Birds. 3045 



Catalogue of Birds taken in Pembrokeshire, with Observations on 

 their Habits, Manners, 8$c. By Mr. James Tracy.* 



(Continued from page 2642). 



Bullfinch. Common. Bullfinches, in confinement, if fed on hemp- 

 seed, soon change colour ; and in two or three years become black. 

 One kept for several years at an inn in this town was quite black, 

 and afterwards changed again to his original colour, which was con- 

 sidered an ill omen, as the landlord died the same year. 



Common Crossbill. A single specimen, taken near Angle, in a very 

 exhausted state, was sent me some ten or twelve years ago, and is the 

 only specimen I have seen. 



Common Starling. Common. Arriving here in immense numbers 

 in October, and remaining during the winter. A few pairs remain and 

 breed here, and during the last four or five years have increased very 

 considerably. 



The Chough or Redlegged Crow. Common on our sea-coast, from 

 Tenby to St. David's Head. They breed in holes and crevices in the 

 cliffs, mostly in some arched, overhanging place, where they are inac- 

 cessible. I have been some years endeavouring to procure their eggs 

 for a friend, but as yet unsuccessful : last year (1850), however, I found 

 a nest which was accessible, and after procuring a man to get it, 

 was again disappointed, as the eggs were hatched and the nest con- 

 tained three young ones (5th June) : these we took ; one the man killed 

 in bringing it up ; another w T as hurt, and died a few days afterwards ; 

 the third is now in my possession, alive, well, very healthy, and so 

 perfectly tame, docile and affectionate, that were both his wings good 

 1 should not be able to keep him from my head or shoulder, at home 

 or abroad. His food consists of bits of raw and cooked meat and 

 crumbs of bread ; he will pick up a few grains of wheat, barley or 

 oats ; he also eats a great variety of small insects, particularly beetles, 

 grasshoppers, &c. When alone, he is constantly chattering, squalling 

 aud making a variety of noises, but I have not heard him distinctly 

 articulate any word yet, although he appears equally capable with the 

 parrot. He is by no means averse to strangers, nor does he peck the 

 children, but is constantly with them, and will stand to have his head 



* Communicated by Viscount Emlym. 



