32 Wii,D Birds and their Haunts 



buildings. The Fames are leased to an association that 

 is interested in the protection and preservation of the 

 species breeding there : — 



The Rock Dove (Columba lima). — This species can be 

 distinguished from its near relative, the stock dove, by the 

 white rump (instead of blue) and by having black bars on 

 the wing. It nests in a cave below the Pinnacles. 



The Ring Plover {Mgialitis hiaticula). — The eggs, four 

 in number, are laid upon the shingle, and are marvellous 

 illustrations of protective coloration ; so closely do they 

 resemble their surroundings that it is extremely difficult 

 even for the trained eye of an ornithologist to distinguish 

 them. The yourjg birds, too, when just hatched, har- 

 monise perfectly with the colour of the sand or shingle 

 upon which they rest. This protection is increased by 

 their remaining perfectly motionless when danger is near. 



The Oyster Catcher (Hcematopus ostralegus) nests on the 

 shingle on the Wide Opens, and usually lays three eggs, 

 which, like those of the ring plover, closely resemble their 

 surroundings, as also do the young birds. The oyster- 

 catcher, also called sea-pie or olive, has an orange-coloured 

 bill, legs of a flesh colour, and black and white plumage, 

 making it a most conspicuous and handsome bird. 



The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) nests on the Staples 

 and the Wamses. The eggs of this species are very 

 difficult — practically impossible — to distinguish from 

 those of the lesser black-backed gull, a very much com- 

 moner species on the Fames. Eggs, two or three in 

 number. 



The Sheldrake (Tadorna vulpanser). — A species of duck 

 that frequents sandhills and nests in a burrow. It is 

 sometimes called burrow duck. 



Rock Pipit (Anthus obscuras). — A close relative of the 

 meadow pipit. This bird makes its nest in the crevices 

 of the rock and lays four or five eggs. 



The Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) nest on the 

 Megstone. On approaching the rock the old birds may 

 be seen standing on the rock like sentinels, but fly off 

 before you land. The situation chosen for nests is the 

 highest part of the island. The nests are large structures, 



