PARISH OF TEMPLEMORE. 
MAMMALIA. 
Cheiroptera. 
Plecotus auritus {Vespertilio auritus ; Linn.); Eared Bat. 
A colony of these interesting little animals was discovered in June last (1835), under the 
slates of Foyle House, above the city. More than ten were secured; and the specimen exa¬ 
mined, having escaped from its confinement in the room, was seen for a few minutes, hanging 
by its hind legs to the cornice, when, insinuating itself into a hole, it disappeared. 
Fera. 
Lutra vulgaris; Common Otter. Occasionally met with in the Foyle. 
Aves {Birds.) 
lnsessores (Perchers.) 
Alcedo Ispida ; Common King’s-fisher. Occasionally met with on the banks of the river. 
Muscicapa (?) Grisola ; Spotted Flycatcher. Shot in the demesne of Brook Hall. It has 
been but little noticed by the country people, who, however, speak of its regular return in May. 
The specimen obtained is less distinctly marked than is usual with this bird. 
Merula viscivora [Turdus viscivorus ; Linn.); Missel-Thrush. This bird, until within 
the last few years, was rare : it is now more common, and is on the increase. 
Saxicola Rubetra {Motacilla rubetra; Linn.); Whinchat. Rarely seen before Alay. 
The inhabitants think of this, as of many other migratory birds, that it sleeps during the 
winter. 
Sylvia Hippolais {Motacilla hippolais; Linn.); Lesser Pettychaps, or Chiff-chaff. Not 
very common. 
Regulus auricapillus, {Motacilla regulus ; Linn.); Golden-crested Wren. Not uncom¬ 
mon. 
Parus cceruleus; Tom-tit. Not uncommon ; and here, as in other places, driven to the 
houses by the frosts of winter. 
Sturnus (?) vulgaris, or Turdus solitarius; Brown Starling, or Solitary Thrush.—The 
uncertainty which hangs over the history of this bird is well described by Professor Rennie 
in his edition of Montagu’s Dictionary. Selby speaks of it as the young bird of the Common 
Starling, prior to its first moult. Mr. Knapp, quoted by Rennie, considers it in every respect 
distinct from the Common Starling, his concluding words being:—“ I scarcely know any bird less 
conspicuous for beauty than the Solitary Thrush; it seems like a bleached way-worn traveller, even in 
its youth.” The specimen under consideration affords a good example of this weather-beaten aspect. 
It was killed on the 16th of July last (1835), whilst feeding in company with the Ringed Plover 
on the shore of Lough Foyle, and has every appearance of an old bird—its claws being worn and 
blunted. The legs are of a dark red-brown, as described by Mr. Knapp, and the bill black, but 
faintly edged with white. 
Rasores (Scratchers.) 
Perdix coturnix {Tetrao coturnix; Linn.); Common Quail. This bird has now become 
tolerably abundant, though hitherto considered rare in the parish. 
Grallatores (Waders.) 
Nutnenius arquata {Scolopax arquata; Linn.); Curlew. Abundant. 
Totanus calidris [Scolopax Calidris; Linn.); Redshank. Frequent. 
Crex pratensis; Meadow-crake, or Corn-crake.—Very common. Selby observes of the 
peculiar note of this bird:—“ it is continued until a mate be found, and incubation commenced, 
after which it ceases such also is the opinion of Montag u. It was heard, however, during 
the present season, on the 15th of July last (1835); and in a corn field opposite Boom Hall its 
note was, prior to that period, frequently repeated, especially in the evening before sunset. 
