BIRDS 82. Hooded Crow. Corvus comix, Linn. A local winter visitor, numerous on the lower Trent and not uncommon on the moors, but almost unknown in many parts of the county. It is scarce in the upper Trent valley and rare on the Derwent and Dove. According to Mr. E. D. Doncaster it is destructive among the moorland sheep in severe weather (Birds of Derbyshire, p. 107). 83. Rook. Corvui frugilegus, Linn. Locally, Crow. Exceedingly common all over the county, and at times very destructive to eggs of all kinds. Examples with elongated and mal- formed mandibles are not uncommon. Two such specimens are to be seen in the Derby Museum. A third is mentioned in the Zoolo- gist 1900, p. 429. Exceptionally rooks have been known to nest in late autumn, and an instance of this took place near Chesterfield. A white bird has been recorded from Staveley, and pied or partly white birds are not un- common. 84. Sky-Lark. Alauda arvensis, Linn. Most numerous in the southern plain, but found everywhere except on the moors. Under stress of weather large flocks make their way southward in the winter, returning after the break-up of the cold weather. A variety with white wing feathers is recorded in the Birds of Derbyshire (p. 1 09). 85. Wood-Lark. Alauda arborea, Linn. This species appears to have unaccountably decreased in numbers since Neville Wood's time. In 1836 he describes it as tolerably abundant near Foston, and proceeds to men- tion some nests in unusual positions. In 1863 Sir O. Mosley notes that it is 'scarce' in the Tutbury district, and Mr. E. Brown as 'rare' near Burton, and in 1850 Mr. J. J. Briggs writes that it is becoming scarcer every year. At the present time I have no notes of its occurrence in Derbyshire with the exception of a single bird obtained on the Sheffield moors (W. Boulsover), and a nest, said to have been found in the Burton district on May 29, 1881. 86. Swift. Cypselus apus (Linn.). Locally, Squealer, Screamer. A common summer visitor usually arriving about May 4 with wonderful regularity. F. B. Whitlock saw many on April 30, 1892, but this is unusual. When suitable breeding places are available swifts prefer to breed in company ; but as these are often restricted in numbers, isolated pairs may frequently be met with. A few nests may be found in the limestone district in crevices of rocks, but most of them are placed under eaves or in thatch. Two or frequently three eggs are laid, varying considerably in size and shape. For further notes on this species in Derbyshire see Zoo/. 1901, p. 286. 87. Nightjar. Caprimulgus europccus, Linn. Locally, Moth-hawk, Fern Owl, Goatsucker. A regular summer visitor to the moorlands breeding in small numbers not only on the Glossop moors but also on the eastern side of the Derwent from Ashopton to the Matlock district. To the low-lying country in the south and south-east it is a scarce and irre- gular visitor, but has been shot at Staveley, Kirk Ireton, near Derby, Sinfin Moor, Don- ington Park and near Burton. 88. Wryneck. lynx torquilla, Linn. A local summer visitor in small numbers to the parks in that part of Derbyshire which lies south of the Trent. A few are also to be found in the north-east, and one or two pairs visit the valley of the upper Derwent. It is unknown in the Dove valley. 89. Green Woodpecker. Gecinus viridis (Linn.). A fairly common resident in most well- wooded districts, and noticeable on account of its peculiar cry. It is less shy than the spotted woodpecker. 90. Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dendro- copus major (Linn.). Locally, French Magpie. A local resident, but more common in suitable localities than is generally believed owing to its shy and retiring habits which render observation difficult. It is most numerous in the woods and parks of southern and central Derbyshire, but a pair or two haunt the coniferous woods on the edge of the moorlands in the High Peak. 91. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Dendro- copus minor (Linn.). This species is also very prone to elude observation but is probably rather scarcer than the great spotted woodpecker though no doubt frequently overlooked. I have not met with it further north than Rowsley, and most notes of its appearance are from the district which lies to the south of Belper. 92. Kingfisher. Alcedo ispida, Linn. A common resident by the rivers of south 133
