Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Cuculidae

Nov 27

Coccyzus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) (15, 7)

STATUS

Nearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

Eight of the first 15 individuals were found dead with the other seven shot. Three of the next seven were found exhausted and died later, two were found dead and two were seen alive.

RECORDS

1). 1832 Pembrokeshire Lawrenny, Stackpole Court, shot, autumn, now at Natural History Museum, Tring.

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1833: 26; Jenyns, 1835; Yarrell, 1845; J. Tracy, Zoologist 1851: 3046; Edward Newman, Zoologist 1870: 2344; "G." Field 10th Sept., 1870: 236; Field 1871: 299; Mathew, 1894; Witherby, 1920-24; Lockley, 1949; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994; BOU, Ibis 147: 246-250).

History Anon. (1833) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, part 1, p. 26, at the meeting held on 26th February 1833, says: 'A specimen was exhibited of the Carolina Cuckoo, Coccyzus carolinensis, Bon., which was killed in the last autumn in the preserves of Lord Cawdor in Wales: it was communicated for exhibition by His Lordship. Two instances of the occurrence of a bird of the same species in Ireland have been recorded.'

Jenyns (1835: 155) adds: 'All the upper parts of the head and body, wings, and two middle tail-feathers, cinereous brown, with a slight tinge of olivaceous; the other tail-feathers black, with a broad white space at the extremity of each of the three outermost; the fourth just tipped with white; primaries and wing-coverts bright rufous: throat, sides of the neck, and all the under parts white: upper mandible black, edged with yellow at the base; lower mandible yellow, tipped with black: legs black: tarsi long, naked. The above description of this species is taken from a specimen in the collection of the Zoological Society, which was killed in the preserves of Lord Cawdor in Wales, in the autumn of 1832.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 305, 2nd ed.) says: 'The fourth [sic] was shot on the estate of Lord Cawdor in Wales during the autumn of 1832. This last example has now, by the liberality of his Lordship, been deposited in the national collection at the British Museum.'

Further, pp. 208-209, he adds: 'The appearance of four examples of an American species in this country has caused some speculation. As far as I have been able to ascertain, these birds were obtained late in the month of August or early in the month of September.'

Further, p. 210, Yarrell adds: 'The beak is as long as the head; both mandibles slightly curved, the upper one brownish black inclining to yellow at the base; the under mandible yellow, except at the extreme point, which is nearly black; the irides hazel; the top of the head, back of the neck, the back, the wing-coverts, quill-feathers, and the two central tail-feathers, yellowish brown; the inner webs of the primary quill-feathers chestnut; the tail-feather on each side of the central pair black; the others black, broadly tipped with white; the outer feather white on the external web; the tail graduated; chin, throat, neck in front, breast, belly, and under tail-coverts, greyish white; the flanks and thighs pale brown; leg's, toes, and claws, greyish lead colour. The whole length of the bird about twelve inches. From the carpal joint to the end of the wing, five inches and five-eighths; the first quill-feather more than an inch shorter than the second; the second shorter than the third or fourth, but equal to the fifth; the third feather longer than the fourth, and the longest in the wing. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is an elegantly formed bird. The figure and description here given were taken from the specimen killed in Wales.'

James Tracy (1851) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IX. pp. 3046-47, says: 'The specimen from which Mr. Yarrell figured his bird was killed by my brother, near Stackpole Court. I first noticed it on the top of an ash tree, in the act of feeding on some small insects on the wing, very similar to the golden-crests; seeing it appeared a nondescript it was shot immediately, and nothing more observed as to its habits.'

Edward Newman (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2344, says: '...Mr. Yarrell appends the following additional information [under Great Spotted Cuckoo]: - "Another specimen, taken at Lawrenny is now in the collection of R. J. Auckland, Esq., of Boulston, near Haverfordwest (Zool., 1851, p. 3046). On referring, however, to p. 3046 of The Zoologist, the only cuckoo I find mentioned in addition to the common species is the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a specimen which was killed at Stackpole Court by a Mr. Tracy, as communicated to The Zoologist by Lord Emlyn at the very page cited by Mr. Yarrell. It seems to have been a lepeus calami on the part of that truly illustrious naturalist referring to The Zoologist in this place, as the reference occurs also, and correctly, at p. 215 of the same volume under Coccyxus americanus.'

"G." (1870) in The Field of 10th Sept., Vol. XXXVI. p. 236, says: 'The cuckoo shot by Mr. Tracy (not James Leary) at Stackpole Court, the estate of Lord Cawdor, was the Yellow-billed American Cuckoo (Coccygus americanus), as proved by the figure in Yarrell's British Birds (II, p. 189), which was taken from the identical specimen. Mr. Charlton is perfectly right therefore in considering his bird as the first ever killed in Great Britain of the species Cuculus glandarius [Great Spotted Cuckoo].'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 415, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: 'This was submitted to the Zoological Society of London (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1833, p. 26) by Lord Cawdor, who then gave it to the British Museum, where it now is, and the preceding figure was drawn from it.'

Mathew (1894: 43) says: 'Only one in the county, and this is the specimen that is in the Gallery of British Birds at the South Kensington Natural History Museum, labelled "The Carolina Cuckoo", having been presented by Lord Cawdor, on whose estate at Stackpole it was obtained in 1832 or 1833.'

Accepted locally (Lockley 1949: 50) and nationally for Wales (Lovegrove, Williams & Williams 1994).

Comment "G." is J. H. Gurney, junior. In a review of the species it was found to be still acceptable as the first for Britain (BOU (2005) Ibis 147: 246-250).

2). c. 1835 Cornwall No locality, obtained, autumn.

(Jenyns, 1835; Temminck, 1840; Yarrell, 1845; Newman, 1866; Harting, 1880, 1901; Seebohm, 1883-85; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Penhallurick, 1978).

History Jenyns (1835: 155) says: 'Three other individuals have occurred in this country, two in Ireland and one in Cornwall.'

Temminck (1840 (3): 279) says: 'M. Yarrel me cite quatre exemples de captures faites en Angleterre, savoir: deux en Irlande, une à Cornwall et une en Wales.'

Yarrell (1845 (2): 305, 2nd ed.) says: '...it was the subject of a private communication.' Further, pp. 208-209, he adds: 'The appearance of four examples of an American species in this country has caused some speculation. As far as I have been able to ascertain, these birds were obtained late in the month of August or early in the month of September.'

Seebohm (1884 (2): 390) says: 'The occurrence of a fourth specimen in Cornwall was communicated by Yarrell to Temminck, but the date of its capture appears to be unknown (Temminck, Man. d'Orn. III. p. 279; and Jenyns, Man. Brit. Vert. An., p. 155).'

Comment E. H. Rodd said he could find no particulars about this individual.

3). 1870 Ceredigion Wallog, Aberystwyth, immature male, picked up dead, 26th October.

(G. W. Cosens, Field 5th Nov., 1870: 388; G. W. Cosens, Zoologist 1870: 2407; Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1871: 299; Yarrell, 1871-85; J. H. Salter, Zoologist 1895: 143; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 376-377; Forrest, 1907; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History George Weir Cosens of Ynyshir House (1870) in The Field of 5th Nov., Vol. XXXVI. p. 388, and in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2407, quoting from The Field, says: 'A specimen of the Yellow-billed American Cuckoo (Erythrophrys americanus) was found dead in a wood near Aberystwyth, on the sea coast, on the 26th of October. It was a male, in good plumage, but very emaciated, and had been dead for about ten days, but fortunately was not too far gone for preservation.'

Anon. (1871) in the Proceedings of Zoological Society, p. 299, at the meeting held on 18th April 1871, says: 'Mr. H. E. Dresser, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) which had been picked up dead in a wood near Aberystwith [sic] by Mr. C. J. Williams, and sent up to town for examination by Captain Coscus [sic] of Unys Hir [sic] House, Llandovey, in whose collection it had remained. This made the fifth occurrence of this Cuckoo in Great Britain on record, four having been recorded by Yarrell. The specimen above referred to showed no signs of having been in captivity, and was apparently a young bird.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 415, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, adds: 'Since that time Mr. Dresser exhibited to the Zoological Society (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1871, p. 299) a young male, found dead in a wood by the sea, at Wallog, near Aberystwyth, October 26th, 1870, and sent by its present possessor, Capt. Cosens.'

Further, in a footnote, he adds: 'The note contains some errors, here corrected through Capt. Legge's kindness.'

J. H. Salter (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. p. 143, says: 'The example figured by Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser in the Birds of Europe, which was picked up dead on the Cribyn Beach, a mile and a half north of Aberystwyth, Oct. 26th, 1870, is still in the possession of Capt. G. W. Cosens, of Llanbadarn.'

J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. pp. 376-377, says: '...and in April, 1871, was exhibited at a meeting of Zoological Society (P.Z.S., 1871, p. 299), by Mr. Dresser, who remarked that it showed no signs of having been in captivity, and was apparently a young bird.'

Forrest (1907: 205-206) says: 'Captain G. Weir Cosens, of Aberystwyth, has in his collection a specimen of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which was picked up dead on the beach north of Aberystwyth, 29th October, 1870. When I had the pleasure of examining the bird he was kind enough to give me some further details concerning it. It seems that the weather at the time was rough, with a strong westerly wind, and he had no doubt but that the bird was brought over by the gale.'

Comment As all of the early references refer to the 26th I go along with that.

4). 1874 Devon Lundy, picked up dead, October.

(Yarrell, 1871-85; D'Urban & Mathew, 1892; D'Urban, 1906; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Moore, 1969).

History Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 415, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'Mr. Murray Mathew informs the Editor that he believes a sixth was picked up dead beneath the light-house on Lundy Island, in October, 1874, and taken to Mr. H. G. Heaven for determination.'

Further, p. 418, he adds: 'On the continent of Europe only one example is known, which say M. Alph. Dubois was killed at Bois-de-Lessines in Hainault, October 22nd, 1874 - the same season, be it remarked, in which the supposed specimen was obtained on Lundy Island.'

D'Urban & Mathew (1892: 124, 1st ed.) after stating the above, add: 'This bird was carried from the island by a friend of the keeper of the lighthouse for preservation, and we cannot state where it is now. Mr. Heaven gave us a full description of it at the time, and we have not the slightest doubt that it was correctly identified.'

W. S. M. D'Urban (1906 (1): 310) in the Victoria County History of Devon, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'A specimen of the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) is said to have been picked up dead beneath the lighthouse on Lundy Island in October 1874.' However it was listed as acceptable (Witherby 1920-24).

5). 1887 Cornwall Cury, near Helston, picked up dead, about 14th October.

(G. F. Tregellas, Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society 1888: 377, 383-384; Ed., Field 18th May 1889: 687; Penhallurick, 1978).

History G. F. Tregellas (1888) in the Transactions of the Penzance Natural History Society, new series, Vol. II. pp. 377, 383-384, at the Monthly Meeting held on 14th October 1887, says: 'I have just seen in Mr. Vingoe's collection, a specimen of the Carolina, or Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which had been found dead at Cury, near Helston. This was its first recorded discovery in Cornwall.'

In an Editorial (1889) in The Field of 18th May, Vol. LXXIII. p. 687, on the sale of Vingoe's collection at Stevens, Covent Garden, in May, 1889, he says: 'Lot 66, the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (erroneously stated in the catalogue to be the only example of this bird procured in Cornwall) and a Fork-tailed Petrel, £6.16s.6d.'

Penhallurick (1978: 141) says: '1887, one picked up dead at Cury near Helston on, or shortly before, 14th October and sent to Vingoe for preservation (Trans. Penzance Nat. Hist. Antiquarian Soc., 1888).'

Comment Not featured in the earlier mainstream literature. Vingoe, taxidermist, of Penzance, never wrote to any journals, as it was always E. H. Rodd who recorded all the birds for the area, but Rodd died in 1880. However, Vingoe was a very reliable taxidermist.

6). 1895 Dorset Near Bridport, adult, found dead, 5th October.

(J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1895: 376-377; T. A. Colfox, Field 26th Oct., 1895: 708; N. M. Richardson, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club 17: 198-199; Witherby, 1920-24; F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 182; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Boys, 1973; Prendergast & Boys, 1983).

History J. E. Harting, Editor (1895) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XIX. pp. 376-377, says: 'Through the courtesy of Mr. Rowland Ward, on Oct. 7th I had placed in my hands for examination a specimen, still unskinned, of Cuculus americanus, which had been picked up dead on Oct. 5th in a garden near Bridport. Never having had an opportunity of examining a bird of this species in the flesh before, I naturally regarded it with some curiosity, and immediately took a note of its measurements, general appearance, and colours of the soft parts.

Comparing it first of all with the life-size coloured figure given by Gould, in his Birds of Europe, I remarked a general agreement with the bird in hand, except in the following particulars. In Gould's figure the eye is bright red (as in C. erythrophthalmus), whereas in the bird before me it was hazel, with the eyelids lemon-yellow.

Gould has shown the legs and feet of a greenish brown, no doubt in consequence of having drawn his figure from a dried skin in which the colour had faded: these parts in a freshly-killed specimen are lead-colour. In one other respect Gould's figure might be improved. The inner webs of the flight-feathers are extensively tinged with cinnamon, and the outer webs also to a lesser extent - a noticeable feature when the wings are extended, though less apparent when closed. In Gould's figure the closed wings are too much the colour of the back, which is olive-grey. It is observable that in the letter press which accompanies his plate he has described the irides as hazel, and the legs and toes blue, but unfortunately, as so often happens, the plate does not accord with the text.

Turning to the very useful Key to North American Birds, by Dr. Elliott Coues, the accuracy of his diagnosis of this species (p. 476) became apparent: - "Bill [long and decurved] black, extensively yellow below and on the sides of the upper mandible. Feet [short, zygodactyle] dark plumbeous. Above satiny olive-grey. Below pure white. Wings [with ten primaries] extensively cinnamon-rufous on inner webs of the quills [less conspicuously so on the outer webs]. [Tail-feathers 10, graduated]. [Two] Central tail-feathers like the back; the rest black, with large white tips, the outermost usually also edged with white. Very constant in colour, the chief variation being in extent and intensity of the cinnamon on the wings, which sometimes shows through when the wings are closed, and even tinges the coverts. Young birds differ chiefly in having the white ends of the tail-feathers less trenchant and extensive, the black not so pure; this state approaches the condition of C. erythrophthalmus, but does not match it".

In the above extract I have inserted in square brackets such additional remarks as were suggested by a comparison with the fresh specimen. The measurements I found to be as follows: - Total length, 11.75 in.; extent of wing, 16 in.; bill from gape, 1.25 in.; wing from carpus, 5.50 in.; tail, 6 in.; tarsus, 1 in. The plumage was in perfect condition, and there was no abrasion of the extremities of the wings or tail-feathers such as there certainly would have been had the bird made its escape from captivity.

As above stated, it was picked up dead in a garden near Bridport, where it had been previously observed flying about. It is possible, of course, that its advent to this country may have been aided by a temporary rest in the rigging of some homeward-bound vessel, but of this there is no evidence.

The last specimen of this bird recorded to have been met with on this side of the Atlantic was also picked up dead, in a wood near Aberystwyth in October, 1870 (Handbook of British Birds, p. 124), and in April, 1871, was exhibited at a meeting of Zoological Society (P.Z.S., 1871, p. 299), by Mr. Dresser, who remarked that it showed no signs of having been in captivity, and was apparently a young bird.

The specimen now under notice was evidently adult, as appeared not only by the measurements and the general absence of light edges to the feathers of the dorsal plumage, but also by the fully-developed bill and feet. This makes the sixth instance in which the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo has been met with in the British Islands.'

T. A. Colfox of Westmead, Bridport (1895) in The Field of 26th Oct., Vol. LXXXVI. p. 708, says: 'It may be of interest to your natural history readers to learn that a good specimen of the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found dead in his garden on Oct. 5. The bird had been observed flying about for some time previously, but had not been identified. It is now in the hands of Mr. Rowland Ward, who is setting it up.'

[Having had an opportunity of examining this bird as soon as it was received by Mr. Ward, we are enabled to state that it showed no traces of recent confinement, both wing and tail feathers being quite perfect. It is possible, of course, that its advent to this country may have been aided by a temporary rest in the rigging of some homeward bound vessel, but of this there is no evidence. This is the sixth time that a cuckoo of this species has been met with in the British Islands. A full description of the bird now under notice will be found in The Zoologist for October. - Ed.]

Nelson M. Richardson, Editor (1896) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History Society and Antiquarian Field Club, Vol. XVII. pp. 198-199, says: 'Rare birds in 1895. American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Cuculus americanus). - A specimen of this N. American species was observed during several months in the garden of Mr. W. Colfox, of Westmead, Bridport, and was eventually picked up there dead on October 5th. Its skin, beautifully stuffed, was exhibited by its owner at the meeting on December 13th, at the County Museum [Dorchester].

The bird showed no signs of having been kept in captivity. This is only the sixth recorded occurrence of the species in this country. Its appearance is noted in the October number of The Zoologist. Its note was something like that of the Green Woodpecker.'

Admitted by F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 182, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset'.

7). 1896 Isle of Wight Ventnor, picked up dead, early October.

(G. W. Smith, Zoologist 1896: 473; G. W. Smith, Zoologist 1897: 142; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 284; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7).

History G. W. Smith of Winchester (1896) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. XX. p. 473, says: 'Oct. 10th, Mr. Chalkley called my attention to a communication in a local paper in the Isle of Wight, recording, "that a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found dead at Ventnor". This is quoted on the authority of a birdstuffer out there, a Mr. Smith, I believe.'

G. W. Smith of Winchester (1897) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. I. p. 142, says: 'In The Zoologist for 1896 (p. 473) I mentioned the reported occurrence of Coccyzus americanus at Ventnor in October. I have since, through the kindness of Mr. Smith, at Newport, and Mr. Kent, at Ventnor, been able to verify this report.

Mr. Smith writes: - "I beg to say there is no doubt whatever as to the proper identification of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo; it was found dead at a cottage-door by Mr. Kent, of Old Park, Ventnor, who may let you see it if you still have a doubt".

Answering my letter asking for particulars, Mr. Kent writes: - "I picked up the bird early in October, 1896. It was lying in the pathway outside my door. The place is an exposed situation, and about 400 yards from the sea facing west. There had been a storm and strong winds from the west, and most probably the bird was drifted here by the force of the wind coming across the sea. It could not have been dead for more than an hour or so, as it was in a perfect state of preservation, and an hour previous was not in the place where I found it. The bird is an adult male".

I have not actually heard of the occurrence of this bird in the Isle of Wight before, but several instances of its appearance in Devonshire and other counties on that coast are known.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 284, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

8). 1899 Anglesey Craig y don, Menai Straits, adult female, found dead, 10th November.

(G. Dickinson, Ibis 1900: 219; G. Dickinson, Field 18th Nov., 1899: 791; T. A. Coward & C. Oldham, Zoologist 1902: 411; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 284; Forrest, 1907; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History George Dickinson of Liverpool (1900) in The Ibis, Vol. XLII. p. 219, dated 16th November, 1899, says: 'It may interest your readers to know that a female Yellow-billed American Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) was found lying dead at Craig-y-don, on the shores of the Menai Straits, on the 10th inst. It was in a good condition, and I have had it placed in my collection. I presume that it was brought over by the heavy westerly gales prevailing at the time. Apparently this is the only the sixth instance of this bird having been found in this country.'

G. Dickinson of Liverpool (1899) in The Field of 18th Nov., Vol. XCIV. p. 791, says: 'It may interest your readers to know that a female Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found on the Craig-y-don property, on the shores of the Menai Straits, on Friday, the 10th inst. Apparently it had not been dead long, and I have had it stuffed for my collection. I presume that it had been brought over by the heavy westerly gales which prevailed at the time.'

T. A. Coward & C. Oldham (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 411, add: '...found dead on the shores of the Menai Straits at Craig-y-don, near Garth Ferry, during a westerly gale.'

Forrest (1907: 206) says: 'This example was obtained on the Menai Straits, 10th November, 1899, and I cannot do better than quote verbatim the following details given me by the owner, Mr. George Dickinson, Liverpool.

He writes: - "The Yellow-billed American Cuckoo, an adult female, was found on the 10th November, 1899, in the grounds of Craig-y-don, belonging to Mr. E. R. Bickersteth, FRCS, about twenty yards from the Anglesey shore of the Menai Straits.

It was dead, but quite fresh. Just before the date named there had been a succession of exceptionally heavy westerly gales, and it is surmised that the bird was blown away from the American coast by one of these, and thus was brought across. The bird, which is still in my possession, was in good condition and plumage, except that it had only two tail feathers left.

On the day on which it was found, and also on the previous day, a great commotion was noticed, or rather heard, amongst the Blackbirds and other local birds about the place it was found, but whether this had anything to do with the Cuckoo I cannot say".'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 284, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

9). 1901 Somerset Pylle, female, shot, 6th October.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 12: 26-27; R. H. Read, Zoologist 1902: 26; R. H. Read, Zoologist 1902: 73, corr.; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 284; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988).

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1901) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XII. pp. 26-27, at the 82nd Meeting of the Club held on 20th November 1901 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. Robert H. Read exhibited a specimen of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) from Somersetshire, which had been sent him for identification.

It had been obtained at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, on October 6th, by Mr. F. Dowling, who stated that he observed it in a hedge on the outskirts of his wood and shot it on the wing. The bird was in clean, newly-moulted plumage, bearing no traces of confinement, and proved on dissection to be a female. Very heavy westerly gales had prevailed during the two previous days.

This was the first recorded in Somersetshire, although specimens had been obtained in recent years at Lundy Island, Bridport, and Menai Straits, all in the month of October. These birds had, as Mr. Howard Saunders remarked, perhaps received "assisted passages", yet the fact of their turning up always in the month of October seemed to indicate that they had previously lost their way during the autumnal migrations.'

Robert H. Read of Bedford Park, London (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 26, says: 'On Oct. 6th, 1901, a bird of this species (Coccyzus americanus) was shot at Pylle, in Somerset, and forwarded to me for identification. It was in perfect new plumage, bearing no traces of confinement, and proved on dissection to be a female.

Heavy westerly gales had been blowing on that and the previous day, which doubtless brought this American visitor in from the Bristol Channel. I exhibited this specimen at the November meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, and note since then that Mr. G. B. Corbin records another specimen from Hampshire, also in October.

A specimen was found in 1900 on the shores of the Menai Straits, also in October, and of the six or seven previously recorded British specimens, all of them of which the dates of captures have been preserved have occurred in the month of October, beginning with October, 1825.'

Robert H. Read of Bedford Park, London (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 73, says: 'In my note on the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (ante p. 26), I regret to find I made a mistake in stating that a specimen was obtained on the shores of the Menai Straits in October, 1900. The date should have been Nov. 10th, 1899.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 284, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

10). 1901 Hampshire Near Avon Castle, Ringwood, male, shot, 30th October.

(G. B. Corbin, Zoologist 1901: 474-475; Kelsall & Munn, 1905; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 284; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7).

History G. B. Corbin of Ringwood (1901) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. V. pp. 474-475, says: 'On Oct. 26th a gentleman told me he had, whilst standing on one of the bridges watching some Pike-fishers, seen a strange bird settle upon and apparently scrutinize a bush at no very great distance from him. His description was that the bird was about the size of a Thrush, but seemed to have more the colour of the Nightingale on its sides, and a very long tail. As the late owner of Avon Castle had, a few years ago, liberated a number of Australian birds of various species, I supposed this might have been one of the very few survivors - if, indeed, any still survive - although I had no reason to suspect any bird answering the description had obtained its freedom.

On Oct. 30th a specimen of the above-named Cuckoo was shot about half a mile from the spot, but whether the same bird it is impossible to say. I saw it soon after it was killed, and I may note the following particulars: Except where shot through the neck, the plumage appeared to be perfect, with no sign of abrasion either of wings or tail, as are seen in an "escape", and the body was fat and well conditioned, weighing just over 2½ oz.; it measured 11¾ in. from beak to tail; the third quill-feather, the longest in the wing, being five and three eighths in. from tip to carpal joint. Under mandible and base and sides of the upper, yellow; rest of the beak black. Eyes dark brown; eyelids bright yellow, reminding one of the Blackbird's. Back and two middle tail-feathers dark mouse-colour, with a tinge of reddish, especially on the tail; four outer feathers on either side blackish, with graduated dirty white markings, the longest being merely and indistinctly tipped, and the shortest and outermost white its entire length, at least on the outer web. The reddish tawny mark in the wing was large and conspicuous, even when the wings were closed; but this may be a sexual characteristic, as on dissection it proved to be a male. The under parts from the beak to the tail were of an uniform pale grey, with a slight tinge of brown on the breast and sides. The legs (which were conspicuously longer than in the common Cuculus canorus, from the thigh-feathers to the toes) were bluish lead-colour, with a sort of silvery bloom on them, which latter soon faded; the claws were black, and it seemed to me the scales on the legs were remarkably large, as only five in number occupied the bare space. I should have mentioned, perhaps, that the beak was longer and more decurved than in the common species, and the inside of the beak, which is well known to be bright orange-yellow in C. canorus, was conspicuously spotted with black, especially on the lower part of the palate, in the American bird. The tongue also had black marking on it.

The bird had been feeding freely upon the grubs of some saw-fly, as the distended gizzard proved, the dark heads and spotted skins of the grubs being unmistakeable. I had observed very similar, if not identical, grubs a few days previously upon a rose-tree, and wondered if the comparatively mild autumn had been favourable to the development of these particular flies, as several months ago the same tree was almost stripped of its leaves by what I suppose was the same species of larva.

From the few ornithological works to which I have access, it seems that this wandering bird is only a straggler to these islands, and only in the autumn, mostly in October. The occurrence of this species in Hampshire is not exactly a first record, as a specimen is reported to have been found dead in the Isle of Wight in 1896 (Zool., 1897, p. 142), but no measurements or particulars of the bird were given except that it was a male....Since writing the foregoing, I showed the bird to a man who is often near the river with his gun, and without hesitation he said he saw the bird, or another like it, more than a month ago, one evening when he was out duck-shooting, and should have killed it but for the large shot in his cartridges. This was some distance from where the bird was shot, so there might have been more than one in the vicinity.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 284, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

11). 1904 Argyll Colonsay, picked up dead, 6th November, now at Natural History Museum, Tring (BMNH 1904.11.28.1).

(H. S. Gladstone, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 184; Eds., British Birds 4: 126; "Buxton" Field 18th Feb., 1922: 235; Witherby, 1920-24; T. Henderson & L. S. V. Venables, British Birds 46: 218; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Thom, 1986; R. Y. McGowan & R. M.Lyszkowski, Scottish Birds 30: 365-367).

History Hugh S. Gladstone of Capenoch, Thornhill (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 184, says: 'I do not know if the following record of the occurrence of this bird in Colonsay in 1904 has appeared in any ornithological magazine, but I can find no mention of it in the Annals of Scottish Natural History. Mr. Murdo McNeill (author of Colonsay, one of the Hebrides, Edin., 1910) writes to me that an "unknown bird was found near the centre of the island, on 6th of November 1904, by Lady Edith Adean and her son, and was sent for identification to the Natural History Museum, in South Kensington, and was there named the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo".

I am informed by my friend Mr. Pycraft that this interesting specimen is now in the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, S.W.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 126, they say: 'Mr. H. S. Gladstone records (Ann. S.N.H., 1910, p. 184) that a specimen of Coccyzus americanus was found near the centre of the island of Colonsay on November 6th, 1904, and is now in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.).'

"Buxton" (1922) in The Field of 18th Feb., Vol. CXXXIX. p. 235, says: 'I have only just seen the note in your issue of Jan. 21 in reference to a specimen of this bird killed in Scilly Islands. It may be of interest to note that in November, 1904, a friend of mine, to whom we had lent the shooting of the Island of Colonsay, Argyllshire, after we had left, sent me a bird for identification which he had picked up dead there. I saw at once that it was a cuckoo, but I could not identify the species.

Unfortunately the bird was in a bad state by the time it arrived, and it was difficult to make a good job of the skinning. I sent it to the British Museum, and it was identified as the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which had not been found in Scotland before. It may now be seen in the Natural History Museum.'

Comment W. P. Pycraft worked at the British Museum in the Zoology Department. I don't know whether Buxton is a pseudonymn or whether it is Lord Buxton or whatever title he may have, like when Lord Clifton signs his articles as Clifton; I also have six people by the name of Buxton in the database, mainly from Norfolk and one from Essex.

12). 1921 Isles of Scilly St Mary's, shot, 3rd week of November, photo, now at Isles of Scilly Museum.

(Country Life 24th Dec., 1921: 869; C. J. King, Field 21st Jan., 1922: 100, photo; Eds., British Birds 15: 242; Witherby, 1920-24; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Penhallurick, 1978).

History C. J. King of St Mary's (1922) in The Field of 21st Jan., Vol. CXXXIX. p. 100, says: 'I send you a photograph of an American Yellow-billed Cuckoo which was shot here last November. I understand that it is the first specimen found in Britain since 1874, but you would probably know as to that.'

[The specimen referred to as having been procured in 1874 is that mentioned by Saunders in his Manual, and was obtained on Lundy Island in October of that year. Since then, however, several others have been recorded in the second edition of Harting's Handbook of British Birds. On Oct. 14, 1887, one was picked up dead near Helston, Cornwall; another also found dead at Bridport, Dorset, and a third picked up after a severe storm and strong westerly wind at Ventnor, in Oct. 1896. A few years later, namely in Oct. 1901, one was obtained at Ringwood, Hants, as mentioned by Messrs. Kelsall and Munn in their Birds of Hampshire. - Ed.]

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 242, they say: 'Mr. C. J. King kindly sends us photographs of a dead Coccyzus americanus, which was brought to him for identification during the third week in November, 1921. Mr. King sent the bird on to Dr. James Clark, and it has already been recorded in Country Life (24.xii.21, p. 869) and The Field. It was shot while resting on a cottager's chimney at St Mary's, Isles of Scilly.'

13). 1936 Orkney Doverhouse, Birsay, Mainland, obtained, 22nd October, now at Stromness Museum.

(A. C. Stephen, Scottish Naturalist 57: 46; Eds., British Birds 31: 125; T. Henderson & L. S. V. Venables, British Birds 46: 218; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Thom, 1986; R. Y. McGowan & R. M.Lyszkowski, Scottish Birds 30: 365-367).

History A. C. Stephen (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 46, says: 'For the particulars of the finding of an American Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccysus a. americanus, in Orkney I am indebted to Provost J. G. Marwick of Stromness. The skin has been mounted and is in the Museum at Stromness.

Following a period of very severe and stormy weather the bird flew into the farmhouse of Doverhouse, Birsay Parish, about twelve miles from Stromness. The farmer, Mr. Alex. Spence, secured the bird and sent it on to Stromness, where it died. This bird is a very rare visitor to Scotland and appears to have been previously recorded only once, when a specimen was found in Colonsay in 1904.

Less than a dozen specimens have been found in England. In America it is a migrant. In the summer it occurs in the south-eastern part of North America, and in winter is found in the northern parts of South America.'

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 125, they say: 'Mr. A. C. Stephen records (Scot. Nat. 1937, p. 46) that an American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus a. americanus) flew into a farmhouse at Birsay after a period of very severe weather. No date is given, but we are informed that this was on October 22nd, 1936. The bird has only once before been recorded for Scotland.'

14). 1938 Cornwall Mawgan Porth, shot, 7th October.

(B. H. Ryves, British Birds 32: 236; B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1938: 35; C. H. B. Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 59: 76; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 236, says: 'On October 14th, 1938, a dead bird was brought to me by a friend. We had no difficulty in identifying it as the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus a. americanus). The bird had been shot on or about October 7th near the coast about six miles north of Newquay, Cornwall. The bird has been sent by me to Mr. H. F. Witherby.'

[The bird had been much damaged by shot and was considerably decomposed when it reached me ten days after it had been killed so that I was unable to ascertain its sex nor could I find any food remains. I have, however, preserved most of the skin. This is the second example of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo recorded for Cornwall and the fifteenth for the British Islands. Of the known dates of these all have occurred in October or November. - H.F.W.]

B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine (1938) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VIII. p. 35, say: 'On October 14, Mr. T. J. Willcocks brought me the dead body of this Cuckoo, which had been shot earlier in the month near Morgan Porth. I sent it to Mr. H. F. Witherby who has published the record in the December issue of British Birds and made a skin of the body. B.H.R., T.J.W.'

C. H. B. Grant, Editor (1939) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LIX. p. 76, at the 415th Meeting of the Club held on 8th February 1939 at the Rembrandt Hotel, London, says: 'Mr. H. F. Witherby exhibited a Cornish specimen of the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus americanus). Particulars of this have appeared in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. 1938, p. 236.'

Ryves (1948: 142) says: 'In October, 1938, this specimen was shot and the body brought to me, which I then sent on to Mr. Witherby who made a skin of it. This is the second record for Cornwall, the first being about 1835.'

Comment Ryves (1948) has obviously not read the Penzance Natural History Society Transactions where one was recorded for 1887.

15). 1940 Isles of Scilly Tresco, picked up dead, 6th November.

(A. A. Dorrien-Smith, British Birds 34: 181; Penhallurick, 1978).

History Arthur A. Dorrien-Smith (1940) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIV. p. 181, says: 'Yellow-billed Cuckoo. - One was picked up dead by my keeper on November 6th, 1940, at Tresco. The breast had been much eaten away by mice or rats.'

1950-57 RECORDS

16). 1952 Shetland Exnaboe, Mainland, immature female, picked up dying, 1st November, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1953.1.8).

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (9): 14; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (10): 24-25; L. S. V. Venables, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (10): 48; T. Henderson & L. S. V. Venables, British Birds 46: 218; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 102; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Venables & Venables, 1955; R. Y. McGowan & R. M.Lyszkowski, Scottish Birds 30: 365-367).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IX). p. 14, says: 'An American Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus was found dying at Exnaboe, close to Sumburgh, Shetland, on the evening of November 1st, 1952, having crossed the Atlantic in the aftermath of the storm which caused the great and widespread wreck of Leach's Petrels Oceanodroma leucorrhoa a few days before. The bird was given to Tom Henderson who later sent it to me.'

K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (X). pp. 24-25, says: 'We are indebted to Miss Theresa Clay of the British Museum (Natural History) for the following determinations of Mallophaga from birds examined at Fair Isle....Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Cuculiphilus decoratus (Kellogg) 1896, from the bird found dying at Exnaboe, Shetland, on November 1st, 1952.'

L. S. V. Venables (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (X). p. 48, adds: 'A dying Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus was picked up by T. Moncrieff at Exnaboe on November 1st, after several days of westerly wind, as recorded in Bull. No. 9 (104) [sic].'

T. Henderson & L. S. V. Venables (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 218, say: 'On November 1st, 1952, after three days of strong westerly winds, an immature female Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccysus americanus) was picked up in a dying condition at Exnaboe in the south-east of Mainland, Shetland. The identification was confirmed by Kenneth Williamson who records the finding on it of a specimen of the mallophagan parasite Cuculiphilus decoratus (Kellog).

The skin of the bird is now in the Royal Scottish Museum. There are two previous records for Scotland (Inner Hebrides, November 6th, 1904, and Orkney, October 22nd, 1936).'

17). 1952 Sussex Furness Road, Eastbourne, flew into wall and found dead, 4th November, now in Eric Simms collection.

(E. Simms, British Birds 46: 218; G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1952: 14; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Shrubb, 1979).

History E. Simms (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 218, says: 'On November 11th, 1952, I received from Miss Patricia Gabriel a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccysus americanus) which had been found dead in Furness Road, Eastbourne, Sussex, on November 4th. The bird had received extensive injuries due probably to collision in flight with a brick wall near which it was found. Confirmation of its identity was obtained from the staff of the Bird Room of the British Museum. Measurements of this unusual bird were as follows: wing 154 mm., tail 143 mm., tarsus 24.5 mm., bill 28 mm. The skin is now in my collection.'

[These two occurrences of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo in opposite extremes of the country (some 640 miles apart) bring the total of British records to 18. They appeared during a period of strong westerly winds when other American rarities were also noted. These included White-rumped Sandpipers (Calidris fuscicollis) in Lancashire and Devon and an immature American Robin (Turdus migratorius) on Lundy Island, details of which will be published in a forthcoming number.

The dates also coincided with the later stages of the remarkable "wreck" of Leach's Petrels (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa) which may or may not have originated from American waters. - Eds.]

18). 1953 Highland Muck, Lochaber, immature male, found dead, 3rd October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1953.41).

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 8-9; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 66: 16-17; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 102; A. C. Stephen, British Birds 47: 172; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7).

The weather during the preceding three days had favoured a transatlantic crossing by down-wind drift, as shown above. Both specimens are preserved in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

The first, a male was found dead on a road on the Isle of Muck, Inner Hebrides, on October 3rd, and was presented to the Museum by Mrs. Edith A. T. MacEwan....Their registered numbers in the collection are, respectively, 1953/41 and 1953/42. Both appear to be immature birds by the amount of rufous on the wing-coverts.'

[I am very grateful to Dr. A. C. Stephen for allowing me the opportunity of comparing these two specimens with the longer series of skins available at the British Museum (Natural History) Although the number of immature birds so marked that I was able to examine was small, there seems little doubt that the Muck and Nairn specimens are both in first winter plumage. Their primary-coverts and many of their wing-coverts are markedly rufous, as are the outer webs of their primaries. More important, however, the white spots on their tail-feathers are, particularly on the undersides, much less distinct than those on any adult. This seems to be a very good character and the case with all immatures. - I.J.F.L.]

19). 1953 Moray & Nairn Caskieben, Nairn, immature female, picked up alive, died later, 5th October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1953.42).

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 8-9; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 66: 16-17; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 102; A. C. Steven, British Birds 47: 172; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Crighton, 1976).

The first to be reported was found dead on the island of Muck (Inner Hebrides) on October 3rd, and the second was found dead at Nairn, on the Moray coast, on October 5th, - the day that the Grey-cheeked Thrush was trapped at Fair Isle. The weather during the preceding three days had favoured a transatlantic crossing by down-wind drift, as shown above. Both specimens are preserved in the Royal Scottish Museum.'

A. C. Stephen (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 172, says: 'In October, 1953, the remains of two Yellow-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) were received at the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, where the specimens are now preserved....The second, a female, was picked up alive in a garden at Caskieben, Nairn, on October 5th, but it died soon after and was sent to the Museum by Mr. F. M. Allardyce. Their registered numbers in the collection are, respectively, 1953/41 and 1953/42.

Both appear to be immature birds by the amount of rufous on the wing-coverts.' [I am very grateful to Dr. A. C. Stephen for allowing me the opportunity of comparing these two specimens with the longer series of skins available at the British Museum (Natural History) Although the number of immature birds so marked that I was able to examine was small, there seems little doubt that the Muck and Nairn specimens are both in first winter plumage. Their primary-coverts and many of their wing-coverts are markedly rufous, as are the outer webs of their primaries. More important, however, the white spots on their tail-feathers are, particularly on the undersides, much less distinct than those on any adult. This seems to be a very good character and the case with all immatures. - I.J.F.L.]

20). 1953 Angus & Dundee Near Old Montrose, Angus, 11th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 8-9; C. K. Mylne, Scottish Naturalist 65: 196-197; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 66: 16-17; C. K. Mylne, British Birds 47: 172-173; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 67: 102; Crighton, 1976).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. pp. 8-9, says: 'During the first fortnight of October no fewer than four American cuckoos appeared in Scotland, and a fifth bird reached Scarborough in Yorkshire. With one exception they were of the Yellow-billed species, Coccyzus americanus, the other being a Black-billed Cuckoo C. erythropthalmus....When returning from the autumn conference of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club at Aberdeen, on October 10th, a number of members had the unique experience of watching a Yellow-billed Cuckoo flying along the roadside near Montrose Basin.'

C. K. Mylne (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. pp. 172-173, says: 'On October 11th, 1953, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) was seen under ideal conditions near Old Montrose, Angus, at the west shore of the Montrose basin. It was first spotted by a party of eight ornithologists on their way home from the annual conference of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club at Aberdeen, and later it was shown to five others, including Mr. George Waterston and Mr. A. G. S. Bryson, who happened to be prospecting the same area. We had all studied during the week-end, and many of us on that same day, the skin of one of the two previous specimens found in Scotland the same autumn and we had no difficulty at all in identifying the bird.

All the prominent features - the chestnut patch on the wing, the dark tail edged and tipped with white, and the yellow lower mandible - were clearly seen. The bird seemed fit and active, diving into cover like a shrike, flitting between the beech trees where it was feeding, or flying with a characteristic flicking wing-action and fast bouncing flight. The general shape was slim with a long tail which was often cocked like a Blackbird's (Turdus merula) on landing and pointed wings often held drooped like those of a perching Swift (Apus apus). It sidled up the branches keeping mostly to the tops of the trees but allowing approach to within a few yards. It fed occasionally on the undersides of the leaves and once held a large caterpillar in the bill for some time before swallowing it.'

21). 1953 Yorkshire Cloughton, 14th to 17th November, photo.

(E. H. Ramskir, R. S. Pollard, E. A. Wallis, Naturalist 79: 78; R. Chislett, British Birds 47: 173, plate 36; W. B. Alexander & R. S. R. Fitter, British Birds 48: 7; Mather, 1986).

History E. H. Ramskir, R. S. Pollard, E. A. Wallis (1954) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIX. p. 78, says: 'On the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th November, 1953, American Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus americanus) (L.) - frequented the garden of Mr. Ramskir’s house at Cloughton. It was first seen by Mrs. Ramskir, and later at very close quarters in good light by Messrs. E. H. Ramskir, R. S. Pollard, E. A. Wallis and R. M. Garnett. So far as we can discover it is the first record for Yorkshire.

It is about ten to eleven inches long from the bill to the tip of the tail. The most prominent features are the curved bill and the long tail, which is nearly as long as the body. The colouring is as follows: Bill: yellow with a black tip and a black line along the upper mandible. Head: dark grey. Eye: pale yellow circle around it. Back: dark grey with a slightly brownish tinge. Wings: warm rufous primaries with dark tips. Under parts: grey on the breast becoming lighter towards the hinder parts. Tail; long and slender, darkish in colour with white or whitish spots along the outer edge, but these were not very conspicuous. Legs: dark bluish grey, and the feet could be seen to be zygodactyl.

The bird was seen to fly up to the wall of the house and take the pupae of insects, believed to be cabbage white butterflies. It was seen to catch and swallow these several times. In flight it flew with rapidly beating wings, direct and, so far as could be seen, without dipping, and the rufous wing feathers were conspicuous in flight. It was reasonably tame but did not appear to be in very good condition, and the feathers of the tail in particular were draggled. Careful notes and sketches were made on the spot by those who saw the bird. Photographic records taken on the 17th November have proved to be successful.

By kindness of Mr. Garnett and Mrs. Ramskir, I was able to see this bird myself on November 16th. I watched it take several cabbage white pupae, once from the frame of the window through which I looked less than a yard away. The tail feathers were abraded but parts of the white spots could be seen. As the bird left a wall, it dipped, flattened out, and flew direct near to the ground.

It is indeed an addition to the Yorkshire list. The new Check-List of the B.O.U. gives the number of British occurrences as 16. I am informed that this bird is the third recorded for the autumn of 1953, one of them in Shetland. This species is not parasitic. It breeds in temperate North America as far north as southern Canada, and migrates south for the winter. - R.C.'

R. Chislett (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 173, says: 'A Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) occurred at Cloughton, near Scarborough, Yorkshire, from November 14th to 17th, 1953, and was seen by E. H. Ramskir, R. S. Pollard, E. A. Wallis, R. M. Garnett, myself and others. It was photographed in colour, and filmed, by W. R. Grist, and a black-and-white reproduction from one of his photographs appears on plate 36. There had been a local plague of white butterflies, the larvae of which had crawled up the sides of Mr. Ramskir's house to pupate. The cuckoo frequently fluttered to the house walls and sides, and was watched as it searched for pupae, it even took insects from the frames of windows through which it was watched a few feet away.

The plumage was brown above and greyish white below, and had the typical rusty-chestnut inner margins to the flight feathers. The tail was long, dark and graduated; some feathers were lacking, but a few white tips could be seen along the edge. Except for the tail the bird appeared about the size of a Song Thrush (Turdus ericetorum). The upper mandible was dark except for a line of yellow along the lower edge; the lower mandible was yellow but for the tip. As the bird flew from a wall it dropped a foot or two, then flew low over the ground without undulations.'

[These four Yellow-billed Cuckoos bring the total of British records to 22. An almost identical note on the Montrose bird has already appeared in The Scottish Naturalist (Vol. LXV. p. 196), but the details are reproduced in full here as it and the one in Yorkshire were the first two to have been watched alive in Britain. Photographs of this species and of the Black-billed Cuckoo appear on plates 29-36 (see also pp. 164-165). - Eds.]

22). 1956 Orkney Bryameadow Farm, Sandwick, Mainland, 12th October, now at National Museums of Scotland (NMSZ 1956.68).

(Eds., Scottish Birds 6: 335-336; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984; I. J. Andrews & K. A. Naylor, Scottish Birds 23: 91; R. Y. McGowan & R. M. Lyszkowski, Scottish Birds 30: 365-367).

History In an Editorial (1971) in Scottish Birds, Vol. VI. pp. 335-336, he says: 'Among four other specimens of this species in the Royal Scottish Museum there is one, details of which have not previously been published. The bird, a male, was found in the last stages of exhaustion at Bryameadow Farm, Sandwick, Orkney, on 12th October 1956. It was identified by E. Balfour.'

NOT PROVEN

0). Pre 1833 Dorset Poole Harbour, shot, undated.

(Poole and Dorset Herald 11th Jan., 1833).

[F. L. Blathwayt, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 55: 182].

History F. L. Blathwayt (1934) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LV. p. 182, under 'A Revised List of the Birds of Dorset', says: 'A more doubtful record is of one said to have been shot prior to 1833 near the entrance to Poole Harbour (Poole and Dorset Herald, January 11th, 1833).'

0). 1899 Somerset Shepton Mallet, found dead, 10th November.

(D. K. Ballance, Somerset Birds 2005: 166).

[Ballance, 2006].

History D. K. Ballance (2005: 166) in Somerset Birds, states that Turner (1912) first published this record by H. W. Mappleton, who appears to be reliable, of one picked up dead at Shepton Mallet on 10th November 1899, following severe westerly winds, the same day as one found in Anglesey. It is not clear why this record has been neglected, but possible confusion by the coincidence of the date may be the cause. Anyway it cannot be accepted, but is noted here in case further information becomes available.

Not accepted locally (Ballance 2006).

AC Non-pass

Keith Naylor