The Zoologist/4th series, vol 4 (1900)/Issue 707/On the Distribution of Some Birds Observed in Ireland and in Switzerland

by Charles Joseph Patten and William John Williams

 

ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOME BIRDS OB-
SERVED IN IRELAND AND IN SWITZERLAND.

By Charles J. Patten, B.A., M.D. (Chief Demonstrator in
Anatomy, Dublin University), and W.J. Williams.

 

That the large majority of birds are widely distributed over the face of the globe is a fact now well ascertained. Their migratory propensities, which seem to be the rule rather than the exception, account largely for their geographical distribution. But it does not necessarily follow from this that certain species are equally plentiful in different countries; for example, the Redstart is decidedly rare in Ireland, whereas in many parts of the Continent it is quite a plentiful bird. Even in the same country a bird may be common in one province, and unknown in another. Thus, in Kilkenny and Queen's County the Jay is often seen, whereas it is practically absent from Louth and Dublin.

These facts concerning distribution are highly important to those who may wish to determine the absolute rarity of birds, a matter which every collector should consider before attempting to diminish their numbers. A non-breeding casual migratory species, seldom occurring in the British Isles, but common and widely distributed in other countries, cannot in any sense be considered a really rare bird. It is only relatively so, and in the cause of science it seems quite allowable to capture such a species provided that the scientist wishes to advance his knowledge of ornithology. By such a procedure he will not materially lessen the numbers of the species, and moreover he will obtain reliable evidence of the occurrence of a so-called rare native bird. The present article has been written with the view of supporting this idea. The occurrences of different kinds of birds (as many as possible) inhabiting both Ireland and Switzerland are in the first place recorded. Their variation in numbers in the two countries (the question of relative rarity) is then compared. But in all cases one must not expect the numbers to sensibly vary. Some birds are equally common to both countries. A brief notice of these will probably suffice.

It should be borne in mind that the observations set down in this paper were chiefly made during a few tours through the alpine scenery of Switzerland; hill, dale, and large inland lakes being the nature of the greater part of the country traversed. Hence the following list treats of land birds for the most part, such as those found in the orders of Accipitres and Passeres. By far the greater number of birds recorded belong to the latter order. Still, the presence of large inland lakes (Geneva, Lucerne, &c.) one would almost think should have afforded suitable "natural habitat" for some fresh-water aquatic birds belonging to the orders of Limicolæ and Natatores, such as the Common Sandpiper and Coot; and, indeed, the absence of these and others of the same class appears somewhat remarkable.^[1]

As we should naturally expect, the habits of a given species found in Ireland differed but little from the same found in Switzerland. If anything, the continental birds on the whole appeared rather the tamer of the two. As in Ireland, so in Switzerland, the birds of the mountainous districts showed a more marked tendency to shyness than those frequenting the towns and the vicinity of human habitations.

The plumage of a species common to the two countries seemed practically identical. To this there are a few exceptions, which will be referred to when dealing with the bird in question. In order to render the subject-matter of this article more complete, and to endeavour to add to its interest, the authors have deemed it advisable to very briefly refer to the general geographical distribution of each species mentioned, in addition to its occurrence in Switzerland and Ireland.

Finally, before drawing up this list of birds, it is important to mention that the observations were made during short visits to the Continent in the summers of 1897, 1898, 1899. Each visit only lasted three weeks; but, when added together, they extended over the greater parts of July, August, and September. For this reason it is obvious that the numbers of birds which were noticed were no doubt proportionately small. Instead of this, had the visits extended into one of longer duration, lasting continuously for three months, then a fuller avifauna of the Swiss birds would have been furnished. Inasmuch as all observations were made in summer, it was not possible to compare the relative differences in the numbers of the winter visitants common to the two countries.

 

Order Accipitres.

Accipiter nisus, Linn. Sparrow-Hawk.^[2]—Somewhat uncommon.^[3] Was observed for the most part in the valley of Chamonix. Common throughout Ireland. In the Swiss form the stripes on the breast are more defined, and, according to M. Gerbe,^[4] there is a local species found in Switzerland and in Germany (A. major) larger in size, and the bands on the feathers of the tail are darker and more numerous. Other minor differences also exist.

General distribution.—Common in every country in Europe, in many parts of Asia, China, East Africa, and India.

Milvus ictinus, Sav. Kite.—Three were noticed soaring over Lake Geneva on different occasions. They came under close observation, and, with the aid of a powerful binocular, their forked tails—a characteristic feature—could be distinguished. In this way the species was easily identified. Extremely rare in Ireland. According to the late A.G. More,^[5] it has only been observed five or six times. The specimen obtained by Sir R. Payne Gallwey^[6] seems as yet to be the only one known. This was shot in 1880-1881 on the Cashen river, in Kerry. The writer describes the bird as flying "in swooping and almost wing-motionless curves, the tail first slanted this way, then that, as it acted rudder to the bird's flight."

General distribution.—Common in most parts of Europe south of Norway to the Mediterranean. According to Yarrel,^[7] the Kite does not breed north of lat. 61°. It occurs also in Egypt, Palestine, Algeria, and the Canaries.

Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Common Buzzard.—Numerous in the pine forests of Lucerne, Chamonix, and Grindelwald. A Buzzard was constantly to be seen soaring over Lake Lucerne, rising to a great height, and then descending almost to the surface of the water, after the fashion of an Osprey when in search of fish. In Ireland the Buzzard has been rapidly decreasing of late years, and is now very rare. It formerly bred in Donegal, Londonderry, Antrim, and Down.^[8] One was observed on June 4th, 1889, at Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow, by Dr. C.J. Patten. Sir W. Jardine describes the Buzzard as "a fine accompaniment to the landscape, whether sylvan or wild and rocky."

General distribution.—Inhabits the greater part of the European continent. Breeds in Sweden as high north as lat. 66°. Plentiful in Palestine in winter. Occurs also in North Africa, and rarely in Egypt. The American Buzzard is a different species.

Asio accipitrinus, Pall. Short-eared Owl.—One was noticed in the valley of Grindelwald in July, 1897. On account of its occurring at this time of year it probably bred there. In Ireland this species is a regular winter visitor in limited numbers, migrating before the breeding season.

General distribution.—Widely distributed and migratory in its habits. At one season or another it frequents the whole of Europe and the greater part of Asia (China, India, Palestine, and Egypt), Algeria, and Morocco. It is also found in many parts of South America. In North America it is a summer visitant. Mr. Darwin met with it in the Falklands.

 

Order Passeres.

Lanius collurio, Linn. Red-backed Shrike.—Many were observed in Lucerne, Basle, and neighbouring districts in Switzerland. In Basle this bird was often seen perched on the posts which supported the vines grown in the open air. It also frequently alighted on the telegraph-wires. In Ireland this species is excessively rare.^[9] Only one specimen has been recorded, viz. that shot on the 10th August, 1878, near Belfast (Zool. 1878, p. 437).

General distribution.^[10]—In summer it is frequent throughout the Continent of Europe, except in the south-westerly region. In Spain it is rare. It breeds as high north as lat. 64°. It is also found in Palestine and North Africa, and in winter its migration extends to Natal and Cape Colony.

Muscicapa grisola, Linn. Spotted Flycatcher.—Common summer migrant in both Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Frequents the greater parts of the continents of Europe, Asia, and North Africa in summer. Visits India, Arabia, and South Africa in the winter.

Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst. Dipper.—Common, especially along the mountain rivulets of Davos Platz and Chamonix. The pale-backed subspecies (C. albicollis), which inhabits the Alps and Southern Europe, was not noticed. Common and generally distributed throughout Ireland.

General distribution.—Cinclus aquaticus is frequent in Central Europe, but in the northern parts its place is taken by the darkbreasted form (C. melanogaster). The Dipper also frequents many parts of Central Asia. Subject to continental variation.

Turdus viscivorus (Linn.). Mistle-Thrush.—Common in Switzerland, especially in Chamonix. Also common in Ireland.

General distribution.—Distributed over the European continent, breeding from north to south. Found in many parts of Asia as a resident, and in winter migrates to North India, Persia, and North Africa.

T. musicus, Linn. Song Thrush.—Common and widely distributed in both Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Resident over the greater part of the European and Asiatic continents. Many migrate in the winter to Northern Africa and Western Asia.

T. merula, Linn. Blackbird.—Seemed somewhat scarce in Switzerland in summer. Mostly observed at Interlaken. Common and resident in Ireland.

General distribution.—Like the Song Thrush, it is resident over the greater part of the European continent, but does not extend far east in Asia. Breeds as high north as lat. 67° in Norway. Many migrate in the winter to southern countries like the Song-Thrush.

Erithacus rubecula, Linn. Redbreast; "Robin."—Common in Switzerland and in Ireland. Much wilder in the former country.

General distribution.—Resembles the former species in its breeding distribution, but not extending east of Russia. Many migrate in winter as far south as Central Africa and Western Asia.

Ruticilla phœnicurus, Linn. Redstart.—Common in most parts of Switzerland, approaching close to human habitation. Very rare in Ireland. Has been found breeding in counties of Wicklow^[11] and Tyrone.^[12] Frequently taken at lighthouses when migrating in spring and autumn.^[13]

General distribution.—In Europe from the North Cape to the south of the Continent, migrating in winter to the northern parts of Africa, Arabia, and Persia. The Asiatic form (R. mesoleuca) differs from the European species in that it possesses a white patch on the wing.

R. titys, Scop. Black Redstart.—Abundant in many parts of Switzerland, where it breeds. Rather rare, but regular winter visitor to Ireland.

General distribution.—Common in Germany and Southern Europe, where it is resident. Its eastern range extends to Asia Minor and Palestine; in winter to Nubia (Saunders).

Saxicola rubetra, Linn. Whinchat.—Plentiful in many parts of Switzerland, especially Chamonix, Davos Platz, Grindelwald, and Lucerne. In Ireland it occurs as a summer visitor, but rather scarce and local. According to Ussher^[14] it breeds in Donegal, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Longford, Louth, Dublin,^[15] Kilkenny, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim.

General distribution.-— Breeds over the greater part of the European continent as high north as lat. 70° in Scandinavia. It winters in Africa, Asia Minor, and Northern India. Occurs as far east as the Ural Mountains in Russia.

Sylvia rufa, Bodd. Greater Whitethroat.—Frequent in many parts of Switzerland, and common summer visitor to Ireland.

General distribution.—Over the greater part of Europe. Resident in Palestine (Saunders). Summer migrant in Asia Minor. Winters in North Africa, Egypt, Abyssinia, and Arabia. Extends farther east than the Whinchat.

S. atricapilla, Linn. Blackcap.—Common in many parts of Switzerland. Visits Ireland every summer, but in small numbers. Breeds regularly in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, and Queen's County (Ussher). This bird has been observed by Dr. Patten in the winter (February, 1890) at Bray, Co. Wicklow ('Naturalists' Gazette ' for 1890).

General distribution.—Widely distributed over Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia as a breeder. Migrates in winter to Abyssinia and the Red Sea.

Phylloscopus trochilus, Linn. Willow Warbler.—Common in Ireland and Switzerland as a summer visitor.

General distribution.—Over Europe and eastward to the Caucasus, where it breeds. Winters in lat. South of France, reaching as far as Cape Colony.

P. collybita (Vieill.). Chiffchaff.—Common in Switzerland and in Ireland in the summer.

General distribution.—Resembles that of the last species, but extends farther north in Europe. Widely distributed in winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Regulus cristatus (Koch). Golden-crested Wren.—Common in Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Over Europe, South-west Asia, and Northern Africa. Extends east to the Ural Mountains.

Certhia familiaris, Linn. Tree Creeper.—Common in Switzerland and Ireland in woody districts.

General distribution.—In most parts of Europe, being abundant in the conifer woods of Norway. Reaches as far south as Japan and China. Occurs eastward as far as Siberia. The North American forms are somewhat different.

Parus major, Linn. Great Titmouse.—Common in Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Plentiful over the whole of Europe, North Africa, and South-western Asia.

P. ater, Linn. Coal Titmouse.—Generally distributed in Switzerland, Ireland, and elsewhere, like the last species. (For variations in foreign forms, see Saunders, 'British Birds,' 1899.)

P. cæruleus, Linn. Blue Titmouse.—Appeared somewhat scarce in Switzerland. Observed mostly at Berne. Common in Ireland.

General distribution.—Including the many continental varieties, it is widely distributed over Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa.

P. palustris, Linn. Marsh-Titmouse.—One of the commonest species in Switzerland. Very rare in Ireland. (For its occurrence see 'List of Irish Birds,' 1890, by the late A.G. More.)

General distribution.—Resembles the last species, but rare in Southern Italy and Greece. Subject to continental variation.

Acredula caudata, Linn. Long-tailed Titmouse.—Common in Switzerland and in Ireland. The Swiss form appeared lighter in colour.

General distribution.—Including continental forms, it is widely distributed over Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Motacilla lugubris (Temm.). Pied Wagtail.—Common in Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Almost restricted to the western portion of the European continent.

M. alba, Linn. White Wagtail.—Common in Switzerland. Very rare summer visitor in Ireland. For its occurrences in the latter country, see (a) 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, 1890; (b) Dublin Nat. Hist. Proc. vol. iii. p. 115; (c) 'Zoologist,' 1866; (d) Thompson ('Birds of Ireland'); (e) 'Irish Naturalist,' vols. vii. and viii.; (f ) Howard Saunders, 'Manual,' p. 124. A fine specimen, recently obtained (April 27th, 1899) at Bartragh, Co. Mayo, by A.C. Kirkwood, is in the collection of Dr. Patten.

General distribution.—Over the whole of Europe and Northern Asia; also Asia Minor, Palestine, and North Africa.

M. sulphurea, Bechst. Grey Wagtail.—Tolerably frequent in Switzerland and Ireland, and resident in both countries.

General distribution.—Common and resident in the central and southern portions of Europe. Rare in Northern Germany (Saunders). Breeds also in Northern Africa. Summer migrant in many parts of Asia, and winter visitor to South Africa and the Indo-Malayan Islands.

M. raii (Bonap.). Yellow Wagtail.—Observed in Switzerland on different occasions. Rather rare summer visitor to Ireland, and locally distributed. Breeds "in the basin of Lough Neagh both in Antrim and Armagh" (R.J. Ussher). In Dublin (E. Williams). In Galway (Lord Lilford, recorded by R.J. Ussher). Near Loughs Mask and Carra, in Mayo (R. Warren).

General distribution.—Regular summer visitor to Western Europe, i.e. west of Belgium. Extends south to West Africa. The Eastern Asiatic species is distinct.

Alauda arvensis, Linn. Sky-Lark.—Appeared rather scarce in Switzerland, but probably was overlooked. Was heard in full song in Chamonix, July, 1897. Common resident in Ireland.

General distribution.—Throughout Europe and parts of Asia in the summer, but in autumn moves southwards. Winters in the central and southern portions of Asia and Africa. Found also in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand (Saunders).

Emberiza citrinella (Linn.). Yellow Bunting.—Common and resident in Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Widely distributed in Temperate Europe as resident. Occurs in Asia Minor and Palestine. The bird found in the latter country is somewhat distinct.

Fringilla cœlebs, Linn. Chaffinch.—Abundant in Switzerland and Ireland as resident.

General distribution.—Occurs plentifully all the year round throughout Temperate Europe. Breeds also in the east and north-east of Asia, as well as Persia. Winters in many parts of Northern Africa. Foreign forms are subject to variation.

Passer montanus, Linn. Tree-Sparrow.—Observed at Lucerne in small numbers. Rare and local in Ireland, where it breeds. Unknown to the latter country prior to 1852 (Saunders). A young specimen from Crumlin, Co. Dublin,^[16] is in Dr. Patten's collection. It was obtained on Aug. 4th, 1898. For the chief occurrences of this species in Ireland, see 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, p. 14; also H.M. Wallis in 'Zoologist,' 1886, p. 489. Apparently breeds only in the Co. Dublin (Ussher).

General distribution.—Distributed throughout Europe and the greater part of Asia. Has been obtained from North America as an importation.

P. domesticus, Linn. House-Sparrow.—Numerous in Switzerland and in Ireland. In Lucerne this bird was noticeably tame, especially about the cafes chantants, where it might be seen picking crumbs, &c, from under the tables at which the tourists were enjoying their repast.

General distribution.—Numerous throughout Europe and the greater part of Asia, and North, Western, and Central Africa. Plentiful in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where it has been introduced.

Carduelis elegans, Steph. Goldfinch.—Frequent and generally distributed throughout many parts of Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Breeds throughout Europe; rare in the north. Very abundant in Spain (Saunders). Also resident in many parts of North Africa. Winter visitor to Egypt and Persia.

Serinus hortulanus, Koch. Serin.—Was observed frequently on the Wengern Alp, Grindelwald: also at Chamonix and Davos Platz. Extremely rare in Ireland. One was obtained near Dublin on Jan. 2nd, 1893 (Saunders's 'British Birds,' 1899, p. 177). The Serin is in Switzerland one of the wildest of passerine birds, and therefore somewhat difficult to observe.

General distribution.—Found throughout the greater part of Central and Southern Europe, and on both sides of the Mediterranean. According to Saunders, it is resident and extremely abundant in Asia Minor. Visits in winter other parts of Western and South-western Asia. This species has been introduced into North America (United States).

Chrysomitris spinns, Linn. Siskin.—Frequent in many places in Switzerland. Not uncommon in Ireland, but rather locally distributed as a resident. According to Ussher^[17] it breeds in Donegal, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Cork?, Kerry?.

General distribution.—Resident throughout the greater part of Europe, migrating in winter across the Mediterranean to North Africa. Also found in Western and South-western Asia. In India a different species exists (C. spinoides).

Pyrrhula europæa (Vieill.). Bullfinch.—Common and resident in Switzerland and Ireland. The large form with the very brilliant red breast (P. major), which inhabits Northern and Eastern Europe, was noticed in Switzerland.

General distribution.—Throughout the greater part of Europe. Also wanders to North Africa and Western Asia.

Loxia curvirostra, Linn. Crossbill.—Observed in limited numbers in some of the pine forests of Switzerland. In Ireland it is rather rare and uncertain as a winter visitor. Locally distributed as a resident, breeding, or noticed in the breeding season, in the following counties:—Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Westmeath, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Queen's Co., King's Co., Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Sligo (Ussher).^[18]

General distribution.—Resident over the pine forests of Europe, North Africa, and Siberia. Winters in North China. Occurs also in Western Asia and North America.

Pica rustica, Scop. Magpie.—Common in Switzerland and Ireland.

General distribution.—Plentiful in Europe, Western and South-western Asia, extending to China and Japan. Found also in the northern portions of America and Africa.

Garrulus glandarius, Linn. Jay.—Abundant in Switzerland. Resident and local in Ireland. Breeds in King's Co., Queen's Co., Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Tipperary, and North Waterford (Ussher). Like the English bird, the alpine Jay is poorer in colour than the same species found in Ireland.

General distribution.—Inhabits the wooded districts of the European continent. The Asiatic and North African forms differ from that found in Europe.

Hirundo rustica, Linn. Swallow.—Frequently observed in Switzerland. Common summer visitor to Ireland.

General distribution.—Over Europe,^[19] and the greater part of Asia and North Africa in summer, migrating to India as far east as Burma, and all over Africa in winter. This bird is subject to a variety of foreign representatives, especially those connecting the Old with the New World (American) forms (vide R.B. Sharpe's Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. vol. x.).

Chelidon urbica, Linn. House Martin.—Frequent in Switzerland. Common summer visitor to Ireland.

General distribution.—Much the same as the last species, but, according to Saunders, it seems to winter in Central Africa. (In Europe it is rare in the Basque Provinces.)

 

Order Picariæ.

Cypselus apus, Linn. Swift.—Common in Switzerland and in Ireland (except the west) in the summer.

General distribution.—Abundant in Europe in summer. Also found in Asia and North Africa at the same time of year. In these parts, however, there are racial differences. On the winter migration it visits India and South Africa. According to Saunders it has occurred at the Andaman Islands.

C. melba, Linn. Alpine Swift.—Observed in two distinct localities in Switzerland: (a) at a high latitude at Grindelwald; (b) in the town and valley of Lucerne. In the latter place many Alpine Swifts, in company with the common species, were observed flying round an old tower close to the town bridge over Lake of Lucerne. These birds often flew under the eaves of the building, disappearing for a few minutes, and then flying out again. They were evidently nesting there. Extremely rare in Ireland. Thompson ('Birds of Ireland') records three specimens. For occurrences see also 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, p. 17; and Saunders's 'Manual,' p. 263.

General distribution.—Frequents the high mountains of Central and Southern Europe in summer; also North Africa, West and South-west Asia. In winter it migrates to Central India (especially Ceylon), and as far as South Africa.

N.B.—This Swift can be distinguished from the common species by its larger size, browner colour, and white breast and abdomen. When the two are not together the best test is the voice. In the Alpine Swift the note is a loud double twitter; in the common species it is a single screech.

Alcedo ispida, Linn. Kingfisher.—Only one was noticed, viz. at Lugano; but probably inhabits many other suitable localities in Switzerland. Resident and generally distributed in small numbers throughout Ireland.

General distribution.—Resident throughout Central and Southern Europe, also North Africa, where it also occurs as a winter visitor. The Western and South-western Asiatic types vary somewhat from the European birds.

Gecinus viridis, Linn. Green Woodpecker.—Rather common in different parts of Switzerland. To Ireland it is a very rare and accidental visitor. For its occurrences see the following:—(a) Thompson, vol. iii. Appendix, p. 441; (b) Watters, p. 97; 'Zoologist,' 1889, p. 145; (c) 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, p. 18; (d) Saunders's 'Manual of British Birds,' 1899, p. 273.

General distribution.—Distributed throughout Central and Southern Europe, as well as Western Asia.

Iÿnx torquilla, Linn. Wryneck.—Once observed at Geneva. Very rare in Ireland. For occurrences see (a) 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, p. 19; (b) 'Migration Report for 1886,' p. 155; (c) Saunders's 'Manual of British Birds,' 1899, p. 271.

General distribution.—In summer it is found over the greater parts of Europe and Asia, reaching as high as lat. N. 64°. In winter it visits Southern Asia and Central Africa.

 

Order Columbæ.

Columba palumbus, Linn. Wood-Pigeon; "Ring-Dove."—Common in many parts of Switzerland. Resident and common in Ireland.

General distribution.—Over the European continent, North Africa, and West Asia, The birds from Northern Europe move southwards in winter.

Turtur communis, Selby. Turtle-Dove.—A few were seen about Central Switzerland (Lucerne and Grindelwald). Rare summer visitor to Ireland, and locally distributed as a breeding species. Has probably nested in Down, Kerry, Wicklow, and Dublin (Ussher).

General distribution.—Over Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Most of the Asiatic representatives are distinct.

 

Order Gaviæ.

Larus argentatus, Gmel. Herring-Gull.—A single example was observed on Lake Como. Resident and common in Ireland.

General distribution.—Widely distributed over the coast-land and seas of Europe and America.

 

Order Herodiones.

Ciconia alba, Bechst. White Stork.—Five or six examples were observed in the open fields in the north-western parts of Switzerland during a tour from Basle to Lucerne. Excessively rare in Ireland. For its occurrences see (a) Thompson, 'Birds of Ireland'; (b) 'List of Irish Birds,' by the late A.G. More, p. 32; (c) 'Zoologist,' 1866, p. 524; (d) Saunders's 'Manual of British Birds,' 1899, p. 388.

General distribution.—Throughout the greater parts of Europe, Central and South-western Asia, and Northern Africa. Passes southwards in winter in large numbers through Egypt as far as Natal.

 

The following species, frequenting both Switzerland and Ireland, and widely distributed over the European continent, were probably overlooked, and so have not been included in the foregoing list:—Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Marsh-Harrier, Hen Harrier, Long-eared Owl, Barn-Owl, Hedge-Sparrow, Stonechat, Wheatear, Sedge-Warbler, Wren, Meadow-Pipit, Reed-Bunting, Greenfinch, Linnet, Starling, Chough, Rook, Jackdaw, Sand-Martin, Nightjar, Cuckoo, Waterhen, Water-Rail, Land-Rail, Coot, Common Heron.

 

List of a few birds of doubtful occurrence in Ireland observed in Switzerland.

Nuthatch.—Common in many parts.

Crested Titmouse.^[20]—Observed in many parts, especially Grindelwald and Davos Platz.

Tree Pipit.—Common in many parts.

 

Summary.

Mention has already been made in the introduction of this article on the very brief reference to the general distribution of each species. We must regard this theme as being dealt with in a mere outlined manner; indeed, the names of the individual countries in which the birds have been found have for the most part been omitted, and groups of countries taken together forming part of a continent have been designated as western, southwestern, northern, &c, so and so. Example: Persia, Arabia, Asia Minor, and Palestine are referred to as South-western Asia; again, Morocco, Algeria, and Canary Isles as North Africa. This has been done for two purposes—firstly, to economise space; and, secondly, because much has already been written fully on the geographical distribution of birds. Hence standard works as Saunders's 'Manual' (1899), Yarrell's fourth edition of 'British Birds,' and the late Seebohm's works have been freely consulted on this subject, as time and opportunity do not permit of personal observations on birds being made in every distant land.

With regard to the personal observations made in Switzerland, it may be added that, although only a limited number of places were visited by the authors, nevertheless, as these were mostly far apart, some important and definite districts were explored. Indeed, a wide area of Switzerland was included in the investigation. Thus Davos Platz and many neighbouring districts may represent part of Eastern Switzerland; Como and Chamonix, Southern Switzerland; the districts round about Geneva as south-western; Basle, north-western; Schaffhausen, northern; while Lucerne, Berne, and Grindelwald may be considered as forming part of Central Switzerland.

Concerning the observations made in Ireland, it should be noted that only in the case of birds locally distributed as breeders are the counties where they have nested recorded.

We may conclude by stating that in Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy a marked dearth of bird-life prevails. This may in part be accounted for. Hundreds of small passerine birds are killed off for the markets. In Como and other districts Greenfinches, Robins, &c, were seen in the market-places plucked and prepared for table use.

 

Some References to Birds observed in Switzerland.

(a) Aplin, O.V.—"Birds seen in Switzerland" ('Zoologist,' 1892, pp. 3–14).

(b) Benson, C.W.—"Ornithological Notes from Lake Lucerne" ('Zoologist,' 1893, p. 432); "The Birds of the Riffelalp" (1898, p. 506).

(c) Playne, H.C.—"Ornithological Notes from the Alps" ('Zoologist,' 1893, p. 308).

(d) Sclater, P.L.—"The Birds of the Riffelalp, Canton Valais, Switzerland" ('Zoologist,' 1898, pp. 474–76).

 

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1. It is ikely that both Coot and Waterhen were overlooked.
2. It was curious that the common Kestrel was not observed.
3. In the following list it must be understood that the occurrence of the birds in Switzerland is noted in each case before their occurrence in Ireland.
4. Revised edition of 'Ornithologie Européenne' of the late Dr. Degland.
5. 'List of Irish Birds,' 1890, p. 6.
6. 'Fowler in Ireland,' p. 307.
7. 'British Birds,' vol. i. p. 96.
8. "Report on the Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3, 1894), by R.J. Ussher.
9. In parts of England and Wales it is a tolerably common summer visitor (see Saunders, 'Manual of British Birds,' 1899).
10. For details, see O.V. Aplin (Trans. Norf. and Nor. Nat. Soc. v. pp. 286 to 310).
11. Benson on 'Irish Song Birds,' p. 53.
12. R.J. Ussher, "Report on Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3).
13. 'List of Irish Birds,' by A.G. More, p. 10.
14. "Report on Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3).
15. The authors have often observed this bird in Co. Dublin, and twice have secured specimens in nesting and adult plumage. These are in Dr. Patten's collection.
16. Its breeding range in Co. Dublin is extending. Prior to 1898 it was only supposed to breed near Baldoyle and Raheny.
17. "Report on the Breeding Range of Birds in Ireland" (Proc. Royal Irish Acad, 3rd series, vol. iii. No. 3, 1894).
18. For further information concerning this bird, see (a) Ussher on "The Crossbill," 'Irish Nat.' vol. i. p. 6; also (b) Thompson, 'Birds of Ireland'; (c) 'Zoologist,' 1889, p. 180.
19. Breeds as high north as 70° N. lat. in Scandanavia.
20. Often observed in company with the other common species of Titmice, Goldcrests, and Tree Creepers, The same sociable nature of the Titmice may be seen in Ireland.