XXXVI YORKSHIRE—VERTEBRATE FAUNA. 
been known in isolated instances to rear their young in localities 
further north. 
That local and interesting bird the Pied Flycatcher is probably 
more abundant than in any other British county; its breeding- 
haunts being numerous and widely diffused. 
The Lesser Tern has a single breeding-station, but it is a 
matter for regret that the species, fast decreasing in numbers, 
owing to persecution, bids fair to be classed among the extinct 
birds at no very distant period. It is somewhat singular that 
Yorkshire, having this species and the Ringed Plover in abundance, 
should not be able to. include among its breeding birds the larger 
species of Terns and the Oyster-catcher ; nor can it be ascertained 
that these birds ever did frequent its shores for such a purpose. 
THE THIRTY-SEVEN WINTER VISITANTS do not include many 
species which merit special mention, but the following are uncom- 
mon birds of annual occurrence :—The Great Grey Shrike, Shore- 
Lark, and Rough-legged Buzzard. The last-named and some 
other birds of this class, as the Redwing, Hooded Crow, Crossbill, 
Short-eared Owl, and Tufted Duck, have in isolated instances been 
known to breed in the county. 
None of THE SEVENTEEN PERIODICAL VISITANTS admit of 
much comment.. The Pygmy Curlew, Common and Pomerine 
Skuas, are amongst the least numerous; while the Dotterel still 
visits the county annually as of old, but in gradually decreasing 
numbers. Its periodical visits are alluded to in the Northumberland 
Household Book, wherein (in 1512) it is set forth that ‘at principal 
feestes . . .  Dotterells to be bought for my Lord when 
thay ar in season and to be at jd. a pece.’ Formerly the Osprey 
was of this class, and occurred regularly in the county every 
spring and autumn on its passage to and from its Scottish breed- 
ing-haunts, where it is now almost unknown. 
Of THE FIFTY-EIGHT CASUAL VisiTANTs the Dartford Warbler 
finds just within the extreme southern boundary of the county 
the most advanced of its northern outposts—at a locality in which 
on one occasion its nest and eggs were found. 
The Bearded Reedling, Crested Titmouse, Ortolan Bunting, 
Chough, and Golden Eagle are noticeable as of exceptionally 
rare occurrence. 
