THE CORNCRAKE 569 



ckiffchaff, and other regular migrants, to spend the winter on our 

 western shores. A large proportion of these records come from the 

 south of Ireland, but others have been received from the Outer 

 Hebrides, the western counties of England, etc. At such times 

 the birds will take shelter in outbuildings or in the crevices of loose 

 stone or turf walls, and Saxby notes that on their first arrival in the 

 Shetlands they may occasionally be found in similar places, sheltering 

 from the sleet storms and cutting winds which prevail at this season. 



The peculiar wedge-shaped body which is so characteristic of 

 all the Rails, enables the corncrake to thread its way through thick 

 mowing grass with wonderful ease, and, when necessary, with great 

 speed. When walking quietly the head is retracted, and moves to 

 and fro with each step that the bird takes. The feet are lifted 

 high and the tail is frequently jerked. But on the least alarm the 

 neck is extended forward to a surprising length, and the whole shape 

 of the bird is altered as the neck is craned upwards so that a view 

 may be obtained over the tops of the grass. Apparently the males 

 are the first to arrive, and for a few days they are very restless, 

 calling at intervals. Where the birds are plentiful there seems to be 

 a good deal of competition for territory. This seems to be especially 

 the case in some parts of Ireland. Here the males will fight furiously, 

 and at such times will allow of quite a close approach. Even when 

 disturbed, though separated for a time, they will soon return and 

 renew the fight. During these combats the feet are freely used, and 

 when one bird gets a good grip of its opponent, the bill, which in the 

 male is more powerful than in the female, is brought into action with 

 effect. 1 These fights seem to be for territory, and each bird has its 

 little district which it patrols almost incessantly. Probably the 

 primary object of the loud craking note is to attract the attention of 

 the newly arrived females, but no doubt it acts also as a challenge to 

 any male which has taken up its quarters close at hand. While 

 actually fighting, or when facing one another, a grunting note, which 



1 Mr. J. Henderson. 



