BRITISH BIRDS. 7 



Only a few instances of this singular-looking 

 species have been met with in (Treat Britain;* but 

 it is common in other countries. 



Latham says, "it is common in Egypt, t being 

 found there in the marshes in October; its food is 

 said to consist principally of flies. It is likewise 

 plentiful about the Salt Lakes, and often seen on 

 the shores of the Caspian Sea, as well as by the 

 rivers which empty themselves into it, and in the 

 southern deserts of Independent Tartary ; we have 

 also seen it in Chinese paintings ; and it is known 

 at Madras, in the East Indies." It is, also, often 

 met with in the warmer parts of America; is some- 

 times seen as far north as Connecticut, and also in 

 Jamaica. 



* Sir Robert Sibbald makes mention of two that were shot in 

 Scotland Pennant of one that was shot near Oxford, and of five 

 others which were shot in Frincham pond, in Surrey. 



t Pliny says it is ;i native of Egypt. 



