126 THE OENITHOLOGIST. 



but had a nest and three eggs brought to me ; this had been 

 taken among willow scrub growing upon one of the islets. 



Wheatear (Saxicola cenanthe). — Common, breeding in 

 holes among the lava, &c. 



Raven (Corvus corax). — Fairly common; the breeding 

 season being over they were congregating together in small 

 flocks. 



Mealy Redpoll (Acanthis linaria). — I found one empty 

 nest built in the fork of a very small birch tree, growing upon 

 an islet. 



Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis). — One of the most 

 abundant of all the birds I saw, but through breeding in holes 

 and crevices of the lava, the eggs were difficult to obtain ; they 

 vary greatly in markings, no two sets being alike. The nest 

 is made of dead grass and lined with feathers ; number of eggs, 

 four to six. The male in its breeding plumage is a handsome 

 bird, and has quite a pleasing little song. Its favourite perch 

 is a prominent pinnacle of rock, and to which, if disturbed, it 

 soon returns. This bird must be very hardy. I found a nest 

 with young ones at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, and 

 nothing visible but masses of snow and bare rock. 



White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) . — Very common ; nest 

 generally near water. 



Meadow Pipit [Anthus pratensis). — As common as the last. 



White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). — I had a grand 

 view of a pair of these fine birds ; they were perched upon 

 blocks of lava about fifty yards apart ; both were in mature 

 plumage. 



Swan. — I saw a large number on the wing, but they were 

 too far off to determine the species. The natives say they 

 breed commonly in the interior of the island. 



Mallard (Anas boscas). — Common. 



Teal (Querquedula crecca). — Common. 



Wigeon (Mareca penelope). — Common. 



Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata). — I never saw this bird 

 alive, but had two dead specimens brought me. 



Scaup (Fuligula marila). — Most abundant of all the ducks, 

 breeding in every suitable place ; on one island they were 

 sitting upon their eggs not more than eight feet apart ; one nest 

 I found had nineteen eggs — probably the laying of two birds. 



