2988 Birds. 



The membrane which encloses the brain in this, as in all the other 

 species of woodpeckers, is also of extraordinary strength, no doubt to 

 prevent any bad effects from violent concussion while the bird is em- 

 ployed in digging for food. The female wants the red on the hind 

 head ; and the white below is tinged with brownish. The manner of 

 flight of these birds has been already described under a former 

 species, as consisting of alternate risings and sinkings. The hairy 

 woodpeckers generally utter a loud tremulous scream as they set off, 

 and when they alight. They are hard to kill ; and, like the red- 

 headed woodpecker, hang by the claws, even of a single foot, as long 

 as a spark of life remains, before they drop. 



" This species is common at Hudson's Bay ; and has lately been 

 found in England. Dr. Latham examined a pair which were shot 

 near Halifax, in Yorkshire; and on comparing the male with one 

 brought from North America, could perceive no difference, but in a 

 slight interruption of the red that marked the hind head of the former; 

 a circumstance which I have frequently observed in our own. The 

 two females corresponded exactly." — p. 159, vol. i. 



E. Newman. 



Death of Martins and Swallows. — A great number of martins and swallows were 

 found dead or dying in the barns, sheds, churchyards, &c, of this county, on the 10th 

 and 11th of May, 1849, the weather being cold and boisterous. No doubt they pe- 

 rished either from the direct effects of the cold, or from the destruction of the insects 

 on which they generally feed. — J. O. Harper ; Norwich, December 4, 1850. 



Occurrence of the Hoopoe (Upupa Epops) in Norfolk — Two specimens of this rare 

 bird were killed on the 22nd of May, 1849, at Yarmouth, and are now in the posses- 

 sion of a gentleman residing at Lowestoft: on the 11th of April, 1850, a male was 

 shot in a sandpit near the church at Lowestoft, and was purchased and preserved by a 

 gentleman of that town ; and on the 13th of the same month, another specimen was 

 shot at Yarmouth, by a gentleman of that town, and purchased by Mr. Knights. — 

 Id. 



Note on the Capercaillie (Tetrao Urogallus). — In reference to the interesting par- 

 ticulars given by the Rev. Alfred C. Smith (Zool. 2944) of the capercaillie* or wood 

 grouse, I may mention that, more than twenty years ago, a specimen of this noble and 

 eagle-looking bird was sent from Norway to a gentleman living in Banff, in the same 

 house with myself. It had been killed about the time that the vessel sailed ; and, the 



* Although this name is frequently spelled capercailzie, I have never heard it pro- 

 nounced in Scotland in any other way than capercaillie. It is said to be Gaelic for 

 ' stag of the wood.' 



