APPENDICES 395

F. BIRDS OF THE RUBC AL TCTTATJ

BY N. B. KINNBAB,

Of the British Museum.

THIS small collection made by Mr. Philby is of considerable in-
terest since it not only shows what birds inhabit the Rub' al Khali,
but also the species which cross these inhospitable sands en route
to their summer breeding quarters.

Certain of the specimens obtained, more especially those in-
habiting the edge of the desert proper, are winter visitors from
further north. It is of considerable interest to note that of these
migratory species five have been obtained in the British Isles,
though only a§ very rare stragglers.

(1) Arabian Stone Curlew (Karwari): Burhinus cedicnemus
astutus. 2 specimens from Jaub Ba'aij and Salwa (January llth).
Others seen at 'Ain Sala and KhiJIat Hawaya. This bird is resident
and not uncommon in Southern Arabia, extending into 'Iraq and
Southern Persia.

(2) Macqueen's Bustard (Hubdra): Chlamydotis undulata
macqueenii. 1 specimen from Hadida (Wabar) (February 4th).
Others seen at frequent intervals in Rube al Khali. Found from
South Russia to Turkestan and Baluchistan. It migrates south in
the winter to India and Arabia and occasionally wanders to
Western Europe, having been observed in the British Isles on
four occasions.

(3) Sparrow Hawk (Shabbut): Accipiter nisus nisus. 1 speci-
men from Anbak (January 12th), where a pair was observed.
This is the common Sparrow Hawk of the British Isles, Europe and
parts of Siberia. It passes through Arabia on migration in spring
and autumn.

(4) Scops Owl (Qubaisa): Otus scops scops. 1 specimen from
Hidbat al Farsha (March 13th). A small owl was heard but not
seen at Shanna (February 22nd). This .little Scops Owl is widely
distributed in Europe and Western Asia. It is a winter visitor to
Arabia and Africa, as far south as Uganda. It is a rare wanderer
to Great Britain.

(5) Eastern Desert Wheatear (Umm Cfhurair): Qenanthe
deserti atrogularis. Specimens from Maqainama, Tuwairifa and
Saeafij (January 24th to February 2nd), and frequently observed
at many points during the journey. According to Major Ghees-
man this is the most plentiful Wheatear found in Jabrin during
the winter. Colonel Meinertzhagen also recorded it as common at
Aden. This Desert Wheatear nests in Central Asia and passes
south in winter to KT. Africa and India, many wintering in
Arabia. t Stragglers have occurred in Orkney and Kent.