The Zoologist— March, 1866. 137 



Common Bunting. — Not at all common ; 1 only noticed it 

 two or three times last spring. I have not seen it during the 

 winter. 



Yellow Bunting. — Not numerous, but more commonly seen in 

 winter. I have seen flocks on the hills, feeding in the oat-stubbles 

 during the autumn. 



Chaffinch.— By far the most numerous of the Conirostres, exceeding 

 in numbers all the others couibiued. I have not noticed any separa- 

 tion of the sexes, or addilion to their numbers during the winter. 

 I think this is the only small bird which is found here as numerous as 

 in the South and East of England. 



House Sparrow. — Comparatively a scarce bird : during the severe 

 weather last February I did not notice more than three or four 

 together at any time in the yards. Nothing has struck me more than 

 the scarcity of this bird. 



Greenjinch. — Rather more numerous than the house sparrow, but 

 not common. 



Goldjinch.— Common ; I have seen as many as sixty or eighty in a 

 flock in the autumn and winter, feeding upon the seeds of the grasses 

 on the meadows. 



Linnet.— ^. ievr breed on the hills, where the furze-bushes attain to 

 any size. 



Lesser Redpole.—l have seen one flock of about twenty this winter, 

 on the 3rd of January ; they were feeding on some alders near 

 Cardigan. 



Bullfinch. — <jenerally distributed; they appear to be more 

 numerous during the winter, which 1 think is to be attributed to 

 their leaving the woods at that season. 



Starling.— Anives about the middle of October in large flocks, 

 leaving again in February. One pair stayed and bred about a mile from 

 here last season ; it was the only instance I heard of. It seems strange 

 that they should leave during the breeding-season : it cannot be from 

 the want of food, as in a damp climate like this worms are plentiful, 

 and stone walls, thatched cottages and ruinous buildings are common 

 enough to accommodate them. 



Raven. — Frequently seen passing over, particularly during the spring. 



Carrion Crow. — Distinguished here as the " farmer's crow." They 

 are common and exceedingly destructive, particularly to the young 

 lambs of the mountain sheep : it is surprising how quickly they kill 

 them ; stealing upon them when asleep they effect their object by first 



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