25 
in the parish of Dailly; indeed, the whole of the valley of G-irvan 
seems peculiarly attractive to the species. 
The Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). 
A yearly visitant, and probably a permanent resident in some 
places. It breeds in the woods on Drummuck farm, the nest 
having been found there as late as May—probably a second brood. 
We have seen specimens of the bird that were killed there at that 
season. In the adjoining county of Kirkcudbright the cross¬ 
bill is equally well known; and a record dated as far back as 
1792 states that it then was known to breed in the parish of 
Buittle. Mr Gray has been informed by a gentleman well 
acquainted with birds, that he has every reason to believe that it 
breeds there still. 
The Parrot Crossbill [Loxia pityopsittacus). 
This rare species has been obtained on the confines of Ayrshire, 
a specimen having been killed at Wemyss Bay in the spring of 
1862, as recorded in “Birds of the West of Scotland.” 
STUBNID/E. 
Tile Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). 
Has become very common of late years, chiefly owing to the 
protection afforded it. It appears to have spread itself in all 
quarters, although thirty years ago it was comparatively rare. 
This bird seems partial to the sea-shore during the winter season. 
CORVIDLE. 
The Chough (Fregilus graculus). 
Inhabits the cliffs near Ballantrae, also the Mull of Galloway and 
Burrow Head. Its numbers of late years, however, have become 
greatly reduced. Mr Gray has visited its haunts repeatedly for 
the express object of seeing the birds, but has almost invariably 
been disappointed. One was shot near Burrow Head in the 
beginning of November, 1868. Along the shores of the southern 
part of Kirkcudbrightshire it occurs in small flocks; and Mr Gray 
has been informed by Mr Watson, Stranraer, that he has seen it 
frequently, during the last few years, in the parish of Kirkmaiden. 
Mr MT)onald, of the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, states his 
D 
