176 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



the Highlands of Scotland. It is only known to 

 breed in one or two counties (Inverness-shire, Koss- 

 shire, and Galloway), and would undoubtedly have 

 long ago been banished, had it not been for the 

 strict protection extended towards it where it now 

 builds. 



Materials. Sticks, twigs, turf, moss, and grass. 

 The structure is of a huge character, and the top 

 almost flat. The same site is used again and again 

 with the utmost regularity. 



Eggs. Two to four, generally three ; very vari- 

 able and beautiful. The ground colour ranges from 

 white to dull yellowish-white, handsomely marked 

 with rich reddish-brown and light brownish-grey. 

 Some examples are suffused with bright orange-red 

 or purple. The blotches and spots are sometimes 

 very thickly distributed, at others they form a zone 

 round the larger end or are irregularly scattered 

 over the entire of the egg. They (the eggs) also 

 vary considerably in size. Average about 2*3 by 

 1-85 in. 



Time. May and June. 



Remarks. Migratory, arriving in April or May, 

 and departing in September and October. Notes, 

 kai, kai, kai. Local and other names : Eagle 

 Fisher, Mullet Hawk, Fish Hawk. Sits lightly, 

 according to Mr. Dixon, but pretty closely accord- 

 ing to Mr. Seebohm. 



OUZEL, RING. See KING OUZEL, 



OUZEL, WATER. See DIPPEK. 



