SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY- 
137 
Bartiger Geieradler, G.—This species (in its immature plumage Vultur niger of 
some authors) ranks alone in the genus Gupista , which is intermediate between 
Vultur and Aquila. It is nearly allied to the Alpine Abern ( Neophron Alpina ), 
and, like that species, it is found in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, 
but not in Britain. It inhabits the highest ranges of mountains, and appears to 
be abundant in the Himalayas. Makes no nest, but lays its two eggs, which are 
white with brown blotches, on the hard surface of lofty and inaccessible rocks. 
The plumage of the sexes is similar, and no material difference of size is observ¬ 
able. The figure is one-third of the natural size, adult male. 
River Dunlin, Tringa pusitta , Lath., —Beeasseau echasse, Fr. —Gambec- 
chio oculetto, It. —Kleiner Strandlaufer, G. —We are here given three represent¬ 
ations, in adult Summer plumage, adult Winter plumage, and immature dress; 
They are the size of life, and well executed; that in Winter plumage is the best. 
Inhabits Europe (including Britain), and specimens have been received from India. 
The borders of lakes and rivers are its favourite resorts. Food: Worms, insects, 
and small Crustacea. Nidification little known; the egg somewhat resembles 
that of the Common Sand-piper ( Totanus hgpoleucos ), but is considerably smaller, 
of a reddish-white colour, spotted with dark brown. 
Garrulous Roller, Coracias garrula , Linn., —Rollier vulgaire, Fr.— Blaue 
Racke, G. —An adult female, natural size, is figured ; a very fair representation. 
This beautiful bird is stated to be abundant in the Oak-forests of Germany, and 
likewise in those of Scandinavia. It is less common in France, and several indi¬ 
viduals have been shot in England, where it has mostly been met with on the 
North-Eastern coast. Frequents extensive woods; builds in the holes of decayed 
trees, and lays from four to seven eggs ; these are smooth and shining, nearly 
round, closely resembling those of the Kingfisher, but considerably larger. Sexes 
differ little; but the young do not arrive at their full brilliancy till the second 
year. Food: Worms, Snails, insects, &c. Noisy and active in its habits. 
The next plate contains, 1st, the Wiiitethroated Fauvet, Ficedula cinerea , 
Blyth, —Fauvette grise, Fr. —Fahle Sanger, G. —Capinera commune, It.— The 
character of the figure is good, but Mr. Gould has not recorded any changes of 
plumage. In many specimens the white does not extend lower than the breast. 
Very common in most parts of Britain and Europe, and has a short but pleasant 
song, uttered on the wing. Mr. Gould informs us it has the power of imitating 
the notes of other birds, but this we have never observed. Hedges and thick 
brakes are its favourite resort. It is a Summer visitant with us. Makes its 
nest in low bushes, and sometimes on the ground (we have seen one in a Yew- 
tree) ; it consists of the stalks of the Common Bedstraw ( Galium aparine ), and 
is of very slight construction. Eggs four or five, of a dirty white, blotched with 
ash-gray. The second figure is the Whitebreasted Fauvet, Ficedula garnda % 
VOL. v.—NO. xxxvi. 
s 
