SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGV. 41 



SO excellent as many of the preceding. Common on the rocky and 

 reedy shores of Britain and the rest of Europe. " They occasion- 

 ally perch and roost on trees, towers, and rocky projections ; and al- 

 though the summits and ledges of rocks overhanging the sea are the 

 principal and favourite breeding stations, still it is known to incubate 

 occasionally in trees, and even upon the ground, as is the case in the 

 Farn Islands, and the extensive reed beds in Holland. The nest is 

 composed of dried sea-weed rudely put together, and often of a con- 

 siderable thickness ; the eggs, generally three in number, are green- 

 ish-white, covered with a chalky coating, and extremely small com- 

 pared with the size of the bird. In swimming, the body of the Cor- 

 morant is nearly all immersed below the surface of the water, the tail 

 serving as a very effectual rudder, by means of which it is able 

 either to dive or turn in the most rapid and dexterous manner." Its 

 food consists of fish, of which it destroys immense numbers, chasing 

 them under the water ; the dilatability of the throat enables it to 

 swallow with safety fishes of comparatively large bulk. The young 

 have the whole of the under parts dusky white, and want the plumes 

 on the head of the adults. 



The Orpheus Fauvet, Ficedula orphea — Becfin orphee, Fr. — 

 The bill, and, indeed, the whole body of this bird are of a stouter 

 make than those of the more typical members of the genus ; and, 

 with due deference to the opinion of Mr. Gould, we should be in- 

 clined to remove the species from Ficedula. Con.mon in the south 

 of Europe, and sometimes found in Switzerland, but never further 

 north. Specimens have been received from India. According 

 to Professor Savi, its habits resemble those of the common White- 

 throated Fauvet of Britain. Feeds on insects and berries, and builds 

 in bushes, often in company with others of the same species ; also, 

 according to Tcmminck, in the holes of old walls, or under the eaves 

 of deserted and isolated buildings. Lays four or five eggs, nearly 

 white, irregularly marked with yellowish blotches and small brown 

 spots. The female is distinguished by the head being of the same 

 colour as the rest of the plumage. These birds are not remarkable 

 for beauty, either as regards shape or plumage, but they are well 

 figured in the plate. 



King Ouzel, Merula torquata, — Merle k-plastron, Fr., — Merla 

 torquata. It., — King Drossel, G. Our author's figures, of a male 

 anil female, size of life, are beautiful, and so is his description, which 

 we shall present entire : — " ' The periodical visits of this bird to our 

 coast,' says Mr. Selby, ' arc contrary to the others of the genus that 



VOL. VII., NO. XXI. f 



