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Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum

British Museum Catalogues

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum (1874-1898)

Catalogue Of Birds' Eggs In The British Museum (1901-12)

Catalogue Of The Chenomorphae, Crypturi and Ratitae In The Collection Of The British Museum

T. Salvadori

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1895

Preface:

"The numbers of the species of Birds treated of in this Volume, and of the specimens at present in the Collection, are as follows: Chenomorphae, 205; Crypturi, 65; Ratitae. 26. In none of the preceding volumes has the number of desiderata been so small as in the present; only eight species of the Anseres, seven of the Tinamous, and four of the Ratitae being entirely unrepresented by specimens in the Museum. Beside the 67 types of recognized species, the Collection contains 25 other typical specimens which are now regarded as referable to species previously named and described. The unrivalled collection of Tinamous formed by Messrs. Godman and Salvin, and supplemented by the loan of numerous specimens from Continental Museums, has enabled the author to discriminate considerably more species than his predecessors were inclined to admit. The Hon. Walter Rothschild, whose collection of Apteryx far surpasses that in the British Museum, has given most valuable assistance in the preparation of this Catalogue by lending these as well as other specimens to the author. The present volume concludes the series of the 'Catalogue of Birds.' Thanks to the energy with which Count Salvadori has applied himself to the work, its publication precedes that of Volumes 24, 25, and 26. However, it will be followed immediately by Volume 25, which contains the Gulls and Petrels, while it is a matter of regret that no such prospect can be held out as regards the other two volumes. In a final volume it is intended to give a supplementary list of the species described since the publication of the several volumes, and an Index to the whole work."

Catalogue Of The Plataleae, Herodiones, Steganopodes, Pygopodes, Alcae and Impennes In The Collection Of The British Museum

Plataleae and Herodiones: R. Bowdler Sharpe

Steganopodes, Pygopodes, Alcae, Impennes: W.R. Ogilvie-Grant

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1898

Preface:

"The present volume, though not numerically the last, has been, owing to various delays in its production, the last to appear. Its publication completes the series, as originally projected by Dr. Gunther more than twenty-five years ago. The whole work consists of twenty-seven volumes, and it may fairly claim to be one of the most important aids to the study of Systematic Ornithology which has ever been produced. The first volume appeared in June 1874. The others have followed at intervals averaging rather less than a year. The publication of the work has therefore been very nearly coincident with Dr. Gunther's administration of the Zoological Department of the Museum. It is to him that the general arrangement and supervision of the work is due, although each contributor has been allowed a considerable latitude in following his own views as to the details of classification and nomenclature. It was at first contemplated that Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe would undertake the whole work, and the first four volumes were completed by him between the years 1872 to 1879, It, however, soon became apparent that continually increasing curatorial duties (which rapidly augmented, in consequence of the inflow of specimens mainly stimulated by the publication of these volumes) required very much of his attention, and notwithstanding the energy with which he threw himself into the work, it was manifestly impossible for him single-handed to complete the Catalogue within any reasonable time. The assistance of other ornithologists was hence invoked to take up certain groups, to the study of which they had been known to have specially devoted themselves. These were, in the order in which their aid was given, Mr. Henry Seebohm, Dr. H. Gadow, Mr. P. L. Sclater, Mr. 0. Salvin, Mr. E. Hartert, Mr, W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Mr. E. Hargitt, Captain Shelley, Count Salvadori, and Mr. Howard Saunders. The special contributions of each of these authors will be seen in the list of volumes and their contents. Dr. Sharpe, however, did not relinquish his labours on the Catalogue at the end of the fourth volume. Not only did he materially assist in many of the volumes produced under the names of other authors, but for seven more volumes (making eleven altogether) he is entirely, and for two others he is partly, responsible. Some indication of the amount of his share in the whole work may be gained by the statement that out of 11,548 species described in the Catalogue 5181 are contained in Dr. Sharpe's portion, and 6367 in those parts written by the ten other authors."

Catalogue Of The Gaviae And Tubinares In The Collection Of The British Museum

Gaviae (Terns, Gulls and Skuas): Howard Saunders

Tubinares (Petrels and Albatrosses): Osbert Salvin

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1896

Preface:

"It has been a fortunate circumstance that for the preparation of the present Volume the cooperation of Mr. H. Saunders and Mr. 0. Salvin could be secured, who for many years past have made the Birds of the families of Gulls and Petrels the special subject of their respective studies. As also the collections formed by these gentlemen have been incorporated with the series in the British Museum, the latter possesses of both these groups a collection unrivalled as to its intrinsic value, if not also as to the number of species and specimens. According to the lists given, this Collection consists now of Gaviae 115 and Tubinares 109. Among the Tubinares only, some of the species (15) are not represented in the Collection. Beside the many friends and correspondents who have rendered material assistance in the preparation of this Volume by the loan or gift of specimens, and who "will be enumerated in the introductory remarks of the Authors, I have to refer specially to the authorities of the United States National Museum and to the Hon. W. Rothschild, of whom the former sent important types for comparison, whilst the latter placed the whole of his rich collection at the disposal of Ihe Authors. I have acceded with pleasure to the request of the Director of the Museum to see through the press this and the two remaining Volumes for which the arrangements were made during my term of office. Finally, this would seem to be an appropriate place to pay a tribute to the memory of Henry Seebohm, by whose death, on November 26th, Ornithology has lost a most earnest and ardent student and the British Museum one of its most generous friends and benefactors. For the past fifteen years he took a deep interest in the growth and arrangement of the Collection of Birds in the British Museum, contributing, without stint, either from his own Collection or by special purchase, any specimens that were required to complete the Museum series or to aid in the preparation of the Catalogue. In the latter work he took an active part as the author of the Fifth Volume, which treated of the Warblers and Thrushes. After presenting his immense Collection of Eggs, and incorporating it with that of the Museum, he undertook and completed a Manuscript Catalogue of the whole. By his Will he conferred his last benefit on the Museum, bequeathing to the Trustees the entire Collection which at the time of his death was still in his possession."

Catalogue Of The Limicolae In The Collection Of The British Museum

R. Bowdler Sharpe

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1896

Preface:

"The delay in the publication of the present volume has been caused by the fact that the labour involved in its preparation has far exceeded my expectations. The specimens arranged and catalogued in it are 13,440, exclusive of many hundreds of duplicates. The references quoted in the synonymy are 18,892. With the exception of a few books, which proved to be inaccessible, the whole of this mass of literature has been actually consulted. The collection of specimens is a truly wonderful one. Of the 255 species recorded, the British Museum contains 250, and the types are 68 in number. It is in connection with the distribution of birds like the Limicolae that one is able to estimate the value of those great donations which have been made to the Museum by Mr. A. 0. Hume, Major Wardlaw Ramsay, and Messrs. Salvin and Godman. In many instances the entire range of a species is demonstrated by the series of skins in the collection. The Wading-Birds were also special favourites with the late Mr. Henry Seebohm, whose work on the geographical distribution of the Charadriidae is the most important treatise on the group. His untimely death last year deprived the Museum of one of its best friends; but by his generous bequest the collection of Limicolae has been greatly enriched, as will be seen by the long list of 'Addenda,' which consist chiefly of specimens presented by Mr. Seebohm."

Catalogue Of The Game Birds (Pterocletes, Gallinae, Opisthocomi, Hemipodii) In The Collection Of The British Museum

W.R. Ogilvie-Grant

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1893

Preface:

"The present volume treats of four Orders of Birds, constituting the greater bulk of what are commonly termed Game Birds. The numbers of species described and of specimens at present in the Collection are as follows: Pterocletes, 17; Gallinie, 384; Opisthocomi, 1; Hemipodii, 24. In the first category those forms are included to which, in the author's opinion, no higher than subspecific rank should be assigned; only 23 of these species and subspecies are still unrepresented in the Collection. Beside the 102 types of recognized species the Collection contains 50 other typical specimens which are now considered identical with previously named species."

Catalogue Of The Columbae or Pigeons In The Collection Of The British Museum

T. Salvadori

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1893

Preface:

"The Collection of Pigeons in the British Museum consists of 7359 specimens, referred by the Author to 415 species. Only about one tenth of the species known are unrepresented in the Collection; they belong chiefly to the Austro-Malayan and Polynesian Faunas; whilst of other species the series of specimens are almost complete, having been obtained from the donations of Mr. A. Hume, and especially of Messrs. Godman and Salvin, who were collecting specimens of Pigeons for many years with the view of preparing a completely illustrated Monograph of the Order. I have again the pleasure of acknowledging the conscientious attention which the Author has given to this work in all its details, and which renders it a worthy companion to the preceding volume of this Catalogue."

Catalogue Of The Psittaci or Parrots In The Collection Of The British Museum

T. Salvadori

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1891

From the introduction:

"In the spring of 18S9 I was asked by Dr. Gunther to undertake the volume of the Catalogue containing an account of the Parrots; and now, after more than two years and a half, my work is completed. The materials I have had to deal with, although very large, and no doubt the most extensive existing in any Museum, are much less complete than those belonging to other groups of birds: and I do not consider them adequate either for affording a solid base to a general classification of Parrots, or for fully illustrating the different stages of many of the species. The number of specimens contained in the British Museum is 5113, belonging to 450 species, whilst 49 are not represented in the Museum; so that the total number of species admitted in the present Catalogue is 499, of which 13 are now described for the first time. The number of apparently good species represented by their types is 108, besides 47 others now relegated to the synonymy. Out of these 5113 specimens 118 are osteological preparations, belonging to 53 species."

Catalogue Of The Picariae In The Collection Of The British Museum

Scansores and Coccyges: P.L. Sclater

Indicatoridae, Capitonidae, Cuculidae and Musophagidae: G.E. Shelley

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1891

From the preface:

"The present volume contains an account of the remaining families of the suborder Scansores, and of those of the suborder Coccyges. The arrangement of three of these families, which are entirely composed of Neotropical forms, was undertaken by Mr. P. L, Sclater, that of the remainder by Captain G. E. Shelley. The numbers of species of the several families, and of the specimens at present in the Collection of the British Museum, are as follows: Indicatoridae, 12; Capitonidae, 112; Rhamphastidae, 59; Galbulidae, 21; Bucconidae, 43; Cuculidae, 176; Musophagidae, 25. Of the 448 species recorded, 32 are not represented in the Museum; but besides the 73 types of species admitted as valid, the Collection contains 50 other typical specimens the names of which are now relegated to the synonymic lists. Of donations not already mentioned on former occasions, I have to refer to the two following, which were specially useful in supplementing the series of specimens catalogued in the present volume: the entire collection of Cuckoos formed by Mr. H. Seebohm, and consisting of 539 specimens; and a valuable series of South-African birds collected by T. and W. Ayres in Natal and the Transvaal for the late Mr. J. H. Gurney, and presented by his son."

Catalogue Of The Picariae In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XVIII

Edward Hargitt

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1890

From the preface:

"This volume is published in advance of the sixteenth and seventeenth, the manuscripts of which, however, are in course of preparation. Its early appearance is due to the fortunate circumstance that it was undertaken by Mr. Hargitt, who for many years has made the family of Woodpeckers the subject of his special study: I have great pleasure in acknowledging the unremitting and conscientious care which he has bestowed on the details of every portion of the work throughout its progress. Beside those benefactors who have so largely contributed to the general collection of Birds in the Museum, and whose names occur on almost every page of this work, I have to refer to the donations by L. Wray, Jr., Esq., H. C. V. Hunter, Esq., and F. J. Jackson, Esq., which were specially useful in the preparation of the present volume."

Catalogue Of The Picariae In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XVII

R. Bowdler Sharpe

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1892

From the preface:

"The present Volume contains an account of the remaining families of the suborder Coraciae as understood by Seebohm, as well as of the Halcyones, Bucerotes, and Trogones. The numbers of the species of the nine families treated of, and of the specimens at present in the Collection, are as follows: Leptosomatidae, 2; Coraciidae, 25; Meropidae, 36; Alcedinidae, 183; Momotidae, 21; Todidae, 5; Coliidae, 10; Bucerotidae, 68; Trogonidae, 47. Of these 397 species, only 16 are wanting to the collection of the Museum, and more than one-fourth of them are represented by the types; but besides these there are 30 other typical specimens now considered identical with previously named species. In many cases the series of specimens is sufficiently complete to illustrate the whole geographical range of a species - a result chiefly due to the accession of the great faunistic collections referred to in the previous volumes, and also to numerous recent donations, of which those made by the Lords of the Admiralty, Dr. Jayakar, W. D. Gumming, Esq., and Captain Mochler Ferryman should be specially mentioned. The Tweeddale Collection contained nearly the whole of the materials described in Dr. 8harpe's Monograph of the Alcedinidae."

Catalogue Of The Picariae In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XVI

Upupae, Trochili: Osbert Salvin

Coraciae: Ernst Hartert

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1892

From the preface:

"The preparation of the present volume was commenced in the year 1887, but its publication has been delayed from several causes: the desire of profiting by the most recent attempts at classification rendered changes in the serial arrangement of the families necessary; Mr. Salvin, who at first intended to undertake the whole of the Macrochirous families, together with the Podargidae, was prevented by other engagements from proceeding beyond the Trochilidae, so that a substitute had to be introduced to the work; and, finally, the material to be catalogued was unusually heavy, as it not only comprises the two largest collections of Humming-Birds that have been made hitherto, viz. those of the late Mr. J. Gould and of Messrs. Godman and Salvin, but was also increased by the accessions of the last four years. Consequently the contents of this volume greatly exceed those of any of the previous ones, as will be seen from the following statement: Upupae, 16; Trochili, 482; Cypselidae, 78; Caprimulgidae, 86; Podargidae, 24; Steatornithidae 1. Of the 687 species recorded, 50 are not represented in the Museum; but besides the 211 types of species admitted as valid, the Collection contains 62 other typical specimens, the names of which are now relegated to the synonymic lists. With regard to the types of Trochilidae, their number cannot bo given with absolute certainty, as Gould did not always pay regard to distinctive labelling or to the preservation of individual specimens which he would have wished to be regarded as the types of the species named and described by him."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XV

Philip Lutley Sclater

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1892

From the introduction:

"As announced in the introduction to the fourteenth volume, the present yolume of the 'Catalogue of Birds' is devoted entirely to the Tracheophonine Passeres, that is to those Passerines in which the organ of voice is formed by a special modification of the lower end of the trachea, as more fully described below. According to Garrod's arrangement, which is followed here, the Tracheophonae form a subdivision of the Mesomyodae, although, from my own point of view, it would seem better to separate the Passeres into four suborders of equivalent value, of which the Tracheophonae should be considered the lowest and most abnormal. This, however, is not a point of material consequence. Whichever view is taken, the Tracheophonae remain as an independent group of Passeres absolutely distinguished from their fellows by the peculiar modification of their trachea, although, with external characters only to rely upon, it is in some cases difficult to separate them from corresponding forms of the Oscines and Oligomyodcv. So far as has been hitherto made out, the Tracheophonine structure prevails only in four families of Passerine Birds, all of which are absolutely restricted to the Neotropical Region. In the Neotropical Region, however, Trctcheophonae are abundant and widely spread, except in the Antillean Subregion, where they do not occur."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XIV

Philip Lutley Sclater

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1888

From the introduction:

"My ornithological studies having been principally devoted to South-American Birds, I had little hesitation in acceding to Dr. Gunther's request that I should prepare the Catalogue of the Mesomyodian Passeres in the Collection of the British Museum. Of the thirteen families that belong to this section of the Passerine group, nine are exclusively Neotropical, and these nine families embrace by far the greatest number of specific forms, the four Mesomyodian families as yet recognized in the Old World being comparatively insignificant in point of numbers. My subject was, therefore, sufficiently familiar to me. At the same time some of the groups to be treated of - I may point especially to the Tyrannidae - are universally allowed to be amongst the most difficult portions of the class of Birds for satisfactory determination. I felt, therefore, that in the short time that could necessarily be allowed me for the completion of my task I had no easy duty to perform."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XIII

R. Bowdler Sharp

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1890

From the introduction:

"With the present volume the description of the Acromyodian Passeres is completed. It will be seen that, owing to the large accessions to the collection, the series examined exceeds that of any of the preceding volumes. Out of the 601 species and subspecies here recognized, only 58 are unrepresented in the collection, or about 10 per cent. Of these at least 25 are of very doubtful value, so that the collection actually contains nearly 95 per cent, of the known species. The British Museum possesses the types of 152 species, besides those of 61 no longer considered to be of that rank. The number of specimens reaches the total of 11,699. By the acquisition of part of the Shelley Collection of African birds by the Trustees of the Museum, my labours on the Ploceidae have been much facilitated, as I have had before me the whole of Capt. Shelley's series of specimens, on which was based his monographic essay on the African Weaver-Birds. Mr. Seebohm has likewise presented his entire collection of Palaearctic Alaudidae, and the Sturnidae and Ploceidae of the Swinhoe collection, comprising many types of species."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XII

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1888

From the introduction:

" The number of specimens of Fringillidae recorded in the present volume is 9443, exceeding by several thousands the contents of any previous volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds.' The number of species recorded is 559, of which only 30 are unrepresented in tbe Museum collection, which contains likewise the types of no less than 125 species. The line of demarcation between the families Fringillidae and Tanagridae seems to be an extremely arbitrary one, and many genera included by me as Finches are just as likely to be Tanagers, if there is really a definable character for the separation of the two families. I allude more especially to such forms as Piezorhina, Chamoeospiza, Coryphospingus, &c. Some distinctive characters may ultimately be discovered in the anatomy of the Fringillidae and Tanagridae which will serve to separate them; but at present the whole classification of these birds is highly unsatisfactory."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume XI

Philip Lutley Sclater

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1888

From the introduction:

"The Tanagers were the subject of some of my earliest studies in the class of Birds. After writing many preparatory papers and notes on this group, I communicated, in 1856, to the Zoological Society of London a Synopsis of the whole family, which appeared in their 'Proceedings' for that year; and in the following year I published an Illustrated Monograph of one of the most extensive and brilliant genera. I may add that I have never lost sight of the subject since that period, but have always taken special interest in the group. It was therefore with great pleasure that I acceded to Dr. Gunther's request that I should prepare the Catalogue of the specimens of Tanagridae in the British Museum, to which my own series, the result of some thirty-five years' assiduous collecting, has been recently added. The two families Coerebidae and Icteridae, with which I had also a considerable previous acquaintance, were likewise assigned to me to make up the volume."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume X

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1885

From the introduction:

"In the present volume 448 species are described, represented by 4590 specimens. Of these the Museum contains the types of 88, and 52 species are still desiderata to the collection. The series of Neotropical birds has been rendered wonderfully complete by the addition of the collections of Dr. Sclater and of Messrs. Salvin and Godman; whilst through the hearty co-operation of Professor Baird, on behalf of the United-States National Museum, numerous valuable North- American birds have been received during the past year. The collection of the Old-World species of the families described in the present volume is also tolerably perfect; and many of the migratory species are represented by series of specimens illustrating their geographical distribution in a full and satisfactory manner. Much remains to be done to complete our knowledge of the changes of plumage of the Wagtails and Pipits. In my study of the latter birds I have not relied solely on the series in the British Museum, but I have likewise examined the collections of Canon Tristram, Capt. Wardlaw-Eamsay, Capt. Shelley, Mr. Seebohm, and Mr. F. Nicholson, to each of whom I return my thanks."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume IX

Hans Gadow

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1884

Preface:

"The Ninth Volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum' contains an account of all the species of Cinnyrimorphae known at present, and was prepared by the author of the previous volume, Dr. H. Gadow. The total number of species described amounts to 355, of which 291 are in the British Museum; they are represented by 2450 specimens. Of the principal donors I have to mention B. H. Hodgson, Esq., Capt. Stackhouse Pinwill, F. D. Godman, Esq., 0. Salvin, Esq., Sir John Kirk, W. E. and C. G. Gates, Esqrs., H. Seebohm, Esq., A. 0. Hume, Esq., W. Davidson, Esq., Capt. Wardlaw Ramsay, and Capt. Trevelyan. The proof-sheets were again revised by Mr. Sharpe, but submitted to the author before sending them to the press."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume VIII

Hans Gadow

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1883

Preface:

"The Eighth Volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum' contains an account of all the species of Titmice, Shrikes, Creepers, and Nuthatches known at present. It was prepared by Dr. H. Gadow, who has also completed the manuscript of the succeeding volume, which will contain the Cinnyrimorphae and is already in the press. The total number of species described amounts to 402, of which no less than 337 are in the British Museum; they are represented by 2944 examples. Of the principal donors I have to mention H. I. and R. Highness the Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria, B. H. Hodgson, Esq., F. D. Godman, Esq., 0. Salvin, Esq., Capt. Stackhouse Pinwill, W. E. and C. G. Gates, Esqrs., H. Seebohm, Esq., Lord Walsingham, Capt. Shelley, and Lieut.-Col. Irby. In consequence of the author's departure from London, it was found necessary to intrust the correction of the proof-sheets, and especially the revision of the lists of specimens, to the experience of Mr, Sharpe ; but all corrections were submitted to the author for his approval before the sheets were sent to press."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume VII

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1883

Preface:

"Although in the Zoological 'Catalogues' of the British Museum the correct determination and exact description of the specimens are the primary object aimed at, the systematic order in which the species are enumerated has been a matter of due consideration with the author of every volume. The Passerine Birds have received as serious attention in this respect as any other group; but it must be confessed that the difficulties attending a satisfactory arrangement have proved to be insurmountable. What one family may have gained in more precise limitation, another has lost in the opposite direction; and in no part is this more apparent than in that assemblage of genera which is termed the family of Timelildae, and of which Canon Tristram in a recent paper (Ibis, 1883, p. 38) speaks, not without reason, as 'the waste-paper basket of the puzzled systematist.' The size to which the present volume has grown may testify to the convenience of such a receptacle ; but, at the same time, its need should incite ornithologists to renewed efforts to discover characters or combinations of characters on which an at least practically useful arrangement of these birds could be based. External characters have evidently failed to supply this base by themselves; what aid can be obtained from an examination of the internal organs remains to be seen. But it seems to me that investigations in the latter direction must lead to more numerous subdivisions than ornithologists are inclined to admit at present."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume VI

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1881

From the introduction:

"The present volume treats of the first portion of the large family Timeliidce, or Babbling-Thrushes, a group which is largely represented in the Old World, but contains only a few members in the American continents. Five subfamilies have been described in the present volume, viz. the Bulbuls, the Wrens, the Mocking-Thrushes, the Solitaires, and the Bower-birds, The total number of species enumerated is 407; and of these the Museum possesses 315. The specimens in the collection are 1508 in number. The gaps in the series are principally among the South-American Wrens, of which it is peculiarly difficult to procure examples. Of the many important additions that have been made to the collection during the past two years, the most notable (that of the collection of the late Mr. Gould) was not acquired before part of the present volume was in the printer's hands, and consequently the additions which it brought have had to be relegated to the 'Addenda' at the end of the volume."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume V

Henry Seebohm

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1881

Preface:

"The Fifth Volume of the 'Catalogue of the Birds in the British Museum' contains an account of all the species of Warblers and Thrushes known at present; it has been prepared by Mr. H. Seebohm, whose special acquaintance with this group of Birds is probably unequalled. The total number of species described amounts to 344, of which no less than 303 are in the British Museum; they are represented by 2560 examples. Of the principal donors we have to mention the author himself, Capt. Stackhouse Pinwill, F. DuCane Godman and 0. Salvin, Esqrs., Lieut.-Col. Irby, Lord Lilford, and Canon Tristram. The frequent occurrence on the following pages of the name of B. H. Hodgson, Esq., is a testimony of the lasting value of the collections which he deposited in the Museum nearly forty years ago."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume IV

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1879

Preface:

"The Fourth Volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum' has been prepared by Mr. R. B. Sharpe, one of the Senior Assistants in the Zoological Department, and author of the three preceding volumes. It contains an account of all the species of Campophagidae and Muscicapidae known at present. From the author's account it would appear that nearly one fourth of the species known are still unrepresented in the British Museum; and the hope may be expressed that ornithologists and collectors will assist in rendering this part of the National collection more complete than it is at present."

Catalogue Of The Passeriformes or Perching Birds In The Collection Of The British Museum

Catalogue Of The Birds In The British Museum, Volume III

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1877

Preface:

"The Third Volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum ' has been prepared by Mr. R. B. Sharpe, one of the Senior Assistants in the Zoological Department, and author of the two preceding volumes. It contains the commencement of the account of all the species of Passerine Birds known at present; and as no similar monograph of these Birds has been published since the year 1850, it may be hoped that the present work will not only assist the numerous students of this portion of the British Museum collections, but also prove useful to ornithologists, travellers, and collectors."

Catalogue Of The Striges In The Collection Of The British Museum

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1875

Preface:

" The Second Volume of the 'Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum' has been prepared by Mr. R. B. Sharpe, one of the Senior Assistants in the Zoological Department; it contains an account of all the species of Nocturnal Birds of Prey known at present, with a complete list of references to the literature. Every effort has been made to render the Collection in the British Museum as complete as possible, and to enable the author to overcome the unusual difficulties that present themselves in this family of Birds as regards the discrimination of the species, as well as their description."

Catalogue Of The Accipitres or Diurnal Birds Of Prey In The Collection Of The British Museum

R. Bowdler Sharpe

Printed By Order Of The Trustees

Printed by Taylor & Francis

1874

Preface:

"This volume contains a complete account of all the species of Diurnal Birds of Prey known at present, 377 in number, of which only about twenty-five are desiderata in the Collection of the British Museum. In the year 1848, when the Catalogue of Accipitres prepared by the late Mr. George Robert Gray was published by order of the Trustees, 198 species were contained in the Museum. This Catalogue has been prepared by Mr. R. B. Sharpe, one of the Senior Assistants in the Department of Zoology."