SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY, 
IS 
these birds, in adult plumage and “ of the natural bigness,” are sweetly and 
correctly pourtrayed. The discovery of this bird in Britain is due to Mr. Yar- 
rell, the first specimen having been taken in 1826. It has only thrice been 
met with in Europe; but, although unknown to Wilson, it appears to be common 
in many parts of America. It seems probable, from a circumstance related in 
Mr. Gould’s letter-press, that the bird breeds near the arctic circle. “ From its 
having been found in Louisiana, Nut tall infers that, coursing along the shores 
of the Mississippi, and thus penetrating inland, it probably proceeds by this route, 
as well as by that of the sea-coast, to its northern destination to breed.” Feeds 
on land and marine insects, especially Grasshoppers. The female, according to 
Audubon, is larger than the male, and is of a somewhat lighter colour. The 
young birds are said to be much lighter and more spotted. 
Short-toed Circaetus, Circaetus brachydaciylus ,—Aigle jean-le-blanc, Fr .— 
Kurtzzehiger Adler, G.— Lear has executed this plate—representing an immature 
bird, one-third less than the natural size—with his accustomed beauty and 
fidelity. The true situation of this bird in the system is obvious to the ornitho¬ 
logist even on a cursory inspection. Inhabits Germany, Swisserland, Africa, and 
India, occurring occasionally in France. Feeds on Snakes, reptiles, &c. The 
female has less white than the male, and the head, neck, and breast are more 
thickly blotched. The young have the upper parts of a deep brown, with the 
base of each feather pure white. For a minute description of the plumage, see 
Temminck’s Manuel d ’ Ornithologie. 
Bimaculated Teal, Querquedida glocitans , Vigors. —Of the habits of this 
extremely rare bird little or nothing is known. One or two specimens have been 
taken in Britain, but Mr. Gould is not aware of the existence of male and 
female examples in any collection except those in the museum of the Zoological 
Society, to which they were presented by N. A. Vigors, Esq., M.P., D.C.L.— 
The sexual differences are of the same character as in the Common Teal, but we 
may observe that the female has the head and neck covered with minute black 
spots. The plate contains a male and female, natural size. The former is a 
beautiful bird, and both are extremely well executed. 
Redlegged Partridge, Perdix rubra , Ray, —Perdrix rouge, Fr. —Pernice 
commune, It. —Rothe Feldhuhn, G. —This bird is seldom successfully delineated, 
and the representation before us, of a male, natural size, is scarcely in Mr. 
Gould’s best style. As our author retains this species in Perdix , he fails to 
“ practise what he preaches.” It is confined to the continent and the isles of 
Jersey and Guernsey. It is sometimes called the “ Guernsey Partridge.” In 
England it is an introduced species, and is common in many parts of the country, 
especially in the eastern counties. It is more shy and wary than the Grey or 
