MK. J. WHITAKER ON A13NORMAL PLUMAGE. 
61 
lark.s ill 1869 and 1879, the Pomatorhine Skuas in 187-1 and 1879, 
tiic Cliaflinches in 1880, and the Snow Buntings in 1881. In 
these cases, it is very likely that the birds, or some of them, came 
to England from Heligoland. 
According to the observations of Kerr Giitke, autumnal migrants, 
■when they quit Heligoland, depart from it in a ivesterly direction : 
hut the opinion of Aeuckens the hirdstuffer, — no mean authority, — 
does not quite agree "with Herr Giitke’s, as he considers that 
migrants quit Heligoland in a south-westerly direction {vide. 
‘ Siberia in Europe,’ by H. Scehohm, p. 253). I think it must ho 
dependent on the wind, as on the English coast 
VIII. 
ABNORMAL PLUMAGE. 
By J. 'Whitaker, E.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 
Read 2Stli February, 18 S 5 . 
Nothing to mo is more interesting than variety of plumage in 
birds, and striking as they arc in this state (being noticed by the 
most unobservant pereons), it is curious that so little is really 
known how and why they assume this abnormal clothing. During 
the last few years a great many birds in this state have come under 
my notice, and though I have given much time, and asked many 
questions, I have as yet not come to any definite decision. I find 
the greater part of birds in this plumage are birds of the year : 
this I think is accounted for by their striking appearance, and they 
very soon fall victims to the deadly gun. It is a very rare thing 
to find an old migratory bird in abnormal plumage, and in my 
large lot I have only one in this state — a Swallow. This Avould 
lead one to suppose that variety is owing to birds being in a bad 
state of health, which causes them to assume abnormal plumage ; 
and that migratory birds in this state have not strength to come 
