224



Mr. Allen Silver,



another most interesting breeder in Iceland. The Raveti is very

common in the districts where I have been and is much

harrassed by farmers owing to the birds attacking young lambs.


All the Richardson Skuas that I have noticed were of the

dark form—indeed of such dark brown as to appear almost

black. These birds are very common.


The above notes only mention a very few of the many

interesting birds to be seen in Iceland. For the bird lover who

knows his subject the island must be a splendid field for observa¬

tion. Moreover there must be many birds which could be

brought from there to be kept in captivity in England and which

in our uncertain climate should be easier to keep in health than

birds imported from semi-tropical countries.


C. Barnby Smith.



THE. WALL CREEPER.


Tichodrovia niuraria.


By Allen Silver.


A hurried search through the indices of our Magazine

reveals only about one previous reference to this extremely

interesting bird. On page 215, Vol. 1, N.S., No. 6, a list of birds

exhibited for the first time at the Zoo is given, and from that we

learn that two examples were to be seen there on Feb. 4th, 1902.


The only living specimen I have had the opportunity to

observe in captivity was one, until quite recently, in the possession

of my friend, Mr. C. T. Maxwell, of Brixtou (who was at one

time a member), and owing to his kindness I have been able to

closely follow this bird’s behaviour since he acquired it.


Those who are familiar with its relative, the Tree Creeper,

as a cage bird, know quite well that, at its best, it is a fragile and

somewhat difficult subject for aviculture ; but, as far as one can

judge from a comparatively short acquaintance, extending over

some six or eight months, the Wall Creeper can hardly be

described as sharing the same disadvantages, for in many of its

characters it resembles the Nuthatch., and provided one could,

acquire an immature specimen and keep it under suitable con¬

ditions, I see no reason why such a bird should not thrive



