38 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF NORWICH AND DISTRICT 
a large form, is common on both marshlands and uplands. Marked 
fluctuations have been noted in its occurrence, and vole years have been 
correlated with an increase in nesting short-eared owls. 
The bank or red field vole (Evotomys glareolus) is locally plentiful. 
The common hare (Lepus europeus) is widely distributed. 
The rabbit was once extremely abundant in Breckland; it has been 
severely discouraged during the planting of the new State forest. 
Insectivora.—The mole (Talpa europea) is abundant, especially in the 
marshlands ; the cream-coloured form has occasionally been found in 
some numbers. 
The common shrew or ‘ranny’ (Sorex araneus) is probably the 
commonest mammal, being found in both dry and marshland soils. The 
water shrew (Neomys fodiens) is not uncommon, although by reason of its 
unobtrusiveness it is not often seen. 
The pigmy shrew (Sorex minutus) is usually found near water, and is of 
local distribution. 
The hedgehog (Erinaceus europeus) is widespread throughout the 
woodland districts of the county. 
Chiroptera.—The bats of Norfolk have not been investigated with any 
thoroughness ; the commonest species are the pipistrelle (Vespertilio 
pipistrellus), long-eared (Plecotus auritus), barbastelle (Barbastella bar- 
bastellus), and noctule (Nyctalus noctula). The rare parti-coloured bat 
(Vespertilio murinus), regarded as British on the strength of two specimens, 
was taken at Yarmouth in the thirties of the last century ; it may possibly 
have been carried by a ship. The red-grey, or Natterer’s bat (Myotis 
nattert), which is not generally distributed, even in the South of England, 
has occurred in Norfolk. 
BrirbDs. 
The county has long been noted for its ornithologists, notably the 
Gurneys and Henry Stevenson. Its geographical position on the main 
migration routes makes it peculiarly attractive in spring, when many 
waders drop into Breydon and the creeks of the north coast. A notable 
feature is the east to west passage of warblers, flycatchers, wheatears, 
common redstarts, and rarer insect-eating birds, such as the blue-throats 
and black redstart, in late August and September, when they rest among 
the sandhills along the shore. Winter visitors to the coast include shore 
larks, snow bunting, and Lapland bunting, which congregate occasionally 
in considerable flocks. The hen harrier wintering in the Broads is 
replaced in spring by marsh and Montagu harriers, which have become 
re-established as breeding species only within recent years. Other birds 
which have responded to protection are the bittern and bearded tit, 
which are extending their range into two other counties. 
The avocet, spoonbill, black-tailed godwit and ruff at one time nested 
in the county ; they are fairly regular visitors to the Broads and coast in 
small numbers to-day ; the ruff has once again returned to nest (tem- 
porarily), and there is now a substantial hope that before long they may 
once again be re-established as nesting species. 
Norfolk is particularly well favoured in possessing controlled areas 
