Vol. xi ir 



Prentiss, Birds of Bermuda. 2 3Q 



more because of its depredations on small fruits, especially the Loquot 

 plum. Its note, the ' mew,' is also less vigorous than that of the Ameri- 

 can bird — is more quiet and subdued. They are not yet in song 

 (March i). 



5. Columbigallina passerina. — The Ground Dove is also very abun- 

 dant, being constantly seen feeding along the roads. It is more timid 

 than the birds previously mentioned, but when feeding in the old fields, 

 one can walk quite close to them without their taking alarm. 



6. Passer domesticus. — The English Sparrow is as aggressive, offen- 

 sive and despised here as in the States. They were introduced some 

 years ago and in a climate without winter, propagate prodigiously. An 

 attempt was made to check their increase by a bounty for the birds and 

 their eggs of six pence a dozen, but it cost the government so much, 

 £800 in one year, that it was abandoned, while its destruction apparently 

 made no difference in the number. They are most cordially hated by the 

 Bermudians for several reasons : — they foul the eaves and verandahs of 

 the houses, eat up the chicken feed, destroy the fruit — especially grapes 

 and the Loquot, and last but not least, antagonize the native birds. I have 

 been told of instances of their taking possession of the hole occupied by 

 Bluebirds and destroying the rightful occupants. 



Fortunately the Sparrows do not rest much on the roofs of houses, or 

 they would pollute the water supply. The Bermudians depend entirely 

 upon rain water for their supply. The houses are tiled with thin slabs 

 of stone and kept white-washed to secure pure water. Birds frequenting 

 the roofs would be very objectionable. 



I have seen no domestic pigeons here though I believe there are a few 

 in Hamilton. 



7. As another nuisance ornithologically may be mentioned the Crow — 

 introduced some twenty years since. They became very numerous and 

 did so much damage to the crops, especially the Indian corn, and by kill- 

 ing young ducks and chickens, that a bounty of half a crown (60 cts.) 

 was put on their heads. This has almost exterminated them — a small 

 flock of five in the neighborhood of Walsingham being all that remains. 



8. The Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) presents a familiar and handsome 

 appearance, especially around the shores of Harrington Sound. The bird 

 however is not a favorite. The squid is the best bait for fishing and are 

 very scarce. I heard a fisherman charge the scarcity to the Kingfishers — 

 they being especially fond of squid. So also in the Aquarium of beauti- 

 ful fish — angel fish, turbot, parrot fish, etc., at Mrs. Allen's at Flatt's 

 Village. Many young fish of these species were added, but were said to 

 be eaten by the Kingfishers. Perhaps the latter, however, were not 

 wholly to blame, for one morning a Blue Heron was found perched 

 reflectively over the pond. 



9. Lastly permit me to mention the picturesque Tropic Bird (Phaetkon 

 ffavirostris), a prominent and interesting feature of the landscape, from 

 the first of March until October, with its single long tail feather, dashing 



