G2 OYSTER-CATCIIEK. 



as Kildrummy; likewise at Ballindalloch. Dr. Fleming, too, 

 relates that it breeds, 'down by the Tummel,' at Moulincarn, 

 between Dunkeld and Blair Athol; and Sir William Jardine 

 has seen them on the Tweed as high up as Dryburgh. 



In Orkney this species continues the whole year; a few 

 additional birds, however, generally arrive in spring. In 

 Shetland it is also numerous, as well as in the Hebrides or 

 Western Islands. 



They are seldom seen inland, though that is the case 

 sometimes, but are principally to be noticed on the rocky 

 shores of inlets, and the sand banks of bays and creeks, and 

 mud-covered flats, where scant oases of vegetation and moist 

 patches are interspersed. One was shot on the River Wey, 

 near Guildford, Surrey, on the 23rd. of March, 1845. 



They are occasionally migratory to some extent, namely, in 

 very inclement weather, but otherwise appear to be stationary. 

 In the former case, flocks of several hundreds move together 

 at a great height, both by night and by day, the body forming 

 two sides of a triangle, the whole led by one bird. Their 

 voices at such times are heard in the distance, and the more 

 so if the regular line happens to be broken. 



In winter they unite in small flocks, which again in spring 

 divide into pairs, but several of these resort to the same 

 breeding -places. The male bird keeps watch while the hen 

 is sitting, and gives notice by a loud shrill whistle of the 

 supposed approach of any danger. The hen, if need be, 

 silently quits the nest, and after making a circuit to deceive 

 as to its situation, joins her partner, and both unite together 

 in endeavouring to decoy away the supposed enemy with 

 loud cries, flying round and round him, often very near. 

 Any such, however, that are winged, as, for instance, a 

 Crow, Rook, or Skua-Gull, they are quick to give notice of' 

 the approach of, and attack and drive away from the neigh- 

 bourhood with blows from their powerful bills. They are 

 tameable birds, and will associate with domestic poultry. In 

 their wild state, too, they play about in a lively manner 

 with their own and other species, and at times enter into 

 contests, attacking fearlessly even such as are larger than 

 themselves. They are watchful and shy in their habits, 

 avoiding betimes any suspicious intruders. 

 . They run about in an easy manner, and also, if necessary, 

 with great rapidity, and can loth swim and dive, the 

 former not unfrequently, for short distances, when seeking for 



