BRITISH BIRDS. 
5 
Ornithologills mention only a few inftances of 
this fingularly-looking fpecies having been met 
with in Great-Britain but it is common in other 
countries. 
Lathamf fays, it is common in Egypt, being 
found there in the marflies in October ; its food 
is faid to confift principally of flies. It is likewife 
plentiful about the Salt Lakes, a;’nd often feen on 
the fhores of the Cafpian Sea, as well as by the 
rivers which empty themfelves into it ; and in the 
fouthern deferts of Independent Tartary : We have 
alfo feen it in Chinefe paintings ; and it is known 
at Madras, in the Eaft Indies.’^ It is alfo often met 
with in the warmer parts of America; is fome- 
times feen as far north as Connedicut, and alfo in 
Jamaica. 
* Sir Robert Sibbald makes mention of two that were fliot 
in Scotland — Pennant of one that was fhot near Oxford — and 
of live others which were Ihot in Frincham pond in Surrey. 
•j- Pliny fays it is a native of Egypt. 
