Beaumont : Notes on some Varieties of Birds. 89 



I have for some years past made it a point to look out for variations 

 — with what success will appear from the sequel ; and though the list 

 appended does not by any means comprise the whole of the varieties 

 in my possession, yet it will give a fair idea of some of the principal 

 variations from type which have fallen into my hands at one time or 

 other. It will be remarked that I have not, in all cases, given 

 the locality where the bird was shot, nor yet the date of its capture, 

 for this reason : where there is any doubt about either of these points 

 I think it to be the best course to pursue, to withhold even the 

 supposed localities, rather than, by giving them, to mislead any one. 



With these few prefatory remarks, I at once proceed to indicate 

 a few of the varieties in my possession, and, as shortly as possible, to 

 point out their chief divergences from the types. 



Fieldfare — Turdus pilaris. — This specimen was shot at Hornby 

 Castle, near Bedale, by Mr. Savage, the gamekeeper, and was given 

 to me by him. It is a beautiful specimen, and may be described 

 as a peculiar light variety, with white wings and a light-coloured 

 head. 



Eedwing — Turdus iliacus. — This again is an exceedingly light variety, 

 and was received from Mr. Williams, of Dame-street, Dublin. 

 There can be no question as to the identity of the species, as it 

 possesses distinctly the characteristic mark behind the eye. The 

 throat, breast, and tail are beautifully mottled with light tawny 

 and white, the wing coverts being pale tawny. 



EiNG Ouzel — Turdus torquatus. — Is generally of the ordinary type, 

 except the neck, which is spangled with white. 



Furze or Whin-chat — Sylvia ruhetra. — This is a white variety. 

 Snow Bunting — Emheriza nivalis, — This is a beautiful variety, having 

 the throat and breast pure white, and an entirely black back. 



Chaffinch — Fringilla ccelebs. — Differs from the type in having the 



wings, back, and tail white. 

 Greenfinch — Coccothraustes cJiloris. — An Irish specimen : is of a 



very pale yellow colour, with an olive tinge. 

 Starling — Sturnus vulgaris. — This bird has the breast of the normal 



colours, the true spangle of the starling, whilst the head, back, and 



wings are buff-coloured. 

 EooK — Corvus frugilegus. — The whole of the plumage of this specimen 



is of a light brown colour, with the upper part of the wings 



exceedingly pale. 



