260 SKETCHES OF EtTROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



position with the head downwards appears to be the most easy and 

 natural. It not only assumes this attitude when alighting on the 

 trunk or limb of a tree, but hammers at the bark or splits a nut in 

 the same position. * * Insects, nuts, and various berries consti- 

 tute their food. Their incubation is performed in the holes of 

 decaying trees." The nest consists of dried leaves, and the eggs, 

 seven in number, are greyish white with reddish spots. " The fe- 

 male is assiduous in her task, and defends her nest with her bill 

 and wings, hissing at the same time in token of anger." In winter 

 the Nuthatch frequents orchards and gardens in quest of food. The 

 sexes, and also young birds, are similar. 



Black-throated Diver, Colymbus aicticus — Plongeon lumme, Fr. 

 — Polar Taucher, G. Fine representations of a male in full plu- 

 mage, and a young bird of the year, three-fourths of the size of 

 life. Extends throughout the arctic circle, frequenting inland wa- 

 ters and small lakes. This bird was first discovered to breed in 

 Britain by our indefatigable countrymen. Sir W. Jardine and Mr. 

 Selby, in the wilds of Sutherlandshire. Feeds on fish, Crustacea, 

 &c. The nest is placed close to the water ; the eggs, two in num- 

 ber, are dark olive-brown, blotched with black. " When the inland 

 lakes of the northern climes become frozen, the adults retreat to the 

 ocean, where they brave with impunity the coldest winters. Their 

 power of diving is remarkable, not more for swiftness than for the 

 long time they are capable of continuing submersed : it is this 

 amazing power that enables them to avoid with the greatest ease' 

 every artifice of man to capture them on the open sea or large 

 lakes.'' The sexes do not differ, but young birds are of a much 

 plainer hue; they "undergo three moultings before they attain 

 their full colouring." 



Hooded Crow, Corviis coinix — Corneille mantelee, Fr. — Corhac- 

 chia mubachia. It. — Nebel Rabe, G. Common in all the moun- 

 tainous portions of the continent, but especially Scandinavia. 

 Abundant in many parts of England, and resident in Scotland. 

 " It frequents the shores of the sea, the banks of large rivers, exten- 

 sive downs, and such arable lands as are devoid of hedge-rows. It 

 is seen in pairs, or chree or four togethei-. Feeds on almost every 

 thing that comes in its way, including carrion, insects, &c. " Is 

 abundantly dispersed along the banks of the Thames, and all such 

 rivers as are under the influence of the tides. During the period of 

 incubation they are said to be very destructive to the eggs and 

 young of the Red Grouse, and will even attack lambs and Sheep. 

 The eggs are four or five in number, of a greenish ground colour. 



