4 ] 0 
SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
designation viridicanus , applied to this species, is, in our opinion, by far the 
most appropriate. 
Sardinian Warbler, Curruca melanocephala ,—Bee-fin Melanocephale, Fr., 
—is here represented in two figures, male and female, of the natural size. It is 
an inhabitant of Spain, Sardinia, and the Neapolitan dominions : insectivorous, 
and nearly-allied to our own melodious Blackcap. The head of the male is deep- 
black : that of the female, dark leaden-grey. The nest is formed in bushes near 
the ground ; eggs, five in number, yellowish-white, with dark spots. An inspec¬ 
tion of this charming plate confirms the impression which we were previously 
disposed to entertain, that, if possible, the smaller species of birds are more 
exquisitely delineated than the larger, by Mr. Gould. The species is referred to 
the genus Sylvia by Latham; by Gmelin to Motacilla. 
Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis ,—Pluvier dore, Fr .—Piviere dorato, It. 
—Goldregenpfeifer, G.—The Latin term, pluvialis , is now employed as designa- 
tive of the Plover genus; and five British species—see p. 208 of our present 
number—are described as belonging to it. The subject' of the present plate is 
the Green Plover —PL viridis —of modern ornithologists. The extraordinary 
change of plumage which the bird exhibits in the Summer and Winter seasons, 
is admirably illustrated in the two figures of the adult male, which Mr. Gould 
has here delineated with his wonted grace and fidelity. 
Great Black Woodpecker, Ficus martins , (— niger , Brisson, — maximus , 
Ray), —Pic noir, Fr .—Picchio Corvo, It. —Schwarztspecht, G.—This rare and 
beautiful bird, a native of North Europe, has been repeatedly killed in our own 
island; and at length, however tardily, been recognized by Selby as a British 
bird. It is the largest and most powerful of the European Picidce. The prevail¬ 
ing colour of the body is deep-black ; the crown of the head in the male—the 
occiput only in the female—“ bright arterial blood-red.” The figure of the latter, 
as partially represented by Mr. Gould, is excellent; that of the male, in our 
view, rather too angular and scraggy about the head and neck. Nigro-coccineus 
would form an appropriate specific designation for this bird. 
Lesser Grey Shrike, Collurio minor ,— (Lanins minor , Linnaeus),— Pie- 
Grieche a Poitrine Rose (Rose-breasted Shrike) of Temminck,— Yelia Genezia 
Mezzana, It .—Grauer Yurdur, oder Schwartzstieniger, G.—The modern genus, 
Collurio , is distinguished from Lanins by the graduated tail, and short rounded 
wing, of the species composing it. Our present subject is, however, regarded by 
Gould as rather forming a link between, the two genera, than belonging strictly 
to either. In size it is inferior to Lanins excubitor; which it closely resembles 
in habits and general character of plumage. For the amusement and information 
of the reader, who may not have access to the Manuel of Temminck, we shall 
