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THE

BIRDS OF EUROPE.

BY

JOHN GOULD,

F.L.S., &c.

IN FIVE VOLUMES.

VOL.

I.

RAPTORES.

LONDON:
PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR,

E.

TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

20

BROAD STREET, GOLDEN SQUARE.

1837.

TO

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

THE EARL OF DERBY,

PRESIDENT,
AND

THE NOBLEMEN AND GENTLEMEN

FORMING

THE COUNCIL OF

THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

My

Lords and Gentlemen,

Fa VO URED
gratitude

and

preside, that

honour

to

by your kind permission,

pleasure, natural to one so long connected with

dedicate to

subscribe

you

this

it is

the

with feelings of mingled

Society over which

Work on " The Birds of Europe," and I have

myself,

My

Lords and Gentlemen,

Your most obedient and obliged Servant,

JOHN GOULD.

you
the

PREFACE,

IT has

been frequently remarked that the productions of distant countries have received a much

larger share of attention than those objects

and

it is

by which we

numerous and

certainly true, that while

are

more immediately surrounded

costly illustrations have

made

us acquainted

with the Ornithology of most other parts of the world, the Birds of Europe, in which

we

are,

or ought to be, most interested, have not received that degree of attention which they naturally

demand.
feel

The

present

work has been undertaken

highly gratified that a

to

supply

am

this I

which the work has been honoured

My

reasons for undertaking a

sufficiently obvious

since

European

species from various

its

is

best exertions to render

have visited nearly

all

bird before figuring

natural history

them from time

is

to carry

the case from the patronage with

commencement.

no publication of a
;

similar kind

are

had been completed,

and secondly, a work exclusively confined to the British

any length of time, owing

localities

my

besides

which

to the frequent accession of other

was desirous of rendering

as perfect as possible

up

own

country.

to the present time, for

my work
have used

which purpose

the continental collections with the view of examining personally every

it;

now

it

cannot but

to the entire satisfaction of the

interesting to the continental ornithologists as well as to those of our

my

work comprising the ornithology of the whole of Europe

although several had been commenced

perfect for

hope

induced to believe

in the first place

Fauna would never be

and

number of concurring circumstances have enabled me

intentions into effect with comparative facility, and I

whole of the Subscribers

this deficiency,

but should additional species reward the zeal and ardour with which
cultivated

to time in the

nearly complete as possible.

(which

doubt not will be the

form of a Supplement, and by

case), I

this

propose to pubhsh

means keep the work

have omitted a few of the species enumerated in the

b

lists

as

of

PREFACE.

vi

continental authors, in consequence either of

birds

or because I

am

my

never having met with specimens of the

doubtful as to the propriety of their being separated from other

known

species*.

In

my

arrangement of the species

views of Mr. Vigors, which are

now

have followed with some very slight modifications the

so generally adopted in this country.

In the subdivision

of the genera 1 have perhaps gone further than most other ornithologists, but at the same time
I feel convinced that these subdivisions are naturally indicated
studies of the naturalist

propriety.

that they tend to facilitate the

and that some of the groups might have been

still

further divided with

In a few instances the characters of some of the minor sub-genera have been inad-

vertently omitted;

but

this omission will

not be found of any material consequence.

The

generic characters accompanying Totanus hypoleucus should be cancelled, as they have been
previously given with Totanus Juscus.

occurred, but I trust they will be looked

also

aware that some other

upon with leniency when

work has been commenced and completed

that the

numerous other

kindness in permitting

want of gratitude

me

to dedicate the

indebted for the success of

which

in

me were

now

liberality

my

taken into consideration

it is

I to

omit acknowledging the

to them.

publication to the

in this undertaking,

I also conceive that I

more general
so largely

am

facilities

and their

considerably

diffusion of a taste for natural

and successfully contributed, and to

measure must be attributed the favourable reception which works of Natural

so universally

meet with ; and

with which I have at

in the Society's

work

which that admirable Society has

in a great

History

have

in the short space of five years amidst

which the Council of the Zoological Society have afforded me

history, towards

trifling errors

avocations.

would argue

It

am

Museum.

* Viz.

To

all

am

also

deeply indebted to the Council for the

times been allowed to avail myself of the treasures contained

the national establishment, the British

Museum,

Corvus leucophseus, a variety of Corvus corax.

spermologus, a variety of Corvus monedula

Alauda Dupontii (Certhilauda

bifasciata?).

KoUyii.

Emberiza

provincialis.

Fringilla incerta.
borealis.

Hemipodius lunatus, synonymous with Hem. tachydromus

Larus capistratus.

and

am

similarly

PREFACE.
indebted, and

would here beg

From most

have received from them.

much

received

to express

my

thanks to

its

have been long delayed, and

sarily

in

for the assistance

Director of the Royal

Museum

which

eminent

am happy

naturalist, that

and describe them in

doubt
I

not,

to say

it

he has afforded me, without which

in fact could never

now

stands

by

the celebrated Pallas.

to

most grateful

my work would

necesstate

Schreibers and

own

whom I am

MM.

care,

and

me

and allowed

to figure

his liberality will,

In Professor Lichtenstein of Berlin

among which were some

To M.

my

in his

pubhc.

scientific

have met with another kind and liberal friend, to

of the rarer European Birds,

my

so great indeed has been the liberality of this

work before including them

be duly appreciated by the

Leyden, so

at

have been brought to that complete

he has even confided new species

my

attentions I

of the Continent I have

well knovt^n for his valuable works on Natural History, I beg to offer

acknowledgments

many

officers for the

Museums

of the pubHc

To M. Temminck,

assistance.

vii

indebted for the use of several

of the original specimens

am

Natterer of Vienna I

collected

also

under

great obligations, as well as to the gentlemen connected with the collections of Paris and
Frankfort,

who

readily afforded

Baron Feldegg of Frankfort

use of

many

rarities,

me

have had free access, and to

and of some species entirely

I shall ever feel deeply grateful, for the judicious

rendered me, and for the use of

many

am

my

conduct upon every occasion

there

is

W.

his

indebted for the

To William

assistance

Yarrell, Esq.,

which he has

all

times

much

interested in

untimely decease than myself.

De

J. J.

Jersey,

thanks are likewise due, for the

taken in the present work.

and kind

am

at all times

my

Audubon,

and amiable

his friendship

To

the Earl of

W.

Esq., Captain S. E. Cook, A.

E. H. Reynard, Esq., and to several other

warm

interest

which they have

Neither must the valuable assistance afforded

of the Zoological Society be forgotten.

My

publications;

T. T. Fiennes, Sir William Jardine, Bart., N. A. Vigors, Esq.,

Waterhouse, Esq., of Liverpool, Dr.

my

to science.

and of the numerous individuals honoured by

H. Rudston Read, Esq., T. B. L. Baker, Esq.,

gentlemen

gentleman

grateful testimony to his varied talents and kind

none who more sincerely deplores

Derby, the Honourable

new

this

the collection of the

valuable specimens from his excellent collection.

ever lamented friend, E. T. Bennett, Esq., was at

therefore proud to add

To

every assistance I required.

In conclusion

would beg

at all times

me by Mr. Martin

leave to return

my

grateful

thanks to the whole of the Subscribers for the support with which they have been pleased
favour me.

to

PREFACE.

viii

Perhaps
this

work, but

may

all

be allowed to add, that not only by far the greater

those of

least three fourths of the

my

" Century of Birds," of the "

"Monograph

Monograph

of the Toucans" have been

number of the

of the Trogons," and at

drawn and lithographed by

Mrs. Gould, from sketches and designs by myself always taken from nature.
of the drawings have been

made by Mr.

acknowledged that any comments of

my

power

Lear, whose abilities as an artist are so generally

my own

and

are unnecessary.

With

My

natural science.

my

humble

efforts to

advance

still

in

it is

my intention,
branch of

thanks are due to Mr. Bayfield, under whose direction the whole of the

accorded to the unceasing attention with which he has at

have been printed by Mr. HuUmandel, and the

portions of the

and

this delightful

Plates have been carefully and accurately coloured, and in fact too

1,

the opportunities

illustration of subjects in ornithology;

so long as permitted, steadily to use

August

The remainder

should consider myself to blame were I not to continue in the course I have

hitherto pursued in the study

plates

Plates of

work have

I trust

been

all

much

praise cannot be

times afforded his assistance.

letter-press

by Mr. R. Taylor; and

The^
these

satisfactorily executed.

1837.

JOHN GOULD.

INTRODUCTION.

If we examine the geographical situation

we

of the British Islands in relation to continental Europe,

cannot but perceive the advantages offered, as a point of observation to the naturalist, wherein

to study,

among other

interesting facts connected with the habits of the feathered race indigenous

by

in our portion of the globe, the periodical migrations undertaken

their arrival
visit

so

many species, the time

of

and retreat from oar shores, together with the ends to be answered both by their

and departure.

As regards temperature, no

favourable for a series of such observations

of Europe, they occupy a

medium

station

than relative situation, are these islands

less

we need

between the extremes of heat and cold

indeed of the European continent advances within the line of the intertropics
the southern shores of Spain, Italy, and

Turkey

westward

scarcely say that, placed to the

in Europe, together with the

no portion

still,

however,

minor

islands of

the Grecian Archipelago, participate so nearly in the temperature of the hotter portions of the

globe as to present us with

beneath a sultry sky.

But

many

the

natural productions

summer

whose congenial

heat of England never

rises

temperature, and the severities of winter are mild in proportion

the extreme north of the European continent,
in winter are extreme, while the

we

habitat

is

exclusively

above a moderate degree of

on the other hand,

if

we

visit

there find a climate, the severities of which

summer, though hot while

it lasts,

endures but for a short

period.

We

will not attempt to discuss the subject of the universal

to observe that

its

their natural food

is

immediate intention

were they

to

is

the well-being of such species as

remain stationary in any given

essential in another point of view,

law of migration further than

inasmuch

as

by

its

locality

would be deprived of

in addition to

operation there

is

which

it

secured both a

INTRODUCTION.

temperature congenial to the young, and an abundant supply of food suitable for their

nourishment

we

here allude more particularly to our

climate of Africa, too hot to be borne in

are their

food necessarily

among our winter

which have

left

the

for their winter retreat.

visitors

the high polar latitudes

but on the setting in of the cold in those regions the supply of

residence;

fails

visitants

summer, but well adapted

reverse of these circumstances takes place

summer

summer

them, and

this,

with the extreme rigour of the climate, forces them to

sojourn for a while in more temperate latitudes; hence while the Swallow, the Cuckoo, the

Nightingale,

many

species of soft-billed Warblers,

and numerous others

visit

us in spring from

the south, for the purpose of nidification, and leave us on the approach of winter
the Redwing, the

again in spring to

Woodcock, and various aquatic

make room

numerous migratory
manently remain

birds

the Fieldfare,

birds find a winter asylum with us,

number

residents, a large

yet strange to say, of

and depart

Independently, however, of the

succession of visitors.

which are only temporary

our latitudes

in

new

for a

many

of these the

of species per-

number

augmented, especially during winter, by accessions from the north, among which

some of the
as

smallest

and most

an example in point.

on our

we may mention

shores, but in such a state of exhaustion as to

German Ocean

does not

by no means adapted

greatly

latter are

the Golden-crested

Wren

Instances are not wanting of the arrival of multitudes of this species

Lark and the Thrush, which

the

delicate of their race;

is

also visit us in great

much

surprise us

be almost powerless.

numbers, the performance of a

but when

for long-sustained aerial progression,

a migration could have been performed.

It

is,

In the case of the

we examine
we

flight across

this little bird,

are at a loss to conceive

however, only one amongst the

which

how

is

such

many wonders

of nature which are continually forced upon the attention of the naturalist.

So much has already been written on the structural adaptation of birds

habits,

and on their periodical changes of plumage, that

we may be

to their respective

readily excused if

we

omit any detail connected with these points, more especially as they rather belong to the
physiology of the feathered race, than to the natural history of the species of one quarter of the
globe.

While the
in form,

strictly tropical climates of the

and often adorned with the

world abound with species

richest hues, the Birds of

infinitely diversified

Europe are not only

far

INTRODUCTION.
less specifically

sombre

livery,

numerous, but with the exception of a very few, arrayed

an

however amply compensated by

inferiority

At the present time the Fauna of Europe may be

sixty-two species, of which three hundred and ten

number about one hundred and seventy

summer

s^

are

fairly stated to contain four

may be

and

most

their superiority of song.

regarded as British

permanent residents

birds of passage, visiting us from the south

also in the

in

our islands

forty-five

hundred and
of the latter

eighty-five are

from the north make our

shores their winter residence.

In our arrangement
the plan proposed

we

by Mr.

have classed and subdivided the groups (as nearly as

They form

Vigors.

five

volumes, the

first

tyrants of the

air,

among which

the Eagles, the Falcons, the Owls, &c., which

but also the Vultures, which gorge

upon any loathsome

be) after

of which comprises

the whole of the birds of the Raptorial Order, an order containing, as implied
the sanguinary and ferocious of the feathered race,

may

by the name,

are included not only the large

make

living animals their

prey

carrion that chance throws in their

way.

Our second and

third

volumes comprise the species contained

Insessores, or perching birds

powers of

flight

their insect

and

To

no

less

than in their food

prey on the wing, others pursuing

arboreal, (such as the

second order, termed

an extensive order, in which are included birds varying in their

in their habits

others feed indifi!erently

trees, for

in the

upon

insects, their

Woodpeckers) search

it

among

larvae,

some, like the Swallow, taking

the branches of trees and thickets

and upon grain

for their food

among

and others, eminently

the crevices of the bark of

which purpose they are expressly and beautifully organized.

these succeed the Rasorial and Grallatorial Orders, both of which are included in our

fourth volume.

The

Pigeons, at the head of the Rasores, as their perching habits indicate,

naturally lead from the last order to the more typical of the Gallinaceae, which are well repre-

sented

by

the Pheasant, Partridge, and Grouse, whose food and habits

describe; and from thence to the Grallatores, represented

pipers and Gallinules.

The first

by

it

is

unnecessary to

the Cranes, Herons, Storks, Sand-

of these, the Cranes, which are

more granivorous

in their habits,

INTRODUCTION.

xii

may be

regarded as exhibiting some degree of

affinity to the previous order,

time they distinctly lead through a succession of forms, such

and

Gallinules, to the true water birds, to

which

while at the same

as the Spoonbills, Storks,

Herons,

in their aquatic habits the GalHnules very

beautifully approximate.

Our fifth volume

represented

by

contains the birds of the Natatorial Order, or

swimming

the Ducks, Grebes, Divers, Auks, Pelicans and Gulls

of one of these latter groups,

viz.

the Tachypetes, or Frigate Bird,

several traits of resemblance to the Raptores, or birds of prey.

birds,

which are

the aerial representative

among

the Pelicans, exhibits

SUBSCRIBERS.
HIS

MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY KING WILLIAM

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE

AmSINCK,

EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA.

HIS MAJESTY

THE KING OF PRUSSIA.

HIS IMPERIAL

AND ROYAL HIGHNESS THE GRAND DUKE OF TUSCANY.

&

Wimpole-

E., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Cavendish-square.

street,

Hon. the Earl

Aylesford, the Right

Lower

of.

Grosvenor-street

PacJcington Hall, near Coventry, Warwickshire ;

and

Cox, H. R., Esq.

Baker, W., Esq., F.Z.S.

De
De

Bayfordbury, Hertfordshire.

and Banks-town,

Jdelphi-terrace ;

Bath, the Most Noble the Marquess

Sheerness.

Trust.

Duke

Bedford, His Grace the

of,

F.Z.S., M.R.I.

F.G.S.,

Woburn Abbey,

M.R.I.

Bell, J., Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S.,

New

Broad-street.

Hon. Lord George, F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Charles-

Bevan, D. B., Esq. Upper Harley-street ; and Belmont, East Barnet,

Henrietta-street, Covent-garden.

New

Messrs.

Bond-street

Brewin, R., Esq.

Stoke Hall, Newark,

J.

R.

Presteigne, Radnorshire,

Buccleuch, His Grace the

F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Duke of,

Wliitehall

W.

Edye,

K.T., D.C.L., F.R.S.L.

&

E.,

Gardens; Boughton House, Ketter-

burgh; Drumlanrig Castle, and Langholm Lodge, DumfriesBoiahill, Selkirk,

Burlington, the Right

Empson, W.,

Hon.

the Earl

ton-place, Eastbourn, Susse.v

F.R.S., F.Z.S., M.R.I.

of,

and Holkar Hall, Milnthorpe,

Cabbell, B. B., Esq., F.A.S., F.H.S., F.Z.S., V.P.R.I. Brick Court,

F., Esq.,

M.P., F.H.S., F.Z.S. Woodhall, Lanark-

Fane,

C,

Fielden,

Laxton Hall, Stamford, Lincolnshire ; and

Belgrave-square
Castle Preke, Cork,

Rev. Robert Hodgson, Dean

Lower

Grosvenor-street

of,

D.D., F.R.S., F.G.S.,

and Hillingdon, Middle-

Fowlis, Mrs.

Hon. the Earl of., F.Z.S. St. Georges-place,

Hyde-park Corner ; and Charleville Forest, Tullamore, Ireland.

Chearnley, R., Esq.

Lismore, Irela?id.

Cheetham Library, The. Manchester.

Christmas, W., Esq. Isamore, Waterford,
B.,

Esq.

F.Z.S.

J.,

Lady

Harriet.

Audley-square.

Chester.

Dorset-sqtcare.

Seaforde, Clough, Ireland.

York.

Beaminster, Dorsetshire.

Institute of.

Lower

Grosvenor-street;

and Oakley

F.Z.S. Charles-street, Berkeley-

Combe Abbey, near Coventry,

Hampstead Park, Berkshire.

Warwickshire;

and

Fox-hill, Banks, Lancashire.

W., Esq. Lilburn Tower, Northumberland.

J.

Cooke, G. Esq.

Liverpool.

and Streatham,

Wliitehall

and Westbury House,

Hampshire.

Saffron Walden, Essex.

W., Esq.

Giffard, T.

Kingsduwn, Kent.

L.

J.

Esq.

J.,

Chillington-park, Somerford, Staffordshire.

Glynne, Sir Stephen, Bart., M.P., F.A.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S. Berkeley-

and Hawarden

Goodall, Rev.

J.,

Brick Court, Temple.

Jun., Esq., F.Z.S.

Greenaway,

E., Esq., F.Z.S.

J.

Gurney,

S.,

River-terrace, Islington.

Earlham Hall, Norwich.

H., Esq.

Gurney,

Provost

Eton, Buckinghamshire.

of Eton College.

W.

Castle.

D.D., F.S.A., F.L.S., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Lombard-street; and Upton, Essex.

Esq.

S.

Bolton-street, Piccadilly;

and

Esq., F.R.S.L.

House, Chelsea

Hering, Mr. H.

Heme,

J.,

Hewitson,

&

E., F.S.A., F.L.S., &c.

Kilvington, Thirsk, Yorkshire.

Newman-street, Oxford-street.

Esq., F.Z.S.

Ratcliff.

W. C,

Derby.

Esq.

Carlisle.

Rowland, Bart., M.P., F.Z.S.

Shropshire.

Belle Vue

and Ballington, Lincolnshire.

Heysham, T. C, Esq.
Hill, Sir

Chesham, Bury, Lancashire.

H., Esq., F.L.S.

C,

Hatchett,

Henson, the Rev. F.

of,

square;

Esq.

Firle Place, Lewes, Sussex

Garden, the Rev.

Haslam,

Court, Ludlow, Shrojishire.

CoUingwood, H.

Albany;

Cot ties, Melksham, Wiltshire.

Boston House, Brentford, Middlesex.

Craven, the Right Hon. the Earl

J.,

Hon.

Hale, R. B., Esq., M.P., F.Z.S.

Ireland.

Budle House, Belford, Northumberland.

Clitherow, Colonel, F.Z.S.

Essex.

Castle, Oxfordshire.

Gage, the Right Hon. Viscount, M.A., M.R.I., F.Z.S.

Grant,

and Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire.

Charleville, the Right

the

T. T., FL.S., F.H.S., FZ.S.

F.Z.S.

The Royal

France,

square

sex.

Cawdor, the Right Hon. the Earl of, B.A., F.R.S., F.H.S., F.G.S.,
South Audley-street, GrosvenojF.Z.S., Trust. Brit. Mus.

W.

M.

Parsloes, Dagenham,

Bingley, Yorkshire.

and Broughton

,-

Esq., F.Z.S.

J.,

Forde, Col.

Gibson,

Ireland.

L., F.Z.S.

W.

Kent

Finch, Lieut.-Col. the

Foot,

Eyton, Wellington, Shropshire.

Wormsley, Stokenchurch, Oxfordshire.

Wiitton Hall, Lancashire.

Hon.

Belvidere,

F.R.S., F.A.S., F.H.S.

Colchester, Essex.

Harden Grange,

Esq.

J.,

Fiennes, the

of,

Kin^s Bench Walk, Temple.

Esq., F.Z.S., &c.

Esq., F.Z.S.

J.,

Yard

Islay House, Isle of May, North Bt'itain.

F.Z.S., &c.

Dur-

Surrey.

Carbery, the Right Hon. Lord, F.H.S., F.Z.S.

square

Windleston, Rushyford,

Fuller, J. G., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S. St. James' s-street;

Temple.

Cambridge University, The.

and

and Dynevor

Grosvenor-place; and Petworth, Sussex.

Fox, B., Jun., Esq., F.Z.S.

Westmoreland.

W.

Dover-street

Oxfordshire;

King's Bench Walk, Temple.

Esq., F.Z.S.

Folliott, G., Esq.,

North Britain.

Belgrave-square; Latimers, Cheshunt, Btickinghamshire ; Comp-

Carlisle, the

F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Burford,

O., Esq., F.Z.S.

Ferrand, Mrs.

North Wales.

Northamptonshire; Richmond, Surrey; Dalkeith, Edin-

and

and Roehampton,

Tidworth, Andover, Hampshire.

Fanshawe, the Rev. T.

Nottinghamshire.

Brown, the Rev.

Coates,

Dyson, the Rev. F.

Eyton, T.

Leicester.

Bromley, Admiral Sir Robert Howe, Bart.

shire;

Dynevor, the Right Hon. Lord,

Errington, G. H., Jun., Esq.

shire.

Campbell,

Grosvenor-place ;

Surrey.

F.Z.S., M.R.I.

Conishead Priory, Vlverstone, Lanca-

Braddyll, E. R. G., Esq.

Tabley

Long Benton, Northumberland.

Esq., F.Z.S.

Egremont, the Right Hon. the Earl

5 copies.

Thorpe Hall, Burlington, Yorkshire.

Bosville, A., Esq.

shire;

Tabley, the Right Hon. Lord Warren, F.Z.S., &c.

House, Knutsford, Cheshire.

Egerton, Sir Philip de Malpas Grey, Bart. M.P., F.R.S., F.G.S.

F.Z.S.
Oulton-park, Tarporley, Cheshire.

shire.

W.,

Z.S., F.H.S.,

and Knowsley-park,

ham.

L,iverpool.

Blyth, the Rev. T., M.A., F.S.A. The Rectory, Knowle, Wa^-wick-

&

LL.D., Pres.

of,

Eden, Sir Robert Johnson, Bart.

Hertfordshire.

Esq.

Cottage, Romford,

Castle, Llandilo, Caermarthenshire.

Tottenham, Middlesex.

Bickersteth, R., Esq.

Brook

Grosvenor-square ;

Barrittgton-park near

street, St. James's.

Berkley, T., Esq.

De

Drummond, C,

Bell, T., Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.Z.S.

Guernsey.

F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Mus.

Brit.

Dixon, D., Esq.

Oxford-street.

Thirsk, Yorkshire.

Beresford, the Right

F, M.D.,

Prescot, Lancashire.

K.G., F.A.S., F.L.S., F.H.S.,

Belgrave-square

Bedfordshire ; and Tavistock House, Devonshire.

Bell, J., Esq.

Jersey, C. B., Esq., F.Z.S.

Jersey, P.

Derby, the Right Hon. the Earl

ford, Gloucestershire.

Clive,

Collingwood-street, Newcastle-upon-

Essex.

Longleat, Wiltshire.

of.

Beach, Sir Michael H. H., Bart., F.Z.S. Williamstrip-park, Fair-

Clark,

New

Tyne, Northumberland.

Banks, D., Esq.

ing,

Dartbrook, Hunter's River,

Gargrave, Skipton, Yorkshire.

Bowman, Messrs.

Currie and

shire.

J.,

Down Farm,

South Wales.
Currer, Miss.

Kent.

Boone, T.

and Isleworth House,

and Hillingdon, Vxbridge,

Grosvenor-place ;

Middlesex.
Coxen, S., Esq.

Aylesford,

Baker, T. B. L., Esq., F.G.S., F.Z.S. Hardwicke Court, Gloucester-

Bohn,

Middlesex.

Mannheim.

Esq., F.R.S.L.

J. J.,

Cooper, the Dowager Lady. Portland-place

Hamburgh.

Monsr. John.

Artaria and Fontaine, Messrs.

Audubon,

IV.

Hawkstone, Shrewsbury,

;;

HofRnann,

LmcoM s-inn-jields

Holford, R., Esq.

Wight s and Kingsgate, near Margate, Kent.

Montreal,

Howard, Colonel,

Hon. F.G., F.R.S., F.A.S., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

the

Grosvenor-sqtmre

Epsotn,

Ashstead-park,

Surrey;

Castle

Rising, Norfolk; Elford, Lichjdd, Staffordshire; and Levens

Hall, Milnlhorpe, Westmoreland.

C,

Hullraandel,

W.

P., Esq.,

Hustler,

J.,

Jun., Esq.

M.W.S., &c. Jar-

Goivcr-street,

University College,

Esq.

P.,

Bedford-

Read, VJ. H. Rudston, Esq., M.A., F.L.S., F.H.S., F.Z.S. Union

Club ; and Hayton, near Pocklington, Yorkshire.

W.,

M.P.

Esq.,

Hill-street, Berkeley-square

and

Fitzroy Farm, Highgate.

Rolle, the Right

Hon. Lady.

Upper Grosvenor-street ; Stevenstone,

Torringtou; Bicton, Exeter; and Bovey, Axminster, Devon-

Rous, the Hon. T.

South-street, Park-lane.

Burn

Salvin, B. J., Esq.

Durham.

Hall,

Woodlands, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Scarborough, the Right Hon. the Dowager Countess

Port-

of.

man-square.

square.

Holly-dale House, Lock's Bottom, Kent.

Kirkpatrick, G., Esq.

Goldsmiths' -hall, Foster-lane,

Lane, J., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

W., F.Z.S.

Sibthorp, the Rev. H.

Bridge-street, Blackfriars.

Kensington, E., Jun., Esq.

Cheap-

Skaife, J., Esq.

South,

Washingborough, Lincolnshire.

Blackburn, Lancashire.

J. F., Esq., F.L.S., F.G.S., F.Z.S.

Lon-

Adelaide-terrace,

don-bridge.

side.

Grosvcnor-

Sir Francis, Bart., M.P., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Duke

Leeds, His Grace the

square ; and

C,

St. James's-

Stoneleigk Abbey, Kenil-

Linnean Society of London, The.

Lisburne, the Right Hon. the Earl

Strickland, A., Esq.

F.Z.S.

Lisburne House,

The.

Institution,

Hagley-park, Stourbridge, Wor-

Cavendish Hall, Sudbury,

Sir Digby, Bart., F.Z.S.

Duntroon Castle; PoUalloch House,

Malcolm, N., Esq., F.Z.S.

Lamb

Argyllshire; and

James's

St.

Pump

Meteyard, H. W., Esq.

Duke

Dunrobin

and Methley Park, Ferrybridge,

War

Office;

M.A., F.Z.S. Stafford House,

of,

Castle, Sutherlandshire

,-

and Trentham

St.

Yorkshire.

of,

Medecine

de

Dover-street;

et

de Groningue, de Leiden,

Frankfort, Mayence, Halle,

Cap de Bonne Esperance.

Thompson, P.

ford, Surrey

Tinne,

Suffolk.

Liverpool.

Trevelyan, Sir John, Bart, F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Morgan, O., Esq., F.H.S., M.R.I., F.Z.S.

W.

A., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S. Court Lodge, Lamberhurst,

Upton, the Hon. H.M., F.Z.S.

Upton, T., Esq.

Cumberland-terrace, Regent' s-park

and

J. S.,

Kirkley, Northumberland.

F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Hon.

the Earl

of,

M.A., &c.

WoUerton-park,

Hon.

F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Nether Green, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire.

Southgate, Middlesex.

Wall, C.

B., Esq.,

Ravenfield Hall, Rotherham, Yorkshire.

M.A., F.R.S., F.A.S., F.H.S., M.R.I., F.Z.S.,

Berkeley-square

Aylsham, Norfolk.
Ouseley, the Right

Esq.

I.,

Walker, T., Esq.

Edge-hill, Derbyshire.

Esq.

Orford, the Right

Walker,

Sir Gore, Bart.,

G.C.H., F.R.S.,F.A.S.,

Upper Grosvenor-street ;. and Woolmers, Hat-

Warde, C.

wickshire

and

Webb,

and Nor-man

Court, Stockbridge, Hampshire.

Welcombe House, Stratford-on-Avon, War-

T., Esq.

Westover, Isle of Wight.

Waterhouse, A., Esq.

feld, Hertfordshire.

for the Imperial Li-

of.

Walker, G., Esq.

Wellingore, Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

Noel, Colonel.

Whitehall-place.

Ashton Court, Bristol.

Rohrmann and Schwiegerd

Vienna, Messrs.
brary

Rolleston Hall, Btirton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Ogle, the Rev.

Wallinglon, Newcastle-

upon-Tyne, Northumberland; and Nettlecombe, Somersetshire.

Pall-Mall.

Sussex.

Mosley, O., Esq., F.Z.S.

and Escrick

Baynard' s-park, Guild-

Saville-ivxv ;

and Boxford Rectory,

Esq.

J. A.,

Leyden.

B., Esq., M.P., F.Z.S. Berkeley-square;

Thurlow, the Rev. T., F.Z.S.

land.

Old

Hall-street, Liverpool.

Adwell, Tetsworth, Oxon.

Colonel, F.H.S., F.Z.S.

C, Esq. Ripon, Yorkshire.

Palmer, S., M.D. Birmingham.

Wells, W., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Parker, R. T., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S. Cuerdon Flail, Preston, Lan-

Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh, The.

Oxley, C.

Wheeler,

cashire.

Addison-road, Kensington, Middle-

Perkins, F. O., Esq., F.Z.S.

Perkins, H., Esq:, F.L.S., F.H.S., F.G.S., F.Z.S. Springfield, Surrey.

Phelps, the Rev.

H. D.

Snodland Rectory, West Mailing, Kent.

M.P.,F.H.S., F.Z.S. Piccadilly; andGa-

Esq., F. A.S., F.Z.S. Brockley Hall, Somersetshire.

H.

S.,

Plunkett,

J.,

Esq., F.Z.S.

Poulett, the Right

St.

Maurice, Beauvais, France.

Hon. the Dowager Countess.

Poulett Lodge, Twickenham, Middlesex.

J. R., Esq.,
J.,

Winn, C,

Redleaf,

Piccadilly

and

Kent.

Woodly Lodge, Reading, Berksh.

Abbot's Hall, Kendal, Westmoreland.

Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S. Nostell Priory, Wragby, Yorkshire.

WoUaston, the Rev. F.H., F.Z.S. Rowling, Wingham, Kent.

Wollaston, Miss. Clapharn Common, Surrey.

Wyndham,

Captain,

R.N.

Bramlerj House, Guildford, Siiirey.

Arlington-street, Piccadilly
and,

,-

TonMdge,

Oakingham, Berkshire.

F.Z.S.

Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Yarborough, the Right Hon. the Earl

rendon-park, Leicestershire.
Pigott, J.

Wheble,

Wilson, E., Esq.

sex ; andChipstead-place, Seven Oaks, Kent.

Phillipps, C. M., Esq.,

Mar-

Haarlam.

M.D., F.H.S., F.Z.S., M.R.I. Maddox-street, HaGrimes-hill, Kirkhy Lonsdale, Westmore-

et

Moscou

des Societes Imperiales de

Lille,

Hall, Bariby, Yorkshire.

Moore, W., Esq., F.Z.S.

de Chirurgie, Linneenne

bourg, Wurzbourg, Heidelberg, Stockholm, Hanau, Batavia,

Teylerian Library, The.

nover-square.

et

celle des Naturalistes d' Utrecht,

Philadelphia, et

Yorkshire.

Hon. the Viscountess. Milton, Northamptonshire.

Milton, the Right

S.,

ITnstitut,

de Paris, Lausanne,

F.Z.S.

Clayberry Hall, Woodford Bridge, Essex.

Mills, J., Esq., F.Z.S.

Chevalier de I'ordre du Lion Neer-

J.

du Musee Royal des Pay.s-bas; Membre

des Academies de Stockholm et de Bonn
des

Zoologique de Londres

Chapel-street, Belgrave-square.

Miland, Mr.

Temminck, Monsieur, C.

Societes Royales de

Court, Temple.

Mexborough, the Right Hon. the Earl

J. P.,

War.

Taylor, Lieut.-General Sir Herbert, G.C.B., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

de

Birmingham.

Esq.

W., Esq., F.L.S., &c. Hammersmith.

Massena, The Prince. Par-is.
Maxwell, P. C, Esq. Hotham House, Market Weighton,

Morland,

Berkeley-square

landais; Directeur

Abbey, Kent.

Martin,

Moore, M.

Right Hon. the Dowager Lady.

Suffield, the

Katherine' s Lodge, Regent' s-park.

Suffolk.

J.,

Bridlington Quay, Yorkshire.

39th Regt., F.L.S., F.R.G.S.

Flail, Yorkshire.

cestershire.

Mackworth,

C,

Sutherland, His Grace the

Finsbury Circus.

Hon. Lord.

Clilheror,

and Br-oom House, Fulham, Middlesex.

Clayton Hall, Accrington, Lancashire.

Lyttelton, the Right

The Rectory, Bolton by Bolland,

Sulivan, L., Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S., Dep. Sec. at

Liverpool Library, The.

G., Esq.

Spencer

Yorkshire

and Blickling-park, Aylsham, Norfolk.

Devonshire; and Crosswood, Cardiganshire.

Lomax, R.

James' s-place ; Wiseton Hall, Bawtry,

St.

Althorpe, Northamptonshire.

Sturt, Captain
of,

,-

Lancashire.

High Legh, Knut.ford, Cheshire.

Messrs. S. and J. Luchtmans for the.

Esq., F.Z.S.

Leyden University,

and

Staniforth, the Rev. T.

Warwickshire.

C,

Carllon-gardens

Whittlebury, Northamptonshire.

Spencer, the Right Hon. Earl, F.A.S., M.R.I., F.Z.S.

House,

Castle, Catterick, Yorkshire.

Esq., F.H.S., F.Z.S., M.R.I.

tuorth,

Legh, G.

Hornby

K.G., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

of,

Southampton, the Right Flon. Lord, F.Z.S.

and

square; and Middleton Hall, Warmckshire.

Old,

The Rectory, FuU Sutton,

near York.

Sandbach, H. R., Esq.

bury, Shropshire.
J.

Oxford.

shire.

bridgeshire.

Kenmare, the Right Hon. the Earl of, F.Z.S. Killarney, Ireland.
Kennedy, the Rev. Dr., Master of the Grammar School. Shrews-

Mann,

Louth, Lincolnshire.

Read, the Rev. T. F. Rudston, M.A.

Robarts, A.

Bolton House, Bradford, Yorkshire.

dine Hall, Lockerhy, Dumfriesshire.

Jenyns, the Rev. L., M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. Sxmffham-Btdbeck, Cam-

London

A., Esq.

J., Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.H.S., F.Z.S.

Clapharn, Surrey.
Reynard, E. H., Esq., F.Z.S. Sunderland-wick, Driffield, Yorkshire.

Albany.

F.G.S.

Jardine, Sir William, Bart., F.R.S.E., F.L.S.,

Leigh,

H.

Reeves,

Great Marlboroughstreet.

Esq.

Hunter,

Lawley,

Pye,

Radcliffe Library, The.

Kent.

Octon Lodge, Sledmere, Yorkshire; and Upton Cottage, Broadstairs, Kent.

Knighton, Newport, hie of

Holmesdale, the Right Hon. Viscount, M.P., F.Z.S.

Kennell,

Moreby Hull, York.

Prickett, R., Esq., M.R.I., F.Z.S. Harley-street, Cavendish- square

Hanover-lerrace, Regenfs-park.

Esq., F.Z.S.

J.,

Preston, Mrs.

Nepal.

Hodgson, B. H., Esq.

Yarrell,

Appuldercombe-park,

W.,

of,

F.H.S., M.R.I., F.Z.S.

Brocklesby, Brigg, Lincolnshire

Isle

of Wight.

Esq., F.L.S., Sec. Z.S.

Zoological Society of London, The.

Ryder-street, St. James's.

,-

GENERAL LIST
Note.As the arrangement of the Plates

OF PLATES.

during the course of publication was found to be impracticable, the Numbers here given will refer to the Plates when arranged,
and the work may be quoted by them.

VOLUME

I.

RAPTORES.
Griffon Vulture

Vultur fulvus, Linn.

cinereus, Linn.

Cinereous Vulture

Neophron Percnopterus,

Egyptian Neophron

Savig.

Kestrel

2-

Lesser Kestrel

Kite

7^

Hen

8-'

Palhd Harrier

Ash-coloured Harrier

Bonelli

pennata, Steph.

11

13

Owl
Eastern Great Horned Owl
Long-eared Owl

14

Short-eared Owl.

15

Scops-eared

16

Great Cinereous

17

Snowy Owl
Ural Owl
Hawk Owl
Barred Owl
Tawny or Wood Owl

Osprey

Pandion hahseetus, Savig.

Short-toed Eagle

Circaetus brachydactylus,

Common

Buteo vulgaris, Bechst.

Lagopus, Flem.

12
Vieill.

Astur palumbarius, Bechst.

Sparrow

Hawk

Accipiter fringillarius, Ray.

18-

Lanner Falcon

Lanarius, Linn.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrinus, Linn.

Hobby

subbuteo, Linn.

20

2r-'
.

22

-'

Little

Owl.

rufipes, Bechst.

23

Tengmalm's Owl

MerUn

JEsalon, Temm.

24

Sparrow Owl

Lead-coloured Falcon

concolor,

25

VOLUME

pallidus, Sykes.

cineraceus, Meyer.

Bubo maximus,

Sibb.

Ascalaphus, Savig.

Otus

Ray.
ay.

8f

Surnia cinerea

35

37

40
41

Uralensis,

funerea,

Ulula nebulosa, Cuv.

Syrnium Aluco, Savig.

Noctua nudipes. Nils.

? Tengmahni,
passerina

Selby.

38

^/

39

Bum.
Bum.

34
36

Nyctea, Bum.

32

33

vulgaris, Flem.

Scops Aldrovandi, Will.

Owl

Red-footed Falcon

Temm.

Brachyotus, Cuv.

Owl

19

Falco Islandicus, Lath.

Jer Falcon

cyaneus, Meyer.

Strix flammea, Linn.

Great Horned or Eagle

'

Pernis apivorus, Cuv.

Barn Owl

leucocephalus, Savig.

White-headed Eagle

Harrier

10

Haliaeetus albicilla, Selhy.

Rough-legged Buzzard

31

Elanus melanoptenis, Leach.

nsevia, Meyer.

Honey Buzzard
Goshawk

30

Circus rufus, Briss.

Buzzard

29

Black-winged Kite

Nauclerus furcatus, Vig.

Marsh Harrier

Spotted Eagle

Sea Eagle

28

Bonelli's Eagle

Booted Eagle

27

26

chrysaeta, Briss.

Aquila Imperialis, Briss.

Golden Eagle

ater

SwaUow-tailed Kite

Gypaetus barbatus, Storr.

Imperial Eagle

Milvus vulgaris, Flem.

Tinnunculoides, Natt.

Black Kite

Bearded Vulture or Lsemmer-geyer

Falco Tinnunculus, Linn.

.

./

42
43
44
45
46 '^

47
/
48

49

50

IL

INSESSORES.
Caprimulgus Europseus, Linn

European Goatsucker

ruficollis,

Red-collared Goatsucker
Swift

Temm

Cypselus murarius, Temm.

alpinus,

White-bellied Swift

Hirundo

Chimney Swallow

51^

Fieldfare

52

Missel Thrush

Temm.

76

pilaris, Linn.

77

viscivorus, Linn.

Song Thrush

musicus, Linn.

Redwing
Naumann's Thrush

Iliacus, Linn.

54-

Naumannii, Temm.

79

55-'

Pallid

Thrush

palUdus, Pall.

80

53

Temm.

rustica, Linn.

Turdus

J78

Rufous Swallow

rufula,

Rock Martin

rupestris, Linn.

56

White's Thrush

Whitei, Eyton.

81

Martin

urbica, Linn.

57^

Siberian Thrush

Sibericus, Pall.

82

riparia, Linn.

83

Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst.

Sand Martin
Bee Eater

58-

Water Ouzel

Merops Apiaster, Linn.

59

Black-bellied

melanogaster,

84

60

Pallas's

Pallasii,

85

Roller

Coracias garrulus, lAnn.

Kingsfisher

Alcedo Ispida, Linn.

61

Rock Thrush

62

Blue Thrush

rudis, Linn.

Black and White Kingsfisher

Pied Flycatcher
White-collared Flycatcher

Muscicapa luctuosa, Temm.

albicolhs, Temm.

j.63

Pied Wheatear
'

Brehm
Temm.

Saxicola cachinnans, Temm.

leucomela, Temm.

90

CEnanthe, Bechst.
stapazina,

91

66

Black-eared Wheatear

aurita,

92

Spotted Flycatcher

grisola, Linn.

CoUurio Excubitor, Vig.

Temm.
Temm.

Great Grey Shrike

meridionalis, Vig.

67

Whinchat

rubetra, Bechst.

93

Lesser Grey Shrike

minor, Vig.

68

Stonechat

rubicola, Bechst.

69

Redstart

94
95

70

Black Redstart
Blue-throated Warbler

Red-backed Shrike

Woodchat.
Golden Oriole

Lanius Collurio, Linn.

rufus, Briss.
.

Black Ouzel, or Blackbird

Oriolus galbula, Linn.

Merula vulgaris, Ray.

Ring Ouzel
Migratory Ouzel
Black-throated Thrush

Turdus

Phoenicura

71
72-'

ruticilla.

Swains.

tithys, Jard.

Suecica, Jard.

Selb.
Sf

Robin

Erythaca rubecula. Swains.

Accentor alpinus, Bechst.

Selb.
.

97
98
99

73

Alpine Accentor

migratoria, Swains.

74'

Hedge Accentor

modularis, Cuv.

100

Mountain Accentor

montanellus, Teram.

101

Temm.

75

-'

..

96

torquata, Briss.

atrogularis,

87

cyanea, Vig.

65

64

"''

86

Petrocincla saxatilis, Vig.

Wheatear
Russet Wheatear

Red-breasted Flycatcher

Great Shrike

Black Wheatear

parva, Bechst.

Water Ouzel
Water Ouzel

'

..

GENERAL
Reed Locustelle

Locustella

Brake Locustelle

Willow Locustelle
Creeping Locustelle

LIST OF PLATES.
102

Marmora's Warbler
Barred Warbler

luscinoides.

104

Dartford Warbler

Mehzophilus

105

Wren

Troglodytes Europseus,

106

Willow Wren

Olive-tree Salicaria

Olivetorum, Strickl.

107

Chiff-chaff

Reed Wren
Marsh Warbler

arundinacea, Selby.

108'^

Wood Wren

palustris.

109

Phragmitis, Selh.

110

111

Aquatic Warbler

aquatica.

Rufous Sedge Warbler

galactotes.

Fantail Warbler
Cetti's

cisticola.

Warbler

Silky Warbler

? sericea.

Philomela luscinia, Swains.

Nightingale

Turdoides, Blyth.

Thrush Nightingale
Gorget Warbler

Calliope Lathamii.

Curruca Orphea.

Orpheus Warbler
Black-cap

Cetti.

Garden Warbler
Ruppell's Warbler
Sardinian Warbler

Tree Pipit
Red-throated Pipit
Pied Wagtail

Spectacle Warbler

Temm.

137
138,y
139 >/

118'-

White-winged Wagtail

White Wagtail

140

alba, Linn.

Ruppellii.

122'

Grey-headed Wagtail

Ray.

neglecta, Gould.

Boarula, Lath.

Wren
Golden-crested Wren

Fire-crested

142

143 "^

citreola, Pall.
flava,

141

lugubris, Pall.

Grey Wagtail

Temm.

rufogularis,

Motacilla YarrelUi.

Yellow Wagtail

conspicillata.

136-^

aquaticus, Bechst.

''^

135

arboreus, Bechst.

117-

125

134'^

Vieill.

rufescens,

or Shore Pipit

116

144
145

146

147

Regulus ignicapillus, Ouv.

148

vulgaris, Cuv.

Dalmatian Regulus

garrula, Bechst.

133

pratensis, Bechst.

Yellow-headed Wagtail

cinerea, Bechst.

White-throat

115

124

''

132 '^

Temm.

Anthus Richardi,

121

Common

Icterina, Vieill.

120

leucopogon.

131

Nattereri,

Rock

123

Lath

Natterer's Warbler

hortensis, Bechst.

Sub-alpine Warbler

Lesser White-throat

Wren
Wren

atricapilla, Bechst.

melanocephala, Lath.

130^

Cm.

Sylvia trochilus, Gmel.

Hippolais, Temm.

114'/

119

''"

129

provincialis, Leach.

Melodious Willow

113'

128

nisoria.

sibilatrix, Bechst.

Meadow Pipit
Tawny Pipit

112

Richard's Pipit
.

127'^

Curruca Sarda.

rufa,

Yellow Willow

melanopogon.

Moustached Warbler

'

103

fiuviatilis.

Salicaria Turdoides, Sell.

..

avicula, Ray.

certhiola.

Great Sedge Warbler

Sedge Warbler

...

modestus.

149-

126

VOLUME

in.

INSESSORES.
Great Tit

Parus major, Lmn.

Sombre Tit

lugubris, Natt.

Siberian Tit

Sibericus, Gmel.

Toupet Tit

bicolor, Lnnn.

Azure Tit

cyanus. Pall.

Blue Tit

coeruleus, lann.

Cole Tit

50

Common

r,

Tree Sparrow

montana, Cuv.

Spanish Sparrow

Hispaniolensis, Cuv.

Alpine Sparrow

Cisalpina, Cat;.

.152

ater, Uinn.

palustris, lAnn.

Tit

Crested Tit
Long-tailed Tit

cristatus, lAnn.

caudatus, Linn.

53

.154
"|

Marsh

'

'

Sparrow

Pyrgita domestica, Cuv.

Doubtful Sparrow
Chaffinch

Winter Finch

Common

or

"l

^^^
J

petronia

Snow Finch
.156
.157

.187

montifringiUa, iiww.
nivahs, Linn.
?

Brown Linnet

'

186

FringiUa Calebs, Linn.

Mountain or Bramble Finch

r -

hyemaUs.

Linaria Cannabina, Swains.

188

.189

190

.191;

'

Bearded

Reed Bird

Tit, or

Penduhne Tit

Waxen

Calamophilus biarmicus, Leach.

^githalus penduhnus, Vig.

.159

Bombycivora

Chatterer

garrula,

Alauda Tartarica,

Black Lark

Temm.

PaZZ.

Calandra,

Short-toed Lark

brachydactyla, Temm.

Shore Lark

alpestris, Linn.

Crested Lark

cristata, Liwra.

Sky Lark

Wood Lark
Bifasciated

Lark

Lark-heeled Bunting

Snow Bunting

Common

Plectrophanes Lapponica,

Black-headed Bunting

/SeZS.

160

White-winged Crossbill
Pine Grosbeak

Cirlus, Z/mn.

Ortolan Bunting
Rustic Bunting

Lesbian Bunting

rustica, PaZZ.

.176
.177'/

.179

Lesbia.
cia, LiriM.

Pine Bunting

pithyornus, PaZZ.

Cretzschmar's Bunting

cffisia,

Marsh Bunting

palustris, Savi.

'

'

IMeadow Bunting

Reed Bunting

Starhng

hortulana, Linn.

Cretz.

178'

.180'

182

183'

schoeniculus, Lin?!.

181

-ZJtos.

Flem.

198'''"

199

200
201
202 '^
'

longicauda.

Erythrospiza erythrina, Bon.

rosea.

Vinous Grosbeak
Bullfinch

.197'

citrineUa.

leucoptera, Gmel.

Scarlet Grosbeak

Rosy Grosbeak

.194
.195
.196

Corythus enucleator, Cuv.

174
.175'-'

193

curvirostra, Linn.

Siberian Grosbeak

73

Loxia pityopsittacus, Bechst.

169

Sturnus vulgaris, linw.

Marm.
Temm.

unicolor,

Sardinian Starhng

207
208

209

210

.211'-

Pastor roseus,

212

Nucifraga caryocatactes, Briss.

213

Garrulus glandarius, Briss.

Azure-winged Magpie

'

infaustus,

Temm.

'-"

'

Rose-coloured Pastor

Siberian Jay

'-''

204
205
206

Nutcracker

'

Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temm.

203

githaginea.

Jay

'-''

.192

spinus, Steph.

chloris,

Crossbill

170

Coccothraustes vulgaris,

Common

citrineUa, Linn.

Hawfinch

Parrot Crossbill

aureola, PalZ.

Bunting

Finch

.168

Yellow-breasted Bunting

Carduehs elegans, Steph.

.167'

Yellow Bunting

Goldfinch

Citril

172

Serinus flavescens.

164'

canescens.

minor, Ray.

Siskin, or Aberdevine

.171

montana, Ray.

Serin Finch

leS'-''

melanocephala, Sco^.

Cirl

Lesser Redpole

Green Grosbeak

or Twite

.166

Meyer.

miliaria, Linw.

Mealy Redpole

.165'^

arborea, Lirm.

Emberiza

Certhilauda bifasciata.

nivalis,

arvensis, Linn.

Bunting

PfflH.

Mountain Linnet,

58

.161
.162

Calandra Lark

Pica caudata, Ray.

cyanea, Wagl.

<'

'''

214
.215'

.216
.217

'

''

'

/
'

'

'

''
'

'

GENERAL LIST OF PLATES.

218"'

Alpine Chough

Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax, Tevim.

Chough
Raven

Fregilus graculus, Cuv.

.219

Corvus corax, Linn.

Crow
Hooded Crow
Jackdaw
Eook
Great Black Woodpecker
Green Woodpecker
Grey-headed Green WoodCarrion

221

comix, Linn.

222

223

monedula, Linn.

frugilegus, Linn.

Picus martius, Linn.

viridis, -Linn.

''

"^

224

225'

Apternus tridactylus, Swains.

Wryneck

Yunx

Common

Nuthatch

canus, Gmel.

White-rumped Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker

Common

Creeper

Hoopoe

leuconotus, Bechst.

major,

Linii.

227

torquilla, Linn.

232'/
233t

Ehrenb.

Asiatica,

Temm.

234
235"^

S}"riaca,

"^
230
231 '^

Sitta Europaea, Linn.

Dalmatian Nuthatch

Wall Creeper

pecker

Three-toed Woodpecker

Asiatic Nuthatch

226

minor, Linn.

"''

Picus medius, Linn.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

220

corone, lAnn.

Middle Spotted Woodpecker

228
229

236

Certhia familiaris, Linn.

237"^

Upupa

238 i/

epops, Linn.

Tichodroma phoenicoptera, Temm.

Common Cuckoo

Cuculus Canorus, Linn.

Great Spotted Cuckoo

American Cuckoo

Coccyzus Americanus,

VOLUME

242

glandarius, lAnn.

239'/
240-/
241'^

Vieill.

'"

IV.

RASORES;
Wood

Pigeon

Columha palumbus, Linn.

Stock Dove

CEnas, Linn.

Rock Dove
Turtle Dove

Common

livia,

Linn.

Turtur, Linn.

Pheasant

Capercailzie, or

Sand Grouse
Pintailed

245

European Francolin

246

Phasianus Colchicus, Linn.

Cock

243

244

247

of the

Wood

Perdix rubra, Ray.

Greek Partridge

saxatihs, Meyer.

Partridge

258

259'

260 "^

'

Black Grouse

hybridus, Sparrm.
Tetrix, Linn.

262 '^

263

"^

Andalusian Turnix

Hemipodius tachydromus, Temm.

264 '^

Collared Pratincole

Glareola torquata, Briss.

265 '^

Quail

Coturnix dactyhsonans, Meyer.

Bonasia Europcea.

251''

Red Grouse

Lagopus Scoticus, Lath.

252/1

Cream-coloured Com-ser

Cursorius Isabelhnus, Meyer.

mutus. Leach.

253

Great Bustard

Otis Tarda, Linn.

Rock Ptarmigan

rupestiis, Leach.

254*^1

Ruffed Bustard

Houbara, Linn.

Willow Ptarmigan

Saliceti,

Swains.

255^

tetrax,

Short-toed Ptarmigan

brachydactylus.

^y^

249
250^

Hazel Grouse, or Gelinotte

Ptarmigan

'

Hybrid Grouse

Common

257

cinerea, Lath.

'

petrosa. Lath.

'^

Bms.

Barbary Partridge

Common

248

Tetrao Urogallus, Linn.

setarius,

Francolinus vulgaris,

Red-legged Partridge
-

Temm.
Temm.

Pterocles arenarius,

Sand Grouse

Little

Bustard

Linn

''

266

267
268

269

256-/

GRALLATORES.
Common

Crane

Gnxs

White Crane
Numidian Demoiselle
Common Heron
Purple Heron
Squacco Heron
.

Great Egret

cinerea, Bechst.

.270"

Glossy Ibis

Ibis Falcinellus,

271

Common

Numenius

272
273
274

Black-tailed Godwit

275

Bar-tailed God-ssit

276

Terek Godwit

leucogeranus, Temm.

Anthropo'ides Virgo,

Ardea

Vieill.

cinerea. Lath.

purpurea, Linn.

comata, Pall.

alba, Linn.

Little Egret

garzetta, Linn.

Rufous-backed Egret

russata, Wagl.

Common
Common

Night Heron
Bittern

Freckled Bittern

lentiginosus, Steph.

Little Bittern

minutus, Selby.

White Stork

Ciconia alba, Bellon.

Black Stork

nigra, Bellon.

Maguari Stork
Spoonbill

Common

Nycticorax Europeeus, Steph.

Botaurus stellaris, Steph.

Flamingo

284

Platalea leucorodia, Linn.

Phcenicopterus ruber, Linn.

CEdicnemus crepitans, Temm.

Himantopus melanopterus, Meyer.

Grey Plover

Squatarola cinerea, Cuv.

Lapwing

Vanellus cristatus, Meyer.

Spur-winged Plover

Pluvianus spinosus.

Charadrius pluviahs, Linn.

Dottrell

hiaticula,

Lwm.

Ring Dottrell
Kentish Plover

minor, Meyer.

Red-chested Dottrell

pyrrhothorax,

Little

Oyster Catcher

Slender-billed Curlew

tenuirostris, Savi.

''

Limosa raelanura,
^^

Leisl.

rufa, Briss.

Terek, Temm.

Recurvirostra Avocetta, Linn.

Spotted Redshank

Totanus fuscus,

Leisl.

semipalmatus, Temm.

Greenshank

glottis, Bechst.

Bartramius, Temm.

311

312

"i

Temm.

Strepsilas coUaris,

Woodcock

Scolopax rusticola, Linn.

290

Great Snipe

major, Linn.
Sabini, Vig.

Sabine's Snipe

Common

'

Snipe

Ti??7n.

Hsematopus Ostralegus, Linn.

316

l-''

320

'

1 321

JMacroramphus griseus, Leach

323

295

Grey Snipe
Knot

CaUdris Canutus, Briss.

324

296'

Ruff.

Machetes pugnax, Cuv.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Tringa rufescens,

298

Pectoral Sandpiper

299'"

Pygmy Curlew

300

Dunhn,

Unn.

6^

Vieill.

or Purre

pectoralis, Bonap.

'-^

Jack Snipe

''

oik ^'

293'

.297

'

''

Cuv.

.322

325
326

.327

'

Cantianus, Linn.

313
314

294

GaUinula,

.317
.318 4^
.319

Gallinago, Linn.

308

macularius, Temm.

306 "^

ochropus, Temm.

Temm.

"'

309
.310'

stagnatilis, Bechst.

Hypoleucus, Temm.

303
304
305

'

291

Green Sandpiper

Glareola,

302

Marsh Sandpiper

301 *^

.307

Semipalmated Sandpiper

caMris, Bechst.

Turnstone

-'

Avocet

Bartram's Sandpiper
-

288

292

289

Phseopus, Lath.

Spotted Sandpiper

Whimbrel

287'-

Wood Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper

morinellus, Linn.

Ring Dottrell

285
286

Keptuschka, Temm.

Golden Plover

281

Long-legged Plover

Keptuschka Lapwing

280-

282
283

Redshank

Thick-kneed Bustard

'

279

Maguari, Temm.

277
278

Temm.

arquata, Lath.

Curlew

subarquata, Temm.

328

variabilis, Meyer.

329

^
'^

'

'

GENERAL LIST OF PLATES.

Scliinz's

Sandpiper

Tringa Schinzii, Bonap.

platyrhyncha, Temm.

Broad-billed Tringa
Little

Sandpiper

minuta, Leisl.

.331

Temminck's Tringa

Temminckii,

Purple Sandpiper

maritima, Brunn.

Leisl.

Coot

Water

Rail

Fulica atra, Linn.

338

Rallus aquaticus, Ldnn.

339

332

Hyacinthine Porphyrio

Porphyrio hyacinthinas, Temm.

333

Land

Gallinula crex, Lath.

Sanderling

Arenaria Calidris, Meyer.

Phalaropus hyperboreus, Lath.

platyrhynchus, Temm.

Rail

Common

334
335"

336

Baillon's

337

Little

'

Red-necked Phalarope

Grey Phalarope

330

Gallinule

Spotted Crake

VOLUME

340
.

Crake

341^

343

Zapornia porzana

''

342 "^

chloropus, Lath.

Crake

^
^'

Baillonii, Leach.

344^

pusilla, Steph.

345 ^y

V.

NATATORES.
346

Brunnich's Guillemot

Black Guillemot

segetum, Steph.

347
348

albifrons, Steph.

349

Razor-billed

leucopsis, Bechst.

350
351
352

Little

Anser hyperboreus,

Snow Goose
Grey Lag Wild Goose
Bean Goose
White-fronted Goose

ferus, Steph.

Bernicle Goose

Red-breasted Goose

Pall.

ruficonis, Pall.

Brent Goose

Brenta, Flem.

v''

Great

Auk
Auk

Auk

Mormon

Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn.

354

Dalmatian Pelican

355-

Common Cormorant

356-'

Black Cormorant

Bewickii, Yarr.

Common

Shieldrake

Ruddy Shieldrake
Widgeon
Shoveller Duck
Common Wild Duck

Tadorna vulpanser, Flem.

rutila, Steph.

Mareca Penelope,

Common

Teal

Duck
GadwaU

PintaU

Selby.

Rhynchaspis clypeata, Steph.

Anas Boschas, Linn.

Black-tailed

Caspian Tern

364-

Gull-billed

365

Common

366

Roseate Tern

367

Arctic Tern

strepera, Swains.

Fuligula ferina, Steph.

360/
361/

Sandwich Tern

ChauUodes

Red-headed Pochard

Desmarestii.

363

Dafila caudacuta. Leach.

cristatus

Desmarest's Cormorant

362

circia, Steph.

White-eyed, or Castaneous

Little

leucophthalma, Steph.

Duck
Red -crested Duck
Tufted

rufina, Steph.

Duck

Eider

cristata, Steph.

Scaup Pochard
Western Duck
Marbled Duck

marila, Steph.

Dispar, Steph.

409

359

369

370

371

372

i-

Anghca, Mont.

416

Dougallii, Mont.

Tern

Temm.

minuta, Linn.

stolida, Linn.

Viralva nigra, Leach.

White-winged Tern

'

414
415

Arctica,

Black Tern

cantiaca, Gmel.

Duck

Somateria moUissima, Leach.

King Duck

spectabilis. Leach.

Oidemia

Surf Scoter
Velvet Scoter

perspicillata, Flem.

nigra, Flem.

Clangula vulgaris. Leach.

Duck
Duck
Long-tailed Duck
White-headed Duck

Rich.

Barrow's

Barrovii, Sv).

Harlequin

histrionica. Leach.

Harelda glaciahs. Leach.

Undina leucocephala.
Mergus Merganser, Linn.
.

Goosander

Red -breasted Merganser

Hooded Merganser

Smew

serrator, Ldnn.

cucullatus, ldnn.
albellus, lAnn.

Great-crested Grebe

428

Sabinii, Leach.

429 "^

Sabine's Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

ridibunda, Boje.

Larus marinus, Linn.

Podiceps cristatus, Lath.

Glaucous Gull

381
382^

glaucus, Brunn.

Edm.

Iceland Gull

Islandicus,

Herring Gull

argentatus, Brunn.

Kittiwake Gull

Rissa, Linn.

383

Ivory Gull

eburneus, Gmel.

384"

Common

canus, Linn.

385

Audouin's Gull

386

Skua

387

Pomarine Gull

Gull

430^

432
433

434
435

Pomarinus, Temm.

Audouinii, Temm.

Temm.

^'

^
^

436'^
437
438
439
440

Lestris catarractes,

<-

431 "^

fuscus, Liim.

380

'

^''

427"^

376

379

422

melanocephala, Boje.

374 /
375'

'

Golden Eye

421 -^

minuta, Boje.

Black- winged Gull

378

<

Black-headed Gull

leucopareia, Steph.

Xema

373

377

'^^
420 ^"^

Little Gull

Laughing Gull

'

fusca, Flem.

418
419

atricilla.

Moustache Tern

-^

Black Scoter

!/'

''

423
424 t^
425*^,
''^
426

leucoptera. Leach.

'

marmorata.

Hirundo, Linn.

Noddy Tern

368

'-^

413"^

Sterna Caspia, Pall.

Tern

^''

412

melanura, Temm.

Tern

^'
"--^

Steph^Flem1.410 "^
411 '^

Sula Bassana, Briss.

Gannet

407

pygmseus, Steph.
,

"'"

405*^

408

Shag, or Green Cormorant

Solan Gannet

403
404

Graculus, Briss.

Little

Cormorant

^
^

406'^

crispus, Feld.

Phalacrocorax Carbo, Steph.

357

glocitans, Vig.

Leach.

glacialis,

358'/

Querquedula Crecca, Steph.

Bimaculated Teal

Gargany Teal

Temm.

Pelican

Cygnus mansuetus, Gmel.

Bon.

Domestic Swan
Bewick's Swan

Northern Puffin

353

Ray.

alle,

Fratercula,

"

399
400
401*^,
402 '^

Torda, Ldnn.

Mergulus

Chenalopex Egyptiaca, Steph.

ferus,

398

Alca impennis, Linn.

Egyptian Goose
Whistling Swan, or Hoope

Brunnichii, Sab.
Grylle, Lath.

Puffin

l/

Una

388'

Richardson's Lestris

Richardsonii, Swains.

441

389

Parasitic Gull

Parasiticus, El.

442

390
391'

Manks Shearwater
Dusky Shearwater

392

Cinereous Shearwater

i/

^
'

'''

Red-necked Grebe

Horned Grebe

rubricolUs, Lath.

Eared Grebe
Little Grebe, or

Dabchick

Black-throated Diver

Foolish Guillemot
Bridled Guillemot

auritus, Lath.

minor, Lath.

Colymbus

Northern Diver
Red-throated Diver

cornutus, Lath.

'

arcticus, Linn.

393
394''

Fulmar Petrel
Fork-tailed Storm Petrel

septentrionalis, Linn.

395

Common Storm

396'

Bulwer's Petrel

glacialis, Linn.

Uria Troile, Linn.

lacrymans, Lapyl.

397

Petrel

Puffinus Anglorum, Ray.

443*^
''

obscurus.

444

cinereus, Steph.

445 *^
446 ^'\

Procellaria glacialis, Linn.

Thalassidroma Leachii.
pelagica, Selby.

'^'^

447.

448.
'

Bulwerii.

449-

MUh

LIST OF PLATES.
VOLUME

NoTB.

As the arrangement

I.

of the Plates during the course of publication

here given will refer to the Plates

was found to be impracticable,

when arranged, and the work may be quoted by them.

the

Numbers

RAPTORES.
Griffon Vulture

Vultur fulvus, Linn.

diTiprpmic; Vnlfiirp

ciiicieub,

Egyptian Neophron

Neophron Percnopterus,

Bearded Vulture or Lsemmer-g eyer

Gypaetus barbatus,

Imperial Eagle

Aquila Imperialis. Briss.

Golden Eagle

V.v.XTor.X<-r.
cnrysaeua,

Bonelli's Eagle

Bonelli

pennata, Steph.

Sparrow

Haliseetus albicilla, Selby.

Pandion

10

Pernis apivorus,

Hawk
.

11

12

halifeetus, Savig.

Buteo vulgaris, Bechst.

Lagopus, Flem.

Rough-legged Buzzard
Honey Buzzard
.

Circaetus brachydactylus,

Common Buzzard

Jer Falcon

leucocephalus, Savig

Short-toed Eagle

Goshawk

6
7

llccVictj Irlcyvi

D.^'nn

White-headed Eagle
Osprey

xjtiss.

Booted Eagle
Sea Eagle

Savig.

Storr.

Spotted Eagle

Ldtitin.

13

Vieil /.

14

15

16

Ciiv.

Astur palumbarius, Bechst.

17

Accipiter fringillarius, Ray.

18

Falco Islandicus, Lath.

19

Lanner Falcon

Lanarius, Linn.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregi'inus, Linn.

Hobby

subbuteo, Linn.

22

rufipes, Bechst.

23

Merlin

iEsalon, Temm.

24

Lead- coloured Falcon

concolor, Temm.

25

Tinnunculus, Linn.

26

Tinnunculoides, Natt.

27

Red-footed Falcon

Kestrel

Lesser Kestrel
Kite

Black Kite

'

Marsh Harrier

Hen

Harrier

....

Pallid Harrier

29
Vig.

31

Circus rufus, Briss.

32
33

r^inoTO
roiT^
dL/CU-Oj
i^iJJLCi

'l\^0'}fO''
IrlclJoi

Strix flammea, Linn.

Long-eared Owl

Otus vulgaris, Flem.

Owl

36
37

Sihb.

Ascalaphus, Savig.

Scops Aldrovandi,

Snowy Owl
Ural Owl
Hawk Owl
Barred Owl
Tawny or Wood Owl
Little Owl
Tengmalm's Owl
Sparrow Owl
.

Bubo maximus,

35

38

39

40

Brachyotus, Cuv.

Short-eared

Great Cinereous

34

UctlilU-Llo^ Oy/tco.

Barn Owl
Great Horned or Eagle Owl
Eastern Great Horned Owl

Owl
Scops-eared Owl

30

Elanus melanopterus. Leach.

'

Ash- coloured Harrier

28

ater

Nauclerus furcatus,
.

21

Milvus vulgaris, Flem.

Swallow-tailed Kite

Black-winged Kite

20

Will.

Ray

41

42

Surnia cinerea
XlTT^^^ri
TtlM^II
iM ycted, uuiii.

Dum.
Dum.

Uralensis,

funerea,

43
44

45
46

Ulula nebulosa, Cuv.

Syrnium Aluco, Savig.

Noctua nudipes, Nils.
? Tengmalmi, Selhy.
passerina

47
.

48

49

50

^-t^*

Vulture fuhiis, fZifimj

Ifriuvn^lTiTnvZ^t/ cj^ Strayw bu'J

h^.

Jh^nied-fy CMiMmimdel.

Genus
Gen. Char. Beah
until

strong, thick

it is

and becoming narrower towards the

hooked; the middle

slightly

Wings long

hooked abruptly

at the cere.

upper mandible straight

under mandible straight, rounded

Head naked

point.

naked and pierced diagonally

nostrils

Linn.

and deep, base covered with a cere

reaches the point, where

it

VULTUR,

down

or covered with short

very long and united at the base to the external

toe

Feet very strong, furnished with nails

toe.

quill-feather short, the fourth the longest.

first

GRIFFON VULTURE.
Vultur fulvus, hinn.

Le Vautour
Pre-eminent

Griffon.

and strength, the Vultures exceed

for size

They are a race

to sustain continued flight.

all

other birds whose powers of wing are adequate

peculiar to hot climates, and their food consists of putrid animal

substances, for the removal of which (where indeed a quick removal

Their

pointed.

flight is

is

called for,) they

seem expressly ap-

wonderfully rapid and graceful, and they are led by some faculty, not yet fully

understood, (but most probably by the sense of smell,) from astonishing distances, and an elevation

atmosphere beyond the reach of human

Griffon Vulture

is\

in

the

In a tribe of birds thus characterized the

sight, to their foetid repast.

one of the most conspicuous, particularly among those individuals who inhabit the older

continent.

The

present species takes a wide range, inhabiting, in considerable abundance, Spain, Turkey, and the

whole of the southern portion of Europe, as well as the northern portions of Africa
mountainous parts of the northern and central countries, but we are not aware of

its

they also occur in the

having ever been seen in

a wild state in the British Islands.

Like the rest of

its

family, except

when pressed by

the utmost necessity

but prefers carrion and putrid substances, and when fed to repletion

becomes gentle and domestic

accomplished
It

breeds

it

its

it

easily

never preys on living animals,

made

this bird, as in that of the

however, of ferocity or wildness in the disposition of

it

is

captive.

Eagle

principal enjoyment consists in the gratification of

its

There
hence

is

nothing,

in

captivity

appetite,

and that

seems perfectly contented.

among

the most inaccessible precipices

its

eggs are of a dull greyish-white slightly marked with

spots of a pale reddish colour.

In the adult bird the head and neck are covered with short white

neck

is

breast there
quill-

and

rufous

male

is,

downy

surrounded with a ruff of long slender feathers of the same colour or

is

also a space covered with white

tail-feathers,

down

feathers

the lower part of the

slightly tinged with red

which are blackish-brown, are of a fulvous grey, the belly having a

beak bluish yellow

cere darker

on the

the whole of the upper and under surfaces, except the

irides hazel

feet light

brown

total length

slight tinge of

about four

feet.

The

as usual with other rapacious birds, smaller than the female.

Young

birds differ considerably

from the adults

the

downy

feathers of the head and neck being dirty

white varied with brown, and the rest of the plumage of a very light yellowish colour, interspersed with large

markings of white or grey.

Our

Plate represents an adult in perfect plumage.

Tultur cmereus; /Z^;

Jl/O'itvr-e^^^yOTl'

Smoty

^ J^^^ Oci^M

^jft^^/ Su- a StUmuuutf/

CINEREOUS VULTURE.
Vultur cinereus, Linn.

Le Vautour

noir.

This, the largest of the European Vultures, ofFers to our notice, by the partially bare neck, open ears, curved
claws and powerful beak, a deviation from the true or more typical Vultures as restricted by modern authors,
true Vultures having claws less curved, and a beak

the

render them unable to seize and carry off living prey.

more lengthened and

feeble, characters

which

This striking feature was not passed over by the

discriminating eye of Mr. Bennett while engaged in describing the Vidtiir miricularis of Daudin, a species
inhabiting Southern Africa, which in general form and structure strictly resembles the one under consideration.

In "

The Gardens and Menagerie

of the Zoological Society delineated," that gentleman intimates that in his

opinion the bird he has described, from a fine living example in the Society's Gardens, would be found to
possess characters sufficiently prominent and different from the rest of the Vultures to form the type of a

new

genus.

Although

the Cinereous Vulture has not

that

longitudinal

of the skin which is^so

fold

we should regard that more as a specific character than as

having any influence over its natural economy and we fully concur in Mr. Bennett's views in considerino- a
further subdivision of the family to be necessary. The two birds in question, with the Vultur pondicerianus as
prominent a feature in the Vultur

auricularis,

still
;

We

a type, would constitute a very natural division.

from entering more

strict attention to

we

fully into the subject, as

this highly interesting family

refrain ourselves

are aware that

from assigning a generic name, or

M. Temminck

is

and we have no doubt that with

at this

moment paying

his discerning views

and

})rofound knowledge of Ornithology, he has long ere this observed the characters alluded to.

The European

habitat of the Cinereous Vulture

is

the vast forests of Hungary, the mountainous districts

of the Tyrol, the Swiss Alps, the Pyrenees, and the middle of Spain and Italy

it is

seen also occasionally

in other places.

M. Temminck
afraid,

in the plains,

as

it

states that its food consists of

dead and putrid animals, never living ones, of which it is much

but Bechstein informs us that " in winter it is chiefly seen
;

even the smallest appearing to excite fear

where

it

attacks sheep, hares, goats, and even deer.

will frequently pick out the eyes of

sheep

but as

it is

The farmers

advantage, added to his being well paid for shooting so destructive an enemy."
Birds, vol.

Of its

i.

suffer severely

not a very shy species,

it

gives the

from

this bird,

huntsman some

(Latham's General History

nidification

The whole of

and eggs nothing

the plumage

is

is

known.

of a dark chocolate brown, each feather being a

little

lighter on the edges

the head and upper part of the neck are covered with down, which, with a kind of beard under the throat,

of the same colour as the plumage

We

is

the basal half of the mandibles, the bare space on the front and sides of

the neck, the tarsi, and the toes, are of a blueish flesh colour
irides

of

p. 23.)

the points of the mandibles and the claws black

dark brown.
have figured an adult male, about one third of the natural

size.

^ GrYT TI Ar^^ 2^M O F ]P[]a OB

^NFeopliioa

'J

Percnop terns

f'Saviflf.J.

NEOPHRON.

Genus
Beah

Gen. Char.
half

elongated, slender, straight, the upper mandible covered with a cere for

length, and with a distinct

its

downwards

at the point.

near the culmen of the

hooked dertrum or

the lower mandible curving

tip,

Nostrils longitudinal, lateral, directed forwards, and placed

The neck

Anterior part of the head, and the face naked.

bill.

Legs of mean strength and length.

covered with acuminated feathers.

Feet with four toes, three before, and one behind

Tarsi reticulated.

the front toes united at the base.

EGYPTIAN NEOPHRON.
Neophron percnopterus,

Le Catharte
Of

the family of Vulturldoe, which

the glolDe, the present

solitary instance

in the

is

is

first

on record.

discovered,

It

it

so extensively spread over the hotter portions of nearly every part of

is

was therefore shot with

and of

Matthew of

in the possession of the Rev. A.

flight, or, at all events,

little difficulty.

same time observed

in the

coming so

must be attributed

far north,

now

was feeding upon the body of a dead sheep, with the

it

this fact, only a

appears that the example alluded to was killed near Kilve in Somersetshire,

gorged, as to be either incapable of

escape

alimoche.

the only species which has ever been taken in England

is

month of October 1825, and

When

Sav.

Another

neighbourhood, but escaped

the

same

of which

flesh

place.

was so

it

unwilling to exert itself sufficiently to effect

bird, apparently of the

its

species,

The circumstance

pursuers.

its

entirely to accident,

same

was

its

at the

of this example

native habitat being exclusively the southern

provinces of Europe and the adjoining districts of Asia and Africa.

The

traveller

who

visits Gibraltar,

the adjacent parts of Spain, the islands of the Mediterranean, Turkey,

and the northern coasts of Africa, cannot

the smallest of the Vulturidcs, which
it is

is

fail

to have his attention attracted by this remarkable bird,

Like the rest of

there often found associating in flocks.

one of Natui-e's scavengers, being ever on the search for carrion and putrid

feeds,

seldom

The
birds,

adult, offer

no difference

in their characters or the colouring of their

on the contrary, in which state was the individual noticed as being taken

contrasts.

remark

These decided opposites of colouring we have

young acquire

that the

or three years

upon which

it

greedily

ever attacking living prey.

if

when

sexes,

offal,

one of
family,

its

hence

it

their

in

plumage

We

our figures.

illustrated in

the young-

this country, offer striking-

need scarcely

mature plumage by gradual changes, the completion of which takes two

arises that birds in all grades,

from the dark plumage of youth to the snowy white

of maturity, are continually to be met with.

It is said to build its nest in

the most inaccessible parts of rocks

of

eggs nothing

its

is

correctly ascer-

tained.

The

adults have the face

and cere naked, and of a

fine

yellow

narrow

the beak yellow, with a black horny tip

The young

bird of the

first

the whole of the plumage

with the exception of the greater quill-feathers, which are black

is

pure white,

the plumes of the occiput are long and

the tarsi and toes yellow

nails black

irides hazel.

year has the whole of the plumage of a dark chocolate brown

the elongated

feathers of the neck, as well as those situated on the shoulders and upper part of the back, are tipped with

yellowish white

The

the cere and naked part of the face dull yellow

Plate represents an adult, and a young bird of the

first

tarsi

and

feet of a dull livid yellow.

year, nearly half their natural size.

BlEAmBKID)

TFLTUME Om

L'CEMM;

Gyp actus Larbatus; f'SlorrJ.

Mramyjrnn.Zifh

i> nib

J>. iy fSH.

GeirJd^.

,iR

^&MYE]R

GYPAETUS,

Genus
Beak

Gen. Char.
above

straight, its base

covered with setaceous feathers tending forward, rounded

the under mandible furnished at the base with a fasciculus of

Cere clothed with feathers.

feathers.

LCEMMER-GEYER.

or

Gypaetus barbatus,
L'e

Ornithologists have had no

this bird

comprehended

species

in the present

between the Vultures and Eagles.

Indian Ornithology, are

to contend with in clearing

genus,-^a genus distinguished by characters which place

The

it

was discovered

it

but one

is

intermediate

descriptions of Bruce the African traveller, and of the writers on

elevation over the vast continents of Europe, Asia,

Himalaya, where

up the confusion which the numerous

in fact, as far as our observations have extended, there

referrible to this species,

all

Storr.

Gypaete barbu.

little difficulty

have occasioned

and elongated

stiff

Tarsi short, feathered.

BEARDED VULTURE

synonyms of

Storr,

whose habitat appears

We

and Africa.

in very considerable

abundance.

to extend to a certain range of

have ourselves received

In Europe

it is

it

from the

confined to the highest

ranges of mountains, such as the Alps and Pyrenees, but more especially those of the Tyrol and Hungary.

The

habits and manners of the Loemmer-geyer, also point out

between the Vultures and Eagles

The

of these groups.
it

to a

first

who

and Authors have, according

pointed out

its

true situation

genus with the expressive name of Gypaetus,

become now, with

UnUke

justice, universally adopted.

i.

e.

its

true situation in nature to be intermediate

to their respective views, referred

was the eminent

The genus

Vulture Eagle.

it

to each

who advanced

naturalist Storr,

thus established has

the typical Vultures, which are distinguished by their

bare necks, indicative of their propensity for feeding on carrion, the Loemmer-geyer has the neck thickly

covered with feathers, resembling those of the true Eagles, with which
habits

pouncing with violent impetuosity on animals exceeding

Wild Goat, the Mountain Hare, and various

Having seized

them from carrying

hunger

species of birds find in

prey, the Loemmer-geyer devoui-s

its

it

to a distance.

hence Nature has limited

it

upon the

It refuses flesh

this species as to

in

it

also accords in its bold

itself in size

and predatory

hence the young Chamois, the

a formidable and ferocious enemy.

it

spot, the straight

form of

their talons disabling

a state of putrefaction unless sharply pressed by

numbers, while on the other hand to the Vultures, who

are destined to clear the earth of animal matter in a state of decomposition, and thus render the utmost

man in the countries where they abound, she has given an almost illimitable increase.
M. Temminck informs us that it incubates on the summits of precipitous and inaccessible rocks, making no

service to

nest, but laying

The

two eggs, on the naked surface, of a white colour marked with blotches of brown.

adult birds offer no sexual differences of plumage, and less of size than

The head and upjier part of the neck are of a

and passes above the eyes

dull white

is

greyish brown, the centre of each feather having a white longitudinal line

The young of

tail

long and graduated

tarsi,

beak, and nails black

the year have the head and neck dull brown

the upper parts blackish, with lighter spots

have

fisrured

an adult male one third

its

natural size.

rapacious birds.

the beard

is

black

the upper surface of a dark

the quill- and tail-feathers grey

irides orange.

the under parts dark grey with spots of white

the irides brown, and feet olive.

Vultur niger.

We

among

another beginning behind the eyes occupies the ear-coverts

the lower part of the neck, the breast and under parts are of an orange-red

with white shafts

usual

a black line extends from the base of the beak

In this state

it

has been called

^^^^

IMFEIRIAIL EAG-ILI
Aquila Irapenalis

Jh-ofyfnfnmv JfcUare. i

jTlMZtxi,

by C BiUlnu^ruZel

AQUILA,

Genus
Gen. Char.

Bill straight at the base, strong,

much hooked

inchning upwards and forming a narrow cuhnen

a faint obtuse lobe situated behind the

thinly covered with radiating hairs.

by

commencement of the hook.

bill

Wings ample

Nostrils oval, lateral,

space between the nostrils and eye

the fourth and

fifth quill-feathers

the

Tarsi thickly clothed with feathers to the toes, which are rather short, and united

membrane

at the point, compressed, the sides

the tomia of the upper mandibles having

placed transversely in the cereous part of the

longest.

Briss.

at the base.

Claws very strong, hooked, and very sharp, grooved beneath

those on the outer and hind toes the largest.

IMPERIAL EAGLE.
Aquila Imperialis, Briss.
L'Aigle Imperial.

The

range of habitat occupied by

Golden Eagle, which

this

noble species in Europe

closely resembles in its form, habits,

it

to the eastern portions of the Continent,

In

its

adult state

it

may be

where

it is

It

It

limited than that of

congener the

its

in fact exclusively confined

Golden Eagle by the large white marks which are

always builds, says

on high rocks, the female laying two or three eggs, of a

differ

more

said to give a preference to the extensive forests of mountain districts,

is

rarely frequenting those of the plains.

and second year

far

and manners, being

abundant, particularly in Hungary, Dalmatia, and Turkey.

readily distinguished from the

situated on the scapularies.

is

from the adult

in

M. Temminck, either in the mountain forests or

The young in the plumage of the first

dull white.

having the upper part of a rufous brown, varied with large blotches

of light red, and in having the scapularies merely terminated with white instead of being wholly of that
colour;

tail

neck and
dark ash

all
;

ash-coloured, spotted towards the extremity with brown, and terminating in rufous

back of the

the under surface light buff, the feathers of the breast and belly bordered with bright red

irides

brown

beak

tarsi olive.

In the adult the feathers on the crown of the head and back of the neck are of a lanceolate form, and of

a rufous tinge bordered with a brighter

exception of the belly, which
scapularies of a pure white

black bar near

The

its

is

tail

tint

all

yellowish red

the under surface of a deep blackish brown, with the

the upper surface

is

of dark glossy brown

several of the

deep ash-colour irregularly banded with black, each feather having a large

extremity, which

is

yellowish white

irides light yellow

cere and tarsi yellow.

Plate represents an adult and a young bird one third of the natural size.

&0 L D E

I>y

E J^ &1 E

JnJ,U<C hfC^^^M'^-ii.

GOLDEN EAGLE.
Aquila chrysaeta, Briss.
L'Aigle Royal.

Of

the two large Eagles which

make

although rather inferior in point of

on prey acquired by

sively

victims

more rapacious and sanguinary

habitat

its

Eagle frequents

is

now

is

Wales

uncommon

breeding-places,

its

is

it

it

among

to the

bird in the British Isles

now

seldom,

if ever, to

of Westmoreland and

hills

be found there, a bird of

not only exciting the attention, but the hostility also of the inhabitants of the surrounding

Continent

more abundant,

it is

parts of Russia

particularly in the northern

also found, but in less abundance, in

it is

and

but

the highlands of the North, the wilder

of Cornwall, were not long since

districts

remoter portions of the king-

and although the romantic lakes and

Cumberland, the rocky parts of Derbyshire, and the barren

number of

usual

of the country, resorting to large forests and secluded situations.

have been by no means an

to

only to be found, and that but sparingly,

parts of Ireland, and occasionally in

the

exclu-

its

large sea birds, and, not unfrequently, putrid

fish,

the increase of population and the cultivation of the land have driven
it

more

and large birds being

consequently the mountains and craggy rocks along the sea shore, while the Golden

in preference the inland parts

The Golden Eagle appears formerly

dom, and

in its habits, feeding

exertions, fawns, lambs, hares, rabbits

the Sea Eagle, on the contrary, feeds chiefly upon

carcases

own

its

the British Isles a permanent residence, the present noble species,

size, is

hilly countries, as

its size

among

and habits

districts.

On

the

Norway, Sweden and some

Germany and France, and

less frequently in Italy

still

or further southwards.
In the cleft of some inaccessible rock, or, as
forest, the
flesh

Golden Eagle constructs

its

M. Temminck

and brings up

eyrie,

states,

its

on the tops of the

of the prey, whose remains are found scattered in abundance around.

sometimes three, of a

The young and

trees of the

The eggs

are two in number,

dull white stained with dull red.

adult of this noble bird exhibit

make

older writers on Ornithology to

which has been but

tallest

young, feeding them with the yet quivering

lately corrected

in

this

marked
instance,

differences of plumage, a circumstance

as in

some

others,

which led the

two species out of one, an error

and we have yet much to learn respecting the laws which regulate

these changes, so remarkable in this ferocious tribe.

The Ring-tailed

Eagle, then,

is

but the immature stage of the Golden Eagle, nor

is

the

full

plumage attained

but by slow degrees, two or three years being required for bringing the markings to their stationary character.

When

in full

plumage, the feathers on the head and occiput are lancet-shaped, and of a rich gilded brown

the rest of the body

is

of a dull brown approaching to chocolate brown, the feathers of the inner side of the

thighs and tarsi being lighter

colour

it is

tipped

from four to

The immature
its

tail

greyish brown with transverse bands of blackish brown, with which

;

irides

brown

and

tarsi yellow.

Length three

birds,

length,

till

the

commencement of

The

the female being

the third year, have the whole of the plumage of a reddish

tail-coverts, inner side of the thighs

and

tarsi nearly

(whence the synonym of Ring-tailed Eagle,) the

tip

The

third year

figures are a

is

that of the assumption of perfect plumage.

young and an

adult, about

one third of their natural

white

the

being brown.

young bird advances, the colours become richer and deeper, the white of the
appear.

feet,

six inches longer.

brown, with the under

parts of

beak horn colour

size.

tail

tail

white for three

In proportion as the

contracts, and bars begin to

Aquila Bonelli.
Falco

I}ra^'noirayn^J^(^M/yri/ oTu-s-Vayyy dy /tb-^-Cot^ld'.

{I'cj^nf/o.J

Jh/-/U^c^y

h/ C MiZdmxaid^.

BONELLI'S EAGLE.
Aquila Bonelli.
L'Aigle Bonelli.

M. Temminck
in

was, we believe, the first to make known this elegant species of Eagle as an
occasional visitant
The number of examples which have come under our notice within the last few years induce us
to be much more common than is generally suspected
it is, however, more particularly an African

Europe.

to believe

it

species,

though

range appears to be extensive, as

its

it

may

be frequently met with

in collections

from India.

Several living specimens have at various times been received by the Zoological Society, and
appeared to bear
confinement equally well with others of the same genus.
All these, we may observe, were received from
Africa, and it is from one of them that our figure is taken ; and from the circumstance
of its having been an
inhabitant of the menagerie for at least two or three years,
attained

There appears

adult colouring.

its

we may

reasonably conclude that

it

has nearly

no other species of the group that exhibits so many and

specimens are to be found of all shades, from a uniform tint of

to be

varied changes as the present bird, and in fact

rich fulvous over the under surface to white or nearly so, with merely the centre of
the feather striped with
dark brown, and even much lighter than the birds represented in our Plate.
M. Temminck

having described

these changes with considerable minuteness,

Adult male.
rust

red,

we take

" Upper surface brown, more or

more or

the liberty of subjoining his description in

less

deep, without any well-defined markings

less bright, the shaft of all the feathers

dark brown

tail

total length

Adult female.

two

" Upper surface blackish brown

red, each feather having a large longitudinal

cheeks, throat, front and sides of the neck rust red,

marbled with black

tips

irides

brown

stripe,
;

of the primaries entirely black

the quills with a large blackish band near the

greenish towards the base

tip,

which

marked

the remainder of the under surface of a duller rust

inferior M'ing-coverts black

cere and toes yellow

feet."

with small brown stripes along the stem of each feather

the feathers of the tarsus

full.

under surface

uniform ash colour or slightly

reddish with a terminal band of brown, or marked with distant brown bands

nut brown

with the shaft black

similar markings appear on

base of the primaries and secondaries deep grey

tail
is

pure ash, faintly banded or nearly uniform

more or

less whitish

beak black

at

the

tip,

all

and

toes yellowish
;
total length from two feet to two feet six inches.
specimen probably younger presented the following appearances head, neck, back, scapularies and
wings ash brown, marked along the shafts with blackish brown all the great coverts, scapularies, and

"

quills

marked

at intervals with very large black

bands disposed

the interior webs rayed with blackish bands

all

in zigzags

the tail-feathers are ash

verse bands, the intervening spaces being twice as wide as the bands

golden red more or

verse bands

less bright

beneath, the

the primaries and secondaries white, on

tail is

brown above with nine or ten

all

whitish with a tint of red, and faint indications of trans-

front of the neck and chest clear red, with the stems of the feathers

brown

thighs, feathers on

the tarsus, abdomen, and under tail-coverts dirty white clouded with red and without spots.

We

trans-

these feathers are terminated with

have figured an adult male about two thirds of the natural

size.

JhklK!,

h GMtMinxiidti.

SPOTTED EAGLE.
Aquila naevius,

Meyer.

L'Aigle criard.

This small but true Eagle receives

species in

its

men from which our

state of

figure

plumage, which

is

its

name from

specific

During the

youthful dress.

first

was taken, and which was

not attained

till

the spotted markings which characterize the

year this feature

in

the fourth or

its

fifth

is

much more

year, these markings

whole of the plumage being then of a uniform rich shining brown.

closely resembles the
It is

Golden Eagle, and others of

its

we may

and especially

in

Egypt

When

it is

hence we may infer that

its

in its

become nearly

of

its

habits and

is

manners

it

and from the circumstance of indi-

Europe are only a

According to M. Temminck

range

permanent
effaced, the

far inferior to that noble bird.

naturally conclude that those found in

scattered few, dwelling in the extreme limits of their true habitat.

in Africa,

many

In

genus, though in size

sparingly dispersed throughout Germany, the Pyrenees, and Russia

viduals having been received from India,

conspicuous than in the speci-

second or third year.

it is

common

throughout the south-eastern portions

of the Old World.

It builds in

high trees, and the eggs are said to be two

in

number, of a light colour thinly blotched with

reddish brown.
Its

food consists of small quadrupeds and birds

summer, upon the larger kinds of

insects

it is

also well

which abound

known

that

it

in its native regions.

of the other true Eagles live upon this kind of prey, though

we know

it

feeds, particularly during the

We

are not aware that any

to be the case with

many of

the

smaller genuine Falcons.

The

female, although not differing in colour, has the

same

relative

superiority in size over the male as in

the Falconidce generally.

In the adult, the whole of the
toes yellow

The

bill

black

irides

plumage

is

of a fine rich glossy brown

the primaries black

the cere and

brown.

Plate represents a bird in the plumage of the second year, three fourths of the natural

size.

O O T E B E A(&]LK

<

Aqxula p ennata fJh

;

J^rmmfhTWy J^oUi^e/S oro Jhi-vo hy J&B. GowZdr.

JHr^-td' eu C SAZlrf^cmdcl-

BOOTED EAGLE.
Aquila pennata,

Steph.

L'Aigle botte.

The

may be regarded

Aquila pen7iata

as the smallest of the true Eagles,

tribe; a casual glance would, however, almost lead to confound

group which

is

feathered to the toes

when we examine

its

it is

it

and one of the most beautiful of

smaller in size than any European species of Buzzard, nevertheless

beak, strong tarsus, and powerful claws, together with the long lanceolate feathers on the

top of the head and neck, the great breadth and power of the shoulders, and the shortness of the

once recognise the characteristic features of the genuine Eagles.

adjacent districts of Asia constitute

its

native habitat,

and the eastern parts of Germany.

fine

whence

it

The

eastern portions of

observed a

fine

in

example of

this species in a

younger and consequently

is fully

Hungary, near the Carpathian mountains.

which was

this species,

killed in the
is

a careful

in a

somewhat

different state of

we

plumage

adult.

Its

M. Temminck

informs us that

it

builds

its

nest

eggs are not known.

adult has the top of the head light yellowish brown, each feather being lanceolate in form and having a

dash of dark brown

wings

at

migrates annually as far as Austria, Moravia,

specimen of the male of

food consists of small quadrupeds, birds, and insects.

The

we

In an interesting collection lately received by the Zoological Society from Trebizond,

from that which we have figured, which

Its

tail,

Europe and the

Austrian territories, was placed at our disposal by Baron de Feldegg, and of this bird our plate
representation.

its

with the Buzzards, and especially with that

is

the middle of the back and upper surface dark greyish

a patch, consisting of eight or ten feathers, of a pure white

brown

at the insertion of the

a broad stripe of light yellowish brown

extends from the shoulders across the wing to the secondaries, which with the quills are deep blackish brown
;
deep greyish brown, each feather having a lighter tip ; under surface white, with the exception of the chest,

tail

which has the stem of each feather

The young

differs

from the adult

thighs.

The

figure

is

of the natural

size.

slightly
in

dashed with brown

cere and claws yellow

irides hazel.

having narrow transverse bars of sandy yellow across the breast and

SEA

IEA^LjE

lialiaetus albiciUa; A/^/^y/

J'rtnte^^ev

^ M'Mr/u^TtdeZ.

HALIiEETUS.

Genus
Gen. Char.

Beak

elongated, strong, straight at the base, curved

of the cere to the

and forming a deep hook

tip,

a regular arc in advance

culmen broad, and rather flattened

tomia of the upper mandible shghtly prominent behind the commencement of the hook.
Nostrils large, placed transversely in the cere, and of a lunated shape.

fourth quill-feather the longest.

naked part

and the

scutellated,

the outer one versatile.

Legs having the

and back

sides

tarsi half

reticulated.

Wings ample, the

feathered

the front of the

Toes divided to their origin

Claws strong, hooked, and grooved beneath

the claw of the hind

toe larger than that of the inner toe, which, again, exceeds that of the middle and outer toes.

SEA EAGLE.
Haliaeetus albicilla, Savigny.

L'Aigle pygargue.

Science

is

indebted to the observation of Mr. Selby for a knowledge of the fact that the Cinereous and Sea

Eagles of the older writers are identical species, differing only

The fact thus

by Cuvier and Temminck, but wanted
depend

them

solely

common

the most

Islands

it

some measure

anticipated both

that direct proof which rearing the birds from youth and preserving

of the European Eagles, and perhaps the most widely dispersed.

appetite for

fish

which

when pressed by hunger, even

resolute, its

whence

air,

Its

flight

enabling

and sprightly

alert
it

upon

its

Norway and Sweden,

as

weW

absence of bold precipitous rocks, which form

circumstances of the

locality,

constructing

The eggs

inland seas and lakes.

Three or four years

its

sexes offer

The

adults have the

is

it is

all

when food

nevertheless vigorous and

nest, with great force

its

more northern

on the top of the largest

it

and

portions, particularly

Germany, Holland, and France.

favourite place of nidification,

nest

diet; but like

and ease through the upper regions of

limited to the

as that of Russia,

its

for a considerable period

prey, or any intruder near

is

accommodates

In the

itself to

the

tree of the forest, bordering

complete the state of plumage represented by the bird

that of maturity, a period characterized by the white

little

tail,

in

the

and the bright

or no difference in their plumage at the corresponding periods of their age.

bill

and cere bright straw yellow

irides reddish

are of a pale ashy brown, the feathers being long and pointed

brown, more intense on the upper surface

the beak and

tail

the

tail j)ure

white

brown

the whole head and neck

the rest of the plumage

tarsi

blackish brown, and the general

of the head and neck being somewhat lighter than the

The

sea,

bill.

The

The young have

margin of the

are white, and two in number.

at least are required to

foreground of our Plate, which

straw yellow-coloured

its

life

Golden Eagle,

as the

to soar with great majesty

range over Europe, although extensive,

the rocky coast of

the articles forming

capable of sustaining

it is

often precipitates itself

it

may be reckoned among

carrion also,

Although not so

powers of

to give the preference to the

it

Aquatic birds, small mammalia, such as hares, lambs, fawns, &c., and,

the rapacious birds, especially the Eagles,

cannot be obtained.

in different parts of the three last-named countries.

noble bird possesses leads

this

the shores of rivers and large lakes.

velocity.

In the British

frequently occurs along the rocky shores of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland and the adjacent

and many pairs are known annually to breed

islands,

the

the respective stages of plumage, which

in

ascertained by experiment had been in

to maturity could alone furnish.

It is

The

upon age.

is

of a dark greyish

and toes yellow.

plumage of a deep brown, the feathers

rest.

Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the

first

year, about one third of the natural size.

IITE

HEABEB

EA&Xi

Haliaeetas leucoceplialus f Sa^viam/J.

;

Prcnftii It/CMUUmxlf^.

WHITE-HEADED EAGLE.
Haliaeetus leucoceplialiis, Savigny.

L'Aigle a tete blanche.

It

not until very recently that the confusion which had existed in the instance of the Golden Eagle (gen.

is

Aquild), as well as in that of the Sea Eagle, and of the present species (gen. Haliceetus), has by patient

observation been satisfactorily cleared away.

This confusion arose from the striking difference

of the immature bird from that which characterizes

headed or Bald Eagle

(as

it is

called

birds of both species very closely resemble each other

wanting even
example,

is

W.

at this period,

but

believe that distinguishing characters are not

superficial examination

less regularly varied

is

more

barking cry."

its shrill

and

active

the

for

tail,

with brown.

It is also

he has observed their respective manners

" constantly in motion,"

restless in disposition,"

more

fierce

and untameable.

adult of the present species cannot be mistaken, but the white of the head and

purity

till

The

the third year.

first
;

tail is

not acquired in

moult gives a mingling of ash colour, white, and obscure brown

the third completes the transition from the dull greyish brown of

year.

first

W.

Jardine observes, that in captivity from

This beautiful Eagle

common

in

is

thi'ce to five years are

required to effect a thorouo-h chano-e.

a native of the temperate and northern regions of both continents, but

America, where

it

and from the ethereal heights to which he soars looking abroad

fields,

and ocean deep below him

lakes,

much more

feeding equally on the produce of the sea and of the land

possessing powers of flight capable of outstripping even the tempests themselves

at

unawed by anything but man;

one glance on an immeasurable expanse of

he appears indifferent to the

summer

seasons, as in a few minutes he can pass from

is

" Formed," says

adopted as the national standard of the United States.

is

Wilson, " by nature for braving the severest cold

forests,

albi-

we

in his possession for several years,

the second increases the ratio of white

Sir

plumage

Jardine, in his notes on Wilson's description of this species, observes, that having had both the

and incessantly uttering "

its full

in the

was that the White-

must, indeed, be confessed that the immature

longer in the White-headed Eagle, and the plumage

to be also different, the White-headed being "

the

it

It

though perhaps not very apparent upon a

White-headed and the Sea Eagle

The

Hence

by Wilson), has been universally confounded with the Sea Eagle {H.

a species which appears to be exclusively European.

c'llld),

Sir

an adult condition.

in

it

to winter,

little localities

from the lower

of chan^-e of

to the higher regions of

the atmosphere, the abode of eternal cold, and thence descend at will to the torrid or the arctic regions of
the earth."

Though preying
carrion

indiscriminately on every kind of animal, especially small mammalia, and not even refusing

when pressed by hunger, the White-headed Eagle

obtains his prey by his

own

gives the decided preference to

watches the labours of the Osprey, and forces that industrious

description of the contest has been often quoted

upon the Wild Swan

fish.

Not

that he

exertions as a fisher, or at least very seldom, and then only in the shallows

nor

is

the sketch by

The

with descriptive energy.

less replete

fisher to give

up

his booty.

Audubon of this

he

Wilson's spirited

bird's ferocious attack

favourite localities of the White-headed Ea^-le

are the borders of lakes, the rocky margins of the larger rivers, and especially the precipitous shores of the

ocean.

The
and

is

nest

generally placed in the topmost branches of lofty trees, often in the centre of a morass or

is

formed of a mass of

and used year

after year until

young are fed with

siderable distance.

fish,

The young

adult

chocolate

We

plumage

brown

is

brown

&c.

It is

lie

are at

as to be observable at a great distance.

The

scattered in a putrid state round the tree, infecting the air for a confirst

covered with a cream-coloured cottony down, which gradually

feathers of the

as follows

swamp,

increased by fresh layers annually, beino- repaired

becomes of such magnitude

it

which often

gives place to the greyish

The

sticks, sods, grass,

first

year.

head, upper part of the neck, and the

beak, cere, and tarsi, whitish yellow

irides

tail,

pure white

almost white.

have figured an adult male and an immature bird one third the

size

of nature.

body of a deep

^^^^

C^2^

OS

PRE Yo

Pandion lialiieetus

/^Sccvia.J

\V

'^^-

PANDION.

Genus
Beak

Gen. Char.

short, strong,

oblong-oval, placed

rounded and broad, cutting edge nearly

Wings long; the second and third

obliquely.

Legs strong and muscular

longest.

equal in length

under surface

covered vdth

tarsi short,

outer toe reversible

all

Nostrils

quill-feathers the

Toes free, nearly

scales.

armed with strong curved and sharp claws

rough and covered with small pointed

of the toes

straight.

scales.

OSPREY.
Pandion

haliaeetus, Sav.

Le Balbuzard.
There

is

Osprey

AVhile

no species of the great family of Falconidce whose range of habitat

and there certainly

some of

so univ ersal as that of the

is

none to whose habits attaches more interest than to those of

is

subsistence almost exclusively from the waters, the scaly tenants of that element constituting

that if the waters be frozen, he

evidently the case

would be compelled by necessity

and hence the Osprey

found

in

every portion of

supply of food.
birds does

that

it is

to be a

The

make

its

it,

British Isles are not so

food

appearance,

its

much frequented

welcome

visiter, since

it

some

America the Osprey

parts of

its

prey abounds.

is

very

hence

and unmolested save by the Bald Eagle,

and

turf, so

as to

in fact, the

like

sails

oifer it the necessary

and when one of these

Indeed

many

assailants,

can hardly be said

it

where

rivers, not

it

makes

Here along the borders of mighty streams, undisturbed

fish.

his

him when loaded with

builds

it

its

nest in

prey

is

is

tall trees,

a quiet bird, with

very remarkable

constructing

little

throwing the spray from

We have alluded to the Bald

which he

is

The moment

in Wilson's

American Ornithology,

peruse

The eggs

is

upon

in

fish

appears,

plumage, he soars

his burnished
it

moment, with the

Often, however,

at leisure.

or White-headed Eagle as his foe,

the one

probably familiar to

all

who

is

frequently

The

to retain, the other to obtain, the booty

our readers

if not,

we recommend them

to

are generally three, of a dull white, blotched with dark red or yellow brown.

In the adult state of plumage, the whole of the upper surface

is

of a rich glossy brown

the top and sides

of the head are mingled white and brown, and a brown line passes from behind the eye to the shoulder
throat, chest

of

ferocity or daring in

forced to relinquish to his stronger opponent.

between these two birds

it

nidify

hovering for a time on wide-spread

about, intently gazing on the element beneath.

his booty,

its

betokens the opening of

visiter, since its arrival

his nest to share the spoil with his young, or feast

spirited narrative of the contest

it.

the attacks of so

an arrow, almost disappearing beneath the water, but rising

the Osprey robbed of his prize.

chases

call forth

Europe

especially in the United States,

a welcome

professed enemy,

victim grasped in his strong and incurved talons

and hastens to

but to counterbalance this

and arms of the sea

as other parts of

Osprey, or Fish-Hawk,

His manner of taking

wings over the water, he then

down he plunges

is

during

form a large mass, on the edges of which other small birds congregate and

without the slightest injury

temperament.

its

common,

it is

evident

Such

climate.

makes the greatest havoc among the stock of fish-ponds and

the rivers and the return of the hordes of

aloft,

but thinly dispersed

^vide rivers, lakes

magnitude and peculiar actions

appearance on the return of spring

sticks

is

more congenial

hence

it is

visiting the northern latitudes only

either quickly destroyed or driven to seek a safer asylum elsewhere.

readily leaving if once established where

In

where

at least

to seek a

everywhere migratory,

is

In Europe this bird

the months of spring and summer.

it is

his

its

observed, that the countries in which he takes up his abode must be at least temperate, since

it is

noble bird.

this

race prey upon quadrupeds, and others upon the feathered tribes, the Osprey gains his

its

and underparts are white

slightly

dashed with a few

lines

of rusty brown

tail

barred

the

cere

brown tarsi blueish lead colour irides yellowish orange.

distinguished by the feathers of the upper surface being edged with whitish, and the chest
are
young
The

and

nostrils light

being almost wholly of a pale brown.

We

have figured an adult and a young bird about half the natural

size.

Circaetus ]^^ac]ly(lactylus//?^^/^y

ElMyrcUitilak-^^^^^^^hfCMAZduVKiUZ/.

Genus
Beak

Gen. Char.

robust, convex, compressed laterally

and the point crooked

straight,

CIRCAETUS,

the inferior blunt at

Tarsi naked, reticulated, elongated, and thick.

by a web

base

Vieill.

the upper mandible with

Wings long, the third

edges

Toes short, the outer two united at their

the lateral and hind toes nearly equal

its

Nostrils oval and transverse.

its tip.

nails short

and strongly curved.

quill-feather the longest; the first shorter than the sixth.

SHORT-TOED EAGLE.
Circaetus brachydactylus,

Vieill.

L'Aigle jean le blanc.

In the present Eagle

is

exhibited one of those links which in the family Falconidce are so numerous and so

group to group by intermediate forms so nicely balanced

clearly appreciable, uniting

main characters of the more

selves the

Animal" of the Baron Cuvier, that great

typical genera

as to

embody

between which they are interposed.

in

them-

In the "

Regne

naturalist judiciously observes that the genus Circaetus holds an in-

termediate place between the fishing-eagles (Haliceetus), the ospreys {Pandion), and the true buzzards (Biiteo)

and he adds that

Of all
localities,

ally

the eagles and buzzards none appear to have a wider range than the Short-toed Eagle.

according to

M. Temminck,

are principally

but in Holland and the British Islands

Germany and Switzerland

has never been seen.

it

whole of Africa and India, countries peculiarly favourable

to

it,

in as

in

as

in the elongation of
well

its tarsi

we cannot

fail

to trace a

marked approximation

France

it

Its

its

food consists principally of

In the nature of

Like most of the Falconidce, the Short-toed Eagle undergoes a succession of changes before
state of

is

plumage.

He

any addition.

The

states that the

colouring

is

so well detailed by

M. Temminck

food and
it

the bars on the

The colouring of
The head is very

tail

almost imperceptible

the adult male

large

that

it is

is

as follows

below the eye

the beak bluish

little

or not at

downy

is

a space clothed with white

coverts brown, the base of every feather being white

brown of a deeper
;

The female

is

and white underneath

tint,

cere bluish

all

blotched

feathers

beak black

attains a

the tarsi greyish white.

cheeks, throat, breast, and belly are white, variegated by a few blotches of light brown

it

useless to attempt

young have the upper parts of a deep brown, but that the base of each

of a pure white, the throat, breast, and belly being of a reddish brown,

with white

more

its

the true Harriers, which,

to

known, are inveterate destroyers of every kind of reptile.

permanent

feather

European

occurs occasion-

dispersed nearly through the

It is also

much

snakes and reptiles, which especially abound in the hotter portions of the globe.

is

has the wings of the eagles and buzzards, with the reticulated tarsi of the ospreys.

it

tail

the top of the head,

shoulders and

vs'ing-

square at the end, of a greyish brown barred with

tarsi long, and,

as well as the toes, of a light bluish grey

irides yellow.

distinguished by having less white in her plumage, and by having the head, neck, and breast

thickly blotched.

Our

Plate represents a bird in a state intermediate between youth and maturity, in which, as

served, the flanks and thighs are transversely barred with

natural size.

brown

the figure

is

about one third

may be
less

ob-

than the

.^
J
(

OM

M O E"

IB IT .^

Buteo vulgaris

'E.

Lem- cico.

'

ti Ui^koa.

'

^ AR D

/^^ecAs^J.

Jrm&cd-

h C' Miimumd-tZc

BUTEO.

Genus
Beak

Gen. Char.
base,

rather weak, bending from the base, sides compressed, widenino- from the

where the culmen

is

Cere large.

truncated.

broad and

flat

under mandible shallow, with the

Nostrils pyriform.

Wings long and ample, the

quill-feather being the longest, the first four having their inner
third, fourth,

and

fifth

feathered to the toes.

tip obliquely

third or fourth

webs deeply notched, the

having their outer webs deeply notched.

Tarsi short, naked or

Toes rather short, the front ones united at the base.

Claws strong

but not much hooked.

COMMON BUZZARD.
Buteo

vulgaris, Bechst.

La Buse.
Unlike the

true Falcons,

birds, or the spirited

whose vigorous

and

flight

and bold short-winged

aerial disposition place

birds of the genera Astiir

genus, though possessed of considerable bodily powers, are

admirably adapted by nature to

fill

descent
in its

nor does

way.

districts

it

disdain,

its

all

still

in

they are

search of the smaller

upon which they pounce with a rapid and

noiseless

to partake of carrion, or such offal as chance throws

as the character of the Buzzard,

which

is

an inhabitant of

all

the

wooded

more abundant

It is still

in

the temperate parts of Europe, being everywhere stationary.

changes which

illustrate all the

head of the Rai)toriaI

and inactive;

Buzzard surveys the earth beneath

food, and

when pressed by hunger,

Such may be regarded

sluggish, timid,

of the British Islands, more particularly those of the southern districts.

France, Holland, and

To

Common

which constitute

reptiles

at the

the office for which they are designed in the oeconomy of the creation.

Slowly soaring on buoyant wings, the

mammalia and

them

and Accipiter, the species of the present

this

bird undergoes, and which are, indeed, characteristic of the

Buzzards in general, would far exceed the space allotted to each subject of the present work
therefore given a figure of the bird in that state which

is

most common

that have led to a great multiplication of the species, and to no

little

to the species

it is

we have

these changes

confusion, in the works of the older

ornithologists.
Its nest is

constructed of sticks in the densest part of the wood, and

deserted nests of Crows, Pies, &c.

The eggs

it

sometimes takes up with

tlie

are two or three in number, of a dirty white colour, slightly

spotted with reddish brown.

From our own

experience,

we

are enabled to say, that the birds of one year old are

much

plumage, particularly on the under surface, than those of the succeeding year, and may be

by their having the upper portions of their plumage, which

edged on each feather with a

light yellowish white margin.

is

The

lighter in their

easily recognised

of a very dark brown with violet reflections,

next year they become

still

darker, the back

and breast assuming an almost uniform tinge of the same colour, being irregularly broken with transverse
bars of yellowish white

the

tail

whitish in the bird of the year.

is

also darker,

particularly towards

cinereous brown, with faint indications of an occipital crest, which

more elongated than the

The

rest,

its

base,

In the very advanced stage the colouring

and of a darker colour

is

which

is still

is

generally white or

more uniform, of a pale

represented by two or three feathers

the cere and legs lemon yellow

Plate represents an adult bird about two thirds of the natural size.

irides hazel.

exm-!^

S^'.i|,

m(0)I[J(&H=]LE(&(&IEID
Buteo LagopuS;

BU^z
f'l'l&my.J

3tnUcl h^ u_3vUliyuoul&6

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
Buteo Lagopus, Flem.

La Buse
The Rough-legged Buzzard
vulgaris),

which

enjoys a

strictly confined

is

much more

extensive range of habitat than the preceding species {Buteo

Old World, while the bird here represented

to the

nearly the whole of the Arctic Circle.

patlue.

beautiful

Americana' of Messrs. Swainson and Richardson, which upon examination

with the specimens killed in Europe.

is

dispersed over

'

Fauna Boreali-

figure of this bird will be found in the

will prove,

beyond a doubt,

its

identity

residence in the northernmost parts of America does not appear to

Its

be permanent, for Dr. Richardson informs us that

it

retires

southwards in October to winter upon the banks

" A pair of these birds," says
in spring.

of the Delaware and Schuylkill, returning again to the north early

gentleman, " were seen at their nest, built of sticks, in a lofty tree, standing on a low, moist, alluvial

this

They

point of land almost encircled by a bend of the Saskatchewan.

occasionally settling on the top of the tree, but were too

wary

round the spot

sailed

to allow us to

come

in

The Rough-legged Buzzard is abundant over the whole of the North of Europe, but is more
It is not a permanent resident in any of the British
its temperate and warmer parts.
periodically, being in

commits great depredation

it

upon

also preys

rats,

some seasons
in the rabbit

it is

warrens, in the neighbourhood of which

it

Isles,

During

scarce.

may

but
its

visits

stay

it

generally be found

hamsters, moles, lizards, frogs, and, according to Mr. Selby, wild ducks and other

" In the winter of 1815," says

birds.

tolerably abundant, while in others

circle,

thinly dispersed

over

them

a wide

within gunshot."

this

gentleman, " Northumberland was visited by some of these birds,

and several opportunities were afforded me of inspecting both Uving and dead specimens.

Those which came

under examination closely resembled each other as to colour and markings, though some individuals were
darker along the belly than others

Two

of equal breadth.

my

under

and the quantity of white upon the upper half of the

Their

frequent observation.

flight

birds,

was not always

was smooth but slow, and not unlike that of the

Buzzard, and they seldom continued for any length of time on the wing.

and other

tail

of these birds, from having attached themselves to a neighbouring marsh, passed

which they pounced upon the ground

and

Common

They preyed upon wild ducks

would appear that mice and frogs must have

it

constituted a great part of their food, as the remains of both were found in the stomachs of those that were
killed."

The plumed
assimilates in

The

nest,

tarsi

its

of this species at once distinguish

general contour, as well as in

M. Temminck,

according to

is

it

from

many of its

its

near

actions,

built in lofty trees

Common

ally the

and

its

Buzzard, to which

it

general economy.

the eggs, which are four in number, being

white spotted with reddish brown.

Like the

common

species this bird undergoes a variety of changes between youth and maturity.

The

sexes

are alike in plumage.

Adults have the head, neck, and throat yellowish white, with narrow streaks of brown
coverts brown, with paler edges

base of the
tint

tail

lower part of the inner webs of the

white, the remainder being

tarsi clothed

bluish black, darkest at the tip

The

quills

white

brown crossed with bands of the same

breast yellowish white with large spots of

brown arrow-shaped spots

bill

brown

under surface brown

upper

back and wingtail-coverts

and

colour, but of a darker

thighs yellowish white, with

with feathers of a yellowish white, with a few small brown specks

cere and irides bright yellow

toes reddish yellow

Plate represents an adult male about two thirds of the natural

size.

claws black.

Pemis apivorus:

(Cm>:)

Genus PERNIS, Cuv.

Gen. Char.

Bill slender, weak, bending gradually from the base to the tip

nearly straight
dually to the

forwards

cere occupying half the length of the bill

webs of the

Wings long and ample

and fourth the longest

wing inner

in the

four notched, and the outer webs of the third, fourth, and

Tail long and shghtly rounded.

fifth sinuated.

Legs, tarsal half feathered, lower or naked part reticu-

Toes rather slender, the inner and outer ones of nearly equal length, the anterior

lated.

Claws weak, shghtly hooked, with the inner edge of the middle

joints of all scutellated.

one

cutting margin

Nostrils long, narrow, placed very obhquely in the cere and opening

tip.

first

under mandible sloping gra-

lores thickly covered with small soft tiled feathers.

feather shorter than the sixth, and the third

first

dilated.

HONEY BUZZARD.
Pernis apivorus, Cuv.

La Buse Bondr6e.
The Honey

Buzzard, which

feeble

and softer

bill,

the type of Cuvier's genus Pernis,

is

continent of Europe than the

which

Common

is

wider

is

much more

Buzzard {Buteo vulgaris), from which

in the gape,

claws of which are straighter and less retractile

and
it

having shorter and

in

may

it

less

sparingly diffused over the

differs in

also be easily distinguished

We

all

the rest of the Falconidce

is

have good reason to believe that the Honey Buzzard

breeding in this country.

Its flight is

size readily attracts the notice

up

its

come

far

is

our having frequently observed

easy and graceful, and, like

it

The range of

near

its

whom

it

ally

eye,

which

in the British Islands than

its

capture, but also of its

the Buteo vulgaris,

soon becomes a prey when

this bird is not confined to

Europe

alone, as

is

its

great

it

takes

proved by

from India.

in collections

food appears to be insects, wasps, bees, and their

Its favourite

more abundant

to our knowledge, not only of

of the keeper and sportsman, to

abode in our woods or parks.

and the

bill

either bare or thinly covered with fine hairs or bristles.

generally suspected, several instances having

is

more

from the members of the

genus Buteo by the small and closely set feathers which cover the space between the
space in

possessing a

powerful tarsi and toes, the

larvae, to

which are added

lizards, small birds,

mice, and moles.

It is subject to

number of changes

in the colouring of its

plumage, some individuals being of a uniform

dark bronzy brown, while others have the head, neck, and under surface almost white with broad transverse
bars of

brown

this latter state is considered to characterize the

It builds in lofty trees,

small, of a yellowish white

Crown of
brown

the head

brown tinged with

bluish

throat yellowish white with a few

bluish black

There being no
year.

bird.
;

the eggs are

marked with numerous spots of reddish brown.

;

upper surface brown of various

brown streaks on the

lowish white, with triangular spots and bars of chestnut

bill

young

constructing a nest of twigs lined with wool and other soft materials

cere greenish

irides yellovv^

tarsi

tail

and

difference in the colouring of the sexes,

tints

edged with yellowish

shafts of the feathers

under surface

yel-

dark brown, with three bars of blackish brown

feet yellow

we have

claws black.

figured a bird in the

plumage of

its first

Astur Palumbanas;
J^nmity'hmJUilunAm

Slm-c hf

.rAKScuM..

/'J^ec^sf-J.

ASTUR.

Genus
Gen. Char. Beah

bending from the base, compressed

short,

cutting margin.

reaching only one half the

webs of the
toe

much

upper mandible festooned on

Nostrils oval, opening obliquely forwards.

first five

length of the

tail

in front

longer than the lateral ones, which are equal

short,

when

quill-feather the longest

fourth

Legs covered

deeply notched.

Wings

with broad scales

hind toe strong

its

closed

inner

middle

claws curved,

strong and sharp.

GOSHAWK.
Astur palumbarius, Bechst.
L'Autour.

The

Falco pahmibarius of Linneus, the Astur palumbarius of

noble and typical species of

its

genus,

may be regarded

most

as the

more rounded form of wings, together with a

dentation of the mandibles, and by possessing a short and

slender and less robust body

present day,

tlie

genus separated from the Falcons by the absence of the true

and distinguished from the genus Accipiter by

and by the diminished length of the middle

which, from

toe,

short and powerful tarsus,

its

length, in

its

genus forms so

tlie latter

conspicuous a character.

The genus seems somewhat extensively distributed, both

we know of several interesting examples while at

particular

the Old and

in

New World

the same time America

from India in

not deficient in birds

is

of this form, the well-known Astur atricapillus of the northern portion of that country being the nearest
representative of our species, and until lately confounded with

The Astur palumbarius

though

in

is

found in considerable abundance

the present day of very rare occurrence in our

it.

wooded

in all the

own

of Central Europe,

districts

M. Temminck

island.

informs us that

it is

also equally scarce in Holland.

This elegant and noble bird minutely resembles in

is

Pursuing

appears to us exceedingly different.

not stoop upon

much esteemed
it

it

general habits our well-known Sparrow

manner of taking

Its

in falconry,

and

its

mode of taking

its

prey

does not exhibit those aerial evolutions which are so

and partridges,

its

Hawk, and

prey, however,

with assiduity, undaunted courage ,and perseverance,

it

like a Falcon, but glides after its victim, in a line, with the

especially used for taking hares

of

its

not excelled in spirit or daring by the noblest of the Falcons.

is

more

It

it

does

was anciently

successful than that of the Falcon, although

much admired

game which do

utmost velocity.

not

in the Jerfalcon.

call into play

The Goshawk was

the Falcon's peculiar

mode

flight.

The male and female

offer the

same disproportionate

former has the transverse markings

closely similar.

The young,

finer

in the first

breast, large oblong dashes of brown,

and more

transverse
tail

The

somewhat zigzag bars of

Plate represents a female in

size.

black, and

full

Sparrow Hawk, and the

colouring of the two sexes

upon a ground of white tinged with

ash-coloured above, with four or

of the natural

The

is

otherwise

and second year, possess, instead of the transverse bars on the

In the adult, the whole of the upper surface

the

difference in size as the

distinct.

five

is

wavy

rufous.

of a dull blueish grey, the under surface white with

lines of the

bars of blackish

same colour across the

brown;

plumage, and a young bird

irides

in its

and

shaft of each feather

feet fine yellow.

immature stage about three fourths

Accipiter friugillaiuis^ /Jcca/J.

i'aico nisus; /Zinny.).

Ihniid- ^f

/9

0.

ffu/lmtm^^.

SPARROW HAWK.
Accipiter fringillarius, Ray.

L'Epervier.

Of

the smaller European birds of prey the Sparrow

many

of the true Falcons of

upon the

its

own

which

size,

birds of the Passerine order, but

destructive

enemy

to Pigeons, Partridges,

live in

Hawk

one of the most bold and intrepid, and, unlike

is

a great measure upon insects,

preys almost exclusively

it

does not hesitate to attack those of a larger

it

and young poultij

hence

size,

and proves a

one of those predatory tyrants

is

it

which are peculiarly obnoxious among the preserves of game, especially during the breeding season. It is
often seen (pressed no doubt by the necessity of providing for its young,) hovering about the borders of
the wood, or lurking in the hedge-row, and ever and anon pouncing upon some unfortunate victim which has
arrested

Quick-eyed and rapid,

attention.

its

darts

it

upon

quarry like an arrow, and pursues

its

unrelenting pertinacity, undaunted even by the presence of man, in

known

to trust for a chance of safety in the desperate

Lark and Pigeon rushing

into houses through

Sparrow Hawk, though distinguishable

true Falcons

mounting again and repeating a similar

the chase
Kestrel,

till

enabled to effect

its

The Sparrow Hawk

is

in

assault,

it

darts at

shall

adult female

is

in

among

if

once distinguish

at

it

from the

it.

whole of Europe

as

great disparity in size and dissimilarity in colour-

plumage

to the adults.

These

diflferences

we

with small longitudinal specks

the whole of the upper surface

is

of a dark greyish brown

examined, are found to be barred with broad dashes of white, the end only

brown

feather being slightly tipped with

like the back,

in the

missing the stroke,

the most remarkable peculiarities connected with the present

in length fourteen inches

being of the colour which appears generally

brown

if

our descriptions of each.

but the feathers of the shoulders,

tail is

down, or

its flight will

a state of nature often mistaken for

The

flight of the

without rising to any altitude, and follows up

in

also exhibit a decided contrast in their

endeavour to explain

The

it

it

The

foe.

which we observe

universally, although but moderately distributed throughout the

ing between the male and female are

The young

and striking

aloft,

This peculiarity

well as in the adjacent continents of Asia and Africa.

species.

and many instances are on record of the

open windows, followed by the intrepid

prey from

its

capture.

more common, and

bird

with

it

the terrified fugitive has been often

for celerity, is not of that soaring character

upon

instead of descending

emergency

whom

on the back of the neck there

is

a large white patch, each

an obscure stripe of white surmounts the eye

the throat

white

is

the breast and underparts are also white with beautiful transverse bars

and crossed with four bands of a darker colour

cere yellowish green

the

irides

and

tarsi yellow.

With markings

like those of the female, the

male has the upper surface of a dark blueish ash colour, but

the throat and under parts are rufous, exhibiting the longitudinal specks and transverse bars as in the female,

but more obscure

The young male

the cere, irides and tarsi as in the female

colour blotched with brown

marked with

and small birds

It builds

its

frequents
in

general

nest in trees

in length scarcely twelve inches.

is

destitute of the white patch, of a reddish

the feathers of the back and wings are edged with reddish

the scapulars are

;

cere

tarsi livid.

wooded and mountainous

;

the under surface yellowish white, transversely barred with reddish

irides greyish ash

The Sparrow Hawk

larks,

large spots of white

greenish yellow

has the head and back of the neck, which

districts,

where

it

makes great havoc among

small quadrupeds and lizards also form part of

quails,

its diet.

the eggs being generally four in number, of a dull blueish white

marked with

angular red blotches.

Our

Plate represents a male and female of this elegant

than the natural

size.

little

Hawk

in their adult

plumage, somewhat

less

lalcoIslanjiLcas, fJjddk'J.

DrambrhornlT/i,

i>

mvritini^ ht J'lyi'.6mM.

JHidid'^ CMionUxj'jdd-

/'

FALCO.

Genus
Gen. Char. Beah
acute tooth.

short, thick, strong,

Nostrils rounded.

and sharp claws.

curved from the base

shorter than the second feather, which

is

first

upper mandihle with a prominent

Toes long, strong, armed with curved

Tarsi stout, short.

Wings long, pointed, the

and third feathers long and equal, but

the longest.

JER-FALCON.
Falco Islandicus, Lath.

Le Faucon
The

may be considered

Jer-falcon

the type of the true Falcons, pre-eminent as

which distinguish the most noble of the birds of prey.

attributes

of Europe, and occasionally

visits

it

known by

is

name of

the

It is

the Orkney and Shetland Isles.

coast of Greenland, and according to Dr. Richardson

where

gerfaut.

is

It

is in all

it

the characters and

a native of most of the Northern parts

was seen by Captain Sabuie on the west

a constant resident in the Hudson's

Bay

Hawk, and Wanderer, and where

the speckled Partridge

territories,

subsists

it

by

destroying Plovers, Ptarmigan, Ducks and Geese.

The

who

falconers

visit this

country almost every season with their trained Peregrine Falcons for

agree hi declaring that the Jer-falcon which they obtain constantly from Norway,

They say

which they consider the true Falcon of Iceland.

length of their wings in reference to the
as a

tail

much more rare species that they require a

They describe the Iceland Falcon as a bird
;

ment.

and that he can be flown successfully

bolder

flight,

mount

higher, and his stoop to the quarry

commands
had

trained, were, to the

perience, considered

them

writers in Ornithology
sufficient

much

consequence a

in

make

data to

but

still

rare.

we doubt whether

white

beak bluelsh black

the plumage

some of the

barred with dingy white

of brown

The

another, from his

Are there two species

question.

own

ex-

has occurred to systematic

the specimens contained in our various collections will afford

cere yellow

irides

dark hazel

white, barred over the upper parts of the body,

is

tarsus

all

the under parts pure

and toes bright yellow. In very old males,

Females have much more brown colour disposed over the upper parts,

and young birds of the year have scarcely any white

brownish ash

and a well-trained specimen

of these falconers observed, that the Iceland Falcons he

top of the head streaked with dusky lines

almost entirely white.

is

manage-

the separation.

with narrow dark bands

tail

comparative

valuable, as well

His gyrations are said to be wider, his

game.

at larger

Jer-falcons, but as one to twenty

The

differ in the

much more

of higher courage than the Jer-falcon, of a more ra])id and

In the adult bird, the prevailing colour of the plumage

wings and

two Falcons

to them, a

different system of training, as well as of general

One

larger price.

more

is,

more impetuous, grand, and imposing

number of Norway
as

that these

the Iceland Falcon

sale, all

a different bird from that

is

the prevailing colour of

feathers of the upper parts of the body, wings

and

tlieir

tail

plumage

is

a uniform

varied by being tipped or

top of the head, and under surface of the body marked with longitudinal patches

cheeks light brown

throat white.

Jer-falcon breeds in the highest aud most inaccessible rocks, and, according to Dr. Fleming, lays from

three to

The

spotted eggs, of the size of those of a Ptarmigan.

five

old birds defend their nest and

young

with great courage.

The

figure in the forepart of our Plate

logical Society
shire,

In his

in

fine

example of

this bird,

estate,

presented to the Zoo-

Stackpole Court, Pembroke-

and was strongly suspected of having carried on successful warfare among some pheasants.

figure behind

youth,

was taken from a

by the Earl of Cawdor, which was shot on His Lordship's

is

that of a

young

memoir on the Birds of Greenland, Captain Sabine

when

it is

which each individual feather gradually

" and,

observes, that

quite brown, to the almost perfect whiteness of

increases in breadth from year to year

refer to

we may

The

bird.

loses a portion of its

this has

its

"the

prog'ress of this bird

from

maturity, forms a succession of changes,

brown, as the white edging on the margin

been the cause of the variety of synonyms authors in general

add, will also explain the various changes that occur during the

between the two periods which we have represented by the subjects chosen for our Plate.

life

of this bird,

i^

J^.Zi^our d// && Ib'th.

Sr

TrvTbbod/ h^

C M^ZOyn.-(Aynd^.

LANNER FALCON.
Linn.

Falco lanarius,

Le Faucon
The

lanier.

Europe and the adjacent

native habitat of this rare bird are the eastern portions of

Africa.

It rarely

ever seen in France or Holland

and never

visits

So extremely rare

Great Britain.

refer our readers to any collection in this country, either public or private, in

We

Falcon may be seen.

two

fine

parts of Asia and

passes further westward than the central parts of the European continent

are

much

indebted to our highly valued friend

it is

that

we

scarcely

it is

are unable to

which an example of

M. Temminck

this fine

for the loan of the

specimens from which our figures are taken.

In point of affinity the Lanner

female being nearly,

common

nutive size

is

directly intermediate

between the Gyr-falcon and the Peregrine, the adult

not quite, equal in size to the male Gyr-falcon, while the male

if

to the true Falcons.

In colouring

is

of the usually dimi-

very considerably from either of the above-

differs

it

mentioned species, never possessing the strongly barred plumage of black and white which characterizes the
Gyr-falcon, nor the transverse markings which are found on the breast of the Peregrine.

we had an opportunity of observing a

we could perceive
Peregrine

and daring

specimen

did not evince any peculiarity of

it

appeared perfectly content and docile

in

capturing

of this bird,
is

it

fine living

its

strong

its
bill,

prey when

in

in the

manner

Royal Menagerie
to distinguish

in captivity, although

a state of nature.

If

powerful body, and pointed wings,

it

it is

at

While

Schoenbrunn

Vienna

at
:

as far as

from the Gyr-falcon or the

known

to be extremely bold

we may judge from the general appearance

we should say that no one of its congeners

better adapted for the purpose of Falconry.

The

adult has the

over the eye a

crown of the head reddish brown, longitudinally marked with streaks of dark brown

mark of

yellowish white, which extends to the occiput

tinged with ash, each feather being bordered with reddish brown
the

bill

beneath the ear-coverts, which are yellowish white

having lanceolate marks of dark brown

and legs yellow

and the

irides

the

tail

all

all

a narrow line of brown from the base of

the under surface yellowish white, each feather

brown transversely barred with a darker colour

the cere and legs blue instead of yellow

in

the cere

in

having

having the whole of the upper surface of a darker

tint.

The

the upper surface of a deep brown

brown.

The young of the year differs from the adult in having

much more strongly marked with brown and

the breast

Plate represents an adult male and a young bird rather less than the natural

size.

Falco pere^nnus:

fLonn)
Jrim^ du C.Mddni.iuult>u

>

PEREGRINE FALCON.
Falco Peregriniis,

Le Faucon
Equally
istic

typical with the Jerfalcon

has at

it

pelerin.

and Lanrier, the Peregrine, although

boldness and ferocity of the genus.

Old World,

who

Linn.

Being

plentiful

less in size, possesses the character-

throughout the northern and middle portions of the

times been abundantly employed in falconry, and

all

now

continue a practice

Whether we

almost obsolete.

and the extreme southern point of that

continues to be used by the few

still

are to consider the Peregrine of North America

New

which

is

met with

other islands of the Pacific, as specifically identical with our European bird,

is

a point on which naturalists are

not unanimously agreed

for ourselves,

vast continent, as well as that

we

in

Holland, and

consider that there exists the same difference, at least, between the

Magellanic birds and those killed in Europe as between the Barn Owls of these two portions of the world, or

Goshawk of North America and

as between the

New

Holland species.

But whether these

that of Germany

differences,

the same observation equally appHes to the

which are always appreciable by the experienced natu-

are to be regarded as indicative of specific distinctions, or as varieties only dependent upon climate or

ralists,

other causes,

a subject which admits of

is

much

these differences in birds closely allied are not at

where the

controversy

all

we

markings

tion of the

strained to regard

still,

however,

if it

them

as simple but

other,

permanent

and produce a

four eggs, of a uniform dark red colour.

not attained until four or

have caused a

modern

list

five

The young, from

of numerous synonyms and no

works of the older writers abound

difficult it is to

we

should then be con-

it

appears to give preference to the bold

it

builds

generally laying-

its eyrie,

the time of being fledged to their

full

maturity,

years have elapsed, undergo a series of changes, so remarkable as to

naturalists have, however, cleared

shows how

fertile offspring,

varieties.

that border the sea, in the most inaccessible parts of which

cliffs

is

especially

could be ascertained that birds, differing as do the Magellanic and

In England this beautiful Falcon remains the whole year round

which

more

differences are not in the tint of the colouring, but consists of a diversity in the shape and disposi-

European Peregrines, would breed with each

rocky

ourselves are inclined to consider that

times dependent upon extraneous causes,

still

little

degree of confusion

up the confusion, and

rectified the

one circumstance has attended

avoid error, even in the closest scrutiny

we

the persevering observations of

mistaken views with which the

this

modern

which

investigation,

allude to the fact of several writers

having contended that the Lanner, a species perfectly distinct from the Peregrine, was in fact nothing but the

young of the
will still

species so
teal,

latter

more

this also is

now found

clearly illustrate the subject.

much

nor upon

excels,

its

to be a mistake,

We

and we

trust that our Plates of the

need scarcely comment on the rapidity of

two species

flight in

which

this

destruction of various kinds of game, water fowl, particularly ducks,

&c.

The

sexes differ considerably in size, the male being

much

the smallest, and In general

more blue on

the

upper surface.

The

adults have the

feet yellow;

bill

lead colour,

becoming black

at the tip

feathers of the back and wings being barred with a deeper tint

with white

cere,

naked skin round the

eyes,

and the

whole of the upper surface bluish lead colour, approaching to black on the head and cheeks, the
;

quills

barred with bands of black and grey, the tips white

tail

brownish black, the inner webs barred

throat and breast yellowish white

under

surface white with a tinge of rufous, and regularly barred with transverse lines of black.

The young

of the year differ in having the whole of the upper surface brown, each feather being margined

with a hghter colouring

blackish

brown

as in the adult,

The

tail

the breast and under surface light fawn brown, with oblong longitudinal dashes of

brown, with bands of a darker colour

cere and legs greenish yellow

deep hazel approaching to black.

Plate represents an adult and a young bird, of the natural

size.

irides the

same

-J

f^^"^^
^->^,

Falco sabluiteo;

hfccaidcT: ilm.t.h

/Z<?/^7f..y

/!: (k-'M

Jhfv-M- b/ C^ii/{!m/..iUL

XL

HOBBY.
Falco subbuteo, Limi.

Le Faucon hobereau.
The Hobby,

although possessing

determined

in that

spirit

race,

the Hobby, which

is

species of

its

all

the typical characteristics of the genus Falco,

and energy which distinguishes, not only the

for example, the Merlin,

which boldly attacks and

rapid flight gives

its

Larks,

among which

it

it

great facility

makes great havoc

Quails and Partridges.

Tlie

Hobby has

nevertheless,

it

of our smaller birds of prey.

it

may be observed

and has been even trained, though not without

a wide range throughout Europe, where

coleoptera.
size

it is

frequents in preference

Its nest is built in trees, and,

from

according to

said occasionally to usurp the nest of the

congeners.

Among
its

It

to glide, rapidly darting

In our island

The eggs

wooded
its

it

districts,

difficulty, to fly at

arrives in spring,
is

near the margins of rivers, along

a circumstance

in

which

in
it

flies

agrees with

but

little

feet yellow

and the

irides

The

male, in

the throat white with a black moustache

the thighs and lower tail-coverts reddish

beak lead colour; the cere, eyehds and

is

many of

are three in number, of a dull white mottled with reddish brown.

passing from beneath the eye and stretching downwards to the sides of the neck

The female

and the larger

bushes of moderate

the true Falcons, no bird presents less sexual diflference either in size or colour.

and departs

one of the commonest

perch in pursuit of dragon

adult plumage, has the upper surface of a deep blackish blue

with longitudinal dashes

while

daring and

appears to be universally

it

M. Temminck, sometimes even

Crow,

its

the smaller
itself,

takes on the wing, and for the capture of

it

month of October, and, with the exception of the Kestrel and Sparrowhawk,

which

many of

birds far larger than

also attacks the smaller kinds of birds, especially

migratory, passing southwards with the approach of winter.

in the

its

kills

nevertheless wanting

a miniature representation of the Peregrine Falcon, (a bird noted for

rapacious habits,) subsists in a great measure on insects, which

which

is

large, but also

the

tail

brown.

the lower parts whitish

obscurely barred with black

the

Length fourteen inches.

larger than the male, and the young soon assume the markings of the old birds

but the tints are duller, and the feathers are strongly edged with rufous, which prevails especially over the

head

yellow

The

the longitudinal dashes of the under parts are brown, the ground colour inclining to light reddish
;

the cere and tarsi yellowish green.

Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural

size.

FaLco Tuiipes (BeoksbJ

.

J/rpjff7i/fiv7.vZhfi:,ojV'SSff7U^kyjk-Il. Gi

JiinMd/eu C Mt^^^iux^c^'

RED-FOOTED FALCON.
Falco rufipes, Bechstein.

Le Faiicon
This small but true Falcon
object of

is

a pieds rouges.

one of the most elegant of the European species, and has

greater interest to the British ornithologist, from the circumstance of

still

having been recently taken in

lately

become an

or six examples

five

this country.

In the fourth volume of Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, page 116, Mr. Yarrell has recorded, that

month of May 1830,

in the

Fortunately
states of

three specimens of this Falcon were observed together at Horning in Norfolk.

three birds were obtained, and proved to be an adult female and two young males, in different

all

plumage.

fourth specimen, a female, has been shot in

notice has since been read at the Linnean Society from

shire

and a female Hved nearly two years

access,

we have had ample

Gardens of the Zoological Society

in the

some of these examples, and from others

Holkham Park.

Mr. Foljambe, of the capture of a male

in

York-

in the Regent's Park.

From

which we have constant

collections of private friends, to

in the

many very

opportunities of examining the

interesting changes of

plumage which

occur in both sexes during their progress from youth to maturity.

The upper
this bird as

which the
circle

figure in the Plate

round the eye

was coloured, has the head of one uniform

and the female

killed in Norfolk, of

Both these examples are considered

bird exactly.

with dusky

which

lines,

it

that these markings are lost at an advanced age.

our figure.

white

The

tint,

Our specimen, from

without streak, but with a dark

but

Tlie
it

immature female has the head streaked

appears certain, from specimens before us,

feathers of the back

and wing-coverts are then blueish-

Tlie

plumage of the other parts of the adult female

The young female has

the top of the head brown, with dusky streaks

eyes encircled with black

the sides of the neck, breast, and

breast and

Manuel, page 33, describes

in his

which we have seen a drawing, resembles our own

to be adult.

retains through the second 3^ear

black, edged with lighter blue.

in

M. Temminck

figure in our Plate represents an adult female.

having the upper part of the head marked with dark longitudinal streaks.

abdomen; upper

it

all

is
;

sufficiently

portrayed

throat and ear-coverts

has also a small black moustache extending from the eye downwards
the under parts yellowish-Avhite, with

brown longitudinal streaks on the

parts brown, the feathers edged with reddish-brown

bars of brown and reddish-white, the tips white.

Young male

birds appear

tail

first in

with numerous alternate

plumage similar

to that of

the female, changing at their moult to a light blueish-grey, and subsequently assuming the dark lead-colour so

conspicuous on the head, back, and wings of the adult male bird represented by our lower figure. Tlie thighs,
vent and under tail-coAcrts are deep ferruginous

The

at the tips.

The

fine adult

and

cere, orbits

feet

orange-red

male specimen from which our figure was coloured

claws yellow-brown, darker

is

in

Mr.

Yarrell's collection.

general uniformity in the colour of the males, contrasted with the pleasing variety of the females,

of the most striking characteristics of

Europe

but of

birds, found in

Our

bird

is

its

habits or nidificatiou

little is

which

is

one

common over the greater part of the North of

Meyer, who has examined the stomachs of these

is

recorded.

them only the remains of large coleoptera.

the Orange-legged

Hobby and

province of Ingria in Russia, where

male appears

this species,

to

it is

Ingrian Falcon of Dr. Latham, so

called

Kohez;

it is

named from

its

inhabiting the

also the Falco vespertinus of Gmelin.

have been unknown to Buffon as a distinct species, and

is

The

adult

figured in the Planches enluminees

of that Naturalist, No. 431, under the name of " a singular variety of the Hobby."

M E ]R

IL

Ealco sdSsloii-./Tem-m.y

.\:x.

'>
Mra^mvJromZi^e/ &-

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h^

.fi>

Soi-vlA'.

J'rin^d' ii/ GM(Mm.<mdco:

MERLIN.
Falco ^Esalon, Temm.

Le Faucon Em6rillon.
Although

the Merlin

the least of the European birds of prey,

is

characterize the most typical of

genus.

its

to attack birds far superior to itself in weight

still

it

possesses

all

undaunted courage and power of rapid

Its

and magnitude

the features which

flight

when hawking was a

hence,

embolden

with our ancestors, the Merlin was trained to the pursuit of partridges, woodcocks, snipes and larks

determined

is its spirit,

and so certain

its

dead, from a covey, with a single blow.

grounds,

it

aim, that

it

has not unfrequently been

Its flight is so low, that

often appears to touch the earth with

its

wings.

only a winter visiter, arriving at the departure of the

among

situations in

and so

to strike a partridge

while skimming across large fallow or barren

In the southern parts of the British Isles,

Hobby

it is

but Mr. Selby has fully proved that in the

stationary, and, unlike the Falcons in general, incubates

on the ground, constructing a

" The number of the eggs," says Mr. Selby, who has discovered their nests in these
Northumberland, " is from three to five, of a blueish white, marked with brown spots, principally

northern parts
nest

known

it

favourite pastime

is

it

the heather.

disposed at the larger end."

The advanced

state of ornithological science, as

it

regards the changes in plumage of our native birds,

enables us to aflirm that the Stone Falcon {Falco Lithofalco, Auct.)

advanced stage of plumage, the bird undergoing changes

The uniform dark

the whole of the Falconldce.

The Merlin

is

winter.

As regards

situation

he assigns to

the truth perhaps

may

favour

for the purpose of breeding,

be, that in different countries

bill is

of each feather being black

blueish

white

tip

it

which he

informs us that

met with

in

it

Germany

is

in

states to be trees, or the clefts of rocks

may choose

different localities, according as oppor-

tail

blueish grey with four bars of black, and a broad band of

throat and upper part of the chest white

orange, with broad oblong blackish spots

The female somewhat exceeds her mate

male as figured

M. Temminck

the crown of the head, back and wing-coverts blueish grey, the stems

primaries black

the same colour near the end

buflf

but

it.

In the adult male the

under parts

less

fully attained before the third year.

the above-mentioned naturalist differs materially from Mr. Selby in the

its nidification,

may

Europe

in its

which characterize more or

appears, from the accounts of other authors, to be

it

it

none other than the male Merlin

is

this particular

of the adult are not

extensively spread over the countries of

scarce in Holland, though

tunities

tints

in

in the

in size

and orbits yellow

cere, legs

and although she never

accompanying Plate, approximates very

closely to

cheeks and
irides

all

the

brown.

attains the rich colouring of the

it

at

a very advanced age.

The

generality of individuals taken have the plumage similar in colour and markings to the upper bird, which

represents a male in immature plumage.

The female and young

black

birds have the top of the head of an obscure

stripe over the eye white

spotted and edged with brown

rufous with white spots

The

cere, orbits

and

and

tarsi

brown marked with oblong spots of

upper surface and scapulars brown, tinged with grey, each feather being
quills

throat white

as in the male, but broader

white

blackish brown, obscurely spotted with brown

breast and under surface pale

less distinct

yellow

irides

tail

obscure brown with

when very

old,

under wing-coverts

five

or six rufous bars and tipped with

brown.

Plate represents two males, one the old bird, the other a young bird of the

female, except

brown marked with longitudinal spots

agrees in plumage.

first

year, with

which the

iJEAD^COILOITJREID) EAILCOI^.
Falco concolor /Te/romy.J
;

infrorw

;5^

Ya/7A,re-

M cyL

.^fe^ }n/ -/th^-

(hvZ^.

Jiy-vr^^lri/C3j.::.

LEAD-COLOURED FALCON.
Falco concolor, Temm.

Le Faucon

concolore.

This species appears to be dispersed over the whole of Northern Africa, being abundant
the banks of the Nile
in his

'

it is

Traite d'Ornithologie' states

its

M. Temminck that such is really the c^ise

The accompanying figure was taken from what we

learn from

visit

it is

the continent of Europe

colouring,

it

is

nearly allied to the

Hobby {Falco

its

is

That a

not surprising, and we

Suhhuteo)

it

its

structure

is

in every

wing and the general tone

may however be at once distinguished

not only from that, but from every other species of the true Falcons, by

whence

M. Lesson

therefore entitled to a place in our work.

conceive to be an adult male

respect similar to that of the typical Falcons, and from the lengthened form of
its

Abyssinia and on

habitat to be " le Senegal, la Barbaric, I'Egypte, I'Arabie."

bird of this kind should cross the Mediterranean and

of

in

also said to occur on the western portions of that continent, at

least

its

its

uniform lead-coloured plumage,

specific appellation.

Although no
birds constitute

facts are
its

on record as to

its

mode

of

principal subsistence, and that in

life,

its

we may

reasonably conclude that insects and small

general economy

it closely assimilates to the Hobby.

the exception of the primaries, which are blackish brown, the entire plumage of
the Falco concolor is
of a uniform leaden grey, with the shaft of each feather darker ; cere and feet yellow ; bill
and claws black.
Our figure is of the natural size.

With

^^.^

?>K\^>

,-

V~-^X0^;:^.

Jjr&mn/ on

6h<n-t dyJJ.Zi

tL

JhfUid^u f-.Mubnj&//idl.

KESTREL.
Falco tinnunculus, Linn.

Le Faucon
This indigenous Falcon
which continent

is

it

common

by far the most

is

cresserelle.

species of those inhabiting Europe, over the whole of

universally diffused, as well as in those portions of Asia

immediately connected with or otherwise opposed to

latter country affording

its

shores

and Africa which are either

the whole of the northern parts of the

a natural habitat.

it

Although we believe that the Falco tinnunculus has not been discovered

in

America,

that extensive

still

continent has produced several species whose form and colouring unite them to the Kestrels of the Old World,

we

and, as

before stated in the description of the Lesser Kestrel {Falco tinnunculoides), they appear to form

one of the most natural groups

The

Kestrel

may be

in

the family of Falconidae.

making

daily observed

its

graceful flights over fields and barren grounds in search of

natural food, which consists of mice, frogs, small birds and insects, while in pursuit of

its

tion

is

often suddenly arrested, and poising itself in the air, which

suddenly pounces down upon

the ground with

its

its

The male

at the

added

ranking

it

change

as

to

prey firmly fixed in

talons,

its

it

it

and

may

which

its

atten-

long and pointed wings,

it

be frequently seen rising from

flying off to

some

plumage,

adorned with the most delicate and sober

retired situation to devour

it is

in full

is

possesses a perfect symmetrical contour of body,

one of the most beautiful species of

and the young males

its

it,

or, if

to its young.

age of three years, when

which

fans with

victim with the utmost impetuosity, and

in the season of incubation, conveying

colours,

it

until after the

its

The female

genus.

circumstances

after the first

unquestionably

moult undergoes no

age of two years are not distinguishable from her

cause that so large a proportion of the birds bear the plumage just referred

to, since

this is the

but comparatively few

survive the second year of their existence.

The

birds of this division are of a

groups of the Falconidcs

more

feeble character

and

less

courageous disposition than the nobler

and, though easily tamed, cannot be used in the chase with sufficient certainty, not-

withstanding the assertion of authors that they were formerly trained to the capture of Snipes and Partridges.

They
far

frequently take possession of the deserted nest of a

from uncommon for them

from four to
intensity.

six in

to deposit their eggs

Crow

or Magpie for the purpose of incubation, yet

on the bare surface of a ledge of rocks

it is

these eggs are

number, of a reddish brown colour with darker speckles or blotches, varying considerably in

The young,

like

most of the nestlings of the hawks, are for the

first

month

entirely clothed with a

white down.
In the adult male, the

which terminate

bill,

the

in white), the

tail

(with the exception of a bar of black near the extremity of

rump, and the fore-part of the head are of a

wing-coverts of a reddish fawn colour, each feather having at

primaries dark brown, their edges lighter

breast, belly

and sprinkled on the breast with brown spots of a

its

fine blueish

grey

its

feathers

the back and

extremity an arrow-shaped spot of black

and thighs of a pale cream-colour tinged with brown,

linear form, but

assuming a rounder shape on the lower

part of the body.

In the female, the Avhole of the upper parts and

tail

are of a browner hue than those of the male, each

feather having several bars of a dark brown, and the

tail

likewise barred with brown, but terminating with a

black band and white tips as in the male

the primaries are also

brown with paler edges

other parts resemble the male.

The

Plate represents a male and female about three fourths of their natural size.

the whole of the

FaJc'O tun imiciiloicies/. %/%';y.

Ikjico-I- hf C.lA'Miyv^i^dei:

LESSER KESTREL.
Falco Tinnunculoides, Natter.

La
This elegant

little

species by

smaller

its

Falcon, although closely allied to the

the

female, however,

we have not

considered

it

length of wing, and white nails

size,

we have been

Kestrel,

to be distinguished

is

from that

agrees so closely in plumage with the female of Falco

necessary to introduce a figure of her into our Plate, which

represents the adult male. Notwithstanding, she

of

Common

greater length of wing, the white colour of the nails, and the entire absence of

size, its

markings on the back

Tinnuneulus, that

Cresserellette.

still

retains the characteristics of the species

may

circumstances by which she

at

once be

viz. inferiority

As

identified.

able to ascertain, this bird has not been discovered in the British Islands, but

far as

common

is

in

the southern parts of continental Europe, especially Spain, Italy, and the South of France, frequenting rocky

and mountainous
breeding places

districts as well as lofty spires,

church steeples, and ruins, selecting such situations for

the female (which rather exceeds the male in size) generally laying four eggs, very

its

much

resembling those of the Kestrel.

Although we cannot doubt that small mammalia and birds form part of the food of

we have

reason to

which

insects,

some of

In

it

its

know

that

it

this species, still

measure on the larger coleopterous and hymenopterous

subsists in a great

takes on the wing, darting at

them with great quickness and precision of aim.

characters, and especially

lengthened wing, which reaches the extremity of the

its

Falco Tmimnculdides approaches the typical form of the genus more nearly than our Kestrel

we

species

perceive a departure from those strongly

more noble of the group

e.

It is

new

is

more rounded and

curved and weaker, in union with a disposition more timid and an

characters which proclaim a grade below that of their

the

tail,

yet in both

which pre-eminently distinguish the

features

a less muscular form of body, a beak the tooth of which

less acute, tarsi less robust, talons less

appetite less blood-thirsty

marked

more daring congeners.

not the intention of the Author of this work to enter into an analysis of existing genera, or to establish

ones

nevertheless, he

in systematic arrangements
in evident relationship to

may be

allowed to suggest an inquiry to those

whether there be not room for a

^viz.

who

fui'ther

are

more

removal of

particularly
this bird,

from the more typical species which compose the Genus Falco;

it,

engaged

and those

naturalists having

availed themselves of less prominent characters in the formation of genera, {Astur and Accip'iter, for instance,)

between which there

refer to,

food,

is

the closest

and the Falcons par

sufficient,

we

think, to constitute a clear

at least three well-marked species of the

the contrary, there

is

between the group Avhich we now

viz.

the present bird, the

The wings reach

is

inferior to the Kestrel, the total length of the

to the extreme tip of the

tail,

which

Kestrel,

and

neck are of a

some of the

larger wing-coverts, the secondaries, quills and

fine

uniform ash-colour

the latter being of a blueish ash-colour, as

extremity tipped with white.

The

is

the

inferior surface

is

rounded

male being eleven inches.

the top of the head, occiput, and

the whole of the upper surface, with the exception of

sides of the

tail
is

also,

rump

of a brownish red without any markings,

which

is

crossed with a black band, and at

cere and space round the eyes yellow

Young males of the year

differ little

its

of a clear brown red, thinly sprinkled with small black

dashes and longitudinal marks.

blueish

Common

the Falco spawerius of Latham, and several other species of

adjacent islands.

its

In size the F. Timu7iculoides

Beak

and

This proposed group would contain

ground of separation.

Old Continent

may be added

the Falco rupicolus; to which

America and

On

affinity.

excellence, a well-marked distinction in habits, disposition, style of colouring,

feet yellow

from the adult female.

nails white.

KITE.
Milviis ^Tilgaris -/Umh:)

^Kle^^rdei,-/'

m<'a.

MILVUS.

Genus
Gen. Char.

Bill of moderate strength, nearly straight at the base, rapidly incurved in front

of the cere to the

tip,

which forms an acute hook;

obliquely placed in the cere.

longest; the

first five

Wings very long

first

having their inner webs notched.

the tarsi very short, feathered below the joint

rather short, the outer united at

base

its

feather short ; the fourth the

Tail long and forked.

Legs with

the naked frontal part scutellated.

Toes

Claws long and strong,

the middle one.

to

Nostrils oval, rather

cere short.

the

moderately incurved, with the inner edge of the middle one thin and

dilated.

KITE.
Milvus vulgaris, Flem.

Le Milan
This elegant
formerly

royal.

although generally diffused over the British Islands,

species,

The

counties, particularly such as are but thinly wooded.

asylum are larger woods and forests of denser growth,

present period, are the

of Europe

it

more uncultivated

moorlands

tracts of rocky

in

wilds.

is

and

Its

and

now
its

Wales and the adjoining

in Holland, in
its

at the

counties, as well as the wild

Throughout the continent

consequence of a scarcity of large woods

nothing can excel the ease and

aerial evolutions,

along surveying the earth below,

woop

its

course

in this

manner

it

sought for while

it is

an

finds

brood are

where the Kite may be most frequently observed

its

flight generally consisting

of widely
tail

ofttimes soars to so great a height as to be almost

prey, which consists of mice, rats, leverets,

insects, is

taken by a

itself

than

the inland

during the performance of which the wings appear to be entirely motionless, the

acting as a I'udder to guide

imperceptible.

sails

common

less

many of

only retreats wherein the Kite

both the northern and southern parts of the island.

except

in

it

whose impervious recesses

in

While on the wing performing

grace with which the Kite

circles,

districts

portions of

appears to have a wider range,

and uninhabited

fishes,

The

shrouded from observation.

effectually

extended

much

is

indeed the destroying hand of the gamekeeper has completely extirpated

young gallinaceous

birds,

ducks, reptiles,

soaring in the air at a moderate distance from the ground, and

so noiseless and rapid, that

little

or no warning

is

given of

its

approach

in this

way

it

sometimes commits great havoc among the young broods of poultry, pheasants, partridges, &c.
In general form and colouring of plumage the sexes bear a close resemblance, nor do the young birds

undergo any very decided change from youth to maturity.

The

process of incubation

wool and hair

and

is

is

commenced

number, of a greyish white, more or

The head and neck

of dark brown
blackish
blotches

The

bill

tail

The

less distinctly

nest

is

constructed of sticks lined with

the eggs are generally three or four in

speckled with reddish brown.

are clothed with narrow pointed feathers of greyish white, each having a central dash

the whole of the upper surface

brown

early in the spring.

situated in the thickest part of the forest

is

bright ferruginous brown, each feather having

and thighs rich rufous brown

dark brown

cere and tarsi bright yellow

Plate represents an adult in full

its

centre

under surface brownish white, with dark longitudinal

;

irides straw yellow.

plumage about three fourths of the natural

size.

-A
JHft^^d- hf- C

Milyus

aier

SzUwiwiid^M

BLACK

KITE.

Milviis ater.

Le Milan
This

species,

which may

at all times

Flem.) by the darker colour of

its

noir ou parasite.

Common

be distinguished from the

Kite of England {Mihus mlgaris,

plumage and by the numerous longitudinal

stripes

on the head and neck,

is

dispersed in considerable numbers over the southern portions of Germany, the whole of France, Switzerland,

and the European countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

migratory

visit to

the British Islands

still,

judging from

wandering habits of the generality of the Falconidce,

far west as

our island, and have been mistaken for the

its

No

instance

is

on record of

extraordinary powers of

not improbable that

it is

it

may have

common species we throw out

who reside in the southern
:

induce British ornithologists generally, and particularly those

investigate this subject

The range of
collections

We
bore so
is

whenever an opportunity

from India, particularly the Himalaya mountains

strict

this species in

a resemblance in

its

having paid a

and from the

penetrated so

this hint in

order to

parts of England, to

offers.

the Black Kite eastward appears to be very great, as

have observed

its

flight,

it is

we have

seen examples of

also equally abundant in

it

in several

Northern Africa.

a state of nature and in confinement both in Germany and France

manners

to the

common

it

species, that the addition of a second description

totally unnecessary.
It

incubates on trees, and lays three or four yellowish white eggs very thickly spotted with brown.

The

sexes are alike in plumage, and the young

Bill black

and legs yellow

cere, feet,

brown and greyish white

stripe of a darker tint

all

down

when a year

old resemble the parents.

irides silvery yellow

the upper parts deep brown

the centre of each feather

head and neck longitudinally striped with

under surface reddish brown with a longitudinal

primaries blackish brown

a dark grey brown, transversely rayed with darker brown.

The

Plate represents an adult bird about two thirds of the natural size.

tail slightly

forked and of

SWxVLLOW TAILED ILV

Nauclerus
J?yawn'/ranv JVaiMjrf ^ otij

.Si^cvuy

i^ JS^ E. OoitM/.

fiuxatiiS;

^V(/(j)
JHf>iMd''bu dM^Htn/o^'idtl:

NAUCLERUS,

Genus
Gen. Char.

Bill small, weak, considerably hooked, with a small and nearly obsolete
festoon
Orbits and sides of the head thinly provided with feathers.

in the middle.

long

the

and second

first

and deeply forked.

long,

plumed half way

short

Vig.

quill-feathers internally emarginate

towards the

Tail very

Tarsi very short, not longer than the hind toe and claw

in front, the remaining portions covered with angulated scales.

the two lateral almost equal, the hinder nearly equal to the inner.

Wings very

tip.

Toes

Claws grooved

beneath.

SWALLOW-TAILED

KITE.

Nauclerus furcatus, Vigors.

La Milan de

Two

examples of

this elegant bird

we have

Yorkshire,

cordingly given

it

having been taken

considered that

We

a place here.

Carohne.

in this country, the first in Argyleshire,

among

entitled to be included

is

it

la

also agree with

the second in

the Birds of Europe, and have ac-

Mr. Vigors and Mr. Swainson

that this bird requires to

be separated generically from those of the genus Elanus of Savigny.

For a correct knowledge of the

appears to be very abundant.

details will

habits

and manners of

United States of America,

logists of the

we

Canada by Mr.

which

bird

we

are indebted to the ornitho-

at particular seasons of the year

In the history of this species by Wilson and Mr. Audubon,

many

it

interesting

of the less perfectly known History of the Birds of the United States and
" This beautiful Kite breeds and passes the summer in the warmer parts of

shall avail ourselves

who

Nuttall,

the United States, and

is

says,

also probably resident in all tropical

southern as well as the northern hemisphere.

in

handsome

be found, and as one or the other of these works are in the hands of every lover of nature and

ornithology,

as

this

different parts of

in

Buenos Ayres

and though

it is

and temperate America, migrating into the

In the former, according to Vieillot,

it is

found

in

Peru, and as far

extremely rare to meet with this species as far as the latitude of 40 degrees

the Atlantic States, yet, tempted by the abundance of the fruitful valley of the Mississippi, individuals

have been seen along that river as far as the Falls of St. Anthony,

" They appear

in the

in the Mississippi territory,

and other large

seizing

insects,

44th degree of north latitude."

twenty or thirty being sometimes visible at the same time, often collecting locusts

which they are said

to feed on

upon the nests of locusts and wasps, and,

Snakes and

their larvae.

in the

United States about the close of April or beginning of May, and are very numerous

common

lizards are their

from their claws while

like the

food in

flying

at other times also

Honey Buzzard, devouring both

all

parts of America.

In the

the insects and

month of October

they begin to retire to the south, at which season Mr. Bartram observed them in great numbers assembled
in Florida,

soaring steadily at great elevations for several days in succession, and slowly passing towards

their winter quarters along the Gulf of Mexico."

The

flight

of this bird

is

described as being smooth and graceful in the extreme, and

nearly the whole of the day, roosting at night in high trees.

branches of the
feathers.

brown

tallest

The eggs

oak or pine, and

is

formed of

sticks,

The

nest

is

it

usually placed

remains on wing

among

the top

intermixed with moss and grass, lined with a few

are from four to six in number, of a greenish white, with a few irregular blotches of dark

at the large end.

The young

In the adult bird the beak

is

birds are at

first

covered with white down.

bluish black, the cere of a lighter blue, the irides dark

the whole of the

head, neck, breast, and under surface of the wings, sides of the body, thighs and under tail-coverts pure

white

the back, wings, primaries, secondaries, upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers

black, with a purple

metallic lustre, the tertials black on the outer webs, but patched with pure white on the inner

deeply forked

We

legs

and toes greenish blue

have figured the bird of the natural

claws faded orange brown.

size.

tail

very

Elanus melanopterus

1,

1.\

fra-M .MOk.)-^ iiOiV

non^hy .IJc.1: Ccvdd,

fSieph:)

Trr.^'Mc^/hj

C Tndl^KojwUl

Genus
Gen. Char. Bill weak, of mean

ELANUS,

Savi^.

length, compressed, nearly straight at the base, the tip hooked.

Wings long, with the second feathers generally the

web

their inner

strongly notched.

Tail long,

for half their length,

and the naked part

under surface

species partly rounded.

some

in

and second having

longest, the first

more or

less forked.

Tarsi short, feathered

Claws strong and incurved

reticulated.

BLACK-WINGED

the

KITE.

Elanus melanopterus, Leach.

L'Elanion blanc.

When we
warmer

consider the wide range of this beautiful species, scattered as

portions of the Old World,

frequent in Europe.

and India

is

It is

inhabited by

it is

a matter of no surprise that

it

is

over

all

the temperate and

capture has of late years been so

its

abundantly dispersed along the banks of the Nile, and in fact the whole of Africa
it

neither do specimens from Java and Nevv Holland present any specific differ-

ences from those taken in Europe.

In

all

probability

no part of Europe

affords

it

a permanent residence.

Spain, Italy, and the Grecian Islands are the portions of our quarter of the globe most frequented by the

Black-winged Kite
it

must therefore,

instances are, however, on record of

like

many

Mediterranean from the opposite shores of Africa.

short and feathered tarsi,
allies in

Its

America

we

its

having been captured in the middle of Germany

are led to infer that

From
it

is

the great length of

and

The sexes
The young of

are very

to

air,

first

much

alike in colour, but the female is said

autumn may be distinguished from the

and that

its

like its

which are sparingly added hzards,

down

the sides of the chest brown, and the

adult has the head and the whole of the back of a fine grey

pure white

than her mate.

the centre with dark brown.

primaries and secondaries greyish brown, with lighter grey edges

tail

to be rather larger

adults by their having the back strongly tinged

with brown, and the end of each feather encircled with huffy white

We

flight,

birds.

feathers on the breast streaked

under surface, and

wings, together with

possesses the power of remaining suspended in the air for a great length of time.

it

frogs, snakes,

The

its

capable of rapid and powerful

food consists principally of insects, chiefly captured in the

the

other species, be regarded merely as an irregular visitor which has crossed the

cere and toes yellow

bill

have figured an adult and a young bird of the natural

the centre of the wings black

the shoulders of the wings, throat,

and claws black

size.

irides orange.

all

the

the

;;
:

Genus CIRCUS, Briss.

Gen. Char.

Bill bending from the base, weak,

rounded cuhnen
middle of the

bill

compressed, and formino- a narrow

under mandible shallow and rounded

large; broadly oval; nearly concealed

Head surrounded by

lores.

much

tomia of the upper mandible exhibiting a very small sinuation near the

a ruff of

by

at the point.

the third, fourth, and

fifth

hairs of the

Wings long, the fourth

stiffish tiled feathers.

ther barely exceeding the third, but being the longest in the wing

inner webs notched

Nostrils rather

upward curving

the reflected and

first

fea-

four having their

having the outer webs sinuated.

Tail

Tarsi long, slender, feathered in front for a short distance below

long, sbghtly rounded.

the joints, the naked part scutellated.

Toes of

mean

length, rather slender, middle toe

the longest, outer toe rather exceeding the inner, and joined at the base to the middle one

by

membrane,

Claws moderately incurved and very short, those of

third toe shortest.

the inner and hind toes the largest.

MARSH HARRIER.
Circus rufus, Briss.

Le Busard Harpaye ou de Marais.

The
it is

of this bird renders

size

it

so conspicuous that

it

cannot

in

we know

also that

adults.

So

that

we do

been

killed

young birds are

gi'eat,

in

in the youthful or

it

appears

our island are not native-

bred specimens, but have Avandered from the adjacent continent; and we are confirmed
circumstance of most of the birds which have been shot being

wherever

to attract attention

fail

consequendy most probable that the greater number of those which are seen

in this opinion

immature

state of

by the

plumage

the habit of wandering greater distances from their birthplace than

indeed, are the chances against their attaining a state of mature plumage in our island,

not recollect a single instance of a specimen in the plumage of the bird figured in our Plate, having

here: that

it is

many years

plumage

in attaining this

is

very evident, audit

breeds while yet in the deep chocolate-coloured plumage by which

several succeeding years.

It

will

be seen that when

it

is

equally certain that

distinguished during the

and

has attained the perfect livery, the wings and

tail

have assumed that delicate grey so characteristic of the Harriers in general, while the feathers of the

maining parts of the body are not only of a different

lanceolate instead of round.
it is

tint,

Although we are not able to state

it

as a fact, yet

we are

while others have the crown of the head, cheeks, and shoulders of a rich
to enjoy a wide extent of habitat,

it

traverses over the

mice, insects, and even

The

nest

is

eggs are four

We

is

its flight

in

is

in its

youthful state

buff.

being found

in the

proved by our having received

moors and marshes

it

low marshy

districts

in collections

of

from the

buoyant and sweeping, but generally at a

search of

its

prey, which consists of frogs, lizards,

fish.

placed on the ground

in

as

Like the rest of the Harriers

Himalaya mountains.
low elevation

inclined to believe that

Even

some being of a uniform chocolate brown,

the young of this bird exhibit considerable diflferences of colouring,

Europe, Africa, and a great portion of Asia

re-

but are also of a different form, being more or less

the male only which possesses the beautiful grey colouring alluded to above.

The Marsh Harrier appears

it

first

it is

among low bushes

or reeds, generally near the edge of the water

the

number, white and rounded.

take our description of the adult bird from the " Manuel" of

M. Temminck.

Head, neck, and breast of a yellowish white, with numerous longitudinal dashes of brown occupying the
scapularies and wing-feathers reddish brown
quills white at the base, and black for
centre of each feather
;

the remainder of their length

rufous

secondaries and tail-feathers of an ashy grey

marked with yellowish blotches

l)eak black

cere greenish yellow

whole of the under surface light

;

irides

reddish yellow

tarsi

yellow.

The young of the

year has the plumage of a very strong chocolate brown

the tail-feathers tipped with brownish yellow

irides blackish

The

the wing-coverts, the quills, and

the top of the head, occiput, and throat

brown.

Plate represents an adult and a young bird about three fourths of the natural

size.

more or

less

pale

HEN-HARRIER.
Circus cyaneus, il/eyer.

Le Busard
It

St.

Martin.

to be regretted

is

that this delicately pluinaged Hawk, which a few years ago was common in our
now so scarce as rarely to admit of its being observed in a state of nature. Like many of its conmuch mischief has been laid to its charge and without even for a moment attempting to balance the

island, is

geners,

good which

it

effects

with the injury

open to

it

by destroying hundreds of snakes,

attacks for the period of a few weeks,

its

lizards,

and mice

the course of a single year,

in

does by preying on a limited number of leverets and other young game, which are only
ruthless destruction

its

the gamekeeper and sportsman without the least consideration

Fako7iid(B decreased within these few years, that there

is

but

is

diligently persevered in by

in ftict, so rapidly

little

have many of our native

doubt many species once numerous

will

ere long be entirely extirpated.

This

fine

Harrier enjoys an extensive range of habitat independently of Europe, over the whole of which,

wherever situations favourable to

residence occur,

its

is

it

found in greater or

inhabits similar situations over the greater part of Africa and India.
lutely Identical, exists In the northern portions of the

The

flight

of the Hen-Harrier while In quest of

It

prey

is
;

strikingly peculiar,
it

is

light

with nnerring precision

frogs,

and unfledged

it

birds,

many

strongly reminds us of one of the Owls, and

we have

this, as

and

altogether different

is

and buoyant, but performed

Thus skimming

days together.
It

pounces down upon

prey

Its

never daring to contend with large birds, or quadrupeds of even moderate

the Hen-Harrier

is

moorlands, extensive wastes, and furze-covered commons, to which

may
it

In these wild

and

size.

almost exclusively limited, are wide heathy

bordering lakes, and morasses.

among

no

before stated, consists principally of mice, leverets, lizards, snakes,

In this country the localities to which

being placed on the ground,

at

quarters with the utmost regularity, traversing a certain extent of

country and returning nearly to the same place at a given time for

along with noiseless wings,

also

it

American continent.

its

from that of the birds of every other group of the Fakonidce

great elevation from the ground, which

abundance

less

species nearly allied. If not abso-

solitary situations

be added low marshes,

incubates and rears

the tufted herbage most prevalent on the spot

lands,

flat

young.

its

nest

Its

the eggs resembling

those of the Owl, but larger, only being of a dull dirty white without any spots.

The

difference between the male

and female

supposition that each sex was a distinct species

ornithologist Colonel Montagu.

This

Is

now

Is

so remarkable, as at no distant date to have led to the

an error, the correction of which

is

due to our talented

so clearly understood as not to need any especial remark

would, however, observe that this extraordinary feature

is

we

exhibited In most of the species of the genus

Circus, a genus almost universally dispersed over the globe.

The young
but

little

birds of both sexes for the

first

from that of the adult female, and

two years are precisely

this

it Is

alike in their colouring,

which

differs

circumstance which militated against the idea of the

Hen-Harrier and the Ringtail being identically the same.

It is

only after the second year that the male begins to assume the delicate silvery grey which In the state

of maturity pervades the whole of the upi)er surface.

We

give the details of the colouring as follow

The

adult male has the head, neck, chest, and whole of the upper surface, with the exception of the

and the two outer

greyish brown,

of

brown disposed

The female

tail-feathers

on each

side,

stifle,

rump

are white, the latter having a fine transverse band of

a fine blueish silvery grey; quills black

under surface white, with a few

legs,

faint blotches of

upper part of the cere, and

irides

brown.

has the whole of the upper surface chocolate brown, the feathers of the head, and back of the
;

the ear-coverts deep brown

of a sandy yellow with deep brown shafts

longitudinal dashes of

brown

the

and upper part of the cere yellow

The

which

in the centre of a great part of the feathers

neck bordered with reddish sandy yellow

short and

tail

the marginal feathers of the face

whole of the under surface reddish yellow, with

barred alternately with bands of light and deep umbre brown

irides hazel.

Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.

legs

M O
^

1^

PALLID HARRIER.
Circus pallid us, Syhes.

For

the knowledge of the occurrence of this species of Harrier in

who has

Europe we are indebted

the Circus pallidus of Colonel Sykes,

1832 remained uncharacterized,

The

cyaneus.

in

differences, however,

consequence of

which

having been considered as identical with the Circus

its

between those closely

exist

Dukhun

own words: "This

shade of

differs in the

with pale brown

its

under
is

tail

two shades

lighter, the tail

is

To

that

pointed.

we may add

were found

six lizards

Head and

it

all

in the

rump and upper

tail-coverts being white

and

in the bars

we have compared

we have

stomach of one

in the

The

the specimen sent to us by

seen as

we

it

from the

many

bird.

never saw these

sexes were never seen together."

M. Temminck

and that the barred upper

with others from

tail-coverts

as eight or ten specimens in one collection, the

are led to infer that

it is

the upper surface pale grey very slightly tinged with

margined externally with greyish

there a

common

species,

We

whole

and that

quills

in

tail

brown

upper

tail-coverts white, spotted

white at the base passing into deep brown at their extremities, and

pale grey, the outer feathers

becoming nearly white

the whole crossed

with six fuscous bars, which are most conspicuous on the outer feathers, where they assume a rufous
;

and paler

Circ. cyaneus.

also abounds throughout the northern portions of Africa.

or rather barred with pale brown

blue

of the

the female of Circ. cyaneus, but the plumage

the open stony plains only.

of which were killed in Spain, from which

probability

tail-feathers not being white;

that not the slightest difference exists between them,

Since the above was written

back-head of the male not being white spotted

The female resembles

colouring of this species will readily distinguish

all

in the

for April 1832,

barred with six broad fuscous bars instead of four, and the tail-feathers are

birds perch on trees.

this

it

webs of four of the

The remains of
They frequent

India,

to

being seven instead of four.

much more

London

we prefer

plumage (male and female)

in the inner

clearly pointed

bird has usually been considered the Circ. cyaneus of Europe; but

absence of dusky streaks on the breast

in the

barred with brown ash

were then

allied species

and as these differences have been well

defined by that gentleman in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of

use of his

This bird,

abundantly dispersed over a great portion of India, but up to the year

is

out by Colonel Sykes in his Catalogue of the Birds of the

make

M. Temminck,

to

transmitted for our use a fine male, which he states was killed on the banks of the Rhine,

cere and legs yellow

irides greenish yellow.

have figured the bird of the natural

size.

tint

bill

/^%

ASH-COLOURED HARRIER.
Circus cineraceus, Meyer.

Le Busard Montagu.
The
and

present elegant bird excels

tail,

localities

and though
it

congener the Hen-Harrier

its

even more elegant in

less robust, is

frequents, there

colouring, was the cause of

is

its

little

in

the relative admeasurement of

wings

its

In habits and manners, and the

proportions.

its

between them, a circumstance which, together with

difference

being so long considered as identical with that species.

Its

characters consist in the elongated wings, across which extends a conspicuous band of black in the male

same colour on the outer

rich chestnut dashes on the under surface, and bars of the

female

is

the

The

tail-feathers.

scarcely to be distinguished from the female of the other species, except by the elongated wings and

the general slenderness of the body.

tagu, in

its

distinguishing

The

discovery of this bird as a distinct species

whose writings we have a detailed account of

information respecting

a few years back was

as its relative the Hen-Harrier.

On

We

deemed a

Mr. Selby informs us

breeds upon the moors and open lands

favourite residence.

is

due to Colonel Mon-

together with considerable

general manners and history.

its

The Ash-coloured Harrier

Lincolnshire.

specific differences,

its

the southern

bird of great rarity, but

that he has taken

districts

it

in

is

now

fully as

common

Northumberland, where

of England, howf^ver,

appear to be

it

its

have ourselves received numerous examples from the fens of Cambridgeshire and

the Continent

it

appears almost universally distributed, especially in the eastern and

southern provinces.

food consists of small mammalia, such as moles,

Its

rats,

mice, and young hares, to which are added

snakes, lizards, frogs, &c.

place of nidification

Its

Its flight is peculiarly

is

on the ground, among rushes,

furze, or

any low brushwood suited to

its

purpose.

buoyant, and perhaps exceeds in rapidity and lightness that of any other European

Harrier.

The
for the

sexes offer the

first six

same

months of

distinctions of colouring that

their existence to be

we

see in the Hen-Harrier, but

more uniform

in

their colouring, the

we

find the

young

plumage being

less

variegated by spots or dashes.

The male

has the head, neck, whole of the upper surface, and middle tail-feathers blueish grey

band of black crosses the middle of the wing

chestnut and tipped with grey
black

cere, irides,

The female

and

is

a distinct

under surface white, with regular longitudinal dashes of rich chestnut

each feather with

its

centre of a deeper

an obscure circle of dull white

:

ear-coverts rich

tint,

bill

the top of the head lighter

so as to give

brown

it

a spotted appearance

these in the young of both sexes are scarcely to be discerned

male.
Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.

under surface light reddish brown,

brown, the outer feathers lighter, and exhibiting bars of deep umber

The

outer tail-feathers white, barred with

tarsi fine yellow.

with longitudinal dashes of a deeper colour

tail

black

has the whole of the upper surface of a deep chocolate brown

than the rest of the body

around the eye

quill-feathers

cere, irides,

and

tarsi

as in the

\
^^-.

iV.r.

StaxfLammea;

X'ni./Tro-^mjZiifh &-ffH/tS^snoh/

f^Zutn/.y

J'mOixl-

J'r^S (^uiA.

h CJSt&na-HM

Genus STRIX.
Beah

Gen. Char.

straight

at the

base, the tip

arched, and hooked;

cutting margin of

the upper mandible nearly straight; under mandible sloping to the point, and doubly

notched. Nostrils oval, obliquely placed on the anterior ridge of the cere

Wings long and ample

complete.

but

first

Legs with

tip.

with hairs

tarsi

and

slightly notched

long and slender, clothed with

downy

claws long, sharp, moderately curved, and

facial disk large,

the second quill-feather the longest in the wing, the

shorter, equal to the third,

little

BARN

on

feathers

more or

all

web near

inner

its

the

toes thinly covered

less

grooved beneath.

OWIi.

Strix flaramea, Linn.

La Chouette
Whether

our well-known Barn

Owl be

effraie.

identical with those found in almost every portion of the

we have

notwithstanding their slight variations or differences of plumage,

determine
States,

and

it

yet remains a question whether the

South America and

its

Owls so nearly resembling the present, from the United

adjacent islands, together with others from Africa, India and

merely varieties depending upon climate, food and a combination of circumstances,

distinct,

Striv as limited by modern authors, and taking this bird as

above alluded

to,

at

many which must

New

have seen several from

once distinguished from

downy

or,

New

Holland, be

on the contrai-y, radically

each constituting a different species.

The genus
varieties

globe,

not been able satisfactorily to

Holland, one from India, and one from the

all

type, possesses, besides the

its

Of

certainly be considered as truly distinct species.

West Indian

Islands.

other genera of the family of Strigidrs by the elongated

It is

we

these

a genus

the loose and

bill,

texture of the plumage, and by the beautiful style of colouring which pervades the uj)per surface of the

body.

The
such

is

Strix flammea

is

the case in our

concealed

all

spread over the whole of Europe, and appears to be everywhere stationary, at least

own

island,

where they inhabit barns,

day, but issuing at the approach of evening,

search of their prey, night being the time

when

ruins, church-towers

and hollow

when they prowl, on

light

trees,

remaining

and noiseless wing,

in

the species of this genus exert their powers and display their

Dazzled by the light of day, for which their powers of vision are not adapted, they

destructive energies.

I'emain motionless and inanimate in their retreats, shading their eyes with the thin

they possess for the purpose of drawing over the pupils.

To

membranous

observe them in this state,

veil

which

we should

not

suppose them endowed with that energy and quickness of action which they display at night, when, intent

upon

their seai'ch, they

rapidly, indeed,

of

its

skim over the meadows with every sense

do they pounce upon their victims, that even the

approaching

fate.

Although mice form

certain that they sometimes prey

upon young

alive to the object of their pursuit

little

active

mouse

is

the principal part of their subsistence,

birds, rats

and leverets

so

seized before aware

it

is

nevertheless

and instances have been known of their

committing depredations among the finned inhabitants of lakes and ponds.

In the plumage of these interesting birds there exists considerable variety,

some

individuals being fawn-

coloured on the upper and under surface, spotted and dashed with dark grey, while others are purely white

on the under surface

and

othei's again

white on the same part, with minute

have been able to judge from dissection, the individuals killed

in

this

S])ots

of grey.

So

far as

we

country with pure white breasts, as

represented in the Plate, are invariably adult males, the females and young males having the breast more or
less speckled,

The

and the edge of the

facial disk tinged with

fawn colour.

Strix flammea incubates in holes of trees, old buildings, and similar situations, generally laying three

or four nearly round white eggs.

The young,

for a considerable period, are covered with a thick coating of white

down, and their retreat

is

always found to contain vast quantities of pellets or castings, consisting of the indigestible parts of their food.

The

Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.

EA'&jLE

J)y^vm

ffj-.-Sdfno

iyS.ZrM
m

owi.

J7

JHrUf-d'

^ GMU/mcwuii/'.

BUBO.

Genus
Gen. Char. Bill

curved and compressed at the point.

short, strong,

Head furnished with

cere, large, oval, or rounded.

feathers, outer toe reversible

claws long, curved

GREAT-HORNED

Legs and

toes

short,

covered

and sharp.

EAGLE OWL.

or

Bubo maximus,

Wings rather

tufts of feathers.

concave, third and fourth quill-feathers generally the longest.

v\^ith

Nostrils pierced in the

Sibbald.

Le Hibou Grand-due.
Among

the species of this singular race belonging to Europe, the Great-horned or Eagle

place in point of size and in majesty of appearance

species from other parts of the world.

by a

tuft

It

nor

is

it

Owl

holds the

inferior, or if so, but slightly, to

first

any kno^vn

forms a typical example of the genus Bubo, a group distinguished

of elongated feathers above each eye, usually denominated ears, though, as

may be

seen, these

plumes have no connexion whatever with the true organs of hearing.

The

present division, as well as one or two others, the species of which possess bright yellow-coloured

appears to enjoy the power of vision to a greater extent either in dull daylight or by the bright light

irides,

moon

of the

and even during sunshine they are by no means so confused and distressed

as their allies

contained in the restricted genus Strix, possessing eyes, the pupils of which, capable of prodigious enlargement,

adapt them more exclusively to the dusk of evening or the sombre darkness of night.
this noble species is the

more northern portions of Europe

spread as to occur at the Cape of

Dr. Latham adds, that

however, that

it is

it is

We

Good Hope.

M. Temminck

have ourselves seen

it

of

it

diffused thus extensively,

still its

in collections

among

true habitat appears to be

Switzerland, and of rare occurrence in France and England

that have been

geniality of chmate.

marks

the grouse couching

ranked among
This

game.

largest

ill-fated quarry,

its articles

fine bird

still,

and

the large forests of the

It is less

common

in

from the frequent captures

Perched upon some branch, and obscured by the shadows of

among the fern, the hare nibbling the grass,

among the heath
silently and rapidly down it pounces, strikes its talons into its victim,
work of destruction. Less noble game, such as moles, rats, and lizards, may be also

its

and commences the

Granting,

in the British Islands, it may be classed among our birds, especially as it seems to be
among us more by the want of secluded and unmolested retreats than by an unconThe Great-horned Owl may likewise be considered as one of the most powerful of its

upon the

race, boldly preying

it

from China

made

deterred from settling

evening,

true habitat of

found at Kamschatka as well as in the northernmost parts of America.

wild and desolate regions of Norway, and the parallel latitudes of Sweden and Russia.

Germany and

The

states, that it is so extensively

the fawn reposing

of food.

chooses the

clefts

of rocks, or the hollows of decayed trees of antique growth, for the purpose

of nidification, laying three eggs of a rounded shape and white colour.

The female
The upper

is

larger than her mate, and her colours are

surface of the body

below the ground colour

is

is

more

bright.

a mingled blending of brown and yellow, with zigzag lines and bars

yellow, with black longitudinal dashes

bars over the whole of the rest of the plumage

on the

irides bright fiery

chest,

orange

and

beak and

nails black.

Length

nearly two feet.

We
Our

are indebted to the Hon. Daniel Finch for an example of this fine
figure is about three fourths of the natural size.

Owl

fine transverse irregular

for illustration in this

Work.

'^-.-'^

BuboAscalaphus.
.EZta^ oUJ/

fri?

lol/h

3vnicd

^ C Mdbmoond^l.

EASTERN GREAT HORNED OWL.

Bubo

Ascalaphus.

Le Hibou Ascalaphus.
This

fine species

Owl would appear

of horned

Bubo maocimus of Norway,

Russia, &c.

and

if

to represent in the

temperate portions of Asia and Africa, the

the Otus {Bubo) Bengalensis of our " Century

we mistake not

of Birds" must rank as synonymous with the present species.

In

Europe the eastern and southern portions

appear to be the only parts visited by the Bubo Ascalaphus, M. Temminck giving
in

which

Of the

it

habits and

manners of

information on the subject.

this species

Feathers of the
irregularly edged

facial disk huffy

made during

white terminated with black

and terminated with buffy white

tail

dark brown, irregularly blotched with reddish

and irregular bars of brown

at their extremities
;

bill

the late expedition to the Euphrates.

feathers surrounding the neck deep buff,

wings and

surface deep buff, the feathers on the centi-e of the

able to afford any

Thomas Reade from

crown of the head dark brown, each feather

and with an irregular mark of dark brown down the centre

front of the tarsi and on the toes

we

to the Zoological Society by Sir

at the tip,

We

and Sardinia as places

nothing has been placed on record, nor are

Specimens have been sent

Tunis, and a single individual formed a part of the collection

minck.

Sicily

has been observed.

buff,

becoming paler

the remainder of the upper surface,

pale buff and lighter

abdomen being much

brown

all

the under

paler and crossed with several fine

feathers of the legs deep buff,

becoming much paler on the

and claws black.

have figured an adult male nearly of the natural

size,

from a specimen forwarded

to us

by M. Tem-

tus V ixlgan s

np'i7ic

iatrtn

,( rii -'/i.vt

A/, '.('/(^yi

/ /v^- ///

Genus OTUS.
Gen. Char.

Bill bending, and forming an elliptic curve, the cere covering the basal ridge for

nearly half the length of the

under one having the

placed.

bill

cutting margin of the upper mandible straight, the

and notched.

obliquely truncated

tip

Fascial disc of moderate size and complete.

Nostrils oval, obliquely

Conch of the ear extending from

the outer angle of the eye to behind the limb of the lower jaw, the opening defended

Head furnished

a flap or operculum.
the longest.
feathered

with egrets.

which

is

the second quill-feather

Tail even, and scarcely showing any concavity beneath.

to the insertion

of the claws.

Toes rather short;

moderately curved, long, and very sharp

Claisos

Wings long

by

Legs and

toes

the outer one reversible.

rounded beneath, except the middle one,

grooved, and with a sharp inner edge.

liONG-EARED OWL.
Strix otus, Linn.

Otus vulgaris, Flem.

Le Hibou moyenduc.
The

habits of this

Owl

lead

it

to frequent thick woods, in the depths of

which

lives retired

it

from observation,

concealing itself during the day amongst the foliage of the holly and ivy-clad trees, whence

approach of evening
moles, and rats form

in quest of
its

food

localities

wherein

it

it emerges at the
and dissection confirms the opinion that small mammalia, such as mice,

principal subsistence

Most of the woody districts,

tribe.

may

own

be found in our

Owl, which generally frequents the same

same
is

species,

and one so closely

in fact, as regards food, it agrees closely

especially in the northern portions of England,

islands

situations.

allied to it as to

it is,

It

render

Tawny and Barn Owls, which breed

the deserted nests of the Crow,

eggs

in

Raven and Magpie

the young are covered with a

full

with the others of

common

however, by no means so

it difficult

to say

whether

it

its

Scotland, are the chief

in

as the

Tawny

has a wide range over the continent of Europe.

found in the United States and the northern regions of America as far as the
Unlike the

and

can be

sixtieth

The

fairly separated,

degree of latitude.

hollow trees, the present species evinces a partiality for

for the purpose of nidification

coat of white down, which

for

lasts

it

lays about four white

a considerable time, and

disappears gradually as the feathers advance.

The

little or no external difference either in size or in the colour of the plumage.

ornamented with two egrets, consisting each of several feathers of a pale yellow colour

sexes offer

The head

is

edges, with broad central dashes of black

grey, each feather having

and black

the whole of the upper surface

is

at the

of a tawny yellow clouded with

centre black, and the whole being checquered with zigzag bars and dots of brown

the under surface

grey, clouded with tawny

Our

its

pale tawny with longitudinal dashes of black

is

brown

irides

orange

Plate represents a male of the natural size.

beak black.

tail

barred

facial disc light

B[ORT=EA]RED OWH
Strix BradiyotoS: fZvromJ
Otas Bradiyotos;/^<yWy

I?>'virrvjrc^n. J'/cUuro

& ok SlpeyiA' hy J& S GwJ^ii.

;
;

SHORT-EARED OWL.
Strix brachyotos, Lath.
OtLis Brachyotos, Cuv.

La Hibou brachyote.
The

Short-eared

Owl

is

so universally dispersed as to render

it

probable that

may be

it

We

whole of the four continents, with the exception of the- high northern regions.

observed over the

have ourselves been

enabled to compare specimens of this species from the Straits of Magellan, Brazil, and North America, with
others from every part of Africa and India,
that

was impossible

it

Unlike the rest of

its tribe,

breed,

still it

Continent.

period

summer over

In Holland

moors and marshes to thickly wooded

particularly abundant during the

it is

it

size

whole of our eastern coast.

Its flight is

it

is

it is

sparingly

known

to

and the greater portion of the

months of September and October, about which

companies of from

arrives in

number, and gradually disperses over the marshes and extensive

thirty in

markings and

their

Although

districts.

as a migratory bird both in the British Islands

annual migration to England, where

its

strictly similar in

the northern parts of England and Scotland, in which localities

must be regarded

makes

it

of which were so

which habitually reside among trees and rocks, the Short-eared Owl reposes on

the ground, and prefers extensive

dispersed during

all

to distinguish them.

strong and vigorous, and from

its

five

to twenty or

of turnips which border the

fields

diurnal habits

it

may be

frequently

observed, particularly in gloomy weather, on the wing at midday, hunting for small birds, mice, frogs, &c.,

which constitute

When

principal food.

its

in a state of repose,

it

secretes itself on the ground, either in a tuft of long grass, heath, or

the thickest part of the turnips, and

to

it

is

seldom roused from

be regretted that these secluded and retiring habits tend

with which
scenting

it

this retreat until closely

much

to its

own

approached.

among
It is

destruction by the facility

discovered by the gunner with the assistance of his pointer, which will generally point on

is

it.

In a note in his valuable edition of Wilson's American Ornithology, Sir William Jardine informs us that he

has found the nest of this bird on the extensive moors at the head of Dryfe (a small rivulet in Dumfriesshire),
tiiat

the eggs are five in number, and that the " nest

is

formed upon the ground among the heath, the bottom

of the nest scraped until the fresh earth appears, on which the eggs are placed, without any lining or other

When

accessory covering.

approaching the nest or young, the old birds

small shrill cry, and snapping with their

The young

bills.

appear to leave the nest some time before they are able to

fly

are barely able to

rise

and hover round, uttering a

fly

from the ground.

by the 12th of August, and

I

have taken them, on that

great day to sportsmen, squatted on the heath like young black game, at no great distance from each other,

and always attended by the parent

birds."

Feathers covering the nostrils brownish white, with black shafts;

brown

blackish

remainder of the

facial disk yellowish

circle

immediately around the eyes

brown, mottled with blackish brown

circle of small

feathers behind the facial disk mottled with tawny white, blackish brown, and white, except opposite to the
orifice of the ear,

where they are wholly blackish brown

somewhat longer than the

rest,

dark brown, deeply edged with tawny brown

brown on
outer

the tips of

streaked
tarsi

their outer

down

webs

all

ending

in

ashy grey

brown

and toes dull yellowish white free from

The

bill

on each side of the forehead four or

quills pale reddish

at pleasure

five feathers

head, back, and wing-coverts

brown, with several broad bars of dark

the inner webs are also barred, but not so numerously or so regularly as the

the centre with dark

claws blackish grey

which are erected and depressed

blueish black

irides

fore part of the neck

and breast buff orange, each feather

under surface pale yellowish brown, with dark brown shafts

spots,

the feathers assuming a hairy appearance on the toes

gamboge

Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.

yellow.

C'.'xN

i^\

^\.

\S vi

Scops Aldvovsm-di; ^J-iW O'Ttd Roa/J

I'Tm'mjT'ffm MOwre' S on- Si^ene^ h/ ,rS ./!.

(Molci'.

J'TiyTU^

^1/ C'Mz^mn-^UL^^/.

Genus SCOPS.
Gen. Char.

Bill curved from the base; the upper ridge of the cuhiien flattened; the cere
Nostrils round, placed in front of the cere.

short.

above the eyes

Wings long, the third feather the

tufts.

Legs rather long.

beneath.
reticulated,

Facial disc small, and incomplete

auditory conch small, and without an operculum

Tail even or shghtly rounded, concave

longest.

Tarsi feathered to the toes, which have their upper joints

and the anterior ones

Claws sharp,

scutellated.

Plumage

partially grooved beneath.

forehead with egrets or

soft

moderately curved, and

and downy.

SCOPS-EARED OWL.
Scops Aldrovandi,

Le
The

range of

this beautiful little

Independently of

its

Owl

Petit

is

Due.

so extensive, that few of the larger species are

existence throughout most of the countries of Europe,

and individuals from China have come under our

own

island.

in France,

Its

occurrence here

Switzerland, and

all

is,

Europe

insects,

it

upon which

it

it is

nocturnal, issuing forth from

from their

in

no respect from specimens

it is

abound

in

in

killed in

It is

its

abundant

Holland and the north-

when moths and

the larger coleopterous

but in the hotter portions of the Old World, where such

In

its

manners

it

is

to these,

principally

hiding-place on the approach of twilight, in chase of those insects which are

state of repose to activity at the

its

minute

size

breeds in the holes of decayed trees,

same time.

and the elegance of

In confinement
its

docile and contented,

it is

markings.

of rocks, and old buildings, the eggs being four or

clefts

five

in

number, of a pure white.

The

sexes offer litde or no variations of colour

indeed the female so exacdy resembles the male as not to

be distinguished except by dissection.

The

general colour

is

bold longitudinal dashes

grey blended with brown

down

The

and freckled with minute markings of black, relieved by

the centre of most of the feathers

of being elevated and depressed at will

alternately with rich

our

England.

in spring,

and other small animals.

birds, mice,

distributed.

Africa and Asia

numbers of these birds are stationary throughout the whole of the year

and especially interesting from

It

almost as rare as

principally subsists,

most common food, are added

also roused

more widely

found both

however, extremely rare in comparison to adjacent parts.

appears to be strictly migratory, arriving late

insects are always abundant,

its

notice, differing in

it is

the southern and eastern portions of Europe

western portion of the Continent

In

and Ray.

Will,

the head

is

ornamented with egrets capable

a few black dashes encircle the disc of the face

brown and yellowish grey

irides

and

Plate represents an adult bird of the natural size.

feet brilliant yellow.

the quills are barred

Stnx Lappoiuca;/^6(^.y
cmerea; fGmj&l)
Suirua cmerea.

SURNIA, Bum.

Genus
Beak

Gen. Char.

Disc of the head small and incomplete.

short, arched.

Legs very plumose.

Egrets none.

Ears small,

oval.

Tail elongated w^edge-shaped.

GREAT CINEREOUS OWL.

Strix Lapponica, Retz.

Gm.

Strix cinerea,

Siirnia cinerea.

Those who would wish

to visit the haunts of this noble species of

Owl, one of the very

finest

of

its

must

race,

leave the abodes of civilization and penetrate into the dreary regions of the arctic circle, where nature wears

her rudest and wildest dress, for

now and then make

individuals

an inhabitant of that portion of both continents

it is

their appearance in Lapland,

the northern parts of America are

its

a rare bird in the fur-countries, being an inhabitant of

latitudes 67 or 68,

Bear Lake

and between Hudson's Bay and the

and there and

months, by daylight.
the

Snowy Owl, nor

the sun

low

is

It
is it

indeed

in

the

woody

Pacific.

the higher parallels of latitude

common on

It is

must pursue

it

so often

it is

met with

in

only at such times,

Hawk

broad daylight as the

when the

in the cabinets of

are not, however, aware that there

our figure

is

by no means

the borders of the Great

summer

keeps, however, within the woods, and does not frequent the barren grounds like

more common, perhaps,

is

is

prey, during the

its

recesses of the

Owl, but hunts principally when

woods are deeply shadowed, that the

chiefly preys,

come

Through the great intercourse which the Hudson's Bay Company has with the polar

we

solitary

would appear that

between lake Superior and

districts lying

American hare and the murine animals, on which the Cinereous Owl

this bird

it

gentleman informs us that "It

latter

all

and although

work the "Fauna Boreali-

true habitat, as in that truly scientific

Americana," by Messrs. Swainson and Richardson, the

Norway, and Russia, yet

is

in

London than

in those of

forth to feed."

countries of America,

any part of the Continent

London any other European specimen than

the one from which

taken, and which was kindly entrusted to our care for that purpose by our obliging friend the

Baron de Feldegg of Frankfort.

To

those individuals have

M. Temminck mentions

strayed

states,

Museum

own

collection

two

the nursery from

Of

own

M.

whence

these instances

collection, both of

Paikul, a

Swede

feet eight inches, being

which

the latter,

an admeasure-

that of the female of Bi(5o maoo'imus.

we have no further information than that communicated by Dr, Richardson in the work
which he informs us that he discovered a nest " on the top of a lofty balsam poplar, built

nidification

above quoted;

in

of sticks, and lined with feathers.

The

in his

extensive region reaching

Europe.

killed in various parts of

of Paris, which was placed there by

measures twenty inches, and the one

ment larger than

Of its

which have been

a specimen in the cabinet of Vienna and one in his

are females, and a male in the

he

we may add the

we may regard as

the countries above mentioned as the habitat of this species,

across the north of Siberia from Russia to Kamtchatka, which

It

contained three young, which were covered with a whitish down."

sexes differ in size considerably, but in their markings are so similar that the description of one will

serve for both.

The

face

are grey,

is

grey baiTcd with concentric circles of brown

marked with bars and zigzag

the whole of the upper surface, wings, and

interlineations of blackish

brown

upper, with longitudinal dashes and obscure bars of brown, especially on the thighs and flanks
at the tip

tarsi feathered to the claws,

and of the same colour

as the

under surface

bright yellow.

The

Plate represents an adult male about three fourths of the natural

tail

the under parts are lighter than the

size.

beak yellow

claws black

irides

'

J^

ar-"1!L:*at,

S urni a Njrctea. /Dm^uJ

;

SNOWY OWL.
Strix Nyctea, Linn.

Dum.

Surnia Nyctea,

La Chouette Harfang.
The

recorded instances of the capture of this noble

to the propriety of giving

a place in our

it

Fauna

Owl

within the British Islands no longer leave a doubt as

its visits

occur at very lengthened intervals.

Mr. Selby informs

mens, male and female, which were

killed

are,

however, extremely uncertain, and generally

us that he has in his possession

two very

fine speci-

near Rothbury, in Northumberland, in the latter part of January

1823, during the severe snow-storm that was so generally

throughout the North of England and Scotland

felt

at that period.

The
ties

arctic regions constitute the true habitat

of which climate

animals upon which

snow.

It

and native place of abode of the Snowy Owl, from the severiwhen, on the approach of extraordinarily severe weather, the various small
preys have either removed southward or sought shelter beneath the encrusted frozen
retreats

it

it

would appear that

Old World, where

Germany, more frequently

Orkney

Islands.

it

by an instantaneous stroke of

It

hunts in the day

When

within the arctic circle.

it

it

In the

woody

districts

it

and Dr. Richardson

it

less

and when a bird

is

shot, skims

and

food consists of alpine hares,

fall
its

a victim to

finny prey

its

and

attacks.
securino-

volume of the Fauna

it

it

would be

unfit to pass the

caution, and, according to Hearne, has been

down and

carries

it

summer

was generally squatting on the earth, and

but was always so wary as to be approached with great

Grouse-shooters a whole day for the purpose of sharing in the

tree,

its

states in the second

could do so,

seen on the barren grounds

showed

race

a dexterous fisher, pouncing upon

and, indeed, unless

its

North of

in the

in the Feroe, Shetland,

pursue the American hare, making repeated strokes at the animal

alighted again after a short flight

put up,

is

it

foot

its

sometimes found

it is

and even the wary fox has been known to

indefatigable Wilson informs us that

its foot.

Holland and France

one of the most robust and powerful of

It is

Boreali-Araericana, that he has seen

with

far as

Sweden, and Norway, and occasionally

in Russia,

lemmings, and grouse

rabbits, rats,

The

migrations are extended further south on the American continent than in the

its

seldom observed so

it is

"

spoil.

off before the

On

known

such occasions

it

to

if

difficulty.

watch the

perches on a high

sportsman can get near

it."

appears to affect different situations for the purpose of nidification, sometimes choosing the ledges of precipitous rocks, and at others, according to Dr. Richardson, making " its nest on the ground and laying three or
It

four white eggs, of which two only are in general hatched.

White

residents in the fur-countries esteem

The Snowy Owl

existence,

this

period

which markings become more

leaving

to

them of a pure white.

it

is

is

plumage

is

is

in

the

more or

first

Our

the Indians and

white."

three or four years of

less strongly

and they disappear

wholly white

the irides fine yellow

its

base,

and the

the

latter,

bill

its

barred with brown,

entirely in old males,

is

considerably

and claws black, the former

which are long and very sharp,

being nearly concealed by the long hairy feathers that clothe the legs and toes.
is

is fat,

not distinguishable.

being nearly covered by bristly feathers projecting from

those of other Owls,

Owl

the case with most of the Raptorial birds, the female

larger than her mate, but in other respects

In the adult male the

plumage

characterized by a plumage

this

Its flesh is delicately

indistinct as the bird advances in age,

As

when

In winter,

be good eating.

subject to considerable variations of

is

and during

it

The

head, compared with

small in proportion to the size of the bird.

Plate represents an adult and a bird of the second year, about one third less than the natural

size.

-^c5

IJJE

AL O WIL

Surma

.Pra.vrrb-p'crm^ J/fC^ri'SffTi

S^m^hJitM. Osu^.

TJralensis

rrintrdin/

CSMmanid'

;;

URAL OWL.
Surnia Uralensis,

Dum.

Strix Uralensis, Linn.

Le Hibou de
The

I'Oural.

obscure and almost antra versed regions which this fine

the cause of

great scarcity, but also of the

its

little

that

is

Owl

known

habitually frequents

respecting

its

must be deemed not only

habits and manners.

the large size and the remarkable development of the facial disk of this bird readily distinguish

more

typical species of the present genus, nevertheless

general habits and manners

The Ural Owl

will

more abundant

we

being,

we

one

in

In

Hungary and
it

as

its

it is

Livonia, according to

it

occur

Old World,

it

also found, but very sparingly,

M. Temminck,

it is

somewhat

in

many of

the largest collections on the Conti-

does not appear to have been hitherto discovered

America, and we have every reason to beUeve

Like the rest of the larger owls

from the

in this place, believing that in

it

one of the rarest of the European Owls, our own specimen

England, nor does

native of the arctic circle in the

in the parallel latitudes of

Although

be found to agree in a great measure with the other species of the genus.

must, however, regard

believe, the only

Though a

inserted

a native of the northern regions of Lapland and Siberia;

is

North of Sweden and Norway.

in the

nent.

it

we have

it

it

to be a stranger to that continent.

food consists of small mammalia, such as leverets,

rats,

and mice, and

not unfrequently the Ptarmigan and other birds.

It is said to

The

construct

its

nest in the holes of trees, and to lay two white eggs.

sexes are alike in plumage, but the young of the year differ in having the ground colouring of a pale

greyish brown
the wings and

the upper parts irregularly spotted with brown and light red, varied with blotches of white

tail

barred with grey, and the whole of the under parts longitudinally streaked and blotched with

brown.

The

adults have the whole of the face greyish white, the rim of the facial disk consisting of white feathers

spotted with black

the whole of the upper surface longitudinally blotched with

brown and white

surface dusky white, every feather having a

brown streak down the centre

brown and yellowish white, the

of considerable length and remarkably graduated

tarsi

latter being

covered with greyish white hairs

The

nails

brown

irides

the wings and

tail
;

the under

barred with

beak yellow

brownish yellow.

Plate rei)resents a male rather less than the natural size, the adult bird being two feet in length.

riivv^^K
Suxnia

StrixfiiXLerea;

I?fiMv?vfnrtK

Miiur^ A C7t

-Siirt^

^ Ji^:^.

(?cziZd^.

OWL

fuTLerea; fDimten^lJ.
f' 6^nv&l': J

JHnUd' h/CMiUfn^AfuZU-.

HAWK

OWL.

Surnia funerea, Dumeril.

Strix funerea, Gmel.

Le Chouette caparacoch.
Of

the European examples of the genus Surnia, a genus estabUshed by

M. Dumeril

for the reception of

such of the Owls as approach the Falconidce in habits, manners, and general structure, the
although the

least, is nevertheless

one of the most

throughout the northern and arctic regions of both continents, and

and even France.

is

No

example, however,

rather remarkable, considering that the

captured within the British dominions.

seeing

its

is

on record of

Snowy Owl,

Like that

its

Owl,

is

not unfrequently seen in

Germany

having been seen in the British Islands, which

most nearly

fine species, the

allied relative, has

Hawk Owl

is

been so fi-equently

endowed with the

faculty of

prey, if not in the bright light of day, at least during dull weather and long before sun-set in the

evening, and from this circumstance, which has led to

with

its

its

Hawk

an almost unlimited range of habitat

It possesses

typical.

structure,

it

may be

its

being considered as a feeder by day, in connexion

regarded, together with the rest of

genus, as forming the passage between

its

the Harriers on the one hand, and the true nocturnal Owls on the other.
Its

food consists of

rats,

mice, birds, and insects.

According to the best information we can obtain,

The sexes differ

The forehead is

in

no respect except a

it

trifle in size,

builds in trees,

and

thickly dotted with white and brown, the facial disc

a crescent-shaped band of black, which passes over the ears

white, the latter colour predominating on the shoulders

with white

the whole of the under surface

of each feather being also brown

tail

is

lays

two white eggs.

is

markings.

greyish white, partly encircled by

the upper surface

brown and

is

irregularly blotched with

the wings are brown, irregularly barred

greyish white, barred with transverse rays of brown, the shaft

brown, barred with white

yellow.

The

and

in the intensity of the

Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.

tarsi

greyish white

toes yellow

irides bright

BiVBRED OWJL
Strix nebulosa; fLmroJ
Ulula
Cm.)

H-Zmr eUi alA:

JWtUtd- hif CMUbnwi^tvoUl.

>0

ULULA.

Genus
Gen. Char.

Bill nearly straight at the base, the tip hooked, with a rounded ciUmen, cuttino-

margin of the upper mandible having a small lobe or sinuation near the middle.
disk large and complete

Wings

auditory conch rather large, and defended

short, rounded, concave

in the v^ing, v^^ith the third

the

and

first

quill-feather very short

nearly equal to

fifth

wings, rounded, bent, and concave beneath.

more or

less so.

Legs having the

Claws moderately curved, long, short,

all

by an operculum.

the fourth the longest

Tail reaching

it.

Facial

beyond the closed

plumed, and the toes

tarsi

more or

less

grooved beneath.

BARRED OWL.
Strix nebulosa,

Linn.

Ulula nebulosa,

Cuv.

La Chouette n6buleuse.
In the regions of the Old World the Barred

Sweden, and Russia,

in

which countries

scarcely ever extends

its

portions of America appear to be

dispersed over the whole of the United States, where, Mr.

it is

migrations further south than Norway,

so sparingly distributed as rather to be regarded as an accidental

The northern and temperate

visitor than a native species.

for

Owl

it is

Audubon informs

its

true habitat,

us, its peculiar cry

of

may be heard towards evening proceeding from every jiart of the forest, Accordino- to
this diligent observer of nature, the flight of the Barred Owl is smooth, light, and noiseless, and capable
of
being greatly protracted.
Mr. Audubon further remarks that its powers of vision during the day seem to be
JVhah, whah, whah-aa,

of an equivocal character, he having seen one alight on the back of a cow, which
animal moving, as to leave no doubt

perched for something

dated

it,

if

else

in his

at other times

mind

that the

Owl had mistaken

so suddenly, on the

it had
he has observed that the approach of the Grey Squirrel intimi-

one of these animals accidentally jumped on the branch close to where

Barred Owl destroys numbers of

it left

the object upon which

this species

of Squirrel during the twilight.

it

was

It is

sitting,

although the

a well-known fact that

the eyes of those Owls whose habits are strictly nocturnal differ both in colour and construction from those

which feed

by day, or rather whose greatest powers of vision are developed

partially

Had we

during dark and gloomy days.

we should probably have assigned

eyes,
it

it

a place

among

bears a strong resemblance both in the colour of

flight

of the Barred

nocturnal species,

Owl may

is

in

the twilight and

not been acquainted with the habits of this bird and the colour of
the

Owls forming the genus Surnia,

plumage and

its

be attributed to the peculiar nature of

extremely soft and yielding, enabling

it

in
its

to

general contour.

its

plumage, which,

to steal quickly

upon

its

its

which division

The

like that

of

noiseless
all

other

victim without exciting

observation or alarm.
Its

food consists of young hares and rabbits, mice, small birds, frogs, lizards, &c.

Its

eggs are deposited in the holes of decayed trees or the deserted nests of Crows and

Hawks

they are

round, of a pure white, and from four to six in number.

The male and female

differ

siderable varieties of plumage,

somewhat

in size, the

some specimens,

males being the smallest

and they are also subject

to con-

particularly those found in Europe, being of a very dark colour,

while others are very light.

The plumage
The
and

of the generality of specimens

face light ash encircled with lines of

tail,

is

may be

brown

thus described

the upper part of the plumage, together with the quills

of a brownish grey, transversely rayed with white and yellowish bars

chest transversely barred with greyish ash and yellowish white markings
flanks yellowish grey with longitudinal stripes of

yellow

The

irides blackish

brown

feet

the front of the neck and

the lower part of the breast and

and toes covered with short grey feathers

brown.

Plate represents an adult male, rather less than the natural size.

beak

Strix aluco /^^>/^/^:y

Surma
mpvmZlfiim

Slant iy

_.

^i.^.SmiM

-"'

/ Dujrt, J

;;

TAWNY

WOOD

OR

OWL.

Strix Aluco, Linri.

Syrnium Aluco, Savigny.

La Chouette

We

have followed Baron Cuvier

appellation of Savigny,

curved beak, the large

who

in adopting, or at least in

adding to our names of

this bird, the

and the toes feathered

size of the facial disk,

species. It

is

to the claws.

inches in length, and with the exception of the Barn

fifteen

it is

Tawny Owl

In this country the

and

firs,

takes up

which

its

its

abode

woods and

ivy.

and hoots aloud.

Here

the

According to

old plantations, preferring such as are

it

remains quiet and secluded during the

In the breeding season

it

searches for a hole in a

of finding such a convenience takes possession of the deserted nest of a

eggs are deposited.

These are of large

equally rounded at both ends and perfectly white.

first

in

and well grown over with

day, but at nightfall becomes clamorous

in

is

districts

rather a rare bird in Holland.

thickly set with holly

tree, or in default

Owl

be found generally throughout most of the well-wooded

to

of Great Britain, and inhabits in abundance the large forests of the European continent.

M. Temminck

generic

separated this species from the more typical Owls on account of the short and

This bird measures from fourteen to

most common of the British

hulotte.

size,

The

measuring

H inch

females begin to

in length

sit as

Hawk

or Crow,

by \\ inch in width,

soon as they have laid their

e^^, and the young for a considerable time after exclusion are a shapeless mass of grey down.

The

parent birds attend their young brood with great assiduity, and supply them plentifully with mice, shrews,
moles, and the young of various other

The beak
forming the

in this species of
facial disk light

Owl

brown

mammalia of larger

is

size.

yellowish white, short and curved

the feathers surrounding the disk

irides

dark blue

the feathers

marked with numerous dark spots

head, neck and back reddish yellow brown, spotted and streaked with dark brown in the direction of the
shaft of each feather

on the scapulars and wing-coverts are large white spots forming conspicuous rows

under surface reddish white with brown bars

wing- and tail-feathers reddish brown, barred with very dark

brown, under sides reddish ash, with lighter-coloured bars, outer edges of the
serrated

legs

black, long, curved and sharp.

The females when compared with

colour, approaching to deep red brown.

By

Plate.

We

quill

primaries beautifully

and toes covered with short downy feathers of reddish grey, with brown specks.

have figured a bird of the natural

size.

Claws nearly

the males are larger in size and darker in

mistake the word Surnia instead of Syrnium was printed on our

0)WL

LITTILIB
S tri X -n udj-p e s

/S Vi IssonJ.

yoctiLa nudipes; /14^^^>y.

.i^

LITTLE OWL.
Strix nudipes, Nilsson.

Noctua nudipes, Mihi.

La Chouette chev^che.
The

Strioc 'passenna

one here figured

term passenna
it

of Linnaeus, of which Acadkax^ a synonym,

and, although most

modern

to the present species, as if

it

is

the

title

of a very different bird from the

from some unaccountable cause have assigned the

naturalists

were that which Linnaeus so designated, we have thought

necessary, in justice to truth, to correct this

misnomer by restoring the old name of nudipes given

to

it

by Nilsson,

The

Little

Owl must be

considered one of the rarest of our occasional visitors

depend entirely upon accidental circumstances.

M. Temminck

portions of Europe.

It

states that

it

is

its

plentifully distributed over the

is

presence appearing to

whole of the temperate

abundant in Holland and Germany, but that

is

never

its

race,

it

seen in high northern latitudes.

We
as

we

cannot undertake to say whether the Little

are not in possession of any details of

characteristics of the genus to

which

it

its

its

a similar situation.

During the day

disturbed, but resuming

becomes

lively

which are .four or

and

to

alert,

five in

its

be classed among the migratory birds of

It

appears, however, to display

Having had an opportunity of observing

conduct under such circumstances

enabled to state that

it

is

and manners.

in

it sits

is

its

it

in captivity,

the

almost motionless repose, occasionally snapping with

animated manners betrays

number, are deposited sometimes

are
in

its bill,

on the approach of evening

anxiety for food and liberty.

its

we

when

precisely similar to that of other species

quiet position as soon as the annoyance ceases

and by

all

belongs, preying in the dusk of the evening and during twilight on

mice, moles, small birds, and large insects.

when

Owl

habits

in the holes of trees, but

more

Its

eggs,

frequently in old

walls and ruined towers.

The

sexes are alike in plumage, and the young attain at an early period the adult colouring.

The upper

parts are of a brownish grey

marked with

large irregular blotches of white, the feathers on the

top of the head being regularly spotted with yellowish white

the chest

a w^hite circle surrounds the eye

and blotched with brown

irides

tail

throat white, sejiarated by a

brown, barred with yellowish brown

straw yellow.

The

brown

belt

from

the whole of the under parts dusky white, irregularly clouded

Plate represents an adult of the natural size.

bill

and

feet yellowish

straw colour

z-TKif^

StrrxL Tengpialmi;

^(^m^lJ

JNToctua Tengmalini; fSdh.J

j:-Ziiur tUl It

M^

UM,:

Jhnitd^Bu CMUl^majtidtZ-

TENGMALM'S OWL.
Tengmalmi, Gmel.

Strix

Noctua Tengmalmi,

Selby.

La Chouette Tengmalm.
In

probability this

all

region
it

it

little

Owl

extends

its

has more than once been confounded.

but

also found,

more

berland in 1812,

States.

On

traveller

wherever he

his belief

" that

it

it

in

which inhospitable

selects his

minute or two
is

bivouac.

and

silent

it is

it is

Its

abundant

in

Russia and Norway

which was

killed near

In the

collection.

'

it

is

Morpeth

that

cry in the night

voice

its
is

is

in

Northum-

Fauna Boreali-Americana'

woody country from Great Slave Lake

common

so

is

has been captured two or three times in the

in particular,

inhabits all the

the banks of the Saskatchewan

If the bird

it.

The Noctua Te?igmalmi

Germany and France, and

in

and forms a part of that gentleman's

Dr. Richardson states

tervals of a

rarely,

Mr. Selby mentions one example

British Islands.

hear

range over the whole of the Arctic Circle,

appears to represent the Noctua nudipes, a species inhabiting more temperate parts, and with which

to the United

heard almost every night by the

a single melancholy note, repeated at in-

one of the superstitious practices of the Indians to whistle when they

when thus challenged,

the speedy death of the inquirer

is

augured

hence

its

Cree appellation of Death-bird.

When
stupid,

it is

disturbed or accidentally wanders abroad by day,

and may be

It is said to build

it is

so dazzled by the sun that

it

becomes

easily taken with the hand.

a nest of grass, in holes or clefts about half way up a pine-tree, and to lay two eggs, in

the month of May.

The

sexes are alike in plumage.

Facial disk greyish white mingled with black, except that portion immediately before and behind the eye,

where

it is

wholly black

crown, nape, and back part of the neck pale brown spotted with white, those on

the latter part being the largest, and surrounded with darker brown

back, wing-coverts, and scapularies

brown spotted with white, the spots on the mantle being nearly concealed by the tips of the feathers
quills pale brown, having on their exterior webs a few oval spots of white forming imperfect bars
the extre;

pale

mities of the outer

web of

small portion near the tip

being barred

first

tail

quill reverted,

pale

of the second for half

brown crossed by

five

under surface white slightly tinged with buff;

feathers of a buff colour

The

the

bill

and

irides bright yellow

length, and of the third only a

rows of white spots, giving

tarsi

it

the appearance of

and toes thickly clothed with

claws black.

Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.

its

soft hair-like

StiTxpafserma; ^I/iim. /

Noctiia

J?ra.wn/Jh7nylife/

^ otv 6'dme/ hf J ^. ^i^M/.

^A

SPARROW OWL.
Strix passerina, Linn.
S. acaclica,

Noctua

Gmel.

passerina, Mihi.

La Chouette

We

chev^chetle.

only follow the opinions and example of several of the best naturalists of the European continent in

considering this very minute Owl, the Chevechette of

true passerina of Linneus, who, in the

" magnitudo passeris."

It

measures but

diminutive

the

little

more than

six inches in length

Sparrow Owl, intending

reference to

its

authors, the

Chemche of M, Temmlnck,

size,

M. Temminck's Manuel

ctOrnithologie, p. 96, as the

12th edition of the Systema Naturce,

p. 92,

to distinguish

which measures nine inches

name has been given.

The Sparrow Owl Is an inhabitant of Livonia and of

p.

133, says of this bird,

we have

it

therefore called

from the

In length,

In

it.

StricV passerina

of

and to which another

specific

farther south than the colder parts of

Germany, where

are aware, been taken in any part of the British Islands

All the upper parts of the head and

brown

on the

throat and sides of the neck almost white

four narrow white bands

The female

is

nor

only seen in large forests, and has not, that

is it,

we

believe, ever

the

flanks, the
tail,

we

found in America.

body are of dark greyish brown, varied with spots of white

parts white, with longitudinal patches of

feathers

the northern regions generally, seldom venturing

it Is

brown spots have a

the under

direction across the

the feathers of which are rather long, exhibits

the feet are feathered to the extremities of the toes

the beak and irides yellow.

rather darker in the general tone of her colour, incHnIng to chocolate brown, and the white

spots are less brilliant.

She

lays

two white eggs

the nest

Is

made

in a hole of a tree in the forest, or

occupies an aperture of a rock.

The

ordinary food of this species consists of mice, coleopterous insects, and large moths.

We

have figured a bird of the natural

size.