236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



by them, and it is only a marvel that so many varieties are still to 

 be procured. The Rock Dove, which formerly was common in 

 caverns on the cliffs of this rocky coast, has been driven away by 

 being constantly fired at, and now but a few pairs breed in the dis- 

 trict. The Black Grouse and Common Snipe, though still tolerably 

 common, are not nearly so numerous as they once were, chiefly on 

 account of the ground which is suitable for them becoming 

 annually more contracted in its area, through agricultural improve- 

 ments. I must not omit to mention that since the passing of the 

 Wild-Fowl Preservation Act, Seagulls have increased to an 

 enormous extent, and that during autumn and winter they are to 

 be met with in very large flocks on the coast. 



Altogether I have included in the following list 199 species, 

 besides 19 others which have occurred just outside the district 

 I have attempted to describe, and which may very possibly 

 have occurred in Buchan. In making this list, I have made use of 

 Mr. Gray's "Birds of the West of Scotland," and Mr. Edward's 

 paper on the " Birds of Strathbeg," published in the Naturalist* 

 Mr. George Sim, of Aberdeen, has given me every assistance in 

 his power; and I am also much indebted to Mr. T. Ferguson, of 

 Alton, Kimnundy, and to Mr. Duncan, for many years gamekeeper 

 at Brucklay Castle, as well as to Mr. Henderson, formerly keeper 

 at Brucklay Castle, but now with Mrs. Gordon of Cluny, in 

 South Uist. 



The nomenclature is according to Sundevall's method, revised by 

 Henry Thornton Wharton. 



OSCINES. 



Obs. Bluethroat. — Cyanecula suecica (Linnaeus). On the 16th 

 May, 1872, a fine male specimen of this species flew on board a 

 fisherman's boat off the coast of Aberdeenshire in company with a 

 common Redstart, and was taken into Aberdeen, where it was 

 examined by Mr. George Sim, who has it in his possession. This 

 is the first recorded occurrence of the species in Scotland.! 



Redstart. — Ruticilla phoenicurus (Lin.). Tolerably common, 

 and breeds in the district. 



Redbreast. — Frithacus rubecula (Lin.). Common. 



* Nat., vol. iv., p. 239-247 and 263-2/1. 

 t Scottish Naturalist, vol. i., p. 226. 



