SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
855 
habitat. It appears to abound in the arctic circle, being equally common in the 
polar regions of both Continents.” Feeds on small fish, Crustacea, &c. Deposits 
its single white egg, spotted with black, on the ledges of rocks y the young are 
hatched in three weeks, when they are probably carried down to the water in 
the bills of the parents, as some other species are known to do. The sexes are 
similar. In winter adults have the whole plumage black, with the exception of 
a white patch in the centre of the wing. Young birds and adults in winter are 
mottled with grey and white. 
Hyacinthine Porphyrio, Porphyrio hyacinthinus , — Yaleve porphyrion, Ft. 
The plate contains a fine representation, natural size, of an adult male. “ The 
birds forming the restricted genus Porphyrio may be readily distinguished from 
the Gallinules by the greater depth and richness of the colour of their plumage, 
by the extraordinary development of the feet, and by the robust form of the bill. 
Although the number of species is somewhat limited, they are widely distributed 
over the tropical portions of the old world/’ “ Like the Common Gallinule, it 
dwells on the borders of rivers and in all marshy situations. In its food it is 
partly herbivorous, feeding on various kinds of marine vegetables also on seeds, 
Snails, Frogs, &c. It runs with ease, even on muddy ground; but although its 
actions on land are graceful, it flies with difficulty. Breeds in marshy spots, 
forming its nest of aquatic plants, and laying three or four white roundish eggs. 
Thus both the shape and number of eggs differ remarkably from those of the 
Gallinules, Coots, Crakes, &c. Sexes similar. 
Common Crossbill, Crucirostra vulgaris ,—Bec-croise commun, Fr. —Fichten 
Kreuzschnabel, G. The habits and changes of plumage of this species must be 
familiar to our ornithological readers. Mr. Gould informs us that these birds 
are exposed for sale in the markets of Vienna in great numbers, and that they 
are in considerable request. The plate represents an adult, and a young bird of 
the year; we have no fault to find with them. 
Greenshank Sandpiper, Tot anus glottis,-— Chevalier aboyeur, Fr. —Pantana 
verderello, 7L—Grunfussiger Wasserlaiifer, G. A very fair figure, natural size, 
and winter plumage. Widely spread over Europe, India, and Africa; also found 
lately, by Audubon, in America. Common on the British coast and the mouths 
of large rivers during its vernal and autumnal migrations. Abundant on the 
coast of Holland, and occurs in France, Switzerland, Germany, &c. It probably 
breeds in northern latitudes. Feeds on various marine animals. The chest and 
flanks, mottled in summer, become white in winter. 
Snowy Surn, Surnia nyctea, —Chouette Harfang, Fr. —Schnee Kautz, G. The 
figures, of an adult and a bird of the second year, about one-third of the natural 
size, are splendidly executed. The plate is one of the best in the present Part.—- 
This robust and hardy bird is a native of the Arctic regions. In America it 
