ROOK
Corvus frugilegus
Adult (right). Young (left)
Of all other birds the Lark is perhaps the one which typifies most thoroughly the freedom of life, and brings to our minds scenes of wide open country, where, bright, free, and unrestrained, he pours forth his song in the boundless expanse of the air.
Hatched in a neat nest of bents and dry grass lined with finer materials and placed on the ground in the middle of an open field, the youthful Lark has early to contend with enemies. Mice and other ground vermin, or the heavy foot of some grazing cattle, frequently destroy the nest and its contents, and the fact that so many escape must be largely ascribed to good luck.
His food is of a very varied nature and nothing comes amiss. The young are fed exclusively on insects, but after leaving the nest they spend their time eagerly feeding on seeds, berries, or anything that comes their way. As summer wanes, giving place to autumn, they collect in large flocks and seek the stubble fields, where the scattered grain gives them abundant nourishment, and on which they become very fat. It is at such times, while they are asleep by night, that they are netted by hundreds for the market. This form of catching can, however, only be successfully carried out shortly after dark on the blackest of nights, for, like all wild animals, they seem to rest with one eye open, and should there be the faintest glimmer of light they will be up and away long before the bird-catcher is near them. In October they become restless, and many wander to the coast, and thence to other countries, their place being taken by the inhabitants of more northerly climates. So the months pass, until a northerly gale and severe frost moves even these hardy northerners, and at such times they may be seen migrating in millions (for they travel almost entirely by day), relentlessly pursuing a southerly course in front of the biting norther. With a change of wind and temperature a large number will drift back again, but the movement will not be so noticeable, and thus they pass their lives, wandering wherever the weather and food may dictate, till in the very early days of spring, or even on fine days throughout the winter, we may hear their voluble song, breathing as it does the joy of freedom in every note. This is almost always uttered on the wing. Springing from the ground with rapid, fluttering wings, he rises perpendicularly higher and higher till he is almost lost to sight in the clouds, though his song still drifts down to us with unaffected clearness; higher and higher he goes, and then in a spiral curve he slowly descends, the song ceasing as he reaches a spot within a few feet of where he rose.
Nest-building is begun in April, and several broods are reared in a season, the song being continued except when he is actually feeding young in the nest.
The adult has the general plumage of a warm brownish tint, mottled and streaked with a darker shade. There is a light-coloured superciliary streak. The chin, throat, and upper breast and flanks are brownish buff streaked with brown, rest of under parts yellowish white. The sexes are alike in plumage but the female is rather smaller. Bird-catchers measure them from tip to tip of the expanded wings, rejecting those which are under one foot, as females. The young have the chin and throat unspotted, and have pale edgings to the feathers of the upper parts. Length about 7 in.; wing (of male) 4 to 5 in.
SKYLARK
Alauda arvensis
Adult (left). Young (right)
The Wood Lark is a much rarer bird than the Skylark, and very local in distribution. Rows of trees bordering open fields are the localities chiefly favoured by this species, which, except that it frequently perches, and may often be heard singing from the topmost branch of a tree, much resembles its commoner congener in habits. It feeds almost entirely on the ground, living chiefly on insects. The nest is placed a few yards from the hedge and composed of bents and grass, with a lining of finer materials. The eggs, usually four in number, are of a creamy ground colour, very thickly freckled with reddish brown markings. This species may be most easily distinguished by its song, which is much sweeter and fuller in tone than that of the preceding bird, but lacks the power and exuberance. When rising from the ground to sing, it always does so in a wide spiral curve, differing in that respect also from the Skylark, which rises straight.
The sexes are alike in plumage and resemble the Skylark, but it is a smaller bird and has a short hind toe and is more heavily streaked on the back. Length 6 in.; wing 3·6 in.
The Crested Lark is a common species on the Continent, even as close to our shores as the north of France, but very few examples have been known to stray to this country. It is not gregarious like the Common Skylark, and the song is not usually uttered on the wing, but in food and other habits it does not differ much from our well-known species.
In general colour this species is much duller, and the beak is longer and stouter than the Skylark, but its chief characteristics are the long pointed crest, the large bastard primary, and the absence of white on the tail. Length 6·75 in.; wing 4·1 in.
This bird is a resident, or partial migrant, throughout the whole of Southern Europe, but it has been known to occur in Northern Germany, Belgium, and the north of France. In Great Britain about half-a-dozen examples have been taken at various times in the south and east.
Very similar in appearance to other Larks, but, as its name indicates, the hind claw is short. The under parts are white and unspotted except for a few streaks on the sides of the neck. Length 5·5 in.; wing 3·4 in.
This species breeds across Central Russia and through the Kirghiz steppes as far as the Altai, migrating southwards in winter. Has only once occurred in England. The bill is short and stout, and this species may be at once recognised by the white inner primaries and secondaries, which form a conspicuous patch. Length 7·5 in.; wing 4·6 in.
This species inhabits South Russia, Transcaspia, and Western Siberia. In the winter of 1906 a small flock, consisting of both males and females, arrived in Sussex, being presumably driven westwards owing to the severity of the weather.
The male has the entire plumage jet black, but in winter this colour is largely obscured by broad sandy margins to the feathers. The female is pale sandy brown with darker markings, under parts white, spotted on the throat and breast. Length about 7·7 in.; wing 5·3 in.
A very different bird is this from the other Larks with which we have been dealing. He is seldom seen in this country, and then only in small numbers and at irregular periods.
The wide tundras of the North form his home, and there he may be found plentifully, but as the long Arctic day gives way to the cold black night, he reluctantly retires and passes the winter in the temperate portions of the northern hemisphere. In these islands we are just on the fringe of his wanderings, and almost every year a few stragglers put in an appearance on our eastern coast in autumn; their visits are of but short duration, and as a rule they quickly pass away southwards. With very severe weather on the Continent, however, they may appear in some numbers towards midwinter, and at such times remain with us till at the first sign of coming spring they are off again to their dearly loved home in the North.
General colour above pale sandy brown, tinged with rufous on the back of the head and nape. Forehead and a superciliary stripe white; a band across the head, lores, cheeks, and a triangular band across the chest, black; rest of under parts white, inclined to rufous on the breast and flanks. The female is smaller and duller. Length about 7 in.; wing 4·4 in.
The causes that govern the migratory movements of birds are still unknown. Some species are doubtless impelled by stress of weather or lack of food to seek other quarters, but what power can it be that brings the Swift thousands of miles from another continent to lay its eggs and rear its young, and then precipitately to retire again when the flies on which they feed are most abundant, and the warmest month of the year has hardly begun? It is one of the last of the summer birds to arrive, May being generally well advanced before we hear its harsh yet pleasant scream of “swee ree,” as it swerves in rapid flight round the cottage or belfry which is to form its summer home.
This species is the most aerial of all our native birds, and is never seen to settle except when entering the hole under the eaves where it nests, and, in fact, owing to the length of its wing and shortness of its legs, it cannot raise itself from a level surface should it once settle.
Gregarious in its habits, it returns yearly to the same place, and, entering through a hole or crevice under the eaves, nests there in security. Swifts, as a family, differ from all other birds in using a sticky, mucous saliva, with which to bind together rough bits of straw, cobwebs, feathers, etc., which form their nest. The nests of certain foreign species are formed entirely of this saliva, and such nests are eaten with great relish and in large quantities by the Chinese. With our species, however, the amount of saliva used is comparatively small; it does not often collect material for its nest, but makes use of the accumulation of rubbish usually found under roofs, and, hollowing out a shallow depression, cements it into a permanent cup. Two or three dull, oblong, white eggs form the clutch. The young when first hatched are naked; they stay in the nest a long time, not leaving it until fully fledged. When, however, they leave their home and drop into the air for the first time, they fly off at once and appear as much at home on the wing as their parents. For a few days they return to the nest to rest, and then a week or two after they are fledged, about the beginning of August, they leave us for their tropical winter home. These birds occasionally perform curious aerial evolutions on warm summer nights. As darkness comes on they become very restless, screaming round the tower or belfry as they dash by in wide circles; gradually they rise higher and higher in the air till they become mere specks, and are finally lost in the darkness.
Here again our ignorance comes in and our story must end. Observers have sat up in vain till two or three in the morning, awaiting their return. Not one has reappeared, and yet the next day they will all be seen back again, apparently unwearied by their restless night, but rather enjoying to the full the marvellous powers of flight which they have inherited.
The sexes and young are alike in plumage and are of a uniformly dark sooty brown, the chin and throat being dull white. The tail is short and slightly forked; wings very long and narrow. The feet are extremely feeble, the four toes all directed forward and having sharp, recurved nails, which enable them to cling to perpendicular surfaces. Length 6·5 in.; wing 6·8 in. It is generally abundantly distributed throughout our islands, but becomes scarcer in the North. It winters in Africa.
COMMON SWIFT
Cypselus apus
This is a much larger species than our common Swift and has only visited these islands on very rare occasions, almost all the examples obtained having been taken in the south of England. It breeds in the high mountain ranges of Central and Southern Europe, and winters in Africa. From our common species it may be distinguished by its larger size, browner colour, and light under parts. Length 8 in.; wing 8·45 in.
Another species, the Needle-tailed Swift (Acanthyllis caudacuta) has occurred on two occasions in England. It breeds in Central Asia, migrating in winter to Australia, and except for these two instances is unrecorded from Europe.
Arriving, the latest of all our migrants, towards the middle of May, and leaving again early in September, this strange bird is but little known to the majority of people, although by no means uncommon in suitable localities.
Its favourite haunts are gorse commons, and moorlands on the edge of woods, especially where bracken grows freely, and in such situations it may be found throughout our islands. The best time to see it is at dusk, when it comes out to capture moths, beetles, and other crepuscular insects which form its chief sustenance. Its flight is silent and very bat-like, twisting and turning with great ease and agility, now and again striking its wings together with a loud clap and uttering at the same time a sharp little whistle. When resting on a branch, which it invariably does lengthways, a curious reeling note or vibrating “churr” is uttered.
No nest is made, but the two white eggs, boldly blotched and mottled with brown and lilac, are laid on the bare ground without any attempt at concealment. The bird sits very closely, and her dull greyish plumage so assimilates with her surroundings that it is almost impossible to see her until she rises and circles round, uttering a harsh “chuck, chuck.”
The young, when first hatched, are covered with an ashy grey down, and have, even at this tender age, the large mouth with enormous gape, characteristic of this family. They do not remain in the nest till fledged, but crawl about on the ground. They do not, however, attempt to feed themselves, and are carefully tended by their parents till they are well able to fly, when they at once quit this country to winter in tropical Africa.
The plumage of both sexes is nearly alike, and is ashy grey, streaked and spotted irregularly with brown. The male has a white spot near the centre of each of the three outer primaries, and the two outermost pairs of tail feathers are tipped with white. These white markings are absent in the female. The young practically resemble the female Length 10·5 in.; wing 7·55.
One example each of two other species of this family, the Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) and the Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus ægyptius) have been taken in England. The first named is a native of Southern Spain and North Africa as far east as Tunisia; the breeding-quarters of the other are in South-east Europe, Egypt, Nubia, and Tunisia. In general appearance they both closely resemble our common species; the Red-throated may, however, be recognised by the tawny collar encircling the head, and the Egyptian by the inner webs of the primaries being pure white.
Under the name of the “Cuckoo’s Mate” this species is well known in our southern and south-eastern counties. Elsewhere in England it is rare or local, and in Scotland and Ireland it is of very irregular occurrence. The name “Cuckoo’s Mate” is derived from the fact that its arrival usually coincides pretty closely with that of the Cuckoo, namely during the first week in April, but in other respects it has no connection in habits or distribution with the better-known species. Owing to its dull and unobtrusive plumage, and more especially from its custom of inhabiting gardens and woods, it is not easy to see, though to those who know its note, which is a sharp “qui, qui, qui,” its presence will be frequently made known. It feeds chiefly on ants, which it searches for on the ground or on tree-trunks. These are rapidly conveyed to its mouth by a quick motion of its long extensile tongue, which is coated with a sticky mucus, and the rate at which this organ is shot forwards and backwards is almost incredible, and reminds one rather of the tongue in the chameleons and some other lizards. It breeds in the hole of a tree, and the six round white eggs are laid on the wood itself without any attempt at a nest. If the hole be visited during incubation the sitting bird will utter a peculiar hissing noise, and at the same time twist her neck in a most surprising manner. This habit, which is well calculated to make the observer believe the hole to be tenanted by a snake, has given rise to the name of “Snake-bird” as well as the better-known one of Wryneck. The sexes are alike in plumage, the general colour being greyish with dark streaks of brownish black on the nape and scapulars. Throat, upper breast, and flanks yellowish, becoming paler on the belly, with narrow black bars and arrow markings. The young are greyer, and have no yellow or arrow-shaped markings on the under parts. Length 7 in.; wing 3·4 in.
Towards the end of September it takes its departure, but some individuals frequently remain much later, and probably occasionally spend the winter with us.
WRYNECK
Iynx torquilla
The cheery “pleu, pleu, pleu” of the Yaffle as it flies from one tree to another may be heard in most parts of England and Wales, though in Scotland and Ireland it is almost unknown. It is a moderate-sized and somewhat ungainly bird in its actions, spending its life among trees, though it by no means restricts itself to woods, especially in autumn, when it may frequently be seen ascending some hedgerow tree, with its characteristic jerking motion, the stiff and pointed tail feathers aiding it to cling to the trunk. Its food consists of insects, more especially beetles and ants, which it finds in crevices of the bark, but it often descends to the ground in search of food.
Its flight is direct and undulating, and it proceeds by a series of rapid wing-beats followed by a short falling period, when the wings are half closed. On the ground it progresses by short hops, and when searching a tree for food, it ascends spirally from the base in short jerks, flying off when near the top to recommence its search at the base of another. Early in April it begins to excavate a nesting-hole, choosing for preference a tree destitute of lower branches. A neat circular hole is chiselled out, which is carried in horizontally for some distance, and then turns downwards. No special nest is made, the glossy white eggs, about five in number, being laid on the bare wood.
The young remain in the nest till they are full fledged, and then scatter to earn their own living.
The general colour of the male is olive green, shading into yellow on the rump and becoming greyer on the under parts. The crown and nape are crimson, and there is a malar stripe of the same colour edged with black. The female has less crimson on the head and the malar stripes are black. The young are mottled on the back and spotted on the under parts with blackish. Length 12·5 in.; wing 6·4 in.
Although it can nowhere be called abundant, this species is widely distributed in well-wooded districts as far north as Durham, but in Scotland it is a scarce bird, only nesting very sparingly in the south, and in Ireland it is almost unknown. A quiet and shy bird, it is rarely seen, keeping as it does to the higher branches of tall trees, and when possible keeping the trunk between it and any would-be observer. In its food and habits it resembles the Green Woodpecker, though it is comparatively seldom seen on the ground. The call-note is a sharp, short “chik,” but it makes also a peculiar rattling sound by rapping its beak against a bough. This sound, which is more often heard in early spring, has been supposed to be made only at that season, but it may also be heard, though less frequently, at other times of the year.
GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER
Dendrocopus major
Male (right). Female (centre). Young (left)
In winter this species is much given to wandering, and every autumn our local birds receive further additions from Scandinavia. It can hardly, however, be considered a regular winter visitor, as such immigrations are largely dependent on the season, and it is only at irregular periods that really large numbers arrive.
The upper parts of the male are chiefly black; the forehead, cheeks, ear coverts, and scapulars are white; nape crimson; wing feathers black, barred with white on the outer webs; under parts whitish; vent crimson. The female lacks the red on the head, but the young of both sexes have the crown red. Length 9·4 in.; wing 5·5 in.
In many well-wooded localities in the south, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker may be almost considered common, though from its small size and partiality to the topmost branches of tall trees, it is but seldom seen. In Wales and north of the Midlands it becomes extremely local, and in Scotland and Ireland it has only been obtained as a rare straggler on a few isolated occasions. In food and habits it hardly differs from its larger congener, but the nest is generally hewn out in some dead tree. It has not occurred on migration. The male has the upper parts chiefly black, barred with white; the forehead buff; crown of the head crimson; nape and malar stripe black; cheeks white. The under parts are buffish white with black streaks on the flanks. The female has only got a little red on the fore part of the head. Length 6 in.; wing 3·7 in.
In spite of the ease with which he may be caught, and the demand for his skin brought about by his fatal beauty, we are still able to reckon the Kingfisher as a generally distributed species.
Representative of a family which is essentially associated with tropical climes, he still wears his brilliant dress in these northern latitudes, and resembles, as he darts with rapid flight down our rivers and streams, some huge turquoise.
Having fixed on a favourite piece of water, he seldom wanders far afield, but may be seen at all times of the year, sitting on an overhanging bough, ever and anon dropping into the water to seize some passing fish. His prey being captured, he returns to his perch and kills the struggling fish by knocking it against his stand; it is then swallowed head first, and he resumes his motionless watch. If sport be slow, and he be hungry, he will wend his way with rapid flight down the river to try his luck in another place, and it is at such times that we shall probably get a momentary glimpse of his brilliancy, till a curve in the stream hides him from sight.
KINGFISHER
Alcedo ispida
Mere cold does not seem to affect him in the least, but when the streams are frozen he suffers greatly from hunger, and after a day or two of frosty weather he reluctantly leaves his accustomed home for the milder reaches of the sea-shore, where the restless tide brings him in a continual supply of food. The sea-shore, however, is not to his taste, and at the first break-up of the frost he returns again to his inhospitable home. Early in April he turns his attention to housekeeping. Like most bright-plumaged birds, he has no song with which to woo his mate, but at such times they may often be seen chasing each other about up and down the stream, uttering their shrill and sharp call-note. A perpendicular wall in the bank of the river is chosen, and near the top of this they excavate a long low tunnel with the end slightly widened out to form a chamber. The nest is peculiar, being formed of a mass of small regurgitated bones, and on this the six pure white and highly glossed eggs are laid. As soon as the young are fledged and thoroughly able to earn their own living, they are driven away from their home and forced to seek winter-quarters elsewhere. Many, especially in the northern portions of its range, go to the sea-shore and migrate, while others seek out some quiet stream where they may fish in undisputed possession, till the return of spring impels them to seek a mate and form a home for themselves. The sexes are practically alike in plumage. The top of the head, wings, and malar stripe are dark greenish blue, mottled with lighter; back and rump brilliant cobalt blue; tail dark blue. The under parts, lores, and ear coverts are chestnut; throat whitish; bill black, orange at the base; legs deep red. The young bird is duller and shows traces of greenish on the breast. Length 7·5 in.; wing 3 in.
Although stragglers of this beautiful and brilliant species have frequently visited this country in both the spring and autumn migrations, it can by no means be considered as a regular visitor to our shores. It is very numerous in Southern Europe and breeds as far north as St. Petersburg and certain parts of Sweden; in the countries bordering the North Sea, however, it is decidedly rare. In winter it inhabits the southern portion of Africa, being numerous in Cape Colony and Natal.
The sexes are alike. The head, neck, and under parts are of a brilliant greenish blue, the mantle is brown, and there is a patch of gorgeous ultramarine blue on the lesser wing coverts. Length 12 in.; wing 7·7 in.
A good many stragglers of this southern species have occurred from time to time, chiefly in the southern half of England, but a few have also been taken in Scotland and Ireland. In Southern Europe it is extremely abundant throughout the summer, wintering in Africa. The sexes are alike. The head, neck, upper back, and a bar across the secondaries are chestnut brown; forehead white, turning to green; lores and ear coverts black; tail green, two central feathers elongated and tipped with black. Throat yellow; a black band across the lower neck; under parts greenish blue. Length 11·25 in.; wing 6 in.
In the spring of every year, with unfailing regularity, a few misguided individuals of this interesting bird seek the hospitality of our shores, and, were they unmolested, would eventually settle as one of our permanent summer visitors in the southern counties. Unfortunately, apart from its striking plumage, which cannot fail to arrest attention, it is of a very confiding nature, stalking about lawns and grass fields with its peculiar walk, while it prods the ground with its long bill in search of grubs and insects. Such a sight is too much for the so-called collector or ignorant loafer, whose only idea on seeing a strange bird is to kill it, and thus it happens that our would-be guest either reposes as a fearful caricature in a glass case till moth and rust have done their work, or is frightened off to some other country where his appearance excites less curiosity and murder. From time to time, however, protected by some enlightened farmer or landowner, this species has been spared to pass the summer unmolested, and, choosing a hollow tree, preferably in an orchard or near some open grass fields, has reared a young brood to maturity and finally departed in peace to spend the winter in Southern Europe or Africa.
The nest is placed in a hole in some tree, and the eggs, seven in number, are of a uniform pale greenish blue.
General colour of the head, mantle, and under parts pale cinnamon; wings and tail black, broadly barred with white. Lower back broadly barred with black, white, and buff. The sexes and young resemble each other in plumage. Length 12·2 in.; bill 2·5 in.; wing 6 in.
The arrival of the Cuckoo, as heralded by his well-known note, is eagerly awaited by every one who lives in the country, ornithologist or otherwise, and so anxious are some to record his arrival, that they persuade themselves that they have heard him before the March winds have abated. There is little doubt, however, that this species rarely, if ever, arrives in March, and not before mid-April can his pleasing note be generally heard. Throughout the whole of our islands this bird is common and well known, inhabiting equally the wild open country, the enclosed arable land, or thickly-wooded estates. It feeds entirely on insects, especially caterpillars, those of the common Tiger-moth being an especially favourite delicacy. Its flight is direct and fairly rapid, the short wings and long tail giving it very much the appearance of a Sparrow-Hawk, for which it is frequently mistaken by the smaller birds, and mobbed accordingly.
CUCKOO
Cuculus canorus
Adult (below). Young (above)
This bird solves housekeeping difficulties in the simplest way by leaving its eggs to the tender mercies of other species. It apparently usually watches other birds when building, and as soon as the chosen nest contains a few eggs, it lays its own egg on the ground, and picking it up in its beak deposits it in the nest, throwing out at the same time a few of the rightful eggs. The eggs are, as a rule, deposited one by one in a different nest of the same species, and when two Cuckoo’s eggs are found in the same nest, they are almost assuredly the produce of two different birds. Having deposited its eggs, the mother Cuckoo takes no further interest in her progeny, but continues to lead a life of leisure, till early in August both sexes leave us for their southern winter-quarters. The eggs of this species are extremely variable, but as a rule are of a pale bluish or greenish ground colour, with reddish spots and mottlings; sometimes they agree so closely with the eggs of their foster-parents as to be almost indistinguishable, but such cases are exceptional. When the young Cuckoo has been hatched about twenty-four hours, he sets to work to eject the other nestlings by getting them on his back, in which there is a hollow, and pushing them over the side of the nest. He is most importunate in his demands for food, and continues to be a burden on the foster-parents long after he is able to feed himself. Once, however, he is fledged, he wings his way southwards and we see him no more, till he returns the following spring to gladden us with his cheering “cuckoo.” Various species of insectivorous birds are made use of as foster-parents, and there is no doubt that much discrimination is exercised by the mother Cuckoo as to where and when to deposit her egg. The nests most favoured in this country are those of the Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Hedge Sparrow, Sedge and Reed Warblers, but over sixty different species of British Birds have been made use of at various times. Practically nothing is known as to whether Cuckoos pair, or if the female receives the attentions of several males, and the number of eggs laid by a single bird in the season is also doubtful, though about eight is said to be the number. Many interesting problems are thus still unsolved about one of our commonest birds, and if his character be not a very estimable one, we can but marvel at the workings of evolution which has enabled so curious and complicated a method of parasitism to be sufficiently successful to ensure the perpetuation of the race. It must be remembered that for the successful rearing of each young Cuckoo the mother has to find and recognise the nest of an insectivorous bird, and to lay her egg during the five days in which the foster-parent elect is laying her clutch. As regards the various stages of evolution that have caused the young Cuckoo to evolve as a murderer at his birth, and that have provided him with the means in the shape of a special hollow in his back, we know nothing, and can in the present state of our knowledge merely leave the problem in wonder and amazement.
The male is clear greyish ash on the back and throat; tail feathers blackish with small white spots on the margin. Under parts whitish, with dark bars on the flanks. The young vary considerably and are generally dark brown, more or less barred with rufous on the upper parts. Length 13 in.; wing 8·5 in.
On three or four occasions this bird has been obtained in England and Ireland. It is a native of North Africa and South Spain, where it breeds, migrating in winter to South Africa. Its eggs are almost always deposited in the nest of a Magpie, but other members of the Crow family are sometimes chosen. The general colour is greyish brown, most of the feathers tipped with white; under parts white. The crown is grey, with long pointed crest. Length 15·5 in.; wing 8 in.
Some half-dozen examples of this American species have occurred on our western shores during the autumn migration. It is about the size of our Cuckoo, olive-brown above, and buffish white below. Each of the tail feathers are tipped with white. Length 11 in.; tail 6 in.; wing 5·40 in.
After many years’ patient preaching, the Barn Owl is at last beginning to be recognised as a friend to be encouraged, rather than as an enemy to be slain, and it is now on the increase throughout England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland it has always been local in the south and rare in the north.
The species is strictly nocturnal, and darkness has usually fallen before it sallies forth from its hiding-place in a barn, an old church tower, or a hollow tree.
It feeds almost entirely on rats, mice, and such small deer, and rarely takes any small birds, as they are always securely roosting by the time the Barn Owl comes out. From its habits of choosing barns and old buildings, this species more than any other is deserving of man’s protection, since its favourite hunting-grounds are round the farm-yards, where it destroys those vermin that are of most immediate nuisance to the farmer.
The note is a harsh high-pitched scream, which has earned for it the name of “Screech Owl,” but when in its hole it makes a heavy snoring sound, and has also a curious habit of waving its head from side to side. When seen from above down a dark hole, the motion being just dimly visible, it has a very uncanny appearance.
BARN OWL
Strix flammea
The eggs, oval in shape and pure white like those of all Owls, are laid without any attempt at a nest. They are generally laid in clutches of two, at intervals of some days, so that four or six young of varying ages are generally found in the nest together. Unlike most of the other Owls, the first plumage of the young is composed of true feathers, whereas in most of the other species the young are at first clothed, with the exception of the wings and tail, in a plumage of downy feathers, which after being worn for a short time is exchanged for the full plumage.
The general colour above is buffish orange, minutely speckled and vermiculated with grey. The under parts are white, sometimes slightly buffish on the chest, and with a few minute black specks. The sexes are alike, but the female is said to be more speckled on the under parts. The young resemble the adults. Length 13·5 in.; wing 11·25 in.
Though it is distinctly commoner in Scotland, this species is not rare in any of the wooded districts of our islands. It is very partial to fir woods or evergreen plantations, and early in the year takes possession of an old nest or squirrel’s drey in which to deposit its six white eggs. The young are chiefly fed on rats and mice, but moths and beetles are also eaten with relish, while small birds are not despised. The daytime is spent among the branches of the trees, and when alarmed by any noise the bird draws itself up and leans against the trunk of the tree, in which position it may easily be overlooked. It flies out at dusk and ranges the fields near woods for its prey.
In the northern parts of Scotland it is a regular migrant, but elsewhere within these islands it is resident, though immigrations from the Continent occur every year. It is a very silent bird, but occasionally gives rise to a short mellow bark.
The sexes resemble each other and are buffish, heavily speckled and vermiculated with dark brown, ashy, and white. The markings of the young are yellowish, and warmer in tint. The name is derived from two longish tufts of feathers above the facial disc, which can be erected at will. Length 14 in.; wing 11·5 in.
Unlike the preceding species, this bird inhabits fens, marshes, and open moorlands. In Scotland it nests fairly commonly, but in England it is decidedly rare and local as a breeding species, while it has never been known to breed in Ireland.
The nest is placed on the ground, at the foot of a small bush in long sedge, or among heather. No real nest is made, but a few bits of grass or heather are arranged round the eggs. These are usually five in number, and, like all Owls’ eggs, pure white. In some seasons these Owls become much more abundant in certain places, due generally to a great increase in their food, which consists almost entirely of field-voles. In the years when these voles increase to an enormous extent, this species will also appear nesting in considerable numbers, where it was almost unknown before, and in such seasons as many as twelve eggs have been found in a clutch. It is by no means a nocturnal bird but takes its food by day, and may thus be easily noticed on its approach in a new locality. The flight is somewhat heavy and uncertain, frequently twisting about and rolling from side to side.
LONG-EARED OWL
Asio otus
In autumn, large immigrations reach this country from abroad, and during the winter it becomes quite common in suitable places throughout England and Ireland. He is frequently flushed from the turnip-fields in October, and is for this reason known in some places as the “Woodcock Owl.”
In plumage it resembles the preceding species, but the markings are bolder and the delicate grey vermiculations are entirely absent. The ear tufts are much shorter. Length 14·5 in.; wing 12 in.
The Tawny Owl is a common inhabitant of the well-wooded parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, though in the north of the last-named country it becomes decidedly scarce and local. In Ireland it has not yet been obtained. It nests early in March, the eggs being usually placed in a hollow tree, though it often makes use of deserted nests of Rooks, Crows, or Hawks, and sometimes nests on the ground at the base of a tree. The eggs are white and glossy and much rounder in shape than those of the Barn Owl. It is extremely nocturnal, never appearing till quite dark, and seldom pursuing its prey in the open, but keeping to glades and rides in the woods. Its hoot is a loud “hoo hoo,” and is repeated with great frequency. This species is never met with on migration, but is one of the most resident of birds, rarely wandering far from its birthplace.
The sexes are alike, except that the female is slightly larger. The general colour is usually of a warm tawny brown, mottled and streaked with darker shades of the same colour; the under parts are pale buffish white, striped with dark brown. There are two phases of this species which are alike in markings, but in one the predominating tint is red and in the other grey. Length 15 in.; wing 10 in.
This species is an inhabitant of the pine forests of Northern Europe, migrating southwards in winter. A few stragglers have occurred in these islands from time to time. The general colour above is umber brown, spotted and marked with white; the facial disk is white with a dark outer ring; under parts whitish, barred and streaked with brown. Length 9 in.; wing 6·5 in.
TAWNY OWL
Syrnium aluco
The plumage of this species is exceptionally thick and downy; the feathers on the legs and toes especially so.
This bird has undoubtedly occurred on many occasions as a straggler in this country, but its claim as a British Bird now rests on introductions which have been made in Kent, Northampton, Bedford, Yorkshire, and other places where it has more or less established itself as a breeding species, and is slowly extending its range from at least one of these centres. It is a small species, living chiefly on insects and mice, and is generally found in well-wooded country, where it may be often seen sitting on a dead tree or post, sunning itself, for it is largely diurnal in its habits.
The plumage above is a warm brown spotted with white; under parts white striped with brown. The female is rather larger than the male. Length about 9 in.; wing 6 in.
In this species the feathers on the legs and toes are quite short, being little more than bristles on the latter, a point by which it may be easily distinguished from the preceding species.
The Arctic regions both in summer and winter form the home of this large and handsome species, though many wander southwards during the winter months.
In the Shetlands and Orkneys it is a fairly regular winter visitor during severe weather, and it has frequently occurred in Scotland; to England and Ireland, however, its visits are few and far between.
The plumage is pure white, spotted and barred with dark brown, the amount of which varies greatly in individuals. Length of male 22 in.; wing 15·5 in. The female is slightly larger.
The Hawk Owl inhabits the pine forests of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. It has occurred here as a straggler on several occasions, the majority of examples having been shot in the western counties of England and Scotland, and belonging curiously enough to the American race, which has the bars of the under parts more ruddy than the European form. This latter form has, however, also been obtained on at least one occasion.