NOTES. 239 



the subject, while Mr. W. Evans* discusses the very interesting 

 question as to whether the birds, which are now thoroughly 

 established in the south-eastern half of Scotland, owe their 

 origin to England or Scandinavia. At one time nesting in 

 the faunal area of Moray, the Great Spotted Woodpecker 

 became extinct as a breeding species in Scotland between 1841 

 and 1851 . Since that date there have been a number of autumn- 

 winter irruptions, chiefly on the east coast, of presumably 

 Scandinavian birds. In 1887 the first brood since the ex- 

 tinction of the bird as a nester was found, and this at Duns 

 Castle woods, in Berwickshire. From that date it ojradually 

 extended, and its breeding range now embraces practically 

 the whole of the south-eastern half of Scotland, although 

 it seems strangely absent from Fife and Kinross. All this 

 is well traced by Mr. Harvie-Brown, who illustrates his paper 

 with an excellent map. It may be noted that a breeding 

 record for Aberdeen (c/. antea, Vol. I., p. 281) is omitted. 



Dr. Hartert has latelyf shown us that the English Great 

 Spotted Woodpecker {D. major anglicus) differs from the 

 Scandinavian bird chiefly by its smaller and more slender bill 

 and shorter wing, and Mr. Evans finds that three of these 

 Scottish breeding birds belong to the English race. This 

 fact points to the conclusion that Scotland is being repopulated 

 from England, and not by the Scandinavian visitants, and it 

 is hoped that more specimens may be examined to prove the 

 contention conclusively. 



The study of geographical races has only just begun in this 

 country, but many of us have long been confident that a 

 thorough appreciation of geographical forms would teach us 

 very much (and notably in connection with migration 

 problems) which is unknown, and even unsuspected, concerning 

 the avifauna of the British Isles. Mr. Evans' observations 

 are, therefore, very welcome. 



H. F. WiTHERBY. 



COURTING PERFORMANCE OF THE CUCKOO. 

 In his interesting notes on the Common Cuckoo in India, in 

 your issue of November, Major Magrath calls attention to 

 " a semi-upright attitude " assumed when uttering the call- 

 note. The following note in my diary may be of interest : — 

 " May 12th, 1905. — Two Cuckoos alighted in one of the trees 

 beside the lawn where I was sitting, a third alighting a little 

 way off. Two of the birds I judged males from their 

 behaviour. The one nearest me became very excited, uttering 

 * t.c, 216—218. t British Birds, Vol. I., p. 221. 



