Class 2. AVES. 



With the view of drawing attention to a class of phenomena in bird life 

 which I can scarcely think has received sufficiently distinctive treatment, I 

 offer the following remarks for the better understanding of the faunal values 

 indicated under the different species in the following list. 



There are some birds which are obviously gregarious — that is, if we 

 define that term as "flocking" — at all periods of their existence, both at 

 their nesting quarters — i.e. nesting in colonies — and migrating in distinct 

 "flocks" both in autumn and spring, and remaining in "flocks" all winter. 

 Instances of these are not far to seek, and soon occur in the list which 

 follows, e.g. the Fieldfare, and later in the list many other species, even to 

 the Waders, such as the Eed-necked Phalarope. 



There are other birds which are quite as distinctly not truly gregarious, 

 though they may, and do, "flight" over to our shores in vast numbers 

 together. But these do not nest in colonies ; nor do they winter in 

 "flocks"; nor do they return to their nesting haunts in compact or visible 

 "flocks," or even "flights." Amongst such I may instance Blackbirds 

 among the Turdidae, and Jack Snipe among the Scolopacidse. I should 

 here make my meaning plainer. I purposely distinguish between " flock- 

 ing" and "flighting" as distinctive terms. Thus birds which truly 

 " flock " together are collectively seeking the same purposes, whether of 

 feeding or for protection. Birds which "flight" together may be, and often 

 are, acting quite independently of one another ; and this may often be easily 

 realised by an intelligent observer. Here I may instance the " flights " of Jack 

 Snipe, which, though coming over in great "flights " to our shores, instantly 

 disperse, or at least rise and alight again quite independently of other 

 members of the " flight." I will point out others during the treatment of 

 species in the list. There are others again which nest apart, travel singly, 

 or at most in family parties, in autumn, and again in spring. Of such I may 

 instance the Grey Plover and Little Stint. These are rarely seen together 

 in what can be designated " flocks," or even " flights," at any period of their 

 life, and not upon their departure or return to their nesting haunts ; nor 

 can these be said to "flock" together during their midwinter sojourn. I 

 may call these solitary ! (The Great Snipe is distinctly not solitary in this 



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