The Zoologist/4th series, vol 5 (1901)/Issue 715/Bird Notes from Brembana Valley, Arrigoni degli Oddi

by Ettore Arrigoni degli Oddi

 

THE ZOOLOGIST

 

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No. 715.—January, 1901.

 

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BIRD NOTES FROM BREMBANA VALLEY.

By Prof. E. Arrigoni degli Oddi,
Member of the International Ornithological Committee.

 

Amongst the Italian provinces, ornithologically speaking, Bergamo is one of the less known. It was illustrated indeed, many years ago, by Maironi da Ponte,^[1] but his catalogues are simple lists, full of all the mistakes of that epoch, and cannot positively be relied on to-day; besides, Bergamo is sometimes mentioned in the excellent works of Salvadori and Giglioli, especially with regard to Count Camozzi's beautiful and interesting local collection; Stefanini, an unhappy stay-at-home birdskinner, who died from having cut himself in stuffing a lion that had succumbed to an illness, has written a list for the Italian Ornithological Fauna, but it is very incomplete. Arrigoni^[2] has written about the history of Valsassina and neighbouring countries, adding a catalogue of the birds, which for its simplicity is not worth mentioning; I have also in two notes spoken about some abnormal coloured specimens of birds and hybrids preserved in the Museum of Bergamo; and, finally, the Rev. Caffi^[3] published, in a pamphlet, the Ornithological Dictionary of the Province, in which he gives very shortly the local and scientific names of the birds, and some remarks as to their frequency, which I suspect are not always satisfactory. Beyond the above-mentioned literature we possess nothing else.

There is no doubt that, for ornithology, this is one of the most famous amongst the Italian Provinces. Its position, the abundance of streams, springs, and rivers, its thick woods, and elevated mountains are very suitable for birds of passage, and the quantity of them caught, by all kinds of devices, and brought to the markets is enormous. My esteemed friend the Rev. H.A. Macpherson has written very fully on this point in his well-known book.^[4] Amongst the rarest birds which have appeared here and which afford an idea of the real importance that Bergamo holds in the Italian Provinces, I may mention Gypaëtus barbatus, Glaucidium passerinum, Turdus fuscatus, Loxia bifasciata, Pinicola enucleator, all of which are very seldom seen in the Italian sub-region.

Having spent some time in the Brembana Valley, one of the finest of this Province, I thought it might be useful and interesting to publish some notes about these places, which I believe are amongst the most unknown spots to ornithologists. In my researches I have been greatly helped by an intelligent but modest person. Dr. Peter Giacomelli, chemist, of S. Giovanni Bianco. He has lived there the last four years, having been obliged to leave his fatherland, Rovereto in Trentino, on account of unfortunate political questions with Austria. Before this he had been acclaimed in both natural sciences and chemistry at the celebrated University of Innsbruck; while he knows very well indeed many branches of our science. In order to collect minerals, for which he has an especial inclination, he made many trips and ascensions here and there, and we may say that he is now acquainted with everything that appears or lies in these beautiful places. I obtained from him all the local names, and much of the information I am now giving; so I have the pleasure of declaring here how deeply I am indebted to him for his kindness in helping me so much and so well.

The Brembana Valley^[5] is the widest and the most picturesque amongst the valleys of Bergamo. It extends toward the north to Valtellina, to the west with Valsassina, and to the east with Seriana, like the latter being directed from north to south; and finally it ends in the open plain a few miles from Bergamo. It occupies about 774 square kilometres, and has a population of some 40,000 inhabitants. In its inferior part the river Brembo runs through a rather narrow depression, which at certain points is nothing but a defile, but it receives some important streams, such as Serina and Parina on the left, and Brembilla and Taleggio on the right. Where it meets the open plain it is swollen by the Imagna, which at first washes the Imagna Valley. Beyond Piazza the river divides into two branches, which are called Brembo of Val Fondra on the east, and Brembo of Val Mezzoldo on the west. Further on the basin of the river becomes distinctly enlarged, while these branches are again divided. The first forms the Valsecca, the Glen of Carona, and those of Foppolo; and the other the Valtorta, the Mora Glen, and the Mezzoldo Glen properly named. Spreading itself here and there towards the north, the Brembo receives, for a tract of thirty kilometres, the waters of the principal Orobica ridge from the Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda (8882 ft.^[6]) to the Pizzo dei Tre Signori (7773 ft.). In this system we also observe Mount Aga (8285 ft.), Mount Masoni (8150 ft.), and Corno Stella (7983 ft.), well known for the splendid panorama that can be seen from its summit. Other important summits are the Zuc di Cam (6714 ft.), and a part of the Resegone (5716 ft.), Pizzo Torretta (8150 ft.), Cima di Becco (7654 ft.), Mount Spondone (7468 ft.), Mount Aralalta (6112 ft.), and very many more.

In the Brembana Valley and its mountains small resident birds do not greatly abound; one may walk about all day long without finding a single example; but during the migrations birds are very common, and then there are flocks of a hundred specimens and more. Gallinaceous birds are, as I shall say further on, tolerably abundant on the suitable localities. Many mountainous passes or other fit spots are covered with nets, traps, and different kinds of devices, amongst them the best known and productive being the "Roccolo," of which the most famous in the Brembana Valley are the following:—Roccolo Oneta (about 2000 ft.), owner Dr. Morali; Roccolo Costa S. Gallo (about 2500 ft.), owner Sign.Luiselli; Roccolo Ornica (about 2850 ft.), owner Sign. Gualteroni; Roccolo of the Trinità, near Dossena (about 3050 ft.); Roccolo Valbusa (about 4000 ft.), and those, above Roncobello, which lie at about 4300 ft. It is very difficult to ascertain how many birds are caught in a period of about three months; we can say an enormous quantity, but envy, diffidence, and other qualifications render an estimate difficult, though it is certain that many "Roccoli" yearly capture several thousands of small birds. Another matter which adds to the difficulty of collecting birds is the quantity eaten by the inhabitants. If the rich seek the delicate ones, the poor are satisfied with anything; even Buzzards, Owls, and Woodpeckers are as readily eaten by them as the Woodcock or the Capercaille!

The climate is neither very cold, nor very warm even in summer; the snow is not continuous on the high mountains, but only on some narrow northerly situated spots.

The Brembana Valley, more than the rugged Seriana Valley, offers to the traveller a greater variety and beauty in scenery, a most luxuriant vegetation, and also, not to be despised, many artistic treasures; amongst which may be mentioned the pictures of Palma il Vecchio and others, which are well-known to everybody and everywhere.

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaëtus barbatus, v. Agola) lived in these mountains in former years; but is probably now extinct, though a specimen was recently caught—I think between 1896 and 1897—not very far from Camerata Cornello (1800 ft.). I am quite sure about this fact, as I had the opportunity of seeing and purchasing six well-preserved tail-feathers in the house of a mountaineer, and these are preserved in my collection as a proof of that occurrence. The feathered portion of them measures from about ten to thirteen inches. I think, from the comparisons I made with splendid specimens from Sardinia, they must have belonged to a matured bird. People say that this species breeds not seldom on the cliffs of Mount Legnone (8226 ft.), but I think that affirmation is absolutely incorrect. The species is represented in Count Camozzi's local and well-known ornithological collection at Ranica, near Bergamo; but the two specimens came from Valtellina (Sondrio), as my friend Count Cesare Camozzi-Vertova informed me. They were caught before 1848, and one which was brought alive and lived some time subsequently became so wild that it was found necessary to kill it. Count Camozzi added also that his illustrious father, Senator Camozzi, has seen this species on flight before 1848. The specimen preserved in Count Turati's collection at Milan, labelled as caught on the Alps of Lombardy in 1868, came instead from Switzerland, as I was assured by Signor Bonomi, whose father preserved and set up that grand bird.

Amongst the Aquilæ, the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaëtos) is not very rare; it breeds in some very high spots in these mountains, and it is not very seldom seen flying on the abovementioned Pizzo dei Tre Signori and Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda, on Mount Cervo (7675 ft.), Mount Pegherolo (7221 ft.). Mount Pietra Quadra (6982 ft.), and in the mountains towards Como. Dr. Giacomelli told me that in the month of May last year he was offered two very young nestlings, taken from Cancerbero (4027 ft.), of the size of a full-grown fowl, for about one shilling each; they were almost totally covered with white down; but he refused to buy them, not knowing what to do with them. I have no local information about the other Italian Aquilinæ, but it seems that a specimen of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (A. maculata) was found dead, on May 1st of last year, by Dr. Giacomelli himself, on the north side of the Somnadello^[7] sink-pit (4814 ft.); it had been, some days before, severely wounded on the back, and was then so decomposed that it was impossible to preserve it; its skull, however, compared with that of A. clanga appeared quite different from the latter, and belonging to the lesser form, which is more uncommon in Italy. The information about the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaëtus albicilla) is very uncertain and contradictory, and cannot be relied upon. The Short-toed Eagle (Circaëtus gallicus) and Osprey (Pandion haliaëtus) appear but very seldom.

Amongst the Buteoninæ, the Rough-legged Buzzard (Archibuteo lagopus) is very rare; it has appeared only on the most frigid days of severe winters, and I saw the remains of a specimen caught on Mount Azzarini (7307 ft.) in January, 1898. The Honey Buzzard is very rare also. The Buzzard is met with everywhere, but not found very high; while the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo ferox) is till now unknown. The Black Kite (Milvus ater, v. niblet, nèbel) is rare, but a breeding species; and I think it is the same with the Common Kite (Milvus ictinus); I saw the former not very far from Roncobello (3074 ft.), but I was unable to secure it. The Gos-Hawk (Astur palumbarius) is fairly abundant during summer in the mountainous woods; and the Sparrow-Hawk is one of the most common local rapacious birds.

Amongst the other rapacious birds, Gennaja are unknown, and certainly unrecorded up to now. The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus, v. falcón di barbìss) is pretty common, but not easily found, in the high mountains. I saw the Merlin (Æsalon regulus) at the Hill di Valpiana (3166 ft.), but I was unable to shoot it; and I heard that the Red-footed Falcon (Erythropus vespertinus) in some years is not rare during May in certain mountain meadows (Passo di Grialeggio, 5209 ft., Monte Aralalta, Monte Ortighera, 5009 ft.); I obtained a specimen for my collection from S. Pietro d'Orzio (1877 ft.) on May 10th, 1894. The Kestrel (Tinnunculus alaudarius) is met with also at the top of the highest mountains, and I secured a specimen for my collection at the Zuccone dei Campelli, at about 6094 ft.. Regarding the other small Falcons I lack information.

The Marsh-Harrier (Circus æruginosus, v. Falchett d'aqua), the Hen-Harrier (C. cyaneus), and perhaps Montagu's Harrier (C. cineraceus), are met with but very seldom; they generally frequent the marshes, and here they appear almost like stragglers, especially the two latter.

Regarding the nocturnal birds of prey, I noticed the Barn-Owl (Strix flammea, v. Dàma, Loch bianc), which is met with up to 3000 ft. in height, and is fairly abundant, but specimens with the under-parts white seem to be very rare. The Short-eared Owl (Asio otus, v. Loch) and the Long-eared Owl (A. accipitrinus, v. Loch, L. gross) are common and breeding species. The Scops Owl (Scops giu, v. Sisöl) is a summer visitor, fairly frequent, and breeding. The Tawny Owl (Syrnium aluco) is not unfrequent; while the Ural Owl (S. uralense) has not hitherto been observed. Tengmalm's Owl (Nyctala tengmalmi) is rather scarce; the Pigmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is very rare, perhaps quite localized; while the very imposing Eagle-Owl (Bubo ignavus, v. Duss, Lucù) is met with to about 4600 ft. in height, and in the woods of fallen leaves, showing itself very seldom in the evergreen ones; it feeds upon rats and birds; sometimes it enters small villages, and it was observed in those of Fuipiano (1411 ft.), S. Giovanni Bianco (1219 ft.), S. Gallo (1294 ft.), Ornica (2805 ft.), and some others; it is a resident and breeding species.

Amongst the Picidæ we observe tolerably common and resident the Green Woodpecker (Gecinus viridis, v. Picòss vert, Beca soch) and the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major, v. Picalègn ross, Picòss gross); the Grey-headed Green Woodpecker (G. canus) was only once observed, but I think, if exhaustive enquiries are made, it will be found to occur more frequently; Dr. Giacomelli told me that the only specimen was caught not very far from the top of Cima di Grem (6243 ft.); it was shot by a priest, who presented it to a friend of his. The Great Black Woodpecker (Picus martius, v. Picòss nigher) is easily found in the wildest woods of some mountains, where it is almost restricted to a height of no more than 4900 ft.; in winter it descends a little; we are informed that it was found at Mount Combana (7192 ft.), Pizzo del Tre Signori, Mount Ponteranica (7550 ft.). Mount Cavallo (7081 ft.), but, as I have said, not above 4900 ft., generally. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker (D. medius) was once observed in the neighbourhood of Oltre il Colle (3961 ft.). The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (D. minor) is not at all rare, and I have secured in former years a great many specimens for my collection. The Wryneck (Iynx torquilla, v. Becaförmig) is a common summer visitor; it does not breed above about 4900 or 5200 ft. The Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, v. Cucù) is a pretty common species during summer; it nests according to its usual method, but it is not found generally above 3000 ft. The Roller (Coracias garrula) and the Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) are stragglers. The Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a fairly abundant species, not breeding above 5200 ft.; I have found the nest at Mount Ortighera (5009 ft.), a few feet from the top. The Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida, v. Martin pescadör, Becapèss, Piombì) is abundant. The Nightjar (Caprimulgus europæus, v. teta-àche) is a fairly abundant summer visitor; it nests also near S. Giovanni Bianco, at Pianca (2447 ft.), Ronco dei Gatti (2690 ft.), Scalvino (1495 ft.), &c. The Alpine Swift (Cypselus melba, v. Dardù de corna, Rondù de corna) is less frequent than the Swift (C apus, v. Dardù, Rondù), and it is found up to about 6000 ft.; both are summer visitors and breeding. Amongst the Hirundinidæ, the Martin (Chelidon urbica, v. Dard), the Swallow (Hirundo rustica, v. Rondanìna), and the Sand-Martin (Cotile riparia, v. Dardì R. de ria) are summer visitors, fairly common, and breeding. The Crag-Martin (Biblis rupestris) is met with up to 6000 ft. on the Lakes Gemelli; it is fairly abundant, and sometimes it is seen also on flight during winter; I have a specimen caught at Acquacalda (1935 ft.) on January 2nd, 1892. The White-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula collaris) is very rare during spring, while the Pied Flycatcher (F. atricapilla) and the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola, v. Alètt, A griss) are common and breeding. The Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus, v. Ciarlù, Bec-frisù) is sometimes seen as a straggler, and is very rare. The Shrikes are fairly abundant; they are called Gazèta grossa, picola, &c. The Southern Grey Shrike is lacking, the Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) and Red-backed Shrike (L. collurio) being the commonest. Amongst the Paridæ, both species of Regulus—Firecrest and Goldcrest (v. Stelì, St. de montagna) are common and breeding in the evergreen forests; they descend lower in winter and during the cold weather. I had the Bearded Titmouse (Panurus biarmicus, v. Paisöla di barbìss) from S. Pellegrino (1082 ft.) on October 2nd, 1896; and the Penduline Titmouse from Campo Fiorito (4960 ft.) on April 20th, 1899; both are in my collection, but they are rare, as I am told. Irby's Long-tailed Titmouse and the White-headed Longtailed Titmouse (Acredula irbyi and A. caudata, v. Cùa longa, Scuasì) are common and breeding. Amongst the others, I may mention the Great Titmouse (Parus major, v. Paissöla), Coal Titmouse (P. ater, v. Ciuicì), Blue Titmouse (P. cæruleus, v. Moneghìna), common and breeding species; the Marsh Titmouse (P. palustris) is unknown; the Crested Titmouse (Lophophanes cristatus v. Ciuicì col'söff) is restricted very high in the evergreen woods, where it breeds; I had it from Mount Verrobbio (6453 ft.) in summer, and from Olmo al Brembo (1694 ft.) in winter. The Nuthatch (Sitta cæsia, v. Pic çender) is abundant. The Wall Creeper (Tichodroma muraria, v. Barbèl, Beca corne, Becaràgn, Pic de corne) is a fairly abundant species; it breeds on the Cancervo and everywhere in the high districts, but not above 5200 ft. The two Certhiæ (Tree-Creeper, v. Rampeghì) are met with; Certhia familiaris seems to be the commoner. The Wren (Troglodytes parvulus, v. Reatì, Trentapìs) is common and resident; it breeds everywhere on the mountains. The Dipper (Cinclus merula, v. Merèll acqueröl) is met with where-ever in the adapted localities; I have not seen the northern form called the Black-bellied Dipper (C. melanogaster), but I succeeded in finding the Dipper up to 4500 ft. above the sea. The Hedge-Sparrow (Accentor modularis, v. Matèla) is met with, and breeds everywhere; while the Alpine Accentor (A. collaris, v. Materòt, Materàss) is fairly common, and breeding, from 4500 to 7600 ft.; I obtained specimens from Somnadello and Cancerbero; in winter it comes lower; it breeds on the tops of the shanties of shepherds. The Thrushes are represented by the Blackbird (Merula nigra, v. Merell), very common; the two forms of Ring Ouzel (M. torquata and M. alpestris, v. Merla montana) are frequent; Dr. Giacomelli told me that the northern form is commoner, but I doubt it; all three breed, and also the Song-Thrush (Turdus musicus, v. Durt), of which I have succeeded in having a nestling from the Passo del Branchino (5628 ft.). The Fieldfare (T. pilaris, v. Visc-ièra) is only a winter visitor, and a bird of passage, while the Mistle-Thrush (T. viscivorus, v. Dressa) is resident; while so far there are no proofs of the breeding of the Redwing (T. iliacus v. Sdurdì) in these highlands. I have no notice regarding the other rare species of Italian Thrushes, but certainly the Dusky-Thrush (T. fuscatus), and perhaps the Black-throated Thrush (T. atrigularis), must be met with as stragglers. I preserve in my collection an adult male of the former, which was caught at Breno, a few miles from Bergamo, and not very far from the beginning of the Brembana Valley.^[8] The Rock-Thrush (Monticola saxatilis, V. Cueròss) is a common bird, summer visitor, and breeding. The Blue Rock-Thrush (M. cyanus) is particularly abundant in rocky parts of Taleggio Valley at Vedeseta (2490 ft.), Salzana Valley, &c., but not above from 3000 to 3600 ft.; it is frequently kept in cages for its sweet song; it is called Passara solitaria. Amongst the Saxicolæ, we found both Pratincola rubetra (Whinchat, v. Morèt) and P. rubicola (Stonechat, v. Machét Ciùp-tèc), and the Wheatear (Saxicola œnanthe, v. Cul-bianc), all common and breeding everywhere, especially on the mountains. The Blackeared Chat (S. aurita) is less common than the Black-throated Wheatear (S. stapazina). The White-spotted Bluethroat (Cyanecula wolfi, v. Morát turchì) is fairly abundant, and we may meet with it in autumn and in winter till January; there is no evidence of a spring passage, but it must surely happen. The Red-spotted Bluethroat is rarer.

As resident birds, are found the Redstart (Ruticilla phœnicurus, v. Moratì, Cuaròssa), Black Redstart (R. titys, v. Moràt nigher, M. carbunèr), and Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula, v. Piciàl).

Afterwards I observed the Nightingale (Luscinia vera, v. Rossignöl), Garden Warbler (Sylvia salicaria, v. Becafìg), Blackcap (S. atricapilla). Barred Warbler (S. nisoria), Orphean Warbler (S. orphæa), Whitethroat (S. cinerea, v. Gazetìna), and Lesser Whitethroat (S. curruca, v. Beca-mùre)—all summer visitors, and breeding. Dr. Giacomelli told me he succeeded in obtaining one specimen of the Northern Nightingale (L. philomela), which was caught at Camerata on October 1st, 1899; it was an adult male, though this was not a very strange occurrence, I only admit this species on his testimony. The Phylloscopi (v. Tuì, Tuinòt Tuinù) are common, comprising Phylloscopus bonellii. About Reed-Warblers we know very little, but I saw on the Gemelli Lakes (5971 ft.) a specimen of the Grasshopper-Warbler (Locustella nævia), and I heard along the Ambria, not very far from Zogno (1017 ft.), the Sedge-Warbler (Calamodus schœnobænus); both are now in my collection. Amongst the Wagtails I mention the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba, v. Baleróta), the Grey Wagtail (M. sulphurea, v. Balarìna), the Blue-headed and Yellow Wagtails (Budytes flavus and B. cinereocapillus, v. Boarì), which are common and breeding species; perhaps the Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail (B. borealis); but I have no notice regarding the Black-headed Yellow Wagtail (B. feldeggi). The Tree-Pipit (Anthus trivialis, v. Guìna), Meadow-Pipit (A. pratensis, v. Sguissèta), and Water-Pipit (A. spinoletta, v. Sgussetù) are common, and breeding to 6000 ft., and I found them breeding at the Gemelli Lakes and on Mount Farno (7 626 ft.). The Tawny Pipit (A. campestris) was found breeding at the top of Mount Pojeto (4144 ft.), but the eggs were too far hatched. Richard's Pipit (A. richardi) is exceedingly rare. Probably the Red-throated Pipit (A. cervinus) is confounded with A. pratensis; I have a specimen in my collection from Zogno, with the date May 25th, 1898. Amongst the Larks, I may mention the Sky-Lark (Alauda arvensis, v. Lodola, Calandrù), common to 3000 ft., and the Wood-Lark (A. arborea, v. Lodolì), the Crested-Lark (Galerita cristata, v. L. dal capöss); they breed and are abundant. The Shore-Lark (Otocorys alpestris) is of an irregular appearance. The Lapland Bunting (Plectrophanes lapponicus) is rare, and also of irregular appearance during frozen weather; while the Snow-Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is not very rare, but is of irregular occurrence, especially in January, on the Cancerbero and other high mountains; it is called Passera bianca or Ortolà d-la nif, and its rarity depends on the years and on the cold. The Corn-Bunting (Miliaria projer), Yellow-Hammer (Emberiza citrinella, v. Pajarana), Cirl-Bunting (E. cirlus), Meadow-Bunting (E. cia), and Ortolan-Bunting (E. hortulana, v. Ortolà) are very common, and breeding; the first three are also resident. The Rustic and the Little Bunting (E. rustica and E. pusilla) are rare. The Reed-Bunting is common, and less so the Large-billed Bunting, though only as birds of passage. Amongst the Fringillinæ, the Italian Sparrow (Passer italiæ, v. Passer gross, Passarù), and the Tree-Sparrow P. montanus, v. Passera büseröla) are common, but not above about 4600 ft., where they are replaced by the Alpine Accentors, found on the roofs of huts. The Rock-Sparrow (P. petronia, Passera d'montagna) is fairly abundant. Regarding the Snow-Finch (Montifringilla nivalis), the information is not satisfactory. People say it is a straggler, and of irregular passage in winter; but I do not think so. I believe these birds are resident at about 6000 ft. in height, and that during the cold weather they descend lower. I obtained some from Foppolo in the winter of 1888, for which I am indebted to Count Roncalli, from Bergamo. Afterwards it was seen, during winter, at S. Giovanni Bianco, Cancerbero, Camerata (Giacomelli's fides). I have noticed that it is met with on the Pizzo dei Tre Signori, Cima di Piazzo (6268 ft.), Mount Aralalta, and Mount Venturosa (6091 ft.). They nest on the roofs of huts, sometimes in the crevices of cliffs, and in the daytime they remain very long at the top of rocks quite close to each other, and we could approach very near them, but at the first report of a fowling-piece they were intensely alarmed, and it was quite impossible to enter into friendly terms with them again. The Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris, v. Frisù), Chaffinch (Fringilla cœlebs, v. Frànguel), Brambling (F. montifringilla), Greenfinch (Ligurinus chloris, v. Amaròt), Siskin (Chrysomitris spinus, v. Logarì), Goldfinch (Carduelis elegans, v. Gardelì, Raarì), Serin (Serinus hortulanus, v. Sverzerì), Linnet and Bullfinch are common and resident, but much more abundant in passage-time. The Northern Bullfinch (or Pyrrhula major), is also met with; I preserve in my collection a splendid adult male, which I procured from Piazzolo (2139 ft.), through the kindness of Sign. A. Oldrighetti. I have not seen hybrids between F. cœlebs and F. montifringilla, but Dr. Giacomelli told me that they sometimes interbreed; that almost every year he has seen some of them; and that they are well known to bird-catchers. The Citril-Finch (Chloroptila citrinella, v. Turlurì, Canarì de montagna) does not breed, and seems to be only a passage-bird, and not very abundant in most years; it passes generally in the first fortnight of October; and if in one year it is fairly common, in another it is almost rare, so that the flight is not always of the same intensity. I obtained specimens for my collection from Serina (2508 ft,) and Olmo at Brembo. I have made many enquiries in order to learn if this species breeds or not, but have never succeeded in ascertaining; I think, however, that this operation certainly occurs in the evergreen woods of the highest mountains.

Redpolls (Ægiothus linaria and Æ. rufescens, v. Gegì, Cardinalì) are tolerably abundant during the passages, but whether they breed in these mountains is uncertain. Of the Pine-Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), a straggler was caught in the "Roccolo" of the Trinità near Dossena. The Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pityopsittacus) is certainly very rare; but, regarding this species. Dr. Giacomelli told me it is of an irregular passage, and he observed it during 1897 and 1899 at the "Roccolo" of Dossena. Last year, at the end of October, he received five young specimens, which, according to him, undoubtedly belonged to that species. The Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is resident and fairly abundant; it certainly breeds in the woods near Piazzolo, according to the information of Dr. Giacomelli, who has succeeded in finding nests several times. They were placed upon the horizontal branches of some firs, from six to eight feet from the trunk; sometimes they were built on the top of the firs. The Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia bifasciata) is very rare, and certainly a straggler; a specimen was caught at the Dossena "Roccolo" two years ago; it was unfortunately eaten (Dr. Giacomelli's fides). The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris, v. Stornèll) is principally a passage-bird in these highlands, but some couples remain during summer, and breed generally on the trees. The Golden Oriole (Oriolus galbula, v. Galbèr) is tolerably common during summer, and breeding also near S. Giovanni Bianco. I found several of them towards Brembilla (1274 ft.) in the Brembilla Valley.

Amongst the Corvidæ, the Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax alpinus, v. Tàcola dal bec zald) is common; it does not live so high as the Red-billed Chough (P. graculus), but, like the latter, it nests and is resident. The latter (v. Tàcola dal bec ross) is fairly common, but a widely localized resident, and breeding along all the Orobic watershed on Mount Redorta (9154 ft.), Mount Gleno (8785 ft.). Mount Venerecolo (7889 ft.), Pizzo Tornello (8190 ft.), and sometimes, but not often, at the Cà S. Marco (5582 ft.). They descend a little during winter. The presence of this species in that province is not very extraordinary, but authors seem always ignorant of the fact, though I can vouch for it, as I had a nice adult male caught at Mount Cavallo (7101 ft.) on Sept. 3rd, 1893; this is preserved in my collection. We found the Carrion-Crow (Corvus corone) uncommon, but the Book (C. frugilegus) and the Hooded Crow (C. cornix) common; they breed, and I found many of them feeding in a meadow, on Aug. 20th last year, at the Corno Grosso (4025 ft,) near Piazza Brembana. The Raven (C. corax) is tolerably abundant on the highest mountains, from which it descends in winter time; and the Jackdaw (C. monedula) is very common. Both are resident and breeding. The Jay (Garrulus glandarius) and the Magpie are common and resident, and so is the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), which is perhaps not very abundant, and which lives particularly in the thickest woods.

The Turtle-Dove (Turtur communis) is a summer visitor, but not very frequent; it breeds. The same may be said about the Wild Pigeons which are sometimes met with during the passages, but they are somewhat scarce, and I do not know whether they breed or not.

Pallas's Sand Grouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus) seems to have appeared once in the last incursion of 1888; this information was given me by Dr. Giacomelli. The Common Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus, v. Roncàs) and the Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) are fairly common, resident, and breeding on the highest mountains, as Cancerbero Aralalta, Cà S. Marco, &c. The former is sold in the market for about four shillings each, the latter for twenty shillings a couple, if they are male and female, and less if they are not. The Hazel Grouse (Bonasa betulina, v. Francolì) and the Capercaille (Urogallus vulgaris) seem to have disappeared from Brembana Valley; the former is now only seldom met in the mountains of the Seriana Valley, where it confines with Cavallina; the latter in those of the Valley of Scalve; but they are uncommon birds, perhaps almost extinct. All these gallinaceous birds are greatly persecuted by birdcatchers, in every way and at all seasons, so they decrease perceptibly every year. The Quail (Coturnix communis) is not a common bird in the Brembana Valley, strictly speaking, but it is met with and sometimes breeds in the lower parts of it, in corn-fields or meadows of trefoil (Dr. Giacomelli). Fairly common, however, are Partridges (Perdix cinerea, v. Pernìs), and especially Greek Partridges (Caccabis saxatilis, v. Cotùrna). The latter is found in many places—Cancerbero, Somnadello, Castello Regina (1424 ft.), Cà S. Marco, &c. To give an idea of its frequency, I may mention that Sign. Pianeti, from Camerata Cornello, a most celebrated hunter and shooter, kills from one hundred to one hundred and thirty of them every year in two months' shooting. They cost, on the market, from eighteenpence to two shillings each, according to the weight; very old specimens weigh about two pounds, and they are greatly sought for their excellent flesh. Partridges commonly cost about eighteenpence each. Both breed everywhere on the mountains. Dr. Giacomelli assures me that the Red-legged Partridge (C. rufa) is also found in the province, sometimes in the Brembana Valley, but especially in the Valley of Scalve on the highest mountains. I have not succeeded so far in getting any specimen of this species, which is on the way of becoming extinct in many parts of Italy; in Tuscany and in the Elba Island it also becomes every year more and more rare.

Grallatores and Anseres, in the Brembana Valley properly called, are almost absent, or irregular and straggler visitors; but I have noticed the following:—Lapwing (Vanellus capella); Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis, v. Co-dùr, Piviè), of which I have a specimen from Ponte Enna (1837 ft.), April 1st, 1890; and I am sure that the Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus) must appear on the high meadows; the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola platyrhyncha) appeared once on the Brembo Rivier close to S. Giovanni Bianco on Aug. 27th last year; Dr. Giacomelli has preserved the rare specimen, but, alas! in a pitiful state of preservation; the Common Redshank (Totanus calidris, v. Culètt) is uncommon; in my collection there is a specimen from Costa dei Lupi (1867 ft.); it was caught starving on April 4th, 1900; the Greenshank (T. glottis, v. Sgambetù) is rarer than the latter, but I had a specimen killed along the Brembo on May 2nd, 1896; it is also in my collection; the Common Heron (Ardea cinerea); Purple Heron (A. purpurea), and Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) are seen sometimes during spring; the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a fairly common bird during the passages and in winter; it seems to have bred once near Fuipiano al Brembo (1411 ft.); the Common Snipe (Gallinago cœlestis) is sometimes seen along the Brembo, and so is the Double Snipe (G. major) and the Jack-Snipe (G. gallinula), as I have been told. During stormy winter weather the Common Gull (Larus canus) and the Black-headed Gull (L. ridibundus, v. Gabià) were seen along the Brembo; and regarding the Great Crested Grebe, Dr. Giacomelli assures me that a specimen was caught at the Ponte dei Frati (1207 ft.), near S. Giovanni Bianco, in the winter of 1898; and, finally, amongst the Wild Ducks we can mention Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, and Garganey, all of them irregular visitors.

There is no doubt that many other species of these birds must or may appear during the flights, but only naturalists who are accustomed to live in that neighbourhood can make a complete list. That, however, in our case is not very important, because it is rather difficult to find a very rare water or shore bird in those districts, though we may easily meet other species, as Dunlins, Sandpipers, Water-Rails, Crakes, Coots, Gulls, Terns, Grebes, &c., which are not uncommon in the neighbouring open plain, where they can live at their ease. As these places are not adapted for them, they may appear here only as stragglers, or in the flight-time as irregular ones; but this fact seems to me of very little interest, for I firmly believe it exceedingly difficult to find Sociable Lapwings, Phalaropes, Purple Sandpipers, Bartram's Sandpipers, Bernicle Geese, Scoters, and Skuas here, or the many other birds of rare appearance in our subregion, which offer a particular interest to the Italian ornithologists.

 

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1. 'Dizionario Odeporico della Prov. di Bergamo.' Bergamo, 1819. The same, 'I Tre Eegni della Natura nella Prov. Bergamasca' (Atti Soc. Ital. Sc, tom. xix.).
2. 'Notizie Storiche della Valsassina e delle terre limitrofe ecc.' Lecco, 1889.
3. 'Saggio di un Dizionario dell' Avifauna Bergamasca.' Bergamo, 1898.
4. 'History of Fowling.' Edinburgh, 1887.
5. Club Alpino Italiano, 'Prealpi Bergamasche,' p. 116 and follow. Milano, 1900.
6. A foot equals ·3048 of a meter, or 12 inches.
7. Some people call it Sornadello, but the Guide of the C.A.J. and the military maps of the Geographical Institute of Florence name it as above.
8. E. Arrigoni degli Oddi, "Il Turdus fuscatus nel Bergamasco" (Riv, Ital. Sc. Nat. xiii. No. 9, Siena, 1893).