BIRDS OF ARRAN. 301 



CARRION CROW (Corvus corone). HOODED CROW (Corvus 

 comix). Both these birds exist in some numbers, and inter- 

 breed here as at other places in the West of Scotland, with 

 like results. 



ROOK (Corvus frugilegus). Common, and on the increase. 



JACKDAW (Corvus monedida). Exceedingly abundant, 

 breeding in holes and crevices on the precipitous mountains, 

 where its nests are quite inaccessible. I have nowhere seen 

 this bird so numerous. It is likewise increasing rapidly in 

 the other islands. 



MAGPIE (Pica caudaki). Now quite shot down iu Arran. 

 The last bird was killed at Dougrie about ten years ago, and 

 it was supposed to have come across from Cantire during a 

 westerly gale. 



Obs. The Jay is likewise extinct, none of the present 

 keepers having seen one during an experience in Arran of 

 nearly fifteen years. In Mr. Blain's MSS. it is mentioned 

 as being found in the Island of Bute. 



COMMON CREEPER (Certhia familiaris). Common in suit- 

 able places. 



WREN (Troglodytes vvdgaris). Abundant. Some years 

 ago, when walking from Brodick to Lamlash by the old road, 

 I found in the broken banks of a stream several wrens' nests, 

 cup-shaped like that of a swallow ; they were all placed on 

 tree-roots under the edge of the projecting turf, and in two 

 of them I found the bird sitting. One of these I caught 

 with my hand as it sat on the nest. 



CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus). Abxindant even in the bleak- 

 est heaths of all the islands. 



Obs. Though the Arran streams are likely enough places 

 to attract the kingfisher, I am assured by Mr. Halliday and 

 Mr. Mackenzie that it is never seen in the island. 



SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica). Very common. Mr. Alston 

 informs me that it builds in the face of the cliffs on the west 

 side of the island, where there are few houses. 



MARTIN (Hirundo urbica). Also common, breeding in 

 colonies on the cliffs along the west coast. 



