SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
127 
Grosse Grasmiike, G.—The figure is of the natural size, and exceedingly 
beautiful. “ In adopting Mr. Blyth’s specific term for this bird” Mr. Gould says 
he has been “ influenced by the desire of paying a just compliment to a young 
and ardent naturalist, who has taken much pains in elucidating the habits of this 
as well as of many other groups in Ornithology.” Inhabits Silesia, Bohemia, 
Pomerania, Franconia, and other parts of Germany. It is said to be more 
abundant than the common species in Hungary, Austria, and Poland; more rare 
in France, and never seen in Holland. It is generally found in woods situated 
on the tops of hills, and also in plains, particularly those in the neighbourhood 
of running streams.” Feeds on Worms, insects, berries, &c. The nest is built 
in thickets, or in damp situations; the eggs are olive-brown, stained with a 
deeper colour. The sexes agree in plumage. Its song is louder and harsher than 
that of our own species. 
Purre Tringa, Tringa variabilis ,—Becasseau variable, Fr. —Veranderliche 
Strandlaufer, G. —Two adults, one in summer the other in winter plumage, are 
well represented, of the natural size. Common in Europe, and a winter visitant 
with us. At the approach of the breeding season it quits the sea-shore, and 
repairs to lonely heaths and marshes. The nest is a mere depression in the 
ground, lined with a little Grass; the eggs are four in number, greenish grey, 
spotted with red. Feeds on Worms, insects, and small molluscs. The changes 
which the Purre Tringa undergoes have proved a source of no small perplexity to 
naturalists; but for a more detailed account of the species we must refer our 
readers to Mr. Gould's description, or to Selby’s admirable work on British 
birds. 
Grey Flycatcher, Muscicapa grisola ,—Gobemouche gris, Fr. —Geeleckter 
Fliegenfanger, G.—A male is given, of the living size; but we regret that we 
cannot bestow our usual commendation on the plate. We think, moreover, that 
the bird can hardly be so scarce in Middlesex as to render it impossible to have 
supplied more than one figure. Young birds differ considerably in appearance 
from adults—being more spotted—and a youngling would have improved the 
effect of the plate. The Grey Flycatcher has an extensive range over the 
European continent, being dispersed from the border of the Arctic Circle to its 
most southern boundary, and Mr. Gould has met with it in collections from 
India. It is common with us. 
Caspian Tern, Sterna Caspia ,—Hirondelle-de-mer Tschegrava, Fr. —Sterna 
maggiore, It. —Caspische Meerschwalbe, G.—A male in summer attire, natural 
size, is represented. The plumage is executed with great delicacy. The Caspian 
Tern is dispersed over the northern shores of Africa, the eastern portion of Asia, 
and the temperate districts of Europe, where it prefers inland seas to the wide 
