MARSH HARRIER. 
239 
on some tuft of grass, or a slight eminence in the 
vicinity of the marsh. The eggs are pure white, 
and larger than those of the preceding birds. (See 
Plate XXV. fig. 1.) 
The Marsh Harrier appears to be common in 
many parts of England, but is rare generally in 
Scotland, the western parts being too precipitous 
for its habits. It would also seem to be partially 
migratory, for it appears much more numerously 
in one season than in another ; one year we 
know of seven or eight specimens being killed 
upon the Border, while, for the last ten years, it 
has been comparatively rare. The general cha- 
racter of Ireland is also unfavourable for the 
abundance of this species. It occurs, however, 
in various localities, breeds on the mountains of 
Monaghon, and of Ballynascreen, Londonderry, 
but is rare in Donegal.* On the Continent it is 
found in similar localities, is very rare in Alpine 
or precipitous districts, and is extremely common 
in the low lying countries. In Holland, for 
instance, it is abundant, five or six being often 
seen at a time sailing over the reedy margins of 
the lakes or rivers, and one or two are always 
appearing as some other creek or bay opens to 
the view. 
• W. Thompson, Mag. of Zool. and Bot. ii. p. 175. 
We do not know the character of these Irish mountains, 
but we have not known the bird to breed in Alpine 
regions. 
