Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/508

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THE ZOOLOGIST.

seem to range quite so high as the five species previously mentioned. It is usually met with in the vicinity of the huts and hay-barns, under the eaves of which it often breeds.

Thus it will be observed that there are at least six most interesting alpine birds to be met with on the Riffelalp, even by one who pays merely a few days' visit to that most inviting health resort in one of the worst months of the year as regards bird-life. I have no doubt that all these species would be found breeding there in the spring. Besides these, I noticed Chaffinches, flocks of Tits in the pine woods (Parus lugubris and P. cristatus), and other well-known birds which it is not necessary to mention. Birds of prey, however, seemed to be unusually scarce. I heard rumours of an Eagle (?), but only saw a single Sparrowhawk.