Birds. 9303 
removing it from the Sylvie, where Wilson had placed it; neither its 
hooked beak nor stout legs fitting it to be so associated: its proper 
position is with the Saxicole. It was in passing through an open 
glade that I first observed them; they were shy and wary, keeping out 
of gun-shot, and as the evening was closing in I almost despaired of 
- getting any; and it was not until I had concealed myself behind an 
old stump that I managed to shoot them. They were taking their 
evening’s repast, much after the manner of the flycatcher, to which 
they are seemingly allied, occasionally settling on the ground for a 
second or two, then resuming a position on stump or branch,—more 
frequently the former. When alighting on a tree, it was generally on 
the lower or decayed branches. They were constantly darting about, 
whether in quest of flies or gnats I could not see, and subsequently 
omitted to observe. Their flight is buoyant, often soaring, too, before 
alighting. When stationary, which they seldom were for many seconds, 
the wings were drooping and feathers ruffled. In width of mouth it 
greatly resembles a flycatcher. A fine male is 6{ inches in length, 
and 112 inches in extent of wings. The female is of the same size 
as the male, but the plumage is less brilliant. 
Winter Wren (Sylvia troglodytes). In September I procured a wren 
of this species. Though about the size of the common European 
wren, I do not agree with Wilson, who says, “I strongly suspect it is 
the same species as the common domestic wren of Britain.” The 
plumage is decidedly darker, as stated in my former notes (Zool. 6749), 
the feathers of the breast more elongated, and the tail is longer. The 
throat and fore part of the breast of the winter wren are of a light 
brown, tinged with rufous; these parts in the European bird are pale 
grayish brown. ‘The belly of the former is black, spotted with white 
and reddish brown ; that of the latter grayish white, tinged with yellow 
and spotted with light brown. The tail of the winter wren is dark 
reddish brown, broadly barred with black ; that of the European wren 
light reddish brown, with dusky bars. Back of the winter wren dark 
reddish brown, with black and white spots; back of the European 
wren light reddish brown, minutely barred with dark brown. The bill 
of the winter wren is black; the bill of the European wren of a light 
horn-colour. The tarsus of the winter wren is dark brown in front, 
black behind; toes and claws black: in the European wren these 
parts are many shades lighter. But I need not carry on the com- 
parison, the winter wren being undoubtedly a distinct species. Length 
4 inches 1-teath; extent of wings 5% inches. 
Ruby-crowned Wren (Sylvia calendula). On the 9th of October 
