326 Mr. Macgillivriy's Account of the Out^ Hebrides. 



8. GalliruB 



37. Teirao scoticus, Red Grouse, Cearc-fhraoich, or heath-hen, 

 is very abundant in all the large islands. 



38. Teirao Lagopus, the Ptarmigan, An Tarmachan, occurs- 

 near the summits of most of the mountains exceeding 2000 feet in 

 height. The ptarmigans of the Outer Hebrides seem smaller than 

 those of some parts of the mainland of Scotland ; but I have not 

 been able to find any good specific differences in them. 



9. Grallatores. 



.39. Calidris aretiaria, the Sanderling, An Scraillig, does not 

 seem to breed in the Outer Hebrides, but appears in flocks upon 

 the sandy shores in autumn and winter. 



40. Hcematopus ostralegus, the Oyster-catcher, An Trileachan, 

 is common along the shores. 



41. Charadrius Pluvialis, the Golden Plover, Feadag, breeds 

 on the heaths, where it is very common. In autumn vast flocks 

 assemble upon the sands, and in frosty or snowy weather the shores 

 are often seen covered by them. It is chiefly to this bird that the 

 Hebridean sportsmen direct their attention, it being to be met 

 in flocks abundantly from the middle of autumn to the beginning 

 of April. 



42. Charadrius Hiaticula, the Ringed Plover, A Bhoag, is also 

 very abundant along the sandy shores, where it breeds. 



43. Vanellus cristatxis, the Lapwing, A Churracag, is not com- 

 mon, but is met with occasionally at all seasons. 



44. Strepsilas collaris, the Turnstone, is seen in small flocks, 

 along the rocky shores, from October to April. 



4.5. Ardea cinerea, the Common Heron, A Chorra-riabhach, is 

 not uncommon, especially in winter; but I have not been able to 

 ascertain that it breeds in these islands. 



46. Numenius Arquata, the Curlew, Guilbnach, occurs abun- 

 dantly along the shores in autumn, winter, and spring, retiring to 

 the heaths in summer to breed. 



47. Numenius Phceopus, the Whimbrel, A Gttilbnach Bheag, 

 or little curlew, appears on the sandy pastures about the middle of 

 iMay, and remains for about five weeks, but does not seem to breed. 

 It feeds on Helix ericetorum and Bulimvs acutus. 



48. Tringa variabilis, the Dunlin or Sandpiper, An Gille-fea- 

 daig, or plover's page, has received its vernacular name from the 

 circumstance of its being generally found in summer along with the 

 golden plover on the heaths, where it breeds. At this season it 

 has a large black spot on the breast, similar to that assumed by the 

 plover. In autumn the sandpipers collect in flocks of immense 

 extent, and betake themselves to the sands, where they remain 

 until spring. 



