SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
297 
Goose).—-An adult male is figured, one-third less than the living size, by Mr. E. 
Lear. It is not a handsome bird, and therefore not calculated to display the 
artist's powers. Inhabits the whole of Africa, occasionally migrating to Europe. 
“ This is the species which would appear to have been held in great veneration by 
the ancient Egyptians, as we frequently find a figure of it among the stupendous 
works of that people.” The female is smaller than the other sex. It is often 
kept in confinement, in which state it will breed. It makes a half barking, half 
quacking note. 
Pallid Thrush, Turdus pallidus ,■—Merle blafard, Fr. —The figures are in 
two different states of plumage, and are finely executed. Common in Japan, but 
has only thrice occurred in Europe; is spread over the whole of Siberia. Its 
habits are unknown. As our author is not aware of the cause of the different 
states of plumage he describes in this bird, we shall not here detail them. 
Asiatic Nuthatch, Sitta Asiatic a, Temm. —The figure is of the natural size. 
“ It is rather smaller than the common species (S. Europoea ), and is much 
lighter in the general tone of its colouring.” Mr. Gould knows nothing further 
of this species than that he has received one specimen from M. Temminck, and 
which was from Russia. 
Rock Ptarmigan, Lagopus rupestris , Leach. —The representation, living 
dimensions, is in many respects beautiful, but we think the attitude is not quite 
natural. Some naturalists believe that this and the other specimens killed in 
Scotland are merely the female of the Common Ptarmigan (L. mutus ) in the 
orange plumage of Summer. “ Should this prove to be the case,” observes Mr. 
Gould, 46 our figure will not be destitute of interest, as it will exhibit the female 
Ptarmigan in a state of plumage not usually seen ; but, until this matter is finally 
cleared up, we have thought it best to figure the bird under the specific title of 
rupestris.” Mr. Gould’s drawing and that of T. C. Eyton, Esq., are both taken 
from the same specimen. 
Our author believes that none of the American Grous are identical with those 
of Europe. 
Northern Puffin, Mormon glacialis , —Macareux glacial, Fr. —An adult is 
well figured, of the living size. Strictly confined to the ice-bound regions of the 
Arctic Circle, over the whole of which it is probably distributed. It occurs, 
however, rarely in temperate climes. The sexes agree with each other in 
plumage. It is easily distinguished from the species which commonly breeds on 
our coasts by its larger and stronger bill, &e. 
Common Partridge, Perdix cinerea —Perdrix grise, Fr. —Graues Feldhuhn, 
G. —The figures, of a male and female, “ natural size,” are excellent in every 
respect, save that they convey an idea of birds too bulky in appearance. Inhabits 
