NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE BUTT OF LEWIS 33 



coloured bird either lost its attractive distinguishing coat, or 

 disappeared from the locality. 



Chaffinch {Fringilla cxlebs). — A few have been seen every 

 year since 19 10, usually singly, four being the most seen at one time. 

 In 1912 and 1914 they appeared in March; in 1910 in July, while 

 the autumn records are for October, November, and December. 

 They are not local breeding birds. 



Brambling {Fringilla vio?itifringiUd). — There are spring records 

 of March, April, and May in the seasons of 1908, 1909, 19 10, 19 13, 

 autumn records in 191 1 and 1913 for October and November, but 

 none were seen in 191 2. They are never numerous here. 



Linnet {Acanthis cannabhid). — Small parties appear in spring, 

 and a few are known to have bred. 



Mealy Redpoll {Acanthis /uiarta). ^-B'lrds of this species were 

 recorded as present in small numbers in October and November 

 1908, 1910, and 1913. 



Twite i^Acanthis flavirostris). — Twites are very common from 

 August onward till dispersed by extreme winter weather ; large 

 flocks frequenting the crofts where seed-feeding is abundant. They 

 do not breed numerously in the locality. 



Crossbill {Loxia curvirostra). — A small flock of these was 

 seen here on 21st August during the noted immigration of 1909. 



Yellow Bunting {Emberiza citrinella). — -This is a rare visitor 

 here, having only been observed on two occasions in October 

 and November. 



Corn-bunting {Emberiza miliaria). — Corn-buntings are about 

 in small numbers all winter, but are not often seen. They arrive 

 in flocks in March, April, and as late as May, long after the local 

 birds are in song and mated. After their oversea journey they 

 arrive much exhausted, and for hours sit tamely resting. They 

 breed extensively all over the crofts and pasture-land. I have 

 not observed any outward migration in autumn, though it doubtless 

 occurs. 



Snow-bunting {Plectrophanes nivalis). — Is a regular autumn 

 and winter visitor, often in large flocks. loth September 191 1 

 is the earliest autumn appearance noted. In 1913 three males 

 and a mated pair remained up to 5th May. Numbers are got 

 at the lighthouse lantern in hazy weather. 



Starling {Shirnus vulgaris). — This is certainly the most 

 numerous of the few resident birds we have. It also comes 

 most frequently to the lantern, appearing not only at the spring 

 38 E 



