2l6 DUNCAN: BIRDS OF NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE TOWN MOOR. 



* Magpie {Pica rustica Scop.). Has totally disappeared, although 

 formerly common. The last nest was on the border of the 

 moor in 1853. The year previous five young birds got off. 

 ^Jackdaw (Corvus mouedu/a L.). Common. 

 ^Carrion Crow {Corvus corone L.). Rapidly disappearing, 



although an occasional one may yet be seen. 

 ^Hooded Crow {Corvus comix L.). Common in winter ; 



I think it has increased in numbers of late years. 

 *Rook {Corvus frugilegus L.). Very plentiful. 

 ^Skylark {Alauda arvensis L.). Resident and common twenty- 

 eight years ago. I have known seventy to be taken by a lark- 

 net in two nights. There were also captured at the same time 

 nine common buntings, two snowflakes, and a woodcock. The 

 moor was a favourite roosting-place, but owing to the drainage, 

 the birds have nearly all left. 

 ^Swift {Cypsclus apus L.). A common summer visitor. 

 Nightjar {Caprimulgus europceus L.). A summer visitor, not 



uncommon. 

 Kingfisher {Alcedo ispida L.). Not uncommon; I have seen 



several of late years. 

 Wryneck {lynx torquilla L.). Has totally disappeared ; the 

 last I saw was shot in 1859. 

 "*Cuckoo {Cuculus canorus L.). A regular summer visitor. 

 ~*Short-eared Owl {Asio brachyotus Forster). Not uncommon ; 

 generally seen in March and October. 

 Rough-legged Buzzard {Archibuteo lagopus Gm.). A rare 

 casual visitant. I saw one on the 25th October, 1876, and 

 another in November 1888. 

 *Sparrow-Hawk {Accipikr nisus L.). Not uncommon, but not 

 so plentiful as formerly. 

 Hobby {Falco subbuteo L.). A rare casual visitant. I have had 

 two specimens, both males — the first shot on the 25th July, 

 1853, and the second on the 15th August, 1859. 

 ^Merlin {Falco cesalon Tunstall). Not uncommon. To be seen 

 every year in autumn and winter. I have frequently seen this 

 little falcon attack the Hooded Crow and Rook, and drive 

 them from the vicinity. 

 "* Kestrel {Tinntificulus alaudarius Cm.). Formerly common ; 



decreased of late years. 

 * Heron {Ardea cinerea L.). Not uncommon ; I have seen 

 specimens most frequently in the month of July. 



Naturalist, 



