258 BIRDS OF NORFOLK. 



also differ much inter se; and occasionally, as will be 

 seen by the subjoined tables, a female with an unusually 

 short bill, and a male with an exceptionally long one, 

 may entirely mislead the too credulous ornithologist 

 who relies upon external features only. 



FEMALES. 



* Total length from tip of bill to end of tail. Wing, from 

 carpal joint to end of longest quill (first). Bill, measured along 

 the upper mandible. 



The numbers and dates are those of each specimen as given in 

 describing the plumage, and correspond with the numbers and 

 dates on the label attached to each bird for convenience of future 

 reference. 



f The difference in length between this bird and the previous 

 one is owing chiefly to the size of the bill, which in No. 3 is also 

 exceptionally short. 



J The most perfect in plumage of all the male birds. 



The male before mentioned as backward in plumage, and 

 unusually long in the bill, which accounts for the excess in the 

 total length j the other measurements are rather under the average. 



