124 



THE NATURALIST. 



Whitetailed Eagle, Falco aTblcilla, (Erne.) Eormerly abundant, and still 

 breeding in Yell, Fetlar, and ISToss. 



Peregrine Ealcon, Falco per egrinus, (Stock-hawk.) Breeds in several of 

 the high sea cliJfFs. Although it hatches regularly and its haunts are seldom 

 disturbed, the number of individuals now observed is no larger than it 

 was many years ago. Extremely wary and difficult to obtain. 



Merlin, Falco msalon, (Maalin, Blue-hawk, Blue-back hawk.) Ear more 

 abundant than the Peregrine. Less numerous in winter than in spring. 

 The eggs are seldom obtained. 



Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus. Never abundant. Breeds in several of 

 the sea cliffs. 



Sparrowhawk, Falco nisus. By no means common at any time, but so 

 far as I can ascertain a few pairs breed regularly in the sea cliffs, and some- 

 times among high rocks inland. 



Hen Harrier, Falco cyaneus. Breeds in some parts of Shetland, but very 

 sparingly. 



Eock Pipit, Anthus ohsciirus, (Tang-sparrow, Teetick.) Abundant, breeds 

 upon all parts of the coast. 



Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis, (Laverock, Lady hen.) Very common in 

 summer, but in winter more or less migratory, according to the severity of 

 the season. 



Common Bunting, Emheriza miliaria. Breeds here, but nmnerous flocks 

 arrive in winter. 



House Sparrow, Fringilla domestica. Common everywhere. 



Twite, Fjingilla mordiuni, (Lintie.) Abundant and very mischievous. 

 Young broods gather into flocks as soon as fledged ; these flocks increase in 

 size as winter approaches, only dispersing when the breeding season has fairly 

 commenced. More than once it has been positively stated that the common 

 linnet, F. cannahina, breeds here, but after the most careful enquiry I am 

 unable to mention one single instance in which that species has been seen in 

 any part of these islands. 



Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, (Stirlin.) Common. Although mercilessly 

 shot down by all carriers of guns, the number is decidedly on the increase. 

 It imitates so exactly the notes of the Einged Plover, Oj^stercatcher, Eed- 

 shank, Whimbrel, and many other species, that I have long since given up 

 my former practice of recording the arrival of a migratory bird after merely 

 hearing its supposed note. 



Kaven, Corvus corax, (Corbie.) One of the earliest breeders, sometimes 



