144 



The Chaffinch of Madeira is nearly identical with the bird figured, 

 under the name of " Fringilla Tintillon," in Webb and Berthelot's 

 work on the Canary islands. 



The Greater Redpole is very abundantly met with ; it differs from 

 the English Linnet in retaining its carmine colouring through the year. 



The Lesser Swift is mentioned in Brewster's ' Journal,' by Dr. 

 Heineken, under the title of " Black-chinned Swift." This property 

 is however by no means general amongst the species : I have several 

 in my possession with the chin fully as white as that of the common 

 Swift. One of the chief differences is in size, the ' unicoJor ' being 

 much the smallest. The tail is forked about an inch and a half, and 

 the plumage is rather darker than that of the common Swift. 



The common Swift is not quite so plentiful as the Lesser Swift. 

 Both species remain in the island throughout the year ; their nests 

 are built in the cliffs ; their habits vary from those of Swifts in En- 

 gland ; here they seem to take the place of the Swallow, hunting and 

 skimming along the ground in a manner that would appear very de- 

 grading to their northern brethren. 



The Ring-dove appears to be rather larger than the English bird ; 

 in other respects it is similar. It lives in the forests on the north 

 side of the island. 



The Long-toed Wood Pigeon has been described by Dr. Heineken, 

 in 'Brewster's Journal,' under the name of " Columba Trocaz ;" it is 

 about an inch longer than the Madeiran Ring-dove ; one of its chief 

 peculiarities, and which seems to have escaped observation, is the great 

 length of its centre toe, being more than an inch longer than that of 

 the Ring-dove ; it has a silvery ring all round its neck ; it is darker in 

 its general plumage than the Ring-dove, and is excellent eating. It 

 inhabits the forests on the north side of the island, feeding upon 

 grasses and the acorns of the laurel- trees. 



The Rock Pigeon inhabits the sea cliffs, and rocks in the ravines 

 all over the island. There is a variety here which is darker in its 

 plumage and in the colour of its feet than the common Rock Pigeon. 



The Red-legged Partridge is shot on the serras. 



The Quail is more plentiful than the Partridge, and approaches 

 nearer to the habitations of man ; it pairs, laying about sixteen eggs, 

 and has three or four broods in the season. 



The Woodcock is found chiefly in the west, and on the Paul da 

 Serra, sometimes plentifully. It is a large bird, but I think of in- 

 ferior flavour ; it breeds in the island, and is met with throughout 

 the year. 



The Tern appears chiefly at the Dezerta islands and at Point Sao 

 Louren^o. 



The Herring Gull is common everywhere ; Dr. Renton says it 

 is quicker by some months in obtaining its mature plumage than 

 with us. 



The Cinereous Shearwater breeds plentifully on the Dezerta islands ; 

 its cry, whether on the wing or on shore, is very remarkable ; the 

 natives salt it and consider it eatable. 



The Manks Shearwater is also very plentiful at the Dezertas ; it is 



