APPENDIX. BIRDS. 401 



ANTHUS RICARDI [Richard's Pipit]. 



I have only seen this bird once, at the foot of the Knock Hill. 



ALATJDA ARVENSIS [The Skylark or Laverock}. 



Universally distributed along the whole length and breadth of the 

 county. It is, I think, the most numerous bird we have. 

 Towards the months of October and November a great diminu- 

 tion of its numbers takes place. But a little after New Year's 

 Day they again begin to make their appearance. Where they 

 have been in the meantime, I have never been able to ascertain ; 

 one thing is certain, however, that I have seen them returning 

 from the east and from the north, in immense numbers. 

 (See pp. 127, 269.) 



ALAUDA ARBOREA [The Wood Lark}. 



I have seen but one of these birds, in the avenue of Duff House. 

 It was alone and in song at the time May 27, 1850. 



EMBERIZA NIVALIS [The Snow Bunting}. 



Seen in large flocks during winter, and exhibiting a motley mix- 

 ture of pure white, jet black, dull tawny, and deep chestnut, 

 a beautiful band across the wings being conspicuous only in 

 flight. They arrive about the beginning of November, and 

 depart about the first of April. They sing beautifully, in a 

 sweet low lilt. 



EMBERIZA MILIARIA [The Corn Bunting}. 

 This bird is not very numerous with us. 



EMBERIZA SCHCENICLUS [The Black-headed Bunting or Eing Fowl]. 

 It frequents the mosses. I have found their nests in bushes, 

 amongst reeds, or on the ground. It is called the "Moss 

 Sparrow " by the country people. I once saw a black variety 

 of this bird, and another almost yellow. 



EMBERIZA CITRINELLA [The Yellowhammer}. 



More numerous than either of the two last. The common name 

 here is "Skite." It is not particular as to the place whei'e it 

 builds its nest. I have seen one built in a rut on a cart-track, 

 close by the wayside. On passing afterwards, I found the 

 nest had been destroyed by a cart-wheel passing over it. 



EMBERIZA CIRLTJS [The Girl Bunting], 

 "Very rarely found in this quarter. 



FRINGILLA CCELEBS [The Chaffinch}. Abundant. 



FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA [The Bramlling}. 



A winter visitor. A few may be met with every season. 



FRINGILLA MONTANA [The Tree Sparrow}. 



To be found in several localities throughout the county. 



FRINGTLLA DOMESTICA [The House Sparrow}. Numerous. 



FRINGILLA CHLORIS [ The Green Finch}. 



Pretty generally distributed throughout the country, and especi- 

 ally in woody places. The bird is easily tamed. 



2D 



