134 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



of its nest in a hollow tree near there, but I never had time to visit 

 it in the breeding season. This species seems to be spreading much 

 in Scotland, as I have seen quantities sent in to Mr. Macleay's shop 

 in winter and spring to be stuffed. 



14. Short-eared Owl. Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). — I never saw 

 this bird but once, when I flushed it out of some long heather one 

 day in autumn, when out stalking. The eggs marked as " Short- 

 eared Owl's " in the Dunrobin Museum should be received with 

 caution, as the date of their capture is given as March, 1847 ; the 

 bird itself is certainly not common." 55 ' 



15. Night-jar. Caprimulgus europaeus, Lin. — A common sum- 

 mer bird, breeding about the woods near Brora. The only nest I 

 ever took was on the 16th of July, 1878 ; the eggs were quite fresh, 

 and placed under a tuft of heather on the bare ground. 



16. Swift. Cypselus apus (Lin.). — Common in the summer. 

 Several pairs used to breed in some old disused houses in the 

 village of Brora. 



17. Swallow. Hirundo rustica, Lin. — Not by any means com- 

 mon, though a few pairs appear every summer. 



18. House Martin. Chelidon urbica (Lin.). — Appears in about 

 the same numbers as the preceding. 



1 9. Sand Martin. Cotyle riparia (Lin. ). — The commonest species 

 of all the Swallow tribe, breeding in colonies in any suitable sandy 

 bank. 



20. Tree Creeper. Certhia familiaris,~L\Yi. — Common and breeds. 

 One nest I found was under the bark of an oak tree. This bird 

 used the same place at least two years in succession. 



21. Common Wren. Troglodytes parvidus, Koch. — This little 

 bird seems to frequent the very wildest places on the hill, being 

 generally found, when there, all along the burn-sides, up to their 

 sources, even in the winter. 



22. Sedge Warbler. Acrocephalus streperus, Vieill. — Com- 

 mon in suitable localities about Brora and neighbourhood, where I 

 have often heard its chattering notes. 



23. Whitethroat. Sylvia ru/a, Bodd. — Often seen along the 

 banks of the Lower Brora, and, if I remember rightly, about Dunrobin. 



* A thorough examination of the Dunrobin Museum specimens appears 

 desirable. All specimens which bear no distinct history, or about which the 

 slightest doubt can exist, should be rejected, and their place supplied by 

 thoroughly authentic examples. — J. A. H.-B. 



