markets1 and ,gould tells us1 on reliable authority1 that no less than #ad1djj1 the sale of which produced #a1bjj1 have been captured in one decoy4 ,the method by which ,pochards were formerly taken is thus described by ,montagu3--,poles were erected at the avenues leading to the decoys1 and after a great number of birds had collected for some time on the pond1 a net was1 at a given time1 erected by pulleys to these poles1 beneath which a deep pit had been previously dug2 and as these ,ducks1 like the ,woodcocks1 go to feed just as it is dark1 and are said always to rise against the wind1 a whole flock was sometimes taken together in this manner2 for if once they strike against the net1 they never attempt to return1 but flutter down the net till they are received into the pit1 from which they cannot rise4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,pin-,,tailed ,,ducks 7,erismatura7 are recognisable by the structure of their tail2 their body is elongated2 neck short and thick2 and head tolerably large4 ,their beak1 which is flat in front1 and considerably enlarged towards its base1 is furnished at its tip with a small nail2 the tarsi are short2 toes long2 and the wings remarkably small and much vaulted4 ,the long1 wedge-shaped tail is formed of eighteen feathers1 which are of hard strong texture1 and very tapering towards their extremities4 ,the close harsh plumage of this group is readily distinguishable by the peculiarity of its colouring from that of all other ,ducks4 ,,the ,,white-,,headed ,,pin-,,tailed ,,duck4 ,the ,,white-,,headed ,,pin-,,tailed ,,duck 7,erismatura leucocephala7 has the head white1 with the exception of a large black patch upon the centre2 a band around the neck and throat is black4 ,the lower neck and region of the crop are chestnut-brown1 finely marked with black2 the mantle is greyish yellow1 streaked with black2 the under side reddish yellow1 with greyish white centre and black markings2 the primary quills are grey1 and the tail black4 ,the eye is reddish yellow2 beak blueish grey2 and foot reddish grey4 ,this species is nineteen inches long and twenty-five inches broad2 length of wing six inches and a half1 and of tail four inches and a half4 ,the female is smaller than her mate1 and more variegated1 but is not so handsome1 owing to the absence of the white feathers and black spot that adorn the head of the male2 the upper part of her head and a spot upon the cheeks are brown1 the latter encircled by a line of yellowish white2 the rest of her plumage is principally reddish brown1 marked with watered black and grey lines4 ,the ,white-headed ,pin-tail is met with throughout the south and south-east parts of ,europe1 the south parts of ,southern ,asia1 and ,north-west ,africa2 it is1 however1 scarcer than the generality of ,ducks1 even in localities where it is most frequently observed4 ,it is principally abundant on the lakes of ,asia1 whilst in countries more to the west it seems less common4 ,in ,greece it is a regular visitant1 but has not yet been found in ,spain4 ,buvry and ,tristram encountered it upon the lakes of ,algeria1 and the first-mentioned naturalist succeeded in obtaining its eggs4 ,the ,white-headed ,ducks1 says ,buvry1 are most elegant birds1 and are always met with in pairs4 ,their beautiful light blue beak forms a lively contrast to their white head and brown body4 ,their attitude when swimming is very striking2 they lift up their tail almost perpendicularly1 and glide lightly and quickly over the water like so many little boats4 ,if pursued they seldom have recourse to their wings2 nevertheless1 such is the rapidity of their movements in the water that they are rarely captured4 ,they lie so deep when swimming that1 with the exception of their head1 neck1 and tail1 very little of them is seen2 and if they choose to exert themselves when paddling with their powerful and broadly-webbed feet1 they swim and dive with all the facility of a ,cormorant4 ,in their flight they rather resemble ,divers than ordinary ,ducks1 and the rapid motion of their wings produces a very audible whirring sound4 ,their voice1 which is a somewhat jarring quack1 reminds us of that of the ,duck4 ,the food of these birds consists of molluscs and fishes4 ,in ,central ,asia their breeding-time occurs later than that of any of their kindred1 their eggs being never met with before ,july4 ,the nest is difficult to find1 as it is carefully hidden in the thickest entanglements of the reeds1 rushes1 and bushes1 that abound in their favourite resorts2 occasionally it is still further concealed by a covering of similar materials4 ,the nests found by ,tristram in ,algeria contained--the one three and the other eight eggs4 ,these1 he says1 are very large in proportion to the size of the bird1 of a regular elliptical shape1 very rough shelled1 and1 unlike those of other ,ducks1 of a dingy white4 ,we have no information respecting the rearing of the young4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,mergansers1 or ,,goosanders 7,mergi71 are distinguishable by their very elongate body1 moderately long1 thin neck1 and large head1 which is generally ornamented by a tuft or hood2 their bill is long1 straight1 or slightly arched1 slender1 and almost cylindrical2 its callous margins are sharp and strongly denticulated1 and its tip terminated by a strong hook2 the legs are short1 and placed very far backwards1 the feet large1 and toes long2 the hind toe is furnished with a supplementary web1 resembling that of some of the ,divers4 ,the wings are of moderate length1 and very acutely pointed1 the first and second quills being the longest2 the tail1 which consists of sixteen or eighteen feathers1 is short1 broad1 and rounded2 the plumage is short1 thick1 and prettily coloured1 but the colours vary at different ages1 and also in the sexes as well as at different seasons of the year4 ,these remarkable birds walk badly1 with a vacillating waddling gait1 keeping their bodies erect1 but they are excellent swimmers1 and dive with wonderful facility4 ,their flight is rapid1 light1 and somewhat resembles that of the ,duck4 ,when ,mergansers fly in company1 as they frequently do1 they range themselves in a certain regular order2 they rise readily1 but with a loud noise1 splashing with their feet upon the water1 and when they alight again in that element1 fly obliquely downwards1 and either at once dive or stop themselves by means of their outstretched tail4 ,all the members of this family belong to the northern regions of our globe1 but are met with pretty equally both in the eastern and western hemispheres4 ,when driven south by the intensity of the cold1 their migrations sometimes extend to the south of ,europe1 and to corresponding latitudes in ,central ,asia and ,america4 ,the ,goosanders subsist chiefly upon fishes1 crustaceans1 worms1 and insects2 the fishes they obtain by diving1 and chasing them through the water1 exactly after the manner of the true ,divers4 ,these birds are strictly monogamous1 and construct their nests sometimes upon the ground1 in clumps of herbage1 among reeds1 in hollow trunks1 or amongst the branches of trees1 and occasionally in the deserted homes of other birds4 ,the nest is inartistically formed of dried stalks1 leaves1 moss1 and rushes1 warmly lined with down4 ,the brood consists of from seven to fourteen unspotted grey or greenish white eggs4 ,the female alone broods1 sitting for a period of from twenty-two to twenty-four days1 the male always taking up a position in the neighbourhood of his mate4 ,at first he seems to take some interest in his young brood1 but soon forsakes them1 and joining company with others of his own sex1 retires from his family cares in order to undergo his autumnal moult4 ,the flesh of the ,goosanders is disagreeable1 and of an oily taste1 but they are often killed for the sake of their down and feathers4 ,the eggs are in much request4 ,,the ,,white-,,headed ,,goosander4 ,the ,,white-,,headed ,,goosander 7,mergellus albellus7 has been made the representative of a distinct sub-family1 probably on account of the shortness and breadth of its bill1 and the peculiarities in its mode of life4 ,this bird bears a great resemblance to some of the ,divers1 and therefore must be placed near them4 ,the summer dress of the male is pure white1 a spot between the eyes1 the beak1 and a band across the nape are blackish green2 the back and a portion of the wings1 two small stripes upon the shoulder1 and a long stripe above the wing are black2 the sides are blueish grey1 cross-waved with black2 the primary quills blackish brown1 and the tail-feathers grey2 the eye is blueish grey1 the beak and foot greyish blue4 ,the length is nineteen inches1 the breadth thirty inches2 the length of wing eight inches and a half1 and the length of tail three inches4 ,in the female1 which is smaller than her mate1 the head and hinder neck are brown1 the bridles black1 the throat and under part of the body white1 the feathers of the mantle grey1 the upper breast and sides whitish1 transversely waved with black4 ,after the summer moult the dress of the male very much resembles that of the female4 ,the real habitat of the ,white-headed or ,dwarf ,goosander1 as it is sometimes called1 seems to be in ,northern ,asia1 from whence it extends westward into ,northern ,europe1 and eastwardly into the northern parts of ,america4 ,during the winter months1 however1 it wanders far southward4 ,it is then to be met with in considerable numbers throughout the whole of ,china1 being more especially abundant in the northern provinces of the ,celestial ,empire4 ,it is1 moreover1 a regular visitant to ,northern ,india1 and is not unfrequently seen in ,central and in ,southern ,europe4 ,it seems to be more scarce in the ,southern ,provinces of the ,united ,states of ,north ,america1 for ,audubon informs us that in the western division1 at least1 it was a bird of unusual occurrence4 ,in very hard winters it makes its appearance in ,germany1 as early as the month of ,november1 but more usually not until the middle of ,december1 returning again to the north in ,february or ,march4 ,it is likewise a winter visitor to the shores of ,great ,britain1 large numbers being sometimes seen on the eastern or southern coasts of ,england4 ,it is rarely found north of the ,humber1 and is comparatively rare in ,scotland and ,ireland4 ,in some parts of ,switzerland it may be met with even so late as the beginning of ,may4 ,this species is generally only to be found in the neighbourhood of fresh-water lakes1 sometimes1 but only casually1 it may be seen in quiet bays upon the sea-coast1 more especially in such as are at the mouths of rivers4 ,unlike the ,divers1 it seems to prefer flowing streams to stagnant water1 and often wanders along the course of rivers1 from which it only makes excursions to such lakes and ponds as may be free from ice4 ,when walking1 the ,dwarf ,goosander holds its body in a horizontal position1 with its head retracted2 it walks with a waddling gait1 but better than the generality of its near allies4 ,when swimming it keeps itself about half submerged1 and when it dives it stretches itself out to its full length1 and disappears in an instant4 ,its flight1 which very much resembles that of the smaller ,ducks1 is rapid1 straight1 accompanied by a slight whirring of the wings1 and is generally but little elevated above the surface of the ground or of the water4 ,it is remarkably lively in its disposition1 and even during the bitterest cold weather is sprightly and active4 ,these birds may generally be recognised by the manner of their diving2 the ,true ,divers1 after their plunge1 generally reappear close to the spot where they went down1 but the ,goosanders swim while under water to a considerable distance1 shooting along like a pike or a trout1 and as they can keep submerged for a minute at a time1 it is not easy to calculate where they will come up again4 ,they live principally upon small fishes1 crustaceans1 and aquatic insects1 and in confinement1 at least1 do not refuse vegetables2 they will also eat bread greedily4 ,in catching fishes they are quite as skilful as the larger ,divers1 and it is very interesting to watch a flock of them thus employed4 ,now you see them swimming altogether2 in a moment they all vanish at once1 and the water becomes disturbed by their movements underneath2 at length they come up again one after another1 but widely separated1 and often from thirty to fifty yards from the place where they went down4 ,again they congregate1 and anon they dive again2 some of them coming up perhaps close to the shore4 ,sometimes they are obliged to procure their food through small holes in the ice1 often not a foot square1 and to pursue their game beneath the frozen surface1 only presenting themselves every now and then at the aperture for a supply of air4 ,their power of seeing under the water must therefore be very good1 or they would never be able to find the broken place at which to emerge4 ,where the supply of food is scanty they will rake up the bottoms of ponds1 in search of frogs or insects4 ,the habit of diving all at once is peculiar to the ,goosanders1 and the explanation of this manuvre seems to be that by so doing they come among the astonished fishes in all directions1 thus enabling one bird to catch those that are trying to escape from another2 but we have never seen them1 as some writers assert1 arrange themselves in the form of a crescent1 so as to drive the fishes1 as it were1 into a narrow space4 ,about the breeding of these birds we are very imperfectly informed2 we know1 however1 that in the north of ,russia they assemble in great numbers1 and build their nests upon the shore1 or upon small islands1 sometimes in hollow trees4 ,we know1 likewise1 that their nest is composed of dry broom 7,genista7 and grasses1 lined with feathers1 and that their eggs1 eight to twelve in number1 are of a dirty white1 or greenish brown colour1 but we are ignorant either of the duration of their incubation1 or of the manner in which they educate their progeny4 ,,the ,,green-,,headed ,,goosander4 ,the ,,green-,,headed ,,goosander 7,mergus merganser7 differs from the preceding species not only in its greater size1 but in the structure of its bill1 which is elongated and compressed at its sides4 ,in his summer dress the male is blackish green upon the head and upper neck2 the upper back1 shoulders1 and margins of the wings are black2 the whole under surface and the upper wing-covers are of a beautiful yellowish red2 the wing-spot is white4 ,the wing-quills are black1 the lower tail-covers grey1 finely marked with black1 and the tail-feathers grey4 ,the eye is reddish yellow1 beak coral-red1 and foot pale red4 ,the female has the upper head and nape brown1 the back-feathers blueish grey1 the under surface of her body and the wing-spot white2 the fore parts of her breast and sides are grey1 marked with a darker and a lighter shade4 ,after the summer moult the plumage of the male is very similar to that of the female1 but somewhat more beautiful4 ,the length of this species is from thirty to thirty-two inches2 breadth1 forty to forty-two inches2 length of wing1 twelve inches2 length of tail1 three inches4 ,the ,green-headed ,goosander inhabits the northern parts of ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america1 being pretty equally distributed in all these continents3 its migrations1 which occur with much greater regularity than those of the ,mergellus albellus1 extend1 on the one hand1 to all the southern countries of ,europe1 the south of ,china1 and north of ,india2 and on the other1 to the extreme south provinces of the ,united ,states4 ,a few pairs are occasionally known to breed in the ,orkneys and ,hebrides1 but with us by far the greater number only arrive from the north about the end of ,november1 and return thither in ,february4 ,the ,green-headed ,goosander may justly be regarded as one of the most beautiful of aquatic birds4 ,with the exception of a few hours at noon1 he is invariably to be seen in the water4 ,upon dry land his gait is waddling1 and his flight1 although rapid1 laboured and heavy2 but upon the sea he is quite at home4 ,when swimming quietly upon the surface he rows himself along with powerful but slowly-repeated strokes of his broad feet1 passing through the water with tolerable velocity4 ,should he1 however1 cast an envious eye upon some other bird that has caught and is about to swallow a fish he would fain appropriate1 he rushes in pursuit with truly wonderful rapidity4 ,in diving he is equally adroit1 plunging suddenly down without the least sound or commotion1 and in clear water1 where his career1 as he steers his course half way between the surface and the bottom can be observed1 his rapid progress seems rather to resemble the movements of a trout than those of a bird4 ,on occasions he can remain under water for two minutes at a time2 generally1 however1 he comes up in about a minute1 and in this short period1 notwithstanding all the ins and outs of his zigzag course1 will have dived1 as shown by the place of his reappearance1 upwards of #ajj yards4 ,as long as these birds can obtain a sufficient supply1 they subsist exclusively upon fishes1 preferring such as are about five or six inches long1 although they are well able to vanquish and swallow those of much larger size4 ,the breeding-place of these ,goosanders is generally in latitudes very far north1 their usual resort being to the ,danish islands1 and even still farther north4 ,their period of incubation commences about the beginning of ,june4 ,the nest is constructed in various situations1 often in some excavation in the ground1 hidden between stones or bushes1 on the tops of pollard willows1 on the lofty eyries of birds of prey1 in the deserted nests of ,crows1 or within the cavities of hollow trees4 ,at ,jana-,elf we saw large chests1 resembling dove-cots1 upon all the tallest trees2 these we were told were intended specially to induce the ,goosanders to build their nests1 and lay their eggs in them4 ,these breeding-boxes are likewise in common use among the ,lapps and ,finns1 and1 as we learned1 were regularly visited by the breeding birds4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,green-,,headed ,,goosander 7,mergus merganser74 ,the nest itself is more or less artistically constructed of twigs1 stalks1 straw-grass1 leaves1 and similar materials1 always well and warmly lined with down4 ,the brood consists of from eight to fourteen eggs1 but by regularly abstracting them as they are laid1 the female will sometimes produce double those numbers4 ,the eggs are well-shaped1 rather elongate1 slightly shining1 and of a delicate greenish brown1 grey1 or dirty olive-green colour4 ,only the female sits1 and upon her the guardianship of the young brood almost entirely devolves4 ,such as are born in nests placed at a considerable height1 must necessarily be brought by her to the surface of the ground1 but we are not aware that any naturalist has witnessed such a proceeding4 ,it is just possible that1 like some ,ducks and ,geese1 they may leap from the nest trusting to their fluttering wings and thick downy covering to come off scatheless4 ,were we to judge by the observations we have had opportunities of making relative to the breeding of the ,red-breasted ,merganser 7,mergus serrator71 we should say that the young brood at first comport themselves exactly like young ,ducks2 soon1 however1 their natural peculiarities and special endowments begin to show themselves1 and after the lapse of about eight days1 they adopt the habits of their race4 ,when first hatched they live upon small crustaceans and larv1 caught upon the surface of the water1 but on the third day are able to dive1 and from the eighth day are quite capable of fishing for themselves4 ,they grow very rapidly1 and soon become independent4 ,according to ,naumann the instinct for brooding is so strong in these birds1 that if robbed of their eggs1 they will take possession of the nest of a ,duck1 and after forcibly driving away its owner1 will sit upon her eggs till they are hatched4 ,illustration ,,the ,,sea-,,fliers 7,longipennes74 ,,in the broad-billed water birds1 we have had an opportunity of admiring the manner in which their power of swimming becomes more and more complete4 ,in the ,sea-fliers we shall recognise the tyrants of the ocean1 seeing that in their presence the swimming birds1 whether inhabitants of the coast or children of the wave are subservient4 ,the great character whereby the ,longipennes are distinguished is the enormous development of their wings1 while that of their feet remains comparatively in abeyance4 ,some of them1 it is true1 are well able both to swim and to walk1 but their special adaptation is for flight4 ,their power of flying is supreme1 and in this they are surpassed by no other birds4 ,as to their general structure1 there is a great similarity between the different races4 ,their body is powerful1 their neck short1 and their head of moderate size4 ,their beak1 which is of medium length1 is compressed at the sides and sharp-pointed or hooked at the end2 in conformity with this structure1 the upper mandible is more or less arched1 while the under jaw at a little distance from its apex1 is strengthened by an angular enlargement4 ,their feet are feeble in proportion to the size of their bodies1 and only webbed upon the three anterior toes2 moreover1 even upon these the webs are often very imperfectly developed4 ,the wings are always long1 and sharp-pointed1 more or less narrow and proportionately very large2 their tail is of moderate dimensions1 either truncate1 greatly rounded1 pointed1 or forked at the extremity1 and usually composed of twelve feathers4 ,the general plumage is very thick and rich1 but not particularly well-furnished with down2 its colour is much varied1 and changes with the age of the bird and at different seasons4 ,in all the above characters and in many others that might be adduced from an examination of their internal structure1 these birds differ from the ,swimmers in so many particulars that they cannot be considered as in any way belonging to the same order4 ,the domain of the ,sea-fliers is the ocean1 their territory the wide world4 ,some families seem more especially to frequent coasts1 others prefer fresh water to the salt sea1 but these are mere exceptions4 ,sweeping continually over the waves1 or skimming in the proximity of coasts1 they wander over the sea and circle round the globe4 ,by one tie only are they bound to the dry land1 and that is1 their affection for their offspring4 ,they lay their eggs upon the land1 and there watch over their young brood until their wings attain sufficient strength to enable them to join their brethren in the air2 the rest of their time is for the most part devoted to the sea1 upon which they sometimes repose1 or1 in exceptional cases1 sleep upon the shore4 ,their flight is longer sustained than that of the ,swallows or ,swifts1 or even of the ,humming-birds1 for they fly not only during the whole day but often likewise throughout the night4 ,it is to this untiring energy and constant restlessness that we must attribute the boundless range over which particular species spread themselves4 ,some of them indeed have literally a world-wide distribution1 and visit every climate between the equator and the polar seas4 ,others again1 restrict their wanderings1 or migrations1 or flights1 or whatever the reader may choose to call them1 either within more or less definite regions1 or within certain degrees of latitude2 it must1 however1 be kept in mind that these boundaries are not coasts or countries1 but whole continents and oceans4 ,all ,sea-fliers are divers1 but1 owing to the thickness of their plumage1 some are less capable than others of plunging far beneath the surface4 ,they generally fly over the waves at a certain altitude1 disporting themselves in the sunshine should the weather be fine1 or battling with the elements during a storm4 ,while flying1 their attention is anxiously bent upon the sea beneath1 on the look-out for food1 upon which1 when discovered1 they instantly dart down1 some of them with the straightness and rapidity of an arrow1 others more leisurely1 while some1 before they seize their prey1 settle down and swim4 ,all are equally rapacious1 whether they catch food for themselves or rob other birds of their hard-earned booty1 whether they devour living victims or content themselves with feeding1 like the ,vultures1 upon carrion4 ,whatever the sea presents for their acceptance they greedily swallow4 ,in their mode of breeding these birds very much resemble each other4 ,their nests are generally placed upon the ground1 sometimes in wild mosses and swamps1 sometimes on ledges or projections of rocks1 and in the holes and excavations of the soil4 ,occasionally they select precipitous cliffs and mountains1 more rarely trees2 some lay but one egg1 others two1 three1 or four4 ,all show much attention to their mates and offspring4 ,the young are at once introduced to their future element1 where they soon learn to catch their own food4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,terns1 or ,,sea ,,swallows 7,stern71 are a race of middle-sized or small slenderly-built birds4 ,their beak is of about the same length as the head1 hard1 straight1 or gently arched towards the tip1 both in the upper and lower mandible4 ,the feet are feeble1 and provided with toes united by a short or deeply-excavated web1 and furnished with slightly-curved sharp claws4 ,the wings are long1 narrow1 and sharp-pointed1 the first quill being the longest2 the tail1 which is of medium length1 consists of twelve feathers1 and is more or less forked4 ,the thick1 soft1 close plumage is coloured light blue1 black1 and white1 and varies but little either with the sexes1 age1 or season of the year4 ,the ,terns are very extensively distributed1 inhabiting every zone2 still they appear to prefer warm and temperate climates to the colder regions1 only visiting the latter1 indeed1 for a short time during the year4 ,the members of this group live both upon the sea and fresh water1 and during their wanderings follow the windings of coasts and the courses of rivers2 some species prefer flat1 bare shores1 others resort to localities rich in vegetation1 while others1 again1 delight in the neighbourhood of woods4 ,all are exceedingly active1 and from sunset to sunrise are constantly on the wing2 their nights are passed on dry land1 but they apparently require less repose than any of their kindred4 ,they walk badly1 and when on the ground hold their body in a horizontal position1 slightly depressed in front1 so that the tips of their long sabre-like wings are higher than their head1 which is kept in a retracted position4 ,in the water they swim like corks1 their little feet being almost incapable of assisting them in that element2 on the other hand1 their powers of flight are wonderful1 and will bear comparison in every respect with those of the ,swallow4 ,when not in haste they move their wings with slow wide-spreading strokes1 and thus glide onwards through the air in a gently undulating line2 but if urged to speed they beat the wind with powerful rapid jerks1 and skim along with indescribable velocity4 ,in fine weather they disport themselves almost after the manner of ,swallows1 sweeping round and round in broad circles1 and performing a variety of elegant curves and graceful evolutions2 but in a storm their energies seem roused to the utmost1 and they may then be seen battling untiringly against the gale4 ,generally they fly very low over the surface of the water1 rising and sinking as the waves heave and fall1 till suddenly1 with close-shut wings1 they dart obliquely into the sea1 sinking so deep that they almost disappear1 but1 immediately rising again1 they shake their wings and recommence their devious course over the billows4 ,in this manner they fly over a vast extent of water during the day1 but however widely they may wander1 return again and again to the same track1 and never remove far from the locality whence they started4 ,the disagreeable shrieking cry uttered by these birds varies but little in different species4 ,although the ,terns are very sociable in their intercourse with their own kind1 they appear to take but little heed of the rest of their feathered companions1 even when1 as is often the case1 they associate with them in search of food4 ,the diet of the ,sea ,swallows consists principally of fishes and a variety of creatures met with in the sea1 their prey being always taken when on the wing4 ,these birds are strictly monogamous3 a few weeks before the commencement of the breeding season they begin to assemble in the vicinity of their meeting-place1 returning year after year to the same locality4 ,such species as inhabit the sea-shore generally select coral-banks1 islands1 or long spits of bare sand for this purpose1 while such as settle inland seek out similar1 but less barren spots1 in the vicinity of swamps and marshes1 the various species usually breeding apart from each other4 ,such as resort to morasses lay their eggs in a mere depression of the ground4 ,their unpretending apologies for a nest are sometimes isolated1 sometimes so crowded together as literally to cover the ground so thickly1 that the brooding birds have all to sit with their heads in one direction1 and a man cannot pass between them without crushing the eggs of contiguous nests4 ,even such species as resort to trees construct nothing in the shape of a nest1 but deposit their eggs in chinks of the bark or inequalities of the branches4 ,most of the ,terns lay three eggs1 others two1 whilst those that breed on trees deposit but one4 ,the male and female brood alternately2 during the heat of the day1 however1 they leave their eggs to be kept warm by the sun4 ,the young are hatched in about a fortnight or three weeks1 and make their appearance clad in down2 they leave the hollow that has served as a nest on the day of their birth1 and run at once down to the water's edge1 quite as fast as their parents1 by whom they are anxiously and carefully tended4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ch1 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,sterna ,,hirundo ,,common ,,tern 7about #a_/c ,nat4 size7 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,caspian ,,tern 7,sylochelidon ,caspia74 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,rapacious ,,terns 7,sylochelidon7 are the largest of the ,sea ,swallows1 and distinguishable from other species by their proportionately strong1 compressed body1 as also by their large strong beak1 which is longer than the head4 ,the foot is small1 and the web but little excised2 their wing is long and sabre-like2 the tail but slightly forked2 and the general plumage close and thick4 ,,the ,,caspian ,,tern4 ,the ,,caspian ,,tern 7,sylochelidon ,caspia7 is twenty inches long1 and fifty across the spread of its wings2 the wing measures sixteen1 and tail six inches2 the feathers upon the top of the head are black1 those on the sides of neck1 upper back1 and under surface of body1 pure white2 the mantle is light greyish blue2 the tips of the wing-quills are darker and those of the tail-feathers lighter than the general colour of the upper parts of the plumage4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak coral-red1 and the foot black4 ,in winter the top of the head is black and white2 in young birds the feathers of the back are transversely spotted with brown4 ,the ,caspian ,tern inhabits ,central ,asia and ,southern ,europe2 it breeds1 however1 exceptionally in the ,island of ,sylt1 as well as upon some parts of the ,dutch and ,french coasts4 ,during the winter it appears upon the southern shores of the ,mediterranean and the lower lakes of ,egypt1 as also in the northern parts of the ,red ,sea and ,indian ,ocean2 it occurs on the west coast of ,africa1 but does not seem to have crossed the ,atlantic4 ,in ,england several specimens have been shot in ,norfolk and other parts of the east coast4 ,on the ,island of ,sylt it arrives towards the latter part of ,april1 and after rearing its young1 departs in ,august4 ,this bird may generally be seen flying at a height of forty or fifty feet1 its head1 with its shining red beak1 being directed downwards1 and its great wings slowly waving1 until from time to time it plunges headlong into the water after its prey4 ,when in search of a resting-place it betakes itself with its companions to some rocky locality near the shore1 where they all perch in a close rank1 with their heads turned towards the sea1 in which position they are readily mistaken for ,sea ,gulls4 ,the term rapacious has been well applied to the members of this group4 ,fishes form their ordinary food1 but they likewise devour coast and water birds1 swallowing them with great ease and relish4 ,in ,india they hunt eagerly after crabs1 and everywhere voraciously feed upon the eggs of other birds whenever they can obtain them4 ,schilling tells us he has seen them fly to the breeding-places of ,sea-fowl1 and although at once attacked by the brooding parents1 make their way to the nests quite regardless of the clamour1 and help themselves without stint4 ,naumann and he visited a celebrated colony of this species at the northern extremity of the ,island of ,sylt1 where they found their eggs laid upon the bare sand in little hollows1 at a short distance from the water1 the different broods not being more than two feet apart from each other4 ,the eggs in shape and size much resembled those of tame ,ducks4 ,their shells are smooth1 but not shining1 and their ground colour a dirty brownish white1 marked with ash-grey and black2 considerable difference1 however1 was observable even in those in the same nest4 ,these birds begin to lay about the beginning of ,may2 in ,sylt the inhabitants regularly take the eggs1 only allowing them to begin to brood eight or ten days before ,midsummer4 ,should a man approach their nests1 both male and female endeavour to defend it1 and raise a terrible outcry4 ,the young are clothed in down1 of a greyish black above and white on the under surface2 they soon run about1 and for some days are assiduously fed with small fishes1 which are brought to them by both parents4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,river ,,terns 7,sterna7 are distinguished from the preceding birds by their somewhat arched1 moderately short beak1 small short-toed feet1 and deeply-forked tail2 and by their frequent occurrence at the mouths or along the banks of rivers1 or of inland streams or lakes4 ,in size they are considerably smaller than the ,caspian ,terns1 and their flight is much more graceful and ,swallow-like1 always exciting the admiration of the beholder4 ,,the ,,common ,,tern4 ,the ,,common ,,tern 7,sterna hirundo1 ,coloured ,plate ,,xxxviii471 when in its adult plumage1 closely resembles the ,caspian ,sea ,swallow1 but may be recognised by its inferior size1 the grey colour of the under parts of the body1 and by its red feet4 ,in young birds the plumage of the back1 like that of the preceding species1 is transversely spotted with brown1 but the feet are of a yellowish shade4 ,the length of this species is from sixteen to seventeen inches2 of these six and a half belong to the tail1 the fork being four inches deep2 the span of the wings is twenty-three inches4 ,it is at present uncertain whether all ,river ,terns are to be regarded as belonging to this species or not4 ,should they be found to do so1 their habitat must extend throughout the whole north temperate zone1 seeing that they are pretty equally distributed in the eastern and western hemispheres4 ,they are met with more frequently than other ,terns in the vicinity of rivers and lakes of fresh water4 ,as these birds make regular migrations1 they are only seen at their breeding-places in the summer1 appearing during the last days of ,april or the beginning of ,may1 and in ,july or ,august preparing for their departure4 ,they spend the winter in the south of ,europe1 or in the north of ,africa1 where at that season they are very common4 ,when on their journeyings they fly leisurely1 and at a considerable elevation1 from one sheet of water to another1 generally following the course of streams and rivers1 to which1 if pressed by hunger1 they repair1 in order to obtain food and rest4 ,arrived at their destination1 they settle themselves either in the vicinity of the sea1 or near fresh water1 without seeming to have any decided preference for either4 ,the ,common ,terns arrive in the south of ,europe early in ,may1 and progressing northwards1 colonising as they go1 visit ,ireland1 ,scotland1 and some of the adjacent islands4 ,on inland waters the ,terns do not congregate in great numbers4 ,on the sea-shore1 on the contrary1 as the breeding season approaches1 hundreds of them collect together and form large settlements4 ,one of these settlements1 on the coast of one of the ,canary ,islands1 was visited by ,bolle1 who gives the following account of what he saw3--,the farther we advanced the more numerous became the flights of such pairs as we had disturbed1 until at length we were obliged to proceed carefully to avoid treading on their eggs1 so numerously did they lay around us on every side4 ,scarcely had we begun to collect some of the eggs in our hats and baskets1 than up rose the whole multitude of breeding birds into the air1 thousands in number1 and overshadowed us like a great white cloud4 ,their shrieks were positively deafening1 and the uproar was still further increased by the appearance of some other men at a little distance1 who were likewise collecting eggs4 ,from out of the living screen above us1 many of these birds seemed to rush right down upon our heads1 and these were probably those whose nests lay nearest to the place where we stood1 and were consequently in the greatest danger of being plundered4 ,after a little while1 we retired to a distance1 whence we could plainly see the different pairs1 as they returned to their eggs1 upon which the females immediately planted themselves1 while their faithful spouses took their stations beside them4 ,we did not leave them1 however1 till we had completely filled all our baskets with eggs1 and this we accomplished in less than an hour4 ,the men above alluded to1 informed us that for a few weeks in the year1 the place was constantly resorted to by the inhabitants1 who eagerly collected the eggs1 and that1 nevertheless1 the number of birds did not seem to diminish2 the truth of this last assertion was indeed sufficiently evident4 ,it not unfrequently happens that by some sudden flood in the rivers1 or heavy storm at sea1 the breeding-places of these ,terns are completely inundated1 and their eggs consequently destroyed4 ,should such an event occur early in the season1 the parent birds will produce a second brood1 but if it happens at a later period1 their hope of progeny is at an end4 ,upon one occasion ,naumann had an opportunity of witnessing a fair chase between the ,common ,tern and the agile ,tree ,falcon4 ,the ,tern did not put into execution any of the usual manuvres of water-birds1 when trying to escape from pursuit1 such as diving below the surface1 but took boldly to her wings1 and it was truly wonderful to see the adroitness with which all the efforts of the ,falcon were foiled2 whenever this terrible bird of prey stooped upon his intended victim1 she slipped nimbly aside1 and thus eluded the fatal clutch2 or sometimes she would fall perpendicularly downwards1 then mount above her foe towards the skies1 rising higher and higher as he followed in pursuit1 until at length the strength of the ,falcon failed him1 and he was forced to give up the chase4 ,this ,falcon is1 however1 very destructive to the young ,terns1 before their wings are strong enough to cope with those of their fleet foe4 ,the eggs of this ,tern are either yellowish grey1 pale greenish brown or greenish blue1 spotted with ash-grey or dark brown4 ,respecting the movements and noisy vociferations of the ,common ,terns1 ,macgillivray says1 ,when walking along the sandy shore you may see them coming up from a distance1 increasing their speed as they approach1 and then wheeling and plunging over you1 until at last they fly off4 ,proceeding at a moderate height1 they stop now and then1 hover a moment1 dip into the water1 and secure a sand-eel or young coal-fish4 ,many attend on the fishermen1 or others who are catching sand-eels for bait or food1 to pick up those which fall from them disabled4 ,on such occasions they are very vociferous1 as they also are when they have fallen in with a shoal of fry4 ,they never dive1 but ,i have seen them alight on the water and swim a little1 and sometimes a whole flock may be observed reposing on the placid bosom of the waters4 ,illustration3 ,,terns ,,and ,,their ,,nests4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,tern4 ,the ,,lesser ,,tern 7,sternula minuta7 has been considered by some ornithologists as the representative of a distinct sub-family1 although it only differs from the preceding species in its inferior size1 proportionately strong short beak1 the deeply-incised web of its foot1 and the shallow furcation of its tail4 ,in this bird the forehead and under side are white1 the upper head and nape black1 the mantle and wings dark green4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak yellow1 with black point1 and the foot clay-yellow4 ,the length of this bird is eight inches and a half2 breadth nineteen to twenty inches2 length of wing seven1 and tail three inches4 ,the young are spotted like the preceding species4 ,the range of the ,lesser ,tern extends over ,europe1 ,asia1 ,africa1 and ,america1 from #bd to #eh north latitude4 ,in ,brazil it is replaced by a somewhat larger species4 ,the ,lesser ,tern makes its appearance in ,great ,britain about ,may1 and after having reared its young1 resumes its wandering habits about the end of ,july or ,august4 ,it is1 however1 a slow traveller1 and only reaches the lakes and streams of ,north ,africa in the autumn2 its migrations from ,north ,asia and ,north ,america are conducted in a similar manner4 ,this species prefers fresh to salt water1 and chiefly frequents large rivers without1 however1 altogether withdrawing from the sea-shore4 ,the first requisite for its accommodation would seem to be a little island or bed in a stream1 covered with gravel or sand1 for where these are wanting it is never to be found4 ,although the two or three eggs of the ,lesser ,tern 7which have a stone-coloured shell marked with grey1 or reddish brown7 are usually merely deposited in a slight depression of the ground above high-water mark1 ,audubon states that some pairs that he found breeding on the coasts of ,labrador had formed very snug nests composed of short fragments of moss1 well matted together1 while those on the island near the ,bay of ,gaveston had laid their eggs on dry drifted weeds1 which appeared to have been gathered by them for this purpose4 ,the same author tells us that the common note of this bird resembles that of the ,barn ,swallow when disturbed about its nest1 and is at times as smartly and rapidly repeated4 ,the following very pretty description of the light and beautiful movements of this ,tern whilst on the wing is from the pen of ,mr4 ,macgillivray3--,in the elegance of its buoyant flight as it skims over the waters or shoots on its way to and from its breeding-place1 the tiny creature must be an object of admiration to every lover of nature4 ,you may see a pair coming up from a distance flying at the height of a few yards over the waves1 their long wings winnowing the air and impelling them in starts1 as it were1 as they wend their way in undulating and wavering movements4 ,suddenly their flight is arrested over a large pool left on the sands by the retiring tide2 with quick beats of their wings1 they hover stationary1 or but slightly shifting place1 and with downward-pointed bill seem intent on something which they perceive in the water4 ,one drops1 but not like a stone1 dips1 but with upraised wings1 and rises with a small fish in its bill4 ,the other is similarly successful4 ,onward they proceed1 now and then emitting a shrill cry and with gentle beats of their wings4 ,far ahead is a flock engaged in picking up their prey1 and onward they speed to join their kindred4 ,although these birds usually swallow their prey whilst in the air they are occasionally seen to alight upon the ground with their booty1 and there devour it piecemeal4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,water ,,swallows 7,hydrochelidon7 constitute a well-defined group belonging to the ,tern family4 ,these birds are powerfully built and of elegant appearance2 their beak is feeble1 tarsus high1 toes long and united by a deeply-incised web4 ,the wing is very long1 tail short and but little forked4 ,the general plumage1 which is soft and thick1 is during the breeding season principally black2 this latter character1 however1 varies much according to the age of the bird and season of the year4 ,,the ,,black ,,marsh ,,tern4 ,the ,,black ,,marsh ,,tern 7,hydrochelidon nigra7 is of a deep rich black on the head1 nape1 breast1 and centre of belly2 the mantle is blueish grey1 and the region of vent white4 ,the wing-quills are dark grey bordered with a lighter shade1 and the tail-feathers dark grey4 ,the eye is brown1 beak greyish black with red base1 and foot brownish red4 ,in the winter dress1 only the back of the head and nape are black1 the forehead and under part being white4 ,in young birds the mantle-feathers and wing-covers are edged with reddish yellow4 ,the length of this species is nine inches1 span of wings twenty-six inches4 ,the ,black ,tern inhabits the north temperate zone1 and during the winter wanders so far south1 that1 like ,sternula minuta1 it is to be met with in four continents--,europe1 ,asia1 ,africa1 and ,america4 ,it makes its appearance in ,great ,britain at the same time as the other ,terns1 but is much less abundant than formerly1 being seldom seen in the ,north of ,england and very rarely in ,scotland1 although it still visits many parts of ,ireland4 ,it arrives in this country about the end of ,april or beginning of ,may1 and is principally found in ,lincolnshire1 ,norfolk1 and ,cambridgeshire4 ,in ,montagu's time it was common in ,romney ,marsh1 in ,kent2 specimens have also been procured in other southern counties4 ,during their winter peregrinations these birds generally travel in companies varying from twenty to about a thousand individuals1 following the course of the streams1 and taking up a temporary residence wherever these spread out into extensive swamps or overflow the neighbouring land4 ,in their deportment1 food1 and mode of breeding1 they also differ materially from the ,common ,terns4 ,they walk seldom1 and as badly as their brethren1 and rarely swim1 as their powers in that respect are very limited4 ,their flight is not so rapid and devious as that of their congeners1 but more even1 gentle1 and light4 ,during the night season they betake themselves to repose1 but in the daytime are constantly on the wing1 hunting after food4 ,the ,black ,terns live almost exclusively upon insects1 although they will also occasionally seize a little fish or other small inhabitant of the water4 ,they somewhat resemble the ,swallows in their mode of life1 and like them may be seen skimming over pools of water1 apparently more for the sake of amusement than from any real necessity for such active exertion4 ,when they discover anything in the shape of food1 they hover over it for an instant and pounce upon their prey1 not coming down upon it precipitately and perpendicularly as some of the ,divers do1 but sweeping obliquely towards it1 so as to seize it with the beak without immersing their bodies4 ,according to ,montagu1 ,the flight of this species is not unlike that of the ,goatsucker2 its evolutions are rapid and it turns short if attacked1 by which means it escapes the talons of predaceous birds1 as we once had an opportunity of witnessing4 ,in a very hard gale of wind many ,terns were sporting over the water1 when a ,peregrine ,falcon passed like a shot1 singled out his bird and presently coming up with the chase1 made a pounce1 but the great dexterity of the ,tern avoided the deadly stroke and took a new direction4 ,the ,falcon1 by his superior velocity1 soon regained sufficient elevation to successively repeat his pounces1 but at last relinquished the pursuit4 ,the ,black ,terns1 unlike the generality of their congeners1 are fearless and unsuspicious1 and seem rather to welcome than to avoid the presence of mankind2 if molested1 however1 they soon become more wary4 ,towards each other they manifest considerable affection1 and should one of their party be shot1 the others instantly collect around their wounded companion1 not from any sinister motives1 as has been asserted by some writers1 but out of commiseration for his condition4 ,for their breeding-places these birds invariably choose some wide swamp or morass1 placing their nests upon little heaps of mud that project above the surface of the water1 upon tufts of grass or sedge1 upon floating masses of reeds1 rushes1 or similar materials1 or sometimes on the floating leaves of aquatic plants4 ,the nest itself is constructed of substances that vary with the locality selected1 such as leaves1 roots and rushes heaped carelessly together4 ,in this cradle1 about the beginning of ,june1 each pair lays two1 three1 or four eggs2 these are of a pale olive or yellowish colour1 spotted with grey1 reddish brown1 and brownish black4 ,both sexes incubate by turns1 keeping the eggs constantly covered4 ,if disturbed during the breeding season1 these ,terns are as noisy as any of their congeners1 but unlike them remain close over the nest and only go in search of food at regular intervals4 ,after the lapse of fourteen or sixteen days the young make their appearance1 and about a fortnight later quit the nest4 ,even after they are fully fledged they accompany their parents1 who tend them with great devotion1 and feed them while on the wing1 after the manner of ,swallows4 ,this species subsists chiefly on shell-fish1 beetles1 and dragon-flies4 ,the flesh of the ,black ,terns is tolerably good4 ,,the ,,white-,,winged ,,tern4 ,the ,,white-,,winged ,,tern 7,hydrochelidon leucoptera7 has the body-feathers of a rich deep black2 the upper part of the wing is blueish grey2 the shoulders and points of the secondary quills are whitish grey1 and the rump and tail-feathers white4 ,this species1 which closely resembles the ,black ,tern in size1 manners1 and habits1 is very rare upon the coasts of ,great ,britain4 ,temminck states that it frequents the shores of the ,mediterranean1 and the lakes1 rivers1 and marshes beyond the ,alps1 being common about ,gibraltar1 and ,lakes ,como1 ,lugano1 and ,lucerne1 but that it never visits ,holland1 or ,north ,europe4 ,nilsson1 on the contrary1 includes it amongst the birds of ,germany and ,scandinavia4 ,the food of the ,white-winged ,tern consists of winged and aquatic insects1 worms1 and sometimes small fishes4 ,,the ,,white-,,bearded ,,tern4 ,the ,,white-,,bearded ,,tern 7,hydrochelidon leucopareja7 has the black upon the head and nape divided from the dark grey lower neck by a broad white stripe2 the breast is dark grey1 mantle light grey1 and belly greyish white4 ,this rare bird was first discovered by ,m4 ,natterer1 in the marshes of ,south ,hungary1 and is but very seldom seen in ,great ,britain4 ,we are little acquainted with its habits beyond that it subsists upon worms1 snails1 and winged insects4 ,yarrell describes the egg as being one inch and a half long1 by one and one-eighth broad1 with an asparagus-green shell1 spotted with brownish black and blueish grey4 ,,the ,,white ,,or ,,silky ,,tern4 ,the ,,white or ,,silky ,,tern 7,gygis ,candida7 is a beautiful bird1 with slender body1 long thin beak1 which curves perceptibly upwards1 long wings1 and deeply excised tail4 ,the feet are small1 and the toes furnished with a narrow web2 the plumage is of silky softness and pure white2 the eye is black1 the beak dark blue towards its base and black at the point2 the foot is saffron-yellow4 ,the ,white ,tern inhabits the ,pacific ,ocean1 and is to be met with from ,moreton ,bay to ,cape ,york4 ,gould was informed by ,mr4 ,cumming1 that on visiting ,elizabeth ,island1 in the ,south ,seas1 which is entirely destitute of inhabitants and fresh water1 he found this1 or an allied species1 breeding on a kind of ,pandanus1 its single egg being deposited on the horizontal branches in a depression1 which1 although slight1 was sufficient to retain it in position1 despite the high winds and consequent oscillation to which it was subjected4 ,mr4 ,cumming added that the old birds were flying about in thousands1 like swarms of bees1 and that he noticed several breeding on the same tree4 ,some of the young birds were hatched and covered with down1 and being within reach1 he took a few of them in his hand1 and after examining1 replaced them on their dangerous resting-place1 from which it appeared they occasionally fell down and were destroyed1 as he observed several lying dead on the ground4 ,gould also refers to a bird of this genus1 and perhaps the same species noticed by ,darwin in the ,journal of ,researches in ,geology and ,natural ,history1 who1 speaking of ,keeling ,island1 says3--,there is one charming bird1 a small and snow-white ,tern1 which smoothly hovers at the distance of an arm's length from your head1 its large black eye scanning with quiet curiosity your expression4 ,little imagination is required to fancy that so light and delicate a body must be tenanted by some wandering fairy spirit4 ,,the ,,noddy4 ,the ,,noddy 7,anous stolidus7 represents a group recognisable by its somewhat clumsy appearance2 its beak is longer than the head1 strong1 almost straight1 and compressed at the sides1 with the fore part of the under mandible bent at an angle2 the legs are powerful1 and the feet furnished with long narrow toes1 fully webbed2 the wings are long1 narrow1 and pointed1 but their apices are somewhat rounded off1 the tail is long and wedge-shaped1 but not forked4 ,the colour of its plumage1 with the exception of the upper part of the head1 which is greyish white1 is sooty brown1 a patch in front of and another behind the eye black1 the quills and tail-feathers blackish brown2 the eye is brown1 the beak black1 and the foot dusky brownish red4 ,the length of the ,noddy is sixteen inches1 its breadth thirty-two1 length of wing eleven inches1 of tail five inches4 ,these birds appear to be more widely distributed than any of their congeners2 they are met with both in the ,atlantic and the ,pacific ,oceans1 being perhaps most abundant in the latter portion of the globe4 ,some ornithologists1 however1 are undecided whether the ,atlantic and ,pacific birds must be regarded merely as varieties or as distinct species4 ,mr4 ,coues1 who is of the latter opinion1 has proposed to call the ,pacific species ,anous frater4 ,mr4 ,gould1 however1 prefers to describe the ,australian bird under the old name of stolidus1 rather than unnecessarily multiply the number of specific appellations1 but he observes that though the ,noddies of the northern and southern hemispheres are very much alike1 considerable variation is found to exist in their modes of nidification1 and the season at which it is performed2 there is also a difference in the colouring and number of their eggs1 those in the northern hemisphere being said to lay three1 those in the southern only one egg4 ,the ,noddy1 and an allied species1 ,anous melanops1 says ,gilbert1 are extremely numerous on the ,houtmann's ,abrolhos1 where they breed in prodigious numbers4 ,the present species lays its eggs in ,november and ,december1 on a nest constructed of seaweed1 about six inches in diameter1 and varying in height from four to eight inches1 but without anything like regularity of form2 the top is nearly flat1 there being but a very slight hollow to prevent their single egg from rolling off4 ,the nests are so completely plastered with the excrement of the bird1 that at first sight they appear to be entirely formed of that material2 they are either placed on the ground in a clear open space1 or on the tops of the thick scrub1 over those of the ,onochoprios fuliginosus1 the two species incubating together with the most perfect harmony1 and the bushes presenting a mottled appearance1 from the great numbers of both species perched on their tops4 ,by the middle of ,january the eggs were nearly ready to hatch1 and there would be an overwhelming increase of this species yearly1 but for the check which ,nature has provided against it1 in the presence of a small lizard1 which is very abundant in their breeding-places1 and which finds an easy prey in the young4 ,about the beginning of ,may1 says ,audubon1 the ,noddies collect from all parts of the ,gulf of ,mexico and coasts of ,florida1 for the purpose of returning to their breeding-places on one of the ,tortugas1 called the ,noddy ,key1 where they form regular nests of twigs and dry grass1 which they place on bushes or low trees1 but never on the ground4 ,on visiting their island on the #aath of ,may1 #ahcb1 ,i was surprised to see that many of them were repairing and augmenting nests which had remained throughout the winter1 while others were employed in commencing new ones1 and some were already sitting on their eggs4 ,in a great many instances the repaired nests formed masses nearly two feet in height1 and yet all of them had only a slight hollow for the eggs1 broken shells of which were found among the entire ones1 as if they had been purposely placed there4 ,the birds did not discontinue their labours1 although there were nine or ten of us walking among the bushes1 and when we had gone a few yards into the thicket1 thousands of them flew quite low over us1 some at times coming so close as to enable us to catch a few of them with the hand4 ,on one side might be seen a ,noddy carrying a stick in its bill1 or a bird picking up something from the ground to add to its nest1 on the other several were sitting on their eggs1 unconscious of danger1 while their mates brought them food4 ,the greater part rose on wing as we advanced1 but re-alighted as soon as we had passed4 ,the bushes were rarely taller than ourselves1 so that we could easily see the eggs in the nests4 ,it is stated that the ,anous stolidus occasionally visits ,st4 ,george's ,channel1 and in #ahdj two specimens were shot off the coast of ,wexford4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,scissor-,,bills 7,rhynchopes7 constitute a group of night birds1 bearing the same relationship to the ,sea ,swallows as the ,owls to the ,falcons4 ,their body is elongate1 neck long1 head small1 wings very long1 and the forked tail of moderate size4 ,their beak is so peculiar in its structure that it can be compared to nothing so happily as to a pair of scissors4 ,the lower mandible is very considerably longer than the upper portion of the bill2 the legs are feeble1 tolerably long but slender1 and the anterior toes connected by a deeply-incised web4 ,the general plumage1 which is close and smooth1 presents a peculiar1 greasy appearance4 ,,the ,,indian ,,scissor-,,bill4 ,the ,,indian ,,scissor-,,bill 7,rhynchops orientalis7 is white upon the forehead1 face1 tail1 under side of the body1 and upon the points of the larger wing-covers2 the top of the head1 back of neck1 and mantle are blackish brown2 the eyes are dark brown1 the beak and feet coral-red4 ,the length of this species is seventeen inches1 its breadth forty-two inches1 length of wing thirteen inches1 and of tail two inches and a half4 ,the ,scissor-bill has frequently come under our notice1 while travelling along the banks of the ,middle and ,upper ,nile4 ,this bird may occasionally be seen flying by day if it has been disturbed2 but it usually remains motionless upon sandbanks from morning to evening1 generally lying flat upon its belly1 more rarely standing up on its little feeble feet2 while thus reposing1 it is but seldom that it makes any noise or exhibits the slightest activity4 ,as the sun sets1 however1 it begins to be more lively1 moves about1 stretches itself1 raises its wings1 hops backwards and forwards1 and utters its peculiar cry2 but it is only as night approaches that it flies away in search of food4 ,its movements are then in exact accordance with the peculiar structure of its beak4 ,with long strokes of its wings1 it glides noiselessly along close to the water1 from time to time dipping its lower mandible beneath the surface and keeping it there for a minute or two at a time1 ploughing1 as it were1 the top of the river1 with its strangely-shaped under jaw1 and skimming the water4 ,in this manner it manages to collect great numbers of the insects1 which upon the banks of the ,nile1 at least1 constitute its principal food4 ,whether it also eats small molluscs1 more particularly bivalves1 and is skilful in opening them with its beak1 we cannot say1 but that this is the case with some of its congeners seems to be pretty well established4 ,lesson states that he saw an ,american ,scissor-bill seat itself quietly down near some bivalve shell-fish left by the tide and wait patiently till they opened their valves1 when it inserted its beak between the separated shells1 till the occupant again closed its valves and thus laid hold upon the beak2 he then flew away with it to a neighbouring stone and beat the shell to pieces4 ,tschdi relates the same circumstance1 but whether from his own observation or from ,lesson's narrative we do not know4 ,at present we entertain some doubts of the accuracy of the observations alluded to4 ,the flight of the ,scissor-bill is light and beautiful1 but somewhat peculiar1 inasmuch as the bird is obliged to raise its wings very high in order to prevent the tips from striking the water2 its proportionately long neck enables it to do this1 allowing it to keep its body at the distance of about an inch from the surface1 while a considerable portion of its beak is held under water4 ,its hunting ground seems to extend for about the space of a mile up and down the stream4 ,in ,central ,africa it will sometimes leave the river to hunt over some neighbouring pond4 ,on the south and western parts of that continent it may possibly1 like its ,american congeners1 occasionally pay a visit to the coast4 ,the cry of the ,scissor-bills1 which may sometimes be heard when they are passing about in company with each other is very peculiar1 and entirely different from the cry of any other bird with which we are acquainted4 ,in the neighbourhood of ,dongola we were fortunate enough to light upon one of their breeding-places4 ,in the month of ,may we happened to see a number of these birds at their ease lying flat upon a large sandbank1 which we were thus tempted to visit1 and here to our great delight we found some of their nests4 ,these latter consisted simply of excavations made in the sand2 there was1 however1 this peculiarity about them1 that each seemed to be the centre of a series of radiating lines that looked as if drawn with the back of a knife1 and which obviously had been made by the birds1 with their lower mandible4 ,the eggs we found bore an extraordinary resemblance to those of the ,sea ,swallows4 ,they were of an oval shape and in colour of a greenish grey1 bordering on yellow1 irregularly speckled with light and dark patches and streaks of grey and dark brown4 ,in every nest we found five eggs4 ,whether both sexes brood or not we were unable to ascertain1 neither could we obtain information as to the rearing of the nestlings4 ,speaking of the young of the ,indian species1 ,mr4 ,brooks writes to ,jerdon3--,it was amusing to see an army of some hundreds of these little fellows 7tortoiseshell-looking things7 running steadily a couple of hundred yards before us4 ,they run well1 and when we reached the end of the sandbank1 they attempted to swim off1 while many squatted down2 they did not make much way swimming1 and sank very deep in the water4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,gulls 7,lari7 form a well-defined and distinct family1 recognisable by the following characters4 ,although these birds vary in size1 from that of a ,jackdaw to that of an ,eagle1 all are powerfully framed1 with a short neck and large head4 ,their beak1 which is of medium length1 is strongly compressed at the sides1 straight from the brow to the centre of culmen1 and from that point to its apex bent gradually downwards1 so as to form a strong terminal hook2 both the upper and lower mandibles are provided with sharp cutting edges1 and the gape extends backwards as far as the eyes2 the tarsus is moderately high1 but slender2 the foot1 with few exceptions1 four-toed1 the interior toes being webbed2 the wings are long and broad1 but acutely-pointed1 the first quill being the longest2 the tail1 consisting of twelve feathers1 of moderate length1 is broad and straight1 less frequently slightly incised2 in a few species the centre feathers are somewhat prolonged4 ,the general plumage1 which is thick and soft1 and fur-like on the under surface of the body1 is very similarly coloured throughout the entire family4 ,upon the mantle and wings the prevalent hue is a beautiful blueish grey1 varied with white and slate-black2 the feathers of the under side 7in many species the head and neck7 are pure white2 the back and feet of old birds are brighter and often of a different tint to those of the young4 ,gulls are to be met with in every quarter of the globe1 but are most abundant in northern regions4 ,a few species wander to a considerable distance from land1 always1 however1 returning to the vicinity of the shore4 ,all may therefore properly be called coast birds1 and to the mariner they are always welcome1 as sure harbingers of land4 ,their flights inland are even more frequent than their excursions into the open sea1 and many of them may often be seen following the course of large rivers1 or winging their way from lake to lake1 into the interior of the country4 ,some species will frequently settle in the vicinity of inland lakes1 and most of them prefer a similar situation as their breeding-place4 ,many members of this family are more or less migratory2 some appear upon our northern shores in the spring1 and after rearing their young1 take their departure in the autumn2 others again only wander to considerable distances2 there are1 indeed1 but few species that can be properly regarded as stationary4 ,these wandering propensities are intimately connected with their supply of food4 ,all of them live more or less upon fishes1 but some also greedily devour insects1 and these latter migrate with the greatest regularity4 ,besides the above articles of nourishment1 ,gulls eagerly pick up whatever small animals or animal substances they may happen to meet with4 ,carrion they devour as greedily as do the ,vultures1 even if it be in a putrid condition4 ,in short1 they appear to share the appetites of many other birds1 and to be quite as omnivorous as the ,crows4 ,all ,sea ,gulls walk well and quickly2 they swim buoyantly1 lying in the water like so many air-bubbles1 and dive with facility1 but to no great depth1 plunging probably for not more than one or two feet below the surface4 ,their voice consists of a harsh1 disagreeable scream4 ,as their breeding time approaches1 these birds begin to assemble in flocks1 which are frequently joined by other parties1 until at last they form a numerous host4 ,even upon our own shores their nesting-places are often occupied by many hundred pairs1 whilst further north they congregate in countless multitudes4 ,the larger species crowd less closely together at these times than the smaller ones1 the latter often literally covering the rocks on which their nests are so closely placed1 that the brooding parents press upon each other4 ,the structure of the nests varies in different localities2 where grass and seaweeds are procurable they are carefully heaped together1 but where these fail the nests are of still scantier proportions4 ,the brood consists of from two to four comparatively large oval eggs1 with strong coarse1 brownish green or greenish brown shells1 spotted with grey and brown2 upon these both male and female sit by turns1 for a period of three or four weeks4 ,the young are clothed in a thick covering of speckled down1 and shortly after emerging from the shell may be seen trotting about upon the sand1 hiding themselves if alarmed behind little hillocks1 or boldly plunging into the water4 ,such1 however1 as are born upon the ledges of perpendicular rocks1 must necessarily remain there until their wings are strong enough to enable them to come down from their lofty perch1 for they appear not to take the desperate leaps into the sea attempted by so many sea birds1 to their destruction4 ,during the first few days1 the young are fed with half-digested food from their parents' crops1 and afterwards with freshly-caught fishes1 or other small animals4 ,for some little time after they are able to fly they remain together1 but soon quit their birthplace1 and spread themselves along the coast4 ,in the northern regions the ,gulls are not only the most beautiful1 but the most useful of the many feathered visitants2 they are regarded as property1 and as jealously preserved as any other game4 ,in ,norway the eggs form a very considerable part of the land proprietors' revenue4 ,among the poorer inhabitants the feathers are used instead of eider-down for bedding4 ,the flesh of the old birds finds favour only amongst the ,esquimaux1 while that of the young is eaten by the inhabitants of ,greenland and ,iceland4 ,if properly cooked1 the latter1 in truth1 form by no means a despicable dish4 ,still1 however1 the eggs and feathers are looked upon as far more valuable than this somewhat fishy-flavoured game4 ,in some localities1 at certain seasons of the year1 great battues are held1 apparently much more from a love of slaughter than from any desire to turn the birds to account4 ,the chase after ,sea ,gulls presents but few difficulties1 a white pocket handkerchief thrown into the air is quite sufficient to attract their attention1 and when they approach1 if one is killed many others will at once crowd around it4 ,they are also caught by a great variety of contrivances2 snares are laid for them upon the sandbanks1 some are caught in nets1 and others by means of hooks1 baited with fish4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,fishing ,,gulls 7,larus7 comprise the larger members of the family1 and constitute a well-marked section1 principally distinguished by the colour of their plumage4 ,all the members of this group that we have selected for description are to be met with in northern climates between #fj and #gj latitude1 where they breed upon the various cliffs and islands4 ,sometimes1 indeed1 they may be seen wandering inland1 but1 notwithstanding1 all are sea-birds in the strictest sense4 ,as regards their movements1 they walk well1 wade readily in the shallow water near the shore1 swim lightly and buoyantly upon a rough sea1 and often sleep upon the water4 ,their flight is slow1 but by no means heavy1 and can be sustained for a considerable time4 ,with long strokes of their wings they sweep onwards through the air1 sometimes flying in circles1 sometimes mounting upwards against the wind1 and again descend to the surface of the sea4 ,in these flights they appear to be quite at their ease even during the wildest storms1 and may frequently be seen plunging into the sea from a considerable height upon any prey that they may happen to espy4 ,in sagacity and courage the ,gulls are superior to their kindred1 but they likewise surpass them in thieving and gluttony4 ,they care little for the society of their brethren2 nevertheless1 it is a rare thing to see one of them alone4 ,these ,gulls subsist principally upon fishes of various size1 and regard carrion1 whether fish or flesh1 as very delectable food2 they also kill and devour small quadrupeds1 and young or disabled birds4 ,they rob the feebler sea-fowl of their eggs1 and search upon the beach for worms and other animals4 ,should the shell of a crab or mussel be too hard for their beak1 they at once fly with it into the air1 and then1 dropping it from a sufficient elevation upon the rocks beneath1 shatter it to pieces4 ,,the ,,great ,,black-,,backed ,,gull4 ,the ,,great ,,black-,,backed ,,gull 7,larus marinus71 one of the best-known members of the above group1 has the head1 neck1 under surface of the body1 rump1 and tail pure white2 the upper back and wings are black2 the wing-quills tipped with white4 ,in young birds the head1 neck1 and under side are white1 streaked and spotted with yellow and brown2 the rump and wing-covers are brownish grey1 with light edges2 the quills and tail-feathers are black1 the latter marked with white4 ,the eye is silver-grey and the ring around it bright red4 ,the beak is yellow1 the under mandible being red towards its apex2 the foot is light greyish yellow4 ,the length of this species is twenty-eight inches1 and breadth sixty-five inches2 the wing measures nineteen1 and the tail seven inches and a half4 ,the ,black-backed ,gull frequents the shores of ,europe1 and1 according to ,audubon1 is met with in ,north ,america4 ,in ,ireland it is a resident species1 and is found dispersed in abundance along the ,english and ,scotch coasts4 ,it breeds in ,caermarthenshire on sandy flats1 in the ,british ,channel on sandy islands or steep holms1 and in the marshes near the mouth of the ,thames4 ,dr4 ,edmondson says1 ,this species breeds on the flat grassy tops of a few inaccessible holms1 or small islands--as the far-famed ,cradleholm1 of ,ness--in considerable numbers1 never in cliffs1 and excludes every other bird from such localities4 ,a pair or two--we may suppose the melancholy remnant of a more numerous race--may now and then be met with on lower and more accessible1 but still flat situations4 ,it usually produces three young1 which1 independently of their size1 may be easily distinguished from other species by the more distinct speckling with black of their grey plumage4 ,like all the larger ,gulls1 it is fond of carrion4 ,in winter these birds feed much on starfish1 a meagre and frugal diet1 it must be admitted2 but the abundance of herrings1 in summer1 amply compensates for the abstinence of winter4 ,when flocks of ,shags are enjoying their gluttonous siesta on the rocks1 a ,black-backed ,gull is very often perched near them1 and on such occasions he acts as their sentinel by giving the alarm with his hoarse voice1 or taking flight when an enemy endeavours to approach within shot4 ,his deportment is dull and solitary4 ,illustration3 ,,black-,,backed ,,and ,,herring ,,gulls4 ,during our travels in ,norway and ,lapland1 we found the ,black-backed ,gull common enough1 but it was only at ,portsangfjord1 towards the northern parts of the country1 that we first met with their breeding-places4 ,upon an island in that vicinity we observed several hundred pairs1 in company with the ,herring ,gulls4 ,the nests of both species were placed promiscuously upon the ground1 seldom more than fifty paces apart4 ,some of the nests were round1 and carefully lined with grass1 while others were more negligently constructed4 ,a terrible uproar was raised as soon as we set foot on the island1 such birds as had begun to brood remained sitting1 and even allowed us to approach within a few steps of their nest1 as if they thought that the fact of their presence would frighten us away4 ,at length1 however1 they got up1 and with loud cries flew around us at a little distance1 every now and then plunging down as if to strike us1 and then rising again1 and taking a circuit previous to renewing the attack4 ,several times they flew so close over our heads that they touched us with their wings1 but they did not venture to attack us with their sharp beaks4 ,in several nests the young ones had not only managed to scramble out at our approach1 but hid themselves very effectually among the long grass4 ,the eggs of these birds are usually three1 sometimes four1 in number1 rough1 of a yellowish grey or yellowish brown colour1 tinged and spotted with dark brown and slate-grey2 they are about three inches long1 and rather more than two inches broad4 ,mr4 ,hewitson1 who saw these ,gulls breeding in the ,orkney and ,shetland ,isles1 says3 ,their eggs are rich and excellent to eat2 and they are in consequence a most valuable acquisition to the owners of the islands upon which they are deposited4 ,the custom is to take the whole of the first eggs as soon as laid1 and the second in like manner1 allowing the birds to sit the third time4 ,one gentleman1 ,mr4 ,scott1 upon whose property they breed1 and by whom we were most hospitably received1 told us that he had secured sixty dozen of their eggs for winter use1 though the extent of the island was scarcely half an acre4 ,an egg of this species was hatched in a most curious manner by a boat's crew1 who kept it in a blanket by day1 and near the fireplace at night4 ,for many years this bird lived quite tame at ,dartmouth1 swimming in the river1 and watching for the return of the fishermen1 who always threw it a supply of small fishes4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,black-,,backed ,,or ,,yellow-,,legged ,,gull4 ,the ,,lesser ,,black-,,backed or ,,yellow-,,legged ,,gull 7,larus fuscus74 ,in the summer plumage of the adult bird1 the head and whole of neck1 all round1 are pure white2 the back1 wing-covers1 and all the wing-feathers dark slate-grey1 the tips only of some of the longer scapulars and tertials being white1 the shorter of the primaries have white tips2 the upper tail-covers and tail-feathers are white1 the breast1 belly1 and all the under surface of the body pure white1 legs and feet yellow1 bill yellow1 inferior angle of lower mandible red2 and the irides straw-yellow4 ,the whole length is twenty-three inches1 from the anterior joint of the wing to the tip of the longest quill-feather sixteen inches4 ,in winter the head and neck are streaked with dusky brown4 ,,the ,,herring ,,gull4 ,the ,,herring ,,gull 7,larus argentatus74 ,in summer the adults have the head and neck pure white1 the back and all the wing-covers uniform delicate ,french grey2 tertials tipped with white2 primaries mostly black1 but grey on basal portion of inner web1 and the first primary with a triangular patch of white at the end1 the second and third with smaller portions of white2 upper tail-covers and tail-feathers pure white2 chin1 throat1 breast1 belly1 and whole of under surface of body and tail pure white2 legs and feet flesh-colour2 bill yellow1 angle of under mandible red2 edges of eyelids orange1 irides straw-yellow4 ,the length is from twenty-two inches to twenty-four inches and a half1 depending on the age and sex2 wing from sixteen inches and a half to seventeen and a quarter long4 ,in winter the adult birds have the head streaked with dusky grey4 ,this species is common along the whole of the south coast of ,england1 and is particularly numerous in the ,isle of ,wight1 from ,freshwater ,bay to the ,needles4 ,during winter the ,herring ,gulls spread themselves along the coast1 especially frequenting the estuaries where young herrings are congregated4 ,when engaged with a shoal of fry1 says ,macgillivray1 the ,herring ,gulls hover over the water1 now ascending to a height perhaps of twenty feet1 then skimming close over the surface1 and on observing an object1 stretching upward and vibrating their wings and letting down their feet so as to touch and sometimes pat the water1 they pick it up without alighting4 ,sometimes they plunge partly into the water1 and occasionally seize their prey while swimming4 ,all this while they emit now and then a loud and rather shrill cry4 ,they feed on shell-fish1 and occasionally large dead fishes1 crustaceans1 molluscs1 echini1 c4 ,during the winter and spring they travel inland1 seeking for insects1 worms1 and similar fare1 they rest on beaches and headlands1 usually lying down1 but sometimes standing on one leg4 ,audubon observed these birds in great numbers in the ,bay of ,fundy4 ,the rocky shores of the islands on which ,i saw them breeding1 says this writer1 are covered with multitudes of sea-urchins1 having short greenish spines1 which give them the semblance of a ball of moss4 ,at low water1 the ,herring ,gulls frequently devour these animals1 thrusting their bill through the shell and sucking its contents4 ,they also take up shells into the air and drop them upon the rocks to break them4 ,we saw one that had met with a very hard mussel1 take it up and drop it three times in succession before it succeeded in breaking it1 and ,i was much pleased to see the bird let it fall each succeeding time from a greater height than before4 ,while on ,whitehead ,island1 in the ,bay of ,fundy1 ,audubon saw numbers of the nests of these birds on fir-trees1 some being placed near the top1 others on the middle or lower parts of the trees4 ,he was informed by the proprietor of the district that in his memory these ,gulls had built their nests on moss1 on open ground1 but their nests having been robbed and the birds otherwise annoyed1 they had betaken themselves to the thickest parts of the woods1 hoping that by placing their nests on the trees they would be out of the reach of their arch-enemy1 man4 ,the nest of the ,herring ,gull1 which is frequently placed on ledges of rocks1 is usually formed of grass1 or any other vegetable matter that may be at hand4 ,the eggs are laid about ,may3 these vary much both in size and colour4 ,the young remain in the nest until they are partially fledged1 but at once quit it if alarmed1 and frequently take to the water if pursued4 ,,the ,,large ,,or ,,glaucous ,,white-,,winged ,,gull4 ,the ,,large or ,,glaucous ,,white-,,winged ,,gull 7,larus glaucus7 is almost entirely white1 with a faint blue tinge upon the back and wing-covers2 the primaries are also white1 and extend but little beyond the end of the tail4 ,the bill is yellowish white1 except upon the inferior angle of the lower mandible1 which is reddish orange2 the eyes are pale yellow1 and legs and feet flesh-red4 ,in winter the head and neck are slightly streaked with dark grey4 ,the length of this species is about thirty inches2 the wing measures nine and a half1 and the tail eight inches and a half2 according to ,yarrell1 some have been taken that measured thirty-two and thirty-three inches4 ,the ,white-winged ,gull is an inhabitant of the high latitudes1 and was found in great numbers by our ,arctic voyagers in the ,polar ,seas1 ,davis' ,straits1 and ,baffin's ,bay1 breeding on precipitous rocks and ledges of cliffs4 ,the ,glaucous ,gull is also common in ,russia1 on the shores of the ,baltic1 and has been found in ,france1 ,germany1 ,holland1 and various parts of our own and the ,irish coast4 ,it visits ,shetland about the middle of autumn1 and departs about the end of spring4 ,it frequents open bays1 and attends fishing-boats a few miles from land1 in order to feed upon any refuse that may be thrown overboard4 ,sometimes1 if allured by carrion1 it will even venture inland4 ,this ,gull is very rapacious1 and when deprived of other food will fall upon small birds and eat them4 ,sir ,j4 ,richardson tells us it feeds upon carrion1 and during ,captain ,ross's expedition one specimen when struck disgorged an ,auk1 and after death another was found in its stomach4 ,in disposition it is shy and inactive1 and exhibits little of the clamorousness observable in most other members of the genus4 ,the ,dutch have bestowed the name of ,burgomaster upon this bird2 and1 according to ,scoresby1 it may with propriety be called the chief magistrate of the feathered tribe in the ,spitzbergen regions1 as none of its class dare dispute its authority1 when with unhesitating superiority it descends on its prey1 though in the possession of another4 ,the ,burgomaster is not a numerous species1 and yet it is a general attendant on the whale-fishers1 whenever any spoils are to be obtained4 ,it then hovers over the scene of action1 and having marked out its morsel1 descends upon it1 and carries it off on the wing4 ,on its descent1 the most dainty food must be relinquished1 though in the grasp of the ,fulmar ,petrel1 the ,ivory ,gull1 or the ,kittiwake4 ,it seldom alights in the water2 when it rests on the ice it selects a hummock1 and fixes itself on the highest pinnacle4 ,sometimes it condescends to take a more humble situation1 that offers any advantages for procuring food4 ,upon these occasions the peculiarity of its appearance is very striking4 ,its usual deportment is grave and imposing1 exhibiting little of the vivacity or inquisitiveness of many of its tribe2 it is roused to exertion chiefly by a sense of danger1 or the cravings of hunger4 ,when it flies1 it extends its wings more than any other species of ,gull1 and its flight is remarkably buoyant2 when not in quest of food it is of a reserved disposition1 seldom coming within range of a fowling-piece1 but keeping at a respectful distance1 it utters at intervals a hoarse scream1 of a sound peculiar to itself4 ,scoresby found the eggs 7which are of a yellowish grey1 spotted and blotched with brown and grey71 deposited on the beach above high-water mark1 in such a manner as to receive the benefit of the full rays of the sun4 ,according to ,dr4 ,edmondson1 a single bird of this species may occasionally be met with accompanying a large flock of other ,gulls1 and feeding with them4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,white-,,winged ,,gull4 ,the ,,lesser ,,white-,,winged ,,gull 7,larus leucopterus7 has the head and neck entirely pure white2 the back and wings are pale grey2 the primary quills1 chin1 throat1 breast1 entire under surface1 and tail of a beautiful pure white4 ,in the male the bill is yellow1 with red angle to lower mandible2 the eyes are straw-colour1 and the legs flesh-red4 ,this species is twenty-two inches long2 the pointed wings when closed extend two inches beyond the tail4 ,according to ,faber this ,gull has grey spots on its winter plumage4 ,the ,lesser ,white-winged ,gull 7formerly confounded with ,l4 glaucus7 occupies the northern portions of the globe1 and has been seen by ,arctic voyagers in ,davis' ,straits1 ,baffin's ,bay1 and ,melville ,island4 ,it is also found in ,greenland1 and1 according to ,audubon1 is seen in ,north ,america from ,nova ,scotia to ,new ,york during the winter months4 ,this species is less shy than the ,herring ,gull1 it also proceeds farther up the rivers and salt-water creeks1 and alights more frequently in the water or on salt meadows than that bird4 ,a few examples have been shot in ,northumberland1 ,yorkshire1 and ,ireland1 as well as in the ,orkney and ,shetland ,isles4 ,according to ,faber this is the only ,gull that winters in ,iceland without breeding there4 ,i have1 he says1 travelled over most of the coast of the island1 but have never found its breeding-place4 ,a few days after the middle of ,september a few specimens1 both old and young1 make their appearance on the coast of ,iceland1 confining themselves to the northern parts1 among the small inlets of which great numbers pass the winter4 ,when ,i lived on the innermost of the small fjords on the northern coast1 these birds were our daily guests4 ,towards the end of ,april their numbers decreased1 and by the end of ,may they had nearly all disappeared from ,iceland4 ,these tame birds came on land by my winter dwelling on the northern coast1 to snap up the entrails thrown away by the inhabitants1 and fought for them fiercely with the ,raven4 ,i had made one so tame that it came every morning at a certain time to my door to obtain food1 and then flew away again4 ,it gave me notice of its arrival by its cry4 ,these ,gulls indicated to the seal-shooters in the fjord where they should look for seals1 continually following their track in the sea1 and hovering over them in flocks1 with incessant cries1 and while the seals hunted the sprat and the capelin towards the surface of the water1 these ,gulls precipitated themselves down upon the fishes1 and snapped them up4 ,in like manner they follow the track of the cod-fish in the sea1 to feed upon the booty hunted up by this fish of prey4 ,in the winter of #ahba1 which ,i passed on the southern coast1 there was not a single ,larus leucopterus to be seen4 ,on the #ast of ,march1 the shore was almost free from ,sea ,gulls2 but as ,i stepped out of my room early on the #bnd of ,march1 the air was almost filled with a species of ,larus which had appeared suddenly4 ,as ,i approached and looked up at them1 ,i soon recognised my ,larus leucopterus1 which had arrived in great numbers during the night4 ,the ,icelanders concluded1 from the sudden appearance of these ,gulls1 that shoals of cod-fish must have arrived on the coast4 ,they got ready their fishing-boats and nets1 and the fish had in truth arrived in such numbers that the fishing for that season commenced immediately4 ,there1 where hitherto an ornithological quiet had reigned1 everything now became enlivened through the arrival of these birds1 which without intermission and with incessant cries hovered over the nets4 ,in this year1 #ahba1 they remained on the southern coast till the middle of ,may1 when they entirely left it1 to proceed northward to their breeding-places4 ,this ,gull was my weather-guide in winter4 ,if it swam near the shore1 and there1 as if anxious1 moved along with its feathers puffed out1 then ,i knew that on the following day storms and snows were to be expected4 ,in fine weather it soared high in the air4 ,these birds often sit by hundreds on a piece of ice1 and in that way are drifted many miles4 ,mr4 ,yarrell describes a specimen egg in the collection of ,lady ,cust as being two inches and a half long by one inch and three-quarters broad1 of a pale greenish white colour1 with numerous spots and specks of two shades of brown1 with others of a blueish-grey1 over the surface generally4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,ice ,,gulls 7,pagophila7 are recognisable by their slender build1 proportionately longer wings and tail1 smaller feet1 and shorter web between the toes4 ,,the ,,ivory ,,gull4 ,the ,,ivory ,,gull 7,pagophila eburnea7 is pure white1 at times suffused with a blush of pink4 ,the eye is yellow1 and the eye-ring carmine-red2 the bill over half its length from the base is blueish1 towards its apex reddish yellow1 and there is a ring of greenish yellow just in front of the nostrils2 the feet are black4 ,in young birds the head and neck are greyish2 the feathers of the mantle1 the quills of the wings1 and the ends of the tail-feathers speckled with black4 ,the length of this bird is twenty inches2 breadth1 forty-two inches2 length of wing1 thirteen inches and a half2 length of tail1 five inches and a half4 ,the ,ivory ,gull is an inhabitant of the ,arctic ,regions1 and is only a rare visitor in lower latitudes4 ,it may be regularly met with at ,spitzbergen1 as also in the ,asiatic part of the ,arctic ,ocean1 and in the northern parts of ,greenland1 but even ,iceland seems too far south for its residence4 ,in ,greenland it can hardly be called scarce1 seeing that during and after the autumnal storms it sometimes makes its appearance in great numbers4 ,audubon tells us that it visits the southern parts of ,labrador and ,newfoundland every winter4 ,a few individuals have been seen on different parts of the ,british coasts4 ,although so delicate in appearance1 says ,scoresby1 this ,gull is almost as rare as the ,fulmar ,petrel1 and as little nice in its food2 it is1 however1 more cautious4 ,it is a constant attendant on the flensing operations of the whale-fishers1 when it generally seizes its portion while on the wing4 ,like all other birds inhabiting extreme northern latitudes1 it is easily captured indeed1 ,holboell states that it may be tempted to come within reach of the hand with a bit of bacon tied to a string4 ,wherever a walrus has been killed these birds are sure to make their appearance1 and so devoid of shyness are they1 that by throwing them bits of blubber a man may catch as many of them as he chooses4 ,numbers of these ,gulls are constantly to be seen upon the carcases left by the seal-hunters1 or the ,polar bears1 and they are always present around the holes or rifts in the ice1 to which seals generally resort4 ,as relates to the breeding of these birds1 the same author tells us that on the #gth of ,july1 at the northern extremity of ,murchison's ,bay1 he saw a great number of them upon the ledges of a perpendicular cliff of limestone in company with a variety of other birds4 ,it was easy to perceive that the females were sitting upon their eggs2 these were at the time quite unapproachable1 but on the #cjth of ,june he was ably assisted by a party of men1 furnished with long ropes1 to get at some of the nests1 which consisted of a small quantity of grass1 spread upon the bare rock1 and rudely lined with grass1 seaweed1 moss1 and feathers4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,kittiwakes 7,rissa7 may be selected as the representatives of the ,three-toed ,gulls1 their distinguishing character being that the hinder toe is wanting or reduced to a mere rudiment4 ,should other points of difference be sought for1 they may be found in the feebleness of the beak and in the proportionately short tarsi4 ,the toes1 however1 are long1 and the feet provided with well-developed webs4 ,in the adults1 the plumage upon the head1 neck1 rump1 tail1 and under parts of the body is snow-white1 and on the mantle blueish grey1 the wings are whitish grey1 black at the points4 ,the eye is brown1 the eye-ring coral-red2 the beak citron-yellow1 red at the corner of the mouth2 the foot black1 yellowish in the sole4 ,after their autumnal moult1 the hinder neck becomes blueish grey1 and a round spot behind the ear black4 ,in young birds1 the mantle is dark grey1 each feather being margined with black4 ,the length of this ,gull is from sixteen to seventeen inches1 the breadth thirty-seven to thirty-nine inches2 the length of the wing twelve inches1 and of the tail five inches4 ,this bird is an inhabitant of high northern latitudes2 during the winter1 however1 it leaves the frozen ocean1 and not only appears in considerable numbers upon the shores of ,great ,britain1 but extends its flight to places much farther south4 ,these ,gulls are seen inland more frequently than the generality of their kindred1 as they often follow the course of rivers to a considerable distance into the interior of the country1 sometimes appearing there in large flocks4 ,in ,iceland and ,greenland their arrival is always hailed as the harbinger of spring4 ,they make their appearance there between the #hth and #bjth of ,march1 and although the weather is still piercingly cold1 proceed at once to take possession of the rocks where they intend to breed1 as though each pair were anxious to lose no time in securing a resting-place4 ,should the ledges of the rock happen to be covered with snow1 the ,kittiwakes are more than usually restless1 and their unremitting shrieks are almost deafening4 ,they remain in their summer residence till near ,november1 about which time they leave the fjords and fly away into the open sea4 ,in their habits the ,kittiwakes are perhaps more sociable and noisier than the rest of their family1 but in other respects they present nothing particularly noticeable4 ,they walk badly1 and therefore seldom come on dry land1 but they swim well1 even in the roughest weather4 ,their flight is light1 easy1 and much diversified1 sometimes sweeping around in beautiful gyrations1 sometimes urged rapidly forward by long strokes of their wings4 ,occasionally they will plunge from a considerable altitude into the water1 to catch a fish1 or seize upon any food that happens to present itself4 ,they never seem to quarrel1 and it is really wonderful to observe in what harmony thousands1 or we might say millions1 of them live together4 ,for their breeding-places these ,gulls invariably select rocks well furnished with ledges1 projections1 or cavities1 ranged one above another1 and it is on these shelves or within the hollows1 that they place their nests4 ,from the foot of the rock to its very summit1 each coign of vantage is appropriated1 each platform covered1 and if not exactly cooing like so many ,doves1 at least they make as musical shriekings and screechings as a ,sea ,gull is capable of producing4 ,during all this love-making1 great numbers are continually flying hither and thither in search of materials with which to build1 so that the whole hill is surrounded with them1 and when seen at a distance they present very much the appearance of a swarm of bees4 ,previous to our visiting ,lapland we had read descriptions of these breeding-places1 but from them had formed a very imperfect conception of the reality4 ,never shall we forget the day on which we made an excursion to ,svrrholt1 not very far from the ,north ,cape4 ,the vast perpendicular front of the rock to which the ,gulls resorted1 looked as we approached it like a gigantic slate covered all over with millions of little white dots4 ,on our firing a gun1 all these millions of shining points seemed to detach themselves from the dark background1 afterwards to become alive1 next to become ,sea ,gulls1 and then to pour themselves in a continuous stream into the sea4 ,looking upwards it seemed exactly as if a great snow-storm had begun to shower gigantic flakes from the skies--for minutes together it snowed birds1 the whole sea1 as far as we could discern1 was thickly covered with them1 and yet the surface of the rock seemed as densely peopled with birds as at first4 ,we had before thought the narratives we had read were exaggerations1 we now found them to be far below the truth4 ,in every nest these birds lay three or four eggs of a dirty rusty yellow1 sparsely besprinkled with dots and streaks of a darker tint4 ,it is only reasonable to suppose that each pair devote themselves exclusively to the incubation of their own eggs and the rearing of their own young4 ,but how a pair1 among all those hundreds of thousands of nests can ever find their own abode1 or even each other1 when they have once left their place even for a minute is beyond our comprehension4 ,the young birds remain in the nest till the middle of ,august1 at which time they are sufficiently fledged to enable them to fly out to sea and add their voice to the deafening screeching of their fellows4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,black-,,headed ,,gulls 7,chroicocephalus7 constitute a group whose most conspicuous character is that1 when in their nuptial dress1 their head is covered1 as it were1 with a black cap4 ,we can hardly1 from this circumstance1 regard them as a distinct sub-family2 nevertheless1 they present certain peculiarities not common to the race4 ,all these birds inhabit temperate climates1 and seldom or never appear in the northern regions visited by so many other species4 ,the food of the ,black-headed ,gulls consists principally of insects and small fishes2 however1 they by no means despise small quadrupeds or carrion4 ,insects they generally catch in the water and pick from the surface of the ground1 but occasionally they take them while on the wing4 ,the young are fed almost exclusively on insects4 ,,the ,,laughing ,,gull4 ,the ,,laughing ,,gull 7,chroicocephalus ridibundus74 ,the adult in summer has the head1 occiput1 and upper part of the neck of a dark brown1 the colour being most intense when first assumed1 and becoming lighter by time and wear2 the sides and back of the neck are pure white2 the back1 wing-covers1 secondaries1 and tertials1 uniform ,french grey2 the first three quill primaries white on the shafts and webs1 but margined with black2 the fourth white on the outer web1 grey on the inner web1 and edged with black2 the fifth and sixth grey on both webs1 the edge of the inner or broader web and the point black2 tail-covers and tail-feathers white2 front of the neck1 breast1 and all the under surface of the body and tail pure white2 legs and feet1 like the beak1 are vermilion-red2 irides hazel2 eyelids orange4 ,the adult bird in winter has the head only slightly marked with a dusky patch at the ear-covers4 ,the young are brownish on the upper parts of the body4 ,this species is sixteen inches long1 and thirty-six inches broad2 the wing measures twelve and tail five inches4 ,with regard to the change in colour of the head according to the season of the year1 ,mr4 ,yarrell observes3 ,a ,gull in the collection at the ,gardens of the ,zoological ,society began to change colour on the head1 from white to dark brown1 on the #aath of ,march2 it was a change of colour1 and not an act of moulting2 no feather was shed1 and the change was completed in five days4 ,the ,laughing ,gull is plentiful from #cj to #fj north latitude1 and within this zone it rears its young4 ,it is met with pretty nearly in equal numbers upon suitable inland waters in ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america4 ,in the ,south of ,europe it is seen throughout the year2 in ,central ,europe and ,great ,britain it is only a visitor1 leaving us in ,october and ,november to take up its quarters upon the shores of the ,mediterranean4 ,it is1 however1 said to be a constant resident in ,ireland4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,laughing ,,gull 7,chroicocephalus ridibundus74 ,when the snow begins to melt1 these ,gulls return1 and in fine seasons arrive at their more northern terminus towards the end of ,march1 or at the beginning of ,april4 ,before commencing their journey1 the old birds have already selected their mates2 they accompany their partners at once to the breeding-places1 but the younger ones seem to defer their courtship till they arrive at their destination4 ,they only live in the sea during the winter1 and it is seldom that they breed even on islands near the coast4 ,fresh waters1 surrounded by fields1 are their favourite places of resort in the summer season1 and here they find everything that they require4 ,these birds are abundant at the mouth of the ,thames1 where they lay their eggs on the low flat islands and marshes of ,essex4 ,in ,norfolk an extensive piece of water1 called ,scoulton ,mere1 has from time immemorial been one of their favourite breeding-places4 ,the eggs1 which are most abundant there about ,may1 are assiduously collected1 and are sometimes so plentiful that we are told a man and three boys have obtained #a1fjj in a single day4 ,when swimming1 these ,gulls may be regarded as ornamental birds1 more especially when they are in their full plumage4 ,their movements are extremely elegant and graceful1 they walk quickly1 and are not readily tired1 and for hours together may be seen following the ploughman1 or roaming about fields and meadows in search of insects4 ,they swim beautifully1 but not very rapidly4 ,they rise readily into the air1 either from the surface of the ground or from the water1 and apparently without effort perform a variety of pleasing evolutions during their flight4 ,in some of the ,swiss cantons1 and in all parts of ,southern ,europe lying near the sea1 they are treated by the inhabitants as if half domesticated4 ,they may be seen everywhere1 running about with the greatest confidence1 as if they knew very well that no one would attempt to do them an injury4 ,their voice is harsh and disagreeable1 earning for them doubtless the name of ,sea ,crows1 whereby they are generally designated4 ,towards the end of ,april the breeding season commences1 and after much quarrelling the place selected where each pair is to build its nest4 ,these birds never breed separately1 seldom in small parties1 but most generally in large flocks1 of hundreds or rather thousands of birds1 which generally crowd themselves together into a very limited space4 ,their nests are usually placed upon insulated patches of ground surrounded by water1 or situated in the centre of a marsh1 and overgrown with sedges1 reeds1 and rushes2 under some circumstances they will build in the marsh itself1 sheltering their nests among tufts of grass1 but always in some unfrequented situation1 to which access is nearly impracticable4 ,the foundation of the nest is laid by flattening down the herbage and lining the cavity so formed with leaves1 straw1 and similar materials4 ,the eggs1 which are deposited about the beginning of ,may1 to the number of four or five in each nest1 are tolerably large1 of a pale olive-green colour1 speckled1 spotted1 and streaked with ashy-grey and dark brownish grey1 but the eggs vary considerably both in size1 colour1 and markings4 ,the two sexes brood alternately1 one or other of them remaining constantly upon the nest during the night1 but in the daytime they seem to think the heat of the sun an efficient substitute for their presence4 ,after the lapse of about eighteen days the young make their appearance1 and in about three or four weeks afterwards are completely fledged4 ,in situations where the nests are surrounded by water the young ones do not leave them during the first few days1 but if they are situated upon dry ground the little nestlings scramble out and run about very actively4 ,when a fortnight old they are able to flutter from place to place1 and at the end of the third week are almost able to take care of themselves4 ,the courage with which the parents defend their young is most exemplary4 ,no sooner does an enemy in the shape of a ,hawk1 a ,crow1 or a ,heron make its appearance1 than a tremendous outcry is raised by the whole colony1 even the brooding birds leave their nests1 and all rush forward to oppose the invader4 ,a dog or fox they attack with equal fury4 ,should a man intrude upon them they fly around him in circles1 screaming with all their might1 and if1 deafened by the noise1 he retires1 he is followed to some distance1 with every indication of joy at his departure4 ,in the north of ,germany it is common on a certain day to have a general battue1 and slaughter the poor ,gulls by wholesale4 ,this useless destruction1 which1 under the name of the ,gull-shooting1 serves as an excuse for a general holiday1 savours much of the barbarism of the ,dark ,ages2 as1 far from being pernicious1 these beautiful birds render important services to the farmers by clearing the land of a vast quantity of hurtful insects4 ,,the ,,great ,,black-,,headed ,,gull4 ,the ,,great ,,black-,,headed ,,gull 7,chroicocephalus ichthyatus7 in its summer plumage has the entire head and upper neck black1 the feathered orbits white1 back and wing blue-grey1 upper tail-covers and tail pure white1 with a black band1 primaries with a black band1 increasing in width to the outermost one1 which has the whole of the web black1 the rest of the first five primaries white1 the others grey1 tipped with white2 the other parts of the plumage are pure white2 bill red1 yellow at tip2 irides brown2 feet dull red2 length about twenty-six inches2 wing nineteen to twenty inches2 tail seven inches2 bill at front two inches and a quarter2 tarsus three inches2 the closed wing extends about one inch and a half beyond the tail4 ,this bird inhabits ,northern and ,central ,asia1 and is rare in ,india4 ,jerdon observed it on the sea-coast at ,madras1 and occasionally ascending the ,hooghly and other large rivers4 ,it frequents the borders of the ,caspian ,sea4 ,the eggs1 which are oblong1 and marked with deep brown and paler spots1 are laid on the bare sand1 near large rivers4 ,when flying1 the hoarse voice of this bird resembles that of the ,rover4 ,,the ,,lesser ,,black-,,headed ,,gull4 ,the ,,lesser ,,black-,,headed ,,gull 7,chroicocephalus melanocephalus7 is about fifteen inches and a quarter in length4 ,in this species the whole head1 except a small patch of white above and beneath the eye1 is of an extremely deep black2 the back of neck1 chest1 tail1 and all the under parts are pure white2 the whole of the upper part1 delicate pearl-grey2 primaries1 white at their tips1 the outer web of the first primary black for three parts of its length2 beak1 legs1 and eyelids vermilion1 irides brown4 ,this bird inhabits ,southern ,europe1 particularly the shores of the ,adriatic4 ,it abounds in ,dalmatia1 breeding in the marshes4 ,,the ,,little ,,gull4 ,the ,,little ,,gull 7,chroicocephalus minuta74 ,in winter the entire upper surface of the adult's plumage is of a blueish ash2 quills and secondaries tipped with white2 throat and under surface pure white1 with a slight tinge of rose-colour2 bill brownish red2 tarsi bright red2 irides brown4 ,in summer the whole of the head and upper part become of a brownish black4 ,it is found1 though not in great abundance1 in the western part of ,europe4 ,this species inhabits the eastern parts of ,russia1 ,livonia1 and ,hungary1 and the shores of the ,black and ,caspian ,seas4 ,it is rare in ,great ,britain1 and was first described as a ,british bird by ,montagu1 in his ,ornithological ,dictionary4 ,according to ,temminck1 it feeds on worms and insects4 ,little1 however1 is known of its habits4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,skuas 7,lestres71 although resembling the ,gulls in shape and plumage1 differ from them in so many particulars that they must be regarded as forming a separate family4 ,the principal points of difference between these birds and the true ,sea ,gulls are found in the structure of the beak and feet1 as also in the peculiarity of their colours1 and in their mode of life4 ,in the ,skuas the body is strongly built1 the neck short1 the head small1 the beak moderately short but strong1 thick1 and towards the apex compressed4 ,the upper mandible is vaulted above1 strongly hooked1 and provided at its base with a cere4 ,the tarsus is moderately high1 the toes short1 but with a very complete web1 and furnished with crooked1 sharp-pointed1 and sharp-edged claws4 ,the wings are long1 narrow1 and pointed1 the first quill being the longest4 ,the tail consists of twelve feathers1 of moderate length1 and has the central tail-feathers prolonged4 ,the plumage is rich and thick1 upon the under surface fur-like2 its prevailing colour is a dusky brown4 ,the ,skuas1 or ,parasite ,gulls1 are most abundant in the ,arctic ,regions4 ,they live principally in the open sea1 but at their breeding-time seek the neighbourhood of coasts and islands4 ,occasionally they wing their way into more southern latitudes1 and sometimes are to be seen far inland4 ,in strength of wing they are superior to the ,gulls1 and they swim well1 but prefer flying to swimming4 ,in a certain sense1 they might be said to hold a middle position between ,sea ,gulls and birds of prey4 ,they attack all animals that they are able to subdue1 and persecute their weaker brethren until they oblige them to yield up whatsoever prey they may have caught4 ,indeed1 it was recently generally believed that they were unable to catch prey for themselves1 but were obliged to live the life of freebooters1 and depend upon thieving for their support2 modern observations have1 however1 shown that this is not altogether correct4 ,it is1 however1 quite true that their power of diving is not such as to enable them to catch fishes at any great depth2 they can only procure such as may be swimming close to the surface4 ,they are1 however1 by no means confined to a fish diet2 they devour birds and their eggs1 kill small quadrupeds1 and prey upon shell-fish of every kind4 ,they will even attack young lambs1 hack out their eyes and brains1 and1 in short1 prey upon everything that offers itself1 whether living or dead4 ,generally1 however1 they live by the labour of other diving birds4 ,they watch the ,gulls1 ,terns1 ,guillemots1 and other predatory species1 and whenever they perceive that they have caught a fish1 hasten after them with all speed1 and so torment and worry them as to compel them to disgorge their already swallowed prey1 and let it drop from their mouths4 ,no sooner do their pursuers see it fall than1 swooping after it with the speed of a ,falcon1 they catch it before it reaches the water1 and appropriate it to their own use4 ,such barefaced robbery as this naturally causes the ,skuas to be detested by all seafaring birds2 nevertheless1 they seem to care very little for the general hatred1 and recklessly pursue their system of plunder whenever opportunity offers4 ,no sea-bird will brood in their vicinity1 or remain upon any inland lake of which they have possession4 ,every individual who has once made their acquaintance endeavours1 as the sailors say1 to give them a wide berth4 ,the more valorous species often attack them furiously2 the timid flee at their approach1 or if they are in a position which enables them to do so1 dive out of their sight4 ,when their breeding-time arrives1 the ,skuas assemble in small parties1 and build their nests in company with each other4 ,the places selected for this purpose are generally large islands1 some species preferring the level of the shore1 others the summits of the highest rocks4 ,in these localities they scratch or construct for themselves a round excavation in the sand1 and1 if practicable1 concealed among plants1 and in the ample nest lay two or three eggs1 upon which the male and female sit alternately4 ,the young are fed at first with food partially digested in the stomachs of their parents1 subsequently upon coarser diet4 ,they remain in the nest for several days1 and when they leave it run about on the beach like young birds1 hiding themselves1 in case of danger1 between the stones1 or among the inequalities of the ground4 ,after they have become capable of flight1 they continue for some time in the neighbourhood of the coast1 profit by their parents' instructions1 and in their company they at last fly away to the open sea4 ,in the second summer of their lives they begin to breed4 ,the eggs of the ,skuas are eaten by the inhabitants of northern countries1 but the birds themselves are considered worthless2 nevertheless1 they are killed in great numbers4 ,the chase after them is easy enough1 inasmuch as they will greedily swallow any kind of bait1 and fear man no more than they do the birds that they plunder4 ,,the ,,common ,,skua4 ,the ,,common ,,skua 7,lestris catarractes71 the most conspicuous member of the above family1 is twenty-two inches long1 fifty-two inches broad2 the length of its wing sixteen inches and a half1 of the tail1 six inches and a half4 ,the colour of its plumage is greyish brown1 the somewhat lighter under surface is striped longitudinally with pale or red grey2 a space at the base of the dark-coloured wing is white2 the eye is red-brown2 the beak leaden grey at the root1 and black at the apex2 the foot blackish grey4 ,the young birds resemble the adults4 ,although the proper climate of the ,skua is between #fj and #gj north latitude1 it has also been met with in the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere4 ,in ,europe its head-quarters are in the vicinity of the ,faroe and ,shetland ,islands2 also on the coasts of ,iceland1 and the ,orkneys and ,hebrides1 ranging from thence1 in the winter season1 to the northern shores of ,france1 ,england1 and ,germany4 ,the greater number of them1 however1 remain constantly in the north1 seeking for their food wherever the sea may happen to be free from ice4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,common ,,skua 7,lestris catarractes74 ,the ,skua is recognisable from the larger ,gulls by the varied character1 facility1 and rapidity of its movements4 ,it runs quickly when upon dry land1 swims beautifully1 floating with its breast deeply immersed1 and rises easily into the air1 whether from the sea or from level ground4 ,the flight of this bird resembles that of the larger ,sea ,gulls1 but is not so equable4 ,sometimes the celerity of its movements will bear comparison with those of the ,hawks and ,eagles4 ,sometimes it skims over the surface of the sea without the slightest perceptible motion of its wings1 or rushes from a great height obliquely downwards towards the surface of the sea1 tearing through the air with surprising rapidity4 ,in daring1 thieving1 and unsociableness it not only far exceeds the ,gulls1 but surpasses every other sea-bird4 ,of all the tyrants of the sea it is the most universally dreaded2 it has no participation or friendship with any other species2 and although only the strongest of its enemies ever venture to attack so redoubtable a foe1 it is held in universal abhorrence4 ,the opinion entertained by other birds as to its cunning and ferocity is best exemplified by the fact that even such as are far larger and stronger than their oppressors submit to be robbed and bullied in the manner we have described1 without making the slightest resistance4 ,the appetite of the ,skuas is exactly proportioned to their restlessness and activity4 ,so long as they are on the wing they are constantly employed in satisfying the cravings of their ravenous maw4 ,should no other bird appear in sight upon which to exercise their avocation as highwaymen1 they are under the necessity of fishing for themselves1 and if not successful in their endeavours to obtain a meal1 have recourse to the shore1 upon which they diligently search for anything in the shape of food that may have been left by the receding tide4 ,should this resource likewise fail them1 they fly off into the fields and inland marshes1 where they pick up worms1 insects1 and small mollusca2 or should they meet with a sea-bird similarly occupied1 they at once give chase1 exhibiting as much strength and skilfulness in the use of their wings as they do courage and audacity in planning their attack1 never leaving their victim until they have made him disgorge the contents of his stomach1 and appropriated it to their own use4 ,not unfrequently1 indeed1 they will kill and devour the bird itself4 ,graba tells us that he saw one of them at a single blow shatter the skull of a ,coulterneb1 and various witnesses testify that they eat ,sea ,gulls and ,guillemots1 striking them dead with their beaks1 and afterwards tearing them to pieces4 ,wounded or disabled birds they remorselessly devour4 ,in the breeding-places they plunder the nests1 breaking the eggs and swallowing the young4 ,a general shriek1 says ,nordmann1 rises from a thousand throats as soon as one of these marauders is seen winging his way towards the rock1 and yet none of the brooding birds will venture to offer anything like a serious resistance to the invader4 ,he seizes hold of the young birds1 wrenching them from the very beaks of their parents1 who only follow the robber to a little distance from the nest1 without any effectual result4 ,so soon as the thief finds himself no longer pursued1 he flies down to the sea1 kills and devours his prey1 and then flies off with it to his own nest1 where he disgorges it for the benefit of his young family4 ,when making these raids1 the ,skua has never been observed to use any other weapon than his beak1 although it would seem probable1 from the sharpness of his powerful1 strongly-hooked claws1 that they likewise may be resorted to as formidable instruments of attack4 ,after a plentiful meal1 the ,skua betakes himself to some rock1 where he sits for a time with puffed-out feathers1 apparently enjoying a luxurious nap1 and in that position he remains till the calls of hunger again prompt him to active exertion4 ,about the beginning of ,may1 the ,skuas may be seen congregating in pairs in the vicinity of their breeding-places1 where1 upon some rocky platform or moss-grown overhanging ledge1 they construct their nests4 ,these are generally mere cavities1 hollowed out by the pressure of their bodies1 and here1 during the first days of ,june1 they lay two eggs of a dirty olive-green colour1 spotted with brown4 ,one of their breeding-places visited by ,graba was occupied by about fifty couples4 ,according to ,mr4 ,dunn1 this species has three breeding-places in the ,shetland ,isles--,foula1 ,rona's ,hill1 and the ,isle of ,unst4 ,in the latter place it is by no means numerous1 and is strictly preserved by the landlords on whose property it may have settled1 from a supposition that it will defend their flocks from the attack of the ,eagle4 ,that it will attack the ,eagle if he approaches its nest is a fact that ,i have witnessed4 ,i once saw a pair beat off a large ,eagle from their breeding-place on ,rona's ,hill4 ,should a man approach the nest1 the old birds at once fly into the air screaming furiously1 and sometimes boldly attack the rash intruder on their privacy by dealing violent blows about his head and face4 ,sometimes1 according to ,graba1 bird-catchers hold knives above their caps1 upon which the birds occasionally impale themselves as they swoop violently down and endeavour to wound the enemy's head4 ,both parents assist in the work of incubation1 and hatch the eggs in about four weeks4 ,the young are nimble1 gallant little fellows1 and leave the nest almost immediately after quitting the shell4 ,a writer in the ,records of the ,wernerian ,society informs us that on alarm of danger they secrete themselves with great art behind stones1 or in holes1 and if captured make a most amusing show of defence4 ,when first hatched1 the fledglings are warmly clad in greyish brown down1 and are reared upon small mollusca1 worms1 eggs1 and similar delicacies1 disgorged from the parents' crop2 at a later period they are supplied with half-digested fish or flesh1 or sometimes with young birds4 ,when able to provide for themselves1 they are said to eat berries of different kinds4 ,by the end of ,august they have attained their full growth1 and in ,september are able to fly out to sea4 ,the ,common ,skua is easily tamed1 and in some places1 says ,mr4 ,dunn1 is a great favourite with the fishermen1 frequently accompanying their boats to the fishing-ground2 this the fishermen consider a lucky omen1 and in return for its attendance they give it the refuse of the fish which are caught1 or supply it with any useless garbage from their nets4 ,,buffon',s ,,or ,,the ,,parasite ,,skua4 ,,buffon',s or the ,,parasite ,,skua 7,lestris ,stercorarius parasitica7 is considerably smaller1 and more slenderly built1 than the species last described1 from which it is also distinguishable by the central tail-feathers4 ,these are considerably elongated and sharp-pointed4 ,the colour of this bird is either sooty brown1 with a white throat1 and a whitish or yellowish patch upon the forehead1 or the upper side is sooty brown1 the throat yellowish1 the under side greyish white1 and the region of the crop grey4 ,this variation in the colours of different specimens seems quite independent either of age or sex4 ,the eye is brown1 beak black1 cere dark leaden grey1 and the foot blue-black4 ,the length is eighteen to nineteen inches2 breadth1 thirty-nine to forty-two inches2 length of wing1 twelve inches2 length of tail1 seven inches4 ,the ,parasite ,skua is met with in the ,arctic ,regions of both hemispheres4 ,it is found in ,spitzbergen and ,greenland1 extending thence to the middle of the coast of ,norway2 it occurs in ,iceland2 in the islands to the north of ,scotland2 in the ,faroe ,islands2 off the coast of ,labrador2 in ,newfoundland2 also in ,behring's ,straits2 and in the ,sea of ,ochotsk it is abundant4 ,in ,england and ,ireland it is but rarely seen4 ,during the winter it is a regular visitant to the more southern coasts of the countries bordering on the ,north ,sea1 and sometimes wanders inland4 ,except during the breeding season1 it passes its whole life on the sea4 ,its presence is by no means confined to coasts and rocky reefs2 it remains for weeks together far out of sight of land4 ,the unpractised observer will find but little difficulty in distinguishing the ,parasite ,gull1 even from its nearest allies1 as soon as he has witnessed the manner of its flight4 ,its gait when walking is hurried1 but is not otherwise remarkable1 and when swimming1 with the exception of its dark colour1 it very much resembles some of the smaller ,gulls4 ,its flight1 however1 is more versatile than that of any member of the family2 frequently it skims along like a ,falcon1 at one time giving a few rapid strokes with its wings1 then sweeping onwards to a considerable distance1 somewhat after the manner of a ,kite2 suddenly1 however1 it seems to shiver1 or rapidly shake its wings1 and precipitates itself downwards1 describing a sort of arch1 mounts up again1 and immediately adopts a course made up of an alternation of larger and smaller arches joined beneath each other4 ,it now shoots with great rapidity downwards1 then slowly mounts again1 and remains for a moment quiet1 as it were exhausted2 but the next instant1 as though possessed by an evil spirit1 it turns1 and winds1 and struggles1 and flutters in an indescribable manner4 ,the cry of these birds somewhat resembles that of a ,peacock4 ,in their disposition they very closely resemble the ,common ,skua2 they are bold1 importunate1 and valorous1 but covetous1 gluttonous1 and thievish4 ,in one respect1 however1 they differ from the ,skua in a striking manner--they are remarkably social1 and are at all times to be met with in little companies4 ,during the breeding season they assemble in still greater numbers1 but arranged in pairs1 each of which builds its nest a little removed from the others1 within a small territory of its own4 ,these birds are as much feared by the smaller ,gulls1 as the ,great ,skuas are by the larger ones1 and yet1 strange to say1 ,plovers1 ,snipes1 and ,oyster-catchers may be seen building in their immediate vicinity without the slightest indication of mistrust4 ,upon several occasions we have watched the ,parasite ,gulls for weeks at a time1 and by so doing have ascertained that during the middle of summer they are quite as active in the night-time as during the day4 ,they have often appeared to us to be busied for hours together catching insects1 but we have never found anything but the remains of fishes in their stomachs4 ,the birds that they principally follow for the sake of making them disgorge any prey that they have swallowed are ,gulls1 ,petrels1 ,terns1 and ,guillemots4 ,the booty1 however1 that they obtain in this summary manner can scarcely form the staple of their food4 ,they may be seen wandering along the beach1 picking up worms and remnants cast up by the waves quite as often as they are employed in pursuing other birds4 ,about the middle of ,may the ,parasite ,gulls make their appearance on dry land for the purpose of rearing their progeny4 ,the places selected for the nests are generally low-lying moors and high rocks2 according to our own experience1 they always avoid extensive moors4 ,fifty or a hundred of their nests may be sometimes counted in these settlements2 each pair1 however1 seems to claim the vicinity of their nest as their own ground1 from which they drive away intruders even of their own species4 ,the nests are situated upon the top of small hillocks of earth1 and consist of simple but carefully formed excavations4 ,their eggs1 which are seldom laid before the middle of ,june1 are smooth and somewhat polished2 their colour is a dingy olive1 or brownish green1 speckled1 streaked1 and dotted with dark grey1 dark olive1 or reddish brown4 ,naumann is of opinion that the ,parasite ,gulls only lay two eggs2 we1 however1 have repeatedly found three in the same nest4 ,the two sexes brood by turns1 and tenderly watch over their young4 ,should a man approach the nest1 they at once hasten to meet the intruder2 they fly round in circles1 throw themselves on the ground before him to distract his notice1 always1 of course1 managing to get out of the way should he try to catch them4 ,they show themselves on these occasions quite experts in dissimulation1 hop and flutter on the grass as if they were wounded--in short1 do everything in their power to tempt their enemy from the locality4 ,the early life of the young birds differs in no important particular from that of their congeners already described4 ,,ross',s ,,rosy ,,gull4 ,ross's ,,rosy ,,gull 7,rhodostethia rosea or ,rossii71 the most beautiful ,gull with which we are acquainted1 is a resident in ,america1 where it inhabits the far north4 ,upon some occasions1 however1 it has been known to visit ,europe1 and consequently deserves notice1 although we are ignorant of any important particulars in which it differs from others of its race4 ,this species is distinguishable by its wedge-shaped tail1 the two middle feathers of which project nearly an inch beyond the rest2 from this circumstance it is regarded as the representative of a distinct section of the family4 ,its beak is feeble1 and the angular enlargement of the front of the under jaw1 so characteristic of the ,gulls1 scarcely perceptible4 ,the tarsus is moderately strong1 and the four-toed foot of a medium length4 ,the coloration of the feathers is more delicate and beautiful than that of any other of the race2 the mantle is pearly or silvery grey2 the under neck1 breast1 and belly are pale rose-red2 the middle of the neck is adorned with a narrow black band1 somewhat resembling a necklace of jet4 ,the exterior web of the first quill is black1 that of all the others white4 ,the eyelids and throat are reddish yellow1 the beak black1 the foot scarlet4 ,the length of this bird is fourteen inches2 the length of the wing ten inches and a half2 and of the tail five inches and a half4 ,the ,rosy ,gull is included among ,british birds1 a specimen having been killed upon a ploughed field in ,yorkshire in #ahdg4 ,yarrell tells us that its flight resembles that of its congeners1 and that it did not appear at all shy4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,petrels1 or ,,storm-,,birds 7,procellarid71 are distinguishable among all other sea-birds1 and1 indeed1 among all birds whatever1 by the circumstance that their nostrils are represented by horny tubes1 situated upon the upper beak4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,albatrosses 7,diomede71 although by no means the noblest among this extensive group1 seem to claim the precedence on account of their prodigious size and imposing aspect4 ,these birds are recognisable by their great stature1 powerful build1 short thick neck1 large head1 and long beak1 the latter being strong1 compressed at the sides1 and terminating in a formidably hooked tip4 ,for some distance from its commencement the culmen is slightly bowed inwards1 and the cutting edges are exceedingly sharp4 ,the nostrils terminate in short horny tubes1 that lie side by side upon the upper aspect of the beak1 and from these deep channels are prolonged quite to its extremity4 ,the tarsus is short1 but strong1 the foot three-toed1 and very broadly-webbed4 ,the wings are very long1 but remarkably narrow1 the primary quills long and strong1 the first quill being the longest2 the secondary quills1 on the contrary1 are remarkably short1 scarcely projecting beyond the wing-covers4 ,the tail1 which consists of twelve feathers1 is short1 either straight1 or slightly rounded or pointed at its extremity4 ,the general plumage is uncommonly rich1 thick1 and downy1 but not striking in its coloration1 which seems to vary in the two sexes and at different ages1 as well as according to the seasons of the year4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,rosy ,,gull 7,rhodostethia rosea74 ,the ,albatrosses claim the vast ocean of the southern hemisphere as their habitat2 both the ,d4 exulans and the ,d4 chlororhynchus1 it is true1 have been occasionally seen even off the coasts of ,europe1 but such a circumstance can only be regarded as an accidental occurrence4 ,they seldom or never pass beyond the tropic of ,capricorn1 at least in the ,atlantic1 and even then only as occasional wanderers4 ,they appear more frequently1 however1 in the northern regions of the ,pacific ,ocean2 they are also said to make regular visits to ,behring's ,straits and the ,sea of ,ochotsk1 and not only casually to show themselves upon those unfrequented shores1 but to reside in their vicinity during several months1 only retiring beyond the equator as the season for breeding approaches4 ,in like manner they are frequently met with in high antarctic latitudes1 i4e41 as we are informed by sailors and fishermen1 up to #ej or #fj south latitude2 but whether these visits are regular migrations1 or merely casual excursions1 we are not as yet informed4 ,we know1 however1 that they visit all seas lying between #bc north1 and #ff south latitude2 that when they come into more northern climes1 as into ,kamschatka and ,ochotsk1 they are hungry1 lank1 and half-starved1 but that in a few weeks1 owing to the abundance of food they there meet with1 they return to their breeding-places plump and in good condition4 ,it is said by some observers that in the literal meaning of the words their flight extends quite around the globe1 being generally1 however1 more or less restricted within the limits of a certain zone1 from which they never wander far during the whole course of the year1 and within which they likewise breed4 ,,the ,,wandering ,,albatross4 ,the ,,wandering ,,albatross 7,diomedea exulans71 called by some the ,cape ,sheep1 is1 with the exception of its black wings1 entirely pure white4 ,in young birds the plumage is banded and marked with various shades of brown4 ,the eye is dark brown1 the naked eyelid pale green2 the bill is reddish white1 with yellow tip2 and the foot yellowish white4 ,according to measurements made by ,bennett1 this species is three feet ten inches long1 and the spread of the wings eleven feet eight inches2 this latter measurement is1 however1 subject to variation1 some being not more that ten feet1 and others as much as fourteen feet across the wings4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,wandering ,,albatross 7,diomedea exulans74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the habitat of the ,wandering ,albatross is confined within no particular limits1 it is1 however1 most abundant between #cj and #fj south latitude1 and is equally numerous in all parts of the ,southern ,ocean4 ,the wide ocean is its natural range1 and this it never leaves except for the purpose of breeding1 when it usually resorts to inaccessible rocky islands4 ,the powers of flight of the ,wandering ,albatross1 says ,gould1 are much greater than those of any other bird that has come under my observation4 ,although during calm or moderate weather it sometimes rests on the surface of the water1 it is almost constantly on the wing1 and is equally at ease while passing over the glassy surface during the stillest calm1 or flying with meteor-like swiftness before the most furious gale4 ,although a vessel running before the wind frequently sails more than #bjj miles in twenty-four hours1 and that for days together1 still the ,albatross has not the slightest difficulty in keeping up with the ship1 but also performs circles of many miles in extent1 returning from these excursions to the wake of the vessel in order to obtain any substances thrown overboard4 ,it is pleasing1 writes ,bennett1 to observe this superb bird sailing in the air in graceful and elegant movements1 seemingly excited by some invisible power1 for there is rarely any movement of the wings seen after the first and frequent impulses given when the creature elevates itself in the air2 rising and falling without any muscular exertion of its own1 and then descending1 sweeps the air close to the stern of the ship with an independence of manner as if he were monarch of all he surveyed4 ,it is from the very little muscular exertion used by these birds that they are capable of sustaining such long flights without repose4 ,when seizing an object floating on the water1 they gradually descend with expanded or upraised wings1 or sometimes alight and float like a ,duck on the water while devouring their food2 then elevating themselves1 they skim the ocean with expanded wings1 giving frequent impulses1 as the great length of their wings prevents their rising with facility from a level surface1 as they run along for some distance until they again soar in mid-air1 and recommence their erratic flights4 ,like other species of the genus1 this ,albatross is nocturnal as well as diurnal in its habits2 no bird takes so little repose2 indeed1 it appears to be constantly on the wing1 scanning the surface of the ocean for the molluscs1 medus1 and other marine animals that constitute its food4 ,the ,wandering ,albatross breeds in the rocky islands of the ,southern ,ocean during the months of ,november and ,december4 ,the grass-covered declivities of the hills1 above thickets of wood1 are the spots usually selected for its nest1 which consists of a mound of earth intermingled with grass and leaves4 ,the nest is about eighteen inches high and six feet in circumference at its base1 whilst the opening at the top is about twenty-seven inches in diameter4 ,the eggs are white1 and from fourteen and a half to nineteen ounces in weight4 ,the ,albatross1 says ,dr4 ,mc,cormick1 frequently sleeps with its head under its wing during the period of incubation1 its beautiful white head and neck above the grass betraying its situation from a considerable distance4 ,if approached1 it resolutely defends its egg1 and if forced off the nest1 slowly moves away to a short distance1 but does not take wing4 ,a fierce species of ,lestris watches keenly for any opportunity of seizing the eggs1 and so well aware is the ,albatross of its hostile intentions1 that he snaps his beak violently whenever he observes the ,lestris overhead4 ,the female usually lays but one egg2 the young bird is entirely white1 and covered with a beautiful woolly down4 ,,the ,,yellow-,,billed ,,albatross4 ,the ,,yellow-,,billed ,,albatross 7,diomedea chlororhynchus7 is smaller than the above species4 ,in the adult birds the plumage is principally white with brownish black rump and wings of the same colour2 the tail-feathers are brownish grey shafted with white2 the bill is black with orange-red culmen4 ,this species is abundant off the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 and also in the seas between the ,african shores and ,tasmania4 ,gould observed it off ,capes ,howe and ,northumberland on the southern coast of ,australia1 and ,gilbert tells us that he saw it flying on the western coast about ,rottnest ,island1 in short1 its presence may be expected throughout the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere4 ,,the ,,sooty ,,or ,,black ,,albatross4 ,the ,,sooty or ,,black ,,albatross 7,diomedea or ,phbetria fuliginosa7 is principally of a dark sooty grey2 the head and wings are brown4 ,in this species the tail is wedge-shaped4 ,the ,sooty or ,black ,albatross1 one of the commonest species1 is universally spread over all temperate latitudes south of the equator4 ,according to ,latham1 these birds breed on the ,island of ,tristan d',acunha1 and are gregarious1 many of them building their nests close to each other2 in the area of half an acre were reckoned upwards of a hundred4 ,the nest is of mud1 raised five or six inches1 and slightly depressed at the top2 when the young are more than half-grown they are covered with a whitish down2 they stand on their respective hillocks like statues1 until approached close1 when they make a strange clattering with their beaks1 and if touched squirt a deluge of fetid oily fluid from the nostrils4 ,the ,black ,albatross is common1 says ,layard1 along the south coast of ,africa1 at a little distance from the land4 ,it is fond of hovering over a ship's deck1 and ,i have obtained specimens by sending a small rifle bullet through them1 thus killing them instantly2 if struck with shot1 their feathers are so dense that they seldom receive a death wound1 but drift seaward and perish miserably4 ,i have never observed any of the other ,albatrosses hover over the deck as this bird constantly does2 ,i have seen it almost touch a man on the royal yard4 ,on these occasions it seems actuated by curiosity1 and keeps turning its head from side to side1 scanning everything with its brilliant dark eye4 ,the eggs of this species resemble those of ,d4 exulans1 but are somewhat smaller1 being about four inches two lines long by two inches six lines broad4 ,all the birds belonging to this family are oceanic1 nevertheless each species seems to confine its occupancy within certain zones or climates4 ,they are less numerously met with in the torrid zone than in the more temperate and colder regions1 and are more abundant in the southern than in the northern hemisphere4 ,during the breeding season they resort to the coasts1 but the greater part of their life is spent upon the open sea4 ,they can scarcely be said to walk1 but they swim with ease and buoyancy1 still they seldom alight upon the water1 passing by far the greater part of their lives upon the wing4 ,from the deck of a ship they may be seen pertinaciously accompanying it for whole days together1 sweeping constantly along with an unbroken equable pace1 mounting gently over the crests of the highest waves1 plunging headlong into the valleys between them1 only staying their course now and then for a moment1 to enable them to pick up any stray morsel thrown from the ship1 or seen floating upon the water4 ,they are less capable of diving than most other sea-birds1 probably from the difficulty they must encounter in submerging their soft thick plumage4 ,they are even more saucily obtrusive than the ,albatrosses1 and will fearlessly seize upon any proffered bait1 even when they have seen their fellow caught with a hook and line4 ,their food1 besides fishes1 consists of any animal substances that may be found floating on the waves4 ,their voracity is almost insatiable2 with the prospect of a feast before them1 they think nothing of danger1 and will even allow themselves to be knocked down with sticks1 or caught with the hand4 ,the ,petrels breed in the vicinity of the sea1 generally upon solitary and almost inaccessible rocks4 ,they can hardly be said to make a nest1 but lay their eggs on the bare ground1 and immediately commence the work of incubation4 ,their eggs are broad in proportion to their length1 coarse-shelled1 and of a pure white1 without any markings4 ,the young when hatched are covered with grey down2 they grow very slowly1 but are carefully tended by their parents1 who defend them by ejecting fetid oil from their crops in the face of the assailant4 ,after the young are able to fly1 the families distribute themselves over the surface of the sea4 ,they are sociable birds1 and may sometimes be seen keeping together in considerable flocks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,petrels 7,procellari7 in their general appearance present a certain resemblance to the ,sea ,gulls1 from which1 however1 they are easily distinguished by their rounder head1 high forehead1 and smaller wings4 ,the ,petrels are powerfully built1 short-necked1 and large-headed2 their beak is shorter than the head1 strong1 hard1 and so deeply furrowed upon the sides that its point seems a mere appendage fastened to it1 forming at the extremity of the upper jaw a strongly-bent hook1 and upon the under jaw a peculiarly-formed angular termination4 ,the cutting edges of the mandibles overlap each other and are very sharp2 the gape opens backwards as far as the eye2 the apertures of the nostrils are situated in a horny pipe consisting of two tubes consolidated into one in such a manner that the longitudinal division between them is perceptible2 the foot is moderately strong1 the tarsus short and compressed laterally1 the three front toes are connected together by a well-developed swimming web1 but the hinder toe is only represented by a little rudimentary appendage4 ,the wings are very similar to those of ,sea ,gulls1 but are shorter and more pointed1 the first quill being invariably longer than the rest4 ,the tail1 which consists of twelve or fourteen feathers1 is more or less rounded at the extremity4 ,the general plumage is rich1 and thicker above than below1 indeed1 on the under part it is very soft and fur-like4 ,the two sexes are alike in colour1 and even the young differ but slightly from the old birds1 neither do their colours alter perceptibly with the seasons4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,giant ,,petrel 7,procellaria ,ossifragus gigantea74 ,,one-,,sixth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,giant ,,petrel4 ,the ,,giant ,,petrel 7,procellaria ,ossifragus gigantea7 may be regarded as holding a position intermediate between the ,albatross and the ,storm ,petrels4 ,in this bird the plumage is deep chocolate-brown4 ,the eye is blackish brown2 beak horn-grey1 with red tip4 ,the young bird is more lightly coloured1 and has a silvery white eye4 ,the length of this species is about two feet eight inches1 and the spread of the wings from four feet and a half to five feet4 ,the habitat of the ,giant ,petrel extends over the temperate and antarctic zones of the southern hemisphere4 ,captain ,hutton tells us that this bird breeds in the cliffs of ,prince ,edward's ,island and ,kerguelen's ,land1 but the nests can be got at occasionally4 ,the young are at first covered with a beautiful1 long1 light grey down2 when fledged they are dark brown1 mottled with white4 ,when a person approaches the nest1 the old birds keep a short distance away1 while the young ones squirt a horribly-smelling oil out of their mouths to the distance of six or eight feet4 ,it is very voracious1 hovering over the sealers when engaged cutting up a seal1 and devouring the carcase the moment it is left1 which the ,albatross never does4 ,it sometimes chases the smaller species1 but whether or not it can catch birds possessed apparently of powers of flight superior to its own is doubtful2 but supposing one is killed1 that it feeds only upon its heart and liver1 ,i can never believe1 yet it is said to do so in the works of many ornithologists4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,fulmar ,,petrel 7,procellaria glacialis74 ,,the ,,fulmar ,,petrel4 ,the ,,fulmar ,,petrel 7,procellaria glacialis7 is principally white1 light silvery grey upon the under side1 and blueish grey upon the mantle4 ,the primary quills are black1 the eye is brown1 the beak along the culmen pale horn-yellow1 at its base greyish green4 ,the foot is yellow1 with a shade of blue4 ,in young birds the plumage on the under side of the body is slightly blueish4 ,the length of this species is eighteen or nineteen inches1 its breadth forty-one to forty-three inches1 the length of its wings twelve to thirteen inches1 length of tail four inches and two-thirds4 ,the ,fulmar ,petrel lives in the ,arctic ,ocean1 from which it rarely strays1 unless driven away by violent storms4 ,in more southern seas it is represented by a kindred species resembling it so closely that the two were often mistaken for each other4 ,the ,island of ,st4 ,kilda1 and ,grnso near ,iceland1 are looked upon as its most southern breeding-places4 ,like all its kindred1 it is an inhabitant of the wide sea1 and1 except during its breeding season1 only comes to dry land when lost and bewildered by a fog1 or wearied out by the long continuance of a storm4 ,in ,north ,greenland it is said to be seen oftener than elsewhere upon the coasts1 and in the bays and harbours4 ,their specific name glacialis has not been very happily given to these birds1 as they seem to avoid rather than seek large accumulations of ice2 indeed1 all pilots hold their presence to be a sure sign of open water4 ,the flight of this ,petrel very much resembles that of the ,ivory ,gull4 ,the sailor gazes with admiration as he sees it with outspread1 almost motionless wings1 glide like a meteor over the waves or battling with the storm for days together1 apparently without allowing itself the slightest repose4 ,it seems to have not the slightest fear of man2 it approaches ships with the utmost confidence1 and is rather importunate in its visits to the whale-fishers1 more especially should they be engaged in cutting up a whale4 ,the ,fulmar1 says ,captain ,scoresby1 is the constant companion of the whale-fisher4 ,it joins his ship immediately on passing the ,shetland ,islands1 and accompanies it through the trackless ocean to the highest accessible latitudes4 ,it keeps an eager watch for every thing thrown overboard2 the smallest particle of fatty substance can scarcely escape it4 ,though few should be seen when a whale is about being captured1 yet1 as soon as the flensing process commences1 they rush in from all quarters and frequently accumulate to many thousands in number4 ,they then occupy the greasy track of the ships2 and1 being audaciously greedy1 fearlessly advance within a few yards of the men employed in cutting up the whale4 ,it is highly amusing to see the voracity with which they seize the pieces of fat that fall in their way2 the size and quantity of the pieces they take at a meal2 the curious chuckling noise1 which in their anxiety for dispatch1 they always make2 and the jealousy with which they view1 the boldness with which they attack1 any of their species that are engaged in devouring the finest morsels4 ,when carrion is scarce1 the ,fulmars follow the living whale1 and sometimes by their peculiar motions when hovering at the surface of the water1 point out to the fisher the position of the animal of which he is in pursuit4 ,they cannot1 however1 make much impression on the dead whale until some more powerful animal tears away the skin1 for this is too tough for them to make their way through4 ,in high latitudes the ,fulmars build their nests in every available island1 as far south as ,st4 ,kilda4 ,upon the ,westmanoer1 near ,iceland1 its nests are more numerous than those of any other birds that breed in that vicinity2 some estimate of the numerous flocks in which it visits those parts may be formed from the numbers killed1 amounting annually1 as ,faber informs us1 to at least #bj1jjj4 ,their numbers seem to be steadily on the increase1 in spite of the persecution to which they are subject4 ,their nests are very generally placed beyond the reach of the bird-catchers1 notwithstanding that they are let down by ropes when in search of them1 and pursue them upon every ledge and in every crevice to which they can possibly find access4 ,the ,fulmar ,petrel begins to congregate around its breeding-places in ,march1 about the beginning of ,may1 or sometimes towards the middle of ,april2 each pair lays a single egg1 which is round1 of a pure white colour1 either upon the bare surface of the rock1 or in some slight depression made or discovered in the scanty soil4 ,the ,fulmar ,petrel is only a rare visitor to ,england1 but it frequents in great numbers the islands of ,st4 ,kilda and ,borrera2 it is said also to breed in some of the islands of the ,hebrides4 ,mr4 ,john ,macgillivray1 who visited ,st4 ,kilda1 its principal breeding-place1 in ,june1 #ahdj1 gives the following account3-- ,this bird exists here in almost incredible numbers1 and to the natives is by far the most important of the productions of the island4 ,it forms one of the principal means of support to the inhabitants1 who daily risk their lives in its pursuit4 ,the ,fulmar breeds on the face of the highest precipices1 and only on such as are furnished with small grassy shelves1 every spot on which1 above a few inches in extent1 is occupied with one or more of its nests4 ,the nest is formed of herbage1 seldom bulky1 generally a mere excavation in the turf1 lined with dried grass1 and the withered tufts or the sea-pink1 in which the bird deposits a single egg of a pure white colour1 when clean1 which is seldom the case1 and varying in size from two inches seven lines to three inches one line in length1 by two inches in breadth4 ,on the #cjth of ,june1 having partially descended a nearly perpendicular precipice1 six hundred feet in height1 the whole face of which was covered with the nests of the ,fulmar1 ,i enjoyed an opportunity of watching the habits of this bird1 and describing them from personal observation4 ,the nests had all been robbed about a month before by the natives1 who esteem the eggs of this species above all others4 ,many of the nests contained each a young bird1 a day or two old at farthest1 thickly covered with long white down4 ,the birds were very clamorous on being handled1 and vomited a quantity of clear oil1 with which ,i sometimes observed the parent birds feeding them by disgorging it4 ,the old birds on being seized instantly vomit a quantity of clear amber-coloured oil1 which imparts to the whole bird1 its nest1 and young1 and even to the rock it frequents1 a peculiar and very disagreeable odour4 ,fulmar oil is the most valuable production of ,st4 ,kilda4 ,the best is obtained from the old bird1 by surprising it at night upon the rock1 and tightly closing the bill until the fowler has secured the bird between his knees1 head downwards4 ,by opening the bill the ,fulmar is allowed to disgorge about a tablespoonful of oil1 or rather more1 into the dried gullet and stomach of a ,solar ,goose1 used as a reservoir for that purpose4 ,these receptacles when filled are secured with a string and hung on cords across the interior of the huts until required for use4 ,besides supplying their lamps1 this oil is used by the inhabitants of the island as a medicine4 ,in the beginning of ,august the natives descend the rocks for young ,fulmars1 which are then nearly fledged1 and1 by boiling in water1 are made to furnish a large quantity of fat1 which is skimmed off and preserved in a solid form4 ,the old ,fulmar is much esteemed by the ,st4 ,kildians1 on account of its subcutaneous covering of fat1 of which they are immoderately fond4 ,,the ,,cape ,,petrel4 ,the ,,cape ,,petrel 7,procellaria or ,daption ,capensis7 is another species well known to mariners1 as it has been recently killed in ,europe4 ,the length of this bird is fourteen and its breadth thirty-two inches4 ,its plumage may be described as white1 variegated with black upon the mantle in such a manner that without much stretch of fancy it might be compared to the black and white squares of a chessboard2 the greater part of the upper surface is soot-black1 or black speckled with white2 the under surface is white2 the quills and tail-feathers tipped with black at their extremities4 ,the geographical distribution of these birds is remarkable4 ,in the ,atlantic ,ocean they are only to be met with beyond the tropic of ,capricorn1 and it is a very rare occurrence to see one of them within the limits of the torrid zone1 or in any part of the northern hemisphere4 ,in the southern hemisphere1 on the contrary1 they are very common1 more especially upon the west coast of ,south ,america1 as far north as the equator4 ,if captured in fine weather1 when the sea is smooth1 and they are able to obtain their usual food1 their stomach is found to contain little except the remains of the marine animals upon which they feed1 small crustaceans1 molluscs1 and fishes2 but during stormy weather1 when they are unable to obtain their ordinary nourishment1 they become so voracious that they will swallow almost anything4 ,in the stomachs of individuals captured by ,tschudi during a continuance of bad weather1 he found a most miscellaneous collection both of eatable and uneatable substances--beans1 peas1 and lentils1 mutton bones1 oakum1 leather1 slices of cabbage1 leaves and ship-biscuits1 pieces of wood1 and1 in short1 everything that had accidentally fallen from the ship1 or been intentionally thrown overboard4 ,in fine weather the ,cape ,petrels appear to be shy and distrustful2 but during a storm1 driven apparently by hunger1 they become positively reckless1 and are very easily captured4 ,the way in which1 under these circumstances1 they are caught by sailors is simple enough2 a bent pin is tied to the end of a strong string1 to serve as a hook and line1 a piece of bread or bacon is used for bait1 and no sooner is this thrown overboard than it is seized upon by a bird1 which1 by a well-timed jerk of the string1 becomes hooked through the upper jaw1 and is at once pulled on board4 ,in very stormy weather it naturally happens that so light a bait never reaches the water1 but is suspended fluttering in the wind2 yet even under these circumstances they will fly at it with the utmost avidity1 and if not caught by the hook1 generally become so entangled by the string that they are unable to escape4 ,when drawn into the ship they defend themselves valiantly with their beak1 and moreover have an ugly trick of squirting from their mouth right into the face of their enemy a loathsome1 stinking1 oily fluid1 which certainly to some extent avenges them for the treatment they experience4 ,when killed1 they are skinned by the sailors1 and their skins made into weathercocks1 the only use to which they seem to be applicable4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,cape ,,petrel 7,procellaria or ,daption ,capensis74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,this ,martin among the ,petrels1 says ,gould1 swims lightly2 but it rarely exercises natatorial power except to procure food1 in pursuit of which it occasionally dives for a moment or two4 ,nothing can be more graceful than its motions when on the wing1 with the neck shortened and the legs entirely hidden among the feathers of the under tail-covers4 ,like the other ,petrels it ejects when irritated an oily fluid from the mouth4 ,its feeble note of ',cac1 cac1 cac1 cac1' is frequently uttered2 the third1 according to ,captain ,hutton1 being pronounced the quickest4 ,we learn from ,tschudi and ,gould that this species breeds on rocky islands at no great distance from the shore2 but with this exception we are without reliable particulars respecting its nidification4 ,illustration3 ,,storm ,,petrels4 ,,the ,,broad-,,billed ,,prion1 ,,or ,,duck ,,petrel4 ,the ,,broad-,,billed ,,prion1 or ,,duck ,,petrel 7,prion vittatus71 together with another species1 which like itself is peculiar to the southern hemisphere1 constitute a little family apart1 to which the name of ,duck ,petrels would not be inapplicable4 ,the most distinctive character met with in this bird is that the margin of the upper jaw is furnished with small1 thin1 tooth-like processes1 arranged in the same manner as in some species of ,ducks1 and answering a similar purpose4 ,the wings are long and strong1 the first quill being somewhat shorter than the second4 ,the tail1 composed of twelve feathers1 is broad and bluntly rounded1 the two central feathers being perceptibly longer than the rest4 ,the colour of the plumage is light greyish blue upon the back1 and pearl-white on the under surface2 the back and shoulder-feathers are darker than the rest of the body4 ,the border of the wing and the points of the tail-feathers are black4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak dark grey1 and the foot dark greyish blue4 ,the length is ten inches and a quarter1 breadth twenty-two inches1 length of wing six inches and one-third1 length of tail three inches and a half4 ,these birds are met with upon the coast of ,brazil2 their range extends from the tropic of ,capricorn to the equator2 the region that they frequent abounding in rugged rocks and small islands1 upon which they probably find their breeding-places4 ,they seem to be much more numerous in the ,pacific ,ocean than in the ,atlantic4 ,according to ,tschudi's observations they are seldom seen swimming on the ocean1 their flight being of a more sustained character than that of the ,petrels generally4 ,according to ,gould1 this species closely resembles the ,p4 ,banksii in its powers of flight and mode of life4 ,of this latter he says3 ,sometimes it appeared in countless multitudes1 but more often thinly dispersed over the surface of the ocean4 ,during calms it flits over the glassy waters with a noiseless but easy flight1 often performing small circles and fluttering butterfly-like over any oily substance thrown overboard1 which it sips off the surface without settling2 occasionally1 however1 it rests its buoyant and fairy little body on the waters1 where it reposes at perfect ease1 until hunger again impels it to take wing in search of food4 ,a more vigorous and active action of the wing being necessary to sustain it during the raging of the gale1 it then moves with zigzag turns of great swiftness1 ascending the billows1 topping their surgy summits1 and descending into the gulf between1 where a momentary shelter enables it to gain fresh vigour and seize from the slanting surface any molluscs that may present themselves1 and which from the disturbed state of the sea are apparently then more abundant than at other times4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,storm ,,petrels 7,oceanides7 constitute a well-defined group1 distinguishable by the smallness of their dimensions1 their slender body1 short neck1 and moderately large head1 as also by the long ,swallow-like formation of their wings1 in which the second and third quills are longer than the rest2 their tail is of moderate length1 composed of twelve feathers1 and either nearly straight or forked at its extremity2 the beak is small1 weak1 and straight1 except at the extremity1 where both mandibles curve downwards1 the end of the upper one being decidedly hooked2 the tarsus is long1 slender1 and feeble1 and the foot furnished with three strong toes1 which are united by a broad and very complete web1 while the hind toe is nothing more than a wart-like rudiment4 ,the plumage is thick and fur-like1 and the colour generally a dusky blackish brown1 more or less enlivened with white4 ,the ,storm ,petrels are met with in all parts of the world1 with the exception of very high southern or northern latitudes4 ,where one species becomes scarce1 another supplies its place1 and occasionally two or more species will be found inhabiting the same regions of the ocean4 ,thus four or five at least occupy the vicinity of the coasts of ,europe1 and at least double that number are to be met with near the shores of the ,american continent1 whilst in the ,pacific ,ocean they seem to be particularly numerous4 ,in their usual habitat1 that is1 in the wide sea1 the ,storm ,petrels live in a constant state of activity1 and may be seen flying about during the entire day1 and heard throughout the night4 ,occasionally they may be seen disporting themselves singly1 but more generally they make their appearance in small or more numerous companies1 during fine as well as in stormy weather4 ,all day long they are occupied in flying over the waves1 the risings and fallings of which they exactly follow1 or in mounting high in the air like ,swallows1 whence they descend again1 as though about to plunge into the water1 but rise again without touching it4 ,sometimes again they settle down upon the water1 and remain motionless1 as if unable to move from the same spot1 though all around them is in constant agitation and turmoil4 ,when flying they make but few strokes with their wings1 but these are obviously very effective1 and their action much diversified4 ,sometimes they may be seen with their wings widely expanded1 and in this manner they sail along for minutes together1 without the slightest effort1 then1 suddenly bestirring themselves1 a few quick powerful strokes given after the manner of a ,swift1 raise them above the waves1 where they astonish the observer by the masterly precision of their evolutions1 as they shoot down obliquely over the billows1 or mount up again high into the air4 ,should they espy anything in the shape of food1 they at once hasten towards it1 running upon the water1 and1 having seized it with their beak1 immediately resume their aerial pastime4 ,as to their powers of swimming1 they seem so seldom to adopt that mode of locomotion1 that many careful observers declare that they never swim at all1 but that they only sit down1 as it were1 and float on the sea1 without ever using their legs as instruments of propulsion4 ,their strength of wing is wonderful2 they literally fly about all day long without resting at all4 ,it is only after the long continuance of a storm that they seem to be wearied1 and yet even this fatigue is not produced by their exertions in battling with the wind1 but because1 during the violence of the tempest1 they are unable to obtain their usual supply of food1 and consequently are exhausted for want of nourishment4 ,their voice is seldom heard in the daytime1 which in truth appears to be to them the season of repose2 it is in the evening1 shortly after the sun has gone down1 that they seem most active and alert2 at that time1 should the wind permit1 their call-note may be frequently heard4 ,in disposition they are particularly harmless1 living in perfect good-fellowship with each other1 and appearing to care little about other birds4 ,their food consists of all sorts of soft-bodied animals1 picked up from the surface of the ocean2 but we are unable to say more upon this subject4 ,the stomachs of such as have been examined invariably contained nothing but a fluid resembling train-oil1 but never the slightest trace of animal remains4 ,,the ,,common ,,storm ,,petrel4 ,the ,,common ,,storm ,,petrel 7,thalassidroma pelagica7 has the end of the tail very slightly rounded4 ,the general colour of this species is a sooty brown2 the upper part of the head is of a glossy black1 becoming browner towards the forehead1 and the mantle blackish brown4 ,the wing-covers have white points1 and the rump is likewise white4 ,the eye is brown1 beak black1 and foot reddish brown4 ,this species is five inches and a quarter long1 and twelve inches and a half broad2 the length of the wing is four inches and a half1 and tail two inches4 ,the ,storm ,petrel1 though not generally distributed over the coast of ,great ,britain1 is indigenous1 breeding in ,shetland1 the ,orkneys1 and the islets on the ,irish coast4 ,during severe gales individuals have been shot as far inland as ,berks1 ,warwickshire1 and ,derbyshire4 ,mr4 ,hewitson gives the following account of the breeding of the ,petrels in ,shetland3--,on the #cast ,may these birds had not arrived on the breeding-ground2 to use the the phrase of the fishermen1 ',had not yet come up from the sea4' ,some eggs were deposited as late as the #cjth ,june4 ,in ,foula they breed in the holes in the cliff at a great height above the sea2 but here 7in ,oxna7 under stones which form the beach1 at a depth of three or four feet or more1 according to that of the stones1 as they go down to the earth beneath them1 on which to lay their eggs4 ,in walking over the surface ,i could hear them very distinctly singing in a sort of a warbling chitter1 a good deal like ,swallows1 when fluttering above our chimneys1 but harsher2 and in this way1 by listening attentively1 was guided to their retreat2 and1 after throwing out stones as large as ,i could lift on all sides of me1 seldom failed in capturing two or three seated on their nests1 either under the lowest stone1 or between two of them4 ,the nests1 though of much the same materials as the ground on which they were placed1 seemed to have been made with ease4 ,they were of small bits of stalks of plants and pieces of hard dry earth4 ,like the rest of the genus1 the ,storm ,petrel lays invariably one egg only4 ,during the daytime they remain within their holes1 and though the fishermen are constantly passing over their heads1 the beach under which they breed being appropriated for the drying of fish1 they are then seldom heard1 but towards night become extremely querulous1 and when most other birds are gone to rest issue forth in great numbers1 spreading themselves far over the surface of the sea4 ,the fishermen then meet them numerously1 and1 though they have not previously seen one1 upon throwing pieces of fish overboard are sure to be surrounded by them2 the sharpness of their vision enabling them to see food from afar1 which1 from the activity of their movements1 they are not long in appropriating4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,common ,,storm ,,petrel 7,thalassidroma pelagica74 ,,one-,,half ,,natural ,,size4 ,,leach',s ,,storm ,,petrel4 ,,leach',s ,,storm ,,petrel 7,oceanodromus ,leachii7 differs from the previous species in having its tail deeply forked2 it is1 moreover1 of much larger size1 its length being eight inches1 and breadth nineteen inches2 the wing measures six inches and three-quarters1 and tail three inches and a half4 ,the plumage is of a blackish brown on the head2 the rump is white2 and the ends of the wing-covers fawn-colour4 ,this species also occupies the ,atlantic ,ocean1 and precisely resembles the ,common ,petrel in its habits1 manners1 nidification1 and food4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,puffins 7,puffini7 are recognisable by their slender bodies1 proportionately short wings1 and more or less rounded tail1 composed of twelve feathers4 ,the beak is short1 or of moderate length1 and the nostrils divided4 ,the legs are large1 broad-footed1 and placed very far backwards4 ,the plumage is smooth and oily4 ,the ,puffins are eminently aquatic birds1 only visiting the land for the purpose of hatching and rearing their young2 nevertheless they often approach the shore or visit harbours on the coast4 ,they are generally met with in little flocks consisting of from eight to twenty individuals1 and employed in fishing for food4 ,during the breeding season1 however1 they assemble in such vast numbers as almost to cover the rocks on which they build4 ,their food consists principally of fishes and molluscous animals1 which are invariably caught by diving4 ,the ,puffins are distinguishable from all their allies by the impetuosity of their flight4 ,sometimes they may be seen swimming quietly upon the water and diving into the advancing waves2 generally1 however1 they are observed flying1 and not only shooting over but dashing through them4 ,with outstretched wings they plunge into the billows1 urging their career with rapid strokes1 twisting and turning in the water1 not only sideways but completely round1 so that sometimes the dark-coloured back1 sometimes the shining white under surface becomes visible2 now they seem to follow the outline of the wave1 climbing upon one side of it and plunging down the other as they suddenly emerge from the water1 and1 after rising ten or twelve feet into the air1 once more plunge obliquely into the sea1 where they again dive1 rowing themselves along with feet and wings till1 after making their way to a considerable distance1 they come up into the air1 apparently simply to take breath1 and forthwith disappear in the same manner4 ,the interest attaching to this spectacle is considerably increased from the circumstance of so many of the birds joining in these active evolutions1 just as one plunges beneath the surface another emerges1 and as they are all busily employed1 it is difficult for the eye to follow their rapid evolutions4 ,although the ,puffins do not congregate around their breeding-places in such vast multitudes as other water-fowl1 they regularly visit ,st4 ,kilda and other places among the ,hebrides and ,faroe ,islands in very considerable numbers1 generally arriving in the night1 during which they appear to be even more active than in the daytime4 ,like many other ,divers1 they dig1 by means of their beak and claws1 holes in the greensward with which their breeding-place is generally covered to the depth of two feet or even more2 their excavations having more the appearance of rabbit-holes than of nesting-places for a bird2 at the bottom they are slightly wider than elsewhere1 and here they lay their eggs1 without making any nest4 ,occasionally1 however1 they collect a few stalks of grass together1 upon which their eggs are deposited4 ,not unfrequently they merely take possession of the holes prepared in preceding years4 ,their nesting-place being completed1 each female lays a solitary egg1 which is of large size4 ,upon this egg the male and female sit by turns for a very long period2 how long has not yet been ascertained1 but it extends over several weeks2 if disturbed during their confinement1 the parents become much excited1 and defend their nests vigorously1 uttering cries which have been compared to the growling and yelping of young dogs1 at the same time spreading out their tails and biting their opponent with their sharp bills4 ,the young one when hatched is clothed in down1 but although abundantly provided with food by both parents1 its growth is anything but rapid2 indeed1 it is not until after the lapse of several months that it is able to leave its home and make its appearance on the surface of the sea4 ,by this time it has been so well fed that its breast is covered with a layer of fat fully an inch thick2 it is at this period that these birds are sought for and killed in great numbers1 affording a most acceptable addition to the scanty fare of the inhabitants of the islands favoured by their presence4 ,,the ,,manx ,,puffin1 ,,or ,,shearwater4 ,the ,,manx ,,puffin1 or ,,shearwater 7,puffinus ,anglorum71 is provided with a beak of moderate length1 but narrow and weak1 the upper mandible of which terminates in a sharp hook1 which is received in a corresponding depression of the lower jaw which bends down at its extremity4 ,the plumage of the adult bird is brownish black upon the upper parts of the body1 and pure white upon the under side2 the sides of the neck are marked with grey4 ,the eye is brown1 the beak grey1 the foot greenish yellow4 ,this species is fourteen inches long1 and from thirty to thirty-two inches broad1 the wing measures ten inches and the tail two inches and a half4 ,at present it is uncertain how far the range of the ,manx ,puffin extends1 for such is the similarity of colour in the different species1 that they are doubtless frequently mistaken for each other by incompetent observers2 we are1 however1 sure that it is met with as far south as the coasts of ,france and ,spain1 and has occasionally been seen on the shores of the ,mediterranean4 ,in ,germany it is very common1 and also makes its appearance in ,heligoland every year with considerable regularity4 ,it is also certain that this bird breeds in ,iceland1 the ,hebrides1 ,shetland1 ,scilly1 and ,faroe ,islands4 ,a small island near the ,calf of ,man1 although now deserted1 was formerly inhabited by this bird in great numbers2 it is also abundant on the coast of ,south ,wales1 in spring2 occasionally it visits ,iceland and the east coast of ,england4 ,the ,manx ,puffin arrives in ,great ,britain about ,march1 and departs in ,august1 only resorting to the land during the breeding season1 and selecting for the purpose of incubation small islands or rocky shores away from any haunts of man4 ,at the commencement of this century the capture of the eggs and young afforded an important means of support to the poor and hardy inhabitants of the islands they principally frequent2 and ,mr4 ,low gives us the following account of the manner in which they were obtained3--,a man sitting on the brink of the rock with a coil of rope made of hair on his arm1 will let his neighbour many fathoms over the steepest rocks1 such as would make other people shudder to look at1 and yet these men think no more of it than an airing2 and though few years pass without some or other of them perishing1 yet this never deters the survivors4 ,it is really dreadful to see people let over a rock several hundred fathoms high1 with the deep below them1 supported only by the single arm of their comrades1 who have nothing to rest themselves against4 ,sometimes1 indeed1 both slip together4 ,in ,august the young are fit for taking1 and are very much sought after as delicacies by those who love good cheer4 ,they are indeed very fat1 but are nauseously rank and fishy-tasted2 however1 they sell pretty high1 and are lucrative to the captors4 ,the country people salt them down for winter provision1 and boil them with cabbage4 ,they likewise take the old ones in ,march1 but these are poor and not nearly so good as the young4 ,,the ,,oar-,,footed ,,sea-,,fliers 7,steganopodes74 ,,the members of this order present but a very distant resemblance to the swimming birds described in the preceding pages1 from which they differ not only in the construction of their feet1 but in their general appearance and peculiar habits4 ,the birds belonging to this division are characterised by having their body considerably elongated1 their neck of moderate length1 the head small1 and the wings long and rounded or very long and pointed4 ,the tail is variously constructed1 but always peculiar and very pointed2 and invariably there is between the branches of the under jaw a naked1 more or less pouch-like1 fold of skin4 ,the tarsus is short and the toes long in correspondence with the great size of the web which connects all the toes with one another1 a character whereby they are particularly distinguishable4 ,the general plumage is thick2 in some instances compact and stiff1 but in others of silky softness4 ,its colour occasionally differs in the two sexes1 and varies much at different ages4 ,the oar-footed races may all be called inhabitants of the sea1 although but a single family is so decidedly oceanic that it never absents itself from the water4 ,all the others willingly prolong their flight far inland1 where many of them establish settlements2 indeed1 there are certain races that only exceptionally visit the sea at all2 nevertheless1 when they do find themselves in that element they are quite at home1 and not only care little for the land1 but are able to dispense with fresh water4 ,some of them at certain intervals come on shore to rest themselves or to sleep on rocky islands and coasts2 others prefer a shelving shore2 and others1 whenever they get an opportunity1 roost upon trees3 certain species1 indeed1 might almost be considered true forest birds4 ,in northern climates1 as their breeding-time approaches1 many of them migrate with great regularity2 but in low latitudes they only remove hither and thither1 northwards or southwards1 following the windings of the sea-coast4 ,their nests are generally built either upon trees or in fissures of rocks1 sometimes upon ledges of cliffs or on the tops of mountains2 less frequently on the little islands met with in marshes and swamps4 ,wherever their breeding-place may be1 they are generally indebted to other birds for relieving them of a considerable share of the labour of nest-building1 often contenting themselves with adding materials to their deserted domiciles4 ,some of them lay but a single egg1 others two1 others four2 the eggs are small1 of elongated shape1 and generally covered with a calcareous deposit which obscures the markings on the shell4 ,both parents assist in the work of incubation1 and some species would seem frequently to produce two broods in the course of the breeding season4 ,most of these birds feed exclusively upon fishes2 some will occasionally devour small quadrupeds1 molluscs1 and worms1 but fishes invariably constitute their ordinary diet4 ,some of them catch their food by sailing over the water at a little distance above the surface1 whence they suddenly plunge into the water beneath2 some swim upon the sea like ,ducks1 and seize their prey in shallow water by means of their long necks2 whilst others again1 after the manner of the real divers1 pursue their prey to a considerable depth4 ,they are terribly destructive to fishes1 and are1 consequently1 everywhere regarded and treated as enemies by all fishermen4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,tropic ,,birds 7,phaton71 ,children of the ,sun1 as they were called by ,linnus1 always warn the mariner by their presence that he has entered the precincts of the torrid zone1 beyond which they seldom stray4 ,the characteristic features of these beautiful creatures are the small size and compact build of their bodies4 ,their beak is about the same length as the head1 and compressed laterally--its upper surface slightly curved1 its apex acutely pointed1 and its cutting edges finely denticulated4 ,the legs are small in proportion to the size of the body1 and the hind toe connected with the inner one by but a very narrow web4 ,the wings are long1 and the tail composed of twelve or fourteen quills2 the central tail-feathers are remarkably prolonged1 and present a structure that is quite peculiar1 owing to the laxity and sparseness of their barbs4 ,their general plumage is thick and delicately tinted4 ,no one who sees the ,tropic ,birds for the first time1 says ,ppping1 would regard them as inhabitants of the sea1 but would rather imagine them to be land birds that had strayed by accident far into the illimitable desert of the ocean4 ,in strength of wing they are unrivalled4 ,without moving their pinions in the slightest degree1 or turning the body1 they mount quickly to a great altitude1 and there seem to repose upon the air1 as if it were a solid support4 ,only when engaged in fishing1 or when they perceive a ship1 do they exchange this state of luxurious repose for active exertion4 ,on such occasions down they come from the skies with astonishing speed1 and never seem tired of circling round the vessel1 as though narrowly watching all that may be passing on board4 ,frequently they soar so high as to be completely invisible except to a practised eye1 but they are very rarely seen to swim4 ,,the ,,white-,,tailed ,,tropic ,,bird4 ,the ,,white-,,tailed ,,tropic ,,bird 7,phaton thereus7 is strikingly beautiful4 ,its head1 neck1 and under parts of the body are pure white1 delicately tinged with red2 the face is marked about the eyes with a broad stripe of black2 the back and mantle are white1 marked with a crooked dark line2 the wings are black1 bordered with white4 ,the eye is brown1 beak coral-red1 foot dusky yellow4 ,the length of this bird is two feet five inches1 of this one foot five inches belongs to the centre tail-feathers2 the breadth is three feet four inches4 ,the ,white-tailed ,tropic ,birds are commonly met with upon the ,atlantic ,ocean1 and1 according to ,latham1 are found in abundance in the ,south ,sea ,islands1 but are especially numerous in ,palmerston ,island1 where the trees are frequently loaded with them4 ,ellis tells us that in the latter island they are so tame as to allow themselves to be taken from the branches with the hand4 ,these1 says ,bennett1 are amongst the most beautiful of all the oceanic birds1 and excite admiration as the rays of a bright sun shine upon their chaste and delicate satin plumage2 they are as gentle in manner as graceful in flight1 and it is pleasing to watch their evolutions1 for when soaring to a great elevation the action of their wings is slow1 accompanied by a jerking motion1 rising and falling in the air1 at the same time uttering their peculiar1 shrill notes4 ,sometimes they are resting on the surface of the water1 and in calm weather occasionally seat themselves on the backs of turtles as they float along in lazy enjoyment4 ,sailors formerly believed that the appearance of ,tropic ,birds indicated the contiguity of land2 this idea1 however1 is erroneous1 as they are frequently seen at a great distance from shore4 ,according to ,bennett this species has been seen #a1jjj miles from the coast4 ,the long tail-feathers of this beautiful bird are in great request4 ,,the ,,red-,,tailed ,,tropic ,,bird4 ,the ,,red-,,tailed ,,tropic ,,bird 7,phaton phnicurus7 has1 like the preceding species1 white plumage tinged with rose-colour2 a broad1 black1 transverse band1 which commences in front of the eyes1 is prolonged towards the back of the head into a point2 the centre of the secondary quills1 and the feathers on the sides are deep black2 the shafts of the primary quills are black nearly to the tips4 ,the middle tail-feathers are white towards their base1 but elsewhere bright red with black shafts4 ,the eye is blackish brown1 beak scarlet1 with a pale blue stripe at its base1 and the tarsus faint blue2 the feet are black4 ,the length of this species is two feet four inches1 breadth three feet2 the longest tail-feathers are fifteen inches1 and the rest five inches4 ,the ,red-tailed ,tropic ,bird is met with throughout the warm and temperate parts of the ,south ,seas and ,indian ,ocean2 during ,august and ,september it retires to breed upon the islands4 ,the following description of the eggs and young was given to ,mr4 ,gould by ,macgillivray3-- ,the eggs of the ,p4 ,phnicurus are blotched and speckled with brownish red on a pale reddish grey ground1 and are two inches and three-eighths long1 by one inch four-eighths and a half broad4 ,the contents of the stomach consisted of the remnants of cuttle-fishes4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,white-,,tailed ,,tropic ,,bird 7,phaton thereus74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,latham states that these birds are found in great numbers in the ,island of ,mauritius1 where they make their nests on the ground under trees4 ,according to ,bennett1 ,the nestlings have a singular appearance1 resembling powder-puffs1 being round as a ball and of a delicate snow-white colour2 the plumage of the first year is white speckled with black1 and they are deficient in the red shafts projecting from the tail1 which do not make their appearance till the second year1 when on the young bird moulting1 the splendid and delicate roseate plumage is displayed4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,gannets 7,sula7 are larger but more slenderly built than the ,tropic ,birds4 ,their bill is longer than the head1 and the upper mandible looks as though it were divided posteriorly into an upper and an under portion1 so that the beak has the appearance of consisting of three parts4 ,the tarsi are diminutive but strong2 the wings unusually long1 with the first quill the longest2 the tail consists of twelve feathers1 and terminates in a wedge-like point4 ,the face and throat are naked4 ,the ,gannets inhabit the northern hemisphere1 and are met with in all seas from #gj north latitude to the tropics2 further southward their absence is supplied by other species4 ,they are abundant in ,iceland1 and the ,faroe ,islands1 the ,orkneys1 and the ,hebrides2 upon the coast of ,norway they are less frequent1 but plentiful on the ,american shores1 both of the ,pacific and ,atlantic4 ,in ,great ,britain ,gannets breed in great numbers on the ,bass ,rock1 ,souliskerry1 ,st4 ,kilda1 ,ailsa1 and ,skellig ,islands4 ,they betake themselves to the open sea during the winter1 pursuing the herrings1 pilchards1 and other fishes1 upon which they dart nearly vertically4 ,it would seem as if these birds entertained a sort of affection for certain islands1 or particular localities upon the coast4 ,when they have an opportunity of doing so1 they like to pass the night on dry land1 generally preferring high precipitous cliffs that rise abruptly from the sea1 and from which they can see the waves breaking perpetually before them4 ,their choice in this particular is somewhat fanciful1 at all events they are always to be seen on certain rocks1 and seem as constantly to avoid others apparently just as well suited to their purpose4 ,the power of flight possessed by these birds is very great2 they appear to swim only while they give themselves a little rest upon the water1 and are never seen upon dry land except during the breeding season1 or when1 as has been said1 they come on shore to sleep4 ,when trying to stand upon their feet they are very helpless1 and their walk is hardly more than a waddle4 ,neither is their power of swimming of much avail2 they allow themselves to be blown along by the wind without any exertion of their own1 and1 indeed1 never use their legs except when compelled to do so4 ,when they employ their wings1 however1 they make up for these deficiencies2 their flight is1 perhaps1 inferior to that of the ,petrels1 but it is exceedingly swift and strong4 ,after a few rapid strokes of the wings1 apparently to give it the necessary impulse1 the ,gannet glides through the air like an arrow1 wheeling round and turning with the greatest ease1 at one time sailing close to the surface of the sea1 at another rising high into the air1 and guiding its course by the simple sloping of its wings4 ,its voice consists of a succession of harsh croakings1 while that of the young birds is a disagreeable screech4 ,whoever has visited the localities where these birds breed1 will have little difficulty in understanding the beds of guano which of late years have been so profitably turned to account4 ,they congregate upon the islands selected as their nesting-places by hundreds of thousands1 and by millions1 insomuch that1 using the words in their literal sense1 the air all around is filled with them2 their multitudes shut out the light of the sun1 and their voices deafen any visitor4 ,towards the end of ,april they first make their appearance upon these islands1 and leave them again about ,october4 ,their nests are placed so close together1 that it is difficult for a man to walk between them4 ,those first built are of tolerably large dimensions1 those made at a later period considerably smaller1 while those constructed by the last comers must necessarily be placed on any little unoccupied spaces that can be sought out4 ,the nest itself consists of a mere heap of land or sea plants1 on which the female deposits her single egg4 ,the eggs are of moderate size1 with chalky-looking shells that are at first white1 but soon become of a dirty yellowish brown4 ,the young birds are not hatched till the beginning of ,june1 and by the end of ,july are about half grown1 but still clad in a yellowish white dress of short down4 ,in the year #ahba1 says ,faber1 ,i visited one of the little islands upon which these birds had built their nests4 ,as soon as ,i had landed1 both young and old greeted my arrival with a burst of most discordant music1 consisting of one harsh shrieking sound4 ,not one of them1 however1 stirred from the spot where they sat1 so that ,i might have readily helped myself to as many of them as ,i chose4 ,the nests lay crowded close together1 but the ground was so slippery with all sorts of filth1 that in walking amongst them ,i should have run the risk of falling from the craggy cliffs into the sea4 ,it was a wonderful sight to see the multitudes below fishing for food1 which1 as soon as they had collected enough1 they brought with flagging wings to the top of the rock and laid it before their young ones4 ,towards the end of ,august1 the nestlings are fully fledged1 and at that time if they are not larger they are at least fatter than their parents4 ,in this condition the country people catch as many of them as they can1 and salt them for food4 ,in ,st4 ,kilda every year there is a regular massacre of young ,gannets1 which1 as they are killed1 are thrown down from the rocks into the sea1 and there collected into boats2 great quantities are then sent to ,edinburgh and other places and brought to market4 ,,the ,,common ,,gannet4 ,the ,,common ,,gannet 7,sula alba7 is altogether white1 except the primary quills1 which are brownish black2 the upper part of the head and hinder part of the neck are tinged with yellow4 ,the plumage of the young is blackish brown upon the upper parts of the body1 speckled with white2 the under surface is light brown spotted with a darker shade4 ,the eye is yellow1 the beak blueish1 the foot green1 and the bare skin of the throat black4 ,this species is from thirty to thirty-three inches long1 and from seventy-two to seventy-four broad2 the wing measures twenty-one1 and the tail ten inches4 ,the female is somewhat smaller than her mate4 ,these birds are constant residents on the shores of ,great ,britain1 changing their locality1 however1 according to the varying seasons of the year4 ,the principal breeding-places are1 ,lundy ,island1 the ,skellig ,isles on the coast of ,kerry2 and in ,scotland1 the ,isle of ,ailsa1 ,st4 ,kilda1 ,souliskerry 7,orkney71 and the ,bass ,rock in the ,firth of ,forth4 ,this latter rock1 where ,macgillivray made some observations which we will detail1 is about a mile in circumference1 and of an oblong form1 with precipitous cliffs1 in some places perpendicular1 and in others overhanging1 except in one narrow part1 where a less abrupt projection forms the only landing-place4 ,the ,gannets arrive about the middle of ,february or the beginning of ,march1 and depart in ,october2 some years1 a few individuals remain during winter4 ,the nests are composed of grass and seaweed1 generally placed on the bare rock or earth elevated in the form of a truncated cone1 of which the base is about twenty inches in diameter1 with a shallow terminal cavity4 ,on the summit of the island are numerous holes in the turf1 formed by the ,gannets in pulling away grass and turf for their nests2 these are placed in all parts of the rock where a convenient spot occurs1 but are much more numerous towards the summit4 ,some of them1 which have been occupied for years on the face of the cliff1 or in a shallow fissure1 are piled up to the height of from three to five feet2 but in this case they always lean against the rock4 ,the egg1 which is solitary and presents nothing remarkable in its position1 is of an elongated oval form1 white1 dull1 with a chalky surface1 usually sullied or patched with yellowish brown dirt4 ,it is subjected to rough usage1 for the bird when alighting1 flying off1 or disturbed by the intrusion of human visitors1 tosses it about1 and often stands upon it4 ,all the movements of the ,gannets on land are very awkward2 it hobbles or waddles when it tries to walk1 stares at you with its white goggle eyes1 opens its ugly black throat1 and emits a torrent of crackling sounds4 ,when sitting1 the ,gannets allow a person to approach within three feet1 sometimes much nearer1 so that one may even touch them4 ,when approached1 they merely open their bill and utter their usual cry1 or rise to their feet and express some degree of resentment1 but little apprehension of danger4 ,they take advantage of the absence of their neighbours to pilfer the materials of their nests2 frequently two join in the same act1 and occasionally two may be seen at the same bunch1 endeavouring to wrest it from each other4 ,they are constantly repairing their nests1 which1 being composed in a great measure of seaweeds1 shrink up in dry weather and decompose in wet2 and when seated close together have frequent quarrels4 ,i saw one seize its neighbour by the back of the neck1 and hold fast until the assaulted bird1 ,i may say1 roared out2 but in general they are satisfied with menacing each other with their open bills and loud clamour4 ,owing to their so often interfering with each other1 a constant noise is kept up amongst them4 ,their cry is hoarse and harsh1 and may be expressed by the syllables1 ,carra1 carra1 or ,kirra1 kirra2 sometimes it is ,crac1 crac1 or ,cra1 cra1 or ,cree1 cree4 ,the cry varies considerably in different individuals1 some having a sharper voice than others1 and when unusually irritated they repeat it with great rapidity4 ,when first hatched they have a smooth1 bare1 black skin2 this soon becomes covered with white down1 which thickens until the nestlings present the appearance of a powder-puff2 through this down the true feathers1 which are black1 appear1 and are followed by the adult white plumage4 ,the old bird1 says ,macgillivray1 at first feeds its young with a kind of fish-soup1 prepared in its own gullet and stomach1 and which it introduces1 drop by drop as it were1 into its throat2 but when its nursling is pretty well grown1 it places its bill within its mouth and disgorges the fish1 either whole or in fragments4 ,it never carries fish to the rock in its bill4 ,upon the ,cornish coast these birds are most abundant in autumn and winter4 ,the fishermen1 says ,mr4 ,couch1 learn by their actions when shoals of pilchards are present1 and what course they are pursuing4 ,the ,gannet takes its prey in a different manner from any other of our aquatic birds2 for1 traversing the air in all directions1 as soon as it discovers the fish1 it rises to such a height as experience shows best calculated to carry it by a downward motion to the required depth1 and then1 partially closing its wings1 it falls perpendicularly on the prey1 and rarely without success1 the time between the plunge and immersion being about fifteen seconds4 ,,the ,,frigate ,,bird4 ,the ,,frigate ,,bird 7,tachypetes aquila7 has deservedly been called the ,eagle of the ,sea4 ,the most conspicuous feature whereby it may be distinguished among all allied species1 is the enormous development of its wings4 ,its body is slim1 the neck powerful1 and the head of moderate size2 the beak is half as long again as the head1 somewhat depressed at its base1 vaulted above1 and strongly hooked at the tip2 the apex of the under mandible is bent downwards in a corresponding manner2 the space beneath the lower mandible is large1 broad1 and denuded of feathers2 the gape extends backwards to beneath the eyes2 the tarsus is very short1 powerful1 and covered with feathers as far as the feet2 the web between the toes is extremely narrow1 looking as if a portion of it had been cut away2 the toes are furnished with strong1 sharp1 curved claws1 that on the inner side being toothed2 the wing is of inordinate length1 and sharply pointed at the tip1 the first quill being the longest2 the tail consists of twelve feathers1 and is very long and deeply forked2 the general plumage is compact1 smooth1 and glossy2 upon the head1 neck1 and breast the feathers are elongated1 upon the mantle round1 and upon the breast fur-like2 the throat and a space around the eyes are naked4 ,the colour of the plumage of the adult male is brownish black1 shimmering with metallic green and purple on the head1 nape1 back1 and sides2 upon the wings it is shaded with grey2 and upon the secondary quills and tail with brown2 the eye is deep or greyish brown1 the naked space around the eye purple-blue1 the beak light blue at the root1 white in the middle1 and dark horn-colour at the point2 the sac beneath the throat is orange-yellow4 ,the length of the ,frigate ,bird is forty-one inches1 the spread of the wings twenty-five inches1 length of tail eighteen inches4 ,the weight of the entire bird is only a little more than three pounds4 ,the female is distinguishable by her lighter tint and duller colours1 and by her breast being more or less covered with white feathers4 ,the ,frigate ,bird is to be found in the same latitude as the ,sons of the ,sun1 braving with them the fervour of inter-tropical heat1 but it seldom wanders so far from land as they4 ,it has indeed been reported to have been seen at a distance of from six hundred to seven hundred miles from the nearest coast1 but generally speaking1 it seldom flies to more than from twenty to fifty miles from the shore1 to which it usually resorts in stormy weather4 ,at the earliest dawn of morning it leaves its sleeping-place1 and may soon afterwards be observed making broad circles in the air1 or flying rapidly against the wind towards the sea in search of food4 ,after catching fishes until satisfied1 it returns to the dry land1 which it reaches1 should the weather be stormy1 about noon1 but if fine1 not until later in the day4 ,mr4 ,gosse1 wishing to know at what time this species retired to their resting-places1 visited one of these1 arriving there just at sunset1 but found to his mortification that he was too late2 already the ,frigate ,birds1 ,gannets1 and ,pelicans that resorted to the spot1 had retired to roost4 ,at his approach1 however1 the whole assembly rose as it were in a mass from the trees where they had been reposing1 the ,frigate ,birds instantly flying far out to sea1 or sailing in beautiful circles high in the air1 neither did they return until darkness had completely set in4 ,a few days later1 the same observer visited the place at an earlier hour1 arriving about three or four o'clock in the afternoon1 but even then he found that the greater number of them had got home1 and were quietly digesting the result of their day's employment4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,frigate ,,bird 7,tachypetes aquila74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,this bird1 according to ,bennett1 being incapable of swimming and diving1 may generally be seen on the alert for flying-fish1 when these are started into the air by ,albicores and ,bonitas1 and when unsuccessful it is compelled to resort to a system of plundering other sea-birds4 ,the quiet and industrious tribes1 the ,gannets and ,sea ,swallows 7,sterna hirundo1 ,linn471 are generally selected as objects of attack1 and on returning to their haunts to feed their young brood1 after having been out fishing all day1 are stopped in mid-air by the marauding ,frigate ,bird1 and compelled to deliver up some of their prey1 which1 being disgorged by them1 is most dexterously caught by the plunderer before it reaches the water4 ,a ,frigate ,bird has been observed to soar over the mast-head of a ship1 and tear away the pieces of coloured cloth appended to the vane4 ,about the middle of ,may1 says ,audubon1 a period which to me appeared very late for birds found in so warm a climate as the ,florida ,keys1 the ,frigate ,pelicans assemble in flocks of from fifty to five hundred pairs or more4 ,they are seen flying at a great height over the islands on which they have bred many previous seasons1 courting for hours together1 after which they return towards the mangroves1 alight on them1 and at once begin to repair the old nests or construct new ones4 ,they pillage each other's nests of their materials1 and make excursions for more to the nearest ,keys4 ,they break the dry twigs of a tree with ease1 passing swiftly on wing and snapping them off by a single grasp of their powerful bill4 ,it is indeed a beautiful sight to see them when thus occupied1 especially when several are so engaged1 passing and repassing with the swiftness of thought over the trees whose tops are blasted2 their purpose appears accomplished as if by magic4 ,it sometimes happens that this bird accidentally drops a stick while travelling towards its nest1 when1 if this should happen over the water1 it plunges after it1 and seizes it with its bill before it has reached the waves4 ,the nests are usually placed on the south side of the ,keys1 and on such trees as hang over the water1 some low1 others high2 several in a single tree1 or only one1 according to the size of the mangrove1 but in some cases lining the whole island4 ,they are composed of sticks crossing each other1 to the height of about two inches1 and are flattish1 but not very large4 ,when the birds are incubating1 their long wings and tails are seen extending beyond the nest for more than a foot4 ,the eggs are two or three--more frequently the latter--in number1 measure two inches and seven-eighths in length1 two in breadth1 being thus of a rather elongated form1 and have a thick smooth shell of a greenish white colour1 frequently soiled with the filth of the nests4 ,the young are covered with yellowish white down1 and look at first as if they had no feet4 ,they are fed by regurgitation1 but grow tardily1 and do not leave the nest until they are able to follow their parents on the wing4 ,the ,frigate ,pelican1 continues the same authority1 is possessed of a power of flight which ,i imagine superior perhaps to that of any other bird4 ,however swiftly the ,cayenne ,tern1 the smaller ,gulls1 or the ,jager move on wing1 it seems a matter of mere sport to it to overtake any of them4 ,the ,goshawk1 the ,peregrine1 and the ,gyr ,falcon1 which ,i conceive to be the swiftest of our ,hawks1 are obliged to pursue their victim1 should it be a ,green-winged ,teal1 or ,passenger ,pigeon1 at times for half a mile at the highest pitch of their speed before they can secure it4 ,the bird of which ,i speak comes from on high with the velocity of a meteor1 and on nearing the object of its pursuit1 which its keen eye has spied out while fishing at a distance1 darts on either side to cut off all retreat1 and with open bill forces it to drop or disgorge the fish which it has just caught4 ,upon one occasion ,i observed a ,frigate ,bird that had forced a ,cayenne ,tern1 yet in sight1 to drop a fish1 which the broad-winged warrior had seized as it fell2 this fish was rather large for the ,tern1 and might probably be about eight inches in length2 the ,frigate ,bird mounted with it across his bill about a hundred yards1 and then1 tossing it up1 caught it as it fell1 but not in the proper manner2 he therefore dropped it1 but before it had fallen many yards caught it again4 ,still it was not in a good position1 the weight of the head1 it seemed1 having prevented the bird from seizing it by that part4 ,a second time the fish was thrown upward1 and now at last was received in a convenient manner1 that is1 with its head downwards1 and swallowed4 ,these birds are gregarious1 and utter a rough croaking cry4 ,the ,society ,islanders ornament the head-dresses of the chiefs with the feathers of these birds1 climbing the cliffs1 where they are congregated during the breeding season1 in order to procure them4 ,the eggs are laid on the sand1 beneath a sheltering ledge in the lofty cliffs of ,ascension ,island and other coasts1 and in the low islands of the ,south ,pacific4 ,according to ,dr4 ,bennett1 they roost and build in lofty trees4 ,mr4 ,burton states that the female deposits one egg1 and the male bird sits1 a fact clearly established1 as one was absolutely taken by the hand while sitting4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,cormorants 7,haliei7 are peculiarly-constructed birds1 easily recognisable by the following characters3--,their body is very much elongated1 almost cylindrical in shape1 and powerfully built4 ,their neck is very long1 slender1 or thin2 their head small4 ,the beak is of moderate length1 and either straight and sharp-pointed1 or strongly bent down and hooked at the end4 ,the tarsus is short and compressed at the sides2 the toes large4 ,the wings are long1 but blunt at their extremity1 owing to the shortness of the primaries1 of which the third is the longest4 ,the tail1 which consists of twelve or fourteen feathers1 is of medium size1 or moderately long1 and scarcely at all arched2 so that it looks very oddly put on4 ,the quills of the wings and tail are very hard1 with the barbs broad and strongly connected1 the shafts being strong but flexible2 the feathers of the under side are loose and silky1 those of the upper side closely imbricated4 ,the members of this numerous family are to be met with in all parts of the world1 living equally well in the sea or in fresh water4 ,some species are resident in the northern seas1 but the greater number frequent the temperate and torrid zones4 ,their habitat is very diversified2 some species seldom remove far from the sea1 where they take their station on some rocky island1 others dwell in reedy marshes or in lakes formed by rivers1 only casually visiting the sea-coast2 or follow the course of rivers very far into the interior1 where they remain during the breeding season4 ,the northern species are regular birds of passage1 but those in southern climates only wander from place to place4 ,the ,cormorants are peculiarly adapted to an aquatic life2 they are the most gifted divers belonging to their order1 and are almost equally qualified for any other kind of locomotion4 ,they walk tolerably on level ground1 and although their gait is somewhat vacillating1 they are strikingly at home amongst the branches of trees4 ,their flight is much better than their appearance would seem to indicate1 although when flying they always look as if they were fatigued4 ,as far as is possible1 they spend their time in the water1 where they swim and dive with such skill and perseverance as astonishes anyone who watches their exertions4 ,the name of these birds is indicative of their voracity1 which it seems impossible to satisfy2 they will eat as much and as long as they can1 and immediately attack any other food that may happen to come within their reach4 ,they seem to rest simply for the purpose of again enabling them to eat1 and1 with the exception of the very short period they employ in pluming their feathers1 their whole time is usually employed in eating and sleeping4 ,the expansiveness of their gullet enables them to swallow fishes of considerable size1 but these are rapidly digested1 and their craving appetite must again be satisfied4 ,in lands occupied by man1 their presence is not tolerated1 seeing that they do unspeakable damage to fisheries1 but in the ocean1 where they can gorge ad libitum1 without interfering with mankind1 they are at least of some service2 they devour fishes and convert them into guano4 ,all the birds belonging to this family build their nests in company with others of their race1 and sometimes the numbers thus congregated together amount to several thousand pairs4 ,their nests are placed either on rocky islands1 where they build in the clefts and fissures1 or upon the ledges of the rocks1 or else in inland places upon trees1 forty or fifty of them together4 ,when obliged to build their own nests1 they construct a rude framework of thick twigs1 upon which they pile sedges and other kinds of grass1 which are heaped together in a very slovenly manner1 and moreover kept so wet that the contents literally lie in a sort of puddle4 ,their eggs1 generally from two to four in number1 are proportionately very small1 and much elongated1 they have a strong white shell generally covered with soft chalky matter4 ,both sexes brood alternately1 with much self-devotion1 and both assist in the nurture of their young ones1 which when first hatched are nearly naked1 but at a later period become clothed with a thick coat of dusky-coloured down4 ,they cannot be said to be fledged till they are nearly half grown1 at which period they begin to follow their parents into the water1 by whom they are instructed for a few days1 and then left to their own devices4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,darters1 or ,,snake-,,necks 7,plotus71 we consider as indubitably belonging to the family of the ,cormorants1 from which they are principally distinguishable by the conformation of their neck and bill2 in other particulars of structure1 more especially in their internal anatomy1 they resemble them so closely that to separate the two races1 as many ,english ornithologists have done1 is out of the question4 ,cormorants they are in their shape and the coloration of their plumage1 and they are ,cormorants likewise in their habits and mode of life4 ,the ,darters are characterised by the extraordinary elongation of their bodies2 the thinness of their snake-like necks2 their small head and straight1 slender1 acutely-pointed beak1 the cutting edges of which towards the apex are finely toothed4 ,the legs are short1 thick1 strong1 and placed very far backwards2 the feet are provided with long toes4 ,the wings are long1 but rounded at their apices1 their third quill being the longest4 ,the tail is long1 and consists of twelve quill-feathers1 each of which becomes considerably increased in breadth towards its extremity4 ,the general plumage is handsome1 and brightly coloured1 the feathers upon the upper surface being much elongated1 while those on the under side of the body are so lax as to resemble fur4 ,in their internal structure1 as we learn from ,audubon's dissections1 these birds present all the anatomical peculiarities of the ,cormorants1 the most considerable differences being the smallness and slenderness of the skull and the structure of the cervical vertebr1 which1 from their great elongation1 remind us of those of the ,herons4 ,at the present time we are acquainted with four distinct species of ,snake-necks1 which belong respectively to ,america1 ,africa1 ,southern ,asia1 and ,new ,holland2 these differ considerably amongst themselves1 not only in shape and colour1 but also in their mode of life4 ,,the ,,anhinga4 ,the ,,anhinga 7,plotus ,anhinga7 has the head1 neck1 and all the under side of the body velvet-black1 shaded with green1 the top of the head and forehead being slightly speckled with greyish brown4 ,the upper back and upper surface of the wing are marked with patches of a lighter colour4 ,the shoulder and hinder wing-covers are longitudinally streaked with white1 the quills and tail-feathers are black1 the latter shading into greyish brown towards their apices4 ,the eye is bright orange-red1 or in some cases dirty orange-yellow2 the inner side of the leg is dingy yellowish brown1 its external surface dirty greyish brown4 ,the length of this species is thirty-five inches1 breadth forty-five inches2 length of wing thirteen inches1 length of tail1 ten inches4 ,in the female the head1 hinder neck1 and back are of a grey-brown1 the under surface is tawny1 and the belly brownish black4 ,both the present species1 and those inhabiting ,south ,asia and ,australia live1 if not exclusively1 at least preferably1 in fresh water4 ,tschudi1 indeed1 asserts that the ,anhinga has at times been met with on the open sea fishing in company with twenty or thirty others1 but we are very doubtful as to the correctness of this statement4 ,in remote districts1 seldom visited by man1 these birds evince so little shyness1 that it is not difficult to procure specimens2 all that is requisite is to find out the trees upon which they sleep and towards evening to take up a position in the vicinity and patiently await their coming4 ,when one of them is shot1 all the survivors tumble1 as if dead1 into the water below1 where they immediately dive1 and when they come up again1 only show their necks above the surface2 moreover they generally ensconce themselves among the floating weeds1 where they are hidden from observation4 ,the ,prince von ,wied1 when travelling in ,brazil1 tried to shoot ,anhingas from a boat1 laying himself down at the bottom1 and allowing it to float with the stream until he came close to some of them1 at which he instantly fired2 he found1 however1 that it was easier to waste his shot than to kill the birds1 as their bodies were completely hidden in the water1 and to hit their slender necks before they could be withdrawn was a very different matter4 ,dr4 ,bachmann gives the following interesting account of two ,snake ,birds which he brought home and kept with a view to taming them3-- ,illustration3 ,,le ,,vaillant',s ,,snake ,,bird1 ,,or ,,darter 7,plotus ,levaillantii74 ,while these two birds1 he says1 were yet in the same cage1 it was curious indeed to see the smaller one1 when hungry1 incessantly trying to force its bill into the mouth and throat of the other1 which1 after being thus teased for a short time1 would open its mouth1 to suffer the little one to thrust its whole head down the throat of its brother1 from which it would receive the fish which the latter had swallowed4 ,in this singular manner did the larger bird--which after awhile proved to be a male--continue to act as the foster-parent of his weaker sister1 which indeed seemed to be thrown on his protection4 ,the one still in my possession is fed on fish1 which it picks up1 tosses a few times in the air1 and swallows at the first convenient opportunity--that is1 when the fish falls towards its mouth head-foremost4 ,at the outset1 when the fish was large1 ,i had it cut into pieces1 thinking that the apparent slenderness of the bird's neck could not expand enough to swallow it whole2 but ,i soon ascertained that this was not necessary4 ,fish three times the size of the neck were tossed up1 seized by the expanded jaws and gobbled at once1 and immediately after1 the bird would come to my feet1 clicking its bill in such an unequivocal manner that ,i never failed to give it more4 ,my pet was tame from the beginning of its captivity1 and followed me about the house and garden until it became quite troublesome from its attachment to me4 ,it was not until the bird was fully fledged that ,i found it willing or anxious to go into the water2 and then whenever it saw me go towards the pond1 it accompanied me as far as the gate of the garden1 seeming to say1 ',pray let me go4' ,on my opening the gate1 it at once followed me1 waddling like a ,duck2 and no sooner was it in sight of its favourite element than it immediately let itself in1 not with a plunge1 but by dropping from a plank into the stream1 where for awhile it would swim like a ,duck1 then dipping its long neck1 it would dive for the purpose of procuring fish4 ,the water was clear enough to enable me to see all its movements2 and after many devious windings1 it would emerge at the distance of forty or fifty yards4 ,this bird sleeps in the open air during warm nights1 perched on the highest bar of the fence1 with its head under its wings1 and in rainy weather it often sits in the same position for nearly the whole day4 ,it appears to be very susceptible of cold1 retreating to the kitchen and near the fire1 battling with the cook or the dogs for the most comfortable place on the hearth4 ,whenever the sun shines1 it spreads its wings and tail1 rustles its feathers1 and seems delighted with our warmest sunny days4 ,when walking1 and occasionally hopping1 it does not support itself by the tail as ,cormorants sometimes do4 ,when fishes are presented to it1 it seizes and swallows them greedily2 but when these cannot be procured1 we are forced to feed it on meat1 when it opens its mouth and receives the food placed in it4 ,occasionally it has spent several days without any food2 but in those cases the bird became very troublesome1 harassing all around by its incessant croakings1 and giving blows to the servants1 as if to remind them of their neglect4 ,,le ,,vaillant',s ,,snake ,,bird4 ,,le ,,vaillant',s ,,snake ,,bird 7,plotus ,levaillantii71 like the preceding species1 is black upon the under side of the body1 the neck is rust-red1 a stripe beginning at the eye1 and extending down the sides of the neck is blackish brown1 and another below this white4 ,the plumage on the back is nut-brown1 the long feathers are silvery white2 the wings and tail are black1 the latter becoming somewhat lighter towards its extremity4 ,the eye is copper-colour1 and the bare skin on the head yellowish green2 the beak is grey1 and foot greenish blue4 ,the length of this bird is thirty-three inches1 and its breadth forty-one inches and a half2 the wing measures thirteen inches and tail nine inches and a half4 ,the female resembles her mate1 but is not so brightly coloured4 ,le ,vaillant's ,snake ,bird inhabits ,africa1 where it is to be met with on suitable sheets of water from #ae north latitude to the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,cormorants ,,proper 7,phalacrocorax7 differ from the ,snake ,birds principally in their more bulky shape and in the construction of their bill4 ,their beak1 which is of moderate length1 is compressed at the sides1 rounded above1 furrowed at the sides of the upper mandible1 bent downwards and strongly hooked at its tip4 ,the legs are strong1 and wings short1 with the third quill longer than the rest4 ,the tail consists of twelve feathers1 and is shorter than that of the ,darters4 ,the ,cormorants are met with from the middle of ,norway to the south of ,europe1 and during the winter resort in countless multitudes to ,africa4 ,they are also very abundant in ,central ,asia and ,north ,america1 whence they wander as far as the ,west ,indies4 ,the habitat of these birds is either the sea or fresh water1 according to circumstances4 ,they frequently resort to large rivers or lakes thickly skirted with trees1 and sometimes make their appearance in inhabited districts1 from which it is difficult to drive them away4 ,an instance is even recorded in which they took up their quarters in the centre of a town1 selecting the church tower for their citadel4 ,they visit the sea in great numbers1 and there seem to prefer certain localities1 generally selecting a situation where the coast is but little accessible or where there are long reefs and ridges of rock4 ,they are very abundant on the coast of ,scandinavia1 as also in ,iceland1 the ,faroe ,islands1 the ,hebrides1 ,orkneys1 and other similar localities where they are little disturbed by mankind4 ,during the winter season they are met with in equal abundance in more southern districts4 ,in ,greece they may be seen in great numbers from one year's end to another1 both upon the large lakes and in the sea4 ,in ,egypt1 they cover the lakes near the shore1 as far as the eye can reach1 whence they every morning fly out to sea in countless multitudes1 returning in the evening4 ,in ,southern ,china and in ,india they are equally numerous4 ,indeed1 it may be said that they are met with in every locality where water and fishes are to be had4 ,in their habits and mode of life the ,cormorants present many peculiarities4 ,they are very sociable1 and generally keep together in flights that are more or less numerous4 ,it is a rare occurrence to see one of them alone4 ,during the morning they are always indefatigably employed in fishing2 about noon they betake themselves to repose1 and digest their food2 towards evening they are again busy fishing1 and afterwards they resort to the places where they sleep4 ,these are generally lofty trees1 growing at some little distance inland upon islands in rivers or lakes1 the same upon which they subsequently build their nests2 they are generally such as afford them an extensive prospect in every direction1 and allow them to fly away and return with facility4 ,the islands thus frequented are easily recognisable at a distance by the thick covering of nascent guano by which the ground is everywhere hidden2 indeed1 they would soon literally become beds of that material had it a ,peruvian sun to dry1 or as ,scheffel says1 purify it4 ,similar deposits are likewise to be seen on islands in the sea1 which seldom fail to arrest the attention of the passing mariner4 ,their history1 however1 is quite intelligible1 and their appearance remarkable when they are densely covered with ,cormorants1 sitting in close ranks like regiments of soldiers1 tier above tier1 all turned in the same direction with their faces towards the sea2 thus presenting a strangely picturesque scene1 for although they are stationary1 they are by no means motionless2 each of them is constantly moving its head1 spreading its tail1 or stretching out its wings1 so as to give an appearance of animation to the whole assemblage4 ,for a single individual among them to remove from the place where it stands without flying away altogether is an impossibility1 so densely are they crowded together4 ,it is asserted by some that these birds can only walk while propping themselves up with their tails2 this1 however1 is not correct2 their walk1 it is true1 is but a clumsy waddle1 still it enables them to get over the ground with tolerable quickness4 ,upon the branches of trees the ,cormorants are much more at home than on level ground2 nevertheless1 like the ,snake-necks it is only when swimming or diving in the water that they show their real capabilities4 ,should a boat approach the rock upon which hundreds of them have taken their station1 they first begin to show symptoms of uneasiness by stretching out their necks and moving their heads2 they then begin a sort of restless shuffling backwards and forwards1 and ultimately they take flight2 a few of the assembled multitude rise into the air1 flying at first with fluttering wings1 but they soon sweep away1 gliding straight forward to a considerable distance1 or rise upwards in circles high into the air2 the majority of them1 however1 spring at once into the sea1 like so many frogs4 ,here they instantly dive1 and when they come up again may be seen a considerable distance off1 peering at the boat with their little green eyes and ready to dive again1 in an instant1 should they think such a course conducive to their safety4 ,the ,darters unquestionably swim and dive more dexterously1 but it is questionable whether any other birds can excel the ,cormorants in this respect4 ,they progress so rapidly under the water1 that a boat manned with strong rowers is unable to overtake them2 they dive likewise not only to a great distance1 but to a considerable depth1 and when they come up1 they simply take breath and at once dive again4 ,when chasing their prey beneath the surface they stretch their bodies quite straight1 and by powerful strokes of their feet1 dart through the water with arrow-like swiftness4 ,that these birds possess a good deal of intelligence is proved by the fact that in ,china great numbers of tame ,cormorants are taught to catch fish for the benefit of their owners4 ,fortune was informed by one of these ,chinese fishermen that the birds so employed are kept in a state of captivity from the moment of their birth1 and that the eggs from which they are obtained are incubated by barn-door fowls4 ,when old enough they are taken to the water-side1 and there carefully taught to obey their master's commands1 and to bring to him the fishes that they procure4 ,upon inland waters the presence of ,cormorants is a very serious matter1 seeing that they destroy the fish in incredible quantities4 ,their voracity is almost beyond belief2 a single ,cormorant1 when it can get them1 will eat as many fishes as a ,pelican4 ,although ,cormorants generally prefer to build their nests upon trees1 when these are not to be found they content themselves with cavities and projections among rocks or places of a similar description4 ,in inland situations1 or where the woods come down almost to the sea1 they often make their appearance in rookeries and heronries1 and after expelling the ,rooks with little trouble1 and the ,herons after long-contested battles1 proceed to take possession of their nests1 to which they add a few materials of their own selection1 and at once begin to lay their eggs4 ,should they remain in undisturbed possession of the invaded locality for a year or two1 they are only to be got rid of with the greatest difficulty4 ,in the year #ahab1 says ,naumann1 four pairs of ,cormorants made their appearance in ,lutzenburg1 not far from the sea-coast1 and built their nests in a wood upon a very high beech-tree1 which had been for several years the resort of ,rooks and ,herons4 ,after driving away the ,herons1 whose nests they took possession of1 they each proceeded to rear two broods1 one in ,may1 the other in ,july1 and when they left the place about the end of autumn1 they numbered about thirty individuals4 ,in the spring of the following year1 these repeated their visit1 and continued to return every year in still increasing numbers1 until it was estimated that there were at least #g1jjj brooding pairs assembled in the neighbourhood4 ,boje counted fifty of their nests in a single tree1 the multitudes of them constantly flying to the sea and returning again seemed to fill the air1 and the noise they made was positively deafening2 the trees upon which they assembled were white with filth1 and the whole place stank in consequence of the quantities of putrid fishes fallen from their nests4 ,it was only after several years of unabated exertion that they were at length destroyed or driven away4 ,the ,cormorants generally make their appearance in their breeding-places in ,april1 and set about preparing their nests with great zeal4 ,towards the end of the month1 they lay three or four narrow eggs1 of a blueish green colour1 but generally incrusted with calcareous deposit4 ,the two sexes sit by turns for about four weeks1 and when the young are hatched feed them with indefatigable perseverance4 ,being thus abundantly provided for1 the nestlings grow rapidly2 the old birds behave very affectionately towards their progeny1 but when danger threatens will not stay to defend them1 at least from their human enemies4 ,whenever the old birds visit their nests1 they are literally full to the throat with the food that they have procured2 each of them disgorges on the borders of the nest several dozens of small fishes1 which are immediately appropriated by the hungry occupants4 ,many1 however1 fall upon the ground1 and as no ,cormorant thinks it worth while to pick them up1 they are left to taint the atmosphere4 ,towards the end of ,june the young birds fly away1 and the old ones begin to rear a second brood4 ,the chase after ,cormorants is a very favourite amusement with the zealous sportsman1 although the birds when killed are of no use whatever4 ,their watchfulness and cunning when they are at large are calculated to test his utmost perseverance and caution4 ,near the trees where they build their nests1 however1 they are very much more easily destroyed1 and still more readily in their eyries2 their destruction1 indeed1 is so simple that it becomes almost a matter of necessity4 ,but here the sport loses its charms1 and the battues that are organised against them assume very much the appearance of a massacre2 every one who can procure a gun hastens to the scene of action1 and multitudes of the birds are annually slaughtered4 ,in this country the flesh of the ,cormorant is regarded as uneatable2 the ,laplanders1 however1 and also the ,arabs1 are of a very different opinion1 and consider it1 on account of its fatness1 to be an especially dainty kind of food4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,cormorant 7,phalacrocorax carbo74 ,,one-,,fifth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,common ,,cormorant4 ,the ,,common ,,cormorant 7,phalacrocorax carbo7 is from thirty-five to thirty-seven inches long1 and from sixty to sixty-four broad4 ,the length of wing is fourteen to fifteen inches1 and of tail six and a half to seven inches4 ,the plumage on the top of head1 neck1 breast1 belly1 and rump is of a glossy blackish green1 with a slight metallic lustre4 ,the fore part of the back and upper surface of the wings brown with a bronze shade4 ,owing to the dark margins of the feathers1 these parts have the appearance of being imbricated3 quills and tail-feathers black2 a white patch commencing behind the eye surrounds the throat4 ,the eye is sea-green2 beak black1 with yellowish base2 the bare skin on neck and face is yellow2 and foot black4 ,during the breeding season the ,cormorants1 more especially the males1 have delicate white feathers on the head2 these1 however1 soon disappear4 ,the young are more or less grey2 the upper parts of the body being dark1 with the imbricated appearance above alluded to2 the under side is yellowish or light grey4 ,this species is commonly found on all the rocky parts of the ,british coast4 ,the nests are placed on high cliffs1 many birds congregating together and living harmoniously4 ,the nest is large1 and composed of sticks and a mass of coarse grass and seaweed1 sometimes a foot high4 ,the rough oblong eggs are from four to six in number1 of a chalky white and pale blue colour4 ,in the course of a few days after hatching1 the young are able to take to the water4 ,these birds1 says ,yarrell1 are frequently seen sitting on posts1 rails1 or leafless trees by the water-side1 when1 if a fish should move on the surface within their sight1 it is pounced upon and caught to a certainty4 ,an eel is a favourite morsel with him1 and a ,cormorant has been seen to pick up an eel from the mud1 return to the rail he was previously sitting upon1 strike the eel three or four hard blows against the rail1 toss it up into the air1 and1 catching it by the head in its fall1 swallow it in an instant4 ,in ,china the bridges across the ,min1 at ,fuhchau1 may often be seen crowded with men viewing the feats of the tame fishing ,cormorants4 ,these birds look at a distance about the size of a ,goose1 and are of a dark dirty colour4 ,the fisherman who has charge of them stands upon a raft1 about two feet and a half wide and fifteen or twenty feet long1 made out of five large bamboos of similar size and shape1 firmly fastened together4 ,it is very light1 and is propelled by a paddle4 ,a basket is placed on it to contain the fish when caught4 ,each raft has three or four ,cormorants connected with it4 ,when not fishing they crouch down stupidly on the raft4 ,the fisherman1 when he wishes to make a ,cormorant fish1 pushes or throws it off the raft into the water4 ,if it is not disposed at once to dive and seek for fish1 he beats the water with his paddle1 or sometimes strikes the bird1 so that it is glad to dive and get out of his reach4 ,when it has caught a fish it rises to the surface1 holding it in its mouth1 and apparently striving to swallow it4 ,a string tied loosely around its neck or a metallic ring effectually prevents swallowing1 except perhaps in the case of very small fish4 ,it usually swims directly for the raft4 ,the fisherman on seeing the prize paddles towards it with all speed1 lest it should escape from the bird4 ,sometimes the fish is a large one1 and there is evidently a struggle between it and the ,cormorant4 ,the fisherman1 when near enough1 dexterously passes a net-like bag1 fastened to the end of a pole1 over the two1 and draws them both on the raft4 ,he then forces the fish from the grasp of the bird1 and1 as if to reward the latter for its cleverness and success1 gives it a mouthful of food1 which it is enabled to swallow on his raising the ring from the lower part of its neck4 ,the bird1 if apparently tired out1 is allowed to rest awhile on the raft1 and then it is pushed off again into the water and made to dive and hunt for fish as before4 ,sometimes the ,cormorant1 from imperfect training1 swims away from the raft with the fish it has caught4 ,in such a case the fisherman pursues and speedily overtakes the truant4 ,sometimes1 it is reported1 two or three ,cormorants assist in securing a large and powerful fish1 and occasionally two quarrel together for the fish one has taken1 or one pursues the other for the fish in its mouth4 ,at such times the interest of the spectators on the bridge increases to noisy shouting4 ,the bird is provided with a sort of pouch or large throat1 in which the small fish are entirely concealed1 while the head or tail of the larger fish protrudes from its mouth4 ,it is only at or near full tide that these birds are successful in catching fish under and near the bridges1 as then the water is deep and comparatively still1 and the fish seem to abound in the vicinity more than at low-tide4 ,at such times there are frequently several rafts with ,cormorants fishing near the bridges4 ,the skill of the fisherman in propelling his craft1 and the success of the bird in catching the fish are attested by the delighted curiosity and animated interest of the spectators4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,pelicans 7,pelecani71 the largest and most striking members of this order1 are at once recognisable by their enormous beak1 furnished underneath with a capacious bag1 and strongly hooked at its extremity4 ,the upper mandible1 which is remarkably depressed from its origin to its apex1 is moderately broad1 and rounded at the point2 the culmen forms a conspicuous keel1 running along the entire length of the upper jaw1 and at its termination bends down to form the strong claw-like hook at the extremity4 ,the lower mandible is exceedingly weak and slender1 consisting of two long lateral branches1 only joined to each other towards the apex1 and enclosing between them a very capacious bag1 formed by a dilatable expansion of the throat4 ,in comparison with the above most characteristic features1 the rest of the structure of the bird is to the ornithologist of secondary importance2 it is1 however1 very peculiar4 ,the body is large and cylindrical1 the neck long and slender2 the feet are small1 toes long1 and connected by a broad web4 ,in the large broad wing1 the third quill exceeds the rest in length2 the tail1 which is short1 broad1 and rounded1 consists of twenty or twenty-four feathers4 ,the plumage is thick1 but remarkably hard and stiff2 besides the almost naked sac beneath the throat1 there is a considerable space around the eye completely denuded of feathers4 ,the two sexes resemble each other very closely1 but considerable differences serve to distinguish the old birds from the young4 ,pelicans inhabit the torrid regions of the earth1 but are also found to a considerable distance within the limits of the temperate zone4 ,in their habits and mode of life1 the different groups nearly resemble each other1 and we shall therefore confine ourselves to a description of two species met with in ,europe4 ,none but those who have travelled in ,egypt and ,north ,africa can form any idea of the vast numbers of fish-eating birds that there crowd the shores of every lake and river4 ,upon all the ,egyptian lakes along the course of the ,nile1 during the period of its inundation1 and still further to the south1 along the banks of the ,blue and ,white ,nile1 as well as on the shores of the ,red ,sea1 ,pelicans occur in such immense flocks that the eye is unable even to estimate their extent4 ,over a considerable surface of country they literally cover the quarter1 or the half1 of every square mile4 ,when they are swimming out upon the lakes1 they look like immense beds of water-lilies4 ,when they come out of the water to sit upon the shore1 more especially if it be upon one of the islands1 and sit in the sunshine preening their feathers1 they look at a distance like a vast white wall1 and when they retire to sleep1 all the trees upon the island are so thickly covered with them that they have the appearance of blossoms without a single green leaf4 ,to meet a small flock of about ten or a dozen is an unusual occurrence1 but to see hundreds or thousands together is a very ordinary spectacle4 ,as the spring approaches1 these enormous hosts are in some measure broken up4 ,many which during the winter season congregated together make their way to ,southern ,europe1 where they breed1 but numbers of them are left behind4 ,in selecting the place of their sojourn1 these birds seem to make no difference between salt water and fresh2 they frequent both in almost equal numbers1 but the depth of the water is to them a matter of considerable importance4 ,only a single ,american species obtains its food by diving1 the others are altogether too lightly built to render such a mode of fishing practicable4 ,they lie upon the surface of the water as if they were made of cork1 and it is only in shallow water1 to the bottom of which they can reach with their long neck and hooked bill1 that they usually fish for food4 ,for this purpose they assemble together in some place where water is of the proper depth1 arranging themselves with considerable regularity1 so as to enclose a large space1 which as they advance forward is gradually diminished4 ,in large lakes and shallows by the sea-shore they arrange themselves in a semicircle1 and row themselves gradually towards the beach1 or else they form a complete circle1 the diameter of which diminishes as they advance towards each other4 ,in narrow rivers or canals they divide into two parties1 and arrange themselves in close ranks facing each other1 thus enclosing a space in which their prey is to be procured1 as the two lines swim in opposite directions until they meet4 ,in general these birds feed only on fishes1 but not unfrequently they catch other vertebrate animals4 ,young birds1 for example1 that happen to approach them too closely are seized and swallowed1 and even half-grown ,ducks occasionally disappear down their capacious throats in an equally unceremonious manner4 ,when on dry land the gait of these birds is slow and waddling1 nevertheless they can scarcely be said to walk badly1 and notwithstanding their webbed feet1 they readily perch upon trees2 they swim well1 and their powers of flight are excellent4 ,the daily life of the ,pelicans is conducted in a very regular manner2 the early hours of morning are employed in catching food1 and they may then be seen hastening from all quarters to their fishing-ground1 in small or large parties1 the former flying in single file1 the latter in the well-known ,v-shape adopted by many birds of passage4 ,some parties may soon be seen returning from the water1 satisfied with their meal1 while others are making their way towards the shallow bay from which their breakfast has to be procured4 ,towards ten o'clock a4m4 they begin to congregate upon their favourite sandbank1 or an inland group of trees1 and here they repose after their toil1 some lazily digesting their food1 and others more actively employed in oiling and preening their feathers1 a proceeding in which they are occupied for a considerable length of time1 their long unmanageable bill being but little adapted to the work4 ,when this is accomplished1 they take a kind of siesta1 some perched on trees1 others on the ground1 the former generally sitting bolt upright upon the branches1 with their necks thrown back1 and their beak resting on their breasts1 while the latter generally lie flat on their bellies1 and doze away the noontide hours4 ,between three and four o'clock the whole assembly begins to wake up and prepare for another fishing excursion1 in which they are engaged till sunset1 after which they at once set off to their sleeping-places1 situated on a lonely sandbank1 or some island covered with trees1 upon the branches of which they pass the night4 ,as to the breeding of these birds1 we have been able to collect little from personal observation2 it appears1 however1 by no means unlikely that in the interior of ,africa some of them may build their nests in the trees1 to which they so frequently resort4 ,in ,southern ,europe1 as ,von der ,muhle informs us1 they select morasses and lakes for their breeding-places4 ,in some of these lakes1 says our informant1 floating islands are to be met with1 which are only approachable with great difficulty1 and upon these they build their rudely-constructed nests1 as close to each as other they can well be placed4 ,the nests themselves are constructed of reeds and sedges1 trodden together into a mass1 and are generally damp or even wet4 ,the whole neighbourhood is covered with their filth1 the stench of which1 added to that of the putrid fishes1 which are everywhere strewn about1 is at this hot season of the year1 absolutely unbearable4 ,strangely enough they do not all breed at the same time1 for brooding females are often sitting in the immediate vicinity of fledged young birds2 indeed1 ,freyberg1 who has often visited these breeding-places1 informs us that in the same nest he has seen a nearly-fledged young one1 and another as yet only covered with down1 a circumstance only to be explained by supposing that two females had laid their eggs in the same nest4 ,the usual number of eggs1 as we are told by ,bdecker1 is from three to five4 ,those that have been observed in a state of captivity have only laid two4 ,in proportion to the bird the eggs are of small size1 being not so large as those of a ,swan2 their shape is more or less elongated1 with both ends of equal size1 their colour is blueish white1 but their external surface remains for some time soft and pasty1 and a layer of dirt1 which sticks to them after they have been sat upon1 renders it impossible to clean the shell4 ,the young present nothing particular in their appearance1 save that they are disgustingly filthy1 nevertheless1 their parents seem affectionately attached to them1 and will suffer themselves to be captured rather than desert their charge4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,pelican 7,pelecanus onocrotalus74 ,,one-,,seventh ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,white ,,pelican4 ,the ,,white ,,pelican 7,pelecanus onocrotalus71 the commonest and most widely distributed species1 is one of the largest members of the natatorial order4 ,in this bird the general colour of the body is white slightly tinged with rose-red2 the primary quills being dark brown2 the front of breast is yellow1 upon the top of the head the feathers are much elongated1 so as to form a long streaming crest4 ,in young birds the mantle is brown mingled with grey1 the under side dark grey4 ,the eye is bright red1 and the bare space around it yellow2 the beak is grey speckled with red and yellow2 the bag beneath the bill veined with yellowish blue2 the feet are bright flesh-red4 ,this species is from fifty-five to sixty-two inches long1 and ninety to one hundred broad2 the wing measures about twenty inches2 and the tail about six inches and a half4 ,the ,white ,pelican principally inhabits the tropical climates of ,africa and ,india1 but is also found in the ,mediterranean1 on the extensive lakes of ,hungary and ,russia1 and on the eastern rivers of ,europe4 ,in ,southern ,europe it appears about the end of ,april or beginning of ,may1 returning to its winter quarters after the breeding season4 ,occasionally these birds miss their way and make their appearance in ,germany1 greatly to the astonishment of the inhabitants of the districts so visited4 ,in ,hungary they usually arrive in flocks of some four or six hundred individuals2 these immediately disperse throughout the country for the purpose of breeding2 after the period of incubation they again assemble in flocks previous to taking their departure4 ,this species subsists on all kinds of fish1 which it catches with facility1 and with such sharp-eyed vigilance1 that not even the smallest escapes its observation4 ,it is unable to dive1 and therefore only searches for food in small and shallow inlets of rivers4 ,it occasionally ascends to some height in the air1 and descrying a fish from on high1 darts upon it with unerring aim4 ,the nest is placed on the ground1 and is composed of coarse grass1 lined with a softer kind4 ,the two eggs are white4 ,it carefully tends its young1 conveying food to them in the singular pouch which1 says ,shaw1 is one of the most remarkable appendages that is found in the structure of any animal4 ,though it contracts nearly into the hollow of the jaws1 and the sides are not 7in a quiescent state7 above an inch asunder1 it may be extended to an amazing capacity1 and when the bird has fished with success1 its size is almost incredible2 it will contain a man's head with the greatest ease4 ,in fishing1 the ,pelican fills this bag1 and does not immediately swallow his prey1 but when this is full1 he returns to the shore to devour at leisure the fruits of his industry4 ,audubon gives the following graphic account of the movements of an ,american species1 ,p4 ,americanus1 which is not only very similar in appearance1 but until recently bore the same specific name as the bird above described1 thereby creating considerable confusion between it and the ,white ,pelican of the eastern hemisphere4 ,ranged along the margins of the sand bar in broken array1 stand a hundred heavy-bodied ,pelicans1 pluming themselves1 and awaiting the return of hunger4 ,should one chance to gape1 all open their large and broad mandibles1 yawning lazily and luxuriously4 ,but when the red beams of the setting sun tinge the tall tops of the forest trees1 the birds rise clumsily on their short legs1 and hastily waddle to the water and plunge into the stream4 ,lightly they float as they marshal themselves and extend their lines2 and now their broad1 paddle-like feet propel them onwards4 ,in yonder nook the small fry are dancing on the quiet water4 ,thousands are there1 and the very manner of their mirth making the water to sparkle1 invites their foes to advance4 ,and now the ,pelicans at once spread out their broad wings1 press closely forward with powerful strokes of their feet1 drive the little fishes towards the shallow shore1 and then1 with their enormous pouches spread like so many bag-nets1 scoop them out and devour them4 ,these birds are altogether diurnal2 when gorged1 they retire to the shores of small islands in bays and rivers1 or sit on logs floating in shallow water at a good distance from the beach1 in all which situations they lie or stand close together4 ,the ,white ,pelicans appear to be almost inactive during the greater part of the day1 fishing only after sunrise1 and again an hour before sunset1 though at times the whole flock will mount high in the air1 and perform extended gyrations4 ,in the south of ,europe the chase after ,pelicans is a favourite sport1 and by the ,arabs their flesh is considered not unpalatable4 ,,the ,,great ,,tufted ,,or ,,dalmatian ,,pelican4 ,the ,,great ,,tufted or ,,dalmatian ,,pelican 7,pelecanus crispus7 is white1 slightly tinged with greyish red1 except upon the quills1 which are black4 ,in this species1 the head-feathers are long and curly1 forming a sort of helmet4 ,the eye is silvery white1 beak greyish yellow1 bag beneath the throat blood-red veined with blue1 and the foot black4 ,the plumage of the young is greyish4 ,the length of this bird is sixty-six inches1 breadth one hundred and fourteen inches1 the length of wing thirty inches1 and tail eight inches4 ,the habitat of the ,great ,tufted ,pelican extends from the ,black ,sea over all the well-watered districts of ,central and ,southern ,asia2 a few penetrate annually into ,south ,china and ,north ,africa1 but in both these regions they are comparatively of rare occurrence4 ,the first example known of this bird was shot in #ahbh in ,dalmatia by ,baron ,fildegg1 and it has been since found by ,rppell and ,kittlitz in ,abyssinia4 ,it arrives1 says the baron1 in spring and autumn1 giving preference to the neighbourhood of ,fort ,opus1 on the river ,naronta1 which is bordered with morasses4 ,it comes through ,bosnia1 seldom alone1 but generally in flocks4 ,i have seen as many as twelve together hunting for fish4 ,it is very cunning1 and is extremely difficult to shoot4 ,no particulars are known respecting its habits1 nidification1 c41 which are supposed to resemble others of its family4 ,illustration ,,the ,,divers 7,urinatores74 ,,the birds belonging to this extensive order are all aquatic1 and almost exclusively subsist on fishes1 which they capture by diving4 ,in conformity with this mode of life1 they all present a general type of structure which is unmistakable4 ,their bodies are powerfully built1 almost cylindrical in shape1 and their legs placed far backwards4 ,their wings are short1 feeble1 and pointed1 but little adapted to flight1 and in many cases almost resembling fins1 while their dense smooth plumage1 which is impenetrable to water1 admirably fits them for a residence in that element4 ,their beak is strong1 hard1 acutely pointed1 and generally compressed at the sides2 it is seldom much longer than the head1 and its margins are usually sharp and well adapted for cutting4 ,the foot is furnished either with three or four toes1 of which the three in front are either strongly-webbed or furnished with lateral expansions of the skin1 which render them efficient instruments of propulsion4 ,the tail is often altogether wanting1 or if present is always short1 rounded1 and generally formed of more than twelve feathers4 ,there is much similarity in the coloration of their plumage1 in which black and pure white predominate2 in some species1 however1 variety of colour is not wanting4 ,generally speaking1 these birds are all inhabitants of the sea2 nevertheless1 a few are to be met with only in inland lakes3 some species have a very wide range in a great variety of climates2 but the majority prefer the polar regions of the world1 both north and south1 from which1 however1 some of them migrate at stated intervals4 ,the greater part of their lives is passed upon the surface of the water2 indeed1 it is only during the breeding season that they come upon dry land4 ,although many species fly with tolerable facility1 in most instances the wings are too feeble to support the weight of their bodies1 and are principally used almost like fins1 to enable them to progress more rapidly when diving beneath the surface of the water1 where they obtain the fishes and small crustaceans that constitute their usual food4 ,a few diving birds build their nests solitarily2 but by far the greater number congregate in innumerable hosts1 and breed in company with each other upon rocks and islands that rise abruptly from the sea4 ,the eggs are two in number4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,grebes 7,podicipites7 are only to be met with in fresh water1 and accordingly are classed by some naturalists in the immediate vicinity of the ,coots1 to which1 as far as relates to the structure of their feet1 they certainly bear a considerable resemblance4 ,their true position1 however1 we consider to be undoubtedly among the ,divers4 ,their body is remarkably broad and squat2 their neck long and moderately slender2 their head small and elongated2 their beak long1 conical1 and compressed at the sides1 with incurved1 sharp cutting edges1 the lower mandible being slightly overlapped by the upper one4 ,the legs are placed so far backward1 that they seem to be attached quite to the posterior extremity of the body1 and moreover are of very peculiar conformation4 ,the tarsi are of moderate height1 and so much compressed at the sides that the front of the instep presents a sharp smooth edge4 ,the structure of the foot is likewise remarkable2 of the three front toes1 the exterior is as long or longer than the middle toe1 while the inner toe is by far the shortest of the three2 the hinder toe1 which is slightly elevated1 is a mere rudiment4 ,the three front toes are connected by a web as far as the first joint1 but beyond this point they are separated1 although each is furnished on both sides with a broad fold of skin1 which is not scalloped1 but smoothly rounded off in front1 where it is further strengthened by the broad flattened claws4 ,the wings are small1 short1 and narrow1 the second and third quills being longer than the rest4 ,the tail is altogether wanting1 its place being occupied by a small bunch of fur-like feathers4 ,the general plumage is everywhere very thick1 and upon the lower part of the body so smooth and bright as almost to resemble satin1 while on the head1 neck1 and hinder part of the body it has somewhat the appearance of hair4 ,when in their nuptial plumage1 the head of the adults is adorned with a remarkable collar or frill1 developed from the sides of the face and neck1 or provided with bunches of feathers1 generally decorated with bright colours4 ,members of this family are to be found in the temperate zones of both hemispheres1 beyond which they do not extend very far either to the north or south4 ,their usual habitat is on ponds or large sheets of stagnant water1 and exceptionally on deep1 slow-moving streams2 but always where sedges and rushes are abundant4 ,occasionally1 though rarely1 they have been seen upon the sea4 ,probably there are no birds1 says ,naumann1 better entitled to the name of water-fowl than the ,grebes--at least we know of no others that do not on some occasions make their appearance on dry land4 ,it is only1 however1 under the most urgent circumstances--as1 for example1 when wounded--that these approach the shore1 and even then they keep so close to the brink that on the slightest alarm they can at once plunge into their proper element4 ,it would seem that whatever they do must be done in the water2 they cannot even rise upon the wing without a preliminary rush over the surface of the lake3 from dry land they cannot commence their flight4 ,their whole life is divided between swimming and diving2 and even when other water-birds go on shore to sleep1 the ,grebes repose floating on their liquid bed4 ,when thus sleeping upon the tranquil water1 they float as buoyantly as if they were made of cork1 their legs raised to the edges of their wings1 and their head comfortably buried among the feathers between their back and shoulder4 ,should1 however1 a storm disturb their rest1 and the boisterous elements drive them towards the shore1 they at once turn round to face the blast1 and are generally able1 by the active movement of their paddle-like feet1 to maintain themselves in the same place4 ,the conformation of their bodies1 their tapering shape1 small heads1 sharp beak1 and the very backward position of their feet1 enable them to dive with wonderful facility2 in fact1 when under water they make their way more swiftly than even when swimming at the top4 ,a man upon the shore would find it very difficult to keep pace with a diving ,grebe1 as1 aided by wings and feet1 it shoots onwards with the velocity of a rocket4 ,when flying1 their long neck is stretched out straight forwards and their feet backwards1 while their small wings1 by the rapidity of their movements1 carry them very quickly through the air4 ,in the absence of any tail1 they steer their course by means of their feet1 and are able not only to direct but to change the course of their flight with surprising facility2 at the end of their journey they come down obliquely upon the surface of the water1 into which they fall with a very audible splash4 ,when alarmed they always instantly dive1 and nothing but the utmost extremity of danger will compel them to take wing4 ,the food of these birds consists of small fishes1 insects1 frogs1 and tadpoles1 in search of which they dive to the very bottom of the pond1 but always bring them to the top before swallowing them4 ,in their manner of breeding1 the ,grebes are in many respects peculiar4 ,they live together in pairs1 the male and the female exhibiting the greatest affection towards each other1 keeping each other company even during their migrations1 and always returning together to the same pond4 ,when the time arrives1 they construct a floating nest1 which1 instead of being built of dry materials1 as in the case of other birds1 is merely a mass of wet weeds1 in which the eggs are kept not only constantly damp1 but absolutely in the water4 ,the weeds used in building the nest are procured by diving1 from the bottom of the pond2 these are put together in the most slovenly manner1 so as to resemble a floating heap of rubbish rather than a nest1 and are then fastened to some old upright reeds4 ,the number of the eggs varies from three to six2 they are of elongated shape1 and at first of a greenish white colour1 but they soon become dirty1 and are then of a yellowish red or olive-brown tint1 sometimes marbled4 ,the male and female sit upon the eggs alternately1 but the female has the greater share in the business of incubation1 the male often swimming around the place apparently for the purpose of keeping her company4 ,should1 however1 both be obliged to leave the nest at the same time1 they carefully cover the eggs with a mass of half-rotten water-plants1 brought up from the bottom for the purpose4 ,in about three weeks the young are hatched1 even from eggs which during a great part of the time have been lying in the water4 ,from the first moment they are able to swim1 and in the course of a few days to dive2 they are1 however1 constantly accompanied by their parents1 who often give them shelter under their wings4 ,having once quitted the nest1 the young ones seldom return to it1 a comfortable resting and sleeping place being afforded to them on the backs of their parents4 ,,the ,,crested ,,grebe4 ,the ,,crested ,,grebe 7,podiceps cristatus71 the stateliest member of the family1 is a bird of considerable size1 measuring from twenty-five to twenty-six inches in length1 and from thirty-six to thirty-seven in breadth4 ,the length of the wing is seven inches4 ,during the time of its courtship this bird is furnished with a very remarkable head-dress1 consisting of a large bunch of long feathers1 divided above into two horn-like appendages1 and also with a prominent collar or frill of hair-like plumes1 on each side of the upper extremity of the neck and sides of the head4 ,the upper parts of its body are of a shining blackish brown1 a bright patch on each wing2 the region of the cheeks and the throat are white2 the collar around the neck rust-red1 with a blackish brown margin4 ,the under part of the body is of a glossy satiny white1 speckled upon the sides with rusty red and dark grey4 ,the eye is carmine-red1 the bridles red1 the beak pale red2 the outer aspect of the tarsus is dark horn-colour1 and the inner side yellowish grey4 ,in its winter garb1 the tufts upon the head and the collar are not developed1 the brown upon the upper part of the body is mingled with deep grey1 and the rust-red of the collar as well as the rust-brown of the sides is duller4 ,the female is distinguishable from the male by her smaller size1 but not by any difference in her colour4 ,the young birds are less beautiful than are the adults in their winter dress1 and are striped about the head and neck4 ,the nestlings are at first clothed in greyish brown1 streaked with black4 ,the ,crested ,grebe is to be met with wherever suitable pieces of water exist over all parts of ,europe south of #fj north latitude4 ,it is by no means scarce in ,germany1 and is still more abundant in lakes further to the south4 ,in ,england it is principally met with in ,shropshire and ,lincolnshire1 and is reckoned as a stationary bird even in ,zetland4 ,in the northern countries it makes its appearance early in the spring1 generally in ,april1 or shortly after the melting of the snow1 and remains until ,october or ,november1 when it retreats to ,southern ,europe and ,northern ,africa4 ,in ,greece and ,spain it remains all through the winter2 indeed1 the numbers to be met with in those countries are considerably augmented by arrivals from localities further north4 ,in ,north-western ,africa it likewise makes its appearance at regular intervals1 but in ,egypt only a few solitary birds are to be met with4 ,in ,central and ,northern ,asia it is quite as common as it is in ,europe1 and there its range seems to extend from ,siberia to ,southern ,china and ,japan4 ,it is likewise abundant in ,north ,america1 extending from the north of that continent to the southern provinces of the ,united ,states4 ,in early spring these birds always make their appearance in pairs1 but towards the autumn large parties of them may be seen together1 consisting of fifty or sixty individuals1 who keep company with each other during their migration southwards4 ,in their migrations it is generally understood that these birds only travel by night1 and that wherever large lakes or rivers are to be found1 as also along the sea-coast1 they make their way principally by swimming4 ,during the summer season the ,crested ,grebe takes up its abode on extensive lakes1 where reeds and other water-plants are abundant4 ,their powers of swimming and diving are quite wonderful4 ,according to ,naumann's observations1 this ,grebe will dive in the course of half a minute to a distance of two hundred feet4 ,its flight1 too1 when it thinks proper to take wing1 is tolerably swift2 it always proceeds in a straight line1 and the whirring noise made by the rapid motion of its wings is audible at some distance4 ,in its behaviour it seems to be the most circumspect and the shyest member of the family1 and is not easily approached1 more especially as it generally keeps in open water1 where it can see to a distance4 ,if surprised when in the vicinity of a bed of reeds1 it immediately takes refuge among them1 but only so long as to enable it again to plunge into deep water2 if pursued it immediately dives1 and when it comes up again to breathe1 allows only its beak to appear above the surface1 and as soon as it has taken breath dives again1 until it has placed itself quite beyond the reach of danger4 ,the male and female are deservedly attached to each other4 ,should one of them accidentally stray to a distance1 the other never ceases to call the wanderer back with anxious care2 they generally swim about in close companionship1 and often make their voice heard as they playfully caress each other4 ,at the commencement of the breeding season each male zealously resists the intrusion of another pair within the area he has selected1 so that where several pairs have taken possession of a piece of water1 desperate battles are frequently fought1 at the end of which the vanquished combatant has generally to have recourse to his wings in order to escape from the fury of the victor4 ,it is only when the reeds and sedges have attained a certain height that a pair sets seriously to work upon the construction of their nest1 which is always placed in the vicinity of a group of tall reeds or rushes1 and frequently at a considerable distance from the shore4 ,the nest1 when constructed1 is about a foot in diameter and six inches high1 its cavity is extremely shallow1 and it becomes gradually pressed flatter and flatter by the weight of the laying birds2 even when completed1 the fabric has very little the appearance of a nest1 but rather resembles a heap of rotten weeds casually blown together by the winds1 and left to float on the top of the water4 ,it is wonderful that such a wet lump should bear the weight of the bird that sits upon it1 and still more astonishing that it is not upset1 as its occupant steps on and off a structure that possesses so little buoyancy4 ,the normal number of eggs usually laid in this strange nest may be stated at four1 sometimes there are five1 sometimes only three4 ,out of seven nests examined by ,holtz1 four of them contained four eggs1 one five1 one three1 and one two4 ,the colour of the eggs is at first pure white1 which soon1 however1 changes into a dirty yellow4 ,the male and female sit upon the eggs alternately1 with an unwearying assiduity1 that in their case is indispensable1 seeing that the eggs are actually half immersed in water2 and on examining a nest from which the sitting bird has been recently driven1 it will be found that not only the eggs1 but the entire nest is warm throughout4 ,both manifest extreme attachment to their young brood2 should a stranger approach1 they hastily cover it up with weeds1 and only retire to a little distance1 returning to their charge so soon as danger has passed4 ,it is asserted that if before incubation has commenced the eggs are abstracted one at a time1 the female will lay twenty eggs or more in succession4 ,as soon as the young are hatched1 they are introduced by their parents to their proper element1 and carefully defended1 more especially by the male bird1 who seems to take upon himself the duty of a sentinel4 ,the nestlings are fed with insects and such small diet1 at first put into their beaks1 but afterwards only placed before them on the surface of the water4 ,they soon1 however1 learn to dive in search of small fishes1 and do not long require the supervision of their elders4 ,the young1 more especially at an early period1 are elegant little creatures4 ,it is a treat1 says ,jckel1 to watch the little family as now one1 now another of the young brood1 tired with the exertion of swimming or of struggling against the rippling water1 mount as to a resting-place on their mother's back2 to see how gently1 when they have recovered their strength1 she returns them to the water2 to hear the anxious plaintive notes of the little wanderers when they have ventured too far from the nest2 to see their food laid before them by the old birds2 or to witness the tenderness with which they are taught to dive4 ,it is only when they are eight days old that they are strong enough to enter upon this last important part of their education1 which is commenced in the following manner3--,the mother bird at first swims towards her little flock two or three times1 holding in her beak the proffered food2 but as they advance to receive it she gradually retires before them1 and at last dives with it again and again1 thus tempting the timid little creatures to follow her1 and always at the end of the performance allowing the best swimmer to obtain the tempting prize as a reward for its exertions4 ,the flesh of these birds is quite uneatable1 but great quantities of them are destroyed annually on account of their skins4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,crested ,,grebe 7,podiceps cristatus74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,,the ,,little ,,grebe4 ,the ,,little ,,grebe 7,podiceps minor7 is much more plentiful than the species last described4 ,it is a beautiful bird1 measuring nine or ten inches in length and seventeen or eighteen in breadth1 the length of its wing being four inches4 ,when in its nuptial dress1 the plumage of the upper part of the body is brilliant black shimmering with brown1 the under parts being greyish white1 clouded with a darker shade2 the throat and a place in the front of the eye are black2 the head1 sides of the neck1 and throat1 chestnut-brown2 the eye is reddish brown2 the bridles yellowish green2 the beak yellow at its base and black towards its apex2 the external aspect of the foot is blackish1 internally it is of a clear horn-colour4 ,in its autumnal plumage the upper parts of the body are more of a brownish grey1 the under surface satiny white2 the head and neck bright grey4 ,the range of this bird is pretty nearly the same as that of the species last described2 it is not1 however1 so numerously met with during the winter season4 ,it makes its appearance in ,germany about the end of ,march1 and remains in that country so long as the waters are free from ice2 but during the winter it takes up its abode in the south of ,europe4 ,in ,great ,britain it is met with as far north as the ,hebrides1 and in the southern counties of ,england may be seen throughout the year4 ,it usually selects for its residence some large pond well provided with reeds and rushes1 and it is also occasionally to be found in morasses and other swampy localities4 ,it seems to avoid clear water2 its food1 which consists principally of insects and their larv1 being more abundantly met with in ditches and muddy places4 ,in its habits and mode of life it closely resembles other members of its family2 it seems1 however1 to be more active than the larger species1 and uses its feet with more facility in running4 ,in swimming and diving it may be said to excel even its congeners1 but its powers of flying are very limited1 owing to the shortness of its wings4 ,its flight1 indeed1 is said by ,naumann to resemble that of a grasshopper4 ,in summer time it is very shy1 and can only be approached with difficulty1 but in the winter its shyness diminishes1 so that it will even come near villages1 and at this season it frequently falls a victim to its own carelessness4 ,when alarmed it immediately dives1 and if further threatened with danger1 secretes itself in the water under the shelter of the herbage1 leaving nothing but its beak visible above the surface1 and thus it will remain until all cause for apprehension is removed4 ,its voice is a short piping note that sounds like bib or bibi1 and this during the pairing season is repeated so rapidly that it sounds something like a shake upon some musical instrument4 ,the nest of the ,little ,grebe is always placed among water-plants1 but is never hidden from view2 more commonly1 indeed1 it is rather a conspicuous object2 it is1 however1 invariably removed from the sides of the pond4 ,in its appearance1 it is just as rudely constructed1 as wet and uncomfortable-looking as that of the species last described4 ,in this floating cradle the female1 towards the end of ,april or the beginning of ,may1 lays from three to six elongated eggs1 the colour of which seems to depend upon that of the plants of which the nest is composed4 ,upon these eggs1 both the male and the female sit alternately for twenty or twenty-one days4 ,as soon as the young are hatched they betake themselves to the water1 where they are taught and tended by their parents in the same manner as those of the ,crested ,grebes described above4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,divers 7,colymbi7 may be regarded as the marine representatives of the ,grebes1 from which1 however1 they are at once distinguishable by their larger bodies1 shorter neck1 more bulky head1 and stronger beak4 ,these birds are fully webbed2 their wings are short1 and their quills1 the second of which is the longest1 hard and stiff2 the tail is composed of from sixteen to twenty close-set feathers4 ,the coloration of the thick warm plumage varies considerably at different seasons of the year4 ,the number of species belonging to this group is very limited2 of these only three are recognised as belonging to ,great ,britain2 namely1 ,c4 glacialis1 ,c4 arcticus1 and ,c4 septentrionalis4 ,the members of this group are essentially sea-birds1 only visiting rivers or lakes of fresh water during the breeding season or in the course of their winter migrations4 ,like the ,grebes1 they transact all their business in the water4 ,they swim with the utmost ease to very considerable distances1 and rest themselves by lying as it were flat upon the surface of the sea2 sometimes1 however1 they sink their bodies to such a depth that only a small portion of the back is visible4 ,now they are seen gliding leisurely along over the tranquil waves1 and now with the rapidity of lightning they disappear apparently without the slightest effort1 and without causing any perceptible disturbance in the water4 ,no sooner are they submerged1 than they stretch themselves out to their full length1 their feathers become flat and smooth1 their wings are pressed close to their sides1 and thus presenting a shape beautifully adapted to their work1 they shoot through the water with arrow-like speed1 now in one direction1 now in another2 sometimes swimming along close beneath the surface1 sometimes plunging to a depth of several fathoms in pursuit of the fishes upon which they feed4 ,to see them from some promontory1 says ,mudie1 against which the air and the sea are setting full wind and tide1 and driving before them myriads of herrings and other fishes1 is a glorious sight4 ,they dash along the surface1 they dart under it1 they bounce up again1 they bore through the advancing waves1 and when the billow breaks in foam and thunders over them1 and the spectator naturally concludes they are buried for ever in the deep1 up they spring to the surface of the unbroken water farther from the land1 as though exulting in the fury of the elements4 ,this facility for swimming and diving they enjoy from their earliest infancy1 and to it they trust as a means of escape from danger4 ,it is seldom that they set foot upon dry land2 indeed1 even when they visit the shore they can scarcely be said to do so1 they might rather be said to slide out of the water on to the beach2 as to walking1 in the ordinary acceptation or the term1 that is quite out of their power--indeed1 they are unable to support themselves in an upright position2 by the efforts of their feet and wings1 aided by their neck and beak1 they creep1 or rather tumble over the ground until they regain their proper element4 ,their powers of flight are very limited1 nevertheless it is a pretty sight to see them plunge from some high cliff into the waters beneath1 the efforts of their wings only serving to give an oblique direction to their downward career1 as they shoot headlong into the deep1 and immediately disappear beneath the waves4 ,the ,divers appear to avoid the company of other birds1 and indeed seldom associate with those of their own kind1 except during the breeding season--at which time they may be seen in pairs4 ,their food consists exclusively of fishes overtaken in the water or brought up from the bottom of the sea2 of these they seem to prefer the mid-sea swimmers1 but flat fishes1 such as small plaice and soles1 form likewise a considerable part of their diet4 ,graba informs us1 that from his window he has often seen them bring up flounders of considerable size1 in disposing of which they showed considerable dexterity4 ,if too large to be swallowed whole1 they were dropped into the water and devoured piecemeal4 ,even a herring seemed to be a somewhat unmanageable morsel2 but the smaller fry were at once made away with4 ,when the breeding season approaches1 all the different species of ,divers betake themselves to lakes of fresh water1 at some little distance from the coast1 and sometimes at a considerable altitude above the level of the sea4 ,their harsh-sounding cry is now uttered more frequently than usual1 especially towards evening1 at which time they come down to the shore and throw themselves from the rocks into the ocean1 in order to procure a supply of food4 ,their nest is generally built upon some small island in the middle of the lake or pond1 or should such a situation not offer itself1 upon the margin1 but always close to the water2 it is rudely constructed of sedge-grass and reeds1 negligently heaped together and frequently without the slightest attempt at concealment1 insomuch as the sitting bird is rather a conspicuous object1 and may be seen from a considerable distance4 ,upon this rude nest the female lays two eggs of an elongated shape1 having a strong1 coarse-grained1 but somewhat polished shell4 ,the two sexes take their turn in the incubation of the eggs1 and both labour with equal zeal in the feeding and rearing of the young4 ,the eggs are laid towards the end of ,may1 and towards the end of ,june young birds may be found in the nests2 but the exact period of incubation is not as yet accurately determined4 ,should the lake on which the nest is placed be well stocked with fish1 both the parents remain constantly with their progeny2 but if there is a scarcity of such a supply1 and the old birds have to resort to the sea for food1 they do so by turns1 each of them most probably bringing to the nest a share of what they capture wherewith to feed their nestlings4 ,these last1 however1 as soon as they are hatched begin to show considerable aptitude for the chase1 and are able to procure food for themselves betimes4 ,when they are fully fledged they betake themselves to the sea4 ,,the ,,great ,,northern ,,diver4 ,the ,,great ,,northern ,,diver 7,colymbus glacialis7 is a very striking bird1 measuring about three feet in length and five feet across the wings4 ,the length of each wing is sixteen inches and tail two inches and a quarter4 ,in its summer plumage it is principally black1 enlivened with white spots2 on the head and neck the feathers are greenish black1 the latter being traversed by a broad longitudinal band of black and white2 a similar stripe is situated on the fore part of the neck4 ,the sides of the upper breast are black striped with white2 the rest of the under surface is a rich satiny white4 ,the eye is light brown1 and beak black2 the exterior of the tarsus is grey1 the under surface of a reddish flesh-colour4 ,in its winter dress the upper part and sides are blackish1 and without the white spots1 and the under surface white2 the breast black1 streaked with white4 ,the young are clad in a similar garb1 but are without the white streaks upon the breast4 ,the ,northern ,diver is common on all the coasts of the ,north ,sea1 as well as on the inland lakes of high latitudes4 ,it appears on the coast of ,great ,britain in the autumn1 and remains during the winter1 going at the breeding season2 except at that time1 it lives at sea1 following the shoals of herrings and sprats2 it also resorts to arms of the sea and sandy bays1 floating lightly1 with its body deep in the water2 when alarmed1 it swims with astonishing swiftness1 and endeavours to escape by diving4 ,these birds breed on the ,faroe ,islands4 ,respecting their manner of nidification ,mr4 ,porter1 who observed them closely during the nesting season in ,iceland1 says3--,the ,northern ,diver breeds on the lochs of fresh water4 ,in the nests ,i examined1 a single egg was deposited4 ,on the bare ground1 but just out of water-mark1 rather under a rugged bank on some broken ground1 ,i was successful in finding two nests4 ,i allowed the single egg to remain in one of them in the expectation that another egg would be laid to it1 but was disappointed4 ,the old bird was very shy1 and always left the egg on our approach1 when at a great distance off1 taking to the water and keeping so far from the side as not to be within shot4 ,in the breeding season they frequent islands1 making their nests of dead herbage near the water's edge4 ,the eggs1 usually two in number1 are dark olive-brown1 with a few umber-brown spots1 and are three inches six lines long by two inches three lines broad4 ,the mother lies flat on the eggs1 and1 if disturbed1 pushes herself along the ground with her feet1 diving as soon as she reaches the water4 ,the young are able in a day or two after birth to follow their mother to the water1 and are able to swim and dive well4 ,they are fed during the first fortnight with food from the crop of their parent4 ,the voice of this bird is loud1 plaintive1 and much varied in tone4 ,montagu tells us that1 ,a ,northern ,diver taken alive was kept in a pond for some months4 ,in a few days it became extremely docile1 would come at a call from one side of the pond to the other1 and would take food from the hand4 ,the bird had received an injury in the head which had deprived one eye of its sight1 and the other was a little impaired2 but1 notwithstanding1 it could1 by incessantly diving1 discover all the fish that was thrown into the pond4 ,in default of fish it would eat flesh4 ,it is observable that the legs of this bird are so constructed and situated as to render it incapable of walking upon them4 ,when the bird quitted the water1 it shoved its body along upon the ground like a seal1 by jerks1 rubbing the breast against the earth2 and returned to the land in a similar manner4 ,in swimming and diving1 the legs only are used and not the wings1 as in the ,guillemot and ,auk tribes2 and by their situation so far behind and their little deviation from the line of the body1 it is enabled to propel itself in the water with great velocity in a straight line1 as well as turn with astonishing quickness4 ,the plumage of the ,northern ,diver is close1 and its skin tough1 on which account it is much used by the inhabitants of northern countries in the manufacture of comfortable articles of clothing4 ,the flesh is hard and of a rank fishy flavour4 ,,the ,,black-,,throated ,,diver4 ,the ,,black-,,throated ,,diver 7,colymbus arcticus7 is smaller than the preceding species1 but very much like it both in the colour and markings of its plumage4 ,in its nuptial costume the upper part of the head and hind neck are deep ashy grey1 the back and wings black1 a space upon the back and another upon the hinder part of the wing are spotted with white1 while upon the fore part of the wing is another space speckled with blue spots4 ,the side of the neck presents a longitudinal black streak1 the fore neck has a transverse white band1 and the sides are longitudinally marked with black4 ,the under side is white4 ,during the winter1 the head and nape are grey1 the rest of the feathers on the upper surface black with white borders2 the lower parts of the body are white1 and the sides of the crop striped black and white4 ,in young birds the latter markings are wanting4 ,the eye is light brown1 and the beak black4 ,the foot is grey at its exterior1 and flesh-red on the inner side4 ,this species is from twenty-eight to thirty inches long and from fifty to fifty-two broad2 the wing measures from fourteen to fifteen inches1 and the tail from two inches and a quarter to two inches and a half4 ,the ,black-throated ,diver is rare on our southern coasts2 on the northern shores of our island it begins to appear about ,september4 ,the majority of these depart about ,april1 although a few remain to nest in the northern parts and islands of ,scotland4 ,we are indebted to ,mr4 ,selby for the following account of its breeding1 as observed by himself during the course of an excursion in ,scotland4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ci1 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,colymbus ,,glacialis ,,northern ,,diver4 7about ,nat4 size74 ,this beautiful species1 whose breeding station has never before been detected1 we found upon most of the interior ,sutherland lochs4 ,the first we noticed was at the foot of ,loch ,shin1 where we were so fortunate as to find the nest1 or rather the two eggs upon the bare ground of a small islet1 removed about ten or twelve feet from the water's edge4 ,the female was seen in the act of incubation1 sitting horizontally1 and not in an upright position1 on the eggs4 ,in plumage she resembled the male1 and when fired at immediately swam or rather dived off to a short distance4 ,our pursuit after them was1 however1 ineffectual1 though persevered in for a long time1 as it was impossible to calculate where they were likely to rise after diving4 ,submersion frequently continued for nearly two minutes at a time1 and they generally reappeared at about a quarter of a mile's distance from the spot where they had gone down4 ,in no instance have ,i ever seen them attempt to escape by taking wing4 ,i may observe that a visible track from the water to the eggs was left by the female1 whose progress upon land is effected by shuffling along upon her belly1 propelled by her legs behind4 ,on the day following 7,may #cast7 ,mr4 ,j4 ,wilson was fortunate enough to find two newly-hatched young ones in a small creek of ,loch ,craigie1 about two miles and a half from ,lairg4 ,after handling and examining them1 during which the old birds approached very near to him1 he left them in the same spot4 ,accordingly1 on the ,monday morning we had the boat conveyed to the loch1 and on our arrival soon descried the two old birds1 attended by their young and apparently moving to a different part of the loch4 ,contrary to their usual habit at other times1 they did not attempt to dive on our approach1 but kept swimming around their young1 which1 from their very tender age1 were unable to make much way in the water4 ,the female could only be distinguished from the male by a slight inferiority of size1 and both were in full adult plumage4 ,we afterwards saw several pairs upon various lochs1 and upon ,loch ,kay1 a pair attended by two young ones nearly half grown4 ,when swimming they are in the constant habit of dipping their bill into the water1 with a graceful motion of the head and beak4 ,mr4 ,dunn1 who observed these birds in ,norway1 tells us that1 ,the eggs have a very rank fishy taste1 but are much sought after by the ,lapps4 ,after the young are hatched1 both male and female are very assiduous in bringing them food1 and may be seen flying at a vast height1 with fish in their beaks1 from one lake to another2 on arriving over the lake where they intend to alight1 they descend very suddenly in an oblique direction4 ,the cries of this ,diver are very peculiar during the breeding season1 and may be heard at a great distance4 ,the voice is said to be very melancholy1 and to resemble the cry of a human being in distress4 ,,the ,,red-,,throated ,,diver4 ,the ,,red-,,throated ,,diver 7,colymbus septentrionalis71 as the smallest of these three species is called1 is only from twenty-five to twenty-six inches long1 and from forty to forty-three broad2 the wing measures from ten inches and a half to twelve and a half2 and the tail two and a half to three and a half inches4 ,the colour of this bird is ash-grey upon the head and on the sides of the neck2 the back of the neck is striped with white2 the front of the throat bright chestnut-brownish red2 the back is brownish black2 the under side white2 the front and sides of the breast are black1 with longitudinal rows of spots4 ,in their winter dress the feathers of the back are tipped with white1 and the region of the throat is white4 ,in young birds the colours of the plumage are indistinct4 ,the eye is light brownish red2 the beak black2 the foot is dark brown1 mingled with blueish grey1 the latter colour being deepest on the web between the toes4 ,this bird inhabits the high northern latitudes of the eastern hemisphere1 and is more especially met with upon the coasts of ,greenland1 ,spitzbergen1 and of ,european and ,asiatic ,russia4 ,it is likewise common in the ,faroe ,islands1 as well as in the ,orkneys and the ,hebrides4 ,in winter time it extends its range further south1 and may be found on the coasts of ,denmark1 ,germany1 and ,holland1 as well as upon the shores of ,great ,britain4 ,its habitat may be said to stretch from #fj to #gj north latitude4 ,the ,red-throated ,diver is common on the shores of ,great ,britain and ,ireland in the winter season1 and about the mouth of the ,thames is known by the name of the ,sprat ,loon1 on account of its following the shoals of sprats4 ,it remains during winter to breed in ,scotland1 frequenting the inland ,highland lakes1 as well as the ,orkney1 ,hebrides1 and ,shetland ,islands4 ,the neatly-made nest is placed near the margin of the water1 sometimes on the bare beach1 and sometimes among herbage1 and is formed of such plants and leaves as are easily procurable4 ,the eggs1 usually two in number1 are of an elongated oval shape1 brown in colour1 and dotted with dark amber-brown4 ,the male remains near the nest1 and is said occasionally to assist in brooding4 ,when an intruder approaches1 the female continues to sit till her foe is close at hand1 when she starts off1 plunges into the water1 and usually flies off or sometimes swims anxiously about in company with her mate2 if deprived of their eggs the loud lamentations of the parents may be heard for several evenings2 the notes are harsh1 and1 according to ,macgillivray1 resemble those of the ,gannet4 ,the young take to the water as soon as they leave the egg1 and continue with their parents until able to use their wings1 when all fly off to the sea4 ,mr4 ,low1 in his ,natural ,history of ,orkney1 says1 ,this bird continues with us the whole season1 builds on the very edge of a lake in the hills of ,hay1 and lays two eggs2 its nest is placed so that it can slip from it into the water1 as it can neither stand nor move on land1 but can make very quick way at sea2 flies well1 and commonly very high2 makes a vast howling and sometimes croaking noise1 which our country folks say prognosticates rain1 whence its name with us of the ',rain ,goose4' ,mr4 ,dunn1 who saw this bird in ,norway1 thus writes to ,mr4 ,yarrell3 ,this ,diver is far more common here than the ,black-throated4 ,on the west coast of ,norway it is very abundant from the ,naze to the ,north ,cape2 in the ,lapland ,alps1 in the ,dofre ,field1 and in the interior of ,sweden it is equally numerous4 ,in ,august1 #ahch1 ,i saw1 on the great ,tornea ,lake1 thirty in a flock1 and all old birds4 ,although so common1 it is rarely one sees the young before they are able to fly2 their habits and feeding are similar to those of the ,black-throated ,diver4 ,their cries are very mournful and melancholy4 ,during the breeding season1 while on the wing1 they utter frequently a sound like the word 'kakera-kakera1' by which name they are called in many parts of ,scandinavia4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,auks 7,alcid7 are distinguishable by their strongly-built body1 short neck1 large head1 short1 almost rudimentary wings1 short tail1 strong1 compact1 three-toed1 broadly-webbed feet1 and rich1 thick1 and downy plumage1 which is similarly coloured in the two sexes1 but varies considerably at different seasons4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,loons 7,uri71 while they present the general characters above-mentioned1 have wings of moderate length1 in which the first quill is the longest1 and a short tail composed of twelve feathers4 ,their beak1 which is of moderate length1 is vaulted above1 somewhat angular beneath1 and much compressed and furrowed upon the sides4 ,the various members of these groups are all inhabitants of northern seas and of the creeks and bays with which they are contiguous2 indeed1 except in the winter time1 they seldom pass much beyond the precincts of the frigid zone4 ,they are all strictly sea-birds2 indeed1 it is only during the breeding season that they take up their abode on terra firma2 at all other times they live exclusively upon the water4 ,they swim and dive with remarkable facility2 their powers of flight are moderately good1 and although they do not willingly walk1 they are able to do so tolerably well1 treading upon the soles of their feet1 and not shuffling along upon their tarsi4 ,their food consists exclusively of crustaceans and fishes1 which they are able to bring up from a considerable depth4 ,they live and feed together1 exhibiting considerable sociability1 and during the breeding season they assemble in flocks1 amounting in some species to the number of several hundred thousand pairs1 and thus become to the inhabitants of the extreme north of inestimable importance4 ,in many settlements on the coast of ,greenland they1 next to the seals1 constitute the most important article of food1 and famine would be the inevitable result of their ceasing to visit their usual breeding-places in their wonted numbers4 ,,the ,,greenland ,,dove1 ,,or ,,black ,,guillemot4 ,the ,,greenland ,,dove1 or ,,black ,,guillemot 7,cephus grylle71 one of the best-known members of its family1 may be regarded as the representative of a distinct group1 and is easily recognisable by its small size1 and comparatively long1 slender1 straight beak1 which curves downwards at the extremity of the upper mandible4 ,the legs are placed very far back2 the wings are small and pointed1 but furnished with strong quills2 the short1 rounded tail is composed of from twelve to fourteen feathers4 ,the plumage is thick1 and of velvety texture2 its coloration varies considerably at different ages and at different seasons of the year4 ,when in full dress at the commencement of the breeding season1 the plumage is glossy black1 shaded with green1 and enlivened by a white patch upon the wings4 ,the eye is brown1 beak black1 and foot coral-red4 ,in its winter garb the under side is spotted black and white2 in young birds the upper parts are blackish1 the wings being white striped with black1 the belly white1 and the rest of the body spotted with blackish grey4 ,the length of this species is thirteen inches1 breadth twenty-two inches1 length of wing six and a half inches1 and of tail two inches4 ,the range of the ,black ,guillemot extends from about #hj to #ec north latitude3 within this zone it is met with on every sea-coast4 ,these birds are seldom seen assembled in large numbers2 they generally arrive in small parties1 or in pairs4 ,it is only when the sea is frozen over1 that they congregate together around any openings that may be met with in the ice1 and as soon as opportunity offers1 they again disperse1 and distribute themselves among their usual haunts4 ,as the severity of winter increases1 they migrate further towards the south1 and it is only at such seasons that they occur upon our own shores4 ,there is always something cheerful in the aspect of these birds1 whether they are seen sitting upright on the rocks1 or swimming and diving in their proper element2 they float upon the water light and buoyant1 and as they row themselves gracefully along1 their bright red feet often become visible above the surface4 ,when they dive1 their movements are equally graceful2 a single backward stroke of their feet raises their tails into the air1 and instantly they disappear1 without any visible disturbance of the water around them4 ,as soon as they are fairly submerged1 they partially open their wings1 and by the aid of these1 as well as of their feet1 they shoot along with great rapidity1 remaining under water about two minutes before they again show themselves4 ,when the sea is tranquil and the water clear1 their course may be easily traced for a considerable distance1 but we think that some observers have over-estimated the depth to which they are able to plunge4 ,their flight is tolerably good1 although1 owing to the shortness of their wings1 they are compelled to make such rapid strokes as to produce a whirling sound4 ,when about to fly1 they rise from the sea with some little difficulty1 and have to make considerable efforts in order to get the necessary impetus2 but so soon as they have attained a certain elevation1 they can mount rapidly to the top of the cliffs1 upon which they frequently take their station4 ,their voice differs considerably from that of the generality of their congeners2 instead of the usual scream it is rather a whistling note4 ,about the beginning of ,march1 they begin to assemble at their breeding-places in small flocks1 seldom consisting of more than thirty or forty together1 although millions of other birds may resort to the same locality2 and here each pair selects a suitable rent or fissure in the rock1 at a short distance from the entrance of which1 towards the end of ,april or beginning of ,may1 the female lays her two eggs upon the bare stone4 ,the eggs are tolerably large1 with coarse lustreless shells of a dingy whitish or blueish green colour1 spotted with ashy green1 and streaked with brown or blackish brown patches4 ,should the eggs first laid be removed1 as they very frequently are when the breeding-places are accessible1 the breeding pair will lay a second time1 but usually only a single egg4 ,the parents take their turns in the task of incubation1 towards the close of which they sit so assiduously that they will suffer themselves to be captured rather than desert their charge4 ,after the lapse of twenty-four days1 the young make their appearance1 clad in a thick covering of greyish down2 at first they are diligently fed upon sand-worms1 small molluscs1 sand-eels1 and similar fare1 but they are soon able to fish for themselves2 they swim well from their earliest infancy1 but are not able to dive until they are fully fledged4 ,in ,greenland and ,iceland1 great numbers of these birds are killed and eaten1 the ,norwegians1 however1 are content to take their eggs4 ,their flesh has a strong flavour of train-oil1 still it may be rendered eatable if properly cooked2 in ,lapland1 the young birds are often brought to table2 the feathers1 also1 are used to fill beds1 but they are chiefly profitable on account of their eggs1 which1 although they have a very peculiar taste1 are eagerly sought after4 ,in the ,british ,isles1 according to ,macgillivray1 the ,black ,guillemot has no breeding-places south of the ,tweed and ,solway2 the most southern point being the ,bass ,rock at the mouth of the ,firth of ,forth1 and the ,isle of ,man4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,guillemots 7,uria7 are larger than the above birds1 but very similar in structure2 their beak is elongated1 of moderate length1 straight and sharply-pointed1 slightly vaulted above1 and decidedly angular beneath2 its sides are compressed1 and edges somewhat drawn in the foot resembles that of ,cephus grylle1 but the toes are proportionately longer2 the wings are also smaller and more pointed1 and the tail1 composed of twelve feathers1 shorter2 the general plumage is thick and compact2 the under surface is usually white and almost fur-like1 whilst the upper parts of the body are more or less dark brown4 ,the ,guillemots principally inhabit northern latitudes1 at certain seasons appearing in more temperate climates2 except during the period of incubation they seldom visit the land1 but pass their whole time upon the ocean4 ,they are excellent swimmers1 and dive well1 using both feet and wings for their propulsion1 so that their movements beneath the water are performed with admirable rapidity and precision2 their flight is rapid but hurried1 and1 owing to the shortness of their wings1 whirring and noisy4 ,so numerous are these birds in the neighbourhood of their breeding-places1 that 7more especially if it be a rock of a pyramidal form7 they resemble at a distance a great swarm of bees4 ,when descending into the water to fish for food1 their wings are kept quite straight and motionless4 ,except during the breeding season these flights are not often attempted1 at other times they seldom leave the water1 or if induced to take a short excursion1 by way of exercising their wings1 they soon drop down again into the friendly shelter of the waves4 ,they are almost unable to progress upon dry land2 occasionally1 however1 they may be seen upon the beach1 half walking and half flying1 with a very peculiar gait1 somewhat resembling dancing4 ,anyone who has visited the breeding-places of these birds will no longer wonder that they have in all languages received names expressive of foolishness and stupidity4 ,when in the water they will often let a boat come close to them without showing the slightest distrust of its dangerous occupants1 and on dry land1 such is their unconsciousness of harm1 that they will allow a man to come within a few steps of them without stirring from the spot4 ,this so-called stupidity or indolence is1 however1 easily explicable4 ,of man1 who seldom visits their wild resorts1 they have no experience1 and consequently have not learned to fear him2 but should a ,falcon or an ,eagle make its appearance1 even in the remote distance1 thousands of them at once take wing1 and hastily retreat to some place of safety4 ,the cliffs on which they build present a remarkable spectacle2 rocks abounding in rifts1 cracks1 shelves1 and ledges1 stretching along the shore or rising abruptly from the sea1 afford them the situations they prefer2 if isolated1 solitary1 and accessible to none but winged creatures1 so much the more eligible4 ,there1 about the end of ,march or beginning of ,april1 they may be seen to congregate1 their numbers gradually increasing until countless multitudes throng every available situation4 ,thousands and hundreds of thousands swarm upon the ledges1 shelves1 and projections1 wherever these are to be found1 and range themselves in rows like a regiment of soldiers1 all with their white breasts turned towards the sea1 hundreds of thousands more may be seen flying off from the ledges of the cliffs down to the water below1 while multitudes1 equally innumerable1 are as constantly flying upwards from the sea to the cliff1 and whole fleets are swimming and diving in the waves beneath4 ,strange to say1 although every place affording foothold is crowded to excess1 the utmost order and decorum everywhere prevail2 each seems desirous of assisting and accommodating the other1 so that disputes or battles seldom occur4 ,the countless pairs of which this vast assembly consists exhibit the utmost constancy and attachment1 and may be seen before the eggs are laid1 keeping constantly together1 caressing each other with their beaks1 and evincing the greatest affection4 ,they fly off together to the sea1 fish together for a supply of food1 and then return to their nesting-place1 where they subsequently share the duties connected with the incubation of the eggs1 and the procuration of food for their progeny4 ,the female lays but a single very large egg1 which is shaped like a pegtop1 and thus1 by a simple but beautiful contrivance1 is prevented from rolling off the narrow ledge on which1 without any other protection1 it safely rests4 ,the egg is provided with a coarse shell1 spotted and streaked with dark markings upon a light ground1 but so variable are the colours1 that out of a hundred scarcely two will be found exactly alike4 ,the period of incubation extends over from thirty to thirty-five days4 ,when the young makes its appearance it rather resembles a ball of greyish black wool than a bird2 its coat of down soon disappears2 its growth is rapid2 and in about a month it is completely fledged4 ,,the ,,common ,,or ,,foolish ,,guillemot4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,common ,,or ,,foolish ,,guillemot 7,uria troile74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 ,the ,,common or ,,foolish ,,guillemot 7,uria troile71 in its nuptial garb1 is bright brown upon the back and on the fore parts of the neck2 the points of the feathers upon the upper arm are white1 forming a conspicuous band4 ,the under surface is white2 the sides are striped with brown4 ,in the winter dress both the fore part of throat and hinder part of cheek are white4 ,the eye is brown1 beak black1 and foot grey4 ,this species is seventeen inches and a half long1 and from twenty-seven to twenty-eight broad2 the wing measures three inches and the tail two and a half4 ,the ,common ,guillemots are to be seen around the ,british coast at all seasons of the year4 ,about the beginning of ,may they assemble in their breeding-places on the rocks1 which are also frequented by other birds for the same purpose4 ,from the numbers that congregate1 observes ,yarrell1 and the bustle apparent amongst them1 confusion of interests might be expected2 but1 on the contrary1 it will be found that the ,guillemots occupy one station1 or line of ledges on the rocks1 the ,razor-bills another1 the ,puffins a third1 ,kittiwake ,gulls a fourth1 whilst the most inaccessible pinnacles seem to be left for the use of the lesser ,black-backed and the ,herring ,gulls4 ,two distinct species scarcely ever breed close by the side of each other4 ,the egg is laid on a ledge or hollow of the bare rock3 it is pear-shaped1 about three inches and a quarter long1 of a blueish green1 or yellowish green colour1 with streaks and blotches of brown or black3 sometimes the eggs are plain white or green4 ,great numbers of these eggs are collected by men who descend from the cliff above by means of ropes4 ,the eggs are hatched in about a month4 ,the young are fed for a short time on the rocks by their parents1 after which they accompany them to the sea4 ,in what manner they descend seems to be a problem4 ,mr4 ,waterton was assured by the men about ,flamborough ,head that when the young ,guillemot gets to a certain size1 it manages to climb on the back of the old bird1 which conveys it down to ocean2 and ,mr4 ,yarrell1 in support of this statement1 assures us that he has seen at the base of very high cliffs in the ,isle of ,wight the young of ,razor-bills and ,guillemots so small that they could not have made the descent by themselves from the lofty site of their birthplace without destruction2 yet these little birds knew perfectly well how to take care of themselves1 and at the approach of a boat would swim away and dive like so many ,dabchicks4 ,about ,august1 old and young leave the rocks and take to open water4 ,audubon gives the following curious description of these birds on a group of rocks1 which consist of several low islands1 destitute of vegetation1 and at no great height from the water4 ,here thousands of ,guillemots annually assemble at the beginning of ,may to deposit each its single egg and raise its young4 ,as you approach these islands1 the air becomes darkened with the multitudes of these birds that fly about4 ,every square foot of the ground seems to be occupied by a ,guillemot planted erect1 as it were1 on the granite rock1 but carefully warming its cherished egg4 ,all look towards the south1 and if you are fronting them1 the snowy white of their bodies produces a remarkable effect1 for the birds at some distance look as if destitute of head1 so much does that part assimilate with the dark hue of the rocks on which they stand4 ,on the other hand1 if you approach them in the rear1 the isle appears as if covered with a black pall4 ,,the ,,little ,,auk1 ,,or ,,guillemot4 ,the ,,little ,,auk1 or ,,guillemot 7,arctica or ,mergulus ,alle71 is recognisable by its short thick beak1 which is vaulted above1 much turned in at its cutting edge1 and incised near its sharp point2 in old birds the bill is furrowed in front of the oval-shaped nostril apertures4 ,the upper part of the body is deep black1 paler upon the fore neck2 the under surface is white1 striped with brown upon the sides2 the foot is blueish4 ,in winter the throat is whitish and the neck dark grey4 ,the length of this species is from nine to ten inches1 breadth sixteen to eighteen inches1 length of wing five and a half to six inches1 and that of tail one inch and one-eighth to one and three-eighths4 ,the ,little ,auk is in ,greenland generally known to the whale-fishers as the ,ice ,bird1 from an idea that its presence in any considerable numbers betokens the vicinity of ice4 ,it is usually found within the ,arctic ,circle4 ,captain ,parry found it even as far north as #hb north latitude2 and they were numerous between #ha and #hb4 ,around ,spitzbergen1 and ,nova ,zembla1 and near ,greenland1 it is common2 further south it is much scarcer2 in ,great ,britain it is only a winter visitor1 and is most frequently seen in the ,orkney and ,shetland ,isles2 specimens have1 however1 been seen upon the ,english coast1 even as far south as ,kent4 ,these birds only visit the shores for the purpose of incubation1 except when driven inland by violent storms2 the ocean is their home1 and there they may be seen riding joyfully upon the surge or sleeping tranquilly with their beak buried among their feathers even amid the raging of the billows4 ,in the course of my voyages across the ,atlantic1 observes ,audubon1 ,i have often observed the ,little ,guillemots in small groups1 rising and flying to short distances at the approach of the ship1 or diving close to the bow and reappearing a little way behind4 ,now with expanded wings they would flutter and run as it were on the face of the deep2 again they would seem to be busily engaged in procuring food1 which apparently consisted of shrimps1 other crustacea1 and particles of seaweeds4 ,the ,little ,auk must certainly be regarded as the gayest and briskest member of its family2 when visiting the shore it steps nimbly along on its toes1 vanishes from observation among the stones1 or creeps like a mouse into crevices in the rocks4 ,when out at sea it swims and dives with wonderful alacrity1 remaining under water for even more than a couple of minutes4 ,its flight resembles that of the birds above described1 but it moves its little wings even more rapidly than they4 ,during the breeding season the ,little ,auks congregate in immense numbers in the vicinity of the islands on which the eggs are to be deposited4 ,each pair seeks a suitable spot among the stones that have fallen upon the beach1 and there lays a single egg of about the same size as that of the ,pigeon1 and of a whitish colour slightly tinged with blue4 ,how long incubation continues is unknown2 it has1 however1 been ascertained that both parents attend to their solitary young one 7which makes its appearance clad in greyish down7 supplying it with food until it is fledged and capable of flying out to sea4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,starikis 7,phaleres71 a race of birds occupying northern regions1 appear to some extent to claim relationship with the ,auks and ,divers1 but are at once distinguishable from them by the flowing crest which adorns their head4 ,their beak is short1 and very much depressed1 broad1 and of a somewhat triangular shape1 it is incised towards the tip1 and slightly vaulted above4 ,the short slender feet are placed very far backwards2 the wings are of moderate length1 and tail very short4 ,the thick plumage is rather brightly coloured4 ,most of the species belonging to this group are met with between the north coast of ,asia1 and the north-west shores of ,america4 ,these birds live in small flocks1 swimming with ease and celerity while in quest of their food1 which consists of crustacea1 mollusca1 and other marine animals4 ,as the night approaches they seek the shore1 where1 under the ledges of the rocks1 or in burrows dug with their bills and feet1 they retire to rest4 ,the single egg is deposited in similar situations4 ,,the ,,stariki4 ,the ,,stariki 7,phaleris cristatella7 presents as its most conspicuous feature a sort of plume upon the head1 consisting of six or eight remarkable feathers1 placed close together2 other feathers of similar character1 and of a pale white1 ornament the sides of the head1 and project over the origin of the bill4 ,the plumage of the adult bird is blackish brown upon the upper part of the body1 and blueish grey beneath1 shading upon the belly to a yellowish grey4 ,the wing-quills and tail are black1 the outermost quill being spotted with brown1 and the rest with white4 ,the eye is dark brown1 beak coral-red1 and foot blueish4 ,in young birds the tuft upon the head is wanting2 the feathers on the brow are black1 with white shafts2 the entire upper portion of the body is black1 except the region of the shoulder1 which is grey2 the throat is greyish yellow1 and under surface pure white4 ,in its general appearance this bird resembles a large ,quail4 ,steller1 who first discovered the ,stariki1 met with it in ,behring's ,straits2 subsequent naturalists have traced it from thence to the ,sea of ,japan and the north coasts of ,america4 ,in disposition these birds are social and lively4 ,kittlitz tells us he has seen small parties of them swimming and diving together in twos and threes4 ,we learn from the same authority that each pair lays two eggs1 which are moderately large1 and of an elongated form4 ,the shell is brownish white1 speckled and marked with brown4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,auks 7,alc7 may in certain senses be considered as intermediate between the ,guillemots and the ,coulternebs1 resembling the former in the coloration of their plumage and mode of life1 and the latter in the peculiar structure of their bill4 ,the beak is of moderate length1 very narrow1 and very high2 the upper mandible bends like a bow along the culmen1 while the lower one turns angularly upwards1 and is furrowed towards its base2 the cutting edge1 which is also curved1 is exceedingly sharp4 ,the tail is short1 and consists of twelve narrow feathers2 the wings are slender1 long1 pointed1 and sometimes sabre-shaped4 ,in their habits and modes of life these strange-looking birds closely resemble the ,guillemots4 ,illustration3 ,,an ,,assemblage ,,of ,,auks4 ,,the ,,razor-,,bill4 ,illustration3 ,,great ,,auk1 ,,or ,,the ,,giant ,,penguin 7,alca pinguinus or impennis74 ,the ,,razor-,,bill 7,alca torda7 is from sixteen to seventeen inches long1 by twenty-six and a half to twenty-seven in breadth2 the length of wing is eight inches1 and that of tail three and a half4 ,when in nuptial costume1 this species is black upon the upper part of body and fore neck2 a narrow band passing from the base of the beak to the eye1 a line formed by the tips of the secondary quills1 and the breast and belly are all pure white4 ,in winter the neck and sides of head are white4 ,in young birds the colours are indistinct4 ,the eye is dark brown1 beak black1 with a transverse line of white1 and foot black4 ,the ,razor-bill is emphatically a sea-bird1 passing the greater part of its time upon the ocean1 and living from year's end to year's end almost in the same locality4 ,in winter these birds may be seen in great numbers in all the ,norwegian fjords1 from which they are absent during the summer4 ,they appear likewise with some regularity upon the north shores of ,germany1 ,holland1 ,france1 and ,great ,britain1 wending their way back at the coming of spring1 to breed in more northern latitudes4 ,in the month of ,may they resort to the same breeding-places as the groups above described1 and that in even still greater numbers4 ,boje observed a flight of ,razor-bills measuring at least a thousand yards across1 and which was so long in passing over his head that he had time to load and fire his gun ten times into the thick of the passing multitudes4 ,we ourselves have seen equally numerous flights4 ,upon the ,nyken during the breeding season they may be counted by hundreds of thousands1 sitting in pairs and little societies upon every available projection of the rock1 bending and twisting their heads in all directions1 with most ludicrous pertinacity4 ,in these northern regions they are so fearless of man that they will allow themselves to be approached within a few hundred paces without exhibiting the slightest mistrust4 ,when1 however1 we tried to seize one of them1 they threw themselves headlong into the sea1 from whence1 after having swum about and dived a little1 they again ascended to their resting-place4 ,upon rocks much resorted to by sea-fowl we have observed that the ,razor-bills always take possession of rents and crevices1 in which they deposit their egg4 ,some are found under stones1 and a few in holes4 ,each pair produces but a single egg1 which is of large size1 much elongated1 and very variable both in colour and markings1 insomuch that no two can be found exactly alike4 ,the young when hatched are clad in a thick coat of brownish black down1 with white faces4 ,before they are half grown they become impatient of longer confinement1 and apparently excited by the noise around them1 throw themselves into the sea beneath1 or roll themselves over and over upon the rocks until they reach it4 ,the parents immediately follow them1 and instruct them how to obtain food4 ,this first leap of the young is a very hazardous proceeding1 and thousands1 instead of falling into the water1 are dashed to pieces on the stones1 insomuch that at this season the foot of the rock is literally covered with their mangled remains4 ,,the ,,great ,,auk4 ,the ,,great ,,auk 7,alca pinguinus or impennis74 ,this extraordinary bird occupied the northern regions of the ,atlantic at the commencement of this century1 but is now apparently extinct1 owing to the determined pursuit to which it has been subjected4 ,so abundant was it even a few years ago1 that it was used in ,greenland and ,iceland as an article of food--at present its stuffed skin could not be bought for its weight in gold4 ,this species is described by ,fleming as a ,british bird1 and he assures us that it not unfrequently bred in the ,island of ,st4 ,kilda4 ,the distinguishing mark of this interesting species was the rudimentary condition of its wings1 for wings they must be called1 presenting as they do all the parts met with in ordinary birds1 but yet so small as to be quite useless as instruments of flight4 ,the beak1 as may be seen in stuffed specimens1 is elongated and very high1 and gently curved along its culmen2 the lower jaw is deep and vaulted1 but much compressed at its sides2 its cutting edge from the corner of the mouth to beyond the nostrils is nearly straight1 but beyond that bends downwards at an obtuse angle to the tip4 ,the sides of the bill present several furrows towards its anterior extremity3 of these1 six or seven are on the upper1 and nine or ten on the lower mandible4 ,the structure of the foot resembles that of other ,auks1 as does the plumage4 ,the tail is also composed of the same number of feathers4 ,its stature is nearly that of a ,goose2 its length being about thirty inches2 the wings are not more than six and a half or seven and a half2 the tail measures three inches or three and a half4 ,upon the upper surface the plumage is glossy black2 on the throat blackish brown2 an oval white patch is situated immediately in front of the eye4 ,the under side and a thin streak across the tips of the secondary wing-quills are white4 ,the winter plumage is entirely white4 ,the beak and feet are black4 ,the history of a bird so recently blotted out from the list of living creatures becomes a subject of considerable interest1 and several writers have endeavoured to rescue from oblivion the principal facts recorded concerning its habits and mode of life4 ,previous to these inquiries1 it was generally understood that the ,great ,auk inhabited all parts of the ,frozen ,ocean2 such1 however1 appears not to have been the case4 ,we have no proof that it ever visited the coast of ,spitzbergen1 nor has it been found on the shores of ,north ,america even at very high latitudes4 ,it is authentically stated that it used formerly to breed on the ,faroe ,isles and was a frequent visitor to the ,hebrides4 ,brllock obtained one from the latter islands in #ahab1 and ,fleming was present at the capture of another on ,st4 ,kilda's ,isle in #ahbb4 ,a dead specimen was washed ashore in ,normandy in #ahcj1 and this is the furthest point south it is known to have reached4 ,at one time it seems to have been numerous upon the reefs and rocky islets contiguous to ,newfoundland4 ,over these rocks a formidable surf continually breaks1 and it was probably on account of their inaccessibility that these situations were selected as safe breeding-places4 ,some of these reefs are still known by names indicative of this circumstance1 ,geirfuglasker1 for example1 meaning the ,great ,auk's ,rock4 ,in #ahcj1 a collector of skins1 of the name of ,goudmundson undertook two expeditions in search of these birds2 in the first he obtained twelve or thirteen1 and in the second eight specimens2 the greater part of which found their way into museums4 ,others were procured in the same manner till #ahdd1 when two only1 probably the last of their race1 were taken4 ,we will briefly relate the particulars of their capture1 as they will throw some light upon the habits of these birds4 ,the expedition sent in search of them consisted of fourteen men1 who started in a boat from ,kyrkjuebogr one evening in ,june1 and came next morning to the ,island of ,eldey1 a steep rock rising precipitately from the sea1 and forming in one place a kind of platform1 to which the sea rises at high water-mark4 ,on this platform were seen two ,great ,auks sitting amidst a countless host of smaller species1 and these at once became the objects of attack4 ,the frightened creatures made not the slightest attempt at resistance1 but immediately began to run down the cliff1 their heads outstretched and little wings displayed4 ,notwithstanding the shortness of their legs they ran with considerable speed1 but were1 however1 soon overtaken--a sailor with outspread arms drove one of them into a corner and held it fast--the other was seized close to the edge of the rock4 ,in #aheh1 ,messrs4 ,j4 ,wolley and ,alfred ,newton went to ,iceland1 but were unable to land on the ,auk ,skua1 or even to see a bird4 ,they obtained bones from the inhabitants4 ,sir ,l4 ,m',clintock1 of the ,fox1 says3 ,the ,great ,auk has not been met with on any of the modern ,arctic expeditions4 ,i was told in ,south ,greenland twenty-five years ago1 that a young specimen was obtained1 but am not sure of the fact4 ,the resident ,europeans are quite aware of the value attached by naturalists to this bird1 so have kept a sharp look-out for it4 ,mr4 ,proctor1 of ,durham ,museum1 writes3 ,one bird was bought in #ahcd by the ,rev4 ,j4 ,gisborne1 for #h4 ,i was in ,iceland in #ahcc1 and made every inquiry for it1 but never saw a single bird4 ,i went to the northern parts of ,iceland in #ahcg in search of it again1 and travelled through the northern parts as far as ,gremsey ,iceland--a small island forty miles north of the mainland--but could not meet with it4 ,i have never seen the bird alive1 neither have ,i had the eggs4 ,a fisherman in ,iceland had two birds and two eggs in #ahdf4 ,the birds were sent to ,copenhagen2 the eggs were broken4 ,the ,great ,auk inhabits the ,arctic seas1 but is so diminishing in numbers as now to be rarely seen4 ,it extends from the ,arctic ,regions to the ,orkneys1 in which islands1 however1 only three of four specimens 7a bird of this species1 according to ,mr4 ,bullock1 was killed in ,bucks7 have been seen in the memory of the oldest inhabitant4 ,two individuals are recorded as having been taken at ,st4 ,kilda in #ahbb and #ahbi2 one in ,buckinghamshire2 another found dead at ,lundy ,island1 #ahbi2 another taken alive in #ahcd1 off the coast of ,waterford4 ,attempts have been made to impose on collectors by the manufacture of spurious ,auks' eggs4 ,they are considered as copies of the true egg1 very cleverly done4 ,illustration3 ,,giant ,,penguins4 ,the natives of the ,orkneys1 says ,montagu1 informed ,mr4 ,bullock1 on his tour through those islands several years ago1 that only one male had made its appearance for a long time1 which had regularly visited ,papa ,westra for several seasons4 ,the female1 which the natives call the ,queen of the ,auks1 was killed just before ,mr4 ,bullock's arrival4 ,the king1 or male1 ,mr4 ,bullock had the pleasure of chasing for several hours in a six-oared boat1 but without being able to kill him1 though he frequently got near him1 so expert was the bird in its natural element1 that it appeared impossible to shoot him4 ,the rapidity with which he pursued his course under water was quite incredible4 ,this bird was sent to ,mr4 ,bullock about a fortnight after his departure1 and at the sale of his collection became the property of the ,british ,museum1 which possesses in all two birds and two eggs4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,coulterneb1 ,,or ,,arctic ,,puffin4 ,mr4 ,champley1 who has lately made a tour through ,europe and collected evidence of every bird and egg known to exist1 computes the whole at thirty-four birds and forty-two eggs1 of which ,england has fourteen birds and twenty-four eggs4 ,audubon tells us that ,mr4 ,henry ,havell1 the brother of his engraver1 when on his passage from ,new ,york to ,england hooked a ,great ,auk on the banks of ,newfoundland in extremely boisterous weather4 ,on being hauled on board it was left at liberty on deck4 ,it walked very awkwardly1 often tumbling over1 bit every one within reach of its powerful bill1 and refused food of all kinds4 ,after continuing some days on board1 it was restored to its proper element4 ,in a letter from ,hakluyt1 written so far back as #aegh1 we learn the reason of the rapid extinction of these strange birds2 this writer states that in a locality known as ,penguin ,island they were so numerous and so tame that flocks of them were driven over a plank into a boat until the boat was full4 ,the ,french1 he adds1 are in the habit of salting the flesh of these birds4 ,we learn from various sources that these birds swam well1 with head erect1 and neck thrown back2 if alarmed1 they immediately dived4 ,when upon land they sat bolt upright1 and running held themselves erect1 walking with short steps2 if alarmed1 they at once throw themselves into the sea4 ,the voice is described as a feeble croak4 ,these birds were never known to defend their eggs1 but when laid hold of would bite severely4 ,their adroitness in the water was such that ,mr4 ,bullock1 as related by ,montagu1 followed one of them about for hours in a six-oared boat without being able to get near it4 ,the food of the ,great ,auk consisted entirely of fishes4 ,the single egg laid by the female was deposited in ,june2 in size1 this egg exceeded that of any other ,european species1 being upwards of five inches long2 the shell was thick1 lustreless1 coarse1 and of a dirty white1 variously marked with brown and black4 ,the male and female1 we are told1 sat alternately upon their eggs3 the young were at first covered with dark grey down1 and soon found their way into the water4 ,,the ,,coulterneb1 ,,or ,,arctic ,,puffin4 ,the ,,coulterneb1 or ,,arctic ,,puffin 7,mormon fratercula71 one of the most remarkable birds we have yet described1 although an inhabitant of northern regions1 is a regular summer visitant to our own1 where it is known by a great variety of names all indicative of the strangeness of its appearance1 such as the ,pope1 ,mullet1 ,sea ,parrot1 ,jammie1 and the ,norrie4 ,the ,coulterneb is at once recognisable from all its brethren by the peculiar structure of its beak1 the shortness of its neck1 and the shape of its head4 ,its bill1 when seen in profile1 has a somewhat triangular shape1 being high at the base1 and remarkably compressed at its sides2 at its origin it is covered with a thick fold of skin which is prolonged around the corner of the mouth2 its anterior is deeply furrowed1 rather obtuse at its tip1 and very sharply edged4 ,in this last respect the beak cannot be compared with that of any other bird4 ,the feet are three-toed1 strongly webbed1 and provided with sharp claws1 the points of which are turned sideways2 the small feeble wing is rounded at its extremity1 and the short tail composed of sixteen feathers4 ,the plumage on the upper parts of the body is short1 thick1 compact1 and smooth1 whilst underneath it is somewhat longer1 and more fur-like in appearance4 ,the top of the head1 a band around the neck1 and the entire mantle are black2 the cheeks and throat ash-grey4 ,the under parts of the body are white shading to grey or black at the sides4 ,the eye is dark brown1 eye-ring coral-red1 beak pale red at its tip1 lighter in the furrows1 and blueish grey towards the base2 the corner of the mouth is orange-yellow1 and the foot vermilion-red4 ,the young birds are distinguishable by the comparative shallowness of their beaks1 and the inferior brilliancy of their colours4 ,this strange bird is twelve inches long1 and twenty-three to twenty-three and a half broad2 the wing measures six inches and a half to six and three-quarters1 and the tail two inches and three-quarters4 ,the ,coulternebs inhabit the northern seas as far as #hb north latitude1 and are met with equally upon the northern coasts of ,europe1 ,asia1 and ,america2 a few pairs are known to breed in ,heligoland2 further north they become more abundant1 and in the ,frozen ,ocean they swim in countless multitudes2 indeed1 millions of them may be seen in the summer-time crowding the vicinity of their breeding-places4 ,in ,great ,britain they appear on the coast about ,april1 and betake themselves to various stations for the purpose of breeding1 frequenting for this purpose the cliffs or turfy ground above them1 and occasionally making use of rabbit-burrows4 ,the ,isles of ,man1 ,anglesea1 and ,wight1 are all frequented by them1 and also the ,scilly ,isles1 which in the fourteenth century were held under the king for the annual payment of six shillings and eightpence or #cjj ,puffins4 ,the ,yorkshire coast1 the ,fern ,islands1 and the coasts and islands of ,scotland are also frequented by them4 ,on the coast of ,labrador1 says ,audubon1 is ,perroquet ,island1 known to all the cod-fishers1 and celebrated for the number of ,puffins that annually breed there4 ,as we rowed towards it1 although we found the water literally covered with thousands of these birds1 the number that flew over and around the green island seemed much greater1 insomuch that one might have imagined half the ,puffins in the world had assembled there4 ,this far-famed isle is of considerable extent2 its shores are guarded by numberless blocks of rock1 and within a few yards of it the water is several fathoms in depth4 ,the ground rises in the form of an amphitheatre to the height of about seventy feet1 the greatest being from north to south1 and its southern extremity fronting the ,strait of ,belleisle4 ,for every burrow in the island previously visited by us1 there seemed to be a hundred here2 on every crag and stone stood a ,puffin1 at the entrance of every hole another1 and yet the sea was covered and the air filled by them4 99 99 99 ,the burrows were all inhabited by young birds1 of different ages and sizes1 and clouds of ,puffins flew over our heads each holding a fish by the head4 99 99 99 ,while flying the ,puffins emitted a deep croaking noise1 but they never dropped the fish1 and many of them1 when brought down by a shot1 still held their prey fast4 ,i beheld with concern the extraordinary affection manifested by these birds towards each other1 for whenever one fell dead or wounded on the water its mate or a stranger immediately alighted by its side1 swam around it1 pushed it with its bill1 as if to urge it either to fly or dive1 and seldom would leave it until an oar was raised to knock it on the head1 when1 at last aware of the danger1 it would plunge below in an instant4 ,those which fell wounded immediately ran with speed to some hole and dived into it1 on which no further effort was made to secure them4 ,those which happened to be caught alive in the hand bit most severely1 and scratched with their claws at such a rate1 that we were glad to let them escape4 ,the burrows here communicated in various ways with each other1 so that the whole island was perforated as if by a multitude of subterranean labyrinths1 over which one could not run without danger of falling at almost every step4 ,the voices of the young sounded beneath our feet like voices from the grave1 and the stench was extremely disagreeable1 so that as soon as our boats were filled with birds we were glad to get away4 ,during the whole of our visit the birds never left the place1 but constantly attended to their avocations4 ,here one would rise from beneath1 there within a few yards of us another would alight with a fish and dive into its burrow1 or feed the young that stood waiting at the entrance4 ,the young birds were far from being friendly with each other1 and those we carried with us kept continually fighting so long as we kept them alive4 ,they used their yet extremely small and slender bills with great courage and pertinacity1 and their cries resembled the wailings of young whelps4 ,the smaller individuals were fed by the parents by regurgitation1 or received little pieces of fish which were placed in their mouths2 the larger picked up the fish that were dropped before them1 but almost all of them seemed to crawl to the entrance of the hole for the purpose of being fed4 ,in all the burrows that communicated with others1 a round place was scooped out on one side of the avenue1 in the form of an oven1 whilst in those that were single this oven-like place was found at the end1 and was larger than the corridor4 ,all the passages were flattish above and rounded beneath as well as on the sides4 ,in many instances we found two birds sitting each on its egg in the same hole4 ,their brood consists of but a single egg1 about the size of that of a ,duck2 of this the shell is coarse and uneven1 and the colour pure white1 at least until they become soiled and dirty4 ,both sexes sit upon the eggs by turns1 but how long the process of incubation lasts we are unable to state2 some observers say five weeks4 ,the dress of the newly-hatched young is composed of a thick down1 of a light grey colour1 spotted with coal-black4 ,during the first day or two of its life1 its cry is piping and very sad2 but the note soon gets stronger1 yet it is not till they are fledged that they learn to utter the shrill peculiar cry of the old birds4 ,the young grow slowly1 and after the lapse of a month are able to leave their holes1 and1 under the guidance of their parents1 plunge into the sea4 ,both parents evince the greatest affection for their young one2 they go miles away in order to procure it food1 and will face any danger in its defence4 ,sometimes1 if the female is lost1 the male will take upon himself the entire charge of his nestling1 defending it with really serious bites of his formidable beak1 and indefatigably providing for it the means of subsistence4 ,should their first egg be taken away1 the mother lays a second1 and1 if deprived of that1 a third1 generally in the same hole4 ,if both parents are destroyed1 other birds will supply their places1 and voluntarily devote themselves both to the incubation of the egg and the rearing of the young4 ,the owners of the localities where these birds build make them a source of considerable profit2 they always rob the birds of their first egg1 but generally leave the second to be hatched and reared2 as soon as it is nearly fledged1 however1 it likewise is taken possession of1 and thousands upon thousands are thus killed and salted for winter food4 ,in the ,fern ,islands1 there being no rabbit-holes1 these ,puffins are obliged to dig their own burrows4 ,according to ,mr4 ,selby1 this operation is commenced in ,may1 a hole being generally excavated to a depth of three feet1 often in a curving direction1 and occasionally with two entrances4 ,so intent are the birds upon their work of digging1 which is generally performed by the males1 that they will sometimes allow themselves to be captured by the hand2 the same authority states that a similar indifference to what is passing around them is noticeable during the business of incubation4 ,in ,st4 ,kilda1 where their return is hailed with joy as affording an abundant supply of food1 they are taken both by hand and by means of a horsehair noose1 attached to the end of a rod4 ,the ,coulternebs can scarcely be called birds of passage1 although during the winter season many of them journey far south2 strictly speaking1 they only migrate from their breeding-places to the open sea1 and hence back again to the cliffs and islands1 where they rear their young4 ,their life1 indeed1 may be considered as consisting of two epochs1 viz41 their summer residence upon the rocks1 and their winter life upon the ocean2 of this latter part of their existence we have still much to learn4 ,our first acquaintance with the ,coulternebs began in the vicinity of ,loffoden1 and the first circumstance which arrested our attention was the manner of their flight over the sea1 keeping so close to the waves that they had rather the appearance of skating over the surface than of flying through the air4 ,the bird1 in fact1 in these peregrinations avails itself both of its feet and wings1 sliding as it were quickly from wave to wave1 half flying and half swimming1 striking the air with its wings and the water with its feet1 and advancing by a sort of undulating course that exactly follows the contour of the rising and sinking waves4 ,during this remarkable kind of progression the beak seems to be employed in cleaving the water1 reminding the spectator of the ,scissor-bill 7,rhynchops74 ,when it rises from the waves1 however1 it flies straight on with untiring wings1 and moves so rapidly that the sportsman who first tries his hand at shooting them generally fails to hit the mark4 ,in its mode of swimming1 the ,coulterneb differs altogether from any other bird of its race2 it rides lighter upon the wave1 or sinks at will to any required depth1 dives without the slightest apparent exertion1 and without even disturbing the water around it1 ,it will remain submerged for upwards of three minutes1 and1 if we believe the statements of some observers1 will plunge to a depth of thirty fathoms4 ,upon dry land it walks well1 but with a hopping vacillating step2 rises at once from its seat into the air1 and alights from its flight without difficulty4 ,when at rest it usually sits upright upon the soles of its feet and tail1 or else it lies flat on its belly upon the surface of the rock4 ,when sitting erect1 its head and neck are in constant motion1 as though it were perpetually looking for something that it had lost1 giving it a most comical appearance4 ,its voice is a sort of deep scream at times it resembles the sound made by a man when yawning1 or by a discontented dog4 ,the food of the ,coulternebs consists of crustaceans and small fishes2 but it is principally with the latter that they feed their young4 ,what may be the special use of the curiously-constructed beak it is not easy to say2 all that we know upon the subject is that they are able to use it with great adroitness1 both while procuring their usual food1 and when lopping the green herbage1 which in summer scantily clothes the rocky fastnesses where they rear their young4 ,as a weapon of defence1 both from the sharpness of its edges and the strength of its muscles1 it is really formidable4 ,illustration3 ,plate #dj1 ,cassell's ,book of ,birds ,,fratercula ,,arctica ,,puffin 7about ,nat4 size7 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,penguins 7,aptenodytes7 have their wings completely converted into fins1 and only available as instruments of natation4 ,in their appearance they present but a distant relationship with the ,auks and ,divers1 and form a distinct family1 recognisable by well-marked characters4 ,the general shape of their bodies may almost be called conical1 as it seems gradually to taper off from the tail upwards1 the middle of the trunk presenting scarcely any perceptible enlargement4 ,their neck is of moderate length1 but extremely thick1 the head small1 and the beak1 which is nearly of the same length as the head1 straight1 strong1 hard1 and somewhat compressed at the sides2 frequently it is marked externally with transverse furrows4 ,its cutting edges are sharp1 but it is somewhat blunted at its apex4 ,the structure of the foot is quite peculiar1 seeing that the four toes with which it is provided1 three of which are joined together by a broad web1 are all directed forwards4 ,the wings are so short that they might almost be called fins1 moreover the feathers that cover them rather resemble scales than ordinary quills4 ,even the plumage reminds us of the closely-imbricated scales of fishes2 in short1 from their whole formation they are evidently inhabitants of the water rather than of the air4 ,their internal structure corresponds with their external appearance2 all their bones are hard1 thick1 and heavy1 they present no openings or cavities for the reception of air1 and even the humerus and femur are filled with oily matter4 ,birds belonging to this remarkable family are inhabitants of the southern hemisphere1 and there occupy a zone extending from #cj to #ge south latitude1 living entirely upon the surface of the ocean1 and only visiting the land during the period of incubation4 ,all the various species of ,penguins are utterly incapable of flight1 but their powers of progression in their proper element are truly astonishing4 ,they bound through the sea like porpoises1 using their short fin-like wings to assist their progress2 by the aid of these they stem the most turbulent waves with the greatest facility1 and during the severest gale descend to the bottom1 where they paddle about in search of crustaceans1 small fish1 and marine vegetables4 ,owing to the thickness and weight of their plumage they swim very deep in the water1 so that very little is to be seen except their head and neck4 ,upon dry land they also exhibit considerable agility4 ,the position of their legs compels them to keep their bodies perfectly erect1 and they thus walk1 putting one foot before another almost like human beings2 their gait1 however1 is waddling1 and they get along but slowly2 when alarmed1 therefore1 they throw themselves down upon their breasts and push themselves along both with feet and wings1 and that so rapidly1 that a man has some difficulty in overtaking them4 ,in this manner they throw themselves from the rocks or roll down some deep declivity into the sea1 apparently knowing full well that as soon as they reach the water they are safe from pursuit4 ,sometimes large parties may be seen from a ship1 going in a given direction as though on a journey1 cutting through the waves with a celerity far surpassing that of the swiftest vessel4 ,during a considerable portion of the year these birds are employed in providing for their young1 as it is necessary that their progeny should acquire sufficient vigour to resist the raging element on which they are destined to dwell1 and which they most probably will never leave1 except when in their turn they seek land for the purpose of reproduction4 ,of the enormous numbers in which the ,penguins are seen upon their breeding-places in ,arctic ,regions1 ,sir ,j4 ,c4 ,ross writes thus3--,in ,possession ,island1 situated in latitude #ga #ef north1 and longitude #ga #g east1 and composed entirely of igneous rocks1 we saw not the smallest appearance of vegetation1 but inconceivable myriads of ,penguins completely and densely covered the whole surface of the island1 along the ledges of the precipices1 and even to the summits of the hills1 attacking us vigorously as we waded through their ranks1 and pecking at us with their sharp beaks1 disputing possession2 this1 together with their loud coarse notes1 and the insupportable stench from the deep bed of guano which had been forming for ages1 and which may at some period be valuable to the agriculturists of our ,australian colonies1 made us glad to get away again1 after having loaded our boats with geological specimens and ,penguins4 ,bennett gives similar testimony as to the hosts of these birds occupying the north end of ,macquarie ,island in the ,south ,pacific ,ocean1 where we are told they occupy a space of about thirty or forty acres4 ,the number of ,penguins collected together in this spot is immense1 but it would be impossible to guess at it with any near approach to truth1 as during the whole day and night #cj1jjj or #dj1jjj of them are continually landing1 and an equal number going to sea4 ,they are arranged when on shore in as compact a manner and in as regular ranks as a regiment of soldiers1 and are classed with the greatest order1 the young birds being in one situation1 the moulting birds in another1 the sitting hens in a third1 the clean birds in a fourth1 c41 and so strictly do birds in a similar condition congregate1 that should a bird that is moulting intrude itself upon those that are clean1 it is immediately ejected from among them4 ,the females hatch the eggs by keeping them close between their thighs1 and if approached during the time of incubation1 move away1 carrying the eggs with them4 ,at this time the male bird goes to sea and collects food for the female1 which becomes very fat4 ,after the egg is hatched1 both parents go to sea and bring home food for it2 it soon becomes so fat as to be scarcely able to walk1 the old birds getting very thin4 ,the young1 until nearly full grown1 are covered with a coat of long down4 ,,the ,,king ,,penguin4 ,the ,,king ,,penguin 7,aptenodytes ,patagonica1 and ,a4 ,pennantii7 is the representative of a group conspicuous for their size1 and distinguishable by the following characters3--,their beak is longer than the head1 thin1 straight1 but bent downwards at its apex4 ,the upper mandible is furrowed along its whole length1 while the lower one is covered with a smooth bare skin4 ,the legs1 which are short1 thick1 and placed quite at the hinder part of the body1 are covered with feathers almost to the toes1 three of which are united by a broad web4 ,the short compact plumage is black upon the head and throat1 and bright dark greyish blue on the back and hinder part of the neck2 the belly is white1 and breast yellow4 ,a bright lemon-yellow stripe commences behind the eyes1 and passes along the side of the neck under the chin1 where it unites2 the scale-like wings are dark grey2 the beak is black at its base1 but towards its apex and on the lower mandible yellow2 the scaly foot is dark brown4 ,this species is above three feet long1 and weighs above thirty pounds4 ,the ,king ,penguin inhabits the seas in the vicinity of ,tierra del ,fuego1 the ,falkland ,islands1 and ,new ,georgia1 and during the breeding season is very common on the coasts of ,patagonia1 but it is probable that all the species migrate to considerable distances4 ,on the coasts of ,patagonia1 according to ,gray1 two very similar species have been confounded under the name of ,a4 ,patachonica1 the ,emperor and the ,king1 he has therefore called the ,emperor ,penguin ,a4 ,faceteri and the ,king ,a4 ,pennantii4 ,the following graphic account of the manners of ,a4 ,faceteri observed by ,weddell in the ,island of ,south ,georgia is given by him in his ,voyage to the ,south ,pole4 ,in pride these birds are not surpassed even by the ,peacock1 to which1 in beauty of plumage1 they are indeed very little inferior4 ,during the time of moulting1 they seem to repel each other with disgust1 on account of the ragged state of their coats1 but as they arrive at the maximum of splendour they re-assemble1 and no one who has not completed his plumage is allowed to enter the community4 ,their habit of frequently looking down their front and sides1 in order to contemplate the perfection of their superior brilliancy1 and to remove any speck that might sully it1 is truly amusing to an observer4 ,during the time of hatching1 the male is remarkably assiduous1 so that when the hen has occasion to go off to feed or wash1 the egg is transported to him1 which is done by placing their toes together1 and rolling it from one to the other1 using their beaks to place it properly4 ,the hen keeps charge of her young nearly a year1 and in teaching them to swim has frequently to use some artifice1 for when the young one refuses to take to the water1 she entices it to the side of a rock and pushes it in1 and this is repeated until it takes to the sea of its own accord4 ,captain ,fitzroy tells us that in the breeding-places of the ,king ,penguins he has been much amused to see the old bird get on a little eminence and make a great noise between quacking and braying1 holding its head up in the air as if it were haranguing the penguinnery1 while the young one stands close to it1 but a little lower1 the old bird having continued its chatter for about a minute1 puts its head down1 and opens its mouth widely1 into which the young one thrusts its head1 and then appears to suck from the throat of the mother for a minute or two1 after which the chatter is again repeated1 and the young one again fed4 ,this performance continues for about ten minutes4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,golden ,,or ,,crested ,,penguin 7,chrysocome catarractes74 ,,one-,,fourth ,,natural ,,size4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,true ,,penguins 7,spheniscus7 constitute a section of the above birds distinguishable by having the beak shorter than the head1 straight1 compressed1 thick1 hard1 and irregularly furrowed2 the margins are drawn in1 and the base of the lower mandible feathered4 ,,the ,,spectacled ,,or ,,cape ,,penguin4 ,the ,,spectacled or ,,cape ,,penguin 7,spheniscus demersus1 or ,aptenodytes demersus71 the best-known member of this group1 is about twenty inches long4 ,in this species the upper parts of the body1 the throat and cheeks and a horse-shoe band upon the breast and sides are blackish grey2 a stripe over the eyes and the under side are white1 the latter often marked with round brownish spots4 ,the beak is black1 banded with white1 and foot brown4 ,the ,spectacled ,penguin is met with in all seas between the ,cape and ,south ,polar ,circle in countless numbers3 it is also common near the ,falkland ,islands and ,macquarie ,land1 and from ,cape ,horn northwards to ,valparaiso and ,la ,plata4 ,the ,cape ,penguin swims and dives excellently1 but moves awkwardly and stumbles frequently if it attempts to hurry4 ,according to ,latham1 it will frequently run for some time like a quadruped1 making use of its fin-like wings instead of legs till it can recover the upright posture which it usually maintains4 ,it is said to clamber some way up the rocks to make a nest1 in doing which it has been seen to assist itself with the bill4 ,it lays two eggs of the size of those of the ,duck1 which are thought to be delicious1 and are obtained in great numbers for the table4 ,these birds are frequently kept tame1 but do not live in confinement many months4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,,leaping ,,penguins 7,eudypetes7 constitute a section having the beak closely compressed at the base1 obliquely furrowed1 and sharp pointed2 the extremity of the upper mandible is slightly hooked and incised2 above each eyebrow moreover the feathers are prolonged into conspicuous tufts4 ,,the ,,golden ,,or ,,crested ,,penguin4 ,the ,,golden or ,,crested ,,penguin 7,chrysocome catarractes7 has the head1 neck1 and sides black and over each eye a stripe of pale yellow feathers1 which are lengthened into a crest behind1 wings black on the outside1 their hinder edge and under surface white1 breast and under surface silvery white1 bill reddish brown1 feet greyish white4 ,the female is said to have the yellow feathers over the eyes shorter1 or not prolonged into a crest4 ,the ,golden ,penguin is found in many parts of the ,southern ,ocean1 on the coast of ,patagonia1 ,tierra del ,fuego1 and ,tristan d',acunha2 it is also occasionally seen on the shores of ,tasmania and the coast of ,australia1 but is most numerous in the ,islands of ,st4 ,paul's and ,amsterdam2 in the latter1 where it is met with in great abundance1 it may be seen sitting erect1 or basking on the rocks in company with the seals4 ,illustration ,,classification ,,of ,,birds1 ,,according ,,to ,,dr4 ,,brehm4 ,,order ,i4 ,,crackers 7,,enucleatores74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,i4 ,,the ,,parrots 7,,psittacini74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,true ,,parrots 7,,psittacin71 i41 #cd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,grey ,parrots 7,psittacus71 i41 #cd2 ,jako 7,p4 erithacus71 i41 #ce4 #b4--,the ,green ,parrots 7,chrysotis71 i41 #ci2 ,amazon ,parrot 7,c4 ,amazonica71 i41 #ci4 #c4--,the ,blunt-tailed ,parrots 7,pionus71 i41#dj2 the ,maitakka 7,p4 menstruus71 i41 #da4 #d4--,the ,crested ,hawk ,parrots 7,deroptyus71 i41 #db2 the ,crested ,hawk ,parrot 7,d4 accipitrinus71 i41 #db4 #e4--,the ,dwarf ,parrots 7,agapornis71 i41 #dc2 ,swinder's ,love ,bird 7,a4 ,swinderiana71 i41 #dc4 #f4--,the ,sparrow ,parrots 7,psittacula71 i41 #dd2 the ,sparrow ,parrot 7,p4 passerina71 i41 #dd4 #g4--,the ,siskin ,parrots 7,nasiterna71 i41 #de2 the ,siskin ,parrot 7,n4 pygma71 i41 #de4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,cockatoos 7,,plyctolophi71 i41 #de4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,cockatoos ,proper 7,cacatua71 i41 #db2 the ,lemon-crested ,cockatoo 7,c4 galerita71 i41 #dg4 #b4--,the ,helmet ,cockatoos 7,callicephalus71 i41 #dg2 the ,helmet ,cockatoo 7,c4 galeatus71 i41 #dg4 #c4--,the ,nose ,cockatoos 7,licmetis71 i41 #dh2 the ,nose ,cockatoo 7,l4 nasicus71 i41 #dh4 #d4--,the ,nestor ,cockatoos 7,nestor71 i41 #ej2 the ,nestor ,cockatoo 7,n4 productus71 i41 #ej4 #e4--,the ,eagle ,cockatoos 7,dasyptilus71 i41 #ea2 the ,eagle ,cockatoo 7,d4 ,pequetii71 i41 #ea4 #f4--,the ,long-billed ,cockatoos 7,microglossus71 i41 #ea2 the ,casmalos 7,m4 aterrimus71 i41 #eb4 #g4--,the ,raven ,cockatoos 7,calyptorhynchus71 i41 #ed2 the ,raven ,cockatoo 7,c4 ,banksii71 i41 #ed4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,night ,,parrots 7,,strigopes71 i41 #ee4 ,sub ,family #a4--,the ,night ,parrots 7,strigops71 i41 #ee2 the ,kakapo 7,s4 habroptilus71 i41 #ee4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,araras 7,,ar71 i41 #eh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,araras 7,ara71 i41 #eh2 the ,scarlet ,macaw 7,a4 ,macao71 i41 #eh2 the ,soldier ,arara 7,a4 militaris71 i41 #fj2 the ,anakan 7,a4 severa71 i41 #fj2 the ,ararauna 7,a4 ,sittace ,ararauna71 i41 #fb4 #b4--,the ,blue ,macaws 7,anodorhynchus71 i41 #fb2 the ,hyacinth-coloured ,arara 7,a4 hyacinthinus71 i41 #fb4 #c4--,the ,wedge-tailed ,parrots 7,conurus71 i41 #fc2 the ,garuba 7,c4 luteus71 i41 #fd2 the ,tiriba 7,c4 leucotis71 i41 #fc2 the ,carolina ,parrakeet 7,c4 ,carolinensis71 i41 #fd4 #d4--,the ,long-nosed ,parrakeets 7,enicognathis71 i41 #ff2 the ,choroy 7,e4 leptorhynchus71 i41 #ff4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,parrakeets 7,,pal,,ornithes71 i41 #ff4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,noble ,parrakeets 7,palornis71 i41 #fg2 the ,collared or ,rose-ringed ,parrot 7,p4 torquata71 i41 #fg2 the ,bettet 7,p4 pondiceriana71 i41 #fh4 #b4--,the ,superb ,parrots 7,polytelis71 i41 #fi2 the ,scarlet-crested ,superb ,parrot 7,p4 ,barrabandi71 i41 #fi4 #c4--,the ,grass ,parrots 7,platycercus71 i41 #gj2 the ,rosella 7,p4 eximius71 i41 #gj4 #d4--,the ,variegated ,parrots 7,psephotus71 i41 #ga2 the ,variegated ,parrot 7,p4 multicolor71 i41 #ga4 #e4--,the ,ornamented ,parrots 7,melopsittacus71 i41 #gb2 the ,waved ,parrot 7,m4 undulatus71 i41 #gb4 #f4--,the ,gay ,parrots 7,nymphicus71 i41 #gg2 the ,corella 7,n4 ,nov-,hollandi71 i41 #gg4 #g4--,the ,ground ,parrakeets 7,pezoporus71 i41 #gh2 the ,ground ,parrakeets 7,p4 formosus71 i41#gh4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,lories 7,,lorii71 i41 #gi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,lories ,proper 7,lorius71 i41 #gi2 the ,purple-capped ,lory 7,l4 domicella71 i41 #gi4 #b4--,the ,lorikeets 7,psitteuteles71 i41 #gi2 the ,dappled ,lorikeet 7,p4 versicolor71 i41 #gi4 #c4--,the ,purple ,lories 7,coryphilus71 i41 #ha2 the ,maiden ,lorikeet 7,c4 ,tahitianus71 i41 #ha4 #d4--,the ,long-tailed ,lories 7,pyrrhodes71 i41 #hb2 the ,rasmalas 7,p4 ,papuensis71 i41 #hb4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,ii4 ,,passerine ,,birds 7,,passeres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,cross-,,bills 7,,loxi71 i41 #he4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,cross-bills 7,loxia71 i41 #he2 the ,large-beaked ,cross-bill 7,l4 pityopsittacus71 i41 #hf2 the ,pine-tree ,cross-bill 7,l4 curvirostra71 i41 #hf2 the ,banded ,cross-bill 7,l4 tnioptera71 i41 #hf4 #b4--,the ,parrot ,greenfinches 7,psittirostra71 i41 #ia2 the ,parrot ,greenfinch 7,p4 psittacea71 i41 #ia4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,bullfinches 7,,pyrrhul71 i41 #ib4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,parrot ,bullfinches 7,paradoxornis71 i41 #ib2 the ,parrot ,bullfinch 7,p4 flavirostris71 i41 #ib4 #b4--,the ,pine ,grosbeaks 7,pinicola71 i41 #ic2 the ,pine ,grosbeak 7,p4 enucleator71 i41 #ic4 #c4--,the ,carmine ,grosbeaks 7,erythrothorax71 i41 #ie2 the ,rose ,bullfinch 7,e4 roseus71 i41 #ie2 the ,carmine ,bullfinch1 7,e4 erythrinus71 i41 #ie4 #d4--,the ,long-tailed ,bullfinches 7,uragus71 i41 #ig2 the ,siberian ,bullfinch 7,u4 ,sibericus71 i4 #ig4 #e4--,the ,desert ,bullfinches 7,bucanetes71 i41 #ih2 the ,vinous ,grosbeak 7,b4 githagineus71 i41 #ih4 #f4--,the ,true ,bullfinches 7,pyrrhula71 i41 #ajb2 the ,bullfinch 7,p4 vulgaris71 i41 #ajb4 #g4--,the ,garden ,bullfinches 7,serinus71 i41 #ajf2 the ,girlitz 7,s4 hortulanus71 i41 #ajf4 #h4--,the ,tree ,bullfinches 7,dryospiza71 i41 #ajh2 the ,canary-bird 7,d4 ,canaria71 i41 #ajh4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,finches 7,,fringill71 i41 #aad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,finches 7,fringilla71 i41 #aad2 the ,chaffinch 7,f4 clebs71 i41 #aae2 the ,mountain ,finch 7,f4 montifringilla71 i41 #aah4 #b4--,the ,mountain ,finches 7,montifringilla71 i41 #aai2 the ,snow ,finch 7,m4 nivalis71 i41 #aai4 #c4--,the ,winter ,finches 7,nypha71 i41 #aai2 the ,winter ,finch 7,n4 hyemalis71 i41 #aai4 #d4--,the ,linnets 7,cannabin71 i41 #abb2 the ,brown ,linnet 7,c4 linota71 i41 #abb2 the ,mountain or ,grey ,linnet 7,c4 montium71 i1 #abd4 #e4--,the ,birch ,siskins 7,linaria71 i41 #abd2 the ,birch-tree ,siskin 7,l4 rubra71 i41 #abd4 #f4--,the ,true ,siskins 7,spinus71 i41 #abg2 the ,common ,siskin 7,s4 viridis71 i41 #abg4 #g4--,the ,thistle ,finches 7,carduelis71 i41 #abi2 the ,goldfinch 7,c4 elegans71 i41 #abi4 #h4--,the ,golden ,thistle ,finches 7,astragalinus71 i44 #acj2 the ,golden ,thistle ,finch 7,a4 tristis71 i41 #acj4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,sparrows ,,proper 7,,passeres71 i41 #aca4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,sparrows 7,passer71 i41 #aca2 the ,common ,sparrow 7,p4 domesticus71 i41 #aca2 the ,spanish ,sparrow 7,p4 ,hispanicus71 i41 #ace2 the ,field or ,tree ,sparrow 7,p4 montanus71 i41 #acf4 #b4--,the ,plain ,sparrows 7,pyrgitopsis71 i41 #acg2 the ,plain ,sparrow 7,p4 simplex71 i41 #acg4 #c4--,the ,golden ,sparrows 7,chrysospiza71 i41 #acg2 the ,golden ,sparrow 7,c4 lutea71 i41 #acg4 #d4--,the ,mountain ,sparrows 7,petronia71 i41 #ach2 the ,rock ,sparrow 7,p4 rupestris71 i41 #ach4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,hawfinches 7,,coccothraust71 i41 #aci4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,greenfinches 7,chloris71 i41 #aci2 the ,green ,grosbeak1 or ,greenfinch 7,c4 hortensis71 i41 #aci4 #b4--,the ,true ,hawfinches 7,coccothraustes71 i41 #ada2 the ,hawfinch 7,c4 vulgaris71 i41 #ada4 #c4--,the ,evening ,hawfinches 7,hesperiphona71 i41 #adb2 the ,evening ,cherry ,hawfinch 7,h4 vespertina71 i41 #adb4 #d4--,the ,large-beaked ,hawfinches 7,geospiza71 i41 #adc2 the ,large-beaked ,hawfinch 7,g4 magnirostris71 i41 #adc4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,parrot ,,finches 7,,pityli71 i41 #adc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rose-breasted ,grosbeaks 7,coccoborus71 i41 #adc2 the ,rose-breasted ,hawfinch 7,c4 ,ludovicianus71 i41 #adc4 #b4--,the ,tufted ,grosbeaks 7,cardinalis71 i41 #ade2 the ,cardinal ,grosbeak 7,c4 ,virginianus71 i41 #ade4 #c4--,the ,grey ,finches 7,paroaria71 i41 #adf2 the ,dominican ,finch 7,p4 dominicana71 i41 #adf4 #d4--,the ,bullfinch ,finches 7,sporophila71 i41 #adf2 the ,tiny ,finch 7,s4 minuta71 i41 #adf4 #e4--,the ,diadem ,grosbeaks 7,catamblyrhynchus71 i41 #adg2 the ,diadem ,grosbeak 7,c4 diadematus71 i41 #adg4 #f4--,the ,true ,parrot ,finches 7,pitylus71 i41 #adg2 the ,ashy-blue ,parrot ,finch 7,p4 crulescens71 i41 #adg4 #g4--,the ,masked ,parrot ,finches 7,caryothraustes71 i41 #adg2 the ,masked ,parrot ,finch 7,c4 ,brasiliensis71 i41 #adg4 #h4--,the ,habias 7,saltator71 i41 #adh2 the ,capi 7,s4 crulescens71 i41 #adh4 #i4--,the ,plant ,cutters 7,phytotoma71 i41 #adi2 the ,rarita1 or ,rara 7,p4 rara71 i41 #aej4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,tangaras 7,,tanagr71 i41 #aej4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tangaras ,proper 7,tanagra71 i41 #aea2 the ,ornate ,tangara 7,t4 ornata71 i41 #aea4 #b4--,the ,fire ,tangaras 7,pyranga71 i41 #aea2 the ,flax ,bird 7,p4 rubra71 i41 #aea2 the ,summer ,red ,bird 7,p4 stiva71 i41 #aeb4 #c4--,the ,callistes 7,calliste71 i41 #aec2 the ,red-necked ,calliste 7,c4 festiva71 i41 #aec4 #d4--,the ,callous-beaked ,tangaras 7,ramphocelus71 i41 #aec2 the ,tapiranga 7,r4 ,brasiliensis71 i41 #aed4 #e4--,the ,butcher-,bird ,tangaras 7,lanio71 i41 #aed2 the ,black-headed ,butcher-,bird ,tangara 7,l4 atricapillus71 i41 #aed4 #f4--,the ,organist ,tangaras 7,euphone71 i41 #aed2 the ,violet ,organist1 or ,guttarama 7,e4 violacea71 i41 #aee4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,bright-,,coated ,,finches 7,,amadin71 i41 #aee4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,band-,birds1 or ,collared ,finches 7,amadina71 i41 #aef2 the ,collared ,finch 7,a4 fasciata71 i41 #aef4 #b4--,the ,hooded ,finches 7,spermestes71 i41 #aeg2 the ,magpie ,finch 7,s4 cucullata71 i41 #aeh4 #c4--,the ,reed ,finches 7,donacula71 i41 #aeh2 the ,chestnut ,reed ,finch 7,d4 castaneothorax71 i41 #aeh2 the ,double-banded ,reed ,finch 7,d4 bivittata71 i41 #aeh4 #d4--,the ,grass ,finches 7,pophila71 i41 #aei2 the ,admirable ,chaff-finch 7,chlobia mirabilis71 i41 #aei4 #e4--,the ,rice ,finches 7,padda71 i41 #afj2 ,the ,rice ,bird 7,p4 oryzivora71 i41 #afj4 #f4--,the ,striped ,finches 7,pytelia71 i41 #afa2 the ,little ,gold-breast 7,p4 subflava71 i41 #afa4 #g4--,the ,speckled ,finches 7,lagonosticta71 i41 #afb2 the ,blood ,finch 7,l4 minima71 i41 #afb4 #h4--,the ,variegated ,finches 7,emblema71 i41 #afb2 the ,variegated ,finch 7,e4 picta71 i41 #afb4 #i4--,the ,bright ,finches 7,hypochera71 i41 #afc2 the ,steel ,finch 7,h4 ultramarina71 i41 #afc4 #aj4--,the ,butterfly ,finches 7,mariposa71 i41 #afc2 the ,butterfly ,finch 7,m4 phnicotis71 i41 #afc4 #aa4--;,astrilds 7,astrilda71 i41 #afd2 the ,pheasant ,finch 7,a4 undulata71 i41 #afd4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,weaver ,,birds 7,,plocei71 i41 #aff4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,social ,weaver ,birds 7,philetarus71 i41 #afg2 the ,social ,weaver ,bird 7,p4 socius71 i41 #afg4 #b4--,the ,yellow ,weaver ,birds 7,ploceus71 i41 #afh2 the ,golden ,weaver ,bird 7,p4 galbula71 i41 #afh4 #c4--,the ,bayas1 or ,bunting ,weaver ,birds 7,nelicurvius71 i41 #agj2 the ,baya 7,n4 ,baya71 i41 #agj4 #d4--,the ,crimson-beaked ,weaver ,birds 7,quelea71 i41 #aga2 the ,crimson-beaked ,weaver ,bird1 or ,diock 7,q4 sanguinirostris71 i41 #aga4 #e4--,the ,tahas 7,taha71 i41 #agd2 the ,taha 7,t4 dubia71 i41 #agd4 #f4--,the ,fire-finches 7,euplectes71 i41 #agd2 the ,flame-coloured ,fire-finch 7,e4 ignicolor71 i41 #age4 #g4--,the ,buffalo ,weaver ,birds 7,textor71 i41 #agf2 the ,alecto ,buffalo ,weaver ,bird 7,t4 ,alecto71 i41 #agg4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,whydah ,,or ,,widow ,,birds 7,,vidu71 i41 #agh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mourning ,widows 7,coliuspasser71 i41 #agi2 the ,yellow-shouldered ,mourning ,widow 7,c4 flaviscapulatus71 i41 #agi4 #b4--,the ,long-tailed ,widow ,birds 7,chera71 i41 #agi2 the ,long-tailed ,widow ,bird 7,c4 caffra71 i41 #agi4 #c4--,the ,cock-tailed ,widow ,birds 7,steganura71 i41 #ahj2 the ,paradise ,widow ,bird 7,s4 paradisea71 i41 #ahj4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,bunting ,,finches 7,,passerell71 i41 #aha4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,morning ,finches 7,zonotrichia71 i41 #aha2 the ,white-throated ,sparrow 7,z4 albicollis71 i41 #ahb2 the ,morning ,finch 7,z4 matutina71 i41 #ahb4 #b4--,the ,bunting ,finches ,proper 7,spizella71 i41 #ahc2 the ,tree ,bunting ,finch 7,s4 ,canadensis71 i41 #ahc4 #c4--,the ,prairie ,bunting ,finches 7,passerculus71 i41 #ahd2 the ,prairie ,bunting ,finch 7,p4 savannus71 i41 #ahd4 #d4--,the ,shore ,finches 7,ammodromus71 i41 #ahd2 the ,sea ,bunting ,finch 7,a4 maritimus71 i41 #ahd4 ,,family ,,xii4--,the ,buntings 7,,emberiz71 i41 #ahe4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crested ,buntings 7,gubernatrix71 i41 #ahe2 the ,crested ,bunting 7,g4 cristatella71 i41 #ahe4 #b4--,the ,grey ,buntings 7,miliaria71 i41 #ahf2 the ,grey ,bunting 7,m4 valida71 i41 #ahf4 #c4--,the ,true ,buntings 7,emberiza71 i41 #ahg2 the ,golden or ,yellow ,bunting 7,e4 citrinella71 i41 #ahg2 the ,ortolan 7,e4 or ,glycyspina hortulana71 i41 #ahh2 the ,red ,bunting 7,e4 or ,glycyspina cia71 i41 #aij4 #d4--,the ,ornate ,buntings 7,euspiza71 i41 #aij2 the ,black-headed ,bunting 7,e4 melanocephala71 i41 #aij4 #e4--,the ,reed ,buntings 7,cynchramus71 i41 #aia2 the ,reed ,bunting 7,c4 ,schniclus71 i41 #aia4 #f4--,the ,spurred ,buntings 7,centrophanes71 i41 #aia2 the ,lark ,bunting 7,c4 ,lapponicus71 i41 #aib4 #g4--,the ,winter ,buntings 7,plectrophanes71 i41 #aid2 the ,snow ,bunting 7,p4 nivalis71 i41 #aid4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,larks 7,,alaud71 i41 #aie4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,calandra ,larks 7,melanocorypha71 i41 #aif2 the ,calandra ,lark 7,m4 calandra71 i41 #aig2 the ,short-toed ,lark1 or ,calandrelle 7,m4 or ,calandritis brachydactyla71 i41 #aih4 #b4--,the ,black ,larks 7,saxilauda71 i41 #aii2 the ,black or ,moor ,lark 7,s4 ,tatarica71 i41 #aii4 #c4--,the ,sand ,larks 7,ammomanes71 i41 #aii2 the ,desert ,lark 7,a4 deserti71 i41 #aii4 #d4--,the ,bunting ,larks 7,pyrrhulauda71 i41 #bjj2 the ,black-headed ,bunting ,lark 7,p4 leucotis71 i41 #bja4 #e4--,the ,mountain ,larks 7,phileremos71 i41 #bja2 the ,alpine ,lark 7,p4 alpestris71 i41 #bja4 #f4--,the ,tufted ,larks 7,galerita71 i41 #bjc2 the ,tufted ,lark 7,g4 cristata71 i41 #bjc4 #g4--,the ,wood ,larks 7,corys71 i41 #bjd2 the ,wood ,lark 7,corys or ,alauda arborea71 i41 #bjd4 #h4--,the ,larks ,proper 7,alauda71 i41 #bjf2 the ,skylark 7,alauda arvensis71 i41 #bjf4 #i4--,the ,spur ,larks 7,macronyx71 i41 #bjh2 the ,sentry ,lark 7,m4 capensis71 i41 #bjh4 #aj4--,the ,courser ,larks 7,almon71 i41 #bji2 the ,desert ,courser ,lark 7,a4 desertorum71 i41 #bji4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,iii4 ,,ravens 7,,coracirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,yellow ,,starlings 7,,icteri71 i41 #baa4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rice-eaters 7,dolichonyx71 i41 #bab2 the ,boblink1 or ,rice-bird 7,d4 oryzivorus71 i41 #bab4 #b4--,the ,marsh ,troopials 7,agelaius71 i41 #bad2 the ,red-winged ,troopial 7,a4 ,phniceus71 i41 #bad4 #c4--,the ,cow-,birds 7,molothrus71 i41 #bae2 the ,cow-,starling 7,m4 pecoris71 i41 #bae4 #d4--,the ,yellow or ,golden ,starlings 7,icterus71 i41 #bae2 the ,jamaica ,yellow ,bird 7,i4 ,jamaicaii71 i41 #baf4 #e4--,the ,hang-nests 7,hyphantes71 i41 #bah2 the ,baltimore ,golden ,starling 7,h4 ,baltimori71 i41 #bah4 #f4--,the ,cassicans 7,cassicus71 i41 #bah2 the ,japu1 or ,tufted ,cassican 7,c4 cristatus71 i41 #bai4 #g4--,the ,boat-tails 7,quiscalus71 i41 #bbb2 the ,great ,boat-tail 7,q4 major71 i41 #bbb4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,starlings 7,,sturni71 i41 #bbc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,starlings ,proper 7,sturni71 i41 #bbc2 the ,common ,starling 7,s4 vulgaris71 i41 #bbc2 the ,sardinian ,starling 7,s4 unicolor71 i41 #bbg4 #b4--,the ,blackbird ,starlings 7,pastor71 i4 #bbg2 the ,rose ,starling 7,p4 roseus71 i41 #bbg4 #c4--,the ,mina ,birds 7,acridotheres71 i41 #bbh2 the ,mina ,bird 7,a4 tristis71 i41 #bbh4 #d4--,the ,grakles 7,gracula71 i41 #bcj2 the ,musical ,grakle 7,g4 musica or religiosa71 i41 #bcj4 #e4--,the ,ox-biters 7,buphaga71 i41 #bca2 the ,african ,ox-biter 7,b4 ,africanus71 i41 #bca2 the ,red-beaked ,ox-biter 7,b4 erythrorhyncha71 i41 #bca4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,glossy ,,starlings 7,,lamprotornithes71 i41 #bcb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,glossy ,starlings 7,lamprocolius71 i41 #bcd2 the ,bronze-coloured ,glossy ,starling 7,l4 chalybeus71 i41 #bcd4 #b4--,the ,glossy ,thrush-,starlings 7,notauges71 i41 #bcd2 the ,golden-breasted ,glossy ,starling 7,n4 chrysogaster71 i41 #bcd2 the ,superb ,glossy ,starling 7,n4 superbus71 i41 #bcd4 #c4--,the ,scaly ,glossy ,starlings 7,pholidauges71 i41 #bce2 the ,scaly ,glossy ,starling 7,p4 leucogaster71 i41 #bce4 #d4--,the ,glossy ,magpies 7,lamprotornis71 i41 #bcf2 the ,brazen ,glossy ,magpie 7,l4 anea71 i41 #bcf4 #e4--,the ,rock ,glossy ,starlings 7,ptilorhinus71 i41 #bcg2 the ,white-beaked ,rock ,glossy ,starling 7,p4 albirostris71 i41 #bcg4 #f4--,the ,mountain ,glossy ,starlings 7,amydrus71 i41 #bch2 the ,naburup 7,a4 ,naburup71 i41 #bch4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,orioles 7,,orioli71 i41 #bch4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,satin ,birds 7,ptilonorhynchus71 i41 #bci2 the ,satin ,bower ,bird 7,p4 holosericus71 i41 #bci4 #b4--,the ,collar ,birds 7,chlamydera71 i41 #bdj2 the ,spotted ,collar ,bird 7,c4 maculata71 i41 #bdj4 #c4--,the ,orioles ,proper 7,oriolus71 i41 #bdb2 the ,golden ,oriole 7,o4 galbula71 i41 #bdb4 #d4--,the ,silky ,orioles 7,sericulus71 i41 #bdc2 the ,golden-crested ,oriole 7,s4 chrysocephalus71 i41 #bdc4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,birds ,,of ,,paradise 7,,paradise71 i41 #bde4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,birds of ,paradise 7,paradisea71 i41 #bde2 the ,footless ,bird of ,paradise 7,p4 apoda71 i41 #bdf2 the ,wumbi 7,p4 ,papuana71 i41 #bdf2 the ,ruby or ,red ,bird of ,paradise 7,p4 rubra71 i41 #bdg4 #b4--,the ,spiral-tailed ,birds of ,paradise 7,cincinnurus71 i41 #bej2 the ,king of the ,birds of ,paradise 7,c4 regius71 i41 #bej4 #c4--,the ,collared ,birds of ,paradise 7,lophorina71 i41 #bea2 the ,collared ,bird of ,paradise 7,l4 superba71 i41 #bea4 #d4--,the ,ornate ,birds of ,paradise 7,parotia71 i41 #bea2 the ,six-feathered ,birds of ,paradise 7,p4 sex-pennis71 i41 #bea4 #e4--,the ,resplendent ,epimachi 7,seleucides71 i41 #bea2 the ,resplendent ,epimachus 7,s4 resplendens71 i41 #bea4 #f4--,the ,epimachi ,proper 7,epimachus71 i41 #beb2 the ,collared ,epimachus 7,e4 magnus71 i41 #beb4 #g4--,the ,magpie ,birds of ,paradise 7,astrapi71 i41 #bec2 the ,magpie ,bird of ,paradise 7,a4 gularis71 i41 #bec4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,ravens 7,,coraces71 i41 #bed4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,choughs 7,fregilus71 i41 #bed2 the ,chough 7,f4 graculus71 i41 #bed4 #b4--,the ,alpine ,choughs 7,pyrrhocorax71 i41 #bee2 the ,alpine ,chough 7,p4 alpinus71 i41 #bee4 #c4--,the ,ravens ,proper 7,corax71 i41 #beg2 the ,raven 7,c4 nobilis71 i41 #beg4 #d4--,the ,vulture ,ravens 7,corvultur71 i41 #bei2 the ,white-necked ,vulture ,raven 7,c4 albicollis71 i41 #bei2 the ,thick-billed ,vulture ,raven 7,c4 crassirostris71 i41 #bei4 #e4--,the ,ornamented ,ravens 7,pterocorax71 i41 #bfj2 the ,scapulated ,raven 7,p4 scapulatus71 i41 #bfj4 #f4--,the ,crows 7,corvus71 i41 #bfb2 the ,carrion ,crow 7,c4 corona71 i41 #bfb2 the ,hooded ,crow 7,c4 cornix71 i41 #bfb4 #g4--,the ,rooks 7,frugilegus7 i41 #bfd2 the ,rook 7,f4 segetum71 i41 #bfd4 #h4--,the ,jackdaws 7,monedula71 i41 #bff2 the ,jackdaw 7,m4 turrium71 i41 #bff4 #i4--,the ,glossy ,crows 7,anomalocorax71 i41 #bfg2 the ,glossy ,crow 7,a4 splendens71 i41 #bfg4 #aj4--,the ,nutcrackers 7,nucifraga71 i41 #bfi2 the ,nutcracker 7,n4 caryocatactes71 i41 #bfi4 #aa4--,the ,piping ,crows 7,gymnorhina71 i41 #bgj2 the ,flute ,bird 7,g4 tibicen71 i41 #bgj4 #ab4--,the ,bell ,magpies 7,strepera71 i41 #bga2 the ,bell ,bird 7,s4 graculina71 i41 #bga4 #ac4--,the ,bald-headed ,crows 7,picathartes71 i41 #bga2 the ,bald-headed ,crow 7,p4 gymnocephalus71 i41 #bga4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,jays 7,,garruli71 i41 #bgb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,magpies 7,pica71 i41 #bgb2 the ,magpie 7,p4 caudata71 i41 #bgb4 #b4--,the ,blue ,magpies 7,cyanopica71 i41 #bgd2 the ,blue ,magpie 7,c4 ,cookii71 i41 #bgd4 #c4--,the ,blue ,ravens 7,cyanocorax71 i41 #bge2 the ,hooded ,blue ,raven 7,c4 pileatus71 i41 #bge4 #d4--,the ,blue ,jackdaws 7,cyanocitta71 i41 #bge2 the ,crested ,blue ,jackdaw 7,c4 cristata71 i41 #bge4 #e4--,the ,jays ,proper 7,garrulus71 i41 #bgh2 the ,common ,jay 7,g4 glandarius71 i41 #bgh4 #f4--,the ,unlucky ,jays 7,perisoreus71 i41 #bgi2 the ,unlucky ,jay 7,p4 infaustus71 i41 #bgi4 #g4--,the ,tree ,magpies 7,dendrocitta71 i41 #bhj2 the ,wandering ,magpie 7,d4 vagabunda71 i41 #bhj4 #h4--,the ,benteots 7,crypsirhina71 i41 #bha2 the ,benteot 7,c4 varians71 i41 #bha4 #i4--,the ,stump ,jays 7,temnurus71 i41 #bhb2 the ,saw-tail 7,t4 truncatus71 i41 #bhb4 #aj4--,the ,long-tailed ,kittas 7,urocissa71 i41 #bhb2 the ,long-tailed ,kitta 7,u4 ,sinensis71 i41 #bhb4 #aa4--,the ,feather-,beaks 7,cissa71 i41 #bhc2 the ,sirgang 7,c4 ,sinensis71 i41 #bhc4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,plantain ,,eaters 7,,amphibol71 i41 #bhc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,plantain ,eaters 7,musophag71 i41 #bhc2 the ,banana ,eater 7,m4 violacea71 i41 #bhd4 #b4--,the ,helmet ,birds 7,corythaix71 i41 #bhe2 the ,white-cheeked ,helmet ,bird 7,c4 leucotis71 i41 #bhe4 #c4--,the ,turakos 7,corythacola71 i41 #bhf2 the ,crested ,turako 7,c4 cristata71 i41 #bhf4 #d4--,the ,split-beaks 7,schizorhis71 i41 #bhg2 the ,alarm ,bird 7,s4 zonurus71 i41 #bhg4 #e4--,the ,mouse ,birds 7,colii71 i41 #bhh2 the ,wiriwa1 or ,white-cheeked ,mouse ,bird 7,c4 leucotis71 i41 #bhi4 ,,order ,,ii4 ,,the ,,catchers 7,,captantes74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,iv4 ,,birds ,,of ,,prey 7,,raptores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,falcons 7,,falcones71 i41 #bic4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hunting ,falcons 7,hierofalco71 i41 #bii2 the ,hunting ,falcon 7,h4 candicans71 i41 #bii2 the ,polar ,falcon 7,h4 arcticus71 i41 #bii2 the ,gier ,falcon 7,h4 gyrfalco71 i41 #bii4 #b4--,the ,wandering ,falcons 7,falco71 i41 #cjj2 the ,peregrine ,falcon 7,f4 peregrinus71 i41 #cja2 the ,red-necked ,falcon 7,f4 ruficollis71 i41 #cjc2 the ,turumdi 7,f4 ,chiquera71 i41 #cjc4 #c4--,the ,tree ,falcons 7,hypotriorchis71 #cjf2 the ,tree ,falcon 7,h4 subbuteo71 i41 #cjf4 #d4--,the ,bush ,falcons 7,hieracidea71 i41 #cjg2 the ,berigora 7,h4 ,berigora71 i41 #cjg4 #e4--,the ,kestrels 7,tinnunculus71 i41 #cjg2 the ,lark ,kestrel 7,t4 alaudarius71 i41 #cjh2 the ,kestrel 7,t4 cenchris71 i41 #cjh4 #f4--,the ,red-footed ,falcons 7,erythropus71 i41 #caj2 the ,evening ,falcon 7,e4 vespertinus71 i41 #caj4 #g4--,the ,sparrow ,falcons 7,rhynchodon71 i41 #caa2 the ,sparrow ,falcon 7,r4 sparverius71 i41 #caa4 #h4--,the ,dwarf ,falcons 7,hierax71 i41 #cab2 the ,muti 7,h4 crulescens71 i41 #cab4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,hawks 7,,accipitres71 ii41 #a4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,laughing ,hawks 7,herpetotheres71 ii41 #a2 the ,laughing ,hawk 7,h4 cachinnans71 ii41 #a4 #b4--,the ,toothed ,hawks 7,harpagus71 ii41 #b2 the ,double-toothed ,hawk 7,h4 bidentatus71 ii41 #b4 #c4--,the ,sparrow ,hawks 7,nisus71 ii41 #b2 the ,sparrow ,hawk 7,n4 communis71 ii41 #b4 #d4--,the ,hawks ,proper 7,astur71 ii41 #d2 the ,gos ,hawk 7,a4 palumbarius71 ii1 #d4 #e4--,the ,singing ,hawks 7,mclierax71 ii41 #f2 the ,singing ,hawk 7,m4 musicus and ,m4 polyzonus71 ii1 #f4 #f4--,the ,serpent ,hawks 7,polyboroides71 ii41 #g2 the ,serpent ,hawk 7,p4 typicus71 ii41 #g4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,eagles 7,,aquil71 ii41 #h4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,eagles 7,aquila71 ii41 #aj2 the ,tawny ,eagle 7,a4 fulva71 ii41 #aa2 the ,golden ,eagle 7,a4 chrysatos71 ii41 #aj2 the ,imperial ,eagle 7,a4 imperialis71 ii41 #aj2 the ,spotted ,eagle 7,a4 nvia7 ii41 #ac2 the ,dwarf ,eagles 7,hieratos71 ii41 #ac2 the ,booted ,eagle 7,h4 pennata71 ii41 #ad2 the ,dwarf ,eagle 7,h4 minuta71 ii41 #ae4 #b4--,the ,wedge-tailed ,eagles 7,uroatos71 ii41 #ae2 the ,bold ,wedge-tailed ,eagle 7,u4 audax71 ii41 #ag4 #c4--,the ,hawk ,eagles 7,pseudatos ,eudolmatos1 or ,asturatos71 ii41 #ag2 the ,hawk ,eagle 7,p4 ,bonellii71 ii41 #ag4 #d4--,the ,hooded ,eagles 7,spizatos71 ii41 #ah2 the ,martial ,hooded ,eagle 7,s4 bellicosus71 ii41 #ah4 #e4--,the ,tufted ,eagles 7,lophatos71 ii41 #ai2 the ,tufted ,eagle 7,l4 occipitalis71 ii41 #ai4 #f4--,the ,destroying ,eagles 7,pternura71 ii41 #ai2 the ,urutaurana 7,p4 tyrannus71 ii41 #bj2 ,isidore's ,destroying ,eagle 7,p4 ,isidori71 ii41 #ba4 #g4--,the ,brazilian ,eagles 7,morphnus71 ii41 #ba2 the ,crested ,brazilian ,eagle 7,m4 ,guianensis71 ii41 #ba4 #h4--,the ,harpy ,eagles 7,harpyia71 ii41 #bb2 the ,harpy ,eagle 7,h4 destructor71 ii41 #bb4 #i4--,the ,sea ,eagles 7,haliatos71 ii41 #bc2 the ,sea ,eagle 7,h4 albicilla71 ii41 #bc2 the ,white-headed ,sea ,eagle 7,h4 leucocephalus71 ii41 #bc2 the ,african ,screaming ,sea ,eagle 7,h4 vocifer71 ii41 #bg4 #aj4--,the ,river ,eagles1 or ,fish ,hawks 7,pandion71 ii41 #cj2 the ,osprey 7,p4 ,haliatos71 ii41 #cj4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,kites 7,,milvi71 ii41 #ca4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,short-tailed ,kites 7,helotarsus71 ii41 #cb2 the ,short-tailed ,kite 7,h4 ecaudatus71 ii41 #cb4 #b4--,the ,gliding ,kites 7,elanus71 ii41 #cd2 the ,true ,gliding ,kite 7,e4 melanopterus71 ii41 #cd4 #c4--,the ,hovering ,kites 7,ictinia71 ii41 #ce2 the ,mississippi ,kite 7,i4 ,mississippiensis71 ii41 #ce4 #d4--,the ,crooked-billed ,kites 7,cymindis71 ii41 #cf2 the ,buzzard ,kite 7,c4 uncinatus71 ii41 #cf4 #e4--,the ,hooded ,kites 7,baza71 ii41 #cg2 the ,syama 7,b4 lophotes71 ii41 #cg4 #f4--,the ,water ,kites 7,hydroictinia71 ii41 #cg2 the ,black ,kite 7,h4 atra71 ii41 #cg2 the ,govinda 7,h4 ,govinda71 ii41 #ci2 the ,parasite ,kite 7,h4 parasitica71 ii41 #ci4 #g4--,the ,true ,kites 7,milvus71 ii41 #dj2 the ,red or ,royal ,kite 7,m4 regalis71 ii41 #dj4 #h4--,the ,swallow-tailed ,kites 7,nauclerus71 ii41 #da2 the ,swallow-tailed ,kite 7,n4 furcatus71 ii41 #da4 #i4--,the ,dwarf ,swallow-tailed ,kites 7,chelidopterix71 ii41 #db2 the ,dwarf ,swallow-tailed ,kite 7,c4 ,riocouri71 ii41 #dc4 #aj4--,the ,meadow ,kites 7,strigiceps71 ii41 #dc2 the ,blue ,kite1 or ,hen ,harrier 7,s4 cyaneus71 ii41 #dc2 the ,pallid ,harrier 7,s4 pallidus71 ii41 #dc2 the ,ash-coloured ,harrier 7,s4 cineraceus71 ii41 #dd4 #aa4--,the ,marsh ,kites 7,circus71 ii41 #de2 the ,reed ,kite1 or ,marsh ,harrier 7,c4 rufus71 ii41 #de4 #ab4--,the ,spotted ,kites 7,spilocircus71 ii41 #df2 ,jardine's ,spotted ,kite 7,s4 ,jardinii71 ii41 #df4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,buzzards 7,,buteones71 ii41 #dg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,eagle ,buzzards 7,circatos71 ii41 #dg2 the ,snake ,buzzard 7,c4 brachydactylus71 ii41 #dh4 #b4--,the ,crested ,buzzards 7,spilornis71 ii41 #ej2 the ,bacha 7,s4 ,bacha71 ii41 #ej4 #c4--,the ,honey ,buzzards 7,pernis71 ii41 #ej2 the ,wasp ,kite 7,p4 apivorus71 ii41 #ej2 the ,crested ,honey ,buzzard 7,p4 cristatus71 ii41 #eb4 #d4--,the ,rough-legged ,buzzards 7,archibuteo71 ii41 #eb2 the ,winter ,buzzard 7,a4 ,lagopus71 ii41 #eb4 #e4--,the ,true ,buzzards 7,buteo71 ii41 #eb2 the ,common or ,mouse ,buzzard 7,b4 vulgaris71 ii41 #eb4 #f4--,the ,grasshopper ,buzzards 7,poliornis71 ii41 #ed2 the ,red-winged ,buzzard 7,p4 rufipennis71 ii41 #ed2 the ,tesa 7,p4 tesa71 ii41 #ed4 #g4--,the ,hook-beaked ,buzzards 7,rostrhamus71 ii41 #ee2 the ,caracolero 7,r4 hamatus71 ii41 #ee4 #h4--,the ,urubitingas 7,hypomorphnus71 ii41 #ee2 the ,urubitinga 7,h4 ,urubitinga71 ii41 #ee4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,vulture ,,falcons 7,,polybori71 ii41 #ef4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,vulture ,buzzards 7,milvago71 ii41 #eg2 the ,chimango 7,m4 ,chimachima71 ii41 #eg2 the ,vulture ,buzzard 7,m4 ,australis71 ii41 #eh4 #b4--,the ,vulture ,falcons 7,polyborus71 ii41 #eh2 the ,carancho 7,p4 ,brasiliensis71 ii41 #eh4 #c4--,the ,screaming ,buzzards 7,ibicter71 ii41 #fj2 the ,ganga 7,i4 ,americanus71 ii41 #fj4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,crane ,,vultures 7,,gypogerani71 ii41 #fb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,secretary or ,crane ,vulture 7,gypogeranus serpentarius71 ii41 #fb4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,vulture ,,eagles 7,,gypa,,ti71 ii41 #fg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,lmmergeier 7,gypatos71 ii41 #fg2 the ,bearded ,vulture 7,g4 barbatus71 ii41 #fg4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,vultures ,,proper 7,,vultures71 ii41 #fi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wattled ,vultures 7,sarcorhamphus71 ii41 #gj2 the ,condor 7,sarcorhamphus gryphus71 ii41 #gj2 the ,californian ,condor 7,s4 ,californianus71 ii41 #ga2 the ,king of the ,vultures 7,s4 papa71 ii41 #ga4 #b4--,the ,goose ,vultures 7,gyps71 ii41 #gc2 the ,tawny ,goose ,vulture 7,g4 fulvus71 ii41 #gd2 the ,sparrow-hawk ,goose ,vulture 7,g4 ,rppellii71 ii41 #gd4 #c4--,the ,crested ,vultures 7,vultur71 ii41 #ge2 the ,cowled or ,brown ,vulture 7,v4 cinereus71 ii41 #ge2 the ,crested ,vulture 7,vultur or ,lophogyps occipitalis71 ii41 #gf4 #d4--,the ,eared ,vultures 7,otogyps71 ii41 #gf2 the ,eared ,vulture 7,o4 auricularis71 ii41 #gg4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,raven ,,vultures 7,,cathart71 ii41 #gg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,scavenger ,raven ,vultures 7,percnopterus71 ii41 #gh2 the ,egyptian ,raven ,vulture 7,p4 stercorarius71 ii41 #gh4 #b4--,the ,collared ,vultures 7,neophron71 ii41 #gi2 the ,monk ,vulture 7,n4 pileatus71 ii41 #gi4 #c4--,the ,true ,raven ,vultures 7,cathartes71 ii41 #hb2 the ,urubu 7,c4 aura71 ii41 #hb4 #d4--,the ,crow ,vultures 7,coragyps71 ii41 #hb2 the ,gallinazo 7,c4 atratus71 ii41 #hb4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,day ,,owls 7,,surni71 ii41 #he4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,falcon ,owls 7,surnia71 ii41 #he2 the ,sparrow-hawk ,owl 7,s4 ,ulula71 ii41 #he4 #b4--,the ,hare ,owls 7,nyctea71 ii41 #hf2 the ,snow ,owl 7,n4 nivea71 ii41 #hf4 #c4--,the ,stone ,owls 7,athene71 ii41 #hg2 the ,stone ,owl 7,athene noctua71 ii41 #hg4 #d4--,the ,burrowing ,owls 7,pholeoptynx71 ii41 #hi2 the ,brazilian or ,rabbit ,owl 7,p4 cunicularia71 ii41 #ij2 the ,prairie ,owl 7,p4 hypoga71 ii41 #ij4 #e4--,the ,sparrow ,owls 7,microptynx71 ii41 #ia2 the ,european ,sparrow ,owl 7,m4 passerina71 ii41 #ia4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,eared ,,owls 7,,bubones71 ii41 #ia4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,uhus 7,bubo71 ii41 #ia2 the ,uhu 7,b4 maximus71 ii41 #ic4 #b4--,the ,water ,owls 7,ketupa71 ii41 #ie2 the ,brown ,fish ,owl 7,k4 ,ceylonensis71 ii41 #ie4 #c4--,the ,eared ,owls 7,otus71 ii41 #ig2 the ,woodland ,owl 7,o4 sylvestris71 ii41 #ig2 the ,marsh ,owl 7,o4 brachyotus71 ii41 #ih4 #d4--,the ,dwarf ,eared ,owls 7,ephialtes71 ii41 #ih2 the ,dwarf ,eared ,owl 7,e4 ,scops1 or ,e4 ,carniolica71 ii41 #ih4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,nocturnal ,,owls 7,,striges71 ii41 #ii4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,owls 7,syrnium71 ii41 #ii2 the ,tree ,owl 7,s4 aluco71 ii41 #ii4 #b4--,the ,night ,owls 7,nyctale71 ii41 #ajj2 the ,hairy-footed ,night ,owl 7,n4 dasypus71 ii41 #ajj4 #c4--,the ,veiled ,owls 7,strix71 ii41 #ajb2 ,kirchhoff's ,owl 7,s4 ,kirchhoffii71 ii41 #ajb2 the ,barn ,owl 7,s4 flammea71 ii41 #ajb4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,v4 ,,the ,,gapers 7,,hiantes74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,swallows 7,,hirundines71 ii41 #ajd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,swallows 7,cecropis71 ii41 #aje2 ,the ,chimney ,swallow 7,c4 rustica71 ii41 #ajf2 the ,senegal ,swallow 7,c4 ,senegalensis71 ii41 #aji2 the ,thread-tailed ,swallow 7,c4 filifera71 ii41 #aaj4 #b4--,the ,martins 7,chelidon71 ii41 #aaj2 the ,house ,martin 7,c4 urbica71 ii41 #aaj2 the ,ariel 7,c4 ,ariel71 ii41 #aac4 #c4--,the ,mountain or ,shore ,swallows 7,cotyle71 ii41 #aaa2 the ,rock ,swallows 7,c4 rupestris71 ii41 #aaa2 the ,sand ,martin 7,c4 riparia71 ii41 #aab4 #d4--,the ,wood ,swallows 7,atticora71 ii41 #aad2 the ,striped ,wood ,swallow 7,a4 fasciata71 ii41 #aad4 #e4--,the ,sailor ,swallows 7,progne71 ii41 #aad2 the ,purple ,swallow 7,p4 purpurea71 ii41 #aad4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,swifts 7,,cypseli71 ii41 #aae4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,swifts 7,dendrochelidon71 ii41 #aah2 the ,klecho 7,d4 klecho71 ii41 #aah4 #b4--,the ,salanganes 7,collocalia71 ii41 #aah2 the ,salangane ,proper 7,c4 nidifica71 ii41 #aah2 the ,kusappi 7,c4 fuciphaga71 ii41 #aai4 #c4--,the ,prickly-tailed ,swifts 7,acanthylis71 ii41 #aba2 the ,white-throated ,prickly-tailed ,swift 7,a4 caudatus71 ii41 #abb4 #d4--,the ,swifts ,proper 7,cypselus71 ii41 #abb2 the ,dwarf ,swift 7,c4 parvus71 ii41 #abb2 the ,palm-tree ,swift 7,c4 palmarum71 ii41 #abb2 the ,steeple ,swift 7,c4 apus71 ii41 #abb2 the ,alpine ,swift 7,c4 ,melba71 ii41 #abc4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,goatsuckers 7,,caprimulgi71 ii41 #abd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,podagers 7,podager71 ii41 #abe2 the ,nacunda 7,p4 nacunda71 ii41 #abe4 #b4--,the ,twilight ,night ,jars 7,chordeiles71 ii41 #abf2 the ,night ,falcon 7,c4 ,virginianus71 ii41 #abf4 #c4--,the ,goatsuckers 7,caprimulgus71 ii41 #abg2 the ,european ,night ,jar 7,c4 ,europus71 ii41 #abg2 the ,resplendent ,goatsucker 7,c4 eximius71 ii41 #abh4 #d4--,the ,bristled ,night ,jars 7,antrostomus71 ii41 #abh2 the ,whip-poor-,will 7,a4 vociferus71 ii41 #abh4 #e4--,the ,african ,night ,jars 7,scotornis71 ii41 #abi2 the ,african ,night ,jar 7,s4 climacurus71 ii41 #abi4 #f4--,the ,lyre-tailed ,night ,jars 7,hydropsalis71 ii41 #acj2 the ,lyre-tailed ,night ,jar 7,h4 forcipata71 ii41 #acj4 #g4--,the ,streamer ,night ,jars 7,macrodipteryx71 ii41 #aca2 the ,long-winged ,macrodipteryx 7,m4 longipennis71 ii41 #aca2 the ,streamer-bearing ,night ,jar 7,m4 or ,cosmetornis vexillarius71 ii41 #aca4 #h4--,the ,giant ,goatsuckers 7,nyctibius71 ii41 #acd2 the ,ibijau1 or ,earth-eater 7,n4 grandis71 ii41 #acd4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,oil ,,birds 7,,steatornithes71 ii41 #ace4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,guachero1 or ,oil ,bird 7,steatornis ,caripensis71 ii41 #ace4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,owl ,,swallows 7,,podargi71 ii41 #acf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,dwarf ,owl ,swallows 7gotheles71 ii41 #acf2 the ,dwarf ,owl ,swallow 74 ,nov-,hollandi71 ii41 #acg4 #b4--,the ,giant ,owl ,swallows 7,podargus71 ii41 #ach2 the ,giant ,owl ,swallow 7,p4 humeralis71 ii41 #ach4 #c4--,the ,frog-mouths 7,batrachostomus71 ii41 #adj2 the ,plumed ,frog-mouth 7,b4 cornutus or ,javanicus71 ii41 #adj4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,vi4 ,,singing ,,birds 7,,oscines74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,shrikes 7,,lanii71 ii41 #ada4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,butcher ,birds 7,lanius71 ii41 #ada2 the ,sentinel ,butcher ,bird1 or ,great ,grey ,shrike 7,l4 excubitor71 ii41 #adb2 the ,southern ,shrike 7,l4 meridionalis71 ii41 #adc2 the ,black-browed ,shrike 7,l4 minor71 ii41 #adc4 #b4--,the ,butcher ,birds ,proper 7,enneoctonus71 ii41 #adf2 the ,red-backed ,shrike1 or ,true ,butcher ,bird 7,e4 collurio71 ii41 #adf2 the ,red-headed ,shrike 7,e4 or ,phoneus rufus71 ii41 #adf2 the ,masked ,shrike 7,e4 personatus71 ii41 #adg4 #c4--,the ,thick-headed ,shrikes 7,falcunculus71 ii41 #adg2 the ,falcon ,shrike 7,f4 frontatus71 ii41 #adg4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,bush ,,shrikes 7,,malaconoti71 ii41 #adh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,flute-voiced ,shrikes 7,laniarius71 ii41 #adi2 the ,scarlet ,shrike 7,l4 erythrogaster71 ii41 #adi2 the ,flute ,shrike 7,l4 thiopicus71 ii41 #aej4 #b4--,the ,hooded ,shrikes 7,telephonus71 ii41 #aej2 the ,tschagra 7,t4 erythropterus71 ii41 #aej4 #c4--,the ,helmet ,shrikes 7,prionops71 ii41 #aea2 the ,helmet ,shrike 7,p4 cristatus71 ii41 #aea4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,raven ,,shrikes 7,,thamnophili71 ii41 #aeb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crow ,shrikes 7,cracticus71 ii41 #aea2 the ,magpie ,shrike 7,c4 destructor71 ii41 #aea4 #b4--,the ,true ,raven ,shrikes 7,thamnophilus71 ii41 #aeb2 ,vigors' ,raven ,shrike 7,t4 undulatus71 ii41 #aec4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,drongo ,,shrikes 7,,edolii71 ii41 #aed4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,king ,crows 7,dicrourus71 ii41 #aed2 the ,king ,crow1 or ,finga 7,d4 macrocercus71 ii41 #aed4 #b4--,the ,drongos 7,chaptia71 ii41 #aed2 the ,singing ,drongo 7,c4 musica71 ii41 #aed4 #c4--,the ,flag-bearing ,drongos 7,edolius71 ii41 #aee2 the ,bee ,king 7,e4 paradiseus71 ii41 #aee4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,swallow ,,shrikes 7,,artami71 ii41 #aef4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,swallow ,shrikes 7,artamus71 ii41 #aef2 the ,wood ,swallow ,shrike 7,a4 sordidus71 ii41 #aef4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,tyrant ,,shrikes 7,,tyranni71 ii41 #aeh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tyrants 7,tyrannus71 ii41 #aeh2 the ,tyrant ,shrike1 or ,king ,bird 7,t4 intrepidus71 ii41 #aeh4 #b4--,the ,screaming ,tyrants 7,saurophagus71 ii41 #aei2 the ,bentevi 7,s4 sulphuratus71 ii41 #aei4 #c4--,the ,fork-tailed ,tyrants 7,milvalus71 ii41 #afa2 the ,scissor ,bird 7,m4 tyrannus71 ii41 #afa4 #d4--,the ,crowned ,tyrants 7,megalophus71 ii41 #afb2 the ,royal ,tyrant 7,m4 regius71 ii41 #afb4 #e4--,the ,stilted ,fly-catchers 7,gubernates71 ii41 #afc2 the ,yiperu1 or ,yetapa 7,g4 ,yiperu71 ii41 #afc4 #f4--,the ,cock-tailed ,fly-catchers 7,alectrurus71 ii41 #afc2 the ,cock-tailed ,fly-catcher 7,a4 tricolor71 ii41 #afc4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,caterpillar ,,eaters 7,,campephag71 ii41 #afd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,red ,bird 7,pericrocotus71 ii41 #afd2 the ,red ,bird 7,p4 speciosus71 ii41 #afd4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,fly-,,snappers 7,,myiagr71 ii41 #afd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,paradise ,fly-catchers 7,terpsiphone71 ii41 #aff2 the ,paradise ,fly-snapper 7,t4 paradisea71 ii41 #aff4 #b4--,the ,fantails 7,rhipidura71 ii41 #aff2 the ,wagtail ,fantail 7,r4 motacilloides71 ii41 #afg4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,fly-,,catchers 7,,muscicap71 ii41 #afg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,fly-catchers 7,butalis71 ii41 #afh2 the ,grey or ,spotted ,fly-catcher 7,b4 grisola71 ii41 #afh4 #b4--,the ,mourning ,fly-catchers 7,muscicapa71 ii41 #afi2 the ,black-capped or ,pied ,fly-catcher 7,m4 atricapilla71 ii41 #agj2 the ,collared or ,white-necked ,fly-catcher 7,m4 albicollis71 ii41 #agj4 #c4--,the ,dwarf ,fly-catchers 7,erythrosterna71 ii41 #aga2 the ,dwarf ,fly-catcher 7,e4 parva71 ii41 #aga4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,silk-,,tails 7,,bombycill71 ii41 #aga4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,silk-tails 7,bombycilla71 ii41 #aga2 the ,bohemian ,chatterer1 or ,wax-,wing 7,b4 garrula71 ii41 #agb4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,manakins 7,,pipr71 ii41 #agd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rock ,birds 7,rupicola71 ii41 #agd2 the ,cock of the ,rock 7,r4 crocea71 ii41 #agd4 #b4--,the ,true ,manakins 7,pipr71 ii41 #agf2 the ,long-tailed ,manakin 7,p4 caudata71 ii41 #agg2 the ,tije 7,p4 pareola71 ii41 #agg2 the ,black-cap ,manakin 7,p4 manacus71 ii41 #agh4 #c4--,the ,panther ,birds 7,pardalotus71 ii41 #agh2 the ,diamond ,bird 7,p4 punctatus71 ii41 #agh4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,bald-,,headed ,,crows 7,,gymnoderi71 ii41 #agi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bald ,fruit ,crows 7,gymnocephalus71 ii41 #ahj2 the ,capuchin ,bird 7,g4 calvus71 ii41 #ahj4 #b4--,the ,umbrella ,chatterers 7,cephalopterus71 ii41 #aha2 the ,umbrella ,bird 7,c4 ornatus71 ii41 #aha4 #c4--,the ,bell ,birds 7,chasmarhynchus71 ii41 #ahb2 the ,bare-necked ,bell ,bird 7,c4 nudicollis71 ii41 #ahb2 the ,araponga 7,c4 variegatus71 ii41 #ahc2 the ,true ,bell ,bird 7,c4 carunculatus71 ii41 #ahc2 the ,three-wattled ,bell ,bird 7,c4 tricarunculatus71 ii41 #ahc4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,ground ,,singers 7,,humicol71 ii41 #ahd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,nightingales 7,luscinia71 ii41 #ahf2 the ,nightingale 7,l4 ,philomela71 ii41 #ahf4 #b4--,the ,tree ,nightingales 7,adon71 ii41 #ahg2 the ,tree ,nightingale 7,a4 galactodes71 ii41 #ahg4 #c4--,the ,blue-throated ,warblers 7,cyanecula71 ii41 #ahh2 the ,swedish ,blue-throat 7,c4 ,suecica71 ii41 #ahi2 the ,white-starred ,blue-throat 7,c4 leucocyana71 ii41 #ahi4 #d4--,the ,ruby ,nightingales 7,calliope71 ii41 #aij2 the ,calliope of ,kamschatka 7,c4 ,camtschatcensis71 ii41 #aij4 #e4--,the ,redbreasts 7,rubecula71 ii41 #aia2 the ,robin ,redbreast 7,r4 sylvestris71 ii41 #aia4 ,,family ,,xiv4--,,the ,,warblers 7,,monticol71 ii41 #aic4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,redstarts 7,ruticilla71 ii41 #aid2 the ,black-capped ,redstart 7,r4 atra1 or ,r4 titys71 ii41 #aid2 the ,garden ,redstart 7,r4 phnicura71 ii41 #aie4 #b4--,the ,meadow ,warblers 7,pratincola71 ii41 #aie2 the ,brown-throated ,meadow ,warbler 7,p4 rubetra71 ii41 #aie2 the ,black-throated ,meadow ,warbler 7,p4 rubicola71 ii41 #aif4 #c4--,the ,chats 7,saxicol71 ii41 #aih2 the ,fallow ,chat1 or ,wheat-ear 7,s4 nanthe71 ii41 #aih2 the ,eared ,stone ,chat 7,s4 aurita71 ii41 #aih2 the ,black-throated ,stone ,chat 7,s4 stapazina71 ii41 #aih4 #d4--,the ,running ,warblers 7,dromola71 ii41 #aii2 the ,white-tailed ,wheat-ear 7,d4 leucura71 ii41 #bjj4 #e4--,the ,stone ,thrushes1 or ,rock ,wagtails 7,petrocincla71 ii41 #bjb2 the ,stone ,thrush1 or ,rock ,wagtail 7,p4 or ,turdus saxatilis71 ii41 #bjb2 the ,blue ,rock ,wagtail 7,p4 cyanea71 ii41 #bjc4 #f4--,the ,bush ,warblers 7,thamnola71 ii41 #bjd2 the ,bush ,warbler 7,t4 albiscapulata71 ii41 #bjd4 ,,family ,,xv4--,,the ,,thrushes 7,,turdi71 ii41 #bje4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wood ,thrushes 7,turdus71 ii41 #bjf2 the ,missel ,thrush 7,t4 viscivorus71 ii41 #bjf2 the ,song ,thrush 7,t4 musicus71 ii41 #bjg2 the ,fieldfare 7,t4 pilaris71 ii41 #bjg2 the ,redwing 7,t4 iliacus71 ii41 #baj2 the ,ring ,ouzel 7,t4 torquatus71 ii41 #baa2 the ,blackbird 7,t4 merula71 ii41 #baa4 ,,family ,,xvi4--,,the ,,mocking ,,thrushes 7,,mimi71 ii41 #bac4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mocking ,thrushes 7,mimi71 ii41 #bad2 the ,mocking ,bird 7,m4 polyglottus71 ii41 #bad4 #b4--,the ,red ,mocking ,thrushes 7,taxostoma71 ii41 #baf2 the ,ferruginous ,mocking ,bird 7,t4 rufum71 ii41 #baf4 #c4--,the ,cat ,birds 7,galeoscoptes71 ii41 #baf2 the ,cat ,bird 7,g4 ,carolinensis71 ii41 #baf4 ,,family ,,xvii4--,,the ,,babblers 7,,timali71 ii41 #bah4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,grey ,birds 7,pycnonotus71 ii41 #bah2 the ,grey ,bird 7,p4 arsino71 ii41 #bah2 ,le ,vaillant's ,grey ,bird 7,p4 ,vaillantii71 ii41 #bai4 #b4--,the ,true ,babblers 7,timalia71 ii41 #bbj2 the ,red-headed ,babbler 7,t4 pileata71 ii41 #bbj4 #c4--,the ,hook-clawed ,babblers 7,crateropus71 ii41 #bba2 the ,white-rumped ,babbler 7,c4 leucopygius71 ii41 #bba4 #d4--,the ,laughing ,thrushes 7,garrulax71 ii41 #bbb2 the ,white-tufted ,laughing ,thrush 7,g4 leucolophus71 ii41 #bbc4 ,,family ,,xviii4--,,the ,,water ,,ouzels 7,,cinclus71 ii41 #bbc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,water ,ouzels 7,cinclus71 ii41 #bbc2 the ,water ,ouzel1 or ,dipper 7,c4 aquaticus71 ii41 #bbc2 the ,american ,water ,ouzel 7,c4 ,americanus71 ii41 #bbh4 ,,family ,,xix4--,,the ,,pittas 7,,pitt71 ii41 #bbh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,pittas1 or ,painted ,thrushes 7,pitta71 ii41 #bbh2 the ,nurang 7,p4 ,bengalensis71 ii41 #bbh2 the ,pulih 7,p4 ,angolensis71 ii41 #bbi2 the ,noisy ,pitta 7,p4 strepitans71 ii41 #bbi4 ,,family ,,xx4--,,the ,,ant ,,thrushes 7,,myiother71 ii41 #bcj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ant ,birds 7,pyriglena71 ii41 #bcj2 the ,fire ,eye 7,p4 domicella71 ii41 #bcj4 #b4--,the ,ant ,kings 7,grallaria71 ii41 #bca2 the ,ant ,king 7,g4 rex71 ii41 #bca4 #c4--,the ,tapacolos 7,pteroptochus71 ii41 #bca2 the ,tapacolo1 or ,tualo 7,p4 megapodius71 ii41 #bca4 ,,family ,,xxi4--,,the ,,lyre-,,tails 7,,menur71 ii41 #bcb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,lyre-tails 7,menura71 ii41 #bcb2 the ,lyre ,bird 7,m4 superba71 ii41 #bcb4 ,,family ,,xxii4--,,the ,,song ,,warblers 7,,sylvi71 ii41 #bcg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,song ,warblers 7,curruca71 ii1 #bch2 the ,sparrow-hawk ,warbler 7,c4 nisoria71 ii41 #bch2 the ,orpheus ,warbler 7,c4 ,orphea71 ii41 #bci2 the ,greater ,pettichaps 7,c4 or ,sylvia hortensis71 ii41 #bdj2 the ,lesser ,white-throat 7,c4 garrula71 ii41 #bdb2 the ,capirote1 or ,black-cap 7,c4 atricapilla71 ii41 #bdc2 the ,white-throat 7,c4 cinerea71 ii41 #bde2 the ,spectacled ,warbler 7,c4 conspiculata71 ii41 #bdf2 the ,white-throated ,warbler 7,c4 leucopogon71 ii41 #bdg4 #b4--,the ,fire-eyed ,warblers 7,pyrophthalma71 ii41 #bdg2 the ,black-headed ,fire-eyed ,warbler 7,p4 melanocephala71 ii41 #bdh2 the ,sardinian ,fire-eyed ,black-head 7,p4 ,sarda71 ii41 #bdi2 the ,provence or ,dartford ,warbler 7,p4 ,provincialis71 ii41 #bdi4 ,,family ,,xxiii4--,,the ,,tree ,,warblers 7,,phylloscopi71 ii41 #beb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,warblers 7,phyllopneuste71 ii41 #beb2 the ,field ,tree ,warbler1 or ,willow ,wren 7,p4 ,trochilus71 ii41 #beb4 #b4--,the ,leaf ,wrens 7,reguloides71 ii41 #bed2 the ,leaf ,wren 7,r4 ,proregulus71 ii41 #bed4 #c4--,the ,garden ,warblers 7,hypolais71 ii41 #bed2 the ,melodious ,willow ,wren 7,h4 hortensis1 or ,h4 salicari71 ii41 #bed2 the ,chiff-,chaff 7,h4 or ,sylvia rufa71 ii41 #bee2 the ,ashy ,garden ,warbler 7,h4 cinerescens71 ii41 #bef4 ,,family ,,xxiv4--,,the ,,marsh ,,warblers 7,,calamodyt71 ii41 #beg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,reed ,warblers 7,acrocephalus71 ii41 #beh2 the ,true ,reed ,warbler 7,a4 turdoides71 ii41 #beh4 #b4--,the ,sedge ,warblers 7,calamodus71 ii41 #bei2 the ,sedge ,warbler 7,c4 phragmitis71 ii41 #bei4 #c--,the ,grasshopper ,warblers 7,locustella71 ii41 #bfa2 the ,grasshopper ,warbler 7,l4 certhiola71 ii41 #bfa4 ,,family ,,xxv4--,,the ,,bush ,,warblers 7,,drymoic71 ii41 #bfb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bush ,warblers 7,cisticola71 ii41 #bfb2 the ,pinc-,pinc 7,c4 schnicola71 ii41 #bfc4 #b4--,the ,tailor ,birds 7,orthotomus71 ii41 #bfd2 the ,tailor ,bird 7,o4 longicauda71 ii41 #bfe4 #c4--,the ,emu ,wrens 7,stipiturus71 ii41 #bff2 the ,emu ,wren 7,s4 malachurus71 ii41 #bff4 ,,family ,,xxvi4--,,the ,,wrens 7,,troglodyt71 ii41 #bfi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wrens ,proper 7,troglodytes71 ii41 #bgj2 the ,common ,wren 7,t4 parvulus71 ii41 #bgj4 #b4--,the ,marsh ,wrens 7,thryothorus71 ii41 #bga2 the ,carolina ,wren 7,t4 ,ludovicianus71 ii41 #bgb2 the ,house ,wren 7,t4 platensis71 ii41 #bgc4 #c4--,the ,flute ,players 7,cyphorhinus71 ii41 #bgc2 the ,flute ,players 7,c4 cantans71 ii41 #bgc4 ,,family ,,xxvii4--,,the ,,pipits 7,,anthi71 ii41 #bgd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,pipits 7,anthus71 ii41 #bgd2 the ,meadow ,pipit 7,a4 pratensis71 ii41 #bgd2 the ,tree ,pipit 7,a4 arboreus71 ii41 #bge2 the ,rock ,pipit 7,a4 petrosus71 ii41 #bgh4 #b4--,the ,field ,pipits 7,agrodroma71 ii41 #bgi2 the ,stone or ,fallow-land ,pipit 7,a4 campestris71 ii41 #bgi4 #c4--,the ,spurred ,pipits 7,corydalla71 ii41 #bha2 ,richard's ,spurred ,pipit 7,c4 ,richardii71 ii41 #bhb4 ,,family ,,xxviii4--,,the ,,wagtails 7,,motacill71 ii41 #bhb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,wagtails 7,motacilla71 ii41 #bhb2 the ,white ,wagtail 7,m4 alba71 ii41 #bhc2 the ,pied ,wagtail 7,m4 ,yarrellii71 ii41 #bhe2 the ,dhobin 7,m4 ,dukhunensis71 ii41 #bhf2 the ,rock ,wagtail 7,m4 ,lichtensteinii71 ii41 #bhf4 #b4--,the ,mountain ,wagtails 7,calobates71 ii41 #bhg2 the ,mountain ,wagtail 7,c4 sulphurea71 ii41 #bhg4 #c4--,the ,sheep ,wagtails 7,budytes71 ii41 #bhh2 the ,cow or ,meadow ,wagtail 7,b4 flavus71 ii41 #bhi2 ,ray's ,wagtail 7,b4 ,rayii71 ii41 #bhi2 the ,velvet-headed or ,sheep ,wagtail 7,b4 melanocephalus71 ii41 #bij2 the ,yellow-headed ,wagtail 7,b4 citreolus71 ii41 #bia4 #d4--,the ,wood ,wagtails 7,nemoricola71 ii41 #bia2 the ,gomarita1 or ,garden ,wagtail 7,n4 ,indica71 ii41 #bia4 #e4--,the ,swallow ,wagtails 7,enicurus71 ii41 #aib2 the ,meninting 7,e4 coronatus71 ii41 #bib4 ,,family ,,xxix4--,,the ,,accentors 7,,accentores71 ii41 #bib4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hedge ,sparrows1 or ,hedge ,warblers 7,tharraleus71 ii41 #bid2 the ,hedge ,warbler 7,t4 modularis71 ii41 #bid2 the ,siberian ,accentor 7,t4 montanellus71 ii41 #bie4 #b4--,the ,lark ,accentors 7,accentor71 ii41 #bie2 the ,alpine ,accentor 7,a4 ,alpinus71 ii41 #bie4 ,,family ,,xxx4--,,the ,,tits 7,,pari71 ii41 #bif4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crested ,wrens1 or ,kinglets 7,regulus71 ii41 #big2 the ,golden-crested ,wren 7,r4 auricapillus71 ii41 #bih2 the ,dalmatian ,wren 7,r4 modestus71 ii41 #bih2 the ,fire-crested ,wren 7,r4 ignicapillus71 ii41 #bii2 the ,satrap ,crowned ,wren 7,r4 satrapa71 ii41 #bii2 the ,ruby-crowned ,wren 7,r4 calendulus71 ii41 #cja4 #b4--,the ,penduline ,titmice 7githalus71 ii41 #cjb2 the ,penduline ,titmouse 74 pendulinus71 ii41 #cjb4 #c4--,the ,reed ,titmice 7,panurus71 ii41 #cjc2 the ,bearded ,titmouse 7,p4 biarmicus71 ii41 #cjc4 #d4--,the ,long-tailed ,titmice 7,orites71 ii41 #cjf2 the ,long-tailed ,titmouse 7,o4 caudatus71 ii41 #cjf4 #e4--,the ,crested ,titmice 7,lophophanes71 ii41 #cjg2 the ,crested ,tit 7,l4 cristatus71 ii41 #cjg2 the ,toupet ,tit 7,l4 bicolor71 ii41 #cji4 #f4--,the ,wood ,tits 7,parus71 ii41 #cji2 the ,great ,tit 7,parus major71 ii41 #cji2 the ,sombre ,tit 7,p4 lugubris71 ii41 #caa2 the ,cole ,tit 7,p4 ater71 ii41 #caa2 the ,blue ,tit 7,p4 cruleus71 ii41 #cad2 the ,azure ,tit 7,p4 cyaneus71 ii41 #caf2 the ,siberian ,tit 7,p4 ,sibericus71 ii41 #caf2 the ,marsh ,tit 7,p4 palustris71 ii41 #cag2 the ,carolina ,titmouse 7,p4 ,carolinensis71 ii41 #cah2 the ,black-capped ,titmouse 7,p4 atricapillus71 ii41 #cah4 ,,order ,,iii4 ,,searchers 7,,investigatores74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,vii4 ,,the ,,climbers 7,,scansores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,flower ,,birds 7,,certhiol71 iii41 #b4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,blue ,flower ,birds 7,creba71 iii41 #b2 the ,sai1 or ,blue ,creba 7,c4 cyanea71 iii41 #c4 #b4--,the ,pitpits 7,certhiola71 iii41 #d2 the ,banana ,quit1 or ,black and ,yellow ,creeper 7,c4 flaveola71 iii41 #d4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,honeysuckers 7,,nectarini71 iii41 #e4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,honeysuckers 7,hedydipna71 iii41 #f2 the ,abu-,risch 7,h4 metallica71 iii41 #f4 #b4--,the ,fire ,honeysuckers 7thopyga71 iii41 #f2 the ,cadet 74 miles71 iii41 #f4 #c4--,the ,bent-beaks 7,cyrtostomus71 iii41 #g2 the ,australian ,blossom ,rifler 7,c4 ,australis71 iii41 #g4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,spider-,,eaters 7,,arachnother71 iii41 #g4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,half-bills 7,hemignathus71 iii41 #h2 the ,brilliant ,half-bill 7,h4 lucidus71 iii41 #h4 #b4--,the ,hanging ,birds 7,arachnocestra71 iii41 #h2 the ,true ,hanging ,bird 7,a4 longirostris71 iii41 #h4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,honey-,,eaters 7,,meliphag71 iii41 #i4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,honey-eaters 7,myzomela71 iii41 #aj2 the ,red-headed ,honey-eater 7,m4 erythrocephala71 iii41 #aj4 #b4--,the ,tufted ,honey-eaters 7,ptilotis71 iii41 #aj2 the ,yellow-throated ,tufted ,honey-eater 7,p4 flavigula71 iii41 #aj4 #c4--,the ,brush ,wattle ,birds 7,melichra71 iii41 #aa2 the ,true ,brush ,wattle ,bird 7,m4 mellivora71 iii41 #aa2 the ,poe1 or ,tui 7,m4 or ,prosthemadera circinata71 iii41 #ab4 #d4--,the ,friar ,birds 7,tropidorhynchus71 iii41 #ab2 the ,leather-head 7,t4 corniculatus71 iii41 #ab4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,hoopoes 7,,upup71 iii41 #ad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hoopoes ,proper 7,upupa71 iii41 #ad2 the ,common ,hoopoe 7,u4 epops71 iii41 #ad4 #b4--,the ,tree ,hoopoes 7,irrisor71 iii41 #ae2 the ,red-beaked ,tree ,hoopoe 7,i4 erythrorhynchus71 iii41 #ae4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,tree-,,climbers 7,,anabat71 iii41 #ae4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bundle-nests 7,phacellodomus71 iii41 #af2 the ,red-fronted ,bundle-nest 7,p4 rufifrons71 iii41 #ag4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,oven ,,birds 7,,furnarii71 iii41 #ah4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,oven ,birds 7,furnarius71 iii41 #ah2 the ,red ,oven ,bird 7,f4 rufus71 iii41 #ah4 #b4--,the ,ground ,woodpeckers 7,geositta71 iii41 #ai2 the ,burrowing ,ground ,woodpecker 7,g4 cunicularia71 iii41 #ai4 #c4--,the ,stair-beaks 7,xenops71 iii41 #ai2 the ,hairy-checked ,stair-beak 7,n4 genibarbis71 iii41 #bj4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,nut-,,hatches 7,,sitt71 iii41 #bj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,nut-hatches 7,sitta71 iii41 #bj2 the ,common ,nuthatch 7,s4 csia71 iii41 #ba2 the ,syrian ,nuthatch 7,s4 ,syriaca71 iii41 #bb4 #b4--,the ,creepers 7,sitella71 iii41 #bb2 the ,bonneted ,creeper 7,s4 pileata71 iii41 #bb4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,wall ,,creepers 7,,tichodrom71 iii41 #bc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wall ,creepers 7,tichodroma71 iii41 #bc2 the ,alpine or ,red-winged ,wall ,creeper 7,t4 muraria71 iii41 #bc4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,tree ,,creepers 7,,scandentes71 iii41 #bd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,creepers 7,certhia71 iii41 #bc2 the ,common ,tree ,creeper 7,c4 familiaris71 iii41 #be4 #b4--,the ,sabre ,bills 7,xiphorhynchus71 iii41 #bf2 the ,sabre ,bill 7,x4 trochilorostris71 iii41 #bf4 #c4--,the ,tree ,choppers 7,dendroplex71 iii41 #bf2 the ,woodpecker ,tree ,chopper 7,d4 picus71 iii41 #bf4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,woodpeckers 7,,picid71 ii41 #bf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,black ,woodpeckers 7,dryocopus71 iii41 #bg2 the ,european ,black ,woodpecker 7,d4 martius71 iii41 #bg4 #b4--,the ,giant ,woodpeckers 7,campephilus71 iii41 #bh2 the ,imperial ,woodpecker 7,c4 imperialis71 iii41 #cj2 the ,ivory-billed ,woodpecker 7,c4 principalis71 iii41 #cj4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,black ,,woodpeckers 7,,melanerpes71 iii41 #cd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,black ,woodpeckers 7,melanerpes71 iii41 #cd2 the ,red-headed ,black ,woodpecker 7,m4 erythrocephalus71 iii41 #cd2 the ,ant-eating ,black ,woodpecker 7,m4 formicivorus71 iii41 #cf4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,variegated ,,woodpeckers 7,,pici71 iii41 #cf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,variegated ,woodpeckers 7,picus71 iii41 #cf2 the ,great ,spotted ,woodpecker 7,p4 major71 iii41 #cf4 #b4--,the ,harlequin ,woodpeckers 7,piculus71 iii41 #cg2 the ,harlequin ,woodpecker 7,p4 minor71 iii41 #cg4 #c4--,the ,three-toed ,woodpeckers 7,apternus71 iii41 #ch2 the ,three-toed ,woodpecker 7,a4 tridactylus71 iii41 #ch4 ,,family ,,xiv4--,,the ,,green ,,woodpeckers 7,,gecini71 iii41 #ci4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,green ,woodpeckers 7,gecinus71 iii41 #ci2 the ,green ,woodpecker 7,g4 viridis71 iii41 #ci4 ,,family ,,xv4--,,the ,,cuckoo ,,woodpeckers 7,,colaptes71 iii41 #da4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,golden ,cuckoo ,woodpeckers 7,colaptes71 iii41 #da2 the ,golden-winged ,woodpecker 7,c4 auratus71 iii41 #da2 the ,red-shafted or ,copper ,woodpecker 7,c4 ,mexicanus71 iii41 #db4 #b4--,the ,field ,cuckoo ,woodpeckers 7,geocolaptes71 iii41 #dc2 the ,field ,woodpecker 7,g4 campestris71 iii41 #dc4 ,,family ,,xvi4--,,the ,,soft-,,tailed ,,woodpeckers 7,,picumni71 iii1 #dc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,dwarf ,woodpeckers 7,picumnus71 iii41 #dc2 the ,dwarf ,woodpecker 7,p4 minutus71 iii41 #dc4 ,,family ,,xvii4--,,the ,,wrynecks 7,,yunges71 iii41 #dc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wrynecks 7,yunx71 iii41 #dc2 the ,wryneck 7,yunx torquilla71 iii41 #dc4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,viii4 ,,humming ,,birds 7,,stridores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,giant ,,gnomes 7,,eustephani71 iii41 #dg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,giant ,humming ,birds 7,patagona71 iii41 #dg2 the ,giant ,humming ,bird 7,p4 gigas71 iii41 #dg4 #b4--,the ,sword-bill ,humming ,birds 7,docimastes71 iii41 #di2 the ,sword-bill ,humming ,bird 7,d4 ensifer71 iii41 #di4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,gnomes 7,,polytmi71 iii41 #ej4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,saw-billed ,humming ,birds 7,grypus71 iii41 #ej2 the ,saw-bill 7,g4 nvius71 iii41 #ej4 #b4--,the ,sickle-billed ,humming ,birds 7,eutoxeres71 iii41 #ea2 the ,sickle-billed ,humming ,bird 7,e4 aquila71 iii41 #ea4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,sun ,,birds 7,,pha,,tornithes71 iii41 #ea4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hermits 7,phatornis71 iii41 #ea2 the ,cayenne ,hermit 7,p4 superciliosus71 iii41 #ea4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,mountain ,,nymphs 7,,oreotrochili71 iii41 #eb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hill-stars 7,oreotrochilus71 iii41 #eb2 the ,chimborazian ,hill-star 7,o4 ,chimborazo71 iii41 #eb4 #b4--,the ,sabre-wings 7,campylopterus71 iii41 #ed2 ,de ,lattrei's ,sabre-wing 7,c4 de ,lattrei71 iii41 #ed4 #c4--,the ,crooked ,sabre-wings 7,platystylopterus71 iii41 #ee2 the ,fawn-coloured ,sabre-wing 7,p4 rufus71 iii41 #ee4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,jewel ,,humming ,,birds 7,,hypophani71 iii41 #ee4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,topaz ,humming ,birds 7,topaza71 iii41 #ee2 the ,crimson ,topaz ,humming ,bird 7,t4 pella71 iii41 #ee4 #b4--,the ,capped ,humming ,birds 7,aithurus71 iii41 #ef2 the ,black-capped ,humming ,bird 7,a4 polytmus71 iii41 #ef4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,wood-,,nymphs 7,,lampornithes71 iii41 #eh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mango ,humming ,birds 7,lampornis71 iii41 #eh2 the ,mango ,humming ,bird 7,l4 ,mango71 iii41 #eh4 #b4--,the ,wood-nymphs 7,chrysolampis72 the ,ruby and ,topaz ,wood-nymph 7,c4 moschita71 iii41 #ei4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,flower-,,nymphs 7,,florisuga71 iii41 #fj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,flower-kissers 7,heliothrix71 iii41 #fj2 the ,brazilian ,fairy 7,h4 auriculata71 iii41 #fj4 #b4--,the ,flower-suckers 7,florisuga71 iii41 #fj2 the ,pied ,jacobin 7,f4 atra71 iii41 #fj4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,fairie 7,,trochili71 iii41 #fj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,fairy ,humming ,birds 7,trochilus71 iii41 #fj2 the ,ruby-throated ,fairy ,humming ,bird 7,t4 colubris71 iii41 #fa4 #b4--,the ,amethyst ,humming ,birds 7,calliphlox71 iii41 #fd2 the ,amethyst ,humming ,bird 7,c4 amethystina71 iii41 #fj4 #c4--,the ,wood-stars 7,calothorax71 iii41 #fe2 ,mulsant's ,wood-star 7,c4 ,mulsantii71 iii41 #fe4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,elves 7,,lophornithes71 iii41 #ff4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,plover-crests 7,cephalolepis71 iii41 #ff2 ,de ,laland's ,plover-crest 7,c4 ,delalandii71 iii41 #ff4 #b4--,the ,coquettes 7,lophornis71 iii41 #ff2 ,the ,splendid ,coquette 7,l4 ornata71 iii41 #ff4 #c4--,the ,amazons 7,bellatrix71 iii41 #fg2 the ,royal ,amazon 7,b4 regina71 iii41 #fh4 #d4--,the ,sun-gems 7,heliactinus71 iii41 #fh2 the ,horned ,sun-gem 7,h4 cornutus71 iii41 #fh4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,sylphs 7,,lesbi71 iii41 #fi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,racket-tailed ,sylphs 7,steganurus71 iii41 #gj2 the ,white-footed ,racket-tail 7,s4 ,underwoodii71 iii41 #gj4 #b4--,the ,comets 7,sparganura71 iii41 #ga2 the ,sappho ,comet 7,s4 ,sappho71 iii41 #ga4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,masked ,,humming ,,birds 7,,microrhamphi71 iii41 #gd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,masked ,humming ,birds 7,microrhamphus71 iii41 #gd2 the ,sharp-bearded ,masked ,humming ,bird 7,m4 oxypogon71 iii41 #gd4 #b4--,the ,helmet ,crests 7,oxypogon71 iii41 #ge2 ,linden's ,helmet ,crest 7,o4 ,lindenii71 iii41 #ge4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,ix4 ,,the ,,light-,,beaks 7,,levirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,bee-,,eaters 7,,meropes71 iii41 #ge4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bee-eaters 7,merops71 iii41 #ge2 the ,common ,bee-eater 7,m4 apiaster71 iii41 #gf4 #b4--,the ,bee-wolves 7,melittotheres71 iii41 #gg2 the ,bee-wolf 7,m4 nubicus71 iii41 #gg4 #c4--,the ,bridled ,bee-eaters 7,coccolarynx71 iii41 #gh2 the ,bridled ,bee-eater 7,c4 frenatus71 iii41 #gh4 #d4--,the ,swallow ,bee-eaters 7,melittophagus71 iii41 #gh2 the ,swallow ,bee-eater 7,m4 hirundinaceus71 iii41 #gh4 #e4--,the ,australian ,bee-eaters 7,cosmarops71 iii41 #gh2 the ,australian ,bee-eater 7,c4 ornatus71 iii41 #gh4 #f4--,the ,nocturnal ,bee-eaters 7,nyctiornis71 iii41 #gi2 the ,sangrok 7,n4 ,athertonii71 iii41 #gi4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,rollers 7,,coracii71 iii41 #gi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,blue ,rollers 7,coracias71 iii41 #hj2 the ,blue ,roller 7,c4 garrulus71 iii41 #hj4 #b4--,the ,dollar ,birds 7,eurystomus71 iii41 #hb2 the ,australian ,dollar ,bird 7,e4 ,australis71 iii41 #hb2 the ,oriental ,dollar ,bird 7,e4 ,orientalis71 iii41 #hc4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,saw-,,bill ,,rollers 7,,prionites71 iii41 #hc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mot-mots 7,prionites71 iii41 #hc2 the ,mot-mot 7,p4 momota71 iii41 #hc4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,broad-,,throats 7,,eurylaimi71 iii41 #hd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,trowel-beaks 7,corydon71 iii41 #hd2 the ,sumatran ,trowel-beak 7,c4 ,sumatranus71 iii41 #hd4 #b4--,the ,true ,broad-throats 7,eurylaimus71 iii41 #he2 the ,java ,broad-throat 7,e4 ,javanicus71 iii41 #he4 #c4--,the ,rayas 7,psarisomus71 iii41 #hf2 the ,raya 7,p4 ,dalhousi71 iii41 #hf4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,flat-,,bills 7,,todi71 iii41 #hf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,flat-bills 7,todus71 iii41 #hf2 the ,green ,tody 7,t4 viridis71 iii41 #hf4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,kingfishers 7,,alcedines71 iii41 #hg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,kingfishers 7,alcedo71 iii41 #hh2 the ,european ,kingfisher 7,a4 ispida71 iii41 #hh4 #b4--,the ,purple ,kingfishers 7,ceyx71 iii41 #hi2 the ,purple ,kingfisher 7,c4 tridactyla71 iii41 #ij4 #c4--,the ,grey ,kingfishers 7,ceryle71 iii41 #ij2 the ,grey ,kingfisher 7,c4 rudis71 iii41 #ij4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,alcyons 7,,halcyones71 iii41 #ia4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,alcyons 7,halcyon71 iii41 #ia2 the ,red-breasted ,tree ,alcyon 7,h4 rufiventris71 iii41 #ia4 #b4--,the ,wood ,alcyons 7,todirhamphus71 iii41 #ia2 the ,yellow-headed ,wood ,alcyon 7,t4 chlorocephalus71 iii41 #ic4 #c4--,the ,blue ,alcyons 7,cyanalcyon71 iii41 #id2 the ,blue ,alcyon 7,c4 ,macleayii71 iii41 #id4 #d4--,the ,giant ,alcyons 7,paralcyon1 or ,dacelo71 iii41 #id2 the ,laughing ,jackass 7,p4 gigas1 or ,d4 gigantea71 iii41 #id4 #e4--,the ,paradise ,alcyons 7,tanysiptera71 iii41 #ie2 the ,paradise ,alcyon 7,t4 sylvia71 iii41 #ie4 #f4--,the ,saw-beaked ,alcyons 7,syma71 iii41 #ie2 the ,poditti 7,s4 flavirostris71 iii41 #if4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,jacamars 7,,galbul71 iii41 #if4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,jacamars 7,galbula71 iii41 #if2 the ,green ,jacamar 7,g4 viridis71 iii41 #if4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,buccos 7,,buccones71 iii41 #if4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,sleepers 7,nystalus71 iii41 #ig2 the ,tschakuru 7,n4 ,chacaru71 iii41 #ig4 #b4--,the ,trappists 7,monasta71 iii41 #ih2 the ,dusky ,trappist 7,m4 fusca71 iii41 #ih4 #c4--,the ,dreamers 7,chelidoptera71 iii41 #ih2 the ,dark ,dreamers 7,c4 tenebrosa71 iii41 #ih4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,touracos1 ,,or ,,trogons 7,,trogones71 iii41 #ii4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,fire ,touracos 7,harpates71 iii41 #ajj2 the ,karna1 or ,malabar ,trogon 7,h4 fasciatus71 iii41 #ajj4 #b4--,the ,flower ,touracos 7,hapaloderma71 iii41 #ajj2 the ,narina 7,h4 narina71 iii41 #ajj4 #c4--,the ,trogons ,proper 7,trogon71 iii41 #aja2 the ,surukua1 or ,touraco 7,t4 ,surukua71 iii41 #aja2 the ,pompeo 7,t4 viridis71 iii41 #ajb4 #d4--,the ,tocoloros 7,prionotelus71 iii41 #ajb2 the ,tocoloro 7,p4 temnurus71 iii41 #ajb4 #e4--,the ,beautiful-tailed ,trogons 7,calurus71 iii41 #ajc2 the ,peacock ,trogon 7,c4 pavoninus1 or ,trogon calurus71 iii41 #ajc2 the ,beautiful ,trogon 7,c4 ,antisianus71 iii41 #ajc2 the ,quesal1 or ,resplendent ,trogon 7,c4 resplendens or paradiseus71 iii41 #ajc4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,honey ,,guides 7,,cuculid71 iii41 #aje4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,honey ,guides 7,indicator71 iii41 #aje2 the ,white-beaked ,honey ,guide 7,i4 albirostris71 iii41 #aje4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,cuckoos 7,,cuculi71 iii41 #ajf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,cuckoos ,proper 7,cuculus71 iii41 #ajf2 the ,common ,cuckoo 7,c4 canorus71 iii41 #ajf4 #b4--,the ,jay ,cuckoos 7,coccystes71 iii41 #aaj2 the ,jay ,cuckoo 7,c4 glandarius71 iii41 #aaj4 #c4--,the ,koels 7,eudynamys71 iii41 #aaj2 the ,koel 7,e4 orientalis71 iii41 #aaa4 #d4--,the ,golden ,cuckoos 7,chrysococcyx71 iii41 #aaa2 the ,didrik1 or ,golden ,cuckoo 7,c4 auratus71 iii41 #aab4 #e4--,the ,giant ,cuckoos 7,scythrops71 iii41 #aac2 the ,giant ,cuckoo1 or ,channel ,bill 7,s4 ,nov-,hollandi71 iii41 #aac4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,bush ,,cuckoos 7,,ph,,nicoph71 iii41 #aad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bush ,cuckoos 7,zanclostomus71 iii41 #ad2 the ,kokil1 or ,large ,green-billed ,malkoha 7,z4 tristis71 iii41 #aad4 ,,family ,,xiv4--,,the ,,rain ,,cuckoos 7,,coccygi71 iii41 #aad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,rain ,cuckoos 7,coccygus71 iii41 #aae2 the ,rain or ,yellow-billed ,cuckoo 7,c4 ,americanus71 iii41 #aae4 #b4--,the ,lizard ,rain ,cuckoos 7,saurothera71 iii41 #aag2 the ,rain ,bird 7,s4 vetula71 iii41 #aag4 #c4--,the ,long-tailed ,cuckoos 7,pyrrhococcyx71 iii41 #aah2 the ,long-tailed ,cuckoo 7,p4 ,cayanus71 iii41 #aah4 ,,family ,,xv4--,,the ,,tick-,,eaters 7,,crotophag71 iii41 #aah4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tick-eaters 7,crotophag71 iii41 #aah2 the ,coroya 7,c4 major71 iii41 #aai2 the ,ani1 or ,savanna ,blackbird 7,c4 ani71 iii41 #aai2 the ,wrinkled-beaked ,tick-eater 7,c4 rugirostris71 iii41 #aba4 ,,family ,,xvi4--,,the ,,spurred ,,cuckoos 7,,centropodes71 iii41 #abb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,spurred ,cuckoos 7,centropus71 iii41 #abb2 the ,egyptian ,coucal 7,c4 gyptiacus71 iii41 #abb4 #b4--,the ,crow ,pheasants 7,centrococcyx71 iii41 #abb2 the ,hedge ,crow 7,c4 viridis71 iii41 #abc4 #c4--,the ,pheasant ,coucals 7,polophilus71 iii41 #abc2 the ,pheasant ,coucal 7,p4 phasianus71 iii41 #abc4 ,,family ,,xvii4--,,the ,,barbets 7,,capitones71 iii41 #abd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ornamented ,barbets 7,trachyphonus71 iii41 #abe2 the ,pearl ,bird 7,t4 margaritatus71 iii41 #abe4 #b4--,the ,golden ,barbets 7,xantholma71 iii41 #abf2 the ,golden ,barbet 7,x4 ,indica71 iii41 #abf4 #c4--,the ,toucan ,barbets 7,tetragonops71 iii41 #abg2 the ,toucan ,barbet 7,t4 rhamphastinus71 iii41 #abg4 ,,family ,,xviii4--,,the ,,toucans 7,,ramphasti71 iii41 #abg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,arassaris 7,pteroglossus71 iii41 #abh2 the ,arassari 7,p4 aracari71 iii41 #abi4 #b4--,the ,toucans ,proper 7,ramphastus71 iii41 #acj2 the ,toco ,toucan 7,r4 toco71 iii41 #acj2 the ,kirima1 or ,red-beaked ,toucan 7,r4 erythrorhynchus71 iii41 #aca2 the ,tukana 7,r4 ,temminckii71 iii41 #acb4 ,,family ,,xix4--,,the ,,hornbills 7,,bucerotes71 iii41 #acb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,smooth-beaked ,hornbills 7,rhynchaceros71 iii41 #acd2 the ,tok 7,r4 erythrorhynchus71 iii41 #acd4 #b4--,the ,two-horned ,hornbills 7,dichoceros71 iii41 #ace2 the ,homray 7,d4 bicornis71 iii41 #ace4 #c4--,the ,wrinkled ,hornbills 7,rhyticeros71 iii41 #acg2 the ,djolan1 or ,year ,bird 7,r4 plicatus71 iii41 #acg4 #d4--,the ,horned ,ravens 7,bucorax71 iii41 #ach2 the ,abbagamba 7,b4 ,abyssinicus71 iii41 #ach4 ,,order ,,iv4 ,,gallinaceous ,,birds 7,,gallin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,x4 ,,pigeons 7,,gyratores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,fruit ,,pigeons 7,,trerones71 iii41 #adb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,parrot ,pigeons 7,phalacroteron71 iii41 #adb2 the ,parrot ,pigeon 7,p4 ,abyssinica71 iii41 #adb4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,doves 7,,columb71 iii41 #adc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ring-doves 7,palumbus71 iii41 #adc2 the ,ring-dove 7,p4 torquatus71 iii41 #adc4 #b4--,the ,doves ,proper 7,columba71 iii41 #adf2 the ,stock ,dove 7,c4 nas71 iii41 #adf2 the ,rock ,dove 7,c4 livia71 iii41 #adg4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,cuckoo ,,pigeons 7,,macropygi71 iii41 #adh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,passenger ,pigeons 7,ectopistes71 iii41 #adh2 the ,passenger ,pigeon 7,e4 migratorius71 iii41 #adh4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,turtle ,,doves 7,,turtures71 iii41 #aed4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,turtle ,doves ,proper 7,turtur71 iii41 #aed2 ,the ,turtle ,dove 7,t4 auritus71 iii41 #aee4 #b4--,the ,indian ,ring-doves 7,streptopeleia71 iii41 #aee2 the ,indian ,ring-dove 7,s4 risoria71 iii41 #aee4 #c4--,the ,dwarf ,pigeons 7,chalcopeleia71 iii41 #aeg2 the ,dwarf ,pigeon 7,c4 ,afra71 iii41 #aeg4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,american ,,ground ,,pigeons 7,,zenaid71 iii41 #aeh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,singing ,doves 7,melopeleia71 iii41 #aeh2 the ,kukuli 7,m4 meloda71 iii41 #aeh4 #b4--,the ,sparrow ,pigeons 7,pyrgitnas71 iii41 #aei2 the ,sparrow ,pigeon 7,p4 passerina71 iii41 #aei4 #c4--,the ,sparrow-hawk ,pigeons 7,geopeleia71 iii41 #afj2 the ,striped ,sparrow-hawk ,pigeon 7,g4 striata71 iii41 #afj4 #d4--,the ,wedge-tailed ,pigeons 7,stictopeleia71 iii41 #afa2 the ,wedge-tailed ,turtle ,dove 7,s4 cuneata71 iii41 #afa4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,running ,,pigeons 7,,geotrygones71 iii41 #afb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,partridge ,doves 7,starnnas71 iii41 #afb2 the ,partridge ,dove 7,s4 cyanocephala71 iii41 #afb4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,bronze-,,winged ,,pigeons 7,,phapes71 iii41 #afc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crested ,bronze-winged ,pigeons 7,ocyphaps71 iii41 #afc2 the ,crested ,bronze-wing 7,o4 lophotes71 iii41 #afc4 #b4--,the ,true ,bronze-winged ,pigeons 7,phaps71 iii41 #afd2 the ,common ,bronze-wing 7,p4 chalcoptera71 iii41 #afd4 #c4--,the ,quail ,pigeons 7,geophaps71 iii41 #aff2 the ,partridge ,bronze-wing 7,g4 scripta71 iii41 #aff4 #d4--,the ,white-fleshed ,pigeons 7,leucosarcia71 iii41 #afg2 the ,wonga-,wonga ,pigeon 7,l4 picata71 iii41 #afg4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,hackled ,,pigeons 7,,call,,nas71 iii41 #afg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hackled ,pigeons 7,callnas71 iii41 #afg2 the ,hackled ,ground ,pigeon 7,c4 ,nicobarica71 iii41 #afg4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,crowned ,,pigeons 7,,gour71 iii41 #afh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crowned ,pigeons 7,goura71 iii41 #afh2 the ,crowned ,pigeon 7,g4 coronata71 iii41 #afi2 the ,victoria ,crowned ,pigeon 7,g4 ,victori71 iii41 #agj4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,toothed ,,pigeons 7,,didunculus71 iii41 #agj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,toothed ,pigeons 7,didunculus71 iii41 #agj2 the ,toothed ,pigeon 7,d4 strigirostris71 iii41 #agj4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xi4 ,,the ,,true ,,gallinaceous ,,birds 7,,rasores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,sand ,,grouse 7,,pterocl71 iii41 #agc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,sand ,grouse 7,pterocles71 iii41 #agc2 the ,ganga 7,p4 arenarius71 iii41 #agd2 the ,large ,pin-tailed ,grouse1 or ,khata 7,p4 alchata71 iii41 #age2 the ,common ,sand ,grouse 7,p4 exustus71 iii41 #agf2 the ,striped ,sand ,grouse 7,p4 ,lichtensteinii71 iii41 #agh4 #b4--,pallas's ,sand ,grouse 7,syrrhaptes71 iii41 #agh2 ,pallas's ,sand ,grouse 7,s4 paradoxus71 iii41 #agh4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,grouse 7,,tetraones71 iii41 #agi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,grouse ,proper 7,tetrao71 iii41 #agi2 the ,capercali 7,t4 urogallus71 iii41 #aha4 #b4--,the ,heath ,cocks 7,lyrurus71 iii41 #ahc2 the ,black ,cock 7,l4 tetrix71 iii41 #ahe4 #c4--,the ,hazel ,grouse 7,bonasia71 iii41 #aij2 the ,hazel ,grouse 7,b4 sylvestris71 iii41 #aij4 #d4--,the ,pinnated ,grouse 7,cupidonia71 iii41 #aia2 the ,prairie ,hen 7,c4 ,americana71 iii41 #aia4 #e4--,the ,ptarmigans 7,lagopus71 iii41 #aie2 the ,willow ,ptarmigan 7,l4 albus71 iii41 #aif2 the ,alpine or ,grey ,ptarmigan 7,l4 ,alpinus71 iii41 #aih2 the ,red ,grouse 7,l4 ,scoticus71 iii41 #bjj4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,partridges 7,,perdices71 iii41 #bjb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,snow ,partridges 7,tetraogallus71 iii41 #bjc2 the ,caspian ,snow ,partridge 7,t4 ,caspius71 iii41 #bjc2 the ,himalayan ,snow ,cock 7,t4 ,himalayensis71 iii41 #bjc4 #b4--,the ,red-legged ,partridges 7,caccabis71 iii41 #bjf2 the ,greek ,partridge 7,c4 ,grca or saxatilis71 iii41 #bjf2 the ,chuckore 7,c4 ,chukor71 iii41 #bjg2 the ,red-legged ,partridge 7,c4 rubra71 iii41 #bjh2 the ,barbary ,partridge 7,c4 petrosa71 iii41 #bji4 #c4--,the ,true ,partridges 7,perdix71 iii41 #baj2 the ,common ,partridge 7,p4 cinerea71 iii41 #baj4 #d4--,the ,francolins 7,francolinus71 iii41 #bab2 the ,black ,partridge 7,f4 vulgaris71 iii41 #bab4 #e4--,the ,bare-necked ,pheasants 7,pternistes71 iii41 #bac2 the ,red-necked ,pheasant 7,p4 rubricollis71 iii41 #bac4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,american ,,partridges 7,,odontophori71 iii41 #bad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tree ,partridges 7,odontophorus71 iii41 #bad2 the ,capueira4 7,o4 dentatus71 iii41 #bad4 #b4--,the ,tree ,quails 7,ortyx71 iii41 #baf2 the ,virginian ,partridge 7,o4 ,virginianus71 iii41 #baf4 #c4--,the ,tufted ,american ,partridges 7,lophortyx71 iii41 #bai2 the ,californian ,partridge 7,l4 ,californianus71 iii41 #bai2 ,gambel's ,partridge 7,l4 ,gambelii71 iii41 #bbj4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,quails 7,,coturnices71 iii4 #bbb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,quails 7,coturnix71 iii41 #bbb2 the ,common ,quail 7,c4 communis71 iii41 #bbb4 #b4--,the ,dwarf ,quails 7,excalfactoria71 iii41 #bbd2 the ,chinese ,quail 7,e4 ,chinensis71 iii41 #bbd4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,bush ,,quails 7,,turnices71 iii41 #bbe4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,bush ,quails 7,turnix71 iii41 #bbe2 the ,black-breasted ,bush ,quail 7,t4 pugnax71 iii41 #bbf2 the ,african ,bush ,quail 7,t4 ,africanus71 iii41 #bbg4 #b4--,the ,plain ,wanderers 7,pedionomus71 iii41 #bbg2 the ,collared ,plain ,wanderer 7,p4 torquatus71 iii41 #bbg4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,tufted ,,pheasants 7,,phasianid71 iii41 #bbh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tufted ,pheasants 7,lophophorus71 iii41 #bbh2 the ,monaul1 or ,impeyan ,pheasant 7,l4 resplendens71 iii41 #bbi2 ,lhuys' ,pheasant 7,l4 ,lhuysii71 iii41 #bcb4 #b4--,the ,horned ,pheasants1 or ,tragopans 7,ceriornis71 iii41 #bcb2 the ,sikkim ,horned ,pheasant 7,c4 ,satyra71 iii41 #bcb2 the ,jewar1 or ,western ,horned ,pheasant 7,c4 melanocephala71 iii41 #bcc4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,jungle ,,fowls 7,,galli71 iii41 #bce4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,jungle ,fowls 7,gallus71 iii41 #bce2 the ,kasintu1 or ,red ,jungle ,fowl 7,g4 ,bankiva71 iii41 #bce2 the ,ceylon ,jungle ,fowl 7,g4 ,stanleyii71 iii41 #bcf2 the ,javanese ,jungle ,fowl 7,g4 furcatus71 iii41 #bcf2 the ,sonnerat ,jungle ,fowl 7,g4 ,sonnerati71 iii41 #bcg4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,pheasants 7,,phasiani71 iii41 #bcg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,macartney ,pheasants 7,euplocamus71 iii41 #bch2 the ,siamese ,fireback 7,e4 prlatus71 iii41 #bch2 the ,sikkim ,kaleege1 or ,black ,pheasant 7,e4 or ,gallophasis melanotus71 iii41 #bch2 the ,kelitsch1 or ,white-crested ,kaleege ,pheasant 7,e4 or ,gallophasis albocristatus71 iii41 #bci4 #b4--,the ,silver ,pheasants 7,nycthemerus71 iii41 #bdj2 the ,silver ,pheasant 7,n4 argentatus71 iii41 #bdj4 #c4--,the ,pheasants ,proper 7,phasianus71 iii41 #bdb2 the ,common ,pheasant 7,p4 colchicus71 iii41 #bdb2 the ,chinese ,ring-necked ,pheasant 7,p4 torquatus71 iii41 #bdc2 the ,japanese ,pheasant 7,p4 versicolor71 iii41 #bdd2 ,smmering's ,pheasant 7,p4 ,smmeringii71 iii41 #bde2 ,reeves's ,pheasant 7,p4 ,reevesii71 iii41 #bdf4 #d4--,the ,golden ,pheasants 7,thaumalea71 iii41 #bdg2 the ,golden ,pheasant 7,t4 picta71 iii41 #bdg2 ,lady ,amherst's ,pheasant 7,t4 ,amhersti71 iii41 #bdh4 #e4--,the ,eared ,pheasants 7,crossoptilon71 iii41 #bej2 the ,chinese ,eared ,pheasant 7,c4 auritum71 iii41 #bej4 #f4--,the ,argus ,pheasants 7,argus71 iii41 #bej2 the ,argus ,pheasant 7,a4 giganteus71 iii41 #bej4 #g4--,the ,peacock ,pheasants 7,polyplectron71 iii41 #bea2 the ,chinquis1 or ,assam ,peacock ,pheasant 7,p4 chinquis71 iii41 #bea4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,peacocks 7,,pavones71 iii41 #bec4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,peacocks 7,pavo71 iii41 #bec2 the ,common ,peacock 7,p4 cristatus71 iii41 #bed2 the ,black-winged ,peacock 7,p4 nigripennis71 iii41 #bee2 the ,japan ,peacock 7,p4 muticus71 iii41 #bee4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,guinea ,,fowls 7,,numid71 iii41 #bef4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,royal ,guinea ,fowls 7,acryllium71 iii41 #bef2 the ,vulturine ,royal ,guinea ,fowl 7,a4 vulturinum71 iii41 #bef4 #b4--,the ,tufted ,guinea ,fowls 7,guttera71 iii41 #beg2 ,pucheran's ,tufted ,guinea ,fowl 7,g4 ,pucheranii71 iii41 #beg4 #c4--,the ,true ,guinea ,fowls 7,numida71 iii41 #beh2 the ,common ,guinea ,fowl 7,n4 meleagris71 iii41 #beh2 the ,mitred ,pintado 7,n4 mitrata71 iii41 #beh2 the ,tuft-beaked ,pintado 7,n4 ptilorhyncha71 iii41 #bei4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,turkeys 7,,meleagrides71 iii41 #bei4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,turkeys 7,meleagris71 iii41 #bei2 the ,puter1 or ,wild ,turkey 7,m4 gallopavo71 iii41 #bei4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,australian ,,jungle ,,fowl 7,,tallegalli71 iii41 #bfd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,brush ,turkeys 7,catheturus71 iii41 #bff2 the ,brush ,turkey 7,c4 ,lathamii71 iii41 #bff4 #b4--,the ,maleos 7,megacephalon71 iii41 #bfh2 the ,maleo 7,m4 ,maleo71 iii41 #bfh4 #c4--,the ,leipoas 7,leipoa71 iii41 #bgj2 the ,ocellated ,leipoa 7,l4 ocellata71 iii41 #bgj4 ,,family ,,xiv4--,,the ,,megapodes 7,,megapodii71 iii41 #bgc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,megapodes 7,megapodius71 iii41 #bgc2 the ,australian ,megapode 7,m4 tumulus71 iii41 #bgc4 ,,family ,,xv4--,,the ,,curassows 7,,cracid71 iii41 #bge4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,curassows1 or ,hoccos 7,craces71 iii41 #bgf2 the ,common or ,crested ,curassow 7,crax alector71 iii41 #bgf2 the ,wattled ,curassow 7,c4 carunculata71 iii41 #bgh2 the ,red ,curassow 7,c4 rubra71 iii41 #bgh2 the ,galeated ,curassow 7,c4 pauxi71 iii41 #bgh4 #b4--,the ,mountain ,curassows 7,oreophasis71 iii41 #bgh2 the ,mountain ,curassow 7,o4 ,derbyanus71 iii41 #bgh4 ,,family ,,xvi4--,,the ,,guans 7,,penelop71 iii41 #bgi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,guans 7,penelope71 iii41 #bgi2 the ,supercilious ,guan 7,p4 superciliaris71 iii41 #bhj2 the ,pigmy1 or ,piping ,guan 7,p4 or ,pipile leucolophus71 iii41 #bhj2 the ,aracuan 7,p4 or ,ortalida ,aracuan71 iii41 #bhj4 #b4--,the ,crested ,guans 7,opisthocomus71 iii41 #bha2 the ,hoactzin1 or ,stink ,bird 7,o4 cristatus71 iii41 #bha4 ,,family ,,xvii4--,,the ,,tinamous 7,,crypturid71 iii41 #bhb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tinamous ,proper 7,crypturus71 iii41 #bhb2 the ,tataupa 7,c4 ,tataupa71 iii41 #bhc4 #b4--,the ,inambus 7,rhynchotus71 iii41 #bhe2 the ,inambu 7,r4 rufescens71 iii41 #bhe4 #c4--,the ,american ,quails 7,nothura71 iii41 #bhe2 the ,lesser ,american ,quail 7,n4 nana71 iii41 #bhe4 #d4--,the ,macucas 7,trachypelmus71 iii41 #bhe2 the ,macuca 7,t4 ,brasiliensis71 iii41 #bhe4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xii4 ,,short-,,winged ,,cursorial ,,birds 7,,brevipennes74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,ostriches 7,,struthiones71 iii41 #bhg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,ostriches 7,struthio71 iii41 #bhg2 the ,african ,ostrich 7,s4 ,camelus71 iii41 #bhg4 #b4--,the ,nandus 7,rhea71 iii41 #bia2 the ,nandu1 or ,american ,ostrich 7,r4 ,americana71 iii41 #bia2 the ,long-billed ,nandu 7,r4 macrorhynchus71 iii41 #bii2 the ,dwarf ,nandu 7,r4 ,darwinii71 iii41 #bii4 #c4--,the ,emus 7,dromus71 iii41 #cja2 the ,emu 7,d4 ,nov3-,hollandi71 iii41 #cja2 the ,spotted ,emu 7,d4 irroratus71 iii41 #cja4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,cassowaries 7,,casuarii71 iii41 #cjb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,cassowaries 7,casuarius71 iii41 #cjb2 the ,helmeted ,cassowary 7,c4 galeatus71 iii41 #cjb2 the ,mooruk 7,c4 ,bennettii71 iii41 #cjb2 the ,australian ,cassowary 7,c4 ,australis71 iii41 #cjg4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,kivis 7,,apteryges71 iii41 #cji4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,kivis 7,apteryx71 iii41 #cji2 the ,australian ,apteryx1 or ,kivi-,kivi 7,a4 ,australis71 iii41 #cji2 ,mantell's ,apteryx 7,a4 ,mantellii71 iii41 #caj2 ,owen's ,apteryx 7,a4 ,owenii71 iii41 #caa4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,stilt-,,walkers 7,,grallatores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,bustards 7,,otides71 iv41 #b4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,bustards 7,otis7 iv41 #b2 the ,great ,bustard 7,o4 tarda71 iv41 #b4 #b4--,the ,little ,bustards 7,tetrax71 iv41 #e2 the ,little ,bustard 7,t4 campestris71 iv41 #e4 #c4--,the ,houbaras 7,hubara71 iv41 #f2 the ,indian ,houbara 7,h4 ,macquenii71 iv41 #f2 the ,african ,ruffled ,bustard 7,h4 undulata71 iv41 #h4 #d4--,the ,florikins 7,sypheotides71 iv41 #h2 the ,bengal ,florikin 7,s4 ,bengalensis71 iv41 #h4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,coursers 7,,tachydromi71 iv41 #i4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,desert ,coursers 7,cursorius71 iv41 #aj2 the ,cream-coloured ,courser 7,c4 isabellinus71 iv41 #aj4 #b4--,the ,crocodile ,watchers 7,trochilus71 iv41 #aa2 the ,egyptian ,crocodile ,watcher 7,t4 gyptiacus71 iv41 #aa4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,pratincoles 7,,tracheli71 iv41 #ab4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,pratincoles 7,glareola71 iv41 #ab2 the ,collared ,pratincole 7,g4 pratincola71 iv41 #ac4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,thick-,,knees 7,,dicnemi71 iv41 #ad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,thick-knees 7dicnemus71 iv41 #ad2 the ,common ,thick-knee 7,o4 crepitans71 iv41 #ad4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,plovers 7,,charadrii71 iv41 #ae4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,golden ,plovers 7,charadrius71 iv41 #af2 the ,golden ,plover 7,c4 auratus71 iv41 #af2 the ,ringed ,plover 7,c4 hiaticula71 iv41 #ah4 #b4--,the ,dotted ,plovers 7,eudromias71 iv41 #ah2 the ,dotterel 7,e4 ,morinellus71 iv41 #ai4 #c4--,the ,shore ,plovers 7gialites71 iv41 #bj2 the ,little ,shore ,plover 74 minor71 iv41 #bj4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,lapwings 7,,vanelli71 iv41 #ba4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,peewits 7,vanellus71 iv41 #ba2 the ,peewit1 or ,lapwing 7,v4 cristatus71 iv41 #bb4 #b4--,the ,spur-winged ,lapwings 7,hoplopterus71 iv41 #bc2 the ,spur-winged ,lapwing 7,h4 spinosus71 iv41 #bc4 #c4--,the ,lappeted ,peewits 7,sarciophorus71 iv41 #bd2 the ,lappeted ,peewit 7,s4 pileatus71 iv41 #bd4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,turnstones 7,,strepsilates71 iv41 #bd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,turnstones 7,strepsilas71 iv41 #bd2 the ,turnstone 7,s4 interpres71 iv41 #bd4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,oyster-,,catchers 7,h,,matopi71 iv41 #bg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,oyster-catchers 7,hmatopus71 iv41 #bg2 the ,pied ,oyster-catcher 7,h4 ostralegus71 iv41 #bg4 ,,family ,,ix4--,,the ,,snipes 7,,limicol71 iv41 #bi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,woodcocks 7,scolopax71 iv41 #cj2 the ,woodcock 7,s4 rusticola71 iv41 #cj4 #b4--,the ,marsh ,snipes 7,gallinago71 iv41 #cc2 the ,common ,snipe 7,g4 ,scolopacinus71 iv41 #cd4 #c4--,the ,moor ,snipes 7,philolimnos71 iv41 #ce2 the ,jack ,snipe 7,p4 gallinula71 iv41 #ce4 ,,family ,x4--,,the ,,sandpipers 7,,tring71 iv41 #ce4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,curlew ,sandpipers 7,limicola71 iv41 #cf2 the ,pigmy ,curlew ,sandpiper 7,l4 pygma71 iv41 #cf4 #b4--,the ,sanderlings 7,calidris71 iv41 #cf2 the ,sanderling 7,c4 arenaria71 iv41 #cf4 #c4--,the ,mud ,sandpipers 7,pelidna71 iv41 #ch2 the ,mud ,sandpiper 7,p4 subarquata71 iv41 #ch4 #d4--,the ,dwarf ,sandpipers 7,actodroma71 iv41 #ch2 the ,dwarf ,sandpiper 7,a4 minuta71 iv41 #ch4 #e4--,the ,ruffs 7,philomachus71 iv41 #ci2 the ,ruff 7,p4 pugnax71 iv41 #ci4 ,,family ,,xi4--,,the ,,phalaropes 7,,phalaropi71 iv41 #db4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hyperborean ,phalaropes 7,lobipes71 iv41 #dc2 the ,hyperborean ,phalarope 7,l4 hyperboreus71 iv41 #dc4 #b4--,the ,phalaropes ,proper 7,phalaropus71 iv41 #dc2 the ,red ,phalarope 7,p4 rufus71 iv41 #dc4 ,,family ,,xii4--,,the ,,longshanks 7,,totani71 iv41 #dd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,true ,sandpipers 7,actitis71 iv41 #de2 the ,common ,sandpiper 7,a4 hypoleucos71 iv41 #de4 #b4--,the ,greenshanks 7,glottis71 iv41 #df2 the ,greenshank 7,g4 chloropus71 iv41 #df4 #d4--,the ,godwits 7,limosa71 iv41 #dg2 the ,red or ,bar-tailed ,godwit 7,l4 rufa71 iv41 #dh4 #e4--,the ,stilts 7,hypsibates71 iv41 #di2 the ,black-winged ,stilt 7,h4 himantopus71 iv41 #di4 ,,family ,,xiii4--,,the ,,avocets 7,,recurvirostr71 iv41 #ej4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,avocets 7,recurvirostra71 iv41 #ej2 the ,scooping ,avocet 7,r4 avocetta71 iv41 #ej4 ,,family ,,xiv4--,,the ,,curlews 7,numenii71 iv41 #ea4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,curlews 7,numenius71 iv41 #ea2 the ,great ,curlew1 or ,whaap 7,n4 arquatus71 iv41 #ea4 ,,family ,,xv4--,,the ,,ibises 7,ibides71 iv41 #ed4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,falcinels 7,falcinellus71 iv41 #ee2 the ,glossy ,ibis 7,f4 igneus71 iv41 #ee4 #b4--,the ,scarlet ,ibises 7,ibis71 iv41 #ef2 the ,scarlet ,ibis 7,i4 rubra71 iv41 #ef4 #c4--,the ,true ,ibises 7,threskiornis71 iv41 #ef2 the ,egyptian or ,sacred ,ibis 7,t4 religiosa71 iv1 #ef4 ,,family ,,xvi4--,,the ,,spoonbills 7,,platale71 iv41 #eh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,spoonbills 7,platalea71 iv41 #eh2 the ,common ,spoonbill 7,p4 leucorodia71 iv41 #eh4 ,,family ,,xvii4--,,the ,,boat-,,bills 7,,cancromata71 iv41 #ei4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,whale-headed ,storks 7,balniceps71 iv41 #ei2 the ,whale-headed ,stork1 or ,shoe-beak 7,b4 rex71 iv41 #ei4 #b4--,the ,boat-bills 7,cancroma71 iv41 #fb2 the ,savaku1 or ,boat-bill 7,c4 cochlearia71 iv41 #fb4 ,,family ,,xviii4--,,the ,,shadow ,,birds 7,,scopi71 iv41 #fb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,shadow ,birds 7,scopus71 iv41 #fb2 the ,hammer-head1 or ,shadow-,bird 7,s4 umbretta71 iv41 #fb4 ,,family ,,xix4--,,the ,,storks 7,,ciconi71 iv41 #fc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tantali 7,tantalus71 iv41 #fe2 the ,ibis-like ,tantalus 7,t4 ibis71 iv41 #ff4 #b4--,the ,true ,storks 7,ciconia71 iv41 #fg2 the ,white or ,house ,stork 7,c4 alba71 iv41 #fi4 #c4--,the ,simbils 7,sphenorhynchus71 iv41 #gj2 the ,simbil 7,s4 ,abdimii71 iv41 #gj4 #d4--,the ,giant ,storks 7,mycteria71 iv41 #ga2 the ,senegal ,jabiru 7,m4 ,senegalensis71 iv41 #ga2 the ,jabiru 7,m4 ,australis71 iv41 #ga4 #e4--,the ,adjutants1 ,argalas1 or ,marabous 7,leptoptilos71 iv41 #gd2 the ,african ,marabou 7,l4 crumenifer71 iv41 #gd2 the ,indian ,adjutant1 or ,argala 7,l4 argala71 iv41 #gd4 #f4--,the ,clapper-billed ,storks 7,anastomus71 iv41 #ge2 the ,african ,clapper ,bill 7,a4 lamelligerus71 iv41 #ge4 ,,family ,,xx4--,,the ,,herons 7,,arde71 iv41 #gf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,herons ,proper 7,ardea71 iv41 #gh2 the ,common ,heron 7,a4 cinerea71 iv41 #gh2 the ,giant ,heron 7,a4 ,goliath71 iv41 #hj4 #b4--,the ,white ,herons 7,herodias71 iv41 #ha2 the ,great ,white ,heron 7,h4 alba71 iv41 #ha2 the ,lesser ,egret 7,h4 garzetta71 iv41 #hb4 #c4--,the ,cattle ,herons 7,bubulcus71 iv41 #hb2 the ,cattle ,heron 7,b4 ibis71 iv41 #hb4 #d4--,the ,night ,herons 7,nycticorax71 iv41 #hb2 the ,night ,heron 7,n4 ,europus71 iv41 #hb4 #e4--,the ,dwarf ,bitterns 7,ardetta71 iv41 #hc2 the ,little ,bittern 7,a4 minuta71 iv41 #hc4 #f4--,the ,bitterns 7,botaurus71 iv41 #he2 the ,common ,bittern 7,b4 stellaris71 iv41 #he4 ,,family ,,xxi4--,,the ,,sun ,,bitterns 7,,eurypyg71 iv41 #hf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,sun ,bitterns 7,eurypyga71 iv41 #hf2 the ,sun ,bittern 7,e4 helias71 iv41 #hf4 ,,family ,,xxii4--,,the ,,cranes 7,,grues71 iv41 #hg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,cranes ,proper 7,grus71 iv41 #hi2 the ,common ,crane 7,g4 cinerea71 iv41 #hi4 #b4--,the ,demoiselle ,cranes 7,anthropoides71 iv41 #ij2 the ,demoiselle ,crane 7,a4 virgo71 iv41 #ij4 ,,family ,,xxiii4--,,the ,,african ,,crowned ,,cranes 7,,balearic71 iv41 #ij4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,african ,crowned ,cranes 7,balearica71 iv41 #ij2 the ,crowned ,african ,crane 7,b4 pavonina71 iv41 #ij4 ,,family ,,xxiv4--,,the ,,field ,,storks 7,,arvicol71 iv41 #ia4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,snake ,cranes 7,dicholophus71 iv41 #ia2 the ,brazilian ,cariama 7,d4 cristatus71 iv41 #ia4 #b4--,the ,trumpeters 7,psophia71 iv41 #id2 the ,agami 7,p4 crepitans71 iv41 #id4 ,,family ,,xxv4--,,the ,,screamers 7,,palamede71 iv41 #ie4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,horned ,screamers 7,palamedea71 iv41 #if2 the ,aniuma 7,p4 cornuta71 iv41 #if4 #b4--,the ,tschajas 7,chauna71 iv41 #ig2 the ,chauna1 or ,tschaja 7,c4 ,chavaria71 iv41 #ig4 ,,family ,,xxvi4--,,the ,,rails 7,,ralli71 iv41 #ih4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,snipe ,rails 7,rhyncha71 iv41 #ih2 the ,golden ,rail 7,r4 ,capensis71 iv41 #ii4 #b4--,the ,water ,rails 7,rallus71 iv41 #ii2 the ,water ,rail 7,r4 aquaticus71 iv41 #ii4 #c4--,the ,aramides 7,aramides71 iv41 #ajj2 the ,serrakura 7,a4 gigas71 iv41 #aja4 #d4--,the ,land ,rails 7,crex71 iv41 #aja2 the ,land ,rail1 or ,corn ,crake 7,c4 pratensis71 iv41 #aja4 ,,family ,,xxvii4--,,the ,,jacanas 7,,parr71 iv41 #ajb4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,jacanas ,proper 7,parra71 iv41 #ajb2 the ,chilian ,jacana 7,p4 ,jacana71 iv41 #ajb4 #b4--,the ,water ,pheasants 7,hydrophasianus71 iv41 #ajc2 the ,chinese ,jacana1 or ,water ,pheasant 7,h4 ,sinensis71 iv41 #ajc4 ,,family ,,xxviii4--,,the ,,gallinules 7,,gallinul71 iv41 #ajc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,gallinules 7,porphyrio71 iv41 #aje2 the ,hyacinthine ,porphyrio 7,p4 hyacinthinus71 iv41 #aje2 the ,purple ,gallinule 7,p4 chloronotus71 iv41 #ajf4 #b4--,the ,water ,hens 7,stagnicola71 iv41 #ajf2 the ,common ,moor-hen 7,s4 chloropus71 iv41 #ajg4 #c4--,the ,coots 7,fulica71 iv41 #aaj2 the ,common ,coot 7,f4 atra71 iv41 #aaa4 ,,family ,,xxix4--,,the ,,finfoots 7,,podo71 iv41 #aab4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,finfoots 7,heliornis71 iv41 #aab2 the ,surinam ,finfoot1 or ,picapare 7,h4 ,surinamensis71 iv41 #aab4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,v4 ,,the ,,swimmers 7,,natatores74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xiv4 ,,the ,,sieve-,,beaks 7,,lamellirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,flamingoes 7,,ph,,nicopteri71 iv41 #aae4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,flamingoes 7,phnicopterus71 iv41 #aae2 the ,flamingo 7,p4 roseus71 iv41 #aae4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,swans 7,,cygni71 iv41 #aai4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mute ,swan 7,cygnus olor71 iv41 #aba4 #b4--,the ,whistling ,swan 7,c4 musicus71 iv41 #abc4 #c4--;,bewick's ,swan 7,c4 ,bewickii71 iv41 #abf4 #d4--,the ,black-necked ,swan 7,c4 nigricollis71 iv41 #abf4 #e4--,the ,black ,swan 7,c4 atratus71 iv41 #abg4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,geese 7,,anseres71 iv41 #abi4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,spur-winged ,geese 7,plectropterus71 iv41 #aca2 the ,spur-winged ,goose 7,p4 ,gambensis71 iv41 #aca4 #b4--,the ,wild ,geese 7,anser71 iv41 #aca2 the ,grey or ,wild ,goose 7,a4 cinereus71 iv41 #aca4 #c4--,the ,swan ,geese 7,cygnopsis71 iv41 #aca2 the ,canada ,goose 7,c4 ,canadensis71 iv41 #aca4 #d4--,the ,snow ,geese 7,anser or ,chen71 iv41 #ace2 the ,snow ,goose 7,a4 or ,c4 hyperboreus741 iv41 #ace4 #e4--,the ,sea ,geese 7,bernicla71 iv41 #ace2 the ,brent ,goose 7,b4 torquata71 iv41 #acf4 #f4--,the ,foxy ,geese 7,chenalopex71 iv41 #acg2 the ,nile ,goose 7,c4 gyptiacus71 iv41 #ach4 #g4--,the ,dwarf ,geese 7,nettapus71 iv41 #aci2 the ,white-bodied ,goose ,teal 7,n4 ,coromandelianus71 iv41 #adj4 #h4--,the ,cereopsis ,geese 7,cereopsis71 iv41 #adb2 the ,cereopsis ,goose 7,c4 ,nov-,hollandi71 iv41 #adb4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,ducks 7,,anates71 iv41 #adc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ruddy ,ducks 7,casarca71 iv41 #ade2 the ,ruddy ,sheldrake1 or ,brahminy ,duck 7,c4 rutila71 iv41 #ade4 #b4--,the ,sheldrakes 7,vulpanser71 iv41 #adf2 the ,common ,sheldrake 7,v4 tadorna71 iv41 #adf4 #c4--,the ,tree ,ducks 7,dendrocygna71 iv41 #adh2 the ,widow ,duck 7,d4 viduata71 iv41 #adh4 #d4--,the ,wild ,ducks 7,anas71 iv41 #aej2 the ,wild ,duck 7,a4 boschas71 iv41 #aej4 #e4--,the ,wood or ,summer ,ducks 7,aix71 iv41 #aed2 the ,wood or ,summer ,duck 7,a4 sponsa71 iv41 #aed2 the ,chinese ,teal1 or ,mandarin ,duck 7,a4 galericulata71 iv41 #aee4 #f4--,the ,shoveler ,ducks 7,spatula71 iv41 #aef2 the ,shoveler ,duck 7,s4 clypeata71 iv41 #aef4 #g4--,the ,musk ,ducks 7,cairina71 iv41 #aeg2 the ,musk ,duck 7,c4 moschata71 iv42 #aeg4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,diving ,,ducks 7,,fuligul71 iv41 #aeh4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,eider ,ducks 7,somateria71 iv41 #aei2 the ,eider ,duck 7,s4 mollissima71 iv41 #afc2 the ,king ,eider 7,s4 spectabilis71 iv41 #afe2 the ,western or ,steller's ,eider ,duck 7,s4 or ,heniconetta ,stelleri71 iv41 #aff4 #b4--,the ,scoters 7,oidemia71 iv41 #aff2 the ,velvet ,scoter 7,o4 fusca71 iv41 #aff4 #c4--,the ,fen ,ducks 7,aythya71 iv41 #afg2 the ,red-headed ,duck1 or ,pochard 7,a4 ferina71 iv41 #afc4 #d4--,the ,pin-tailed ,ducks 7,erismatura71 iv41 #afi2 the ,white-headed ,pin-tailed ,duck 7,e4 leucocephala71 iv41 #afi4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,goosanders 7,,mergi71 iv41 #agj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,dwarf ,mergansers 7,mergellus71 iv41 #agj2 the ,white-headed ,merganser 7,m4 albellus71 iv41 #agj4 #b4--,the ,true ,goosanders 7,mergus71 iv41 #agb2 the ,green-headed ,goosander 7,m4 merganser71 iv41 #agb4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xv4 ,,the ,,sea-,,fliers 7,,longipennes74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,terns 7,,stern71 iv41 #agf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rapacious ,terns 7,sylochelidon71 iv41 #agg2 the ,caspian ,tern 7,s4 ,caspia71 iv41 #agh4 #b4--,the ,river ,terns 7,sterna71 iv41 #agh2 the ,common ,tern 7,s4 hirundo71 iv41 #agi4 #c4--,the ,dwarf ,terns 7,sternula71 iv41 #aha2 the ,lesser ,tern 7,s4 minuta71 iv41 #aha4 #d4--,the ,water ,swallows 7,hydrochelidon71 iv41 #aha2 the ,black ,marsh ,tern 7,h4 nigra71 iv41 #ahb2 the ,white-winged ,tern 7,h4 leucoptera71 iv41 #ahc2 the ,white-bearded ,tern 7,h4 leucoptera71 iv41 #ahc4 #e4--,the ,fairy ,terns 7,gygis71 iv41 #ahc2 the ,white or ,silky ,tern 7,g4 candida71 iv41 #ahc4 #f4--,the ,noddies 7,anous71 iv41 #ahd2 the ,noddy 7,a4 stolidus71 iv41 #ahd4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,scissor ,,bills 7,,rhynchopes71 iv41 #ahe4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,scissor ,bills 7,rhynchops71 iv41 #ahe2 the ,indian ,scissor ,bill 7,r4 orientalis71 iv41 #ahe4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,gulls 7,,lari71 iv41 #ahf4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,fishing ,gulls 7,larus71 iv41 #ahg2 the ,great ,black-headed ,gull 7,l4 marinus71 iv41 #ahh2 the ,lesser ,black-backed ,gull 7,l4 fuscus71 iv41 #aij4 #b4--,the ,ice ,gulls 7,pagophila71 iv41 #aic2 the ,ivory ,gull 7,p4 eburnea71 iv41 #aic4 #c4--,the ,kittiwakes 7,rissa71 iv41 #aid2 the ,kittiwake 7,r4 tridactyla71 iv41 #aid4 #d4--,the ,black-headed ,gulls 7,chroicocephalus71 iv41 #aie2 the ,laughing ,gull 7,c4 ridibundus71 iv41 #aie2 the ,great ,black-headed ,gull 7,c4 ichthyatus71 iv41 #aig2 the ,lesser ,black-headed ,gull 7,c4 melanocephalus71 iv41 #aih2 the ,little ,gull 7,c4 minuta71 iv41 #aih4 #e4--,the ,rosy ,gulls 7,rhodostethia71 iv41 #bjc2 ,ross's ,rosy ,gull 7,r4 ,rossii71 iv41 #bjc4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,skuas 7,,lestres71 iv41 #aih4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,skuas 7,lestris71 iv41 #aih2 the ,common ,skua 7,l4 catarractes71 iv41 #aii24 ,buffon's or the ,parasite ,skua 7,l4 parasiticus71 iv41 #bjb4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,albatrosses 7,,diomede71 iv41 #bjc4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,albatrosses 7,diomedea71 iv41 #bjc2 the ,wandering ,albatross 7,d4 exulans71 iv41 #bje2 the ,yellow-billed ,albatross 7,d4 chlororhynchus71 iv41 #bjf2 the ,sooty ,albatross 7,d4 fuliginosa71 iv41 #bjg4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,petrels 7,,procellari71 iv41 #bjg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,giant ,petrels 7,procellaria71 iv41 #bjh2 the ,giant ,petrel 7,p4 gigantea71 iv41 #bjh2 the ,fulmar ,petrel 7,p4 glacialis71 iv41 #bji2 the ,cape ,petrel 7,p4 ,capensis71 iv41 #bag4 #b4--,the ,duck ,petrels 7,prion71 iv41 #bac2 the ,duck ,petrel 7,p4 vittatus71 iv41 #bac4 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,storm ,,petrels 7,,oceanides71 iv41 #bad4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,storm ,swallows 7,thalassidroma71 iv41 #bae2 the ,common ,storm ,petrel 7,t4 pelagica71 iv41 #bae4 #b4--,the ,storm ,swifts 7,oceanodroma71 iv41 #bag2 ,leach's ,storm ,petrel 7,o4 ,leachii71 iv41 #bag4 ,,family ,,viii4--,,the ,,puffins 7,,puffini71 iv41 #bag4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,puffins 7,puffinus71 iv41 #bag2 the ,manx ,puffin1 or ,shearwater 7,p4 ,anglorum71 iv41 #bah4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xvi4 ,,oar-,,footed ,,sea-,,fliers 7,,steganopodes74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,tropic ,,birds 7,,piscatrices71 iv41 #bai4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tropic ,birds ,proper 7,phaton71 iv41 #bai2 the ,white-tailed ,tropic ,bird 7,p4 thereus71 iv41 #bbj2 the ,red-tailed ,tropic ,bird 7,p4 phnicurus71 iv41 #bbj4 #b4--,the ,gannets 7,sula71 iv41 #bba2 the ,common ,gannet 7,s4 alba71 iv41 #bbc4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,frigate ,,birds 7,,tachypetes71 iv41 #bbd4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,frigate ,birds 7,tachypetes71 iv41 #bbd2 the ,frigate ,bird 7,t4 aquila71 iv41 #bbd4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,cormorants 7,,haliei71 iv41 #bbg4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,darters1 or ,snake ,necks 7,plotus71 iv41 #bbh2 the ,anhinga 7,p4 anhinga71 iv41 #bbh2 ,le ,vaillant's ,snake ,bird 7,p4 ,levaillantii71 iv41 #bcj4 #b4--,the ,cormorants ,proper 7,phalacrocorax71 iv41 #bcj2 the ,cormorant 7,p4 carbo71 iv41 #bcd4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,pelicans 7,,pelecani71 iv41 #bce4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,pelicans 7,pelecanus71 iv41 #bce2 the ,white ,pelican 7,p4 onocrotalus71 iv41 #bcg2 the ,great ,tufted or ,dalmatian ,pelican 7,p4 crispus71 iv41 #bci4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,xvii4 ,,divers 7,,urinatores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,grebes 7,,podicipites71 iv41 #bdj4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crested ,grebes 7,podiceps71 iv41 #bdj2 the ,crested ,grebe 7,p4 cristatus71 iv41 #bdb4 #b4--,the ,dwarf ,grebes 7,podiceps minor71 iv41 #bdd2 the ,little ,grebe 7,p4 minor71 iv41 #bdd4 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,sea ,,divers 7,,colymbi71 iv41 #bde4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,great ,northern ,diver 7,colymbus glacialis71 iv41 #bdg2 the ,black-throated ,diver 7,c4 arcticus71 iv41 #bdh2 the ,red-throated ,diver 7,c4 septentrionalis71 iv41 #bdi4 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,loons 7,,uri71 iv41 #bej1 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,black ,guillemots 7,cephus71 iv41 #bej2 the ,black ,guillemot 7,c4 grylle71 iv41 #bej4 #b4--,the ,true ,guillemots 7,uria71 iv41 #bea2 the ,common or ,foolish ,guillemot 7,u4 troile71 iv41 #bec4 #c4--,the ,little ,auks 7,mergulus1 or ,arctica71 iv41 #bed2 the ,little ,auk 7,m4 or ,a4 ,alle71 iv41 #bed4 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,starikis 7,,phaleres71 iv41 #bee4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,crested ,divers 7,phaleris71 iv41 #bee2 the ,stariki 7,p4 cristatella71 iv41 #bee4 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,auks 7,,alc71 iv41 #bee4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,auks 7,alca71 iv41 #bef2 the ,razor-bill 7,a4 torda71 iv41 #bef4 #b4--,the ,great ,auks 7,pinguinus1 or ,plautus71 iv41 #beh2 the ,great ,auk 7,p4 impennis71 iv41 #beh4 #c4--,the ,coulternebs 7,mormon71 iv41 #bfb2 the ,coulterneb1 or ,arctic ,puffin 7,m4 fratercula71 iv41 #bfb4 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,penguins 7,,aptenodyt71 iv41 #bfe4 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,king ,penguins 7,aptenodytes71 iv41 #bfe2 the ,king ,penguin 7,a4 ,patagonica71 iv41 #bff4 #b4--,the ,true ,penguins 7,spheniscus71 iv41 #bfg2 the ,spectacled or ,cape ,penguin 7,s4 demersus71 iv41 #bfg4 #c4--,the ,leaping ,penguins 7,eudypetes71 iv41 #bfh2 the ,golden or ,crested ,penguin 7,e4 catarractes71 iv41 #bfh4 ,illustration ,,classification ,,of ,,birds ,,as ,,adopted ,,in ,,the ,,british ,,museum4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,i4 ,,birds ,,of ,,prey 7,,accipitres74 ,,linn,,us4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,i4 ,,diurnal ,,birds ,,of ,,prey 7,,accipitres ,,diurni74 ,,family ,i4--,,vultures 7,,vulturid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bearded ,vultures 7,gypaetin74 #b4--,the ,condors 7,sarcorhamphin74 #c4--,the ,vultures ,proper 7,vulturin74 #d4--,the ,eagle ,vultures 7,gypohieracin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,falcons 7,,falconid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,caracaras 7,polyborin74 #b4--,the ,buzzards 7,buteonin74 #c4--,the ,eagles 7,aquilin74 #d4--,the ,falcons ,proper 7,falconin74 #e4--,the ,kites 7,milvin74 #f4--,the ,sparrow ,hawks 7,accipitrin74 #g4--,the ,harriers 7,circin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,sub-,,order ,,ii4 ,,nocturnal ,,birds ,,of ,,prey 7,,accipitres ,,nocturni74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,owls 7,,strigid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hawk ,owls 7,surnin74 #b4--,the ,horned ,owls 7,bubonin74 #c4--,the ,owlets 7,syrnin74 #d4--,the ,owls ,proper 7,strigin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,ii4 ,,passeres4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,tribe ,i4 ,,gapers 7,,fissirostres74 ,,sub-,,tribe ,i4--,,nocturnal ,,fissirostres 7,,fissirostres ,,nocturni74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,goatsuckers 7,,caprimulgid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,oil ,birds 7,steatornin74 #b4--,the ,goatsuckers ,proper 7,caprimulgin74 #c4--,the ,podagers 7,podagerin7 ,,sub-,,tribe ,,ii4--,,diurnal ,,fissirostres 7,,fissirostres ,,diurni74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,swallows 7,,hirundinid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,swifts 7,cypselin74 #b4--,the ,swallows ,proper 7,hirundinin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,rollers 7,,coraciad74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rollers 7,coracian74 #b4--,the ,todies 7,todin74 #c4--,the ,broad-throats 7,eurylaimin74 #d4--,the ,mot-mots 7,momotin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,trogons 7,,trogonid74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,kingfishers 7,,alcedinid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,buccos 7,bucconin74 #b4--,the ,halcyons 7,halcyonin74 #c4--,the ,kingfishers 7,alcedinin74 #d4--,the ,jacamars 7,galbulin74 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,bee ,,eaters 7,,meropid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,bee ,eaters 7,meropin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,tribe ,,ii4 ,,slender-,,bills 7,,tenuirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,hoopoes 7,,upupid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,hoopoes ,proper 7,upupin74 #b4--,the ,plumed ,birds 7,epimachin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,sun ,,birds 7,,promeropid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,sun ,birds ,proper 7,promeropin74 #b4--,the ,guit-,guits 7,crebin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,humming ,,birds 7,,trochilid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,wedge-tailed ,humming ,birds 7,grypin74 #b4--,the ,curved-billed ,humming ,birds 7,trochilin74 #c4--,the ,straight-billed ,humming ,birds 7,mellisugin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,honey-,,eaters 7,,meliphagid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,honey-creepers 7,mezomelin74 #b4--,the ,honey-eaters ,proper 7,meliphagin74 #c4--,the ,honey-feeders 7,melithreptin74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,creepers 7,,certhid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,oven ,birds 7,furnarin74 #b4--,the ,sharp-tails 7,synallaxin74 #c4--,the ,tree-creepers 7,dendrocolaptin74 #d4--,the ,creepers ,proper 7,certhin74 #e4--,the ,nut-hatches 7,sittin74 #f4--,the ,mohouas 7,orthonycin74 #g4--,the ,wrens 7,menurin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,tribe ,,iii4 ,,the ,,toothed-,,bills 7,,dentirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,warblers 7,,luscinid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,soft-tailed ,warblers 7,malurin74 #b4--,the ,warblers ,proper 7,luscinin74 #c4--,the ,robins 7,erythacin74 #d4--,the ,accentors 7,accentorin74 #e4--,the ,titmice 7,parin74 #f4--,the ,bush-creepers 7,mniotiltin74 #g4--,the ,wagtails 7,motacillin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,thrushes 7,,turdid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ant-thrushes 7,formicarin74 #b4--,the ,thrushes ,proper 7,turdin74 #c4--,the ,babblers 7,timalin74 #d4--,the ,orioles 7,oriolin74 #e4--,the ,bulbuls 7,pycnonotin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,fly-,,catchers 7,,muscicapid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,mourners 7,querulin74 #b4--,the ,alectrures 7,alectrurin74 #c4--,the ,tyrants 7,tyrannin74 #d4--,the ,becards 7,tityrin74 #e4--,the ,fly-catchers ,proper 7,muscicapin74 #f4--,the ,greenlets 7,vireonin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,chatterers 7,,ampelid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,thick-heads 7,pachycephalin74 #b4--,the ,manakins 7,piprin74 #c4--,the ,chatterers ,proper 7,ampelin74 #d4--,the ,cuckoo ,shrikes 7,campephagin74 #e4--,the ,drongo ,shrikes 7,dicrurin74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,butcher ,,birds 7,,laniid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,butcher ,birds ,proper 7,laniin74 #b4--,the ,bush ,shrikes 7,thamnophilin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,tribe ,,iv4 ,,the ,,conical ,,bills 7,,conirostres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,crows 7,,corvid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,piping ,crows 7,phonegamin74 #b4--,the ,jays 7,garrulin74 #c4--,the ,tree ,crows 7,calleatin74 #d4--,the ,crows ,proper 7,corvin74 #e4--,the ,fruit ,crows 7,gymnoderin74 #f4--,the ,choughs 7,pyrrhocoracin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,birds ,,of ,,paradise 7,,paradiseid74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,starlings 7,,sturnid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,glossy ,starlings 7,ptilorhynchin74 #b4--,the ,grakles 7,graculin74 #c4--,the ,ox-peckers 7,buphagin74 #d4--,the ,starlings ,proper 7,sturnin74 #e4--,the ,boat-tails 7,quiscalin74 #f4--,the ,hang-nests 7,icterin74 #g4--,the ,troop-birds 7,agelain74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,finches 7,,fringillid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,weavers 7,plocei74 #b4--,the ,hawfinches 7,coccothraustin74 #c4--,the ,tanagers 7,tanagrin74 #d4--,the ,finches ,proper 7,fringillin74 #e4--,the ,buntings 7,emberizin74 #f4--,the ,larks 7,alaudin74 #g4--,the ,bullfinches 7,pyrrhulin74 #h4--,the ,cross-bills 7,loxian74 #i4--,the ,plant ,cutters 7,phytotomin74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,colies 7,,colid74 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,plantain ,,eaters 7,,musophagid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,plantain ,eaters ,proper 7,musophagin74 #b4--,the ,hoactzins 7,opisthocomin74 ,,family ,,vii4--,,the ,,hornbills 7,,bucerotid74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,iii4 ,,the ,,climbers 7,,scansores74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,toucans 7,,ramphastid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,toucans 7,ramphastin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,parrots 7,,psittacid74 ,sub-,family ,i4--,the ,ground ,parrots 7,pezoporin74 #b4--,the ,macaws 7,arain74 #c4--,the ,lories 7,lorin74 #d4--,the ,parrots ,proper 7,psittacin74 #e4--,the ,cockatoos 7,cacatuin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,woodpeckers 7,,picid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,barbets 7,capitonin74 #b4--,the ,soft-tailed ,woodpeckers 7,picumnin74 #c4--,the ,woodpeckers ,proper 7,picin74 #d4--,the ,green ,woodpeckers 7,gecinin74 #e4--,the ,black ,woodpeckers 7,melanerpin74 #f4--,the ,cuckoo ,woodpeckers 7,colaptin74 #g4--,the ,wrynecks 7,yuncin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,cuckoos 7,,cuculid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,honey ,guides 7,indicatorin74 #b4--,the ,rain ,cuckoos 7,saurotherin74 #c4--,the ,ground ,cuckoos 7,coccyzin74 #d4--,the ,tick ,eaters 7,crotophagin74 #e4--,the ,cuckoos ,proper 7,cuculin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,iv4 ,,pigeons 7,,columb74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,pigeons 7,,columbid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,fruit ,pigeons 7,treronin74 #b4--,the ,doves 7,columbin74 #c4--,the ,crowned ,pigeons 7,gourin74 #d4--,the ,toothed ,pigeons 7,didunculin74 #e4--,the ,dodos 7,didin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,v4 ,,gallinaceous ,,birds 7,,gallin74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,curassows 7,,cracid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,guans 7,penelopin74 #b4--,the ,curassows ,proper 7,cracin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,megapodes 7,,megapodid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tallegallas 7,tallegallin74 #b4--,the ,mound ,birds 7,megapodin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,pheasants 7,,phasianid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,peacocks 7,pavonin74 #b4--,the ,pheasants ,proper 7,phasianin74 #c4--,the ,jungle ,fowls 7,gallin74 #d4--,the ,turkeys 7,meleagrin74 #e4--,the ,tufted ,pheasants 7,lophophorin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,grouse 7,,tetraonid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,partridges 7,perdicin74 #b4--,the ,quails 7,turnicin74 #c4--,the ,american ,partridges 7,odontophorin74 #d4--,the ,grouse ,proper 7,tetraonin74 #e4--,the ,sand ,grouse 7,pteroclin74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,sheathbills 7,,chionid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,shore ,larks 7,thinocorin74 #b4--,the ,sheathbills ,proper 7,chionidin74 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,tinamous 7,,tinamid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tinamous 7,tinamin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,vi4 ,,ostriches 7,,struthiones74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,ostriches 7,,struthionid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,ostriches ,proper 7,struthionin74 #b4--,the ,kivis 7,apterygin74 #c4--,the ,bustards 7,otidin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,vii4 ,,stilt-,,walkers 7,,grall74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,plovers 7,,charadriad74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,thick-knees 7dicnemin74 #b4--,the ,coursers 7,cursorin74 #c4--,the ,pratincoles 7,glareoli74 #d4--,the ,plovers ,proper 7,charadrin74 #e4--,the ,oyster ,catchers 7,hmatopodin74 #f4--,the ,turnstones 7,cinclin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,herons 7,,ardeid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,trumpeters 7,psophin74 #b4--,the ,cranes 7,gruin74 #c4--,the ,herons ,proper 7,ardein74 #d4--,the ,storks 7,ciconin74 #e4--,the ,ibises 7,tantalin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,woodcocks 7,,scolopacid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,godwits 7,limosin74 #b4--,the ,longshanks 7,totanin74 #c4--,the ,avocets 7,recurvirostrin74 #d4--,the ,sandpipers 7,tringin74 #e4--,the ,woodcocks ,proper 7,scolopacin74 #f4--,the ,phaleropes 7,phalaropodin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,screamers 7,,palamedeid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,jacanas 7,parrin74 #b4--,the ,screamers ,proper 7,palamedein74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,rails 7,,rallid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,rails ,proper 7,rallin74 #b4--,the ,gallinules 7,gallinulin74 99 99 99 99 99 ,,order ,,viii4 ,,geese 7,,anseres74 ,,family ,i4--,,the ,,ducks 7,,anatid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,flamingoes 7,phnicopterin74 #b4--,the ,spur-winged ,geese 7,plectropterin74 #c4--,the ,geese ,proper 7,anserin74 #d4--,the ,swans 7,cygnin74 #e4--,the ,ducks ,proper 7,anatin74 #f4--,the ,diving ,ducks 7,fuligulin74 #g4--,the ,pin-tailed ,ducks 7,erismaturin74 #h4--,the ,goosanders 7,mergin74 ,,family ,,ii4--,,the ,,divers 7,,colymbid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,divers ,proper 7,colymbin74 #b4--,the ,grebes 7,podicipin74 #c4--,the ,finfoots 7,heliornin74 ,,family ,,iii4--,,the ,,auks 7,,alcid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,auks 7,alcin74 #b4--,the ,crested ,divers 7,phaleridin74 #c4--,the ,penguins 7,spheniscin74 #d4--,the ,loons 7,urin74 ,,family ,,iv4--,,the ,,petrels 7,,procellarid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,petrels ,proper 7,procellarin74 #b4--,the ,albatrosses 7,diomedein74 ,,family ,v4--,,the ,,gulls 7,,larid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,gulls ,proper 7,larin74 #b4--,the ,scissor-bills 7,rhynchopin74 #c4--,the ,terns 7,sternin74 ,,family ,,vi4--,,the ,,pelicans 7,,pelicanid74 ,sub-,family #a4--,the ,tropic ,birds 7,phaetonin74 #b4--,the ,darters 7,plotin74 #c4--,the ,pelicans ,proper 7,pelicanin74 ,,index ,,of ,,english ,,names4 ,abbagamba1 iii41 #ach ,abu-,risch1 iii41 #f ,accentor1 ii41 #bib ,alpine1 ii41 #bie ,siberian1 ii41 #bie ,adjutant1 iv41 #gd ,agami1 iv41 #id ,alarm ,bird1 i41 #bhg ,albatross1 iv41 #bjc ,sooty1 iv41 #bjg ,yellow-billed1 iv41 #bjf ,wandering1 iv41 #bje ,alcyon1 iii41 #ia ,blue1 iii41 #id ,giant1 iii41 #id ,paradise1 iii41 #ie ,red-breasted ,tree1 iii41 #ia ,saw-beaked1 iii41 #ie ,tree1 iii41 #ia ,true ,paradise1 iii41 #ie ,wood1 iii41 #ia ,yellow-headed ,wood1 iii41 #ic ,amazon1 iii41 #fg ,royal1 iii41 #fh ,anakan1 i41 #fj ,anhinga1 iv41 #bbh ,ani1 iii41 #aai ,aniuma1 iv41 #if ,ant-king1 ii41 #bca ,apteryx1 ,mantell's1 iii41 #caj ,owen's1 iii41 #caa ,aracuan1 iii41 #bhj ,aramides1 iv41 #ajj ,araponga1 ii41 #ahc ,arara1 i41 #eh ,hyacinth-coloured1 i41 #fb ,soldier1 i41 #fj ,ararauna1 i41 #fb ,arassari1 iii41 #abh1 #abi ,argalas1 iv41 #gd ,astrild1 i41 #afd ,grey1 i41 #afd ,pheasant1 i41 #afd ,auk1 iv41 #bej ,great1 iv41 #beh ,little1 iv41 #bed ,proper1 iv41 #bce ,avocet1 ,scooping1 iv41 #ej ,b4 ,babbler1 ii41 #bah ,hook-clawed1 ii41 #bba ,red-headed1 ii41 #bbj ,true1 ii41 #bbj ,white-rumped1 ii41 #bba ,bacha1 ii41 #ej ,banana-eater1 i41 #bhd ,band ,bird1 i41 #aef ,barbet1 iii41 #abd ,golden1 iii41 #abf ,toucan1 iii41 #abg ,baya1 i41 #agj ,bearded ,cuckoo1 iii41 #ih ,bee-eater1 iii41 #ge ,australian1 iii41 #gh ,bridled1 iii41 #gh ,swallow1 iii41 #gh ,common1 iii41 #gf ,nocturnal1 iii41 #gi ,bee-king1 ii41 #aee ,bee-wolf1 iii41 #gg ,bell-bird1 i41 #bga1 #ahb ,bare-necked1 ii41 #ahb ,true1 ii41 #ahc ,three-wattled1 ii41 #ahc ,bent-beaks1 iii41 #g ,bentevi1 ii41 #aei ,berigora1 i41 #cjg ,bettet1 i41 #fh ,benteot1 i41 #bha ,bittern1 iv41 #hc ,common1 iv41 #he ,little1 iv41 #hc ,sun1 iv41 #hf ,blackbird1 ,savanna1 iii41 #aai ,black-cap1 ii41 #bdc ,blackcock1 iii41 #ahe ,black-head1 ,sardinian ,fire-eyed1 ii41 #bdi ,black ,pheasant1 iii41 #bch ,blossom ,rifler1 ,australian1 iii41 #g ,blue ,birds1 iii41 #b ,blue ,creba1 iii41 #c ,blue-throat1 ,white-starred1 ii41 #ahi ,swedish1 ii41 #ahi ,boat-bills1 iv41 #ei1 #fb ,boat-tails1 i41 #bbb ,great1 i41 #bbb ,boblink1 i41 #bab ,bower ,bird1 ,satin1 i1 #bci ,broad-throat1 iii41 #hd ,java1 iii41 #he ,true1 iii41 #he ,bronze-wing1 ,partridge1 iii41 #aff ,common1 iii41 #afd ,crested1 iii41 #afc ,true1 iii41 #afd ,brush ,wattle ,bird1 iii41 #aa ,true1 iii41 #aa ,buccos1 iii41 #if ,bullfinch1 i41 #ib1 #ajb ,carmine1 i41 #ie ,parrot1 i41 #ib ,rose1 i41 #ie ,siberian1 i41 #ig ,bundle-nest1 iii41 #af ,red-fronted1 iii41 #ag ,bunting1 i41 #ahe ,black-headed1 i41 #aij ,crested1 i41 #ahe ,garden1 i41 #ahh ,golden1 i41 #ahg ,grey1 i41 #ahf ,lark1 i41 #aia ,meadow1 i41 #aij ,red1 i41 #aij ,reed1 i41 #aia ,snow1 i41 #aid ,spur1 i41 #aia ,bustard1 iv41 #b ,african ,ruffled1 iv41 #h ,great1 iv41 #b ,little1 iv41 #e ,butcher-bird1 ,sentinel1 ii41 #adb ,proper1 ii41 #adf ,true1 ii41 #adf ,buzzard1 ii41 #dg ,common1 ii41 #eb ,crested1 ii41 #ej ,crested ,honey1 ii41 #eb ,grasshopper1 ii41 #ed ,honey1 ii41 #ej ,mouse1 ii41 #eb ,red-winged1 ii41 #ed ,rough-legged1 ii41 #eb ,snake1 ii41 #dg1 #dh ,c4 ,cadet1 iii41 #f ,calliope of ,kamschatka1 ii41 #aij ,calliste1 i41 #aec ,red-necked1 i41 #aec ,canary1 i41 #ajg ,capercali1 iii41 #aha ,capi1 i41 #adh ,capirote1 ii41 #bdc ,capuchin ,bird1 ii41 #ajj ,caracolero1 ii41 #ee ,carancho1 ii41 #eh ,cariama1 ,brazilian1 iv41 #ia ,casmalos1 i41 #eb ,cassican1 i41 #bah ,tufted1 i41 #bai ,cassowary1 iii41 #cjb ,australian1 iii41 #cjg ,helmeted1 iii41 #cjb ,cat-bird1 ii41 #baf ,catchers1 i41 #bia ,caterpillar-eaters1 ii41 #afd ,chaffinch1 i41 #aae ,channel-bill1 iii41 #aac ,chat1 ii41 #aih ,chat1 ,black-throated ,stone1 ii41 #aih ,eared ,stone1 ii41 #aih ,fallow1 ii41 #aih ,chatterer1 ,bohemian1 ii41 #agb ,umbrella1 ii41 #aha ,chauna1 iv41 #ig ,cherry-bird1 i41 #bdb ,chickadee1 ii41 #cah ,chiff-chaff1 ii41 #bee ,chimango1 ii41 #eg ,chinquis1 iii41 #bea ,chopper1 ,woodpecker ,tree1 iii41 #bf ,choroy1 i41 #ff ,alpine1 i41 #bee ,choughs1 i41 #bed ,chuckore1 iii41 #bjg ,clapper-bill1 ,african1 iv41 #ge ,climber1 iii41 #a ,tree1 iii41 #bd ,clipper1 ii41 #aig ,common ,tree1 iii41 #be ,wagtail1 ii41 #aig ,cockatoo1 i41 #de ,banks' ,raven1 i41 #ed ,eagle1 i41 #ea ,helmet1 i41 #dg ,leadbeater's1 i41 #dg ,lemon-crested1 i41 #dg ,nestor1 i41 #ej ,nose1 i41 #dh ,cock of the ,rock1 ii41 #agd ,collar-bird1 i41 #bdj ,spotted1 i41 #bdj ,comet1 iii41 #ga ,sappho1 iii41 #ga ,condor1 ii41 #gj ,californian1 ii41 #ga ,coot1 iv41 #aaj ,common1 iv41 #aaa ,coquette1 iii41 #ff ,splendid1 iii41 #ff ,corella1 i41 #gg ,cormorant1 iv41 #bbg ,proper1 iv41 #bcj ,common1 iv41 #bcd ,coroya1 iii41 #aai ,coucal1 iii41 #abb ,egyptian1 iii41 #abb ,pheasant1 iii41 #abc ,courser1 iv41 #i ,cream-coloured1 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,pteroptochus megapodius1 ii41 #bca ,ptilonorhynchus albirostris1 i41 #bcg holosericus1 i41 #bci ,ptilotis flavigula1 iii41 #aj ,puffinus ,anglorum1 iv41 #bah ,pycnonotus arsino1 ii41 #bah ,vaillantii1 ii41 #bai ,pyranga stiva1 i41 #aeb rubra1 i41 #aea ,pyrgitnas passerina1 iii41 #aei ,pyrgitopsis simplex1 i41 #acg ,pyriglena domicella1 ii41 #bcj ,pyrophthalma melanocephala1 ii41 #bdh ,provincialis1 ii41 #bdi ,sarda1 ii41 #bdi ,pyrrhococcyx ,cayanus1 iii41 #aah ,pyrrhocorax alpinus1 i41 #bee ,pyrrhodes ,papuensis1 i41 #hb ,pyrrhula vulgaris1 i41 #ajb ,pyrrhulauda leucotis1 i41 #bja ,pyrrhul1 i41 #ib ,pytelia subflava1 i41 #afa ,q4 ,quelea sanguinirostris1 i41 #aga ,quiscalus major1 i41 #bbb ,r4 ,rallus aquaticus1 iv41 #ii ,ramphastus erythrorhynchus1 iii41 #aca ,temminckii1 iii41 #acb toco1 iii41 #acj ,ramphocelus ,brasilianus1 i41 #aed ,ramphomicron heteropogon1 iii41 #gd ,recurvirostra avocetta1 iv41 #ej ,reguloides ,proregulus1 ii41 #bed ,regulus auricapillus1 ii41 #bih calendulus1 ii41 #cja cristatus1 ii41 #bih flavicapillus1 ii41 #bih ignicapillus1 ii41 #bii modestus1 ii41 #bih pyrocephalus1 ii41 #bii satrapa1 ii41 #bii tricolor1 ii41 #bii ,rhea ,americana1 iii41 #bia ,darwinii1 iii41 #bii macrorhyncha1 iii41 #bii ,rhipidura motacilloides1 ii41 #afg ,rhodostethia rosea1 iv41 #bjc ,rossii1 iv41 #bjc ,rhyncha ,capensis1 iv41 #ii ,rhynchaceros erythrorhynchus1 iii41 #acd ,rhynchodon sparverius1 i41 #caa ,rhynchops orientalis1 iv41 #ahe ,rhyncotus rufescens1 iii41 #bhd ,rhyticeros plicatus1 iii41 #acg ,rissa tridactyla1 iv41 #aid ,rostrhamus hamatus1 ii41 #ee ,rubecula sylvestris1 ii41 #aia ,rupicola crocea1 ii41 #agd ,ruticilla atra1 ii41 #aid phnicura1 ii41 #aie titys1 ii41 #aid ,s4 ,saltator crulescens1 i41 #adh ,sarciophorus pileatus1 iv41 #bd ,sarcorhamphus ,californianus1 ii41 #ga condor1 ii41 #gj ,gryphus1 ii41 #gj papa1 ii41 #ga ,saurophagus sulphuratus1 ii41 #aei ,saurothera vetula1 iii41 #aag ,saxicola aurita1 ii41 #aih nanthe1 ii41 #aih leucura1 ii41 #bjj stapazina1 ii41 #aih ,saxilauda ,tatarica1 i41 #aii ,schizorhis zonurus1 i41 #bhg ,scolopax rusticola1 iv41 #cj ,scopus umbretta1 iv41 #fb ,scotornis climacurus1 ii41 #abi ,scythrops ,nov-,hollandi1 iii41 #aac ,seleucides alba1 i41 #bea resplendens1 i41 #bea ,sericulus chrysocephalus1 i41 #bdc ,serinus hortulanus1 i41 #ajf ,sitella pileata1 iii41 #bb ,sitta csia1 iii41 #ba ,syriaca1 iii41 #bb ,somateria mollissima1 iv41 #afc spectabilis1 iv41 #afe ,stellerii1 iv41 #aff ,sparganura ,sappho1 iii41 #ga ,spathura ,underwoodii1 iii41 #gj ,spatula clypeata1 iv41 #aef ,spenorhynchus ,abdimii1 iv41 #gj ,spermestes cucullata1 i41 #aeh ,spheniscus demersus1 iv41 #bfg ,spilocircus ,jardinii1 ii41 #df ,spilornis ,bacha1 ii41 #ej ,spinus viridis1 i41 #abg ,spizatos bellicosus1 ii41 #ah ,spizella ,canadensis1 i41 #ahc ,stagnicola chloropus1 iv41 #ajg ,starna cinerea1 iii41 #baj ,starnnas cyanocephala1 iii41 #afb ,steatornis ,caripensis1 ii41 #ace ,steganurus ,underwoodii1 iii41 #gj ,stercorarius parasiticus1 iv41 #bjb ,sterna hirundo1 iv41 #agi ,sternula minuta1 iv41 #aha ,stictopeleia cuneata1 iii41 #afa ,stipiturus malachurus1 ii41 #bff ,strepsilas interpres1 iv41 #bd ,struthio camelus1 iii41 #bhg ,sturnus unicolor1 i41 #bbg vulgaris1 i41 #bbc ,strepera graculina1 i41 #bga ,streptopeleia risoria1 iii41 #aee ,strigiceps cyaneus1 ii41 #dc cineraceus1 ii41 #dd pallidus1 ii41 #dc ,strigops habroptilus1 i41 #ee ,strix flammea1 ii41 #ajb ,kirchhoflii1 ii41 #ajb ,sula alba1 iv41 #bbc ,surnia nisoria1 ii41 #he funerea1 ii41 #he ulula1 ii41 #he ,sylochelidon ,caspia1 iv41 #agh ,sylvia hortensis1 ii41 #bdj rufa1 ii41 #bee ,syma flavirostris1 iii41 #if ,sypheotidis ,bengalensis1 iv41 #h ,syrnium aluco1 ii41 #ii ,syrrhaptes paradoxus1 iii41 #agh ,t4 ,tachypetes aquila1 iv41 #bbd ,taha dubia1 i41 #agd ,tallegallus ,lathamii1 iii41 #bff ,tangara ornata1 i41 #aea ,tantalus ibis1 iv41 #ff ,tanysiptera dea1 iii41 #ie nympha1 iii41 #ie sylvia1 iii41 #ie ,taxostoma rufum1 ii41 #baf ,telephonus erythropterus1 ii41 #aej ,temnurus truncatus1 i41 #bhb ,terpsiphone paradisea1 ii41 #aff ,tetragonops ramphastinus1 iii41 #abg ,tetrao ,cupido1 iii41 #aia urogallus1 iii41 #aha ,tetraogallus ,caspius1 iii41 #bjc ,himalayensis1 iii41 #cjd ,tetrax campestris1 iv41 #e ,textor ,alecto1 i41 #agg ,dinemellii1 i41 #agg erythrorhynchus1 i41 #agf ,thalassidroma pelagica1 iv41 #bae ,thamnola albiscapulata1 ii41 #bjd ,thamnophilus undulatus1 ii41 #aec ,vigorsii1 ii41 #aec ,tharralcus montanellus1 ii41 #bie modularis1 ii41 #bid ,thaumalea ,amhersti1 iii41 #bdh picta1 iii41 #bdg ,threskiornis religiosa1 iv41 #ef ,thryothorus ,ludovicianus1 ii41 #bgb platensis1 ii41 #bgc ,tichodroma muraria1 iii41 #bc ,timalia pileata1 ii41 #bbj ,tinnunculus alaudarius1 i41 #cjh ,cenchris1 i41 #cjh ,todirhamphus chlorocephalus1 iii41 #ic ,todus viridis1 iii41 #hg ,topaza pella1 iii41 #ee ,trachypelmus ,brasiliensis1 iii41 #bhe ,trachyphonus margaritatus1 iii41 #abe ,trochilus colubris1 iii41 #fa ,troglodytes parvulus1 ii41 #bga ,trogon calurus1 iii41 #ajc ,surucua1 iii41 #aja viridis1 iii41 #ajb ,tropidorhynchus corniculatus1 iii41 #ab ,turdus merula1 ii41 #baa musicus1 ii41 #bjg saxatilis1 ii41 #bjb pilaris1 ii41 #bjg torquatus1 ii41 #baa viscivorus1 ii41 #bjf ,turnix ,africanus1 iii41 #bbg ,gibraltariensis1 iii41 #bbg pugnax1 iii41 #bbf ,turtur auritus1 iii41 #aee ,tyrannus intrepidus1 ii41 #aeh ,u4 ,upupa epops1 iii41 #ad ,uragus ,sibericus1 i41 #ig ,urax pauxi1 iii41 #bgh ,uria troile1 iv41 #bec ,uroatos audax1 ii41 #ag ,urocissa ,sinensis1 i41 #bhb ,uromitus filifera1 ii41 #aaj ,v4 ,vanellus cristatus1 iv41 #bb ,vidua paradisea1 i41 #ahj ,vulpanser tadorna1 iv41 #adf ,vultur cinereus1 ii1 #ge occipitalis1 ii41 #gf ,x4 ,xantholema ,indica1 iii41 #abf ,xenops genibarbis1 iii41 #bj ,xiphorhynchus trochilrostris1 iii41 #bf ,y4 ,yunx torquilla1 iii41 #dc ,z4 ,zanclostomus tristis1 iii41 #aad ,zonotrichia albicollis1 i41 #ahb matutina1 i41 #ahb ,,the ,,end4 ,,cassell1 ,,petter1 ,,galpin1 ,,belle ,,sauvage ,,works1 ,,london1 ,e4,c4 ,,selections ,,from ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin',s ,,publications4 ,,illustrated ,,and ,,fine ,,art ,,works4 ,picturesque ,europe4 ,the ,british ,isles4 ,vol4 #a4 ,containing ,twelve exquisite ,steel ,plates from original drawings by ,,birket ,,foster1 ,e4 ,m4 ,,wimperis1 ,p4 ,,skelton1 ,d4 ,,mckewan1 ,w4 ,,leitch1 ,h4 ,,fenn1 ,s4 ,,read1 ,j4 ,,mogford1 and ,j4 ,,chase1 and #agf original ,illustrations drawn on ,wood by ,w4 ,h4 ,,boot1 ,h4 ,,fenn1 ,,towneley ,,green1 ,c4 ,,johnson1 ,w4 ,l4 ,,jones1 ,r4 ,p4 ,,leitch1 ,w4 ,w4 ,,may1 ,t4 ,l4 ,,rowbotham1 ,c4 ,j4 ,,staniland1 ,p4 ,,skelton1 ,e4 ,m4 ,,wimperis1 ,e4 ,,wagner1 c41 and engraved by ,,edward ,,whymper4 ,with ,descriptive ,letterpress by ,t4 ,g4 ,,bonney1 ,,oscar ,,browning1 ,,james ,,grant1 ,h4 ,h4 ,s4 ,,pearse1 ,w4 ,,senior1 and ,j4 ,f4 ,,waller4 ,royal #dto1 #cjj pages1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #b #be4 ,the ,national ,portrait ,gallery4 ,vols4 ,i4 and ,,ii41 each containing ,twenty ,portraits1 in ,colours1 of our most distinguished ,celebrities1 printed in the highest style of ,chromo-,lithography1 with accompanying ,memoirs1 compiled from authentic sources4 ,extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #abs4 #f;d4 each4 ,art ,studies of ,home ,life4 ,with ,twenty-four full-page ,copies1 printed by the ,woodbury ,process1 of ,famous ,pictures by ,,collins1 ,,leslie1 ,,landseer1 ,,mulready1 ,,maclise1 ,,sir ,,joshua ,,reynolds1 ,,webster1 c4 ,with ,descriptive ,letterpress by ,,godfrey ,,turner4 ,demy #dto1 cloth elegant1 gilt edges1 #aes4 ,principles of ,ornamental ,art4 ,by ,f4 ,e4 ,,hulme1 ,f4,l4,s41 ,f4,s4,a41 ,art ,master in ,marlborough ,college1 ,author of ,freehand ,ornament1 c4 ,with over #djj ,designs4 ,royal #dto1 cloth1 #bes4 ,studies in ,design1 for ,builders1 ,architects1 ,designers1 ,house ,decorators1 and ,manufacturers4 ,by ,,christopher ,,dresser4 ,ph4,d41 ,f4,l4,s41 ,f4,e4,b4,s41 c4 ,consisting of #fj ,original ,designs by the ,author1 prepared during the last fifteen years1 exquisitely rendered in fac-simile1 in combined ,colours and in ,gold and ,colours1 and accompanied by ,descriptive ,letterpress4 ,demy folio1 cloth1 #c #cs4 ,sketching from ,nature in ,water-,colours4 ,by ,,aaron ,,penley1 ,author of ,the ,english ,school of ,painting in ,water-,colours1 c4 ,with ,illustrations in ,chromo-,lithography1 after ,original ,water-,colour ,drawings4 ,super-royal #dto1 cloth1 #aes4 ,homely ,scenes from ,great ,painters1 containing ,twenty-four beautiful full-page ,copies of ,famous ,pictures1 printed by the ,woodbury ,process4 ,the ,text consists of a ,series of ,essays by ,,godfrey ,,turner4 ,demy #dto1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #aes4 ,poems and ,pictures4 ,with about #ajj highly-finished ,engravings1 by ,j4 ,c4 ,,horsley1 ,r4,a41 ,c4 ,w4 ,,cope1 ,r4,a41 ,f4 ,r4 ,,pickersgill1 ,r4,a41 ,,selous1 c41 c4 ,fcap4 #dto1 #bej pp41 very handsomely bound in extra gilt cloth1 #bas4 ,the ,leopold ,shakspere4 ,dedicated1 by permission1 to ,h4,r4,h4 ,prince ,leopold4 ,the text of the ,leopold ,shakspere is that of ,professor ,,delius1 while an introduction to the entire work has been written by ,mr4 ,f4 ,j4 ,,furnivall4 ,this ,edition includes ,the ,two ,noble ,kinsmen and ,edward ,,iii41 both of which plays1 according to many competent authorities1 contain much that is ,shakspere's4 ,with about #djj ,illustrations and #a1jjj pages1 small #dto1 cloth1 #ajs4 #f;d42 gilt edges1 #abs4 #f;d4 ,illustrated ,travels3 ,a ,record of ,discovery1 ,geography1 and ,adventure4 ,edited by ,h4 ,w4 ,,bates1 ,assistant-,secretary of the ,royal ,geographical ,society4 ,complete in ,six ,vols41 containing nearly #bjj ,engravings in each volume1 royal #dto1 #aes4 cloth1 or #ahs4 cloth1 gilt edges1 each4 ,the ,races of ,mankind4 ,a ,popular ,description of the ,characteristics1 ,manners1 and ,customs of the ,principal ,varieties of the ,human ,family4 ,by ,,robert ,,brown1 ,m4,a41 ,ph4,d41 ,f4,l4,s41 ,f4,r4,g4,s41 late ,president of the ,royal ,physical ,society1 ,edinburgh4 ,complete in ,four ,vols4 ,illustrated throughout1 extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #fs4 each2 or ,two ,vols41 #a #as4 ,royal ,quarto ,shakespeare4 ,edited by ,,charles and ,,mary ,,cowden ,,clarke1 and containing about #fjj ,illustrations by ,h4 ,c4 ,,selous4 ,printed in new large type on royal #dto paper4 ,complete in #c vols41 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #c #cs4 ,also published in ,three separate volumes1 viz41 ,,the ,,comedies1 #a #as4 ,,the ,,historical ,,plays1 #ahs4 #f;d4 ,,the ,,tragedies1 #a #es4 ,shakespeare1 ,cassell's ,illustrated4 ,imperial #hvo ,edition4 ,with #fjj ,illustrations by ,h4 ,c4 ,,selous4 ,edited by ,,charles and ,,mary ,,cowden ,,clarke4 ,complete in ,three ,vols41 #b1afh pages1 bound in imitation ,roxburgh4 #b #bs41 half morocco1 #b #ajs4 ,cassell's ,arabian ,nights4 ,with #cej ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor and other ,eminent ,artists4 #gfj pages1 extra crown #dto1 cloth bevelled1 #abs4 #f;d4 ,the ,world of ,wit and ,humour4 ,with about #djj ,illustrations4 ,super-royal #hvo1 #dhj pp41 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,the ,world of ,wonders4 ,a ,record of ,things ,wonderful in ,nature1 ,science1 and ,art4 ,imperial #hvo1 #ejj pp41 with #acj ,illustrations4 ,cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 sop's ,fables4 ,new and ,enlarged ,edition4 ,with about #aej ,original ,illustrations by ,,ernest ,,griset4 ,imperial #hvo1 #dcb pages1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,,the ,,dor ,,fine ,,art ,,volumes4 ,the ,dor ,gallery4 ,containing #bej of the finest ,drawings of ,,gustave ,,dor1 selected from the ,dor ,bible1 ,milton's ,paradise ,lost1 ,dante's ,inferno1 and ,purgatorio and ,paradiso1 c4 ,with ,descriptive ,letterpress and ,memoir by ,,edmund ,,ollier4 ,folio1 cloth gilt1 ,one ,vol41 complete1 #e #es42 cloth gilt1 in ,two ,vols41 #e #ajs42 full morocco elegant1 #aj4 ,the ,dor ,scripture ,gallery of ,illustration4 ,containing #bej ,drawings of ,scripture ,subjects by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,with an ,essay1 ,critical and ,historical1 on ,sacred ,art1 by ,,edmund ,,ollier4 ,complete in ,two ,vols41 #e #ajs42 or ,four ,vols41 #f #fs4 ,the ,dor ,bible4 ,with #bcj ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor4 #a1fjj pp41 small folio ,two ,vols41 cloth1 #h2 morocco1 #ab2 full morocco elegant1 #ae4 ,royal #dto ,edition1 ,two ,vols41 leather gilt1 #c #ajs42 morocco antique1 #f #fs4 ,dante's ,inferno4 ,with ,seventy-six full-page ,engravings by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,translated by ,rev ,h4 ,f4 ,,cary1 ,m4,a4 ,crown folio1 cloth1 #b #ajs42 elegantly bound in full morocco1 #f #fs4 ,dante's ,purgatorio and ,paradiso4 ,with ,sixty full-page ,engravings by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,uniform with the ,,inferno1 and same price4 ,milton's ,paradise ,lost4 ,with full-page ,illustrations by ,gustave ,dor4 ,with ,notes and a ,life of ,milton by the late ,rev4 ,r4 ,,vaughan1 ,d4,d4 ,new ,edition1 imperial #dto1 cloth gilt1 #b #ajs42 full morocco elegant1 #f #fs4 ,la ,fontaine's ,fables4 ,with ,eighty-six full-page and numerous smaller ,engravings by ,gustave ,dor4 ,royal #dto1 #hdj pp41 cloth gilt1 #a #ajs42 full morocco1 #c #ajs4 ,don ,quixote4 ,with about #djj ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,royal #dto1 cloth1 #a #ajs42 full morocco1 #c #ajs4 ,atala4 ,by ,,chateaubriand4 ,with ,thirty full-page and many smaller ,engravings by ,gustave ,dor4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition1 cloth1 #a #as4 ,days of ,chivalry2 being the ,legend of ,croquemitaine4 ,with nearly #bjj ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,the ,text by ,,tom ,,hood4 ,new ,edition4 ,royal #dto1 cloth1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,adventures of ,baron ,munchausen4 ,with ,thirty-one full-page ,engravings by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,royal #dto1 cloth1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,legend of the ,wandering ,jew4 ,with ,twelve ,large ,designs by ,gustave ,dor4 ,folio1 cloth1 #aes42 extra gilt1 #bas4 ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin3 ,,london1 ,,paris ,,new ,,york4 ,,standard ,,works4 ,british ,battles on ,land and ,sea4 ,by ,,james ,,grant1 ,author of ,the ,romance of ,war4 ,complete in ,three ,vols41 with about #bjj ,engravings in each1 extra crown #dto1 #egf pp41 cloth1 #is4 each4 ,cassell's ,history of ,england1 from the ,earliest ,period to the ,present ,time4 ,,new ,,toned ,,paper ,,edition4 ,with about #b1jjj ,illustrations4 ,post #dto1 #e1ejj pp4 ,complete in ,nine ,vols41 bound in cloth1 #is4 each4 ,the ,volumes can be had separately4 ,,library ,,edition1 bound in brown cloth1 with gilt tops1 #d #ajs4 ,cassell's ,history of the ,war between ,france and ,germany4 ,complete in ,two ,vols41 with about #ejj ,engravings and ,plans of the ,battle-,fields4 ,extra crown #dto1 cloth gilt1 #is4 each2 or ,two ,vols41 half-calf1 #a #ajs4 ,cassell's ,history of the ,united ,states4 ,vols4 ,i4 and ,,ii4 with #bjj ,illustrations and ,maps in each ,vol4 ,extra crown #dto1 #fbj pages1 cloth1 #is4 each4 7,to be completed in #c ,vols47 ,cassell's ,history of ,india4 ,with ,maps1 ,plans1 and ,illustrations4 ,vol4 ,i4 now ready4 #egf pages1 extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #is4 7,to be completed in ,two ,vols47 ,the ,history of ,protestantism4 ,by the ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,,wylie1 ,,ll4,d4 ,vols4 ,i4 and ,,ii41 with upwards of #bjj ,original ,illustrations in each ,vol4 ,extra crown #dto1 #fbj pages1 cloth1 #is4 each4 7,to be completed in #c ,vols47 ,old and ,new ,london4 ,a ,narrative of its ,history1 its ,people1 and its ,places4 ,vols4 ,i41 ,,ii41 ,,iii41 and ,,iv4 now ready1 with about #bjj ,engravings each4 ,extra crown #dto1 #egf pp41 cloth1 #is4 each4 ,cassell's ,household ,guide4 ,a ,guide to ,every ,department of ,practical ,life4 ,with numerous ,coloured ,cookery ,plates1 and ,illustrations on nearly every page4 ,complete in ,four ,vols41 cloth gilt1 price #fs4 each2 or ,two ,vols41 half-calf1 #a #aas4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,new ,popular ,educator4 ,revised to the ,present ,date1 with numerous ,additions4 ,complete in ,six ,vols41 #dab pp4 each1 cloth1 #fs4 each2 or ,three ,vols41 half-calf1 #b #ajs4 ,cassell's ,popular ,recreator4 ,a ,guide and ,key to ,in-door and ,out-door ,amusement4 ,complete in ,two ,vols41 containing about #ejj ,illustrations each1 extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #fs4 each2 or the ,two ,vols4 in ,one1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,technical ,educator4 ,complete in ,four ,vols41 each containing ,coloured ,frontispiece and numerous ,illustrations4 ,extra crown #dto1 #daf pp41 cloth1 #fs4 each2 or ,two ,vols41 half-calf1 #cas4 #f;d4 ,the ,vicar of ,wakefield1 and other ,works by ,oliver ,goldsmith4 ,with upwards of #ajj ,illustrations4 ,super ,royal #hvo1 cloth1 #es42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #fs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,gulliver's ,travels4 ,with ,eighty-eight ,engravings by ,,morten4 ,imperial #hvo1 #djj pp41 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 full gilt cloth1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,illustrated ,readings4 ,containing about #ejj choice ,selections from the ,english ,literature of all ,ages4 ,,first ,,and ,,second ,,series4 ,each ,series complete in ,one ,volume4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 ,cloth1 each1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,,bibles1 ,,religious ,,works1 c4 ,cassell's ,guinea ,illustrated ,bible4 ,with #ijj ,illustrations1 ,full ,references1 a ,concordance1 ,family ,register1 c4 c4 ,royal #dto1 #a1dgf pp41 cloth1 gilt edges1 #bas42 morocco1 #bes4 ,the ,child's ,bible4 ,with #bbj ,illustrations4 ,demy #dto1 cloth gilt1 #a #as42 leather1 #cjs42 morocco elegant1 #dbs4 ,the ,dor ,bible4 ,royal #dto ,edition4 ,complete in ,two ,vols41 with #bbj ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,bound in leather1 gilt edges1 #c #ajs42 full morocco1 antique1 #f #fs4 ,the ,life of ,christ4 ,by the ,rev4 ,f4 ,w4 ,,farrar1 ,d4,d41 ,f4,r4,s41 ,canon of ,westminster1 and ,chaplain in ,ordinary to the ,queen4 ,two ,vols41 #bds42 calf antique1 #b #bs42 tree calf1 #b #es4 ,keble's ,christian ,year1 ,cassell's ,illustrated ,edition4 ,beautifully printed and profusely ,illustrated4 ,extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,bible ,dictionary4 ,with nearly #fjj ,illustrations4 ,imperial #hvo1 #a1aei pp4 ,complete in ,one ,vol41 cloth1 #bas42 or ,two ,vols41 cloth1 #bes42 or ,one ,vol41 russia or morocco1 #djs4 ,matthew ,henry's ,commentary4 ,,new ,,annotated ,,edition1 consisting of ,supplementary ,original ,notes contributed by eminent ,biblical ,scholars of the present day4 ,complete in ,three ,volumes1 royal #dto1 cloth1 #c #ajs4 ,cassell's ,family ,prayer-,book4 #djj pages1 demy #dto1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth1 gilt edges1 #is42 morocco1 #a #as4 ,the ,bible ,educator4 ,edited by the ,rev4 ,e4 ,h4 ,,plumptre1 ,d4,d41 assisted by some of the most ,eminent ,scholars and ,divines of the day4 ,with upwards of #djj ,illustrations and ,maps4 ,complete in ,four ,volumes4 ,extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #fs4 each2 or ,two ,double ,volumes1 cloth1 #a #as42 half calf1 marbled edges1 #a #aas4 #f;d4 ,daily ,devotion for the ,household4 ,containing a ,short ,prayer1 with ,hymn and a ,portion of ,scripture for ,every ,morning and ,evening in the ,year4 ,with ,twenty-four full-page ,plates4 ,royal #dto1 cloth1 gilt edges1 #a #es42 leather1 #a #aes4 ,cassell's ,foxe's ,book of ,martyrs4 ,edited by the ,rev4 ,w4 ,,bramley-,,moore1 ,m4,a4 ,with #aha ,engravings by ,sir ,,john ,,gilbert1 ,,morten1 ,,edwards1 c4 c4 ,imperial #hvo1 #gcb pp41 cloth1 #abs42 full gilt cloth1 #aes4 ,cassell's ,bunyan's ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,containing #ajj ,illustrations by ,,selous and ,,priolo4 ,imperial #hvo1 #djj pp41 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 full gilt cloth1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,bunyan's ,holy ,war4 ,uniform with the above1 and same price4 ,,popular ,,works ,,on ,,natural ,,history4 ,,the ,,new ,,and ,,cheaper ,,editions ,,of ,,louis ,,figuier',s ,,popular ,,scientific ,,works1 ,containing all the ,original ,illustrations1 the ,text ,revised and ,corrected1 price #gs4 #f;d4 each1 comprise3-- ,the ,human ,race4 ,newly ,edited and ,revised by ,,robert ,,wilson1 ,fellow of the ,royal ,physical ,society1 ,edinburgh4 ,with #bdb ,illustrations4 ,mammalia4 ,revised and ,corrected by ,professor ,e4 ,,perceval ,,wright1 ,m4,d4 ,with #bfj ,illustrations4 ,the ,world before the ,deluge4 ,with #bcc ,illustrations4 ,fifth ,edition4 ,revised and ,corrected by ,w4 ,h4 ,,bristow1 ,f4,r4,s4 ,the ,ocean ,world4 ,with #dbg ,illustrations4 ,third ,edition4 ,revised and ,corrected by ,professor ,e4 ,,perceval ,,wright1 ,m4,d4 ,reptiles and ,birds4 ,with #cjj ,illustrations4 ,second ,edition4 ,revised and ,corrected by ,captain ,,parker ,,gillmore4 ,the ,insect ,world4 ,with #egf ,illustrations4 ,fourth ,edition4 ,revised by ,professor ,,duncan1 ,m4,d41 ,f4,r4,s4 ,the ,vegetable ,world4 ,with #dgj ,illustrations4 ,third ,edition4 ,revised and ,corrected by an ,,eminent ,,botanist4 ,cassell's ,brehm's ,book of ,birds4 ,translated from the ,text of ,dr4 ,,brehm1 by ,professor ,t4 ,,rymer ,,jones1 ,f4,r4,s4 ,with upwards of #djj ,engravings1 and numerous full-page ,coloured ,plates4 ,complete in ,four ,volumes1 #dto1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #ajs4 each2 or ,two ,vols41 half-calf1 #b #bs4 ,the ,book of the ,horse4 ,by ,samuel ,sidney4 ,with #be fac-simile ,coloured ,plates1 from ,original ,paintings1 and upwards of #ajj ,wood ,engravings4 ,demy #dto1 cloth gilt1 #cas4 #f;d42 half-morocco1 gilt edges1 #b #bs4 ,transformations of ,insects4 ,by ,professor ,p4 ,,martin ,,duncan1 ,m4,d41 ,f4,r4,s4 ,with about #bej ,illustrations4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,now ready1 demy #hvo1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,popular ,natural ,history4 ,with about #b1jjj ,engravings and ,coloured ,plates4 ,complete in ,four ,volumes1 cloth1 #dbs4 ,the ,illustrated ,book of ,poultry4 ,by ,l4 ,,wright4 ,a ,complete and ,practical ,treatise on the ,breeding1 ,rearing1 and ,management of every known variety of ,poultry4 ,with #ej exquisite ,coloured ,plates of ,prize ,birds1 painted from ,life1 and numerous ,engravings4 ,demy #dto1 #fjj pp41 cloth bevelled1 gilt edges1 #cas4 #f;d42 half-morocco1 gilt edges1 #b #bs4 ,the ,book of ,pigeons4 ,by ,,robert ,,fulton4 ,edited and arranged by ,,lewis ,,wright4 ,illustrated with #ej life-like ,coloured ,plates1 painted expressly for this ,work1 and with numerous ,engravings on ,wood4 ,demy #dto1 cloth1 bevelled1 gilt edges1 #cas4 #f;d42 hall-morocco1 gilt edges1 #dbs4 ,cassell ,petter ,galpin2 ,london1 ,paris ,new ,york4 ,,miscellaneous ,,works4 ,a ,ride to ,khiva4 ,by ,capt4 ,f4 ,,burnaby1 ,royal ,horse ,guards4 ,being a narrative of the ,author's adventures and experiences during his recent journey to ,khiva1 with some ,remarks upon ,russia's ,advance ,eastward towards ,india4 ,one vol41 #ejj pp41 demy #hvo1 with large ,maps showing districts traversed1 c41 #bas4 ,cassell's ,family ,magazine4 ,a ,high-class ,illustrated ,family ,magazine4 ,monthly1 #g;d42 ,yearly ,vols41 #is4 ,civil ,service1 ,guide to ,employment in the4 ,new ,edition4 ,with an ,introduction by ,j4 ,d4 ,,morell1 ,,ll4,d4 ,containing the ,new ,regulations complete4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,civil ,service1 ,guide to the ,indian4 ,by ,a4 ,c4 ,,ewald1 ,f4,s4,a4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,cobden ,club ,essays4 ,second ,series4 #ejj pp41 demy #hvo1 cloth1 #aes4 ,second ,edition4 ,decorative ,design1 ,principles of4 ,by ,,christopher ,,dresser1 ,ph4,d41 ,f4,l4,s41 c4 ,illustrated with ,two ,coloured ,plates and numerous ,designs and ,diagrams4 ,second ,edition4 ,extra crown #dto1 cloth gilt1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,dictionary of ,phrase and ,fable1 ,brewer's2 giving the ,derivation1 ,source1 or ,origin of ,common ,phrases1 ,allusions1 and ,words that have a ,tale to ,tell4 ,by the ,rev4 ,dr4 ,,brewer4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,demy #hvo1 #a1jjj pages1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,facts and ,hints for ,every-day ,life4 ,a ,comprehensive ,book on ,every ,subject connected with the ,comforts of ,home and the ,health and ,prosperity of its ,inmates4 ,second ,edition4 ,cloth1 #bs1 #f;d4 ,historical ,scenes4 ,containing some of the most striking episodes from ,history4 ,selected by ,e4 ,,spooner from the writings of the following writers1 and used by special permission3--,,fuller1 ,,carlyle1 ,,motley1 ,,froude1 ,,prescott1 ,,fraser-,,tytler1 ,,milman1 ,archbishop ,,tait1 ,dean ,,stanley1 ,dr4 ,,arnold4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 #bbd pages1 cloth1 #ds4 #f;d4 ,local ,government and ,taxation4 ,the ,volume of ,,cobden ,,club ,,essays for #ahge4 ,edited by ,j4 ,w4 ,,probyn4 ,cloth1 #abs4 #f;d4 ,manners of ,modern ,society4 ,a ,comprehensive ,work on the ,etiquette of the ,present ,day4 ,fourth ,edition4 ,cloth gilt1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,north-,west ,passage by ,land1 ,the4 ,by ,lord ,,milton and ,dr4 ,,cheadle4 ,original ,edition1 demy #hvo1 cloth1 with ,twenty-two full-page ,illustrations and ,two ,maps1 #bas4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition1 crown #hvo1 with ,maps and ,illustrations1 cloth1 #bs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,practical ,kennel ,guide1 ,the4 ,by ,dr4 ,,gordon ,,stables1 ,author of ,cats3 their ,points and ,characteristics4 ,with ,illustrations4 #aib pages1 crown #hvo41 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,practical ,poultry-,keeper1 ,the4 ,ninth ,edition4 ,a ,standard ,guide to the ,management of ,poultry for ,domestic ,use1 the ,market1 or ,exhibition4 ,by ,l4 ,,wright4 ,with #dh ,plain ,illustrations4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d42 or #cf ,plain and #h ,new ,chromo ,plates1 #es4 ,quiver1 ,the4 ,the ,illustrated ,magazine for ,sunday ,reading4 ,monthly1 #f;d42 and ,yearly ,volumes1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,shorter ,english ,poems4 ,by ,professor ,,henry ,,morley4 ,being ,vol4 ,i4 of ,,cassell',s ,,library ,,of ,,english ,,literature4 ,containing the leading characteristic shorter ,poems of ,english ,literature1 from the earliest period to the present time1 with upwards of #bjj ,illustrations4 #eab pages1 extra crown #dto1 cloth1 #abs4 #f;d4 ,stock ,exchange ,year-,book1 ,the4 ,by ,,thomas ,,skinner4 ,containing a careful ,digest of ,information relating to the ,origin1 ,history1 and ,present ,position of each of the ,joint ,stock ,companies and ,public ,securities known to the ,markets of the ,united ,kingdom4 ,cloth1 #es4 ,talks about ,trees4 ,a ,popular ,account of their ,nature and ,uses4 ,by ,m4 and ,e4 ,,kirby4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 #cbj pp41 extra crown #hvo1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,the ,theory and ,action of the ,steam-,engine3 ,for ,practical ,men4 ,by ,w4 ,h4 ,,northcott1 ,c4,e41 ,author of ,lathes and ,turning1 c4 ,demy #hvo1 #bbd pages1 with numerous ,diagrams and ,tables1 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,,educational ,,works4 ,a ,first ,sketch of ,english ,literature4 ,by ,,henry ,,morley1 ,professor of ,english ,literature at ,university ,college1 and ,examiner in ,english ,language1 ,literature1 and ,history to the ,university of ,london4 ,fourth and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,crown #hvo1 #iab pp41 cloth1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,a ,complete ,manual of ,spelling4 ,on the ,principles of ,contrast and ,comparison4 ,by ,j4 ,d4 ,,morell1 ,,ll4,d41 ,h4,m4 ,inspector of ,schools4 ,forty-fifth ,thousand4 ,cloth1 #as4 ,little ,folks' ,history of ,england4 ,by ,,isa ,,craig-,,knox4 ,with ,thirty ,illustrations4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 ,the ,animal ,kingdom4 ,by ,,ellis ,a4 ,,davidson4 ,with numerous ,illustrations4 ,twentieth ,thousand1 ,revised and ,corrected4 ,cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,school ,board ,arithmetic4 ,with about #c1jjj ,examples4 #as4 #f;d42 or with ,key1 #as4 #i;d4 ,,key separate1 #f;d4 ,hart's ,elementary ,chemistry4 ,by the ,rev4 ,h4 ,,martyn ,,hart1 ,m4,a4 ,with ,coloured ,frontispiece and numerous ,illustrations4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,colour4 ,by ,a4 ,h4 ,,church1 ,m4,a41 ,professor of ,chemistry in the ,royal ,agricultural ,college1 ,cirencester4 ,with ,coloured ,plates and numerous ,diagrams4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,elementary ,lessons in ,applied ,mechanics4 ,by ,professor ,r4 ,s4 ,,ball1 ,,ll4,d4 ,with numerous ,diagrams and #adj ,questions for ,examination4 ,cloth1 #bs4 ,natural ,philosophy in ,easy ,lessons4 ,by ,professor ,,tyndall1 ,f4,r4,s4 ,third ,edition4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,euclid1 ,cassell's4 ,edited by ,professor ,,wallace1 ,a4,m4 ,one ,hundredth ,thousand4 #hvo1 #baf pp41 stiff covers1 #as42 cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 ,algebra 7,elements of71 ,cassell's4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 ,a ,course of ,painting in ,neutral ,tint4 ,with #bd ,plates from ,designs by ,r4 ,p4 ,,leitch4 ,the ,letterpress to each ,plate contains ,full ,instructions to the ,learner1 and the ,plates show the progress of the work through its different stages4 ,oblong #dto1 cloth1 price #es4 ,a ,course of ,water-,colour ,painting4 ,by ,r4 ,p4 ,leitch4 ,with #bd ,coloured ,plates1 and full ,instructions to ,learners4 ,fourth ,edition4 ,cloth1 #es4 ,cassell's ,german-,english and ,english-,german ,pronouncing ,dictionary4 ,new ,edition4 ,crown #hvo1 #hfd pages1 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,latin-,english1 ,english-,latin ,dictionary4 #iad pp41 demy #hvo1 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,modern ,school ,copy-,books4 ,a very comprehensive ,series1 printed from ,copper-plate copies on superior writing paper4 ,prepared in accordance with the requirements of the ,new ,code of #ahgf4 ,complete in #ah ,books1 price #c;d4 each4 ,cassell's ,graduated ,copy-,books1 adapted to the requirements of the ,new ,code for #ahgf2 each ,book containing #bd pages of ,writing ,copies1 fcap4 #dto4 ,complete in #ah ,books1 price #b;d4 each4 ,cassell's ,penny ,copy-,books4 ,complete in #ah ,books1 price #a;d4 each4 ,cassell's ,penny ,drawing-,copy ,books4 ,complete in #bh ,books1 price #a;d4 each1 each ,penny ,book consisting of #ad pages of ,drawing ,copies1 fcap1 #dto4 ,cassell's ,sixpenny ,drawing ,copies4 ,comprising ,five ,series of ,books1 each ,series complete in ,twelve ,parts1 price #f;d4 each2 ,twelve ,packets on ,cardboard1 price #as4 each2 or ,one ,volume1 cloth1 #gs1 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,course of ,practical ,geometry4 ,by ,e4 ,a4 ,,davidson4 ,consisting of #fd ,copies on ,cardboard1 in ,packet1 #es4 ,cassell's ,school ,board ,freehand ,drawing ,copy ,books1 consisting of #d ,books1 each containing #af pp41 fcap4 folio1 #as4 #d;d4 the set4 ,the ,marlborough ,french ,grammar4 ,tenth ,edition1 ,enlarged and ,revised4 ,arranged and ,compiled by the ,rev4 ,j4 ,f4 ,,bright1 ,m4,a41 ,master of the ,modern ,school in ,marlborough ,college4 #afd pages1 cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,the ,marlborough ,french ,exercises4 ,sixth ,edition1 ,enlarged and ,revised4 ,by the ,rev4 ,g4 ,w4 ,,de ,,lisle1 ,m4,a41 ,french ,master in ,marlborough ,college4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,cassell's ,french-,english and ,english-,french ,dictionary4 ,new and ,revised ,edition4 ,by ,professors ,,de ,,lolme and ,,wallace4 ,crown #hvo1 #ief pages1 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,the ,marlborough ,german ,grammar4 ,new and ,enlarged ,edition4 ,arranged and ,compiled by the ,rev4 ,j4 ,f4 ,,bright1 ,m4,a4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,a ,course of ,sepia ,painting4 ,with #bd ,plates from ,designs by ,r4 ,p4 ,,leitch4 ,the ,letterpress to each contains ,full ,instructions to the ,learner1 and the ,plates show the progress of the work through the different stages4 ,oblong #dto1 cloth1 price #es4 ,cassell's ,school ,board ,geometrical ,drawing ,copy ,books1 consisting of #d ,books1 each containing #bd pages1 fcap4 #dto1 #as4 #d;d4 the set4 ,cassell ,petter ,galpin3 ,london1 ,paris ,new ,york4 ,,galbraith ,,and ,,haughton',s ,,scientific ,,manuals4 ,by the ,rev4 ,professor ,,galbraith1 ,m4,a41 ,fellow of ,trinity ,college1 ,dublin1 and the ,rev4 ,professor ,,haughton1 ,m4,d41 ,d4,c4,l41 ,f4,r4,s4 ,manual of ,arithmetic4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,plane ,trigonometry4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,euclid4 ,books ,i41 ,,ii41 ,,iii4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,euclid4 ,books ,,iv41 ,v41 ,,vi4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,mathematical ,tables4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,mechanics4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,optics4 ,cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,hydrostatics4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,tides and ,tidal ,currents4 ,with ,tidal ,cards1 #cs4 ,manual of ,astronomy4 ,cloth1 #es4 ,manual of the ,steam ,engine4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,manual of ,algebra4 ,part ,i41 #bs4 #f;d4 ,complete1 #gs4 #f;d4 ,the ,three ,kingdoms of ,nature4 ,illustrated4 ,cloth1 #es4 ,a ,manual of ,natural ,philosophy4 ,with #afj ,illustrations4 ,cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,a ,complete ,list of ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin',s ,educational ,works will be found in their ,,educational ,,catalogue1 a copy of which will be forwarded post free on application4 ,,books ,,for ,,children ,,and ,,young ,,people4 ,little ,folks4 ,vols4 ,i41 ,,ii41 ,,iii41 and ,,iv4 of the ,,new ,,and ,,enlarged ,,series1 each containing nearly #ejj ,pictures1 and ,coloured ,frontispiece4 ,coloured boards1 #cs4 #f;d42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges4 #es4 each4 ,,little ,,folks is published in ,monthly ,parts1 #f;d42 and in ,half-,yearly ,volumes1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,the ,little ,folks' ,picture ,gallery4 ,containing about #aej ,beautiful ,pictures1 with accompanying ,rhymes to each ,picture1 by the ,author of ,home ,chat4 ,fourth ,edition1 enlarged4 ,crown #dto1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,little ,folks' ,picture ,album4 ,uniform with the ,little ,folks' ,picture ,gallery1 containing #afh ,large ,pictures1 with accompanying text printed in bold type4 ,cloth elegant1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,paws and ,claws3 being ,true ,stories of ,clever ,creatures1 ,tame and ,wild4 ,by ,one of the ,authors of ,poems ,written for a ,child4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 ,second ,edition4 ,fcap4 #dto1 cloth gilt1 #es4 ,around and ,about ,old ,england4 ,by ,c4 ,l4 ,,mat,,aux4 ,with numerous ,illustrations4 #bdj pages1 extra fcap4 #dto1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,through ,picture-,land4 ,by ,c4 ,l4 ,,mat,,aux1 being the ,new ,volume of the ,,picture ,,teaching ,,series ,containing about #bjj ,illustrations4 ,fcap4 #dto1 #aib pages1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,the ,cosy ,corner ,series4 ,a ,series of ,story ,books for ,children4 ,each ,book containing nearly ,,one ,,hundred ,,full-,,page ,,pictures4 ,bright ,rays for ,dull ,days4 ,chats for ,small ,chatterers4 ,pictures for ,happy ,hours4 ,ups and ,downs of a ,donkey's ,life4 ,each book contains #ahd pages1 fcap4 #hvo1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 with ,medallion1 price1 each #bs4 #f;d4 ,the ,boy ,joiner and ,model-,maker4 ,by ,,ellis ,a4 ,,davidson4 ,containing ,practical ,directions for ,making numerous ,articles of ,use and ,ornament4 ,illustrated4 ,extra fcap4 #dto1 #bef pages1 cloth gilt1 #es4 ,tiny ,houses and their ,builders4 ,uniform with ,paws and ,claws4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 #aib pages1 fcap4 #dto1 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,hymns and ,poems for ,little ,folks4 7,uniform with the ,children's ,album47 ,containing a charming ,collection of the favourite ,hymns and ,poems4 ,with #aej full-page ,illustrations4 ,super-royal #afmo1 #cbj pages1 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 ,the ,old ,fairy ,tales4 ,a ,choice ,collection of ,favourite ,fairy ,tales4 ,collected and ,edited by ,,james ,,mason4 ,with #bd full-page and numerous other ,original ,illustrations4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,super-royal #afmo1 cloth1 gilt edges1 #as4 #f;d4 ,pussy ,tip-,toes ,family4 ,with numerous full-page ,illustrations4 ,fcap4 #dto1 #aib pages1 cloth1 bevelled boards1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,frisk and ,his ,flock4 ,with numerous full-page ,illustrations4 ,fcap4 #dto1 #aib pages1 cloth1 bevelled boards1 gilt edges1 #es4 ,peeps ,abroad for ,folks at ,home4 ,by ,c4 ,l4 ,,mat,,aux4 ,uniform with ,home ,chat and ,sunday ,chats2 describing ,foreign ,lands and ,foreign ,cities4 #bef pp41 fcap4 #dto4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 ,third ,edition4 #es4 ,fairy ,tales ,told ,again4 ,with #bd full-page ,illustrations by ,,gustave ,,dor4 ,imp4 #hvo4 ,new and ,cheaper ,edition1 #es4 ,half-,hours with the ,early ,explorers4 ,by ,t4 ,,frost4 ,containing ,narratives of the ,adventures and ,discoveries of the ,early ,explorers4 ,second ,edition4 ,profusely ,illustrated4 #bdj pp41 fcap4 #dto1 cloth1 #es4 ,the ,child's ,book of ,song and ,praise4 ,with #bej ,illustrations and #cc ,pieces of ,music1 with ,accompaniments4 ,second ,edition4 ,cloth1 #es42 cloth gilt1 gilt edges1 #fs4 #f;d4 ,robinson ,crusoe4 ,new ,edition4 ,with ,one ,hundred ,illustrations4 ,royal #hvo1 cloth1 #es42 full gilt1 #fs4 #f;d4 ,swiss ,family ,robinson4 ,new ,edition4 ,with #adj ,illustrations and ,coloured ,frontispiece4 ,cloth1 plain1 #es42 full gilt1 #fs4 #f;d4 hand ,a ,list of ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin',s ,children's ,books will be forwarded post free on application4 99 99 99 99 99 hand ,the following ,,catalogues of ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin',s ,,publications can be had from all ,booksellers1 or post free on application to the ,publishers3-- ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin',s ,,complete ,,catalogue1 containing a ,list of ,several ,hundred ,volumes1 including ,bibles and ,religious ,works1 ,fine ,art ,volumes1 ,children's ,books1 ,dictionaries1 ,educational ,works1 ,history1 ,natural ,history1 ,household and ,domestic ,treatises1 ,hand-books and ,guides1 ,science1 ,travels1 c4 c41 together with a ,synopsis of their numerous ,illustrated ,serial ,publications1 sent post free on application to ,,cassell ,,petter ,,galpin1 ,ludgate ,hill1 ,london4 ,,cassell',s ,,educational ,,catalogue1 containing a ,description of their ,educational ,works1 together with a ,list of ,mathematical ,instruments1 ,water-,colours1 c4 ,,cassell',s ,,classified ,,list1 containing a ,list of ,books arranged according to their value1 from #f;d4 upwards4 ,cassell ,petter ,galpin3 ,london1 ,paris ,new ,york4 99 99 99 99 99 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------- ,transcriber notes3 ,p4 #i4 ,plate #cb4 ,,otis ,,maqueenii changed to ,,otis ,,macqueenii4 ,p4 #ii4 ',rallus aquaticus'1 corrected ',rallus'4 ,p4 #aei4 'after a about'1 removed 'a'4 ,p4 #bag4 'it length'1 changed 'it' to 'its'4 ,p4 #bdb4 ',it the' changed ',it' to ',in'4 ,p4 #beg4 'fiords' changed to 'fjords'4 ,p4 #bgf4 ',i4 ,mississippensis' changed to ',i4 ,mississippiensis' ,p4 #bgi4 ',flute ,shirke' changed ',shirke' to ',shrike'4 ,p4 #bhf4 ',florisuci' changed to ',florisuga'1 as this genus is not written in plural4 ,p4 #bih4 ',,family ,,vi4 444 iii' ,changed 'iii' to 'iv'4 ,p4 #cjf4 '7,boblink7' changed to ',bobolink74 ,fixed various punctuation 4 ---------------------------------------- --------------------------