THE BIRDS OF NORTH UIST 249 



Pratincola rubicola, Linn. Stonechat. (B.) Fairly common. 

 Being of a somewhat retiring nature the Stonechat is often over- 

 looked. It is, however, scattered throughout the island, and most 

 numerous between Lochmaddy and Newton, that district being very 

 suitable to its habits. 



Erithacus n/becula, Linn. Redbreast. (B.) Fairly common. 

 A few pairs to be seen from time to time, but never very numerous. 



Sylvia cinerea, Bech. Whitethroat. Rare. Stragglers are 

 seen every summer, but do not breed to my knowledge. For 

 September I have but two examples: 5th September 1909 and 

 7th September 191 r. 



Sylvia curruca, Linn. Lesser Whitethroat. Rare. Have only 

 one record, 6th September 19 14. 



Sylvia atricapilla, Linn. Blackcap. Fairly common. Autumn 

 migrant. 



Phylloscopus rufus, Bech. Chiffchaff. Rare. A few stragglers 

 during spring migration. 



Phylloscopus trochilus, Linn. Willow-wren. Rare. Occasion- 

 ally seen during autumn migration. 



Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Bech. Wood-wren. Rare. Have 

 never had the fortune to meet with this bird in North Uist. 

 Occasional examples, however, are reported from time to time 

 during the autumn. 



Accentor ttiodularis, Linn. Hedge-sparrow. (B.) Fairly 

 common. A resident in small numbers. 



Cinclus aquaticus, Bech. Dipper. Rare, though isolated occur- 

 rences are now and then recorded. Chiefly from the vicinity of 

 North and South Lee. 



Parus azruleus, Linn. Blue Titmouse. Though this species 

 has never come under my notice, I have been informed that "Blue 

 Bonnets" were frequently observed during March and April of 1912. 

 My informant, after telling me of the above, proceeded to spin yarns 

 of feeding this little bird during the winter some years previous in 

 Lanarkshire, introducing cocoanuts and suet as the staple diet. 

 One could hardly doubt his statement. 



Troglodytes parvulus, Koch. Wren. (B.) Fairly abundant, 

 especially around dwelling-houses and in the vicinity of stone walls 

 usually close to the sea. Owing to this bird's retiring nature, 

 and its habit of taking cover at a moment's notice, people visiting 

 these islands pass by without observing this, the shyest of creatures. 



Motacilla alba, Linn. White Wagtail. Common during the 

 latter half of April and throughout May. An odd bird is sometimes 

 seen during September, 



