220 • CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON BIRDS. 



identity or difference of the two species at once — "pares cum paribus." It 

 is however not said which is meant. But, on the other hand, Mr. Proctor, 

 sub-curator of the Durham University Museum, found, during a visit at 

 Grimsey, an island north of Iceland, all three species, Brunnichii, troile, 

 and lachrymans on separate rocks, the eggs being distinguished by the 

 natives, and each of the birds known by them under different names. This 

 latter statement, I may here observe, is corroborated by Mr. Arthur 

 Strickland, who asserts that at Flamborough a few of the Una lachrymans 

 breed, but in places more difficult of access than Uria troile, and that the 

 egg is invariably white. Mr. Wolley, on the contrary, has stated that the 

 eggs of the two species, the present and the common one, are not dis- 

 tinguishable. 



The late Mr. Macgillivray, in his "Manual of British Birds," speaks of 

 the ring as occurring on Uria lachrymans only in summer, and then only 

 in some individuals; but in his subsequent work, the " History of British 

 Birds," he seems anxious to make a species of it. He however asserts 

 that the angle of the lower mandible is farther from the base than in the 

 common species, and more prominent; whereas it has been otherwise des- 

 cribed (by Sir William Jardine,) as near to the base, and very slightly 

 developed. Mr. Macgillivray also points out what he considers a difference in 

 the feet, but this is a mere difference in individuals of different sizes. 



On the whole then, the conclusion I think to be arrived at is, that 

 neither in the size, shape of bill, or of feet, is there any other but an 

 accidental, or rather temporary, difference between a specimen of the one 

 species and a specimen of the other, these differences existing invicem first 

 in one and then in the other, but that the larger eye, and the distinct 

 line from the eye, joined to the wider and distinct rim round the eye, 

 to say nothing of the darker colour, are actual and permanent differences, 

 and mark the species as distinct. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON BIRDS. 



BY O. S. ROUND, ESQ. 



Although the woods are familiarly associated with Birds as a class of 

 beings in Nature's great family, the connection more properly applies to 

 those which are, strictly speaking, vocal, and with which we are more 

 intimately acquainted; but there are other classes, which are not all 

 perchers, and are far more extensive in their range, and which we must 

 seek for in the air, the wilds, and the waters. Perhaps it may be said, 

 all birds may be found in the air, and so they may, almost all, at some 

 time or other; even the Dabchick, although I never saw him fly, 



