150] A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



cresc'ent on the back of the neck, back bluish grey, legs dull ash 

 colour, a small protuberance in lieu of a back toe ; weight seven 

 ounces, length 17 inches. At Weston-nnder-Lizard. 



3. HIDIBUNDUS The Pewit-Gull, Black Cap or Sea Crow: 

 Bill and legs red, head, throat, and tips of the wings black ; back 

 and wings ash colour, the rest white, the wings long, and adapted 

 to long flights its note a hoarse laugh. These birds formerly 

 visited the Skrymsher estate, about half a mile south-west of Nor- 

 bury church, to build and breed : some curious particulars of them 

 from Plot will be found under " High Offley." 



COLYMBUS CRISTATUS The Great-created Grebe: Killed at Com- 

 berford, near Tamworth : a pendant ruff under the chin, no tail, 

 above black brown, beneath silver white, weight 2|lb. length 21 

 inches, legs near the rump, made for diving, not walking or flying, j 



2. AURITIS The Little Grebe, Dobchick, or Doucker: Above 

 black brown, beneath white, head and neck black, ridge and 

 tips of the wings white, a tuft of long feathers on each side the 

 head, legs green, irides red, less than a teal. These birds are so 

 shy, they are with much difficulty shot, having a most exquisite 

 quickness of sight, with a power of remaining long under water. 

 They emerge always towards the water's edge, for the purpose of 

 sheltering in holes, or under the roots of trees ; if taken alive 

 they strike furiously with the bill, like the heron or bittern. Builds 

 its nest in the water, but generally attached to a subaqueous 

 twig : on approaching the nest, the bird darts from it, covers the 

 eggs, and instantly disappears. 



3. STELLATUS The Grey Speckled Diver : Bill turns a little 

 upwards, above grey speckled with white, beneath white, tail 

 of 20 black feathers, some tipped with white, feet finned. Vast 

 flocks on Aqualate-mere, in winter. 



ORDER IV. GRALLJB. 



ARDEA MAJOR The Common Heron: Bill greenish above, yellow- 

 ish beneath, black at the end, a short pendant crest, above grey, 

 beneath white, with longitudinal spots; a greenish naked skin be- 

 tween the bill and the eyes, irides yellow, quills black, legs 

 greenish. The vulgar imagine their legs attract fish. The heron 

 feeds on fish, but nests in the highest trees. " This bird in numbers 

 is on the decline, having been marked out by man as a fish-stealer. 

 Builds in Norbury Park." Plot. 



2. STELLARIS The Bittern: Bill a little arched, irides yellow, 



