SKETCHES OP EUROPEAN OKNITHOLOGY. 265 



Alpine Chough, Fregilus pyrrhocorax. The plate contains a 

 very spirited representation of an adult, natural size. In general 

 appearance this species bears a remarkable resemblance to the Gar- 

 den Ouzel (Merula vulgaris). Inhabits the precipitous elevations 

 of the Alpine districts of Central Europe. "During summer it sel- 

 dom descends far below the line of perpetual snow, but in severe 

 winters it is sometimes driven to the lower mountain ranges, more, 

 perhaps, in order to obtain food, than to avoid the severity of the 

 cold. Berries, grains, insects. Worms, &c., constitute its food ; it 

 is, indeed, almost omnivorous." Builds in fissures of rocks or holes 

 in old walls ; the eggs, from three to five, are dull white, blotched 

 with yellowish-brown. The sexes are similar, but the black is less 

 pure in young birds, and the bill, orange in adults, is blackish. 



While-fronted Goose, Anser alUfrons — Oie a-front-blanc, Fr. — 

 Oca Lorabardella, It. — Blassen Gans, G. The figures, of an adult 

 and a young bird of the year, are faultless. This bird passes the 

 summer in the northern latitudes of both worlds, where it also 

 breeds ; migrates southwards in autumn, great numbers passing 

 into Holland, Germany, and France. Not uncommon in England, 

 especially the midland and southern counties, frequenting low fenny 

 districts. Feeds on aquatic vegetables. Snails, &c. Its flesh is said 

 to be finely-flavoured and tender. Mr. Gould is not aware whether 

 the black markings on the breast are only assumed during summer, 

 or whether they are confined to certain individuals. We think it 

 probable that they are never found in young birds. 



White Pelican, Pelecanus onocrotahis — Pelican blanc, Fr. — Peli- 

 cano onocrotalo. It. — Grosser Pelekan, G. An adult male is well- 

 figured, one-third of the natural size. " Strictly confined to the 

 old world, over a great portion of which it is plentifully distribut- 

 ed." Teraminck states that the bird found in Europe and South 

 Africa is the present species. Feeds on fish, which it catches with 

 extreme agility, notwithstanding the cumbrous appearance of its 

 bill. It is unable to dive, and therefore frequents shallow water. 

 Builds on the ground, constructing the nest, about a foot and a half 

 in diameter, of coarse herbage, lined with soft grass ; lays two or 

 more white eggs. The pouch under the bill can be contracted or 

 extended at pleasure. The first year's plumage is wholly brown, 

 the complete adult attire — white, with rosy tints — not being ac- 

 quired till the fifth or sixth year, from which we infer that the bird 

 is long-lived. 



Razorbill Auk, Alca lordn — Pingouin macroptere, Fr. — Tord 

 Alk, G. An adult and a young bird are figured, of the size of life. 



