THE BIRDS OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 249 



pretty little Long-tailed Tit, only a trifle larger than the GolcTcrest, is 

 plentiful, especially in fir woods. At one time several pairs of these 

 birds used to build on some poplar trees in our ground, using as materials 

 skeletonised leaves, and lining the nests with feathers or wool. They 

 were very beautiful indeed, and I always regret not having kept one of 

 their nests. 



In February, 1874, there was shot at Burleigh that very rare bird 

 the Bohemian Waxwing, or Chatterer. This very elegant bird, the 

 silky texture of whose plumage resembles that of the Jay, has severa 

 times been shot in England, but never before, as far as I can ascertain* 

 in Gloucestershire. I have no doubt they were to have been seen last 

 winter, as at that period of the year they leave the cold polar regions for 

 more genial climes. Last winter brought us many strangers, and it is 

 more than probable they came likewise. Of the Motacillse or Wagtails 

 we have three representatives. The Pied and Grey Wagtails I have 

 observed here during winter and summer, whereas some ornithologists 

 maintain that they migrate ; probably some do, but many remain. Kay's 

 Wagtail I have seen once or twice. 



The Tree and Meadow Pipits are fairly common, and breed with 

 us. The Bock Pipit I saw when at Aust Cliff last year. Early in 

 January on many a bright frosty Sunday morning have I listened to the 

 Skylark's cheering song ; and wliile heard almost everywhere it is still 

 more common in the country districts. The Wood Lark is found, as its name 

 implies, in or near woods, and, I think, in most woods. Of the Bunting 

 family, I have once or twice seen on the tops of the hills that beautiful 

 bird the Snow Bunting, while the Common Bunting is by no means rare> 

 and the same may be said of its relatives the Yellow Hammer and Cirl 

 Bunting, generally near barns, especially in winter time. The Black- 

 headed Bunting I have seen occasionally. 



A family of thirteen members represent the Finch kind ; viz., 

 Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Linnet, Brambling, Tree Sparrow, 

 Hawfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Lesser Redpole, Twite, Bullfinch, and 

 Crossbill. Of the first four there is an absolute abundance. The 

 Brambling and Twite are winter visitors, and, when beech mast, hips, 

 haws, and berries are plentiful, so are they. The Tree Sparrow, being 

 very much like the House Sparrow, is, I think, more common than is 

 usually supposed, as it is easy to mistake them for each other, while the 

 Goldfinch and Bullfinch are fairly abundant, but as they are very much 

 sought after by bird-catchers, they do not stand much chance of becoming 

 more plentiful. The Siskin and Hawfinch are winter visitors, and, I 

 believe, were both fairly abundant last winter, as I know for certain that 

 several were seen. A Crossbill was shot by a friend of mine in a firwood, 

 in Toadsmoor Bottom. It is a rare bird. The upper and lower 

 mandibles cross each other in a most curious manner. The crossed bill 

 of this bird is well adapted to crack open apples and fir-cones for the 

 kernels inside. Their bills are marvellously strong, and will split an 

 apple with the greatest ease. 



[To be continued. 



BB 



