from the Western Pyrenees. 455 



Avhile uttering sharp notes upon the wing, not unlike those 

 of the Siskin under similar conditions. These little birds 

 seemed to, be much attracted by the rough-cast walls of the 

 houses facing the gardens, to which they used to cling for 

 several minutes, apparently with the object of securing some 

 kind of food. The only Sparrow identified in Argeles was our 

 common species (Passer domesticus) , which was plentiful ; hut 

 by far the most abundant bird in the whole district was the 

 Chaffinch (Fringllla coelebs), the only Finch which appeared 

 to be breeding at this early date. Linnets (Linota cannabinu) 

 were still flocking in the fields in large numbers, in company 

 with Yellowhammers (Emberitu citrinella) and Sparrows. 

 A pair of Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) was noticed in a 

 large spruce-fir wood on the top of the hill opposite Argeles, 

 and the Meadow-Bunting (Emberiza cia) was seen singly or 

 in pairs, especially in the valley on the way to Cauterets. 

 I was somewhat surprised to find no Starlings (Sturnus 

 vulgaris) in the district, but still more to note at so late a 

 period of the month the entire absence of Choughs (Pyrrho- 

 corax graculus and P. ul pin its). No doubt snow was still 

 lying in the gorges which they frequent, but it must he quite 

 an exceptional experience to fail to meet with them in April. 

 On the other hand, a flock of some eight Jackdaws was seen 

 circling around near the Cirque of Gavarnie, and I should 

 certainly have taken them for Choughs had they not heen so 

 near that their appearance and cry were unmistakable. Only 

 one Jay (Garruius glandarius) was noticed, though it is a 

 common enough bird as a rule ; but Magpies (Pica rustled) 

 were extremely abundant and ranged almost up to the April 

 snow-line. They evidently had eggs towards the end of the 

 month. The Raven (Corvus corax) seems to be rare, but 

 the Carrion-Crow (Corvus corone) was seen, in pairs or 

 singly, on several occasions, both in the higher and the lower 

 valleys. All enquiries respecting the Nutcracker (Nucifraya 

 caryocatactes) were fruitless. 



One of the most abundant species was the Green Wood- 

 pecker (Gecinus viridis), the laugh of which was heard in all 

 directions in the lower valleys, though breeding had not yet 

 begun ; the birds were very tame and easy of observation, 



