SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
3 89 
along with Anas tadornoides , Jard., of N. S. Wales, and. we certainly consider 
that a it approaches nearer to the true Geese than to the Shieldrakes, inasmuch 
as it possesses a rounder form of body, stands higher upon the legs, and has a 
shorter bill, better adapted for grazing or nibbling Grasses or aquatic vegetables, 
which constitute its principal food.” Inhabits the East of Europe, a great portion 
of Asia, and occurs in Africa. Very rare in England, and not common in any 
part of Europe. Breeds on the banks of large rivers, 44 in situations similar to 
those selected by the Common species, and lays from eight to ten white eggs.” 
Feeds on aquatic vegetables and insects-. The female is less brilliant in colour 
than the male, and wants the black collar round the neck. 
Brake Locustell, Locustella avicula , Bay, —Becfin locustelle, Fr. —Heusch- 
recken Sangar, G.—We are glad to find that our author has adopted the English 
name 64 Locustell,” first employed in The Analyst. The figures, of a male and 
female, are pretty, but too soft and too highly coloured. Common in many parts 
of the South of England, but becomes rare in the midland and Northern counties. 
We have met with it in Yorkshire, and have ascertained that it progresses 
on the ground by hopping , and not by running. Inhabits Ireland, Austria, 
Hungary, Italy, the centre of France, and occurs, but rarely, in Holland. Builds 
in thick herbage close to the ground, laying four or five pinkish-grey eggs, with 
numerous specks of a darker hue. The spots on the throat are less distinct in 
the female than in the male. 44 Grasshopper Lark,” 44 Grasshopper Warbler,” &c., 
are erroneous names for this bird. 
Cinereous Shearwater, Puffinus cinereus ,—Petrel puffin, Fr. —Two ex¬ 
tremely fine figures, rather less than the living dimensions. Our author believes 
the bird characterised by Mr. Strickland in the Proceedings of the Zoological 
Society to be identical with the present species. In that case three specimens of 
P. cinereus will have been killed within the range of our Fauna. Banges 
throughout the Mediterranean. Occurs on the Southern coasts of Spain and 
Provence, and in Senegal, the Cape of Good Hope, &c. Its habits are similar to 
those of P. Anglorum. 
Purple Sandpiper, Tringa maritima , — Becasseau violet, Fr. — Bather a 
pretty figure of an adult, natural size. Occurs on the rocky shores of the North 
*of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Breeds within the Arctic Circle, returning after 
incubation to more temperate regions. Common on many parts of our coasts, 
and occasionally breeds with us. Feeds on small Crustacea , Mollusca , marine 
plants, &c. 44 It congregates in small flocks, and has the same wheeling flight 
which distinguishes the Dunlin, &c.” In Summer the plumage becomes much 
darker than in Winter, and of a more purple hue. 
Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis ,—Alouette des-champs, Fr. —Feld Lerche, G. — 
An adult and a young bird are figured, not entirely to our satisfaction. Surely 
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