268
THE ZOOLOGIST.
BIRDS ON THE RIGI.
By Rev. Charles W. Benson, LL.D.
In July, 1899, I was Chaplain under the Colonial and Continental Society at Rigi Kaltbad, and had an opportunity of observing the birds at different heights on the Rigi, not usually enjoyed by those making a very short stay in this truly delightful locality.
Although I was unsparing in my endeavours to note any birds from Rigi Kaltbad (4791 ft.) to Rigi Kulm (5900 ft.), I could only make a list of about twenty-six species, as follows:—
Kestrel Falcon.—Not common.
Carrion-Crow.—Very numerous.
Nutcracker.—Nesting near the path to Küssnacht.
Mistle-Thrush.—Fairly numerous.
Song-Thrush and Blackbird.—To be heard singing below Rigi Kaltbad.
Ring-Ouzel.—Very numerous, and taking the place of the Blackbird with us. Called "Berg Drossel" by the Swiss.
Black Redstart.—Very numerous everywhere on the Rigi.
Common Redstart.—To be found in more sheltered places.
Wren.—Very numerous.
Goldcrest.—Not so plentiful.
Blackcap Warbler.—Near Rigi Stäffel at height of over 5000 ft.
Chiffchaff.—Breeding near Rigi Kaltbad Hotel. These were the only Warblers on the mountain.
Robin.—In the woods; not very common.
Chaffinch.—Rather numerous.
Bullfinch.—Fairly plentiful.
Lesser Redpoll.—Tolerably numerous.
Coal Tit (Parus ater).—Numerous.
Siskin.—The bird of the Rigi. Very numerous everywhere, in small flocks, flying and singing. Some cocks in beautiful plumage.
Spotted Flycatcher.—Fairly common.
Green Woodpecker.—To be heard every day.
Tree Pipit.—Fairly numerous.
Carrion-Crow.—Very numerous.
Nutcracker.—Nesting near the path to Küssnacht.
Mistle-Thrush.—Fairly numerous.
Song-Thrush and Blackbird.—To be heard singing below Rigi Kaltbad.
Ring-Ouzel.—Very numerous, and taking the place of the Blackbird with us. Called "Berg Drossel" by the Swiss.
Black Redstart.—Very numerous everywhere on the Rigi.
Common Redstart.—To be found in more sheltered places.
Wren.—Very numerous.
Goldcrest.—Not so plentiful.
Blackcap Warbler.—Near Rigi Stäffel at height of over 5000 ft.
Chiffchaff.—Breeding near Rigi Kaltbad Hotel. These were the only Warblers on the mountain.
Robin.—In the woods; not very common.
Chaffinch.—Rather numerous.
Bullfinch.—Fairly plentiful.
Lesser Redpoll.—Tolerably numerous.
Coal Tit (Parus ater).—Numerous.
Siskin.—The bird of the Rigi. Very numerous everywhere, in small flocks, flying and singing. Some cocks in beautiful plumage.
Spotted Flycatcher.—Fairly common.
Green Woodpecker.—To be heard every day.
Tree Pipit.—Fairly numerous.
