124 A CATAXOGTJE OP THE EIUDS 



plumage, was shot at Tynemouth, and is in my collection ; 

 another young bird, also in my collection, was killed near Culler- 

 coats, on the 22nd of JSTovemher, 1838. 



Mr. Selby states in his catalogue that the only specimen ho 

 had met with was one killed upon the coast, near to Alnmouth, 

 in the spring of 1828. 



Family. EECTJRVIROSTRIDiE, Bonaparte. 

 117. RECURVIROSTRA, Linmeus. 



37. Ayocet. R. ayocetta, Linnceus. 



Recurvirostra avocetta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 

 II., 58. 



Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 

 624. 



A casual visitant. This beautiful bii'd has been only once 

 taken in the district ; and its captiu'e is recorded in Mr. Selby's 

 catalogue, in which it is mentioned that "■ a specimen was killed 

 not long ago at Hartley, and is now in the possession of Mr. 

 Wardle." 



Family. EALLID^, Leach. 



118. RALLUS, Linnmts. 



38. Wateu Rail. R. aqtjaticus, Linnmis. 



Fialhis aquaticus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 137. 

 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 110. 



IN'ot uncommon, though rarely scon, on account of its retiring 

 habits. It is a resident, but to a considerable extent is migra- 

 tory, and is most numerous during autumn and winter. Its nest 

 has occurred in the district, and was taken by Mr. C. M. Adam- 

 son, on the 12th of July, 1867, at Grindon Lough; it was built 

 amidst reeds, about knee-deep in water, and contained seven 

 eggs. 



This species varies much in size. I have two s])ecimens, whicli 



