CHAPTER XXVII. 



The Water Ouzel 



Sturnus cinclus, Lin. ; Le Merle d'Eau, Bui. ; Motacilla 

 cinclus, Kram. 



Description and Character. — The Water Ouzel, or Water 

 Crake, is a very interesting, and not particularly shy, bird. 

 It is solitary in character, and retired and quiet in dis- 

 position, and seems to be endowed with a fair share of 

 observation and discretion. It is 7-Jin. in length, of which 

 the tail measures l|in. The bill is straight, but points up- 

 ward, and is slightly curved downwards at the tip ; it is 

 thin, compressed at the sides, sharp at the point, and 

 black in hue. The irides are hazel, and the eyelids white. 

 The upper parts of the head and neck are deep brown ; 

 the shoulders, back, rump, wings, and tail are black, but the 

 feathers on the back and wings are edged with greyish 

 brown. The chin, gullet, fore part of neck, and upper part of 

 breast, are white ; the lower part of breast, and upper portion 

 of the belly and sides, ferruginous brown ; the lower part of 

 belly and vent, dusky black. The legs and feet are blackish 

 brown. Water Ouzels are curious looking birds, with their 

 little stout bodies, and upturned beaks and tails, which give 

 them an ancient and knowing appearance. They have very 

 intelligent and observant looking eyes. 



Habits and Breeding. — The Water Ouzel not only inhabits 

 Great Britain, but is found in most parts of Europe, and 

 as far north as Norway and Russia. It is a solitary bird 

 in its habits, but does not appear unsocial with mankind, 



