CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 215 



placed in a hole among the crumbling chalk and 

 mould in an overhanging bank. 



The specimens were obtained in the neighbourhood 

 of Brighton, in June, 1872. 



TREE SPARROW. 



Case 297. 



This bird is common in the east of Norfolk, in a few 

 localities being equally as numerous as its relative 

 the House Sparrow. 



In Sussex, I have occasionally seen large flights 

 pass over during winter; and in April, 1875, I no- 

 ticed several with a large flock of Bramblings and 

 Chaffinches that remained for several weeks feeding 

 in the fields near Falmer. I have not, however, 

 observed the Tree Sparrow breeding in this county. 



Large flocks arrive from the north of Europe in the 

 autumn. On several occasions I have met with them 

 in the North Sea many miles from land, at times 

 appearing much fatigued, and remaining on board for 

 several hours to rest. 



The following statement, in reference to the present 

 species, appears in a well-known ornithological work: 



"It is now perfectly clear that this bird resides 

 amongst trees only, and that it makes its nest in holes 

 and cavities of such as are decayed, and never amongst 

 the branches nor in buildings.'* 



I took particular trouble to hunt for the breeding 

 quarters of these birds round several farms in the east 

 of Norfolk, and in every instance the nest was placed 

 amongst the buildings; some in cowsheds, others 

 under the tiles of the out-houses, and three or four 



