NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW, 291 



in the parish of Dailly ; indeed, the whole of the valley of Girvan 

 seems peculiarly attractive to the species. 



The Common Crossbill {Loxia curvirostra). 

 A yearly visitant, and probably a permanent resident in some 

 places. It breeds in the woods on Drummuck farm, the nest 

 having been found there as late as May — probably a second brood. 

 We have seen specimens of the bird tliat were killed there at that 

 season. In the adjoining county of Kirkcudbrightshire the cross- 

 bill is equally well known; and a record dated as far back as 

 1792 states that it then was known to breed in the parish of 

 Buittle. Mr Gray has been informed by a gentleman well 

 acquainted with birds, that he has every reason to believe that it 

 breeds there still. 



The Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pityopsitfacus). 

 This rare species has been obtained on the confines of Ayrshire, 

 a specimen having been killed at Wemyss Bay in the spring of 

 1862, as recorded in " Birds of the West of Scotland." 



STUBNIDM. 

 The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). 



Has become very common of late years, chiefly o^ving to the 

 protection afforded it. It appears to have spread itself in all 

 quarters, although thirty years ago it was comparatively rare. 

 This bird seems partial to the sea-shore during the winter season. 



COBVID^. 

 The Chough (Fregilus graculus). 



Inhabits the cliffs near Ballantrae, also the Mull of Galloway and 

 Burrow Head. Its numbers of late years, however, have become 

 greatly reduced. Mr Gray has visited its haunts repeatedly for 

 the express object of seeing the birds, but has almost invariably 

 been disappointed. One was shot near Burrow Head in the 

 beginning of November, 1868. Along the shores of the southern 

 part 0^ Kirkcudbrightshire it occurs in small flocks; and Mr Gray 

 has been informed by Mr Watson, Stranraer, that he has seen it 

 frequently, during the last few years, in the parish of Kirkmaiden. 

 Mr M'Donald, of the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, states his 



