SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 269 



ever, it differs, among other points, in never possessing the trans- 

 verse markings with which the breast of the adult Peregrine is or- 

 namented. The general tone of colouring on the upper parts is 

 deep brown, each feather having a paler border. The under sur- 

 face is yellowish white, with lanceolate dashes of brown — The 

 figures of two birds, an adult and young, rather less than the natu- 

 ral size, are very characteristic. 



Common Sparrow, Pyrgita domestica, Cuv. — Le Moineau, Fr 



Haus Sperling, G. A pair of these birds, admirably drawn, are 

 figured in contrast with the Tree Sparrow, Pyrgita mo?ilana, Cuv. 

 Grosbec friguet, Fr. — Der Feldsperling, G. This species may be 

 distinguished from its well-known ally by being smaller in size, and 

 in having a black patch on the ear-coverts, and a rich chestnut 

 crown. The sexes are alike in colouring. In England the range 

 of habitat of this species is very local, being scarcely known in some 

 counties and common in others, as in Essex and Cambridgeshire. It 

 is found in central Europe, in China, and the Himalayan range of 

 mountains. 



Naumann's Thrush, Turdus Naumatini, Tem. — Merle Naumann, 

 Fr. The figure of this beautiful Thrush is very spirited and cha- 

 racteristic. — This species is intermediate between the Fieldfare and 

 the Redwing. It is a rare visitor in the eastern parts of Europe, 

 and still more rare in the central countries. One has been killed 

 near Munich. The true habitat of this bird is Japan and the ad- 

 jacent regions of Asia. Of its habits we know nothing. 



The Common Wild Duck, Anas Boschas — Canard ordinaire, F. 

 — Geraeine-ente, G. — Anatra salvatica, It. — Canard sauvage, Buff. 

 The plate represents a male and female Wild Duck, in full plumage. 

 The figure of the male, in particular, is very excellent ; nothing 

 can exceed the delicacy of the pencilling; it faithfully renders all 

 the minute zigzag lines which ornament the sides and scapularies of 

 this beautiful bird, and the velvety texture of the feathers of the 

 head, resplendent with glossy green. The more we examine the 

 more we have to admire in this admirable production of the " mimic 

 pencil." — The Wild Duck is too well known to require any special 

 notice. 



Reed Locustelle, Locustella jluviatilis — Becfin riverain, Fr. — 

 Flussanger, G. The figure of this beautiful but sober-coloured 

 bird is very attractive — it is easy and natural. — The Reed Locustelle 

 is clearly allied to our Grasshopper Warbler, Locustella sibilant, 

 in habits, manners, and notes. It is a native of Austria and Hun- 

 gary, and is very common in the Island Gardens in the Danube, 



