SOME BIBDS IN IBELAND AND SWITZEBLAND. 225 



species by its larger size, browner colour, and wbite breast and 

 abdomen. When the two are not together the best test is the 

 voice. In the Alpine Swift the note is a loud double twitter ; in 

 the common species it is a single screech. 



Alcedo ispida, Linn. Kingfisher. — Only one was noticed, viz. 

 at Lugano ; but probably inhabits many other suitable localities 

 in Switzerland. Resident and generally distributed in small 

 numbers throughout Ireland. 



General distribution. — Resident throughout Central and 

 Southern Europe, also North Africa, where it also occurs as a 

 winter visitor. The Western and South-western Asiatic types 

 vary somewhat from the European birds. 



Gecinus viridis, Linn. Green Woodpecker. — Rather common 

 in different parts of Switzerland. To Ireland it is a very rare 

 and accidental visitor. For its occurrences see the following : — 

 (a) Thompson, vol. iii. Appendix, p. 441 ; (b) Watters, p. 97 ; 

 ' Zoologist,' 1889, p. 145; (c) 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late 

 A. G. More, p. 18; (d) Saunders's 'Manual of British Birds,' 

 1899, p. 273. 



General distribution. — Distributed throughout Central and 

 Southern Europe, as well as Western Asia. 



lynx torquilla, Linn. Wryneck. — Once observed at Geneva. 

 Very rare in Ireland. For occurrences see (a) ' List of Irish 

 Birds,' by the late A..G. More, p. 19 ; (b) ' Migration Report for 

 1886,' p. 155 ; (c) Saunders's ' Manual of British Birds,' 1899, 

 p. 271. 



General distribution. — In summer it is found over the greater 

 parts of Europe and Asia, reaching as high as lat. N. 64°. In 

 winter it visits Southern Asia and Central Africa. 



Order Columb^e. 



C 'olumba palumbus, Linn. Wood-Pigeon; "Ring-Dove." — 

 Common in many parts of Switzerland. Resident and common 

 in Ireland. 



General distribution. — Over the European continent, North 

 Africa, and West Asia, The birds from Northern Europe move 

 southwards in winter. 



Turtur communis, Selby. Turtle-Dove. — A few were seen 

 about Central Switzerland (Lucerne and Grindelwald). Rare 



