The Birds of Hillsborough. 25 



Emberiza calandra Linne. Corn-Bunting. 



Resident in small numbers and very locally distributed in tbe 

 neighbourhood. Average size of eggs 22"7"2 x IS'o-l mm. ; average \veight 

 of full eggs 3'175 gr., of empty shells '194 gr. 



Emberiza citrinella Liime. Yellow Hammkk. 



Resident and common. Average size of eggs 20"34 x 1.5'78 mm. ; 

 average weight of full eggs 2 '702 gr., of empty shells '1581 gr. 



Emberiza schoeniclus Linnc. Rkkd-Buntini;. 



Resident and common. Forsaking its Summer habitat — marshes and 

 rushy meadows— it frequents stubble and potato fields in Winter, and 

 may frequently be seen following the plough. The Cuckoo frequently 

 utilises the nest of tliis species for the depositing of its egg. Avei'age 

 size of eggs ]9'14 x 14'28 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 2"102 gr., 

 of empty shells "1211 gr. 



Family ALAUDID.Fl 

 Alauda arvensis Linm. Sky-Lark. 



Resident and common, particularly in the lower-lying portions of the 

 district. The song may be heard as early as January, and in the early 

 season it is frequently uttered whilst the bird is on the ground. In 1920 

 many were heard singing on the afternoon of 10th October. Average size 

 of eggs 24"5 X 17'07 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 3'618 gr., of empty 

 shells '22 gr. 



Family MOTAOILLID.E. 

 Motacilla lugubris Temminck. Pied Wagtail. 



This bird is said to be less numerous in the district than obtained 

 formerl3^ During the Winter months one can scarce fail to see one or a 

 pair in the village street, but by March they change their habitat. A 

 Cuckoo's egg has more than once been fovmd here in the nest of this 

 species. Average size of eggs 18'99 x 14'S6 mm, ; average weight of full 

 eggs 2 gr., of empty shells "1286 gr. 



Motacilla cinerea TimstaU. Grey Wagtail. 



A few pairs are resident in the district, being principally seen by the 

 side of streams or lakes. The nest, however, is by no means always near 

 the water edge, but is freq.uently placed in holes in Malls or buildings at a 

 considerable distance from water. Average size of eggs 19'44x 13 '8 mm. ; 

 average weight of full eggs 1'912 gr., of empty shells '105 gr. 



Anthus pratensis {Liam). Meadow-Pipit. 



Resident and common. This bird is most frequently victimised by 

 the Cuckoo, as appears to be the case all through Ireland. Average size 

 of eggs Ifl'ol X 14"48 mm. ; average weight of full eggs 2'157 gr., of empty 

 shells .125 gr. 



