BIRDS 48. Swallow. Hlrundo rustica, Linn. The average date for the first appearance of the swallow is 12 April, and for its departure the middle of October, but in 1737 they were seen on 28 March, and three observers reported seeing a flock of swallows or martins at Up- pingham on 8 March 1895. The latest date on which a swallow has been seen is 18 No- vember (1904). A white specimen was shot near Oakham at some unspecified date in the past, and Mr. Montagu Browne describes one of a greyish-white colour on the upper parts, with the under parts almost of the normal colour, but paler. This species has certainly decreased in numbers during the last fifty years. 49. House-Martin. Chelidon urbica (Linn.). The martin arrives about a week later on an average than the swallow, and departs a week later. Its nests may be found, how- ever, very much later, even (with young birds) in the middle of October. In some parts of the county these birds have much diminished in number. About twenty-five to thirty pairs build in the town of Uppingham annu- ally. 50. Sand-Martin. Cottle ripar'ia (Linn.). Locally, Bank Martin. Somewhat sparingly distributed, as nesting sites are few and far between, the chief of these being at Glaston, Pilton, Edith Weston, and near Collyweston (Northants). A few birds are always to be seen along the Welland. There used to be a nesting site at Morcott in a quarry. Owing to paucity of nesting quar- ters they have been known to utilize walls as nesting sites at Ketton and Uppingham. I have seen two or three pairs nesting in the earth-covered roots of a big tree blown down by the wind by the waterside. This species arrives about 10 April, but very occasionally, as in 1905, it is seen in March. 51. Greenfinch. Ligurinus ch/oris (Li'inn.). Locally, Green Linnet, Peafinch. Resident and abundant everywhere. I have heard it sing as late as 19 August (i 899). The eggs vary much in size and colour. The tall thorn hedges of this district afford very favourite nesting sites for this species. 52. Hawfinch. Coccothramtes vulgaris, Pallas. Rare in Rutland till about 1 870, it is now fairly common all over the county, though, owing to its wary habits, not often seen. Small flocks are sometimes observed in Janu- ary. The first nest recorded for this county 63 was taken in 1870 by Mr. J. M. Mitchell. Eggs may be looked for about the middle of May. 53. Goldfinch. Carduelis elegans, Stephens. Locally, Redcap, Thistlefinch. By no means so scarce in the summer and autumn months as is generally supposed ; but the observer must know where to look and listen for it. In winter it is probably to a large extent migratory. In April as many as forty have been seen at once, and in February 1899 a ' charm ' of seventeen were seen near Uppingham. A comparatively small orchard at Glaston will contain nine or ten nests, and, as two broods are produced each year, the output of goldfinches is no inconsiderable one. The bird breeds freely all over the county, and has certainly increased in numbers of late. There are said to be two varieties of the bird in Rutland, one with dark crimson forehead and chin, dark breast and legs ; the other, a more slender bird, with bright scarlet forehead and chin, light breast, belly slightly shaded with chestnut, and brownish or flesh-coloured legs. 54. Siskin. Carduelis spinus (Linn.). An occasional winter visitor in all parts of the county where willows and alders abound. It has been oftenest observed at Caldecott. The bird has once or twice been seen in sum- mer at Uppingham, but I attribute these in- stances to escapes from the school aviary. 55. Sparrow. Passer domesticus (Linn.). Far too numerous everywhere. Nests have been found even early in January and often in August. Variations in plumage are not uncommon. A white one and a coal-black one were seen at Ketton i and 6 December 1901. 56. Tree-Sparrow. Passer montanus (Linn.). Common in Rutland. Round Uppingham a number of nests may always be found in holes of pollard trees or in the thatch of barns, even in old magpies' nests. The eggs in the same nest vary a good deal, and there is generally one egg which is quite different from the others. The usual date for a nest is the middle of May. 57. Chaffinch. Fringilla caekhs (Linn.). Locally, Spink, Piefinch. One of our commonest species, receiving accessions from elsewhere at certain times in the year. Its song may be heard early in February. The light-blue variety of egg is occasionally found.
