20 22 Proceedings of the Hoi) al Irish Academy. 



Connemara ; and breeds on Tory Island, liutland Island, the Aran Islands 

 and the Blaskets. 



In western Donegal, also about Westport and Dingle, and on 

 Valencia Island, it is said to increase in winter, and joins other birds 

 in the rush for life to the Blaskets when the mainland is covered with 

 snow. 



Alauda brachydactyla (Leisler). Short-toed Lark. — In the Barrington 

 collection is an adult bird obtained at Black Koek (Mayo) on the 1 1 th 

 October, 1890. It is the only Irish specimen. 



Cypselus apus (Linn.). Swift. — On Clare Island a few Swifts were observed, 

 and six together, in June and July ; but whether they were breeding or 

 not is uncertain. They are said to nest on Achill. The rarity of the 

 Swift in the west of Ireland, spoken of by Thompson in 1849, is a strong 

 contrast to its frequency now.. It breeds commonly in Westport, and has 

 of late become plentiful in Belmullet, and is nowhere more in evidence 

 than in western towns and villages, whence it ranges over land and sea, 

 occasionally visiting Owey Island in Donegal, Black Bock (Mayo), and 

 the Skelligs (Kerry). 



Caprimulgus europaeus, Linn. Nightjar. — Messrs. Williams & Son have 

 received Nightjars shot near Mullaranny, Westport, and Clifden ; 

 moreover, the bird is stated to have been " heard and identified at 

 Blacksod Bay " on 10th June, 1898.' It is found at Ballycastle and 

 near the Pontoon Bridge on Lough Conn (H. Scroope), and has long been 

 known close to the cliffs near Naran, Co. Donegal, whence specimens 

 have been sent. This species has, like the Swift, extended its range to 

 the west coast. 



Alcedo ispida, Linn. Kingfisher. — Kingfishers have been repeatedly shot in 

 the neighbourhood of Westport and Newport in winter. Pike noticed 

 the bird in his list for Achill : and it is occasionally seen near Ballina 

 (H. Scroope). It has been obtained on the Aran Islands ; but only two 

 examples have been received by Barrington, and they were both from 

 light-stations on the south-east coast. It is uncertain what " Kingfishers," 

 reported from the western islands, may have been — possibly Terns. 



Upupa epops, Linn. Hoopoe. — The late Edward Williams received on 25th 

 March, 1893, from Captain Boxer, a Hoopoe shot on Clare Island. 

 Barrington received one shot on Eagle Island, Mayo, on 12th April, 

 1867, and another shot on Tory Island, 9th November, 1910. Seebohm 



1 R. M. Gilmore in "Irish Naturalist," vol. vii., p. 200. 



