APPENDIX. 339 



Blue Tit Parus cceruleus, Linn. 



Resident ; occurring in all suitable localities along the south-east where 

 there is wood ; more frequently observed in winter. Bare in the west 

 and very local. Some years ago we described it as "common in the 

 west but local," but we now believe this to have been an error ; other- 

 wise, there has been a change of circumstances. Our subsequent notes 

 do not bear out the previously published statement. 



Cole Titmouse Parus ater, Linn. 



Abundant and resident in the east ; receiving apparently large additions 

 in the winter. This Tit inhabits all the patches of old birch-wood in 

 the district, and breeds there, in winter associating with such other 

 birds as blue and long-tailed tits, and gold crests, besides those of its 

 own species. Commoner in the west than either of the two last-named 

 species. Common at Tongue (Auct. J. Crawford). Recorded as rare in 

 Caithness (Osborne), only two specimens having been obtained there 

 subsequent to 1840. In 1878, we found a nest of young Cole Tits, in 

 a crack in a dry hill of peat, on a burn side near Overskaig on Loch 

 Shin. The only trees, for quite a mile around, were a few birch-trees in 

 a hollow on the burn side. 



Long-tailed Titmouse Acredula rosea (Blyth). 

 Resident and common, flocks being observed in winter in all the east 

 coast straths we have visited at that season. Most frequently observed 

 in winter and apparently more abundant then ; this, however, as in the 

 case of the cole tit, may be, firstly, because the leaves being then off 

 the trees the birds are more easily seen, and secondly, that these birds 

 then go in flocks. Sheriff Mackenzie informs us this bird breeds 

 regularly in the birch-woods about Lairg. Present also around Tongue 

 in the north, but reported as having decreased of late years, especially 

 since the winter of 1878-79 (J. Crawford, 1884). Not observed hitherto 

 in the west. 



Family AMPELID^E. 



Waxwing Ampelis garrulus, Linn. 



Very rare and casual visitant. The only specimen known to us came 

 into the possession of the late Mr. Dunbar of Brawl ; it was shot in a 

 garden near Balblair, Invershin, date unknown. 



Family MOTACILLIMl. 



Pied Wagtail Motacilla lugubris, Temm. 



Summer visitant ; abundant everywhere in the county, rarely remaining 

 the winter through ; arrives very early in spring. 



Gray Wagtail Motacilla melanope, Pall. 



A summer visitant; fairly numerous in the eastern district. Returns 

 with great regularity to the same nesting-place year after year. After 

 the severe winter of 1878-79 two nesting - places we knew of in the 

 latter district were, however, un visited. Occurs in winter occasion- 

 ally about Bonar, we having received a specimen from there in the 

 flesh in 1869. Local in the west, visiting regularly the same spots 

 every year. Not very abundant. 



Obs. Ray's Wagtail Motacilla rayii, Bon. 



This species is included in Mr. A. G. More's sub-province 35, but with 

 a mark of interrogation. He says "This bird has been seen as far 



