BIRDS. 
119 
the meadow pipit, though usually choosing the safer posi< 
tions amongst the sea-pinks of the precipices. 
The Eock Teitlan is very abundant, and resident all along 
the Caithness coasts (0. MSS., 1868). 
In 1885 we found it very common all along the coast 
everywhere. 
Family PYCNONOTID^. 
69. Pycnonotus capensis {L.). Gold-vented Thrush. 
Family ORIOLID.ffi. 
70. Oriolus galbula, L. Golden Oriole. 
Family LANIID^E. 
71. Lanius excubitor, L. Great Grey Shrike. 
Irregular autumn visitant; more common perhaps than is 
supposed. Observed as long ago as 1845, a specimen in 
the Museum being dated that year, and is probably the 
same which is referred to in the ISTew Statistical Account of 
the County (1845), p. 28. We have ourselves observed one 
or two specimens on the south-east coast, and there is in 
our collection at Dunipace a male bird shot near Tongue, 
and sent to us in the flesh by Mr. Crawford, on 7th 
December 1875. 
This bird has been frequently obtained in Caithness, and almost 
always in the winter. The last Mr. Osborne heard of was 
taken in Wick marketplace, ITovember 1865 (0. MSS., 1868). 
Previous to 1862 one was obtained by Mr. E. I. Shearer 
himself, at which time it was the only recorded instance of 
its occurrence (S. and 0. 1862). 
Mr. Eeid observed two at Wick at the same time in 
1870, and Mr. W. H. Doeg received one young male in the 
flesh, killed at Ackergill, Wick, 13th October 1881. 
72. Lanius minor, Gmel. Lesser Grey Shrike. 
