741 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE SONG OF BIRDS. 



BY MR. ARCHIBALD HEPBURN. 



The following Table is the result of two years' observation 

 on the Song of our Birds. Two or three species are omitted, 

 and to others I am unable to fix the periods at which they com- 

 mence and cease singing. These periods of course, like the 

 migrations of birds, vary according to the weather. On com- 

 paring these notes with some papers in White's Selborne, I was 

 much surprised at the difference which they exhibit. 



1. Cinclus europa^us. Sings all the year. 



2, Turdus viscivorus. Begins to sing third week of January. 



Sings occasionally at all seasons. 

 S. Turdus musicus. Begins fourth week of January : ceases 

 second week of July. Sings occasionally in autumn and 

 winter. 



4. Turdus Merula. Begins fourth week of January : ceases 



second week of July. Sings occasionally in autumn and 

 winter. 



5. Turdus torquatus. Begins third week of April. 



6. Alauda arvensis. Begins fourth week of January : ceases 



third week of July. Sings again in September and 

 October. 



7. Anthus pratensis. Begins third week of April : ceases 



third week of July. 



8. Anthus arboreus. Begins second week of INIay. 



9. Anthus aquations. Begins in April. 



10. Motacilla Yarrelli. Sings during its stay in East Lothian. 



11. Accentor modularis. Begins second week of February : 



ceases first week of August. Sings occasionally in au- 

 tumn and winter. 



12. Erithacus Rubecula. Sings all the year. 



13. Fruticicola Rubetra. Begins third week of April. 



