CATALOGUE 



OF THE 



BIRDS OF BRITAIN. 



IN the following list it will be seen that I have 

 scrupulously adhered to the plan of giving to each 

 genus a peculiar generic name in the vernacular 

 tongue, a plan which I have been the first to pro- 

 pose, as well as to execute. The German and 

 French names which I have judged it proper to 

 add, will be found of great utility to foreigners, many 

 of whom, although taking an interest in ornithology, 

 are not conversant with the Latin names, and still 

 less with the English. 



I have always, aimed at priority in the choice of 

 the names, but in no case that I am aware of, have 

 I allowed that to interfere with truth or accuracy. 

 For example : Caprimulgus has the claim of priority 

 as the generic name of the Nightjar, but truth 

 forbids its use : a new term has therefore been 

 introduced. Nor have I permitted the consideration 

 of a name being in general use, to exclude one, 

 which, though little known, has the advantage of 

 priority. As examples, may be mentioned, Rubecula, 

 Rulicilla, Torquilla, Ossifraga, Avosefta, Ostralega, 

 Nucifraga, and Colubris, winch legitimate names 



