coverts bright rust-red, forming a large shoulder patch ; primary coverts uniform rust-red ;
primary quills brownish black, the outermost one white on the outer web; secondaries
black at the base and with the terminal half pure white, forming a very conspicuous
patch when the wings are open ; under surface of the body white, with a few spots of black
across the chest and sides of the breast ; sides and flanks streaked with black. The adult female
differs in lacking the rufous tints, all the upper surface of the body being ash-grey, with
black centres to the feathers ; under surface similar to that of the male, but the black spots
and streaks of the chest are less clearly marked, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. In Europe this species is only known to breed in the steppe-lands of the
south-east of Russia from north of the Caucasus through Astrakhan north to Saratow and
Orenburg. In Asia it has a wider distribution, and breeds in the district from Transcaspia
and Western Turkestan to the Yenisei. On migration it has frequently been recorded from
Turkey, and casually from Poland, Galizia, Tyrol, Hungary, Heligoland, Belgium, Italy, as well
as six times from England (Sussex, three; Kent, three). [F. c. R. J.]
BLACK-LARK [Melanocorypha yeltoniensis (Forster) ; Alauda yeltoniensis Forster. German,
Mohrenlerche ; Italian, calandra nera],
1. Description. Distinguished by its almost uniform black plumage. The sexes are
unlike in coloration, and there is a distinct winter plumage. Adult male, length 7| in.
[190 mm.]. Plumage of the whole body black, but most of the feathers of the upper parts
have buffy white fringes, especially on the lower back. Adult female general colour of
1 Vol. i. p. 199.
CLASSIFIED NOTES 475
the upper surface of the body tawny buff, with broad black centres to the feathers ; primaries
and secondaries black, the former narrowly and the latter broadly margined on the outer web
with yellowish buff; cheeks, chest, and throat similar to the upper parts; remainder of the
under parts white, streaked on the sides and Banks with black. After the autumn moult the
general colour of the upper parts is white, formed by the white tips to the black feathers, and
by the wearing oft' of these white tips the full black plumage is attained, [w. p. i>. and T. \v.]
2. Distribution. In Europe this species, like the last, is only known to breed in the
steppes of South-east Russia, chiefly near the salt marshes (Kirghiz steppes), east of the Volga.
In Asia its breeding range extends east to Turkestan and north to West Siberia. During the
winter it is met with in flocks on the Talysch marshes in Transcaucasia, and also occurs
occasionally in Central and Western Europe (Galizia, Heligoland, Italy, Belgium), while four
have been obtained in England on the Sussex and Kent borders in 1907. [F. c. n. j.]
[CALANDRA-LARK [Melanocorypha caldndra (Linnagus)]. Is said to have been captured in
England, but the two specimens in question may well have been escaped cage-birds. It
breeds in Southern Europe and North-west Africa, from Portugal and Marocco in the west to
Tunisia, Palestine, Transcaspia, and Turkestan. [F. c. R. J.]]
SHORTTOED-LARK [Calandrella brachyddctyla (Leisler) ; AUiuda brachyddctyla Leisler.
French, aluufte calandrelle ; German, kurzzehif/e Lerche; Italian, calandrella].
1. Description. Recognised by its very short claws, the fore-claws measuring -4 mm.,
whilst that of the hind- toe only measures 1 mm. The sexes are almost alike in coloration and
markings, and there is no appreciable seasonal plumage. Adult male general colour above,
including the scapulars, sandy buff, with broad black centres to the feathers ; primaries smoky
brown ; secondaries darker, but widely fringed with sandy buff; middle tail feathers ash-brown;
2nd to 4th pairs black ; outer pairs with an elongated patch of white on the inner web and with
the outer margin white ; cheeks isabelline, with dusky brown spots ; throat and belly white,
slightly washed with buff, more distinct on the chest and sides of the body, a patch of concealed
black feathers on each side of the upper chest, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. In Europe the breeding range of this species extends from Spain and
Portugal in the west, through Southern France, Italy, the Mediterranean islands, the Balkan
Peninsula and South Russia east to Astrakhan and the Caucasus. It also breeds in North Africa
from Marocco to Egypt, and in Asia from Palestine to Asia Minor, while from Transcaspia and
Persia east to Tibet it is replaced by allied races. During the migration period it occurs
casually north of its breeding range, and has been recorded from Heligoland, Switzerland,
Germany, North France, and seventeen times from the British Isles (twelve England, four
Scotland, one Ireland). Although sedentary in the southern part of its range, it is partially
migratory in the north. [F. c. R. J.]
CRESTED-LARK [Galerida cristdta (Linnaeus) ; Alauda cristdta Linnaeus. French, coclievis,
alouette huppde ; German, Haubenlerche ; Italian, cappellaccia].
1. Description. Recognised by its long crest, which is more than half an inch long. The
sexes are alike in coloration. Length 7 in. [178 mm.]. General colour above sandy brown,
with blackish brown centres to the feathers ; upper tail-coverts more vinaceous ; primaries
ash-brown, with buff on the outer web ; tail feathers blackish brown, outside pairs brownish
buff, with the inner web largely blackish brown ; cheeks like the back ; throat white, with two
longitudinal brownish black bands from the angle of the mouth; chest whitish buff, with
blackish brown shaft-streaks ; lower breast, belly, and under tail-coverts creamy white ; under
surface of primaries and axillaries pinkish buff; iris light brown; bill greyish brown, lower
mandible lighter and more dusky ; feet dusky yellowish flesh-colour, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
476 RARE BRITISH BIRDS
2. Distribution. The breeding range of this species extends over the greater part of the
Continent, but it is absent from Norway, the north of Sweden, and North Russia, and the
ordinary form is replaced by allied races in the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas as well as in
South Russia. It is absent from Corsica and Sardinia, but is represented in the other Medi-
terranean islands, and many allied races are found breeding in Northern Africa and also in
many parts of Asia. Though resident, it has occurred casually in Norway, and seven times in
England (Cornwall and Sussex). [F. c. n. J.]
EASTERN-SKYLARK [Alaiida arvensis cindrea Ehincke. Asiatic skylark].
1. Description. The Eastern form of the skylark is very closely allied to the common-
skylark, and resembles it in the general style of coloration (see vol. i. p. 199), but it is a much
greyer bird on the upper surface, with a purer white belly and much paler axillaries and under
wing-coverts. The adult female is similar in plumage to the male, but is smaller ; iris hazel ;
bill greyish brown above, lower mandible flesh-coloured ; feet yellowish brown. [\v. p. p. and T. w.j
2. Distribution. This local race of skylark breeds in Asia, in West Siberia, Turkestan,
Persia, and possibly Palestine. It winters in the Caucasus, and also in North Africa from
Algeria to Egypt. In the British Isles it has occurred once in Scotland (Flannan Isles), and at
least once in Ireland (Co. Cork, 1910). [F. c. R. J.]
THE WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 1
[ORDER : Passeriformes. FAMILY : MotacillidcB]
SYKES' YELLOW-WAGTAIL [Motacllla fldva beema Sykes. Italian, cutrettola gialla
orientate].
1. Description. Recognised by its pearl-grey head. It very much resembles M. flava, but
may be distinguished from that species by its white face and ear-coverts. The sexes are alike,
excepting that the female is duller in plumage than the male. Adult male, length 6| in.
[165 mm.]. General colour above yellowish green ; median and greater coverts dull brown,
margined with yellow ; primaries and secondaries blackish brown, margined with olive-yellow ;
tail feathers black, fringed with yellowish olive ; two outer pairs white, with a blackish margin
on the basal two-thirds of the inner web ; top of the head pearl-grey ; chin and a broad eyebrow
white ; remainder of the under surface of the body brilliant golden yellow ; axillaries yellow,
[w. P. P. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. Breeds in Western Siberia from Orenburg to the Yenisei. Occurs on
passage in Turkestan, and winters in India. Has been recorded casually from Hungary, once
from England (Sussex, April 1898), and once from Fair Island (May 1910), also from Italy and
Tunisia. [F. c. R. j.]
GREYHEADED-WAGTAIL [Motacitta fldva tUunUrgi Billberg ; Motacilla viridis Gmelin.
Arctic yellow-wagtail. German, nordische Schafstelze ; Italian, cutrettola caposcuro],
1. Description. Distinguished by its black ear-coverts and by the absence of the eyebrow.
The sexes are alike, except that the female is much duller in coloration. Length 6 in. [165
mm.]. Top of the head and sides of the neck dark slate-blue ; lores, feathers round the eye and
ear-coverts black ; upper plumage dark olive-yellow, lighter on the lower back and rump ;
primaries and secondaries blackish brown, edged with olive-yellow; tail feathers black, the
outer pairs white with a fringe of black on the inner web ; chin, throat, and under surface of the
body bright yellow ; under coverts of the wing and the axillaries yellow, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. Breeds in the north of Europe and Asia. In Norway it nests on the
1 Vol. i. p. 221.
CLASSIFIED NOTES 477
high fjekl south to the Dovre, but in Sweden only to lat. 63. In Finland it is fairly common
at Uleaborg, and in Russia breeds in the Kola Peninsula, the Olonetz and Archangel govern-
ments, but not on the Kanin Peninsula or the tundra north of the Arctic Circle. In Asia
it breeds across Siberia east to the Sea of Okhotsk. On migration it ranges through Europe,
and visits North-west Africa in small numbers; it is more plentiful in North-east Africa (from
Egypt to North Somaliland). In Asia its winter quarters lie in India, Ceylon, Burma, and
Tennasserim. Visits Great Britain in small numbers, chiefly on the south and east coasts and
the Scotch islands. [F. c. 11. J.]
ASHYHEADED WAGTAIL \M<>t<n-' l lln jt<tva cinereocapllla Savi. Italian, cutrettola
I'll /ill:', /ll'l'l till],
1. Description. Recognised by its pure white throat. The sexes are alike, excepting that
the female is duller than the male. Length 6J in. [165 mm.]. Head, hind-neck, and sides of
the neck dark slate-grey ; lores and ear-coverts jet black ; mantle, back, rump, wing-coverts,
and scapulars dark olive-green, lightest on the rump ; primary quills and secondaries blackish
brown, margined with yellowish olive; tail feathers black, the two outermost pairs for the
greater part white ; chin and throat pure white ; remainder of the under surface of the body
golden yellow ; axillaries and under wing-coverts pale yellow, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. Breeds in the countries bordering the Mediterranean east to Montenegro,
including Spain and Portugal, probably S. France, the Balearic Isles, Italy, Sicily, Dalmatia,
Bosnia, Montenegro, and Herzegovina. Also in N.W. Africa (Algeria and Tunisia). Winters in
Africa, and ranges south to Senegal and the Gold Coast on the west and Lado on the east.
Recorded twice from England (Cornwall und Norfolk). [F. c. R. J.]
BLACKHEADED WAGTAIL [Motacilla jldva melaiioctphala Lichtenstein. German, schwurz-
k<~>pfifif. Bachstrlze; Italian, cutrettola capinera].
1. Description. Recognised by the deep black feathers round the eye and the ear-coverts.
The male differs from the female in coloration. Length 7 in. [178 mm.]. General colour of
the upper parts yellowish olive, lighter on the rump ; primaries and secondaries greyish brown,
the former narrowly and the latter widely bordered with yellowish olive ; tail feathers black
fringed with yellow, the two outer pairs pure white excepting an elongated patch on the margin
of the outer web; the whole of the under parts rich golden yellow; axillaries and under wing-
coverts paler yellow. The adult female is much less richly coloured, with the head less marked
and the under surface of the body whitish washed with olive-yellow, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. In Europe this race breeds only in the Balkan Peninsula, South Russia,
and the Caucasus ; in Asia, apparently also in Asia Minor and West Persia. In the Balkan
Peninsula its range extends from Greece north to S. Dalmatia and the Danube valley. Its
regular winter quarters lie in Arabia and North-east Africa, south to British East Africa, Sudan,
etc., and it has occurred at least four times in England (three Sussex and one Kent), on Heligo-
land, in Italy, Tunisia and Algeria. [F. c. R. J.]
REDTHROATED-PIPIT [Antkus cervimis Pallas. French, pipi A gorge rcmsse; German,
rotkehliger Pieper ; Italian, pispola gola rosso].
1. Description. Recognised by the vinous chesnut throat and the black striations of the
rump and upper tail-coverts. The adult male differs from the female. Adult male, length
6 in. [152 mm.]. General colour of the upper surface sandy brown, with narrow blackish
shaft-streaks to the feathers of the head, and with wider and black centres to the mantle and
rump; primaries and secondaries blackish brown, fringed with whitish buff; tail similar in
colour to the wing, but the outer pair largely white; eyebrow, chin, throat, and upper
VOL. IV. 3P
478 RARE BRITISH BIRDS
breast pinkish chesnut, with a few blackish spots on the latter ; remainder of the under surface
of the body rich buff; sides and flanks streaked with black. The adult female is similar to the
above, but has only the throat vinous chesnut and the fore-neck heavily spotted with black.
[\v. P. P. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. In Europe this species breeds only in Northern Norway (chiefly in Fin-
mark), Sweden (in Swedish Lapland), and in North Russia, from Russian Lapland to the tundra
beyond the forest growth which borders the White and Kara Seas, as well as on Kolguev,
Wai'gatz, and Dolgoi. In Asia its breeding range extends along the northern coasts of Siberia
east to Kamtschatka and the Kuriles, and possibly even to Alaska. On migration it ranges
southward in Africa to Nubia and East Africa, while in Asia it winters in Arabia, India, Burma,
and in small numbers reaches the Malay Archipelago. To Western Europe it is a more
irregular visitor, but has been recorded from the Faeroes, Spain, and in North Africa from
Marocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In North America it is of casual occurrence in the Aleutian
Isles and S. California. There are seven definite records from the British Isles (two Sussex, one
Kent, three the Shetlands, and one Mayo), and it has been seen on St. Kilda. [F. c. R. J.]
SCANDINAVIAN BOCK - PIPIT [Anthus spinoletta littordlis Brehm ; Anthus rupestris
Nilsson. French, pipi des roch.es ; German, Felsenpieper].
1. Description. Distinguished from the British rock-pipit (see vol. i. p. 236) by the more
vinous under-surface of the body. Length 7 in. [178 mm.]. General colour of the upper
parts olive-brown, with indistinct blackish centres to the feathers, especially those of the
mantle; primaries and secondaries blackish brown, margined with olive-brown; tail feathers
dark olive-brown on the outer web, smoke-coloured on the terminal half of the inner web;
cheeks yellowish white, spotted with blackish brown ; centre of throat yellowish white ; fore-
neck and chest olive-yellow, streaked with blackish brown and washed with vinous ; remainder
of the under surface of the body yellowish white ; sides of the body olive-yellow, streaked with
blackish brown ; iris brown ; base of the lower mandible yellow, both mandibles black in the
breeding season ; legs flesh-colour, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. The breeding-grounds of this species lie on the Baltic coasts of Scan-
dinavia, the Cattegat, and the Swedish coast up to lat. 61, as well as some of the islands in the
Cattegat and Russian Lapland west of the Ribatchi Peninsula. Collett states that the form
which breeds along the Norwegian coast is the British race, A. spinoletta obacurus. During the
winter it occurs commonly on Heligoland, and also visits the coasts of Germany, Belgium, and
North France, as well as those of Great Britain (English and Welsh coasts, but not Scotland).
[F. c. R. J.]
AMERICAN-PIPIT [A-Athus spinoletta rubescens (Tunstall). Pennsylvanian-pipit].
1. Description. Distinguished from the water-pipit by the lores, eyebrow, and sides of
face, which are vinaceous like the under parts. The sexes resemble one another, but in the
female the throat and chest are more spotted with brown. General colour of the upper
parts dark ash-grey, with a few indistinct blackish centres to the feathers; primaries and
secondaries blackish brown, fringed on their outer webs with whitish grey; tail blackish
brown, the two outer pairs largely white ; under parts rich ochreous buff, spotted on the chest
with blackish brown and streaked on the flanks with black, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. Breeds in the Arctic regions of North America from Greenland and
Newfoundland on the east side to Alaska and Great Slave Lake on the west. Also on high
mountains south to California and Mexico, and in the Aleutian Isles and North-east Siberia.
In the winter months ranges south, wintering from the southern United States to Guatemala.
Casual on Heligoland (twice), and once on St. Kilda (September 1910). [F. c. R. J.]
CLASSIFIED NOTES 479
THE CREEPERS 1
[Oni>ER: I'dsseriformeji. FAMILY: Cei-tl<l'i<ln\
NORTHERN TREE-CREEPER [Certl'm f-millidria famittdris Linnaeus. German, nordische
Bau,mldufer~\.
1. Description. Differentiated from the British tree-creeper by its shorter bill (measuring
from the feathers of the forehead less than half an inch [13 mm.], that of the British form
measuring nearly three quarters of an inch [19 mm.]. The upper parts, moreover, are usually
whiter. The sexes are alike in coloration. Length 4| in. [120 mm.], [w. i>. i>. andr. w.]
2 Distribution. This race breeds in the coniferous woods of Norway and Sweden up to
about lat. 65, in Finland, Russia from the Olonetz and Vologda governments through the Baltic
Provinces to Poland and Central Russia; also in North-east Germany, the Carpathians, and
probably the Dobrogea. In Asia its breeding range extends through the forest region of the
continent south to the Altai and east to the Sea of Okhotsk, Manchuria, etc. Has been
identified with certainty on one occasion from Fair Island (December 1906), and has probably
occurred at other times. [F. c. R. j.]
WALL-CREEPER [Tichodroma murdria (Linnaeus). French, pic de murailles; German,
Alpen-Mauerldufer; Italian, piecio muraiolo].
1. Description. Recognised by the rose-crimson on the shoulders and wings. The sexes
are alike in coloration, and there is a distinct seasonal breeding-plumage. Length 6J in. [165 mm.].
The adult in breeding-plumage has the general colour of the upper surface of the body greyish
slate, becoming darker on the rump and upper tail-coverts till the tail is quite black, with the
exception of a white bar at the tip of the two outermost pair of feathers ; primaries black,
with two large spots of white on the inner web of each feather, and with the basal half of the
outer web rose-crimson ; secondaries similarly coloured, but with the spot on the inner web light
chesnut instead of white ; throat black ; remainder of under surface of the body blackish slate.
The adult after the autumn moult lacks the black of the throat, these parts being uniform with
the remainder of the under surface, [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2, Distribution. This species breeds in the mountain ranges of Central and Southern
Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees, and the Alpine chain to the Apennines, the
Carpathian range, the Balkan Peninsula and the Caucasus. In Asia its range extends eastward
from Palestine and Asia Minor through Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, etc., to the Himalayas,
Tibet, and Mongolia. It probably also nests on some of the Mediterranean islands (Elba,
Sardinia, and Cyprus). Outside the breeding season it seems to be rather an erratic wanderer,
and has been recorded from Germany, N. France (Brittany and Normandy), the Channel
Islands, and five times from England (Sussex three, Norfolk and Lancashire one each), as well
as southward in Asia to middle India, and perhaps also to North Africa. [F. c. R. J.]
THE DIPPER 2
[ORDER: Passeriformes. FAMILY: Cinclidce]
BLACKBREASTED-DIPPER [Cinclus cinclus cinclus (Linnaeus). Scandinavian-dipper.
German, Wasserschwdtzer].
1. Description. Distinguished from the British and Irish forms (vol. i. pp. 297, 299) by the
absence of chesnut on the under surface. This, below the white, is dark chocolate-brown
inclining to black. Sexes alike. Length 7 in. [178 mm.], [w. p. p. and T. w.]
1 Vol. i. p. 280. ! VoL i. p. 298.
480 RARE BRITISH BIRDS
2. Distribution. Breeds in Scandinavia and North Russia, the Russian Baltic Provinces,
and apparently also in East Prussia. Though mainly sedentary, some seem to migrate southward
in winter to North-east Germany and apparently also to East Russia. In other parts of Europe,
North-west Africa, and Asia to the Himalayas, it is replaced by other forms. Has occurred
several times in east England in winter, chiefly Norfolk and Yorkshire. [F. c. R. J.]
THE THRUSHES 1
[ORDER: Passeriform.es. FAMILY: Turdidce. SUBFAMILY: Turdince]
DUSKY- THRUSH [Turdus fuscdtus Pallas ; Turdus dubius Bechstein. French, merle brun ;
German, Rost-fiugeldrossel ; Italian, cesena fosca].
1. Description. Recognised by its light chesnut axillaries and under surface of the wing,
and by the flanks, which are heavily spotted with blackish brown. Sexes alike, except that the
female is duller in colour and has the upper surface more uniform. Length 9| in. [242 mm.].
General colour of the upper surface of the body reddish brown, with blackish centres to the
feathers; rump feathers chesnut-brown; primaries and secondaries blackish brown, with the
basal two-thirds of the inner web chesnut and the outer web margined with reddish buff; chin,
throat, and cheeks white, tinged with buff and tipped with black ; breast and flank feathers
blackish brown, broadly margined with white ; middle of the chest and belly uniform white.
[w. P. P. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. This species breeds in Siberia, north to the limit of tree growth on the
Yenisei and almost to the mouth of the Lena, east to Kamtschatka and Bering Island,
perhaps also North Saghalien. In winter its regular migrations extend to Corea, Japan,
Manchuria, China, Formosa, Assam, and North-west India ; but some individuals stray westward,
and have been recorded from Russia, Germany (?), Heligoland (once), Norway, Italy, Holland,
Belgium, South France, and once from England (Notts, 1905). [F. c. R. J.]
BLACKTHROATED THRUSH [Turdus ruficdllis atriguldris Temminck ; Turdus atrigularis
Temminck. French, merle a gorge noire; German, schwarzlcehlige Drossel', Italian,
tordo dalla gola nera].
1. Description. Recognised by its black throat and upper chest. Sexes unlike in colora-
tion. Adult male, length 10J in. [266 mm.]. General colour of the upper parts pale greyish
brown; top of the head with indistinct mesial streaks of brown; primaries and secondaries
ash-brown, slightly fringed with whitish; tail similar to the wing; lores, chin, throat, sides of
the neck, and upper breast deep black, some of the feathers indistinctly fringed with white ;
remainder of the under surface white ; sides and flanks tinged with greyish. Adult female
differs from the male in lacking the black throat and chest, these parts being white spotted with
black ; otherwise the upper surface, wings, and tail are as in the male. [w. p. p. and T. w.]
2. Distribution. This form of the redthroated-thrush breeds in West Siberia, in the
basins of the rivers Ob and Yenisei, south to the Altai, and, according to Severtzow, the Tian
Shan range. During the winter months its migrations extend to Turkestan, Transcaspia,
Afghanistan, Persia, Baluchistan, South Arabia (once), North-west India, the Himalaya range,
Shan States, Assam, and Manipur. In Europe it has occurred in Finland, Norway, many parts
of Germany, Denmark, Austria, Italy (seven), France, Belgium, and four times in Great Britain
(two Kent, one each Sussex and Perth). [F. c. R. J.]
1 Vol. L p. 317.
CLASSIFIED NOTES 481
WHITE'S THRUSH [Tunln* a.'n-eu* Holandre ; Tt'mlus vdrius Pallas. French, merle dore;