60 J. D. MarsuHatu on the Statistics and 
birds are very numerous, and were readily distinguished from the adult by the brown 
on the upper parts of the plumage, which in the old birds are bluish-grey. It is 
called by the islanders, the stonechat, or stonecheck. 
StronecHatT. (Saxicola rubicola.) ‘This lively little bird is common in Rathlin, 
although not so frequently met with as the foregoing. 
Prep Wactait. (Motacilla alba.) This well-known bird is as numerous in 
Rathlin as on the mainland. It prefers the neighbourhood of the houses, and resorts 
to the moist watery places which abound on the island, and where a constant supply 
of insects may be procured. 
Rock Pirtr. (Anthus aquaticus.) This is a constant resident, and is found 
round all the coasts, the situation being very rocky, and consequently well adapted to 
its habits. It flits from stone to stone, along the shore, and may always be seen, ge- 
nerally in search of the smaller marine insects, its usual food. 
Sxy-Larx. (Alauda arvensis.) The island is enlivened by the sweet notes of this 
delightful songster ; it is a constant resident. It builds in the corn and pasture-fields ; 
and in winter, assembles in large flocks in the same way as on the mainland. 
YeLttow Buntinc. (Hmberiza citrinella.) Not very numerous. 
Reep Buntinc. (Hmberiza scheniculus.) 1 saw a pair of these birds on a 
swamp in the southern part of the island where the common reed (arundo phragmites) 
grew in considerable quantities, and where they had formed their nest. This was the 
only situation in which I found them. 
House Sparrow. (Fringilla domestica.) Very common. 
Common Linner. (Lringilla cannabina.) This little bird was common through- 
out the island; and at the time of my visit was in its full summer dress, having the 
bright red markings on the head and breast. 
Rocx Dove. (Columba livia.) This bird, better known by the name of wild 
pigeon, is not unfrequently seen in Rathlin. It frequents the rocky precipices over- 
hanging the sea, and is found in all districts in the island. I found it in flocks of ten 
to twenty in the corn fields and open moors. They were very wild, and could not be 
approached within gun-shot. They breed in the caves along the shore ; but from the 
inaccessible situations they occupy, their nests are seldom disturbed. 
Partripce. (Perdix coturnix.) But very rarely met with. 
Quai. (Perdix coturnix.) I heard this little bird occasionally in the corn 
fields. 
WATER BIRDS. 
Common Heron. (Ardea cinerea.) There are but few places in the British isles, 
where this common, though not uninteresting, bird is not met with ; and in the island 
of Rathlin a few pairs have taken up their abode. The numerous ponds and marshes 
Tr 
ips 
