ME SELBy's notice OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN JULY 1832, 19 



them, such as the eaves of houses or the upper angles of windows. 

 The nature and structure of the rock (porphyritic amygdaloid), which 

 presents a broken face, and a succession of projecting ledges, affords 

 it however, peculiar facilities for the site and security of its curiously 

 constructed nest of clay ; and the offal, dung, &c. of the numerous sea 

 birds, cannot fail to gsnorate an abundance and constant succession of 

 insect food. As we walked along the heights I observed the kestrel 

 {Falco tinnunculus) hovering in his characteristic manner in search of 

 prey, and I have little doubt, but that he finds a secure site for his 

 eyi-ie in some of the adjoining cliffs. Three or four carrion crows 

 ( Corvus corone) were also observed upon the rocks, but too wary to admit 

 of our approach within gun-shot ; the eggs, and young of the sea-fowl, 

 had, in all probability, attracted these depredators to such an unwonted 

 locality. Three ravens ( Corvtis corax) the largest and noblest species of 

 the genus, were also disturbed by our approach, and after soaring 

 around, and attaining a considerable elevation, moved inland, uttering 

 at intervals their loud and raucous croak. Before I enumerate the 

 sea-fowl or aquatics, I must not omit the rock-pigeon ( Cohimha livia), 

 whic]i inhabits and breeds in the numerous caves which perforate the 

 rocks in different directions. This species is the original stock from 

 which the various varieties of oiu' common dovecot pigeons are derived ; 

 it is found in similar situations upon the British coast, but never inland 

 — the bird with which it was confounded ( Colmnba (Enas) being perfectly 

 distinct, and possessing habits approaching more closely those of the 

 cushat or ring-dove {Cohimha j>ff/«/«J«fs). Upon the ledges of the 

 rocks the guillemots ( Z^fia troile) and razor-bills {Alca torda) were seen 

 in great numbers, ranged in order, tier above tier, and looking at a 

 distance like armies of pigmies ; these upon the least alarm utter their 

 peculiar curring kind of note, which, when mixed with the screams of 

 the sea-gull and kittiwake, and heard from a distance, or softened by 

 the murmur of the waves, prodxices a wild, though not disagreeable, 

 species of concert, well according with- the nature of the scenery which 

 sxuTounds them. These bii'ds each lay a single es^, of a large size 

 and peculiar shape, being broad and round at one end, and tapering 

 rapidly at the other, a form that prevents it from rolling or moving to 

 any distance, even when placed on an inclined plane. The pufiin or 

 coulterneb {Fratercula arctica) perhaps as well or better known to us by 

 the name of Tommy-Nody, also finds appropriate holes wherein to 

 deposit its eggs. It does not appear, however, to be numerous, as 

 only two or three individuals were seen during the excursion. This 

 bold headland is also the great breeding station of the Larus canus or 

 common sea-maw ; it effects the upper ledges, and recesses of the 

 precipices, and was observed in great numbers, but so shy as not to be 

 approached within gun-shot. The Larus rissa, or kittiwake, is also 

 numerous, but does not breed in company with the other ; selecting in 

 preference the small projecting angles, which barely admit of room for 

 . the reception of their eggs and young. As we returned seaward in the 



