I found these birds, and bring back more conclusive evidence, I think the bird will eventually be considered new.
Hornemann's Redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni. (No Icelandic name.) According to the Rev. H.H. Slater, this bird has been known as Icelandic from a solitary specimen, of uncertain locality, procured by the late Mr. Proctor. It is therefore a matter of importance that I found this bird breeding in the forest above referred to; as it not only places the bird on a sound footing, but gives a new breeding bird for Iceland, and, I think, Europe as well. I brought back adults, and nests and eggs, which have been identified by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and Mr. Eugene W. Oates.
Snow-Bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis. (Snjótitlingur.)—Common in many districts. I was charmed with the song of this bird; when heard in the great solitudes, high up on the mountain-sides, amongst the masses of black lava and patches of snow, it struck me as being the sweetest Bunting's song I had ever heard. I procured a perfect series of this bird—nest and eggs, and every stage of young and adults, I have one very remarkable young bird, with legs and bill abnormally large.
Raven, Corvus corax. (Hrafn, &c.).—Plentiful in some districts. I found them breeding on the cliffs as late as July. I did not procure any specimens, but regret that I did not bring back a skin which I was offered, as it has since occurred to me that it was of the enormous billed American race.[1]
Carrion-Crow, C. corone. (Færeyja-hrafn.)—I saw several of these birds once only, and that was in Seydisfjord.
Snowy Owl, Nyctea scandiaca. (Ugla, &c.).—I did not personally meet with this bird, but several skins were brought to me. I was assured that the bird had never been known to breed in the North, and rested there only on migration.
White-tailed Eagle, Haliaëtus albicilla. (Orn, Ari, &c.).—I saw a grand adult with white head and tail sailing over Lake Myvatn, but it never came within three hundred yards. This same solitary bird is said to have been seen in the district for ten years, but never with a mate.
Iceland Falcon, Falco islandus. (Fálki.)—I found this magnificent Falcon in moderate abundance in certain districts, and witnessed several striking scenes in connection with it. I scaled a vast pinnacle of rock (lava, and very rotten in places) to the eyrie; this was real
- ↑ Since the above was written I have examined the collection at Tring and Dr. Hartert points out to me that the Greenland form has a very large bill.
