LIST OF NORFOLK BIRDS. 
429 
insufficient evidence ; but we are enabled to add four other species 
which have recently been recorded, viz., the Icterine and Barred 
Warblers, the Serin Finch, and the Mediterranean Black-headed 
Gull. There are also eleven species, which, for various reasons, we 
have thought it best not to number consecutively in the present 
list, but which on the other hand we did not think it desirable 
altogether to omit: these are the Grey-capped Wagtail, Aquatic 
Warbler, hkistern Golden Plover, and Hooded ^lerganser, on the 
ground that the evidence of their having been killed in Norfolk 
is not perfectly satisfactory ; Palla.s’s Grey Shrike, European Coal 
Titmouse, Scamlinavian Bock Pipit, and Bridled Guillemot, which 
are not accepted by all Ornithologists as distinct species j and the 
Bed-winged Starling, Green-backed Porphyrio, and Pelican, which 
it is possible may have escaped from confinement ; all these species 
are placed in stjuare brackets and numbered consecutively 1 to 11. 
Tliere are also a few .species named in foot notes which are not 
included in the text for reasons there specified. 
The total number of species enumerated by Messrs. Gurney and 
Fisher in 181G was 277 ; Mr. Stevenson in 18G4, after eliminating 
two or three doubtful species, estimates the number at 293, and in 
his list contributed to White’s Directory of Norfolk in 1883, after 
withdrawing eleven species from his previous list and adding eleven 
fresh ones, he leaves the total unaltered. If we have erred, it has 
been on the side of caution ; but by the standard which we have 
adopted the total in 1887, notwithstanding the addition of four 
new species, has been reduced to 288 ; but if we add the eleven 
species distinguished by square brackets, the number is raised to 
the very respectable total of 299. 
The county of Norfolk contains 2026 square miles, and from its 
geographical position — extensive sea board, and numerous streams 
and lakes bordered by broad tracts of marsh land — presents great 
attractions for shore and marsh-loving species, as well as for 
migrants in their autumn passage ; and in birds of this latter 
class, Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire are ex- 
ceptionally favoured. In our own county Breydon Water has 
produced more rarities than any like extent of country in the 
kingdom. Close cultivation, however, whilst it has undoubtedly 
increased the numbers of some species, has driven from us some of 
