114 
‘HAWFINCH, or GROSBEAK. 
FRINGILLA cCoccoTHRAUSTES, Temm. 
This species is plentiful in some districts of 
France, and common in the mountainous regions 
of Italy, Germany, Sweden, and part of Russia. 
Small flocks usually visit England, and less fre- 
quently Scotland, in the beginning of winter, 
remaining until the end of spring. They feed on 
seeds, and frequent the orchards and gardens in 
search of kernels. A considerable number, how- 
ever, are permanently resident in this country. 
Nests containing the eggs and young birds have 
repeatedly been found in various parts of England, 
especially in the vicinity of Epping Forest. The 
nest is composed of decayed leaves and lichens, 
with a lining of fibrous roots. The eggs, four to 
six in number, are of a pale olive colour, spotted 
with black, and streaked with lines of a dusky hue. 
HERON, BUFF-BACKED. 
ARDEA RUSSATA, Temm. 
This species occurs in Holland, Spain, Italy, 
Greece, Cyprus, Persia, Egypt, Nubia, and Sene- 
gambia, and is not unfrequent in the southern 
