( 19 ) 



IV. Some Ranarks on the Natural Histonj of the Black Stork, for the 

 jirst time captured in Great Britain. By George Montagu, Esq. 

 F.L.S. 



Read May 2, 1815. 



ARDEA NIGRA. Linn. 

 Black Stork. 



Most ornithological writers mention this bird as an European 

 species, less common than the White Stork, and of a more soli- 

 tary disposition. Its latitudinal range in its periodical migra- 

 tions is apparently greater than that of the Avhite species, since 

 it is said to visit Russia and Siberia, and also to pass over Sweden 

 in the spring in vast flocks, flying towards the extreme north, and 

 soaring to so great a height as to appear no larger than a sparrow. 

 From innumerable observations it is evident that migrative 

 birds are much more confined in their longitudinal range than in 

 their latitudinal : hence it is that many species pass through 

 France and Germany in the spring, and return in the autumn, 

 which by no chance have as yet been ever observed to wander into 

 this country, although they proceed much further north than any 

 part of Britain. Others, from accidental causes of which we have 

 no certain knowledge, occasionally vary a little from their natu- 

 ral course, and are found solitary in this country. Of this I have 

 the pleasure of announcing an example in Ardca nigra, the only 

 instance I believe of its being found at large in Great Britain. 



D 2 This 



