FORTHE PEOPLE

FOK EDVCATION

FOR. SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

THE IBIS,

A

UUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY.

EDITED BY

PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, D.Sc, F.R.S.,.^

AND /

A. H. EYANS, M.A., F.Z.S.

,W€^

VOL. III. 1909.
NINTH SERIES.

Delectasti me, Domine, in operibus manuiim tuarura.

LONDON:
R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, W.

1909.

^i^^l^i^(f{-Jc

UfH

FEINTED BY TA TLOR AND FRANCIS,
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

PREFACE.

The Two-hundred-and-fourth Number of ' The Ibis '
concludes the Fifty-first Volume of our Journal. A s
will be seen by its contents, contributions have
by no means failed us, either in quantity or, we
believe, in quality. Lieut. Whitehead has shown us
that there is still something to be done in British
India, especially on its northern confines, which he
and Major Magrath have so successfully explored.
Mr. Bucknill proves to us that even the Island of
Cyprus is not yet thoroughly explored. Africa is
evidently still unexhausted, as the discovery of the
remarkable novelty described by Mr. Rothschild in the
present volume amply testifies. We are also strongly
supported in Africa by Mr. Bates in Kamerun and
Mr. Nicoll in Egypt, besides other old friends. We
have, in fact, excellent assistance in every part of the
world as regards Geographical Ornithology. But on
the Pterylography and Anatomy of Birds, without an
accurate knowledge of which our ' Systema Avium '
must ever remain imperfect, we have still few workers
to assist us, and we could wish that some of our
younger brethren would take up these comparatively
neglected branches of our beloved Science. The
Editors, while truly thankful to all the Contributors
to ' The Ibis,' trust that they may receive a greater

a 2

IV

number of communications on these special subjects,
on which our knowledge is still sadly deficient.

We have called attention to this matter before, but
it is of such importance that we do not hesitate to
repeat our remarks.

P. L. S.
A. H. E.

3 Hanover Square,

London, W.,
October 1st, 1909.

LIST OE THE MEMBERS

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOaiSTS' UNION.
1909.

[An asterisk indicates an Original Member. It is particularly requested that
Members should give notice to the Secretary of the Union, 3 Hanover Square,
London, W., of any error in their addresses or descriptions in this List, in order
that it may be corrected.]

Date of
Election.

1896. Alexander, Boyd, F.Z.S. (late Rifle Brigade); Wilsley,

Cranbrook, Keut.
1888. Aplin, Oliver Vernon ; Stonehill House, Bloxhara, Oxon,
1896. Archibald, Charles F. ; 2 Darnley lload. West Park,

Leeds.

1896. Arrigoni degli Oddi, Count Ettore, Professor of Zoology,

University, Padua ; and Ca' oddo, Monselice, Padua, Italy.
5 1901. Arundel, Major Walter B., F.Z.IS. ; High Ackworth, Ponte-

fract.
1901. AsHBY, Herbert; Oakwood Lodge, Chandler's Ford, near

Southampton.
1908, AsHwoRTH, Dr. John Wallwork, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,

F.R.G.S., F.G.S. ; Thorne Bank, Heaton Moor, near

Stockport.

1897. AsTLET, Hubert Delaval, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Benham Park,

Newbury, Berks.
1885. Backhouse, James, F.Z.S. ; Daleside, Scarborough, Yorks.
lo 1904. Bahr, Philip Heinrich, M.A., M.B., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P,,

F.Z.S. ; Perrysfield House, Oxted, Surrey.
1901. Bailward, Col. Arthur Churchill, F.Z.S. (R.F.A.) ;

64 Victoria Street, S.W.
1892. Baker, E, C. Stuart, F.Z.S. ; care of Messrs. H. S. King

& Co., 65 Cornhill, E.C. ; and Shillong, Assam, India.
1901. Bakbf, John C, M.B., B.A. ; Ceely House, Aylesbury, Bucks.
1908. Ball, Crispin Alfred (Sudau Civil Service) ; Geteina,

White Nile Province, Sudan.
15 1889. Balston, Richard James, F.Z.S.; Springfield, Maidstone.
1906. Bannbrman, David A. ; 11 Washington House, Basil Street,

S.W.

VI

Date of

Election.

1890. Barclay, Francis Htjbert, F.Z.S. ; The Warren, Cromer,

JSTorfolk.
1885. Barclay, Httgh Gueney, F.Z.S. ; Colney Hall, Norwich.
1889. Barrett-Hamilton, Major Gerald E. H., F.Z.S., 5th Royal

Irish Rifles ; Kilmanock, Campile, Ireland.
2o 1881. Barrington, Richard Manliffe, LL.D. ; Fassaroe, Bray,

Co. Wicklow.
1903. Bartels, Max. ; Pasir Datar, Halte Tjisaat (Preanger), Java,

Dutch East Indies.

1906. Bates, George L., C.M.Z.S. ; Kribi, Kamerun, West Africa.
1908. Beaumont, Walter Ibbotson, F.Z.S. ; 1 Osborne Place,

Plymouth.
1902. Becuer, Harry, C.E. ; Beechwood Cottage, Burnham-on-

Crouch.
25 1897. Benson, John; The Post Office, Vancouver, B.C.

1897. Berry, William, B.A., LL.B. ; Tayfield, Newport, Fifeshire.

1907. Bethell, The Hon. Richard ; 30 Hill Street, Mayfair, W.
1907. BicKERTON, William, F.Z.S. ; The Hawthorns, Marlborough

Road, Watford, Herts.

1880. Bidwell, Edward ; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C.
30 1892. Bird, The Rev. Maurice C. H., M.A. ; Brunstead Rectory,
Stalham, S.O., Norfolk.

1891. Blaauw, Frans Ernst, C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, 'sGraveland,
Hilversum, Noord-Holland.

1903. Blathavayt, The Rev. Francis Linley, M.A. ; 1 Stone-
field Avenue, Lincoln.

1897. BoNAR, The Rev. Horatius Ninian, F.Z.S. ; Saltoun, Pen-

caitland, N.B.

1905. Bone, Henry Peters, F.Z.S. ; 28 Adelaide Crescent, Brighton.
35 1894. BoNHOTE, John Lewis, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Gade Spring,

Hemel Hempstead, Herts. (Seo'etary 6f Treasurer.)

1906. BooEMAN, Staines; Heath Farm, Send, Woking, Surrey.

1898. Booth, George Albert ; 6 North Road, Preston ; and

Fern Hill, Grange-over-Sands, Lanes.
1904. Booth, Harry B. ; Ryhill, Ben Rhydding, via Leeds, Yorks.

1907. BoEASTON, John Maclair ; Ingleside, Stretford, near Man-

chester.
40 1908. BoRREK, Clifford Dalison ; 6 Durham Place, Chelsea, S.W.
1895. Bradford, John Rose, M.D., D.Sc, F.R.S., F.Z.S ; 8 Man-
chester Square, W.

Date of
Election.

1902. Bridgeman, Lieut. The Hon. Richard 0. B., R.N. ; Weston

Park, Shifnal, Salop ; and H.M.S. ' Bramble,' China

Station,
1909. Brxggs, Thomas Henry, M.A., F.E.S. ; Rock House,

Lynmouth, R.S.O., N. Devon.
1902. Bristowe, Bertram Arthur ; The Cottage, Stoke D'Abernon,

Surrey.
45 1885. Brockholes, William Fitzherbert ; Claughton-on-Brock,

Garstang, Lancashire.
1908. Brook, Edward Jonas ; Hoddam Castle, Ecclefechan, N.B.
1890. Brooke, Harry Bkinsley; 33 Egertou Gardens, S.W.

1899. Brooke, John Arthur, J.P. ; Fenay Hall, Huddersfield ; and

Fearn Lodge, Ardgay, lloss-shire.

1900. Bruce, William Speirs, LL.D., F.R.S.E. ; Scottish Oceano-

graphical Laboratory, Surgeon's Hall, Edinburgh.
50 1907. Buckley, Charles Mars ; 4 Hans Crescent, S.W.

1906. BucKNiLL, The Hon. John Alexander Strachey, M.A.,

F.Z.S. ; Nicosia, Cyprus ; and Hylands House, Epsom,
Surrey.

1895. Bulgaria, H.M. Ferdinand, Tsar of, F.Z.S. ; The Palace,

Sotia, Bulgaria.
1908. BuNYARi), Percy Frederick, F.Z.S. ; 57 Kidderminster Road,
Croydon, Surrey.

1907. Butlkr, Arthur Gardiner, Ph.D., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; 124 Beck-

enham Road, Beckenham, Kent.
55 1899. Butler, Arthur Lennox, F.Z.S.; Supt.of Game Preservation,
Sudan Government, Khartum, Sudan.
1884. Butler, Lieut.-Col. E. A. ; Winsford Hall, Stokesby, Great
Yarmouth.

1896. Butterfield, W. C. J. Ruskin ; Curator of the Corporation

Museum, Brassey Institute, Hastings.
1900. Buttress, Bernard A. E. ; Craft Hill, Dry Drayton,

Cambridge.
1905. Buxton, Anthony ; Knighton, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.
60 1884. Buxton, Geoffrey Fowell, F.Z.S. ; Dunstou Hall, Norwich.
1896. Cade, Francis J. ; Mosborough, The Park, Cheltenham.
1889. Cameron, Eaven Somerled, F.Z.S. ; Fallon, Montana,

U.S.A.
1896. Cameron, Capt. James S.; 2nd Bn. Royal Sussex Regt., Malta;

and Low Wood, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent.

Date of

Election.

1888. Cameron, John Duncan ; Low Wood, Bethersden, Ashford,
Kent.
65 1892. Campbell, Charles William, C.M.G., C.M.Z.S., H.B.M.
Chinese Consular Service ; British Legation, Peking,
China.
1909. Campbell, David Callender, J.P. ; Templemore Park,
Londonderrj', Ireland.

1906. Campbell, The Hon. Ian Malcolm ; Cawdor Castle,

Nairn, N.B.
1909. Carroll, Clement Joseph ; Rocklow, Fethard, Co. Tipperar}^

Ireland.
1908. Carter, Thomas ; Wensleydale, Broome Hill (Great Southern

Railway), West Australia.
70 1890. Cave, Charles John Philip, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Ditcham Park,

Petersfield, Hants.
1894. Chance, A. Macomb, M.A. ; 9 Hermitage Road, Edgbaston,

Birmingham.
1884. Chapman, Abel, F.Z.S. ; Houxty, Wark-on-Tyne.

1907. Chapman, Edward Henry ; 3 Hare Court, Temple, E.G.
1882. Chase, Robert William ; Pool Hall, Wishaw, near Bir-
mingham.

75 1908. Cheesman, Robert E. ; Tilsdeu, Cranbrook.

1897. Cholmlet, Alfred John, F.Z.S. : c/o Mr. R. H. Porter,

7 Princes Street, Cavendish Square, W.
1904. Clarke, Capt. Goland van Holt, D.S.O., F.Z.S., 18th Hussars ;

Brook House, Hayward's Heath, Sussex.
1889. Clarke, Lt.-CoL Stephenson Robert, F.Z.S, ; Borde Hill,

Cuckfield, Sussex.
1880. Clarke, William Eagle, F.L.S. ; Royal Scottish Museum,

Edinburgh.
80 190 i. Cochrane, Commr. Henry Lake, R.N. ; 30 Drayton

Gardens, S.W.
1898. Cocks, Alfred Heneage, M.A., F.Z.S.; Poynetts, Skirmert,

nsar Henley-on-Thames.
1895. Coles, Richard Edward; Ashley Arnewood, New Milton,

S.O., Hants.
1904. Collier, Charles, F.Z.S. ; Clieveden House, 21 Eaton

Terrace, S.W.
1909. Congreve, Lieut. William Maitland, R.G.A. ; R. A. Mess,
Pembroke Dock ; and Breinton House, Hereford.

Date of
Election,

ge 1888. CoRDEAUx, Major William Wilfrid, (late 21st Lancers),

Hopebourne, Haibledown, Canterbury.
1896. CoAviE, Lt.-Col. Alexander Hugh, R.E., F.Z.S. ; Aldershot ;

and c/o H. Ward, Esq., Yeatton, Lj^mington, Hants.
1894. Crewe, Sir VAUNCEr Harpur, Bt. ; Calke Abbey, Derby.

1898. Grossman, Alan F., F.Z.S. ; Cumminin Station, near Dood-

lakine. Western Australia.
1903. Crowley, John Cyril, M.A. ; 5 Beech House Eoad,
Croydon.
90 1898. Crowley, Beginald Alwyn ; Highiield, Alton, Hants; and
22 High Street, Croydon.

1899. Cdrxis, Frederick, F.B.C.S. ; I.yndens, Eedhill, Surrey.
1877. Dalgleish, John J. ; Brankston Grange, Bogside Station,

Alloa, N.B.

1898. Dalrtmple, Capt. John James, Viscount, M.P. (2nd Bn.
Scots Guards) ; Lochinch, Castle Kennedy, Wigtoushire.

1896. Danford, Capt. Bertram AV. Y., R.E. ; Bermuda.
95 1897. Darnley, Ivo Francjs Walton, Earl; Cobham Hall,
Gravesend ; and Clifton Lodge, Athboy, Co. Meath.

1883. Da-VIdson, James, F.Z.S. ; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edin-
burgh.

1908. Daties, Claude G. ; ' D' Squadron, Cape ;\[ounted Eiflemen,

Bizana, E. Pondoland, South Africa.
1905. Datis, Kenneth James Acton ; Julian Hill, Harrow ; and
King's College, Cambridge.

1909. Delme-Eadclifee, Capt. Alfred (105th Maratha Light

Infantry) ; Satara, Deccan, India ; and c/o Messrs. Cox
& Co., 16 Charing Cross, S.W.
100 1902. Dent, Charles Henry ; c/o Messrs. Bolitho & Co. Ltd.,
Penzance, Cornwall.
1891. De Vis, Charles W. ; Queensland Museum, Brisbane ; and

care of Mr. B. Quaritch, 11 Grafton Street, W.
1893. De WiNTON, William Edward, F.Z.S. ; Graftonbury,

Hereford; and Orielton, Pembroke.
1896. Dobbie, James Bell, F.E.S.E., F.Z.S. ; 9 Mansfield Place,

Edinburgh.
1889. DoBiE, William Henry, M.E.C.S. ; 2 Hunter Street,
Chester.
105 1904. Dorrien-Smith, Thomas Algernon, J.P.jD.L.; Tresco Abbey,
SciUy Isles.

Date of
Election.

1904. Deake-Brockman, Dr. Ralph Eveltn, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,

F.Z.S. ; Cheriton, Wellington Road, Bournemouth.
1865. Dresser, Henry Eeles, F.L.S., P.Z.S. ; 44 Hornton Court,

Kensington, W.
1896. Drewitt, Frederic Daavtrez, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S. ; 14 Palace

Gardens Terrace, Kensington, W.
1890. Drummond-Hat, Col. James A. G. R.- (Coldstream Guards);

Seggieden, by Perth, N.B.
no 1904. Duckworth, George Herbert ; 35 Charles Street, Berkeley

Square, W.
1878. DuRNFORD, W. Arthur, J. P. ; Elsecar, Barnsley.
1896. DuTHiE, Lt.-Col. W. H. M. ; 70 Kensington Paxk Road, W.

1905. DuTTON, The Hon. and Rev. Canon Frederick George;

Bibury, Fairford.

1903. Earle, Edward Vavasour ; Franks Hall, Farningham,

Kent.
ii.S 1895. Elliot, Edmund A. S., M.R.C.S. ; Woodville, Kingsbridge,
South Devon.
1884. Elliott, Algernon, CLE. ; 16 Belsizc Grove, Hamp-

stead, N.W.
1902. Ellison, The Rev. Allan, M.A. ; Ardoyne House, Watton,
Hertford.

1904. Elton, Henrt Brown, B.A., B.C., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.;

Rowford Lodge, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset.

1866. Elwes, Henry John, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; Colesborne, Cheltenham.
I20 1879. Evans, Arthur Humble, M.A., F.Z.S. ; 9 Harvey Road, Cam-
bridge. {Joint Editor.)

1888. Evans, William, F.R.S.E. ; 38 Morningside Park, Edin-
burgh.

1905. EwEN, Guy L'Estrange (King's Messenger) ; St. James's

Club, Piccadilly, W.
1892. Fairbridge, William George; 141 Long Market Street,

Capetown, South Africa.
1909. Fanshawe, Capt. Richard D. (late Scots Guards) ; Admiralty

House, Portsmouth ; and Army & Navy Club, Pall Mail,

S.W.
125 1894. Farquhar, Rear-Admiral Arthur Murray, C.V.O. ; Granville

Lodge, Aboyne, N.B.
1898. Farquhar, Capt. Stuart St. J., R.N. ; Naval & Military

Club, Piccadillv, W.

Date of

Election.

1873. Feilden, Col. Henry Wemyss, C.B., C.M.Z.S. ; Burwash,
Sussex ; aud Junior United Service Club, S.W.

1901. FiNLrNSON, Horace W., F.Z.S. ; 5 Rosamond Road, Bedford.
1892. Finn, Frank, B.A., F.Z.S. ; 35 St. George's Road, Regent's

Park, N.W.
130 1902. Flower, Capt. Stanley Smyth, F.Z.S. ; Kedah House,
Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt.
1884. Forbes, Henry Ogg, LL.D., F.Z.S. ; Free Public Museums,
Liverjjool.

1903. Foster, Xevin Harkness ; Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland.

1880. Foster, William ; 39 Colville Gardens, Bayswater, W.
1887. Fowler, William Warde, M.A. ; Lincoln CoUege, Oxford.

135 1865. Fox, The Rev. Henry Elliott, M.A. ; The Croft, Lytton
Grove, Putney Hill, S.W.

1881. Freke, Percy Evans ; Southpoint, Limes Road, Folkestone.
1895. Frohawk, Frederick William ; Ashmount, Rayleigh, Essex.
1909. Frost, William Edward, J.P, ; Ardvreck, Crieff, Perthshire.
1881. Gadoav, Hans, Ph.D., F.R.S., F.Z.S.; University Museum of

Zoology, Cambridge.
140 1886. Gainsborough, Charles William Francis, Earl of; Exton

Park, Oakham.
1907. Gandolfi, Alfonso Otho Gandolfi-Horntold, Duke, Ph.D. ;

Blackmore Park, Hanley Swan, Worcestershire.
1900. Garnett, Charles ; 9 Cleveland Gardens, Hyde Park, AY. ;

and New University Club, St. James's Street, S.W.
1892. Gerrard, John, Government Inspector of Mines ; Worsley,

near Manchester.

1902. GiBBiNS, William Bevington, F.Z.S. ; Ettington, Stratford-

on-Avon.
145 1879. Gibson, Ernest, F.Z.S.; c/o Messrs. Eraser, Stodart &
Ballingall, 16 Castle Street, Edinburgh.
1902. GiLLETT, Frederick, F.Z.S.; 28 Beaufort Gardens, S.W. ;
aud Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W.

1902. GiLLMAN, Arthur Riley, F.Z.S. ; 5 Fellows Road, Hamp-

stead, N.W. ; and 3 Southampton Street, High Holborn,
W.C.

1904. Gilroy, Norman ; 95 Claremont Road, Forest Gate, E. ;

and Seaford, Sussex.

1903. Gladstone, Hugh Steuart, M.A., F.Z.S.; Capenoch, Thorn-

hill, Dumfriesshire.

xu

Date of
Election.

150 1908. GoDMAN, Capt. Edwaed Shirley (2nd Dorset Regiment);
Muntham, Horsham.

* 1858. GoDMAN,rREDEKicKDuCANE, D.C.L.,F.Il.S.,F.Z.S.; 45 Pont

Street, S.W. (President.) {GoU Medallist.)

* 1858. GoDMAN, Percy Sanden, B.A., C.M.Z.S. ; Muntham,

Horsham. {Gold Medallist.)
1906, GooDALL, Jeremiah Matthews, P.Z.S. ; 52 Oxford Gardens,

North Kensington, W.
1901. GooDCHiLD, Herbert; ()6 Gloucester lload, Regent's Park,
N.W.
155 1900. Goodfellow, Walter, F.Z.S. ; Montrose, New Park Road,
"West Southbourne, Hants.

1905. Goodyer, Leonard Ernest ;

1906. Gordon, Seton Paul, F.Z.S. ; Auchintoul, Aboyne, N.B.
1899. Gould, Frank Herbert Carruthers, F.Z.S.; Matham Manor

House, East Molesey, Surrey.

1895. Grabham, Oxley, M.A. ; The Museum, York.

160 1909. Grant, Claud Henry Baxter, F.Z.S. ; 30 Wimbledon Park

Road, West Hill, S.W.
1909. Grey, The Rt. Hon. Sir Edward, Bt., P.C, M.P., F.Z.S. ;

Falloden, Christon Bank, R.S.O., Northumberland.
1906. Griffith, Arthur Foster ; 59 Montpellier Road, Brighton.
1885. Guillemaed, Francis Henry Hill, M.A., M.D., F.Z.S. ; Old

Mill House, Trumpington, Cambridge.
1876. GiJNTHER, Albert C. L. G., M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.Z.S.;

2 Lichfield Road, Xew Gardens, S.W.
165 1908. Gurney, Gerard Hudson, F.Z.S., F.E.S. ; Keswick Hall,

Norwich.
1870. Gurney, John Henry, F.Z.S. ; Keswick Hall, Norwich ; and

AthenjEum Club, Pall Mall, S.W.

1896. Gurney, Robert ; Ingham Old Hall, Stalham, Norfolk.

1890. GwATKiN, Joshua Reynolds Gascoign ; The Manor House,

Potterne, Devizes.

1891. Haigh, George Henry Caton ; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby,

Lincolnshire.
170 1887. Haines, John Pleydell Wilton ; 17 King Street, Gloucester.
1898. Hale, The Rev. James Rashleigh, M.A. ; Boxley Vicarage,

Maidstone, Kent.
1905. Hamerton, Capt. Albert Edward, D.S.O., R.A.M.C,

F.Z.S. ; c/o Messrs. Holt & Co., 3 Whitehall Place,

S.W.

Date of
Election.

1904. Harington, Major Herbert Hastings ; 92nd Pviiijahis,

Bhamo, Upper Burma ; and c/o Messrs. Thos. Cook &

Sous, Ludgate Circus, E.C.
1900. Harper, Edmund William, E.Z.S. ; 6 Ashburnham Road,

Bedford.
175 1900. Harris, Henry Edavard ; 2 St. Aubyn's Mansions, Hove,

Brighton.
1893. Hartert, Ernst J. 0., Ph.D., F.Z.S. ; The Zoological Museum,

Tring, Herts.
1868. Harting, James Edmund, F.L.8., F.Z.S. ; Edgewood, Wey-

bridge, Surrey.
1893. Hartmann, William; Milburn, Esher, Surrey.

1899. Harvey, Capt. Robert Xapier, R.E. ; Stanhope Lines,

Aldershot.
180 1873. Harvie-Brown, John A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. ; Dunipace House,
Larbert, Stirlingshire, T^.B.

1900, Hasluck, Percy Pedley Harford ; The Wilderness, South-

gate, N.
1902. Hatfeild, John Randall ; Edlington Hall, Horncastle,

Lincolnshire.
1898. Hawker, Richard Macdonnell, F.Z.S.; Bath Club, Dover
Street, W. ; and c/o Messrs. Dalgety & Co., 96 Bishopsgate
Street Within, E.C.
1905. Hawkshaw, John Clarke, M.A., M.I.C.E., F.Z.S., F.G.S. ;
Hollycombe, Liphook, Hants ; and 33 Great George Street,
Westminster, S.W.
185 1905. Headley, Frederick Webb, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Haileybury
College, Herts.
1907. Hedges, George Mitchell ; 42 Kensington Park Gardens,W.
1905. Hellmayr, Carl E. ; Wittelsbacherstrasse 2 III., Munich,

Germany,
1902. Hett, Geoffrey Seccombe, F.Z.S. ; 16 Palace Gardens

Mansions, The Mall, Kensington, W.
1899, Heywood, Richard, F.Z.S.; Narside, Narborough, Swaffham,
Norfolk.
190 1900. Hills, John Waller, M.P. ; Queen Anne's Mansions, West-
minster, S.W. ; and Highhead Castle, Carlisle.
1884. Holdswokth, Charles James, J.P, ; Fernhill, Alderley Edge,

Cheshire.
1877. HoLDswoRTH, Edmund William Hunt, F.Z.S. ; South Town,
Dartmouth, Devon,

Date of
Election.

1905. HoPKiNsoN, Emilius, M.B., D.S.O., F.Z.S. ; 45 Sussex Square,
Brighton ; and Medical Officer, Gambia, West Africa.

1904. HoKSBKUGn, Major Boro Kobeet, F.Z.S. (Army Service

Corps) ; The Vicarage, Alkham, near Dover.
195 1888. HoRSFiELD, Hercekt Knight ; Crescent Hill, Filej-,
Yorks.

1895. Howard, Henrt Eliot, F.Z.S, ; Clarelands, near Stourport.
1881. Howard, Robert James; Shearbank, Blackburn, Lancashire.
1869. Hume, Allan Octavian, C.B., C.S.I., F.Z.S.; The Chalet,

4 Kingswood Road, Upper Norwood, S.E.

1890. Hunter, Henry Charles Vicars, F.Z.S. ; Abermarlais Park,

Llangadock, Carmarthenshire.
200 1901. Ingram, Collingwood ; The Bungalow, Westgate-on-Sea.

1902. Innes Bey, Dr. Walter Francis ; Curator of the Zoological

Museum, School of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
1888. Jackson, Frederick John, C.B., C.M.G., F.Z.S., F.L.S. ;

Uganda, British East Africa ; and The Red House,

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
1892. James, Henry Ashworth, F.Z.S. ; Hurstmonceux Place,

Hailshara, Sussex.

1896. Jesse, William, F.Z.S. ; Meerut College, Meerut, India.
205 1889. Johnson, Frederick Ponsonby, B.A., J. P., D.L. ; Castlesteads,

Brampton, Cumberland.

1891. Johnston, Sir Harry Hamilton, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., F.Z.S. ;

St. John's Priory, Poling, near Arundel, Sussex.

1905. Johnstone, Edwin James, F.Z.S. ; Burrswood, Groombridge,

Sussex; and Junior Carlton Club, Pall Mall, S.W.
1900. JoNEs,Major Henry, F.Z.S. (late 62nd Regt.) ; East Wickham

House, Welling, Kent.
1909. Jones, Staff-Surgeon Kenneth Hurlstone, M.B., Ch.B.,

R.N. ; Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth.
210 1899. Jourdain, The Rev. Francis Charles Robert, M.A. ; Clifton

Vicarage, near Ashburne, Derbyshire.
1902. Joy, Norman Humbert, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. ; Thurlestone,

Bradfield, ne.ir Reading.
1908. Keep, Ralph S., F.R.H.S. ; Oakhill, East Budleigh, Devon.
1880. Kelham, Br.-Genl. Henry Robert, C.B. (late Highland Light

Infantry) ; Well Hall, Hamilton, N.B.
1894. Kelsall, Major Harry Joseph, R.A. ; Golden Hill, Fresh-
water, Isle of Wight.

Date of
Election.

215 1897. Kexsall, The Kev. John Edward, M.A. ; Milton Rectory,
New Milton, Hants.
1904, Kelso, John Edward Harry, M.D. ; San Remo, 12 Festing
Road, Southsea, Hants.

1891. Kerr, John Graham, F.Z.S., Regius Professor of Zoologj-,

9 The University, Glasgow.
1895. KiNGSFORD, William Edward ; Cairo, Egypt.
1902. KiNNEAR, Norman Boyd ; Bombay Natural History Society,

6 Apollo Street, Bombay, India.
220 1882. Knttbley, The Rev. Edward Ponsonby, M.A. ; Steeple Ashton

Vicarage, Trowbridge, Wilts.
1900. KoENiG, Dr. Alexander Ferdinand ; Coblenzer-Strasse 164,

Bonn, Germany.
1906. KoLLiBAY, Paul; Ring 12 1, Neisse, Germany.

1892. Laidlaw, Thomas Geddes ; Bank of Scotland, Perth.
1884. Langton, Herbert; 11 Marlborough Place, Brighton.

221: 1881. Lascelles, The Hon. Gerald William, F.Z.S, ; The King's

House, TiVudhurst.
1892. LaTouche, John David Digues, C.M.Z.S. ; c/o Custom

House, Chinkiang, China (via Siberia).
1898. Learoyd, a. Ernest ; Brandsby Hall, Easingwold, Yorks.
1905. Legge, The Hon. Gerald ; c/o Messrs. Hoare, 37 Fleet

Street, E.G.
1905. Leigh, Henry Boughton ; Brownsover Hall, Rugby.
230 1906. Leigh, John Hamilton, F.Z.S. ; Matcham's Park, Ringwood,

Hants.
1898. Le Souef, Dudley, C.M.Z.S.; Director of the Zoological

Gardens, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
1868. Le Strange, Hamon, F.Z.S. ; Hunstanton Hall, King's Lynn,

Norfolk.
1903. Lethbridge, Ambrose Tarburgh ; Guards' Club, Pall Mall,

S.W.
1889. Leyland, Christopher John, F.Z.S. ; Haggerston Castle, Real,

Northumberland.
235 3897. LiLFORD, John, Lord, F.Z.S.; Lilford Hall, Oundle,Northants.
1909. Lings, George Herbert ; Barciecroft, Burnage, Didsbury,

Manchester.
1897. Lodge, George Edward, F.Z.S. ; The Studios, 5 Thurloe

Square, S.W,

Date of
Election.

1908, Long, Sroi^ET Heebeet, M.D. ; 37 St. Giles Street,
Norwich.

1905. LovAT, Lt.-Col. Simon Joseph, Lord, C.B., K.C.V.O., D.S.O.,
F.Z.S. ; Beaufort Castle, Beaiily, Inverness-sliire.
240 1904. Lowe, Dr. Percy R. ; c/o Sir Frederic Johnstone, Bt., The
Hatch, Windsor.

1889. LoYD, Lt.-Col. Aethue Pfetis, F.Z.S. (late 21st Hussars) ;
Hurst Lodge, Sunningdale, Berks.

1902. Ltjcas, Auberon Thomas, Lord, F.Z.S. ; 7 Cleveland Bow,
St. James's, S.W.

1877. LtTMSDEN, James, F.Z.S. ; Arden House, Arden, Dumbarton-
shire, N.B.

1908. Lyell, Chaeles Heney, M.P. ; 48 Eaton Place, S.W.

245 1904. Lynes, Commander Hubeet, R.N. ; H.M.S. ' Excellent,'

Portsmouth.
1900. McCoNNELL, Feeder] OK Vavasoije : 37 Cranley Gardens,

South Kensington, S.W.
1905. McGregor, Peter James Colquhoun ; Britisli Agency, Sofia,

Bulgaria.
1897. McLean, John Chambers ; Te Karaka, Gisborne, New

Zealand.
1899. Macmillan, Geoege Axjgustin, F.Z.S. ; 27 Queen's Gate

Gardens, S.W.
250 1906. Macmillan, William Edward Feank ; 27 Queen's Gate

Gardens, S.W,

1909. Macnaghten, Nokman Donnelly ; Ministry of the Interior,

Cairo, Egyj^t.
1894. Macpheeson, AEXHtiK Holte, F.Z.S. ; 54 Cleveland Square,

Hyde Park, W.
190G. Magrath, Major Henry Augustus Frederick ; 51st Sikhs

Frontier Force, Bannu, N.W.P., India; and c/o Messrs.

H. S. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall, S.W.
1907. Mann, Thomas Hugh, F.Z.S. ; Trulls Hatch, Rotherfield,

Sussex.
255 1908. Maples, Stuaet ; Lytton House, Stevenage, Herts.

1904. Mapleton, Haevey William, B.A. ; Bracknell Cottage,

Hartley Wintney, Winchfield, Hants : and Badgworth

Rectory, Axbridge, Somerset.
1894. Maeshall, Aechibald McLean, F.Z.S.; Crogen, Corwen,

N. Wales.

STll

Date of
Klection.

lS9i. Marshall, James McLean, F.Z.S. : Bleaton Hallet, Blair-
gowrie, N.B,
1S97. Mason, Col. Edward Snow ; 20 Minster Yard, Lincoln.
260 1898. Masset, Herbert; Ivy Lea, Burnage, Didsbury, Manchester.

1907. Mathews, Gregory Macalister, F.L.S., F.Z.S.; Langley

Mount, Watford, Herts.

1908. Mathews, Hichard Owen ; Langley Mount, Watford.
1896. Maxwell, The lit. Hon. Sir Herbert Eustace, Bt., P.C.,

F.lt.S. ; Monreith, Whauphill, Wigtownshire, X.B.
1883. Meade-Waldo, Edmund Gustavus Bloomfield, F.Z.S. ;

Stonewall Park, Edeiibridge, Kent.
265 1899. Meinertzhagen, Capt. Richard, F.Z.S.; Brookwood Park,

Alresford, Hants.
1880. MiLLAis, John Guille, F.Z.S. ; Compton's Brow, Horsham.
1903. Mills, The llev. Henry Holroyd, F.Z.S.; The Eectory,

St. Stephen-in-Brannel, Grampound Road, Cornwall.
1879. Mitchell, Frederick Shaav ; Hornshaws, Millstream.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
1901. Mitchell, P. Chalmers, M.A., D.Sc, LL.D., F.R.S., F.Z.S. :

Secretary to the Zoological Society of London, 3 Hanover

Square, W.
270 1904. Mitchell- Carrtjthers, Alexander Douglas ; Little Munden

Rectory, Ware, Herts.
1908. MoMBER, A. R. ; La Junia, San Remo, Italy ; and 28 Elm

Park Road, S.W.
1898, Monro, Horace Cecil, C.B. ; Queen Anne's Mansions, Queen

Anne's Gate, S.W.
1900. Montagu, The Hon. Edwin Samuel, M.P. ; 12 Kensington

Palace Gardens, W.
1906. Moore, Major Cyril H. ; District Pay Office, Gibraltar.
275 1886. !^[uIRHEAD, George; Speybank, Fochabers, Moray, N.B.

1893. Mullens, Major William Herbert, M.A., LL.M., F.Z.S, ;

Westfield Place, Battle, Sussex.
1892. MuNN, Philip Winchester, F.Z.S. ; Laverstoke, Whitchurch,

Hants.
1897. MuNT, Henry, F.Z.S. ; 83 Kensington Gardens Square, W.
1900. Musters, John Patricius Cha worth, D.L., J.P. ; Annesley

Park, Nottingham.
280 1907. Neave, Sheffield AiEBY, F.Z.S.; Mill Green Park, Ingatestone,

Essex.

SEK. IX. VOL. III. h

SVIU

Date of
ection.

1882. Nelson, Thomas Hudson ; Seafield, Redcar, Yorkshire.
1895. Nesham, Robert, F.Z.S,, F.E.S. ; Utrecht House, Queen's

Road, Clapham Park, S.W.
1897. Neumann, Professor Oscar, C.M.Z.S. ; 2 Nollendorfplatz,

Perlin, Germany.
1872. Newcome, Francis D'Arct William Clough ; Thurston
Lodge, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
285 1904. Newman, Thomas Henry, F.Z.S. ; Newlands, Harrowdene
Road, Wembley, Middlesex.
1886. NicHOLLs, Howard Hill John, M.R.C.S. ; Bramber Lodge,

Dowuview Road, West Worthing.
1902. Nichols, John Bruce, F.Z.S. ; Parliament Mansions, Victoria

Street, S.W.
1900. Nichols, Walter Buchanan ; Stour Lodge, Bradfield,

Manningtree, Essex.
187G. Nicholson, Francis, F.Z.S.: The Knoll, Windermere.
290 1902. NicoLL, Michael John, F.Z.S.; Valhalla House, Zoological
Gardens, Giza, Egypt.
1904. NoAKEs, Wickham ; Selsdon Park, Croydon.
1895. Noble, Heatley, F.Z.S. ; Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames.
1892. Ogilvie, Fergus Menteith, M.A., F.Z.S. ; The Shrubbery,

72 Woodstock Road, Oxford.
1890. Ogilvie-Grant, William Robert, F.Z.S. ; British Museum
(Natural History), Cromwell Road, S.W.
295 1889. Ogle, Beriram Savile ; Hill House, Steeple Aston,
Oxford.
1907. Oldham, Charles, F.Z.S. ; Essex House, Wellington Road,

Watford.
1906. Osmaston, Bertram Beresford (Imperial Forest Service);

^aini Tal, India.
1883. Parker, Henrt, C.E. ; Whitbouriie Lodge, Manby Road,

Great Malvern.
1880. Parkin, Thomas, M.A., F.Z.S.; Fairseat, High Wickham,
Hastings.
,00 1908. Paton, Edward Richmond, F.Z.S. ; Brookdale, Grassendale,
near Liverpool.
1891. Patterson, Robert, F.L.S., M.R.I.A. ; Glenbank, Holywood,

Co. Down.
1904. Pearse,Theed ; Ivy Depot, Virginia, U.S.A. ; and Mentmore,
Ampthill Road, Bedford.

Dite of
Election.

1894. Pearson, Charle.s Edward, F.L.S. ; Hillcrest, Lowdham,

Notts.
1891. Te-arson, Henry J., F.Z.S. ; Bramcote, Notts.
305 1902. Pease, Sir Alfred Edward, Bt., F.Z.S. ; Pinchinthorpe

House, (iiiisborough, Yorkshire ; and Brooks's Club,

St. James's Street, S.W.
1898. PeNxX, Eric Frank ; Taverham Hall, Norwich.
1891. Penrose, Francis George, M.D., F.Z.S.; Wick House,

Downton, Salisbury', Wilts.

1900. Percival, Arthitk Blayxey, F.Z.S.; Game -Hanger, Nairobi,

British East Africa Protectorate ; and Somerset Court,
Brent Knoll, Somerset.

1907. Percy, Lord William ; 2 Grosvenor Place, S.W. ; and

Alnwick Castle, Aluwick, Northumberland.
31c 1886. Phillips, Ethelberc Lort, F.Z.S.; 79 Cadogan Square, S.W.
1888. Phillips, George Thorne ; Wokingliam, Berkshire.
1893. PiGOTT, Sir Thomas Digby, K.C.B. ; The Lodge, Lower

Sheringham.

1908. Player, W. J. Percy ; The Quarr, Clydach, ll.S.O., Glamor-

ganshire.
1907. PococK, Heginald Innes, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Superintendent of

the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park, N.W.
315 1905. PoLLAKD, Capt. Arthur Erskine St. Vincent (The Border

Regiment); Haynford Hall, Norwich.
189(). PoPHAM, Hugh Leyborne, M.A. ; Hunstrete House, Pensford,

near Bristol.
1898. Price, Athelstan Elder, F.Z.S. ; 61 Great Cumberland

Place, W.
1903. Proctor, Major Frederick William (late West Riding Regt.) ;

Downfield, Maidenhead.

1901. Proud, John T. ; Dellwood, Bishop Auckland.

320 1893. Pycraft, William Plane, F.Z.S.; British Museum (Natural
History), Cromwell Road, S.W.
1888. Radclyffe, Charles Robert Eustace ; Hyde, Wareham,

Dorset.
1903. Ralfe, Pilcher George ; The Parade, Castletown, Isle of Man.
1903. Ratcliff, Frederick RowLiN SON ; 24 Lancaster Gate, W.
1906. Rattray, Col. Rullion Hare; 68 Dry Hill Park Road,
Tonbridge, Kent.
-yoc. 1879. Rawsun, Herbert Evelyn ; Comyn Hill, llfracombe.

Date of
Election.

1894. Read, Richard Henry, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. ; Church Street,

Hanley, Staffordshire.
1888. Read, Robert H. : Sa South Parade, Bedford Park, W.
1877. Reid, Capt. Philip Savile Grey (late R.E.), F.Z.S. ; Tlie

Elms, Talding, Maidstone.
]903. Renattt, William E.; 17 Emanuel Avenue, Friar's Park,

Acton, W.
330 1908. Richardson, Norman Frederic, F.Z.S. ; Bradley Court,

Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire ; and Lynndale, Manor Road,

Forest Hill, S.E.
1907. Richmond, Herbert "William ; King's College, Cambridge.

1895. RiCKETT, Charles Boughet, F.Z.S. ; 13 St. Paul's Road,

Clifton, Bristol.

1896. RippoN, Lt.-Col. George, F.Z.S. ; 89th Punjabis, P.O. Kalaw,

Southern Shan States, Tipper Burma.
1907. Ritchie, Archibald Thomas Ayres ; The Head Master's,

Harrow ; and Overstrand, near Cromer.
335 1902. RiTiERK, Bernard Beryl, F.R.C S.; St. Giles's Plain, Norwich.
19D8. Robertson, Sir Henry Beybr, B.A. ; Pale, Corwen,

N. Wales.

1898. Robinson, Herbert C, C.M.Z.S. ; Selangor State Museum,

Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States.
1896. Rogers, Lt.-Col. John Middleton, D.S.O., F.Z.S. (late

1st Dragoons) ; Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent.
1893. RoTHscniLD, The Hon. Lionel Walter, D.Sc, Ph.D., M.P.,

F.Z.S. : The Zoological Museum, Tring, Herts.
340 1894. Rothschild, The Hon. Nathaniel Charles, M.A., F.Z.S. ;

Arundel House, Kensington Palace Gardens, W.
1907. RussiLL, Conrad George Edward, F.Z.S.; 2 Audley Square,

W.
1883. St. Quintin, William Herbert, F.Z.S.; Scampston Hall,

Rillington, Yorkshire.

1903. Sandeman, Capt. Robert Preston (late 10th Hussars) ; Dan-y

Park, Crickhowell.

1899. Sapsworth, Arnold Duer, F.Z.S. ; National Liberal Club,

Whitehall Place, S.W.
345 1902. Sargkaunt, Arthur St. George ; 83 Madeley Road,
Ealing, W.

1904. Sargent, James; 76 Jermyn Street, S.W. : and 2 Napier Villas,

Cambridge Road, Barnes.

Date of
Election.

WO'J. Saunders, William Hesry IIabcliffk, C.E. ; 70 "\V<arwick

lload, S.W.
1909. Savage, The llev. Ernest Uruson ; 129 Upper Canning

Street, Liverjwol.

1898. ScHERREN, Henry, F.Z.S. ; 9 Cavendish Koad, Harringay, N.
35° 1907. Schwann, Geoffrey; 4 Prince's Gardens, S.W.

1905. Schwann, Harold, F.Z.S. ; 11 Abingdon Gardens, Kensington,
W.
* 1858. Sclater, Philip Lutley, D.Sc.,F.R.S., F.Z.S. ; Odiham Priory,
Winchfield, Hants; and Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, S.W.
(Joint Editor.) {Gold Medallist.)
1891. Sclater, William Lutley, M.A., F.Z.S.; Odiham Priory,
Winchfield, Hants.

1907. Scott, The llov. Canon Samuel Gilbert, M.A. ; The Kectory,

Havant. Hants.
355 1899. Selous, Frederick Courteney, F.Z.S. ; Heatherside, Worples-
don, Surrey,
1889. Senhouse, HujiniHEY Patkicius, B.A. ; The Fitz, Cocker-
mouth, Cumberland.

1908. Seppings, Capt. John William Hamilton (Army Pay

Department) ; 3 West View, Cork, Ireland.

1899. Serle, The Rev. William, M.A., B.D. ; The Manse, Dudding-

ston, Edinburgh.

1900. Service, Robert : MaxwclUown, Dumfries.

360 1901. Seth-Smith, David, F.Z.S.; 34 Elsworthy Road, South
Hampstead, N.W.
1904, Seth-Smith, Leslie Moffat, B,A. ; Alleyne, Caterham
Valley, Surrey.

1909. Seton, Malcolm Cotter Carioton ; 13 Clarendon Road, Hol-

land Park, W. ; and Union Club, Trafalgar Square, S.W.
1899. Sharman, Frederic, F.Z.S. ; 47 Goldington Road, Bedford.
1871. Sharpe, Richard Bowdler, LL.D., F.L.S.,F-Z.S. ; Assistant

Keeper, Zoological Department, British Museum (Natural

History), South Kensington, S.W.
•361; 1870. Shelley, Capt. George Ernest, F.Z.S. (late Grenadier

Guards) ; 39 Egerton Gardens, South Kensington, S.W.
1865. Shepherd, The Rev. Charles William, M.A., F.Z.S. ; Trottis-

clitfe Rectory, Maidstone, Kent.
1908. Smallby, Frederic William ; Challan Hall, Silverdale,

near Carnforth, Lanes.

Date of
Election.

1906. SjfoucKAERT VAN ScHAUBURG, Baron E,ENi; Chahles ; Neerlang-

broek, Holland.
1903. Sparrow, Major Richard, F.Z.S. ; 7th Dragoon Guards.
Abbasia Barracks, Cairo, Egypt; and Rookwoods, Sible
Hedingham, Essex.
370 1906. Stanford, Surgeon Charles Edward Cortis, B.Sc, M.B.,
R.N. ; Royal Marine Barracks, Plymouth.
1893. Stanley, Samuel S. ; Fair View House, Harbury,

Leamington, Warwickshire.
1900. Stares. John William Chester ; Portchester, Hants.
1902. Stenhouse, John Hutton, M.B., R.N. : Royal Hospital School,

Greenwich, S.E.
1906. Steward, Edward Simmons, E.R.C.S. ; 10 Prince's Square,
Harrogate, Yorks.
375 1898. Stirling, William, J.P., D.L. ; Ord House, Muir of Ord,
IN.B.
1893. Stonham, Charles, C.M.G., F.R.C.S., F.Z.S. ; 4 Hurley

Street, Cavendisli Square, W.
1881. Studdt, Col. Robert Wright (late Manchester Regiment);

Waddeton Court, Brixbam, Devon.
1887. Styan, Frederick William, F.Z.S. ; Stone Street, near

Sevenoaks.
1887. Swinburne, John ; Haenertsburg, Transvaal, S. Africa.
380 1882. Swinhoe, Col. Charles, M. A., F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; G Gunterstone
Road, W. Kensington, W.
1884. Tait, William Chaster, C.M.Z.S. ; Entre Quintas 155, Oporto,

Portugal.
1905. Taylor, Lionel Edward, F.Z.S.; Division of Forestry,

Agricultural Department, Pretoria, Transvaal.
1909. Tenison, Lieut. William Percival Cosnahan (62nd Battery,

R.F.A.); Nowshera, N.W.F.P., India.
1889. Tennaht, Sir Edward Priaulx, Bt., M.A, M.P., F.Z.S.;
34 Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. ; and The Gleii, Inuerleithen,
N.B.
385 1886. Terry, Major Horace A. (late Oxfordshire Light Infantry) ;
The Lodge, Upper Halliford, Shepperton.
1904. Thompson, Lieut. William R., R.G.A. ; Montrose, Weymouth.
1900. Thorburn, Archibald, F.Z.S. ; High Ley bourne, Hascombe,

near Godalming, Surrey.
1893. Thorpe, Dixon L. ; Loshville, Etterby Scaur, Carlisle.

Date of

Election.

1903. TicEHi'RST, Claud Bttchanan, M.D. ; Huntbourne, St.

Michael's, Ashford, Kent.
390 1S94. TicEHURST, NoBMAN Fredekic, M.A., M.B., F.R.C.S., F.Z.S. ;

35 Peveijsey Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea.
1902. TowNSKND, Reginald Gilliat, M.A. ; Buckholt, Dean,

Salisbury.
1893. Tri;vor-Batjyk, Aubyn, F.Z.S. ; Firdene, ^Yeybridge, Surrey.

1906. TuKK, Charles Molesworth ; The Gate House, Chiswick.
1864. Ui'cHKR, Henrt Morris, F.Z.S.; Sheringham Hall, Norfolk.

395 1894. UssHER, RicHAKD John, M.R.I. A. ; Cappagh House, Cappagh,
S.O., Co. Waterford, Ireland.

1907. Van Oort, Dr. Eduard Daniel : Museum of Natural History,

Ley den, Holland.

1908. Vacguan, Matthkw ; Hailey bury College, Herts.

1906. Vaughan, Lieut. Robert E., R.N. ; H.M. Coast Guard, Tenby,

S. Wales.
1890. Vknour, Stephen ; Fern Bank, Altrincham, Cheshire.
4°o 1884. Yeret, Alfred Sainsbury ; Heronsgate, near Rickmans-
worth.
1881 . Yerner, Col. \Yilliam Willoughbt Cole (lale Rifle Brigade) ;
Harttbrd Bridge, \Yinchfield, Hants ; and United Service
Club,S.W.
1902. AYade, Edward AValter; Yittoria Hotel, Hull.
1886. AYade-Dalton, Col. H. D. ; Hauxwell Hall, Finghall, R.S.O.,
Yorkshire.

1895. Wallis, Henry Marriage ; Ashton Lodge, Chnstchurcli

Road, Reading.
405 1881. Walsingham, Thomas, Lord, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., F.Z.S. ;

Merton Hall, Thetford, Norfolk.
1899. Walton, Major Herbert James, M.B., F.R.C.S., I.M.S.,

C.M.Z.S. ; c/o Messrs. H. S. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall, S.W.
1872. "Wardlaw-Ramsay, Lt.-Col. Robert George, F.Z.S.; AYhitehill,

Rosewell, Midlothian, N.B.

1896. Watkins, Watkin, F.Z.S.; 33 Evelyn Gardens, S.W. ; and

Wellington Club, S.W.
1903. Watt, Hugh Boyd ; 3 Willow Mansions, Fortune Green Road,

West Hampstead, N.W.
410 1906. West, Colin, F.Z.S. ; The Grange, South Norwood Park, S.E.
1900, Westell, William Percival, F.L.S., F.R.H.S. ; Chester

House, Letchworth Garden City, Herts.

Date of
Election.

1891. Whitaker, Benjamin Ingham ; Hesley Hall, Tickhill, Eother-

ham.
1891. Whitaker, Joseph I. S., F.Z.S.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily.
1909. White, Henry LrKE ; Belltrees, Scoue, Xew South Wales.
4' 5 1903. White, Stephen JosKPH, F.Z.S. ; Oakwood,Crayford, Kent,

1903. Whitehead, Charles Hugh Tempest ; Deighton Grove, York ;

and 56th Rifles (Frontier Force), Sehore, Bhopal, India.

1887. Whitehead, Jeffery, ; Mayes, East Grinstead, Sussex.

1897. Whymper. Charles. F.Z.S. ; 7 James Street, Haymarket, S.W.

1898. Wiglesworth, Joseph, M.D., F.R.C.P. ; Rainhill, near Liver-

pool.
420 1894. Wilkinson, Johnson; St. George's Square, Huddersfield,
Yorkshire.

1896. Williams, Capt. Lionel Arthur, F.Z.S. ; Junior United

Service Club, Charles Street, St. James's, S.W.

1897. Wilson, Allan Head, B.A., M.B., B.Ch. ; Bloxham, Oxon.

1888. Wilson, Charles Joseph, F.Z.S. ; 34 York Terrace, Regent's

Park, N.W.
1900. Wilson, Dr. Edward Adrian, F.Z.S. : Westal, Cheltenham.
425 1887. Wilson, Scott Barchard, F.Z.S.; Heatherbank, Weybridge

Heath, Surrey.
1897. Withekby, Harry Forbes, F.Z.S.; 11 Hereford Mansions,

Hereford Road, Bayswater, W.

1908. WiTUERiNGTON, GwYNNE ; Abcrlash, Souning, Berks.

1 899. WoLLAsTON, Alexander Frederick Richmond, B.A. ; 31 Argyll

Mansions, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W.

1909. WoosNAM, Richard Bowen; Pendell Court Farm,Bletchingley,

Surrey.
430 1902. Workman, William Hughes ; Lismorc, AVindsor, Belfast.
1871. Wright, Edavard Perceval, M.A., M.D., F.L.S., C.M.Z.S.,

Professor of Botany in the University of Dublin, Ireland.
1891. Wright, Thomas, M.D. ; Castle Place, Nottingham.

1904. Wright, William Crawford; Roslyn, Marlborough Park,N.,

Belfast.
1895. Yerburi, Lt.-Col. John William (late R.A.), F.Z.S. ; 8 Duke

Street, St. James's, S.W. ; and Army and Navy Club, S.W.

435 1889. Y'ouNG, Capt. James B., R.N. ; Tytherley, Wimborne, Dorset.

1897. Young, John Joseph Baldwin, M.A. ; Richmond Park, near

SheHield.

Date of
Election

Extra- Ordinary Members.

1899. GoDWiN-AusTEx, Lt.-Col. Henry Haveksham, F.R.S., F.Z.S. ;

Nore, Hascombe, Godalming.
1909. Tegetmeier, William Bernhard ; 19 "Westbere lload,

W. Hampstead, N.AV.
18G0. Wallace, Alfred Russel, O.M., D.C.L., LL.D., F.R.S.,

F.Z.S. ; Broadstone, Wimborne, Dorset.

Honorary Members.
1907. Allen, Joel Asaph, Ph.D., F.M.Z.S. ; American Museum of

Natural History, Central Park, New York, U.S.A.
1886. Atees, Thomas ; Potchefstroom, Transvaal, South Africa.
1890. Berlepsch, Graf Hans von, C.M.Z.S. ; Schloss Berlepsch,

Post Gertenbach, Witzenhausen, Germany.

1900. CoLLETT, Prof. Robert, F.M.Z.S. ; University Museum,

Christiania.
5 1872. FiNSCH, Prof. Dr. Otto, C.M.Z.S.; Altewiekring 19", Bruns-
wick, Germany.
1894. GiGLioLi, Dr. Henry Hillter, F.M.Z.S.; Reale Istituto di

Studi Superiori, Florence.
1898. Goeldi, Prof. Dr. Emil A., C.M.Z.S. ; Zieglerstrasse 30, Berne,

Switzerland.
1893. Reichenoav, Dr. Anton, C.M.Z.S. ; Museum fiir Naturkunde,

Invalidenstrasse, Berlin.
1903. RiDGWAY, Robert, C.M.Z.S. ; Smithsonian Institution, Wash-
ington, D.C., U.S.A.
lo 1890. Salvadoki, Count Tommaso, M.D., F.M.Z.S. ; Royal Zoological
Museum, Turin.

Colonial Members.
190-1. Campbell, Archibald James ; Custom House, ^Melbourne,
Australia.

1908. Farquhar, John Henry Joseph, B.Sc, N.D.A. ; Assistant

Conservator of Forests, Calabar, Southern Nigeria.

1909. Haagker, Alwin Karl, F.Z.S. ; Transvaal Museum, Pretoria,

S. Africa.
1908. Hall, Robert, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. ; Curator of the Tasmanian
Museum, Hobart, Tasmania.
5 1903. Legge, Col. W. Vincent, F.Z.S. ; CuUenswood House,
St. Mary's, Tasmania.
1905. MacoUxN, John, M.A., F.R.S.C; Naturalist to the Geological
Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.

SEB. IX. VOL. III. i'

Date of

Election.

1905. Millar, Alpbed Duchesne ; 298 Smith Street, Durban, Natal.

1903. North, Alfred J., C.M.Z.S. ; Australian Museum, Sydney,

N.S.W.

1907. SwrNNERTON, Charles Francis Masst, F.L.S. ; Gungunyana,

Melsetter, South Khodesia.

Foreign Members.
1909. Alphi^rakt, Sebghjs N. ; Imperial Academy of Science,

St. Petersburg, Eussia.
1900. BiANCHi, Dr. Valentine; Imperial Zoological Museum, St.

Petersburg.

1904. Blasius, Geh. Hofr. Prof. Dr. Wilheljt, C.M.Z.S. ; Gauss-

Strasse, 17, Brunswick, Germany.

1880. Bureau, Louis, M.D. ; Ecole de Medecine, Nantes, France.

5 190(5. Butxikofer, Dr. J ohannfs, C.M.Z.S. ; Director of the Zoo-
logical Garden, llotterdam, Holland.

1906. Bdturlin, Sekgius A. ; Wesenberg, Esthonia, Russia.
1902. Chapman, Frank Michler ; American Museum of Natural

History, Central Park, New York, U.S.A.
1875. Doria, Marchese Giacomo, F.M.Z.S. ; Strada Nuova, 6, Genoa,
Italy.

1902. Ihering, Dr. Herman von, C.M.Z.S. ; Museu Paulista, Sao

Paulo, Brazil.
lo 1S86. Madarasz, Dr. Julius von; National Museum, Budapest.

1903. Martorelli, Prof. Dr. Giacinto; Museo Civico di Storia

Naturale, Milan, Italy.
1894. Menzbier, Prof. Dr. Michael, C.M.Z.S.; Imperial Society of
Naturalists, ^loscow.

1881. Meyer, Dr. A. B., C.M.Z.S. ; Hohenzollernstrasse 17, Berlin,

W. 10.

1905. Oberholser, Harry Church ; Biological Survey, Departmeut

of Agriculture, Washington, D.C, U.S.A.
IS 1900. Eeisee, Dr. Othmar; Landes Museum, Sarajevo, Bosnia,
Austro-Hungary.

1908. Richmond, Charles "Wallace ; United States Natiouai

Museum, Washington, D.C, U.S.A.
1894. ScHALow, Herman ; Traunsteinerstrasse, 2', Berlin, W. 30.
1900. Stejneger, Leonhard, C.M.Z.S. ; Smithsonian Institution,

Washington, D.C, U.S.A.
1902. SusHKiN, Dr. Peter, C.M.Z.S. ; Imperial University, Moscow,

Russia.
20 1896. WiNGE, Herluf, C.M.Z.S.; University Zoological Museum,

Copenhagen.

CONTENTS OF VOL. III.— NINTH SERIES.

(1000.)

>«r.\ini;R IX., Janunnj.

Page

I. Field-Notes on the Birds of Southern Kamerun, West
Africa. By G. L. Bates, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plates I. & II.
and Text-figures 1-3.) 1

II. Contributions to the Ornithology of the Sudan.— No. III.
On Birds collected by Captain E. P. Blencowe in the Bahr-el-
Ghazal Province. By A. L. Butlrr, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Super-
intendent of Game Preservation, Sudan Government .... 74

III. On the Birds of Kohat and Kurram, Northern India.
By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army. With an
Introduction by Major H. A. P. Magrath, Indian Army.
(Plate III. and Text-figures 4 & 5.) 90

lY. Note on the Corvus negledus of Schlegel. By T.
Salvadori, H.M.B.O.U 134

V. On the Decrease in Weight of Birds' Eggs during
Incubation. By Elizabeth Seymour Norton, F.Z.S. (Text-
figure 6.) 137

VI. On the Birds of Bulawayo, Southern Ehodesia. By

E. C. Chubb, Assistant Curator, Khodesia Museum, Bulawayo. 140

XXVIU CONTENTS.

Page

VII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

1. Allen on B(eolophus hicolor-atricristatus 172

2. Berlepsch on the Birds of Cayenne 173

3. Cheeseman on the Lesser Frigate-bird 173

4. Drummond on the Little-Barrier Bird-Sanctuarj- . .174

5. Flower's List of Zoological Gardens 174

6. Fulton on the Disappearance of New Zealand Birds . 175

7. Godman's ' Monograph of the Petrels ' 175

8. Hartert's ' Miscellanea Ornithologica ' : Part V. . . 176

9. Hilgert's Catalogue of the Erlanger Collection . . . ] 76

10. Marriner's Notes on the Kea {Nestor) 176

11. Menegaux's Ornithological Papers 177

12. Neumann's Notes on African Birds 178

13. North on new Birds from the South Pacific .... 179

14. North on the Nesting of the Australian Black-and-

WhiteFantail 179

15. Pioport on the Zoological Gardens, Giza, for 1907 . 180

16. Bothschild on Casuarius histriatits 180

17. Rothschild and Hartert on the Birds of Vella Lavella. 180

18. llothschild and Hartert on Birds from San Christoval. 181

19. Schalow on the Birds of the Tianshan 181

20. Stuart Baker on Indian Ducks 182

21. Stuart Baker on the Birds of the Khasia Hills . . . 183

22. Stuart Baker on the Indian Cuckoos 184

23. Winge on the Birds of the Danish Lighthouses in 1907. 185

24. Wollaston's ' Ruwenzori ' 186

VIII. Letters, Extracts, and Notes : —

Letters from Heer F. E. Blaauw, Commander W. H. Haugh-
toii, and Mr. D. Carruthers. Birds of Bear Island and
Spitzbergen ; Increased Fertility of the Domestic Fowl ;
Mr. Boyd Alexander's new African Expedition; Proposed
Zoological Exploration of Dutch New Guinea 188

CONTENTS. XXIX

Number X., April.

IX. A Journey to British New Guinea in search of Birds-of-
Paradise. By Charles B. Horsbrttgh. (Text-figure 7.) . . 1U7

X. On the Birds of Kohat and Kurram, Northern India.
By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitdhead, Indian Army. With an
Introduction by Major H. A. F. Magrath, Indian Army.
(Part 11.) 214

XI. Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. — No. II.
Birds of the Province of Giza. Part 1. By Michael J.
NicoLL, F.Z.8., M.B.O.U. (Plate IV.) . . . " 285

XII. A Note on Molpastes macjrathi Whitehead. By

R, BowDLER Sharpe, LL.D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plates V.&YI.) 302

XIII. Notes on some Birds collected during a Cruise in the
Caribbean Sea. By Percy E. Lowe, M.B.O.U 304

XIV. Remarks on the Practice of attaching " Authorities "
to the Scientific Names of Animals. By P. L. Sclater, D.Sc,
F.R.S 347

XV. Obituary : Mr. W. H. Hudleston 350

XVI. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

25. ' Annals of Scottish Natural History ' 355

26. ' Aquila,' 1905-1907 (vols, xii.-xiv.) 357

27. ' The Auk ' 358

28. ' The Avicultural Magazine ' 360

29. Brogger on Birds' Bones from the Norwegian Kitchen-

middens 362

30. Carter on a supposed new Grass- Wren ..... 362

31. Chapman's 'On Safari' 363

32. Collett on the Great Auk in Norway 365

33. Dresser on Palaearctic Birds' Eggs 365

34. Giglioli on Italian Birds 367

35. The Grouse Disease Inquiry 368

36. ' Irish Naturalist ' 369

37. McGregor on Philippine Birds 370

XXX CONTENTS.

Page

38. Mair's ' Mackenzie Basin ' 370

39. Martens on Magellanic Birds 371

40. Martorelli on the Parrots in the University of Naples. 372

41. Mullens on the Bibliography of British Birds . . . 37-

42. Penard on the Birds of Guiana 373

43. Pycraffc on Birds 374

44. Richmond on the Generic Names of Birds .... 375

45. South African Ornithologists' Union, Journal of the . 377

46. Ussher on Irish Birds 378

47. Van Oort on a new Macruropsur 379

48. Van Oort on a new Chalcopsitta 379

49. Van Oort on the Birds of the Netherlands .... 379

50. Verner on the Wild Birds of Spain 381

N.V1I. Letters, Extracts, and Notes : —

Letters from Messrs. G. L. Bates, Kobert Fulton, M.D.,
Otto Herman, A. ¥. 11. Wollaston, and A. L. Butler. Another
German Stork in South Africa ; Arrival of Migrants in North-
east Greenland ; News from Mr. A. L. Butler ; The Booth
Collection at Brighton 383

Number XI., Juhj.

XVIII. Contributions to the Ornithology of the Sudan. —
No. IV. On Birds observed on the lied Sea Coast in May 1908.
By A. L. BuxLER, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Superintendent of Game
Preservation, Sudan Government 389

XIX. Notes on some Birds observed on the Trans-Siberian
Eailway Line. By StajQf-Surgeon Kennetu II. Jones, E.N. . 406

XX. Field-Notes on Vultures and Eagles. By Brigadier-
General H. Pt. Kelham, C.B., M.B.O.U 413

XXI. On the Occurrence of Pseudoscolojxix taczanowsJcii in
Western Siberia. By H. E. Dressek. (Plate VII. & Text-
figure 9.) 418

XXII. The Birds of Manchuria. By Collinqwood Ixgkam,
M.B.O.U. (Plate Vlll.) 422

CONTENTS, XXXI

Page

XXIII. On the Tail-feathers of the Dabchick. By W. P.
PvcRAFT, F.Z.S., :Nr.B.O.U. (Text-figure 10.) 4'i9

XXIV. Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. — No. IT,
Birds of the Province of Giza. Part 2, By ^Iicuael ,1,
Nicui.L, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U 471

XXV. Notes on a Collection of Birds made in British East
Africa. By Gekard H. Gurnet, F.Z.S,, M.B.O.U 484

XXVI. Proceedings at the Annual General ^Ieetij)g of the
British Ornithologists' Union, 1909 o32

XXVII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

51. Bangs on some Colombian and Costa Rican Birds . . 536

52. Bryan on Birds from !Molokai (Hawaiian Islands) , . 537

53. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club .... 538

54. Carriker on Costa Rican Formicariidae 539

55. Chapman's " Habitat " Bird-Groups 53!)

56. Chapman on the Booby and Man-of-War Birds , . 541

57. Dresser on Palsearctic Birds' Eggs 542

58. 'The Emu,' 1908-1909 542

59. Flower and NicoU on the Wild Birds of the Giza

Gardens 543

60. Gadow's ' Southern Mexico ' 545

01. Godmau'.s ' Monograph of the Petrels ' 540

62. Grinnell on the Birds of the San Bernardino Mountains. 547

63. Hanitsch on the Raffles Museum, Singapore . . . 548

64. Howard's ' British Warblers ' 549

65. Jourdain on European Birds' Eggs 549

66. Knight on the Birds of Maine 550

67. Lydekker's ' British Bird Book ' 551

68. Menegaux on the Nest of the Oven-bird 552

69. Menegaux on Two new Bolivian Birds 553

70. North on the Nesting-site of Qerygone personata . . 553

71. North on Australian Bower-birds 553

72. North on a new Australian Parrot 554

73. Oberholser on the Alcediniue Genus Ramphalcyon . 555

74. Ogawa's ' List of the Birds of Japan ' 556

75. Oustalet on the Birds of Foa's Expeditions .... 556

CONTENTS.

76. Sharpe on the Ornithological Literature of 1907 • . 557

77. Snouckaert van Schauburg's 'Avifauna Neerlandica' . 558

78. South African Ornithologists' Union, Journal of the . 559

79. Stone on Methods of Recording the Migration of Birds. 559

80. Van Oort on Birds from New Guinea 560

XXYIII. Letters, Extracts, and Xotes : —

Letters from Messrs. G. L. Bates, F. D. Godraan, H, E.
Dresser, Count Arrigoni Degli Oddi, and Mr. Boyd Alexander.
News of Mr. Walter Goodfellow ; Mr. A. 8. Neave's Second
Expedition to South Africa ; Mr. Douglas Carruthers's Move-
ments ; More marked Storks captured on Migration ; Mr. J.
Buckland's Lantern-Slides of Birds ; Mr. II. Hay Fenton's
Collection of Eggs , 561

Number XII, , October.

XXIX. On the Ornithology of Cyprus. By John A.
BucKNiLL, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U 569

XXX. Supplementary List of the Birds of the Alexandra
District, Northern Territory, S. Australia. By Collingwood
Ingram, r.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 613

XXXI. On the Foot-pads of the Young of the Green Wood-
pecker. By Chakles Stonham, C.M.G., F.R.C.S. (Text-
figure 11.) 619

XXXII. Additions and Corrections to the "Birds of Kohat."

By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army 620

XXXIII. Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. —
No. II. Birds of the Province of Giza. Part 3. By Michael

J. NicoLL, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U 623

XXXIV. On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia.
By AV. R. Ogilvib-Grant. With Field-Notes by Mr. G. C.
Shoetkidge. (Plate IX.) 650

CONTENTS. XXXIU

XXXV. Description of a new Bird from Africa. By
the Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ph.D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
(Plate X.) 600

XXXVI. The lleport on the British Museum for 1908. . . (JOl

XXXVII. 2^otices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

81. ' Annals of Scottish Natural History ' 694

82. ' Annals of the Transvaal Museum ' 695

83. ' The Auk ' 696

84. ' The Avicultural Magazine ' 697

85. ' The Condor ' 698

86. Dearborn on Birds from British East Africa . . . 699

87. ' The Emu ' 699

88. Flower on the Zoological Gardens of Giza . . . .701

89. Fox on the Birds of the Isle of Wight 702

90. Grinnell's Bibliography of Californian Ornithology . 703

91. Harington on the Birds of Burma 703

92. Hartert's ' Birds of the Palaearctic Fauna ' . . . 704

93. The ' Irish Naturalist ' 705

94. McGregor on Birds from Mindanao, Philippines . . 705

95. Madarasz on Mongolian Birds 706

96. Madarasz on certain Wild Geese 706

97. Mearns on New Birds from the Philippines . . . 706

98. Mearns on Birds from the Philippine Islands, Borneo,

Guam, and Midway Island 707

99. Phillott on Persian Falconry , 707

100. Revue Frangaise d'Ornithologie 708

101. Salvadori on a Species of Jay 709

102. Salvadori on the Birds of the Dnke of the Abnuzi's

Ruwenzori Expedition 710

103. Sharpe and Chubb on Bomean Birds 710

104. Snethlage on new Amazonian Birds 710

105. Stone on the Cuckoos of the Genus Piaya .... 711

106. Todd on a uew Wood-Warbler from the Bahamas . 712

107. Winge's Report on the Birds of the Danish Light-

houses 712

S£R. IX. — Vol. III. d

CONTENTS.

XXXVIII. Letters, Extracts, and Notes : —

Letters from Messrs. C. H. T. "Whitehead, Michael J. Nicoll,
and Robert Ridgway. The B.O.U. Expedition for the Ex-
ploration of Central New Guinea ; News of Mr. Boyd Alexander ;
The proposed Introduction of the " American Robin " into
England ; The A uckland Museum, New Zealand ; Bird-marking
Experiments in England ; The Lake N'gami Expedition ; A
new Eossil Bird from the Lower Pliocene 713

Index of Scientific Names 721

Index of Contents 739

Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, Contents, List of Plates,
and List of Text-figures.

LIST OF PLATES IN VOL. III.

NINTH SERIES.

Page

T. Caprimulgus batesi 2d

II. Parmoptila woodhousii 67

III. Sketch-map of Kohat District and the Kurram

VaUey 94

IV. Scotocerca inquieta 296

V. Molpastes magrathi 302

VI. 1. Molpastes intermedius. 2. Molpastes leucotis . 304

VII. Pseudoscolopax taczanowskii 420

VIII. Map of Manchuria 422

IX. 1, Sericofnis balstoni, J . 2. Malurus bernieri, J & $ 676

X. Pseudocalyptomena graueri, J 690

LIST OF TEXT-FIGURES IN VOL. III.
NINTH SEEIES.

Page

1. Natives with their crossbows and arrows 3

2. Native setting snares for birds in a Cassava-patch . . 4

3. Nest of Dendromus efulensis 20

4. Fort Lockhart in Winter 94

5. Zeran Ntillah, Safed Koh, from 8000 ft. alt 95

6. Diagram showing the loss of weight in six fowls' eggs

during incubation 138

7. Map of part of Papua visited by Mr. Horsbrugh . . 200

8. Irrisor erythrorhynchus 364

9. Egg of Pseudoscolopax taczanowskii 421

] 0. Tail-feathers of Podicipes fiuviatilis 470

11, Foot of nestling Green Woodpecker ....... 619

THE IBIS.

NINTH SERIES.

No. IX. JANUARY 1909.

[. — Field-Notes on the Birds of Southern Kamerun, West
Africa, By G. L. Bates, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Plates I. & II. and Text-figures 1-3.)

These notes form a supplement to the series of papers on
n)y birds by Dr. Bowdler Sliarpe, who has given to my
collections much of their value by his account of them.
They would have fitted in well with his papers, but it was
impossible to publish them in th;it way, not only because
they were not prepared in time, but also because many of
the facts now given were not ascertained till long after I had
sent home the specimens of the birds referred to. The
information here given has been gathered slowly, during
a number of years. Some of the notes have already been
published with Dr. Sharpens papers in 'The Ibis' (1904,
pp. 89, 592; 1905, pp. 89, 462 ; 1907, p. 416; 1908, pp. 117,
317). Hence a complete account can be obtained only by
referring to them. To some groups of birds, such as the
Accipitres, I have added very little here.

I collected from 1901 till 1904 at and about Efulen, but
made three short trips to the Ja River in the latter part of
that period. After a journey home, in 1904-1905, I again
returned to Africa, and collected at Efulen in the latter year
till September, when I made a trip much farther towards
the interior than I had gone before, into the Njiem or Zima

SER. IX. VOL. III. B

2 My. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

Country, where I reached the village of Bezam, On this trip
most of my time was spent in travelling, and I got but few
birds and nothing new. After returning to the coast at Kribi,
I went back to the neighbourhood of the Ja, and settled at
the village of Bitye, whicli has been ray headquarters since
December 1905. In 1906, and again in 1907, 1 proceeded to
the coast, and on botli trips spent some time in collecting
between Efulen and Kribi. In April 1908 I went to the coast
once more to take the steamer for England. The places
■where I collected are marked on tlie map which appeared
in 'The Ibis' for October 1908 (p. 558, pi. xi.) by a hue
drawn under the name.

My specimens were obtained in various ways. The least
effective way, so far as the mere procuring of the birds was
concerned, was shooting them myself. Still, I have always
done this to some extent, for the sake of a better acquaintance
with the birds in life. Certain natives have often been en-
trusted with my guns to shoot sj)ecimens. Many of the
larger forms have been shot by my hunter, when his principal
object was four-footed game for meat. Some birds I have
bought (with little trade-articles) from natives, who shot
them with their own guns in the days when they could get
powder. Now that is no longer possible, for the German
Government has shut off the supply. I am the less sorry
for this, as it has caused the native hunters to return to their
crossbows and little arrows, which do not damage specimens
so much as shot. The bows they hold out in front of
them when they shoot, at arm's length (see text-fig. 1, p. 3),
sighting along the shaft or stock, on which is laid the tiny
arrow. These arrows are made of the split dry stalks of the
Raphia-^alm — the same that are used here in building houses.
They are only about eight inches long and little larger than
a knitting-needle. I never cease wondering at the skill dis-
played even by boys, who can send one of these little splinters
through the body of a bird no bigger than the thumb, often
from a considerable distance. The same little arrows, Avhen
poisoned, are used to kill monkeys, and even the large apes.
For birds they are not poisoned. The bow and little arrows

7yi7'ds of Southern K/nncri/n.

3

have been especially useful in shooting- birds sitting on their
uests.

The best way of ol)taining certain kinds of birds has proved
to be by snares. Native boys are always skilful at this

Text-tiji-. 1.

^tfesfe->-t^^fe^;i;

Natives witli their crossbows and arroAvs.

method, for they have been accustomed from infancy to catch
little birds to eat. For birds brought to me thus caught I
pay with fish-hooks, which I use as a kind of currency,
taking them back again in exchange for larger articles at a
certain rate. The wav in which these snares are set on the

R'^

4 ]\Ir. G. L. Bates — Field-Xotes on the

ground in the forest^ and baited with termites strewed
around, was described very Avell in the tirst letter I wrote
to Dr. Sharpe years ago (see 'Ibis,' 1904, p. 92). But
I did not then know the birds very well, snd by the

Text-fio". 2.

Native setting snares for birds in a Cassava-patch.

" Ntyou " 1 meant Bleda notata. Criniger chloronotus is
one of the species that are never captured in this way.
Birds that are caught in numbers by means of these snares
baited with termites are Bleda syndactyla, the different
i^eciQs oi Neocossyphus, Turdinus, Alcthe, and Calleae, and

Hirii's (if Soil I hem Kinneriin. 5

sometimes, in the forest, the Grouud-Dove {Calopclio) or
the Forest- Francolin [Francolinus lathami). Snares similarly"
set in the smaller second -growth forest often catch Cossyphi
and Warblers, such as ^w/'/jes/r/, and occasionally other birds.
When used in cassava-patches they catch the village Ground-
Doves [Chalcopelia) . Similar snares may be set in small
trees, the bent stick being tied to a twig. By doing this in
trees full of the fruits which the birds eat, certain species
are more easily, caught. One of the best trees for this is
the " A'bae," a species of Alcornia. Many kinds of birds eat
the catkin-shaped fruit of a big weed called " mvomijang/'
which is really a kind of pepper {Piper subpeltatum) , and
little snares are often fixed on these weeds. Likewi.-^e snares
set on a pepper-plant of another sort {Capsicum) catch
many birds. Flowering shrul)s, and especially that called
" tya'a " (Leea, of the order Ampelidese), attract many Sun-
birds, which are caught in numbers by little snares fixed
on the bunches of Hovvers.

The general character of the country in Southern
Kamerun could not be better described by me now than has
b(en already done in 'The Ibis' (1904, p. 592). I wish to
emphasize again the distinctness, as regards their bird-
population, of the primitive forest from the smaller tangled
growth of trees, bushes, sedges, grass, and weeds which covers
ground that has been cleared and cultivated in former years.
Most birds belong strictly to one kind of country or the
other, and are seldom or never seen out of the kind to which
they belong. The region of the Ja is made up largely of
the opener country, from which the primitive forest has been
cleared. Hence the birds peculiar to this country ai-e
abundant there, and a number of species are found which do
not occur in the more densely forested district of Efulen.
Such are Pyromelana, Serinus, Colius, and the Kite, to name
only a few. It is noticeable that these are birds which have
a wide Ethiopian range. Those birds of the great forest
nearer the coast that were not found in the J a region, such
as Phasidus, Picathartes, and Geocichla, are mostly forms
peculiar to the West-African forest. Not very far to the

6 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field-Xutes on the

iiortli of Bitye, I am told, the grass-land of Northern
Kamerun commences, and some species probably wander
from it into the country Avhere I have collected.

Though this paper consists mainly of field- notes, I have
recorded a few specimens collected since those included in
Dr. Sharpens papers. These are mainly either additional
examples belonging to the species already reported on, about
which I had something in particular to say — for instance, to
describe the storaacli-coutents, the nest and eggs, &c. ; or
they are specimens of well-known species, mainly migrants
from Europe, that had not yet been reported. No list of the
specimens belonging to my later collections is attempted
here.

Having a number of eggs to describe, I have been fortu-
nate in obtaining the help of Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, whose
brief descriptions of the eggs, enclosed in square brackets,
add much to the value ot this paper.

The arrangement followed is that of Dr. Reichenow's
* Vogel Afrikas ' (cited as V. A.), and the number preceding
the title of each species in this List is the number of the
si)ecies in that work.

The native names are given in square brackets, and follow
the title.

112, Pteronktta HARTLAUBi (Cass.). [Alot, or Alotckc]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1904, p. 98; 1907, p. 425.

Pteronetta crjanoptera Reich. V. A. i. p. 123.

The Wild Ducks of this country are generally seen in
pairs, but sometimes a trio occurs — a pair with a third
" tagging after.^^ Once, in August, I saw four of them come
and perch on the big limbs of a cotton-tree and perform
some queer antics. They perched in pairs ; the birds of
each pair faced each other on the limb, bowed their heads,
and rubbed each other's bills and heads, all the while making
a raucous noise. After keeping this up for a few minutes
they Hew away.

Two young ducklings that must belong to this species,.
Mhich is the only one in the countiy, were brought to me at

Birds of Soiitfiern Kmnervn. 7

different times by people wlio said that they had caught them
on the l)anks of streams. Each had four light spots, forming
a quadrilateral^ on the back.

126. Glareola melanoptera. [Amalaka.]
These birds were seen, two or three together, several times
during September, flying about over the village street, and
frequently alighting in it. This seemed to be the only spot
of bare ground which they could find in tliis forest-covered
country. Migratory Wading Birds of a number of kinds
have been seen to do the same — not only the Ringed
Plovers already reported, but some of which I failed to get
a specimen. In September of a previous year a flock of
some long-billed Waders came and stood in the street.

153. Charaurius hiaticola. [Amalaka.]
jEyiolilis hiaticula Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 422.
No. 2839. <S hiem. Bitye, Nov. 1, 1907.

156. Charadrius forbesi. [Amalaka.]

No. 2835. ? . Bitye, Oct. 31, 1907.

These two Plovers were also shot while walking in the
village-street in the manner described under Glareola melano-
ptera. So were the Ringed Plovers of the year before,
^gialitis hiaticola and y^'. dnbia, already reported (' Ibis,'
1907, pp. 422, 423).

247. Sarothrura reichenovi. [Otua-bijilik.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 421.

Saroihrura eleyans Reicheu. V. A. i. p. 287.

^ . Bitye, Dec. 5, 1907.

This specimen was caught in a snare baited with termites.
In its muscular gizzard, and also that of another caught
at Efulen two years before, was much coarse sand. The
latter was brought in at evening, doubtless caught in the
hands, and kept alive overnight. While in captivity it made
a curious noise, like a low growl.

My note on these queer little Rails (' Ibis/ 1907, p. 421)
was put under the head of S. bonapartei, because that was
the species recorded in Dr. Sharpens previous paper. Doubt-
less what was said there applies to botli species.

8 Mr. G. L. Biites— Field-Notes o?i the

260. PoDicA CAMERUNENsis. [Mvcleku.]

No. 2489. c^. Bitye, April 24, 1907. Testes large.
Stomach (gizzard) containing bits of prawns.

This is a very different-looking bird from any other that
I have obtained and agrees exactly with the description of
P. cameruaensls.

260 6f. PoDicA JACOBI Rcich. (?).

No. 2877. S ' Bitye, Jan. 26, 1908. Testes rather large.

No. 2991. ? . Bitye, March 23, 1908.

Both these specimens are adult, as indicated by their
breeding-organs. They agree with the description of
P. seneyalensis, except in having white throats and smaller
measurements : the male, wing 190 mm., tail 135_, culraen40;
the female, wing 171 mm., tail 140, culmen 37. They are just
like the specimens of Podica that I have sent in former years,
which have been named P. camenmensis, but incorrectly.

I find in the ' Journal fiir Ornithologie' (1906, p. 325) the
following note : — " Dr. Reichenow exhibited a new Podica
from Kamerun, which he named Podica jacobi, and which
differs from P. seneyaleruis in the much smaller size, and
apparently always retains the white throat, even in age.
Length about 370, wing 157, tail 125, bill 35, tarsus 35 mm."

My specimens of Podica, of both species, have been shot
by natives, who say that they find the bird swimming, but
that, when frightened, it flies to the bushes or low branches
along the bank, often, on first rising from the water, using
both its wings and its feet as it skims along the surface.
The stomachs are very muscular, and sometimes contain
what appears to be mud and trash from the margins of
streams. These birds are very ill-smelling and disagreeable
to skin.

313, BUBULCUS IBIS.

Bubulcus lucidus Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 424.

S. Bitye, May 18, 1907. With long ornamental
feathers on the crest, back, and breast.

(J. Bitye, Nov. 11, 1907. Without the ornamental
feathers.

Birds of So/if/ierii Kumenm. 9

This Egret was never met with atEf'ulen, and wasohserved
only occasionally at the Ja, and then apparently in transit.
It was seen only in the months of May and November, flying
abont the village or alighting in the street, in the manner ot'
the Wading Birds mentioned above. One individual was shot
on the roof of a native hut. I think that there must be a
migration of these birds, perhaps only a part of them, from
the great plains of the Haussa States in Northern Nigeria,
where Hartert found them so plentiful, when the drought
sets in there in autumn. They must go to some open country
to the south, such as the lower Congo or Angola, passing over
the foi'est-country between, and returning nortii in May. In
passing over this country, so thickly covered with trees,
these birds of the open plains are attracted by the bare
ground in the villages.

337. TURTUR SEMITORQUATUS. [Zuui.]

Stre/jtopelia torquata Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 419.

Tiie " Znm " has two difierent calls, which are interpreted
by the natives as a conversation, in a tone of mutual fault-
finding, between a man and his wife. The woman says, " The
season is here, and no clearing made yet " (for planting) ;
the man says, " And not a pot on cooking.^' These sentences
in Buhl, spoken with the proper intonations, resemble two
calls — a longer and a shorter one — made by this Dove. But
I do not think that they are those of the male and the female,
but both, probably, of the male. When I hear one call,
apparently aiiswered by another bird at a little distance,
the second has the same call as that of the first, and it is
not really an answer, but, rather, an imitation by another
male, Avhich takes up the tune as it were, while the female
is probably close by and silent. In Mr. J. C. McLean's
very interesting notes on the birds of New Zealand {' Ibis,'
1907, p. 535) he tells about the two different songs of the
" Tui" bird in different localities. One song he first heard
in the bush towards the end of September, and it was " all
the rage" on Oct. If, while in the open country another
song was " the fashion." He suggests possible reasons

]() Mr. (i. L. Hate^— Field -Notes on the

for tliis, as difference of food. Bat it struck me that in the
"words "the fashion^' was suggested the true explanation.
Birds' songs and calls are often imitated from other birds,
generally of the same species.

The "■ Zum " builds in small trees in old cleared ground.
In a nest found in February, in the thick top of a small tree
not far from ray house at Bitye, was one nestling ; it would
be truer to say that it was on the nest, which was a mere bed
of little sticks. This nestling Avas entirely covered with hair-
like down of a pale tawny colour, like the hair of a " yellow "
dog. Another nest, found in January, had one e^^ lying on
it, which measured 32 x 24 mm.

[Tiie egg is of a nearly perfect oval shape, somewhat
glossy and pure white. — O.-G.]

383. Fkancolixus squamatus. [Okwal.]
Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 418; Reich. V. A. p. 469.
To my note about the Okwal {' Ibis/ 1907, p. 418) I add
here merely an account of some eggs. They were brought
to me three times in December and January last. The boy
who brought the first lot said that he first found six, lying on
dry leaves on the ground, and left them. On going back
afterwards to get them, he found only four, which he took.
They were all nearly ready to hatch. They varied somewhat
in size — from 45-49 mm. long by 33-34 broad. The next
lot consisted of four — " all there were." They measured
42-43'5 mm. long by 34-35 broad. Tiie last lot consisted of
six, measuring 41*5-43 mm. long by 34—35 broad. About
six must be a full clutch, and not two or three, as I thought
before. These eggs have extremely thick and hard shells.

[The nine eggs are of a broad oval shape, or sometimes
slightly pointed. The shell is slightly pitted all over, almost
devoid of gloss, and of a uniform buff colour. — O.-G.]

424. Francolinus lathami. [Obem.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 416.

Here, again, I have only to add to my former note ('Ibis,'
1907, p. 417) an account of some additional clutches of
eggs brougiit to me. These have still been always two in

Birds of Soiit hern Kamerun. 11

tlie cliitc'l), so that I think it is safe to say that two is the
number usually laid. They vary a good deal in size — from
36-42"5 nira. long by 25-27 mm. broad. Only a few of them
could be saved, as they nearly all had to be broken to get
out the contents. The shells were very thick and hard.

[Four eggs are of a rather long, pointed, oval shape, in-
distinctly pitted and slightly glossy. They are uniform rich
buff, somewhat paler towards the poles. — O.-G.]

453 «. Kaupifalco MONOGRAMMicus. [Viol-Obam.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1905, p. 405.

? S ad. Bitye, Feb. 8 & 6, 190B.

,^ ad. Akok, 85 miles from Kribi, April 12, 1908.

The stomach of the last specimen contained a few bones,
apparently of a small rodent, and the tail only, recently
swallowed, of a skink. The tail had evidently been all that the
Hawk had secured of the lizard. In the stomachs of the
others were a variety of things — the foot of a skink, scales of
a snake (not of a lizard), and remains of a small rodent.

499. MiLvus .EGYPTius. [Obam.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1904., p. 103.

Kites are abundant on the Ja, ])ut are seen only during
the months from November to April inclusive. They appear
and disappear, not suddenly, but gradually, and stray indi-
viduals may be seen in October, or even September, before
the others come, or in JNIay, after the others have gone awav.
Tiieir coming and going are not timed in accordance with
any change in the seasons here, for their arrival is in the
midst of the second rainy season, and their departure is in the
midst of the first rainy season. Their movements must be
timed according to changes in the seasons in the country
from which they come, and their presence in Southern
Kamerun seems to coincide with the dry and wintry season
in Northern Kamerun and Northern Nigeria.

I have seen no indication that Kites breed at the Ja, and
think the statement made in ray former note that they do
so, which I got from the natives ("^ Ibis,' 1901, p. 602), was
a mistake. They must have seen the nests of some other
bird of prey, such as Polyboroides.

12 Mr. (I. L. BatQ^—Fic/d-Xoft'S on the

Besides the refuse picked up around villages^ the Kites
eat palm-nuts and catch Mild mice and young chickens.
When I had a couple of monkevs"" skulls drying on the
roof of my kitchen T had to tie them to a heavy log to
prevent them from being carried off by the Kites.

On my homeward voyage, both in the Kamerun River
and at Dakar, Kites were seen following in the wake of the
steamer and catching up bits of refuse from the water, just
like the Gulls.

501. Peiixis apivokus.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1905, p. 405.

II. ^ ad. Bitye, March 7 , 1907. Dnder parts almost
white. Stomach containing large insects, including some
larvae that looked like very large maggots, which my hunter
found the bird digging out of a rotten log over a stream.

b. ? . Bitye, Feb. 20, 1908. Abundant dark spots
and bands beneath. This bird had some small ova in the
ovary. Does it reach its breeding-place early in the spring ?

531. SCOTOPELIA nouviERi.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1904, p. 603.

S . Bitye, Dec. 30, 1907.

The stomach contained many bones of small fishes and

some bits of prawns.

♦

552. Syrnium nuchale. [Akung.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 427.

When I skinned my specimen I was struck with the
difference in size between the ear-openings on the two sides
of the head. On measuring these, I found the lengths of
the elliptical slits in the skin that form the entrance to the
ear-cavities to be as follows : — right ear 20 mm., left 14*5 mm.
In all specimens seen since then the same difference has been
found, though not always to so great an extent. In one the
ear-openings measured : rij^ht 19, left 13 mm. ; in another,
right 19, left 14-5 mm.; in another, right 17, left 14 mm.
All of these happen to have been male birds. In the size of
the ear-cavities in the skulls no difference was observed.

Birds of Son til cm Kameriin. 13

556. Glaucidium sjostedti. [Akung-iniukan.]

Sharpe^ Ibis, 1907, p. 427.

I obtained a female specimen, which had been taken on its
nest in a hollow tree in the forest, where it was sitting on
one egg. The hole in the tree in whieii it had been canght
was said to have been only about five feet from the ground.
The time of year was August (dry season). The bird had
been eating a wild mouse as well as beetles. The egg
measured 34 x 28 mm.

[The egg is of a wide perfect oval shape, almost devoid of
gloss, and pure white. — O.-G.]

612. TuRACUs ZENKKRi. [^Iba.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 435.

This is the Touraeo of the .Ta, while T. meriani is that of
Efulen and the coast. When I have been walking along
the road going to Bitye, I have often carefully observed
where I first saw T. zenkeri, for the two species can be
distinguished at a distance, if seen plainly, by their crests.
Along the road T always saw the coast-species, and I think
that the domain of T. zeiikeri must begin about Bitye, but I
liave never found T. meriani there. There seems to be a
sharply defined boundary between them.

A nest was found in August (dry season). It was in the
thick top of a low tree in a bit of forest near the village, at
the edge of a small stream. It was built of tiny dry twigs
laid loosely together, so that it fell to pieces when taken in
the hand. There were two eggs, both of vvhicli measured
37 X 29 mm.

[Two eggs of a perfect oval shape, devoid of gloss, and of
a uniform creamy white. — O.-G.]

615. Centropus monachus. [Du'u, or Esil.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 439.

Female, with an egg in the oviduct, Bitye, July 30,
1906.

As has been said (' Ibis,' 1907, p. 439), this species is a
characteristic bird of the second-growth trees and bushes

14 jMr. G. L. B-dte^—Fie/d-Nutes uu the

and jungle of old cleared land around villages. In such a
situation was the nest found that has been already described.
Subsequently another was found in a very different sort of
place. It was in a small marsh surrounded by the forest, sucli
as the people call ''engas," formed by the spreading out of the
water of a little stream over several acres. The nest rested
upon the coarse grass of the niarsii, which was bent together
to form its base, with a good many dry blades broken off
and laid on for lining, and some standing stalks also bent
and disposed over the nest to foim a screen. One egg only
had been laid, but another nearly ready to be deposited was
found in the oviduct of the bird which was shot. Twice
subsequently egu,s of this bird have been brought to me
which were said to have been found in an ''eiigas^' or
marsh. Butler ('Ibis/ 1905, p. 356) states that in the
Upper Nile district this species is a bird of the " sudd." In
Kamerun it seems also to frequent marshes to some extent,
though usually seen on dry ground.

Three eggs appear to form the clutch. Leaving out one
clutch of three, which were less surely identified than the
others and were somewhat smaller, my eggs measure : length
35-37"5 ram,, breadth 26-295 mm.

[Nine eggs are of a blunt oval shape, practically devoid of
gloss, and pure white. — O.-G.]

Besides the insect food — usually grasshoppers — found in
the stomachs of most specimens, and the larger prey already
reported, 1 have found in the stomachs of birds of this
species bits of the shell of a small speckled bird's egg, like
that of a Cisticola, and bits of the shell of a water mollusk.

I have mentioned the native story that this bird adorns its
nest with the heads of the snakes that it has killed. Though
I have never found these, I have seen a poisonous snake — a
half-grown African cobra four feet long — that had been
killed by one of these birils. A woman called me to see the
dead snake, which w'as found lying with its head bruised and
pierced. She had seen the bird fly up from the place, and
on going there hud found the snake lying dead.

Birds of Soitt/icrn Kawcnin. 15

634. Cercococcyx mechowi. [Mon-Obain.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 436.

This smaller Cuckoo with the remarkable tail closely
resembles in some of its call-notes the common larger Cuckoo
just mentioned. It also says " Za-so-foe " in a similar
manner, though in a higher tone of voice. I ha\e heard
one of these birds making this call, and uttering at the same
time other interpolated notes that seemed to be [jcculiar to
itself. It appears to imitate the call of Cuculus (jaboimnsis,
which in its turn seems to imitate that of C. soUtarius.

The food of Cercococcyx consists almost exclusively of
caterpillars.

637. CucuLUS GABONENSis. [Za-so-foc, or Mon-Obam.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 436.

The note published in a previous paper (' Ibis,' 1907,
p. 435) about the call-notes of the common Cuckoo of this
country should, 1 suppose, have been under this name and
not " Cuculus soUtarius." Its characteristic call of " Za-so-
foe'' seems to fit exactly the descrijitions which I have read
of the call of the South- African " Piet-mijn-vrow.'' The
other loud excited call described in my former note I have
since watched a bird make while it chased another (probably
its mate) from branch to branch of a tree.

A hen bird (No. 1901) had an e^^ in the oviduct just
ready to be laid, which got broken before it could be taken
out. It was not larger than the q^^ of Pycnonotus gabonensis,
if as large.

[Judging from the fragments, t should say the egg appears
to have been of a somewhat pointed oval form and almost
devoid of gloss. The ground-colour is white, sparingly
marked, chiefly at the large end, with small spots and dots of
a dull purplish brown and lilac-grey.- — O.-G.]

651. Indicator stictithorax. [Mali.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 440.

All my four specimens of this bird were obtained on
my collecting-trip to the heavily forested region near the
coast in September 1906. They were shot in the tree-tops

16 ]\Ir. (J. L. Bates — Fiehl-Xofes on the

near our camp, oue at a time, on different clays. They were
seen, each time, sitting silently, watching the bees buzzing
about the camp, I think, for bees are attracted to a little
fresh clearing in the forest. The stomach-contents of the
birds were mainly particles of wax, mixed with bits of
insects, and had a smell of honey ; but sometimes there were
only bits of insects. These birds have the toughest skin of
any that I know ; it is like strong yellow parchment. All
of them had much fat underneath it. The tough skin, and
perhaps the fat also, must be a protection against bee-stings.
I never heard these birds or any other Indicator make a
sound. My boys told me that the '* Mali," as they call all
the species of this genus, makes a little cheeping cry of
"Woe! woe" ("woe" means " honey ^'). They say that
sometimes, on going to where the bird is, they find honey.
But the natives here know nothing about following it through
the forest; indeed, this would be a difficult thing, even for a
native, to do.

653. Indicator conirostris. [Mali.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 440.

A very young bird (No. 2416), obtained later than those
■which have been reported on in Dr. Sharpens paper, is
interesting because of the place in which it was found. It
Mas taken in the hole of an Ovol (Heliobucco bonupartii).
In other holes in the same dead tree were birds of that
species; but the little Indicator was found in its hole alone,
so that it formed, apparently, the entire family of its foster-
parents. In its stomach was found, besides insects, the
fruit of the "asen" tree, i. e. the usual food of the Barbet,
but not of the Honey-Guide.

This bird is too young to shew certainly to what species
it belongs, except that it is already too large to be Indicator
ea:ilis. The only other species obtained thus far at the J a is
/. conirostris, and the young bird looks like that species.

I have noticed in examples of different species of Indicator
that the rim of the nostrils forms a raised ring, which is not
seen in a specimen after the skin becomes dry.

(See my note in The Ibis/ 1904, p. 89.)

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 17

657. Melignomon zenkeri.

No. 2181. S' Bitye, Jan. 19, 1907. Stomach con-
taiuing a mass of fine flakes of wax, mixed with tiny black
particles.

695. Gymnobucco bonapartii. [Ovol.]

Reich. V. A. ii. p. 139.

Heliobucco honapartei Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 441.

Several nestlings have been brought to me at different
times, caught in their holes in decayed trees. These young
birds always have the bill dull yellow at the base, and
blackish at the tip — quite different from the uniform horn-
colour of the adult. Besides that the feathers of the forehead,
that become stiff and yellowish in adults, are soft and dark
in the younger birds.

Nine individuals, taken by my boys from one colony, were
shown to me on the 1st of April — five adults and four young
of different ages. The boys had stopped up the holes the
evening before, when the birds were inside and not alert
enough to fly away, and had chopped the dead tree down
in the morning. It was in one of the holes of this colony
that the young Indicator was caught (see above, p. 16).
Besides the birds, they brought a single egg that was found
in one of the holes. It measured 22 x 18 mm.

[An egg of this species is of a perfect oval shape, devoid
of gloss and pure white. — O.-G.]

694. Gymnobucco peli. [Ovol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 441 ; Reich. V. A. ii. p. 138.

I wish to give briefly my reasons for believing that there
are really two species, G. peli with nasal tufts, and G. calvus
without them, and that the one is not merely the young or
immature form of the other.

Though I found the two forms in the same locality at
Efulen, as Dr. Sharpe has noted ('Ibis,' 1904, p. 616), I
have found only the one with tufts at the Ja, and there
I have found it of all ages.

Young birds of this species, like those of Heliobucco, have
the bill yellowish at the base and blackisii at the tip ; and

SER. IX. VOL. III. • c

18 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

the culmen less ridged than old birds, which have a sharp
ridge reminding one of the incipient ridge in a small Hornbill.
NoWj supposing that these signs o£ youth^ seen in the bill,
hold good in G. calvus as well, there are five birds in the
large series of the British Museum, of the form without
tufts, that are young. As an additional proof that they are
young, they all have a few small scattered feathers on the
top of the head.

Here we have birds both old and young ivith tufts, and
birds both old and young without tufts.

710. Barbatula leucol.^ma. [Omvek.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 412; Reich. V. A. ii. p. 117.

These little Barbets have several times been caught in holes
in dead stumps or limbs. No. 1883 Avas caught thus in a hole
in a small stump, only a few feet from the ground. The
stump was half decayed and full of termites. The cavity
excavated by the bird was 100 mm. in greatest depth and
55 mm. in greatest diameter, the largest part not being the
bottom but a little over halfway down. The diameter of
the round entrance-hole was 20 mm., just big enough to
admit the fore-finger. In the bottom was a little bed of
fine chips, on which lay two glossy white eggs, which were
very thin-shelled and fragile and got broken. But one was
measured before it got broken, and was 15 x ITS mm. in
size.

Other females of this species were brought by boys, who
said that they caught them in their holes ; but no other eggs
came to luuul ; the eggs generally got broken before they
reached mc. In one case the boy reported finding three
eggs.

715. Barbatula subsulphurea. [Omvek.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 441.

A specimen (1985) was caught in its hole, which was in a
small dead limb, 50 mm. in diameter. The hollow made by
the bird ran downward about 70 or 80 mm., and was almost
as large as the limb, leaving only a thin shell of wood
around it. There was nothing in the hole but the bird,

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 19

which, on dissection, proved to be a female, not yet very
near the laying time. It must have been providing its
breeding-hole long beforehand — unless these holes are made
to live in, and not for breeding only. That these little
birds do their own excavating there can be no doubt. While
the bird I have just mentioned was kept a prisoner alive in
its hole for a few hours, it did some vigorous hewing, trying
to cut its way out. The wood was half-decayed.

In the stomachs of birds of this species and the last have
several times been found, besides Iruit, what looked like
small moth-cocoons.

738. Verreauxia africana. [Obo'o-Minkorakome.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p 44J..

In my note in 'The Ibis ^ (1905, p. 91:5) I spoke of seeing
one of these tiny Woodpeckers peck the grub out of the
heart of the stem of a small common endogenous plant.
That this plant is the usual souice of their food is proved by
the Bulu appellation, for the long word forming the second
half of the bird^s name is that of the plant mentioned,
while " Obo'o " means '' hewer." But I have also seen
one of these birds pecking at the bark of a tree, making a
tapping noise almost as loud as that made by an ordinary
Woodpecker.

One day a boy brought me a treasure in the shape of a
section of the end of a small stump, about three inches in
diameter, green up to about half a foot from the top; and
in this dry end, which was still hard and little decayed, a
hole had been bored, in which were two tiny white eggs. He
brought also the bird caught in the hole, a Verreauxia, which
I skinned and numbered 2866 ; it was a male, and yet the
abdomen shewed that it had been sitting. The cavity
excavated in the dry end of the stump had a diameter of
about 40 mm. and a depth oh' about 50 mm., and the
entrance-hole, round as if bored by an auger, would just
admit a 12-bore gun cartridge (about 20 mm. in diameter).
Size of the eggs 14 x 12 mm. and 13'5 x ir5 mm.

[Two eggs are of a blunt rounded oval shape, slightly
glossy and pure white. — O.-G.]

c2

20

Mr. G. L. Bates — Fteld-Nutes on the

Dendromus EFUiENsis. [Ngomoko.]

Dendromus efulensis Chubby Bull. B. O. C. xxi. p. 92
(May 1908) .

The food of these birds consists almost exclusively of the
many small black ants that crawl on trees. One was found

Text-fijr. 3.

Nest of Dendromus efulensis.

to have used the ants in another and very peculiar way.
These ants make large nests that look like great excrescences
on the trunks of small trees, partly attached along the side
and partly hanging, sometimes two feet or more in length.
They are papery like a hornets^ nest, though heavier and

Birds of Sunt hern h'ainerun. 21

not so tougli ; they are of material that will burn. When
one is touched myriads of ants swarm out. One day my
boy saw a Woodpecker enter a hole in one of these ants'
nests. He covered up the hole, and thrust a palm-stalk
dart through the ants' nest, transfixing the bird ; and then
brought ants' nest, bird and all tome. The bird was a male
of this species, and forms my specimen No. 2871. The
ants' nest was almost deserted by ants, yet two or three
were seen crawling over it. The bird and its mate must
have first eaten the ants (which would make a number of
meals, I should think), and then made a hollow in the
deserted home and used it for their own breeding-hole. The
cavity was large and would be easy to excavate. There were
two eggs, which both measured 22 x 18 mm.

[Two eggs are of a rather short and perfectly oval shape,
slightly glossy and pure white. — O.-G.]

767. Dendropicus lafresnayi. [Ngomoko.]
Dendropicus camerunensis Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 443.
Dendropicus lafresnayi Sharpe, Ibis, 1904, p. 620.

77Q. Dendropicus gabonensis. [Ngomoko ]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1904, p. 619; 1907, p. 443.

These are both birds of the open country and second-
growth forest, and are never found in the primitive
forest. D. lafresnayi was the commoner species at the J a,
D. gabonensis at Efulen. These Woodpeckers diff'er from
Detidromus in their food ; for they were never found to have
eaten ants. Small white grubs were the usual contents of
their stomachs.

The lively cry of Dendropicus lafresnayi was one of the
commonest bird-sounds in the bushes and small trees
surrounding Bitj^e. At Efulen, too, I heard a bird that
looked like Dendropicus (probably D. gabonensis) utter a
shrill piercing cry.

778. CoLius NiGRicoLLis NiGRiscAPALis. [Nsesal.]
Colius niginscapalis Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 434.
As I have already said something {' Ibis,' 1907, p. 434)
of the general habits of the Colies, I will speak only of

22 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field- Notes on the

their nests and eggs here. Of no bird around Bitye is it so
easy to find the nests (excepting, of course, those of the
common Weavers) as of the Nsesal. These nests are usually
set in the forks of thick bushes on waste ground or in the
borders of gardens. Tliey are merely thick flat pads of
fibrous material of various kinds, piled up with little skill,
but slightly hollowed out in the middle. A common material
is the grey beard-like Usnea from the limbs of old trees.
In the nest, among the eggs or the nestlings, are laid trashy
fragments of various kinds, generally bits of leaves, which are
sometimes still fresh and green ; but also pieces of bark, and
once I found a grain of corn. A nest that has long been in
use has more of this trash than a new one.

The number of eggs laid is generally two, never more
than three. They vary in size from 20-23 mm. long by
16-175 mm. broad.

[The ten cg:is examined are of a wide oval shape and
more or less pointed towards the smaller end. They are
pure white with a rather rough chalky surface entirely
devoid of gloss. — O.-G.]

804. Ceratogymna ATRATA. [Ongung.]
No. 2545. S- Akok (between Efulen and Kribi). June
20, 1907. Stomach full of fruits of the Rattan Palm.

No. 2(3()G. ^ . Akok, July 9, 1907. Crop and stomach
containing forest fruits.

No. 2618. S ■ Akok, July 11, 1907. Testes very large.
No. 26'35. (S • Akok, July 16, 1907. Testes large.
No. 2659. ? . Akok, July 24, 1907. Small ova in the
ovary. Moulting.

These big black Hornbills are birds of the forest, and
hence more often seen and heard in the dense forest near
the ccast than in the Ja district. Tlieir clamorous calls (or
squawks) and the rushing of their wings are familiar forest-
sounds, as are the similar noises of the Miam [Bycanistes
albotihialis), \\\nch have been already described (' Ibis,' 1905,
p. 90). Big and ugly though the birds are, they are very
amorous, and the harsh clamour that they make seems to be
the mating-call of the male. I have known a male " Ongung''

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 23

to 1)6 making such a clamour as to drown the sound of
people crashing through the underbrush beneath him, till
he was shot.

No. 2618 was shot by my boys while in the act of
plastering up the hole in a tree where its mate probably was.
There was clay on its bill and on its helmet, about the tip and
sides. The boys said that they heard the cries of the female
inside the hole. I went next day to see the place and tried
to get a man to climb the tree, but nothing would induce
him to try it. The tree was large and tall, and stood apart
from others, and Avas really unclimbablc. The hole was so
high up, and so hidden by a limb and by parasitic ferns,
that it was invisible. Little bits of clay were strewn on the
ground at the foot of the tree. While I was there a pair of
these Hornbills, a male and a female, came flying round the
place. Was one the female that was being enclosed the day
before, which had got another mate? This male perched
on the limb where the hole was, which was nearly upright,
in the position of a Woodpecker, supported by its tail.

A favourite food of this and other Hornbills is the fruit
of the Calamus palm.

813. LoPHOCEROs FAsciATUs. [Olvwokwad.]

Keich. V. A. ii. p. 248.

This is the commonest of the smaller Hornbills. Indi-
viduals of this species are often seen in small parties, in the
trees left standing in the clearings and in the second-growth
forest, where their querulous, disagreeable cries are often
heard. Their Avhole appearance and manner are unpleasant.
Their flight is slouching and uncertain, and they seem
scarcely able to manage their long wings and tails properly.
A favourite food with them is caterpillars, especially the
large kinds, which the natives also eat, and the birds gather
around trees that are infested by them.

843, Halcyon badius. [Akwae.]
Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 429.

While the more typical small Kingfishers of this country
live and breed along the streams, those of the genus halcyon

24 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

do not in any way shew a preference for the neighbourhood of
water. A man once caught for me a bird of the commonest
species, H. badius, in a hole in a tree, where it was sitting
on the two eggs. The youug inside the eggs were already
cheeping and of course the eggs had to be broken, but I
managed to leave one of them nearly whole so that it could
be measured ; its size was 26 x 24 mm.

[One egg (in which incubation was evidently far advanced)
is of a perfectly circular shape, somewhat glossy and pure
white.— O.-G.]

867 a. Melittophagus gularis australis.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 431.

No. 2904. ? . Breeding-organs and skin of abdomen
indicating a sitting bird. Caught in its hole in a bank, in
which were found also two eggs. One was broken, the
other measured 24 x 20 mm.

[The one egg is of a short oval form, somewhat glossy
and pure white. — O.-G.]

868. ]\Ielittophagus muellehi.

Merops batesiana Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 432.

In habits this species resembles Melittophagus australis,
for botli of them are generally seen in pairs, never in flocks,
and I have strong reason to believe that the pi'esent species,
like M. australis, breeds in holes in banks, a single pair in a
place. Thus they differ in habits from those species of the
genus MerojJs which are gregarious.

The young birds are mostly black, the brighter colours
of the adults appearing but slightly. The females diff'er
from the males only in the blue of the hind-neck being less
extensive.

872. Merops albicollis. [Nso^olong.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1904, p. 611.

Aerops albicollis Reich. V. A. ii. p. 317.

This bird is surely a Merops in its way of life. When I
wrote my first note about it ('Ibis,' 1905, p. 91) I knew it
mostly near the coast, where it is not so abundant as it is
on the Ja. But even at the latter place, as also nearer the

Birds of Southern Kumerun. 25

coast, it appears only in tlie winter months of the north
and does not breed. These birds, from their beauty and
the grace of their movements, always arrest attention, and
the occupation I was engaged in would have to be very
absorbing indeed that I would not stop to v^atch a flock of
these Bee-eaters. Their first appearance in November is an
event of the season.

They not only fly together during the day, but roost in
flocks, in certain trees, at night. Just before their departure
in the spring, especially, they gather in very large flocks,
which may be seen going to their roosting-trees at evening,
repeatedly flying away with a loud twittering, and circling
back to the trees again.

I saw the last of them about the first of April last year,
and the year before about the same time. 1 think that they
must breed on the banks of the rivers to the north. By
November, as I understand, the dry season has set in there,
and the means of life (that is, the supply of insects) may be
lessened by the drought, in April it rains again there, and
they go back. They are not influenced in these movements
by the changes of the season in this country (Southern
Kamerun), but rather by the changes in their other home.
1 have already spoken of the like appearance and disappear-
ance of the Kites, and of the passage of tlie Egrets [Bubulcus]
twice a year. These are migrations within the Ethiopian
region.

Caprimulgus batesi. (Plate I.) [Mvomvot.]

Capj'imulgus batesi Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 432.

No. 2937. ? ad. Bitye, R. Ja, March 7, 1908. Sex-
organs and skin of abdomen as of a sitting bird.

Though I have once or twice observed this Goatsucker
hawking for insects at dusk, it is usually seen in the day-
time, when scared up from the ground, where it may have
been sitting on its one egg, in the edge of a garden or
plantation. Sometimes the natives have sharp enough eyes
to see it before it flies up, and have secured my specimens
for me. Several eggs were brought to me, but always

26 Mr. G. L. Bates-— Field-Notes on the

without the bird, till a man shot the bird numbered 2937
and secured its egg. That all the Nightjar's eggs I have
obtained at Bitye belong to this species I feel sure, as no
other species has been found there except as a temporary
visitor. I am sure that this is the case with the Cosmetornis
that I got, and the European Nightjar certainly could not
have laid these eggs.

Never more than one egg is found in a place. The egg
that was accompanied by the bird measured 33 x 24 mm.
The others varied in length from 31*5 to 34'*5 mm., and in
breadth from 24 to 25 mm.

[Five eggs are of a perfectly oval form and somewhat glossy.
The ground-colour is white or very delicate pubescent-white.
In four specimens the markings, which consist of brown and
pale lavender-grey blotches, are distributed over the entire
shell : in a fifth specimen almost all the brown markings
are concentrated into a cap at one end, while over the
remaining part of the shell there are a few small blotches of
pale lavender-grey and a few very small spots of brown. —
O.-G.]

902 a. Caprimulgus SHARPii Alexander. [Mvomvot.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 433.

Caprimulgus trimaculatus sharpei Reich. V. A. ii. p. 3o8.

My single specimen of this Nightjar was shot in the
neighbourhood of a great bare rock several acres in extent,
such as are found here and there in the forest. It was the
same spot — a place I pass on the road to Bitye — where I
shot the only specimen of (Edicnenius senegalensis that I have
ever seen {' The Ibis,' 1907, p. 423). That the rocky locality
was significant for the Nightjar first occurred to me when I
read in Boyd Alexander's book (' From the Niger to the
Nile,' ii. p. 22) that he found the same or a closely allied
species right across from the Gold Coast Hinterland to the
Ubangai region, always in rocky places.

916. Cosmetornis vexillarius.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 432.

My three specimens of this Nightjar were shot within a
lew days of one another, and were males without their long

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 27

plumes, I was surprised when I saw Dr. Sharpens paper to
find what they were. The natives about Bitye certainly know
nothing of the remarkable plumage of the breeding males.
My specimens were shot in March, just at the end of the dry
season and onlv in 190G : the bird has not been seen agrain.
I think some of them must have been in that neighbourhood
on a temporary sojourn, perhaps driven by the dry weather
from the region further north or north-east. According to
a trader, who had been in Bertua, far to the north-east of
Bitye, where there is little forest, this bird lives and breeds
there.

934. Ch.etura sabinii.

No. 2511. c?. Bitye, May 15, 1907. Testes large.
Iris brown ; feet bluish.

This specimen was caught alive by a man who said that
it and another one tlew into his house ! Some white-rumped
Swifts have been several times seen coursing in the air, and
were doubtless of the same species.

966. HiRUNDO GORDONi. [Ngomcko.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 4W.

A note on this Swallow has already been published
(' Ibis,^ 1905, p. 467). Birds of this species are seen oftener
than anywhere else about deserted village sites, especially
those along the road to the coast. Here there is not enough
stir of human life to scare them away, and yet there is the
open space and the bare ground that they like. On a trip
to Ebolwoa in December 1906, I saw two of these Swallows
fly close over the bare ground of such a place, and perch
on a plantain along the path. Then one of them was
heard to sing, uttering a trill in a low, but very sweet voice,
its throat swelling much at each utterance. This it repeated
and continued to do so as long as I stood and watched. Its
mate was perched not more than three feet away.

971. HiRUNDO XIGRITA.

Specimens of this Swallow were shot on the water of
the River Ja, or the small River Libi, where it joins the Ja,

^>8 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

where I went camping for a few days. (The village of
Bitye is ten or fifteen miles from the Ja.) Swallows of this
species were often seen during the four days passed in this
camp, perched on snags or projecting dead branches over
the water, or skimming over the surface of the river. They
were never seen away from the water for a moment, and
could only be obtained by fishing them out of the river after
they were shot.

977. PsALiDOPROCNE NiTENs. [Ngulcyebe, or Ngulcyem.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 3907, p. 444.

No. 2642. ? . Akok (between Efulen and Kribi), July
18, 1907.

No. 2872. ? . Bitye, R. Ja, Jan. 20, 1908.

The last is the first specimen of this species obtained at the
Ja, where the common species of Psalidoprocne is P.petiti.
I had supposed that P. petiti was the only species at the
J a, and F. nitens the only one near the coast. But my getting
this specimen, and likewise seeing P. petiti, which is easily
distinguished from the other by its forked tail, along the
road more than halfway from Bitye to the coast, shews that
the territories of the two s[)ecies overlap.

Both the specimens recorded above were sitting birds, dug
out of their holes in banks of streams. (See note in ' The
Ibis,' 1907, p. 445.) In the hole dug out at Bitye were
two eggs (which got broken) lying on a nest or a bed of the
Usnea or " beard of trees." In the hole at Akok, which w as
near the top of a bank of loose clay, some four or five feet
above the stream, and extended into the bank a foot and
a half, enlarged as it penetrated in, was an ample nest of
moss and Usnea, with two eggs. These both measured the
same — 19 x 13 mm.

[One egg of a rather long, pointed oval form, slightly
glossy and uniform white. — O.-G.]

In my former note I spoke of two of these birds visiting
my house at Efulen, looking for a nesting-place. 1 have
lately seen a much more remarkable though similar action.
While sitting in the house of a missionary at Ebolwoa,

Birds of Suuthern Kamerwi. 29

halfway from tlie Ja to the coast, on my way to England
last April, a pair of Psalidoprocne nitens (known by their
square tails) entered and perched on a paper ornament
hanging from the ceiling. Mr. Hope, who lives in the
house, said that they had done this often during several days,
and had brought mud and tried to stick it to the ceiling,
which is covered with cloth, but the mud would not stick.
This is all the more remarkable, since the usual breeding-
place of the species is in holes dug in banks, and not in mud
nests of their own building.

1000. Fraseria ocreata.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 328.

No. 2613. c? ad. Akok, between Efulen and Kribi, July
10, 1907.

In my Ijrief note on this bird (/. c.) I said " I have been
told it has a song.'' I had been correctly informed. When
on my collecting-trip to Akok, between Efulen and the
coast, in July, one day about noon a bird-song of rare
sweetness and variety was heard in the tree-tops over the
camp. It was a surprising performance, and both I and
my boys were soon looking to see the bird from which it
came. We found it at length and followed it from tree
to tree, as it went, continually singing in an excited manner.
The song was made up of a great variety of notes, some
imitating the call-notes of other birds (such as Dicrurus
atripennis and Bias musicus). Mingled in its song were also
the buzzing call-notes that I already knew well as those of
Fraseria ocreata. Soon another bird of the same kind,
singing in the same way, was heard near by. It was shot,
and its skin is No. 2613. But I had already seen the first
one plainly enough to be sure that it belonged to this
species.

This song struck me as resembling that of Lanius mac-
kinnoni. It is characteristic of a Shrike to sing only
occasionally, and then with surprising sweetness. Reichenow
puts this genus among the Flycatchers.

30 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field-Notes on the

1016 a. Alseonax epulatus ?antisiensis. [Kula, or
Okulebe.]

Alseonax f ant esiensis Sharpe, Ibis, 1907^ p. 445.

No. 2330. ^. Bitye, R. Ja, March 11, 1907. Testes
large. Feet dark ; mandible dark-tipped.

This specimen is recorded here because it was brought to
me along with its nest, in which were two very young birds.
These the boy said were being fed when he shot the parent
with his bow and arrow. The nest was peculiar in that it
was large and bulky for so small a bird, though the inside
was a small cup lined with fine fibies, very much like tlie
nests of Tchitrea and otlier common Flycatchers, But the
outside part was a mass of dried moss, leaves, tiny sticks,
and lichens, loosely piled, but held together by cobwebs
running through it. The nestlings were naked except for
some tufts of long brown down.

Dr. Sharpe is certainly right in saying that this form is
distinct from Alseonax epulatus, with its yellow feet and
mandible, though they are both found at the Ja, as well as
about Efuleu.

1024 a. FCEDILOUHYXCHUS STUHLMANNI CAMEKUNENSIS.

[Kula.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 447.

In my note in ' The Ibis ' (/. c.) I spoke of the eggs of this
bird found in old Weavers' nests. I have to record two
eggs again found in the old nest of Heterhxjphantes nigricollis,
which had been supplied with a new lining of dry grass-
blades or shreds of palm-leaf. These eggs measured the
same as the former, 20*5 x 13 mm. I am glad to be able to
give Mr. Grant's description, as my statement of the colour
of the eggs in the former note may have been wide of the
mark.

[Four eggs are of a long, slightly pointed oval form and
moderately glossy ; three examples are uniform light olive-
brown, but the fourth is densely and indistinctly marked
all over, especially at the broader end, with yellowish-
brown. — O.-G.]

Birds of Southern Kamerun, 31

The two young birds Nos. 1555 and 1555 a, which are
entered under Alseonax epulatus in ' The Ibis^ (1907, p. 445),
had been taken in an old Weaver^s nest, and must have
been the young of the present species. Alseonax does not
build in such places. If they had belonged to Alseonax they
would surely have shown rufous spots.

Smithornis camerunensis. [Nom-Kup-Mefan, or Mba-
mezok.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 451.

This note is additional to the former (' Ibis,^ 1907, p. 451).
I wish I could say now whether the peculiar rattling noise
made by these birds is produced "mechanically,'' by which
I mean in some other way than by the voice, or not. But
I know no more than I did, except that I have many times
watched these birds making it, as one can do by patiently
and carefully creeping up into the thicket where the noise
is heard ; and I have always observed that the sound begins
and ends with the little circuit-flight from the twig, and is
never heard when the bird is not flying, and that on the
short circuit-flight the wings seem to be moved much more
rapidly than is necessary for the distance of a few feet.

The nest has been described, though it should not have
been called 'Mittle," and the long streamers from it were
not mentioned. Others have since been found, and in two
of them the sitting birds were caught — both females and
each with two eggs under her. The two of these eggs which
were whole, one from each nest, measured 23 X 15*5 mm.
and 24*5 X 16 mm.

[Three eggs are of a rather long and pointed oval form,
distinctly glossy and pure white. — O.-G.]

Smithornis zenkeri Reich. [Mbamezok.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 452 ; Keich. V. A. ii. p. 724.

No. 2942. ? . Bitye, R. Ja, March 9, 1908. Abdomen
and breeding-organs indicating a sitting bird.

This specimen is heie recorded because it was shot just
after leaving its nest, and the nest and eggs were brought to

32 Mr. G. L. Bute^— Field-Notes on the

me. This nest, which was found on a bush in the forest,
just such a situation as that of the one already mentioned in
'The Ibis^ (1905, p. 95), was similar to it. It was merely
a large bunch of fresh moss hung from a twig, with a nest
built inside of it, composed of dry leaves and stems and the
black fibres so often seen in forest-nests. The two eggs
measured 23'5 x 17 mm. and 25 x 17"5 mm.

[Two eggs are similar to those of S. camerunensis. — O.-G.]

1071. Elminia loxgicauda.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 456.

I have to add to my note on tliis bird — ^ Ibis ^ i^-C-), i'l
which its nest was described — the discovery of another nest,
similar to the former. It was found also in June, and
contained two eggs, measuring 16 X 12*5 mm.

[Two eggs of this species are of a slightly pointed oval
shape and devoid of gloss. The ground-colour is white,
thickly mottled and clouded in a wide zone round the larger
end with lilac-grey and greenish grey. — O.-G.]

1083. TcHiTREA viRiDis (Miill.). [Abelebele.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 454.

I have to add to my note in ' The Ibis ' (/. c.) that other
nests with eggs have been found, on which the bird has been
either caught or shot. These nests are all neat little cups,
which differ from those of the two forest-species of Tchitrea
in having no moss in their bases. The eggs were in every
case two in number. They measure : length 18-19 mm.,
breadth 14 mm.

[Five eggs are of a rather short, somewhat pointed oval
shape and devoid of gloss ; the ground-colour is creamy-
white spotted with light red and lilac-red, the markings
being chiefly confined to a ring round the larger end, though
a greater or less number of separate spots are scattered
over the rest of the shell. In one specimen the markings
round the zone are very indistinct and are wanting on the
rest of the shell.— O.-G.]

Ji/rds of Suvtheni Kitiaeruii, 33

J08k TciiiTRKA Kui'OciXEKEA. [Abclebelc]

Sliarpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 456.

In this case also I have merely to add to ray former note
the discovery of another nest with eggs, which this time I
saved, though broken. They were taken in the nest, on
which a male with large breeding-organs was shot. Three
birds of this species have now been shot sitting on their
nests, and two of them were males.

[Two broken fragments of eggs of this species closely
resemble the eggs of T. viridis, l)ut the markings are altogether
smaller, those round the larger end taking more the form
of spots of dark chocolate-brown and lilac-grey, — O.-G.]

1118. SiGMODUS RUFIVEXTRIS.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 328.

The birds of this genus have a strange appearance, which
is heightened by the yellow iris ; and have also strange ways.
They go about in bands of half a dozen, flitting, one at a
time, from one tree-top to another; they have peculiar cries,
and make a loud snapping noise, which sounds as if made
wnth the bill. They shew little fear and are easy to shoot.
They are not common, and as they always attract attention
when seen and are remembered as peculiar, I believe I can
count up the times that I have seen them. Sometimes they
have been met with in the big forest, sometimes in the
second-growth trees, but never very near a village.

1126 C. POMATORHYNCHUS AI'STRALIS FRATER. [Nko'o-

Bikotok.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 335.

This is one of the commonest birds in the "bikotok^' or
old overgrown clearings, and even in the cassava-fields; it
is never found in the forest. Like all the common Shrikes
of this country it is a bird of a conjugal disposition and is
often seen in pairs. When mating it (probably the male
only) utters a sort of song, which may be said to begin with
a trill or rattle, and end. with " keow ! keow ! keow !," all in
a rich pleasant tone of voice. I have heard it also, while
flying from bush to bush, make a sharp whip-snapping sound,

SKR. IX. — VOL, III. D

34 Mr. Ct. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

apparently witli its wings, like that made by the little Fly-
catchers DiaphorojjJii/ia and Platystira. This noise is made
only occasionally, and seems to be, like the song, an ex-
pression of amorous feelings, or made to attract attention.

This Shrike shares with Laniarius luehderi the same native
name, and both are common birds of the "bikotok," though
their calls and actions are different (see ' The Ibis/ 1908,
p. 330). But the Laniarius hides its nest in some place
where it cannot be found, while I have come across several
of the Pomatorhynchus. One, on which the bird was caught,
sitting on two egiis, was the only one where I got the bird
and at the same time saved the eggs. The nest, like other
nests I have seen of this bird, was a very shallow cup of dry
leaf-petioles, grass and other stems, the finer ones inside.
It was rather slight and thin. One I found myself was set
on the forks of a cassava-stem. In my notebook I have
described the markings on these eggs (the two I saved) as
being like a lot of punctuation marks of print — commas,
hyphens, brackets, &c. — jumbled together. The size of these
eggs was 24 X 17 mm.

[The two eggs are of a regular or slightly pointed oval
form and very slightly glossy. The ground-cohnir is pure
white, rather sparingly marked, especially round the larger
end, with small blotches and irregularly shaped spots and
lines of brown and various shades of grey. — O.-Cx.]

113i. NicATOR CHLORis. [Ekoug, or Ntyong.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 334.

This bird lives in the borders of the forest, or among the
higher trees of the second-growth, and generally keeps itself
well hidden, for when it comes to the light its sj)otted wings
make it conspicuous. The only sound ordinarily heard is a
scolding noise, which is imitated in the explosive nasal
sounds of the Bulu names. But on one occasion I watched
it sing a song, in a loud clear tone, consisting of quite a
variety of notes, some so much run together as to remind
me of the peculiar trill of the P omatorhynclius. The song
was uttered hiugiiidlv, a few notes at a time.

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 35

No. 1999 was a sitting female, shot with bow and arrow
on its nest. This £al)ric was a " poor excuse " for a nest —
a mere pad of dry tendrils and weed-stalks mixed together,
so small that the bird would completely cover and hide it.
There was a little depression on the top, where the one egg
had been laid. The egg reached me broken, along with a
tiny nestling just emerged from the shell.

[A broken e^^, apparently of a rather blunt oval shape
and very slightly glossy. The ground-colour is pale yellowish-
clay colour, rather densely spotted all over, especially round
the larger end, where the under-markings form an irregular
clouded zone, with small spots and dots of dull reddish-brown
and dark grey. — O.-G.]

1136. NiCATOR viREO. [Ekoug, or Ntyong.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 335.

This smaller green Shrike, which I found only at the Ja,
is not so shy as its larger relative, and its loud and pleasing
song is very frequently heard. This song is one of the most
striking sounds of the bird- world in that district. It may
be likened to a bugle-call of half-a-dozen notes, mostly in
one tone, but with one or two towards the end in a higher
pitch, the last one or two dropping again to the pitch of the
first. It may be heard at almost any time of the day. When
singing the bird perches amongst the foliage of some tree,
usually high and out of sight.

Dryoscopus bocagii.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 331.

Chlorophoneus bocagei Reich. V. A. ii. p. 557.

It certainly seems fitting, from what I know of this bird
in life, to have it placed in the same genus as D. seneyalemis
and D. tricolor. I became acquainted with the two latter
(which I supposed were one, never suspecting that I had
met with two species of these birds) at Efulen, and there
learned to kuow their various calls, which I have since heard
them (or one of them) make at Bitye, in the Ja region (see
' The Ibis,' 1908, p. 333) . At Bitye I shot several of D. bocagei
at different times. I found them skulking in the foliage of

d2

36 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field-Notes on the

trees, in exactly the same manner as the species I had collected
at Efulen, and uttering the same calls.

1203. Lanius mackinnoni. [Asanze, or Asese.]
Fiscus mackinnoni Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 328.
I have a little to add to my note in ' The Ibis ' about this
bird. Once in a cassava-patch, on a thorn-like twig of some
dead bush, I found a partly eaten body of a young bird
impaled. That I lay this crime at the door of the Asanze
is only because I know that its relatives in other lands are
" butcher-birds.'' But against the evil which I only suspect,
I hasten to tell the good that I know of this bird. For, though
usually silent and morose, when the right mood comes it is
a sweet singer. Its notes are slow and scattering, but varied
and sweet, and it introduces clever imitations of other birds.
I have thus noted hearing the querulous cry of the Coly
and the call of Pycnonotus gahonensis mimicked perfectly by
this Shrike. Once, while an Asanze was watched singing, its
mate was seen to come and perch close beside it, while the
singer continued his song.

1235. DicRURUs ATRiPENNis. [Eboudi, or Fa-Beti.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 354.

This is the common forest-Drongo in all localities. In my
account of the ejah, or company of little birds wandering
and feeding together in the forest (' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 462),
1 named this as nearly always the most conspicuous bird of
the pjak. On reading, in Mr. Swynnerton's first paper on
the Birds of Gazaland, of *' the habit of this species [Dicrurus
aftr] of assuming the leadership of the flocks of small birds
so often met with " (' The Ibis,' 1907, p. 72), it struck me that
my " ejak " was something similar to what was mentioned
there. It never occurred to me that the Dicrurus here in
Kamerun was the leader of the ejak in any other sense than
being the noisiest bird in it, the continual calling of which
served to keep the company together, just as the gruff
barking of a " father " monkey keeps a troop of monkeys
together among the tree-tops.

Birds of Southern Kamerun, 37

1237. DicRURUs sHARPii Oust. [Fa-Beti.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 355.

This smaller Drongo I never found about Efulen. In my
former note I said that " perhaps it does not venture out
into the depths of the forest, where D. atripennis is at home.^'
A longer acquaintance inclines me to modify this only by
striking out the word " perhaps/'

A specimen shot just after leaving its nest proved to be a
sitting female. The nest was a neatly woven little cup,
composed of fine rootlets and stems with some lichens stuck
in, and attached or slung, hammock-fashion, to two twigs,
hanging between them, with the rim on a level with the
twigs. It was held together and to the twigs by gossamer
threads. The nest was small for the size of the bird,
measuring 55 mm. in width inside. There was one egg in it
and no trace of another. It measured 24 X 15*5 mm.

[One egg of a long, pointed oval form and almost devoid
of gloss. The ground-colour is of a pinkish cream-colour,
with a very faintly marked zone of indistinct lilac spots
round the larger end. — O.-G.]

Lamprocolius splendidus glaucovirens. [Kwang.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 357.

The Kwang (the name pronounced in a high explosive
tone to imitate the ringing call of the bird) is found in all
places where I have collected. It visits trees which bear the
fruits that it eats, especially the '' aseng " {Musanga smithii),
wherever they are found, but is more frequently seen in the
opener country than in the forest. It perches high, and in
this and in its brilliant dress and ringing cries exhibits a
sort of proud, or martial, bearing. Besides its usual stirring
call, it sometimes utters a loud but sweet piping note, like
that of the American Red-winged Blackbird. When it flies
it makes a rushing sound with the wings ; and it does not
do so only occasionally and voluntarily, but always. The
Kwang are inclined to gather together in flocks to feed, and
sometimes collect in large companies to go to roost. But
I have seen such flocks seldom. I once had a notion that

38 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

these birds go away at certain seasons^ but find this to be a
mistake.

No. 2693, a sitting female of this species, was caught by
a boy in its hole one evening in August. The hole was
described as a large knot-hole in a living tree, only a few-
feet from the ground, but in a marsh (" ^ngas " — see under
Centropus monachus above, p. 13). The boy brought a rough,
flat nest, composed entirely of leaf-petioles, which he said
he took from the bottom of the hollow, and two eggs ;
these measured 31'5 x 245 mm. and 31 x 24 mm.

[Two eggs are of a regular oval shape and almost devoid
of gloss, the whole shell being somewliat rough to touch
and slightly pitted. The ground-colour is pale greenish-
blue, sparingly marked all over with spots and blotches of
pale reddish-brow^u and lilac-grey. — O.-G.]

1264. Lamprocolius purpureiceps Verr. [Kwang-
Metondo.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 356.

This species is called in Bulu from the name of the small
tree on the fruit of which it is fond of feeding. It is a
rather retiring and quiet bird, never seen in numbers except
in the wild fruit-trees where it feeds, and seldom using its
voice, though I have heard it make what seemed a feeble
imitation of the clanging call of its larger and more con-
spicuous relative.

One day in June, near Efulen, I saw two of these birds
repeatedly enter a high knot-hole, coming every time from
the limb of a large tree, where there may have been lichens
or moss ; they were evidently building. I shot one (I am
almost ashamed to say) and it proved to be a breeding male
(No. 819). Two days after two more birds were seen to
enter the same hole, and one was seen to have a little stick
in its bill. Had the female w'hom my shot left a widow got
another mate so soon ?

1287. P(EOPTERA LUGUBRis. [Mboyom.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 356.

These birds are most frequently seen in flocks of about

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 39

two dozen. They have not often been heard to use their
voices, but I have detected faint little cries, like feeble
imitations of the ringing " kwang " of the chief of their
family. Their quick flight in perfect unison, with their
long tails all pointing the same way, reminded me of a lot
of little fishes darting in a clear stream.

The boy who shot my last two specimens, a breeding male
and a breeding female, said that there were a number of them
about a dead tree-trunk that had holes in it, like the holes
of the Ovol {Gymnobucco).

They eat the same fruits as the other Starlings. The
colour of the iris is bright yellow.

1312. Malimbus nitens. [Nga'a-minkan.]
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 352.

In the great forest, which reaches its fullest development
in the hilly country around Efulen, the path of the hunter
often leads him over the pebbly bed of a stream, where he
wades through the clear water and dodges the overhanging
branches and vines. Attached to these overhanging branches,
not much higher than his head over the water of the brook,
he often sees Weavers' nests, in size and structure much like
those of the common village Hijphantornis, but woven of
different materials — long rootlets or runners, such as would
be found in the forest. These are the nests of Malimbus
nitens. They are nearly always empty, for the builders
never seem to use them but once, and are always seeking
some new and more retired spot. There is never more than
one nest in a place. The only egg I ever found has already
been described (' Ibis,' 1908, p. 352).

1313. Malimbus cassini. [Nga'a-minkan.]
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 352.

No. 104-9. ? ad. In 'The Ibis' (I.e.) this specimen has
been put under Melanopteryx nigerrimus. Though the
plumage is perfectly black, the bird differs from the adulc male
of Melanopteryx nigerrimus in the following particulars : — Bill
slenderer and at the same time shorter (culmen 15*5 mm.),
in Melanopteryx nigerrimus the culmen is never less than

40 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

18 mm.; culmen ridged aud narrow, while that of 3/. nigcr-
rimus is rounded and broad ; smooth at base^ while in every
one of the score of specimens of M. nigerrimus examiaed
the culmen is crossed near the base by wave-like wrinkles.
Feet smaller and darker in colour than in M. nigerrimus.
Besides, this is a female bird, and only the male of M.
nigerrimus is black. And this bird was certainly the mate
of No. 1048, a male Malimbus cassini, reported in ' The
Ibis ' (I. s. c).

Nos. 1048 and 10 i9 were both shot by myself at their
nest in the forest, high up in a Calamus or vine-palm. To
quote from my notebook : — '' The nest was in plain sight,
but not conspicuous, because of its resemblance to the dry
fronds of the palm. The long entrance pointed diagonally
downwards, and its walls were so thin as to be transparent, so
that the birds could be seen through it entering and leaving.
The two birds were coming aud going, as if feeding their
young. The perfectly black specimen (No. 1049) was shot
first, and the other when it returned, ten or fifteen minutes
later. We could not get the nest." I well remember the
gallant efforts the two little boys with me made to climb the
surrounding trees and so to reach the nest, for a vine-palm,
with its stem thickly set with long prickles, is unclimbable.
After giving that up we all tried to haul down the vine, but it
was too firmly anchored to the surrounding tree-tops by the
strong barbs on the tips of its fronds. The birds' castle was
impregnable, as it certainly would have been, also, to pre-
datory beasts and snakes. So far as I remember, the tubular
entrance to this nest was two or three feet long. The nest
seemed to be woven of narrow shreds torn from the leaves
of the palm. Though the weaving was open, with many
interstices, it seemed to be neat.

No. 1538, $ (culmen 15*5 mm.), is exactly like No. 1049.

No. 2515, ? (culmen 16'5 mm.), is exactly like No. 1049.
My boy brought in along with this No. 2514, another male
Malimbus cassini reported in ' The Ibis' (/. c), and said that
he had shot the two together.

This seems to be the first discovery of the female of
Malimbus cassini, and also the first Malimbus that is entirely

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 41

black |iu both sexe^. In other species of the genus the
females have more black than the males.

Malimbus coronatus. [Nga'a-minkan.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 352, pi. vii.

No. 1865. ? . This specimen is another perfectly black
female, which was previously entered under Melanopteryx
mgerrimus (' The Ibis/ 1908, p. 350). It is exactly like No.
1049, and if I am right in considering it the female of the
present species, M. cassini and M. coronatus have the females
just alike. The evidence for naming it as I have done is less
conclusive than in the case of No. 1049. I believe No, 1865
to have been the mate of No. 1864, the type of Dr. Sharpe's
Malimbus coronatus; but I did not shoot the pair myself.
The boy who brought them to me said that he shot the two at
their nest, and he brought the nest along to shew me. I do
not believe that he was either deceiving me or mistaken.

The nest which the boy brought was quite different from
that of M. cassini described above, being large, but with the
entrance only six inches long, and was woven mostly of
tendrils, with the ends bristling out, giving it a rough
appearance.

1315. Malimbus malimbicus. [Nga'a-minkan.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 351.

This red-crested species is perhaps the commonest member
of this interesting genus of Ploceidse, in which the bright red
colours blossoming out at some part of their ebony plumage
remind one of the surprisingly bright flowers sometimes seen
on the black forest tree-trunks ; both flowers and birds are
characteristic of the great forest.

No. 1625 was shot (by myself) near its nest, from which
it had just come out. The nest was hung from the long
thorny rhachis of a Calamus, or climbing palm, about 20 feet
from the ground. It was in plain sight, but protected by its
position on the long, swaying, thorny leaf-stalk. This nest
was more roughly built than that of Malimbus cassini, and
the downward-pointing opening was short and ragged. The
material seemed to be strips of the leaves of the palm on
which it was hung.

42 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Nutes on the

The Bulu name of all species of MaUmbus means "Weaver
of the vine-palms/'' from the favourite nesting-place of many
of them.

1329. Ploceus bicolor.

Reich. V. A. iii. p. 34.

Sycobrotus bicolor Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 349.

A common inhabitant of the smaller sort of second-growth
forest that springs up on land once cleared and then left for
a few years — a sort of forest found very extensively in the
Ja district. The bird was never seen at Efulen, where the
primeval forest prevails. It seeks its insect-food in the tree-
tops or the under bushes and brush, in the dry season making
a great rattling among the dry leaves of the underbrusli
when foraging. Sometimes I have thought, from the
beating and rattling noise I heard, that some antelope or pig
must be walking about in a thicket, but have found nothing
but one of these yellow birds. This species has a little song
of a high pitch, ending in a long drawn out "chee-e-e !"
which sounds rather sweet. This it is continually singing.
A male not breeding has been shot while uttering the
little song ; and two female specimens, if my boys, w'ho shot
them, may be believed, were also singing when shot.

Many of my specimens have been shot at their nests. The
pair (Nos. 15G2 and 1563) were killed at one shot, one being
inside the nest and the other perched at the entrance. The
nest is of the ordinary Weaver shape, i. e. a globe with a
downward-pointing entrance or vestibule on one side, the
latter short, not a long tube as in nests of some kinds of
MaUmbus. It is woven of small weed-stems and tendrils,
and is rather bulky and rough. Nests of this bird are
most frequently found in a kind of small thorny tree
called " bougo.^* Probably the thorns or prickles, which
thickly cover the twigs or leaf-petioles to which the nests are
attached, afford protection against marauders.

The eggs, when found in the nests, were two in number,
and two that I saved measured 20*5 x 14"5 mm. and
20 X 14 mm.

Birds of Southern Kameriin. 43

[Two eggs arc of a rather pointed oval shape and pure
white.— O.-G.]

1335. Ploceus dorso-maculatus,

Phormopledes dorsomaculatus Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 349.

The specimens of this bird were all obtained recently
around Bitye, killed by my boys. They seem to have
been found in such places as the last species {Ploceus
bicolor), and to eat the same sort of food, mostly insects.
No. 2438 was killed along with its young. No. 2439, in a
curious manner. The boy caught the young one first and
tied a string to its foot, and held it thus tethered while he
hid himself and waited. The old bird (the father, not the
mother) came " with a fruit iu its mouth " to give the
young one, when the boy killed it with a stick. The
"fruit" was probably a spider, a leg of which I found iu
the bird^s mouth.

1346. Ploceus nigricollis. [Ngas.]
Heteryphantes nigricollis Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 348.
This is one of the commonest birds in clearings and in small
second-growth bushes in every place where I have collected.
But though common it is rather silent ond retiring. In my
note which was published in * The Ibis ' (1908, p. 349), but
was written two or three years ago, in saying that it " makes
a great rustling of leaves," I had confused Ploceus bicolor
with this bird. Then I had likewise not learned to dis-
tinguish the nests of the two species, and the words " with
a very short entrance and somewhat roughly made " apply
better to nests of Sycohrotus bicolor. The nests of the
'* Ngas " are somewhat smaller, have the entrance or vesti-
bule a little longer, and are a little better woven and of finer
materials — fine w^eed or grass-stems, although in general the
nests of the two species look alike. " Ngas's " nests are
found very often — generally old and deserted ones — hanging
on bushes, not on trees. Other smaller birds, or at least the
little Flycatcher Poedilorhynchus carnerunensis , use these
second-hand nests to breed in, so that eggs found in a
Ngas's nest are not always eggs of the Ngas.

44 Mr. Cx. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

But I have found undoubted eggs of the Ngas; never
more than two in a nest. Measurements of seven such eggs
vary but little, 20-22 mm. in length by 14-15 mm. in
breadth.

[Nine eggs are of a long, rather pointed oval shape, and
possess a certain amount of gloss. They present three types
of coloration, viz. : pure white ; pale bluish-green, finely and
rather sparingly freckled all over with lilac-grey and umber-
brown ; and pale pinkish-white, thickly freckled all over with
light red and pale lavender-grey. — O.-G.]

1359. Ploceus cucullatus. [Nga'a (pi. Benga'a).]

Hyphantornis cucullatus Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 348.

These Weavers follow man in all his migrations in this
country as inevitably as do rats and sparrows. No sooner is a
clearing made and stakes set in the ground for a new village
than " Benga'a " begin to build in the nearest tree. A
plantain or a palm-tree is chosen by preference, as furnishing
not only a site but material close to hand for the nests ; but
any kind of tree will do. The more populous the village and
the greater the hubbub of village life, the better are the birds
pleased, adding to the noise their own shrill chatter. This
strange predilection for public and noisy places, so contrary
to the instinct of most birds, is not hard to account for, since
these birds thus incidentally obtain man's protection against
birds and beasts of prey. No place is so safe from hawks
and snakes as the village street. Though boys kill a good
many Benga'a, especially at planting-time, when they pull
up the young shoots of corn as soon as they appear above
ground, in order to get the sprouting grain beneath, yet the
number killed by man does not seem to affect the population
of the colonies. Killing numbers of them will not frighten
them away, and tearing down their nests only makes them
build the more furiously. They have a perfect mania for
building, and when not building new nests are all the time
repairing the old ones. They often destroy palm-trees by
stripping them bare of their leaves.

One day I watched a boy pull down the Benga'a's nests

Birds of Surithern Kamernn. 45

from a palm-tree by means of a long " bamboo " (really it
was a palm-stalk) with a loop on the end. I made the following
note : — " Not an hour after the nests were torn down the
birds were busy building again. A few old shells of nests
the boy had left untouched, and the birds set to work to repair
these. Both males and females were busy at it, though the
latter worked so quietly that they were scarcely noticed at
first. They seemed to find some difficulty in tearing off the
tough leaves of the palm where the nests were, so, giving
these up, they went to neighbouring plantations, where the
leaves were much tenderer. One was seen to bring a ribbon
of plantain-leaf nearly an inch wide, and enter an old nest
with it. After the bird had been inside a few seconds, a
loop of the ribbon was seen to emerge from the side of the
nest. . . . The very beginning of a new nest was seen also.
It consisted of a wreath of strips woven together between two
separated palm-leaflets, with the rhachis of the frond for one
side.'' Thus the birds began with the part of the nest that was
attached to the palm-frond, and from this circle they would
weave the body or sack of the nest on one side and the
vestibule on the other.'' This is doubtless the way in which
the nests of all the larger Weavers are constructed.

It is the males of the Nga'a that utter the incessant shrill
chattering song, doing so usually while supporting themselves,
partly by holding on with their feet and partly by fluttering
the wings, at the entrance to the nest.

Two eggs are found in a nest. They vary much in
colour and markings, but, so far as I have yet seen, both
eggs of the same nest are alike. Three eggs that I have
saved, from three separate nests, shewing variations in
markings and colour, agree remarkably in size, each measuring
25 X 16 mm.

[Three eggs are of elongate oval form and are very slightly
glossed. They are of three types, viz. : pure white; bluish-
green, sparingly marked all over with spots of umber-brown
and blotches of lilac-grey, some of which are very pale ; and
lastly white, marked rather sparingly all over with small
spots of dull maroon and pale grey. — O.-G.]

46 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

1350. INIelanopteryx nigerrimus. [Eyeles6_, or Evindi
N^a'a.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 350.

Ploceus nlgerriinus Reich. V. A. iii. p. 50.

The note already published (' Ibis/ 1908, p. 350) gives in a
ieyv words nearly all that I can say of the habits of these birds.
The Bulu often call tliem by the same name as Hyphantornis
cucullatus, or " Nga'a," and for distinction " Evindi " {i. e.
" black ") " Nga''a." The reason for applying to two birds
of such different appearance the same name is evident when
one knows their hal)its. The two species not only build
nests exactly alike and in the same situations^ but often
mingle their nests together in the same colony. Moreover,
the females and the young males of the two are much alike,
and the t^vo species live on the same farinaceous food, and
have muscular stomachs or gizzards, while the other Weavers
of the same size found here live mostly on insects. While
the other Weavers build solitary nests, a pair in a place in
an inconspicuous situation, and never go about in flocks, the
present species, like Hyphantornis cucullatus, is seldom seen
except in flocks, and builds in colonics in conspicuous places
about villages. From seeing these birds in life it would
seem natural to me to put them and Hyphantornis in the
same genus, as the Bulu do, and not in the same genus with
Sycobrotus, &c.

No. 2000. Imm., sex ? Bitye, R, Ja, Oct. 25, 1906.
Stomach full of insect bits.

No. 2349. ? ad. Bitye, March 17, 1907. Small ova in
ovary. Stomach not muscular, containing black scales.
Iris whitish : feet dark (not quite black). Length of
culmen 18 ram.

No. 2-411. (^ imm. Bitye, March 30, 1907. Stomach
(non-muscular) containing insect bits. Iris yellowish white.

Nos. 2829, 2830. S ? ad. Bitye, Oct. 29, 1907. Both
shot by a boy " in ejak." The stomachs of both contained
insect bits, mainly grasshoppers. Both had the iris whitish,
and the feet dark or black. Length of culmen of male
18 mm., of female 16 mm.

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 47

No. 2834. $ imm. Bitye, Oct. 31, 1907. Stomacli con-
tainino; hard dry seeds and bits of some large insect. Iris
wliitisli ; feet dark. Length of culmen 17 mm. This bird
is greyish and monlting, the new feathers being black.

The first three of these birds were put under Melanopterijx
nigerrimusm a previous paper ('The Ibis/ 1908, p. 350) ; the
other three have been collected since the lot reported on in
Dr. Sharpe's paper.

These birds, of whicb the adults are perfectly black and
the young dark grey, differ from the black adult males of
Melanopteryx nigerrimiis as follows : — [a) In the colour of
the iris, which in that bird is conspicuously yellow, while
in these it is conspicuously whitish. This is the point that
I first noticed, and is what led me to note other points of
difference, [h) The feet of all six birds are dark or black ;
those of M. nigeri'imus flesh-coloured and also larger, (c) The
culmen is ridged and narrow in these birds ; the pits for the
nostrils are also very large, [d) Some of them are females,
Avhicli in Melanopteryx would not be black, {e) These birds
have non-muscular stomachs and seem to live largely on
insects.

These birds differ also from the perfectly black females
o? Malimbus that I have found: — (a) In the whitish iris —
in Malimbus it is brown, so far as I have noted, and my
attention was particularly drawn to that point ; {b) in the
longer bills — note measurements above ; (c) in that some of
them are males.

I make this note of these six specimens to call attention
to them. They do not seem to belong to any species that 1
know. I do not even know what genus to put them in,
for they have no red in their plumage, not even the males,
and so cannot go into Malimbus ; and they are debarred
from Melanopteryx by the fact that the males and females
are alike. Perhaps they are Alexander's Melanopteryx nuw-
welli from Fernando Po (' The Ibis,' 1903, p. 355).

1354. Ploceus fusco-castaneus (Boc).

Cinnamopteryx fusco-castaneus Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 350.

This species seems to belong to the solitary and insect-

48 Mr. G. L. Bitten— Field -Notes on the

eating group of Weavers, and not to be placed naturally so
near to Melanopteryx nigerrimus as it is in the ' Vogel
Afrikas/ Nos. 1854 and 1855 were evidently a pair, shot
together, as so man}' of my specimens of Malimbus have
been. No. 2626, the young one, was in company with a
Malimbus rubricollis in an ejak in the forest.

Amblyospiza saturata. [K6-Es6ug.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 353.

This bird I have found only in the Ja district, and there
only in localities where there are extensive patches of the
big cane-like grass Panicum maocimum, or " esong " in
Bulu. The Bulu name of this bird is the name of the grass
combined with '' km," meaning " parrot.^' The name
*' parrot" must be given on account of the big bill of these
Weavers, or because, when perched, they hold themselves in
a peculiar parrot-like erect position, made necessary, ap-
parently, by the weight of their bills. Once, while watching
one of these birds thus perched, I saw it open its mouth and
heard it sing a pretty little canary-like song, consisting
of some "cheeps" ending in a trill.

Though the bird is not very plentiful here, a number of
its nests have been found and shown to me, mostly by one
man, who seems to have discovered a place where they
nest, though they do not, I think, build together in a close
colony. The nests are large globes, six inches or more in
diameter, attached by one or both sides to stems of the
(^song grass or to other plant-stems. They are always woven
entirely of fine shreds resembling flax both in fibre and in
colour. From what plant the bird gets them I do not know,
perhaps from the inner stems of the esong also, which the
bird could bruise and fray out with its strong bill and then
tear off in fine shreds. The weaving is closer and neater
than that of most Weavers. In some of the nests the en-
trance is a mere hole in the side of the globe, and the edges
of the hole have a finished look, all ends being tucked in,
and a " selvedge edge " formed. Seeing such a nest one
would suppose that it was finished, and that this bird builds
no vestibule as other Weavers do. But other nests have a

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 49

vestibule built down two or three inches from this hole,
growing smaller to the lower end, where the opening is not
more than 30-35 mm. in diameter, and this vestibule shews
traces of several selvedge edges at different heights, as if
the bird had more than once intended to " call the job done''
and then afterwards added further material.

The number of eggs found in a nest when the clutch seems
complete is two or three ; when a single egg is found it
would probably be followed by one or two more. The eggs
in a clutch of three measured 21-22x16 mm., but these
were shorter than my other specimens, which measured
23-24-5 by 155-17 mm.

[The eight eggs vary in shape from a rather blunt to an
oblong oval, and are practically devoid of gloss. The ground-
colour varies from Avhite or creamy white to pale rufous, and
is sparingly marked all over with spots and dots of pale
brown, light red, or dull maroon-red, which are more
numerous towards the larger end, where they are often more
or less concentrated into a zone. — O.-G.]

1421. Pyro-melaxa flammiceps. [Kuleso.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 343.

I have seen this bird only in the region of the Ja, where
it is common, and at the breeding-season very conspicuous.
The males change from the plain to the breeding-plumage
in July. After that they are often seen, like great flaming
red flowers blossoming on the bushes and tall grass of v.aste
ground, for the remaining months of the year. I have seen
nests and eggs in September, October, and November. The
birds lose their gorgeous dress about January, and pass the
following months in plain sparrow-like plumage, males and
females looking alike. They go about then in small flocks
and attract little attention.

In a recent article in 'The Ibis' (1908, p. 269)
Mr. Ogilvie-Grant reports a bird in Mr. Carruthers's col-
lection, obtained at Kasongo on the Upper Congo, as having
partially assumed the breeding-plumage ; the date was in
January. With this agrees the statement of Bohm quoted

SER. IX. VOL. TIT. E

50 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

by Reiclienow, that he found eggs at Kakoma from the be-
ginning of April to the end of j\Iay. Kakoma, in German
East Africa, is in about 6° S. lat., and Kasongo in about
4° S. lat. Thus, if the dates are correct, the times of
breeding and changing plumage in this species at my place
in W. Africa, a little north of the Equator, are exactly the
reverse of those in Central and East Africa, a little south of
the Equator.

The breeding males use all means to attract attention. As
if their flaming plumage ^vas not enough in itself, they perch
on the most prominent bushes and grass-tops, and fly from
place to place slowly and with much fluttering of wings, all
the while singing their little chattering, but rather sweet,
song.

The nests are about the size and something of the shape
ofthoseof the Ngas [Heteryphantes nigricollis). But they
are more loosely constructed than those of most Weavers,
and have the entrance wide, and its edges with all the ends
loose, giving them an unfinished appearance. Iq this and in
the use of many fine grass-tops for the inside or lining of
the structure, and more particularly in the fact that the nests
are not hung or tied to a twig but merely set in the forks,
these birds shew their relationship to the Spermestine division
of the family rather than to the Ploceine.

The number of eggs found in a nest is two or three.
Five that were measured varied thus : 18-20 x 14-145 mm.

[Six eggs of the species are of a somewhat oval form and
distinctly glossy. The ground-colour is pale greenish-blue,
and is generally very sparingly marked, especially towards
the larger end, with rounded spots of purplish-black or deep
purplish-lilac. — O.-G.]

1447. Spermestes cucullata. [Aseleke.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 345.

With this bird we come to the first species of the tiny
Weavers that go about in flocks when not breeding and
here form such an interesting part of the bird-world in
open grassy places ;they all avoid the dark forest. This

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 51

particular species I. never found at Efulen, but it is common
on the Ja, where the open country is more extensive. On
my way from the interior down towards Efulen and the coast,
at many grassy and reedy places near the streams along the
road, I saw little flocks of this species. Perched on grass-
stems all around, they would wait till one was almost
■opposite to them on the path, and then fly up together
with the faintest little twittering sounds, and move in
perfect unison, like a squad of well-drilled little soldiers
with their neat black and brown and white uniforms, to a
new station a little further on.

1450. Spermestes poexsis. [Aseleke, or Ejile.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 314.

This species is common in every district where I have
been, including the Njiem (or Zima) country down the Ja,
though, of course, it is confined strictly to the open village-
cleariugs. Both kinds of Aseleke are caught by boys in
snares baited with tender grains of corn.

Nests of these birds are not infrequently found in the tops
of the small trees about the villages. A very favourite site
is in the thick tree-top formed by the sprouts that grow
out- from the tall stump left after a tree has been cut down
some ten or twelve feet from the ground, as is the common
practice near villages, for fear of the wind blowing the tall
trees down on the houses. Into such a low and thick tree-
top I watched a little Spermestes poensis fly repeatedly, each
time bearing a long bunch of the grey beard-like Usneu that
it brought from the limb of a tall old forest tree not far
away. It flew with evident effort, for the bunch was much
longer than the bird itself. This plant is a favourite
building-material of this species. Often the outside of the
bulky nest is of this, and the inside, with the tubular
entrance, is of fine adhesive and hair-like grass-tops. The
nest is shaped like a water-bottle laid on its side, with the
mouth and neck horizontal.

Eggs of difi^erent species of Spermestes and Estrilda have
been shown me a number of times in the nests, but usually it

e2

52 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

is impossible to be certain to -vvhich species they belong. In
one nest were five nestlings, and in another six, which in
both cases were old enough to shew that they were those of
Spermestes jjoensis. When the tiny thiugs opened their
mouths they displayed bright yellow palates and tongues,
with circular black lines runniug around the inside o£ the
mouth.

1488 e. EsTRiLDA astrild occidextalis. [Zok-Osesang.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 343.

This is another hird which I have found only at the Ja,
where there is so much country suitable for these grass-
dwelling little Weavers. It is smaller than any of the
other species found here, as its body after skinning proves,
though measurements of the wing and tail shew no difference
from its nearest relatives. It is in joking allusion to its
size that the native boys name it " Zok Osesang " {" zok ^'
meaning " elephant ") .

1496. EsTRiLDA MELPODA. [Oscsaug, Osanzc, or Ejile.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 344.

This is a common little species both about Efulen and at
the Ja, but I have never found its nest — at least a nest that 1
knew certainly to belong to it. It has been heard on two or
three occasions singing a pretty song.

1499. EsTRiLDA ATRiCAPiLLA. [Oscsaug, Osanzc, or

Ejile.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 343.

This is the most abundant Estrilda in every place where I
have collected. Two of my specimens (they were not breed-
ing, for the month was March) were caught after dark by
boys in an old Ngas's nest {HeterJnjphantes nif/ncoUis), where
they had gone to roost.

Among the numerous nests of Estrildine birds shown to
me that Avere not certainly identified, one nest, and I think
two, undoubtedly belonged to this species. A little girl at
Efulen found one nest and saw the bird go in ; she quickly
closed the entrance with her hand and brought me the nest

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 53

with the little prisoner in it, besides two eggs. This nest was
of the water-bottle shape already described under Sjjermestes
poensis, but was composed entirely of fine grass-tops, with
no Usnea. The girl found it set in the forks of a shrub
at about the height of her shoulders from the ground.
Another nest at Efulen, which I have good reason to think
belonged to Estrilda atricapiUa, was very curious iu that it
was double. Above was a water-bottle-shaped, nest like that
just described, and it was empty. Below was an addition
pressed against the main nest like a small growing onion
flattened against a larger. The addition had an entrance
of its own, and contained five little white eggs. It seemed
to be used for breeding-purposes, while the main nest was
used merely for a sleeping-place, probably by several birds.

Different reasons make me think that in this and other
Spermestince several of the little hen birds lay in the same
nest. The five eggs just mentioned were all fresh, and if one
bird had laid them all the first would already be somewhat
incubated. The nests are extremely large for such small
birds, and Avould probably he built by several in partnership.
Five and six (note the six young of Spermestes poensis above)
is an unusually large number to be the brood of one small
bird in this country.

The two eggs brought by the little girl mentioned above
measured 1 3 x 10 mm. The five eggs from the double nest
were just like them, but a trifle longer — 1 1-14'5 mm. long
by 10-10-5 broad.

[Five eggs are of a rather long and perfectly oval form,
pure white and. ahnost devoid of gloss. — O.-G.]

1539. Vtdua SERENA. [Bcndenga-Oscsang.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 343.

Though found Avlierever I have collected much, this Widow-
bird is nowhere abundant. Even the breeding males have
not been seen very often, and of course the others attract
very little attention. Whenever I have seen the plain birds
they have been mingled in the flocks of little Estrilda.

The breeding males fly with much jerking of their long

54 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field-Notes on the

tails — for display, not because of any difficulty in supporting^
them. Sometimes an individual remains in the air at one spot
for some moments^ fluttering its Avings and waving its tail.
While doing this I have heard one make a vigorous twittering
noise ; another, perched on a dead tree, was heard to sing
a few notes that could really be called a song.

These birds have beeu seen in their breeding-plumage and
recorded in June, July, and August, while probably they keep
it longer — perhaps for the same months as Pyromelana, of
which an account was given above.

1545. Passer griseus. [Mvakumba.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 342.

The nests of these Sparrows are loose piles of trash,
including feathers of fowls. They are placed in all sorts
of situations about a village, STich as on the ridge-poles of
houses under the projecting roofs, and in bunches of plantains
and bananas growing behind the dwellings. Two eggs or
nestlings are found in a nest. The eggs measure 21 x 15 mm.

[The eggs are of a rather broad pointed oval shape and
slightly glossy. The ground-colour is white or yellowish-
white, heavily blotched and spotted over the greater part of
the shell with dark lilac-grey and umber-brown. In one egg
the grey markings predominate and a good deal of the
ground-colour is visible ; in the second the brown markings
are numerous and cover the greater i)art of the shell. —
O.-G.]

1614. Emberiza cabanisi.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 342.

The Bunting of this country sings a well-marked little
song — not very pretty, but a song in intention, — which can
never be mistaken when once heard. It sings perched on a
twig in some of the smaller trees of the open land around
the villages. The white on its outer tail-feathers, seen from
beneath, gives the tail the apiDcarance of being forked.

1C30. MoTACiLLA VIDUA. [Amalaka.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 341.

On the few occasions on which I have seen this (or a

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 55

similar) black-and-Avhite Wagtail, the bird has been walking
with its characteristic motion on the mud or sand or drift-
wood at the margin of a stream, or flying swiftly over the
water from one such place to another, sometimes with a
sharp cry. But my specimen (No. 1873) was obtained while
walking in the village street. Wading birds are often seen
in such a situation, but this bird was shot in July, and was
probably a resident (unless it could possibly have been on
migration from the south).

1636. MoTACiLLA FLAVA. [Amalaka.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 341.

The Yellow Wagtail is often seen in the village streets
and much-frequented paths in the latter part of October, in
November, and even in December. I have not yet noted it
in other months. If it goes further south and returns
again in the spring, I have failed to observe it ou its return.

16-47- Anthus trivialis.
Reich. V. A. iii. p. 311.

No. 2910. ? . Bitye, near the River Ja, Feb. 23, 1908.
Shot in a cassava-patch.

1743. Phyllostrephus clamans. [Mali.]

Bleda clamans Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 460.

In this paper I have not often departed from Dr. Sharpe's
naming of my birds. But I am glad of any authority that
I can follow in removing this bird and others of Reichenow's
genus Phyllostrephus from such close association with Bleda
notata and B. syndactyla. These last are not only quite
different in appearance, but are forest-haunting, insect-eating
birds, often caught in snares among the dead leaves on the
ground, whereas the species of Phyllostrephus mentioned in
this paper are birds of the opener country, never caught
in snares on the ground, while they live on fruit, and have
lively and peculiar call-notes, in wdiich the different species
resemble each other.

The present species is given by the Bulu the same name
as the Indicator, " Mali,^' probably from the resemblance in
colour, and especially in the white outer tail-feathers. It is

56 Mr. Gr. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

a bird often found in the primeval forest, but still oftener in
the second-growth forest, like that mentioned under Ploceus
hicolor (above, p. 42), which consists largely of "aseng^'
trees (Musanga smithii), on the fruit of which it feeds. Its
principal food is fruit, but it eats insects also. It has a
call which I may express as " pee-ew ! ^' uttered with energy,
and accompanied by the spreading of the tail so as to display
the white feathers. It has another note which may be called
its song, using the Avord '^^song" with some latitude. Once
I came upon several of these birds in the tree-tops near
together, answering each other with " pee-ew ! " But usually
they are found singly or a pair together. No. 1869 was
shot while crying " pee-ew ! " and spreading its tail ; it was
a female and in breeding condition. After it was shot its
mate was heard crying " pee-ew ! " followed by a little song,
though it was not seen. Nos. 1918 and 1919 were also
mates that were answering each other.

Phyllostrephus indicator (Reich. \ . A. iii. p. 390) probably
has similar ways and a similar voice. It cannot be distin-
guished from P. damans unless it is in the hand, and some
of the birds observed may have been P. indic(dor. But those
that were seen and afterwards shot, so as to be identified,
belonged to P. damans.

Phyllostrephus viridescentior. [Ntyando.]

Pycnonotus viridescentior Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 464.

No. 2509. ? ad. Iris brown ; feet blue ; bill black. Two
large empty sheaths of ova in ovary; oviduct large. Caught
on the nest, at evening.

The nest was a shallow cup exactly like that of Pycnonotus
gobonensis, set in the triple fork of an " okom " bush, and was
found not far from the village. It was composed of shreds
of the bark of weeds and leaf-petioles, with fine grass-stems
inside. It measured internally in the two diameters 65
and 55 mm. The two eggs found in it measured 25*5 x
17 mm. and 23*5 x 17 mm.

[Two eggs are of an elongated pointed oval shape and
slightly glossy. The ground-colour is pale greenish-white.

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 57

with obscure clouded markings of olive and grey concen-
trated into an irregular zone round the larger end; over
these lie various irregular lines and scrolls of umber-brown,
producing a marbled appearance. — O.-G.]

1754. Phyllostrephus simplex. [Nkes.]

Bleda simplex Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 459.

The " Nkes " is not a retiring bird. When I called it
"shy^^ in my former note (' The Ibis/ 1905, p. 96) I ought
to have spelled it " shj.'' Its peculiar " talk '' is one of the
commonest sounds in the bushes about villages, yet it flits
about so quickly and liides so adroitly that it is haixl to
shoot. And when I said "it goes alone or in pairs," I
might as well have omitted the word " alone." I never saw
any other bird so continually accompanied by its mate. A
pair of them seem inseparable and are always very near
each other. When one " talks/' the other chimes in so
promptly that the two often sound like one bird ; and in the
days before I was fully acquainted with the " Nkes " I must
have often supposed that I heard only one when there were
really two.

1756. Phyllostrephus flavigula (Cab.). [Nkes.]

Bleda flavigula Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 458.

No. 2386. ? ; oviduct and abdomen of a sitting bird.
Bitye, March 28, 1907.

This bird is called in Bulu by the same name as P. simplex,
and my boys, who have shot it, say that it is similar in habits
and voice to that bird. My specimen (No. 2386) was caught
on the nest. This much resembles that of Pycnonotus
gabonensis except in material, for it is entirely made of rather
coarse leaf-petioles, with a few dry leaves in the base, and
some brown adhesive woolly fibre-like cobweb holding it
together on the outside. It was set in the angle of a palm-
leaf stalk. The one egg was too much broken to measure,
but appeared to be about the size of that of Pycnonotus
gabonensis.

[A broken egg appears to have been of a blunt pointed
oval shape and slightly glossy. The ground-colour is pale

58 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field-Notes on the

creamy-white^ covered all over with spots of umber-brown
and with spots and small blotches of dark grey and lilac-grey,
most numerous round the larger end. — O.-G.]

1759. Phyllostrephus orientalis.

Phyllastrephus scandeus orientalis Reich. Y. A. iii. p. 398.

Nos. 2873. S, 2874. ? , 2881. <S • River Ja, Jan. 25 &28,
1908.

These specimens were shot on the bank of the River Ja,
where I was camping for a few days. The first pair were
heard making a great racket in the tree-tops over my tent
when I woke in the morning. Their noise was peculiar, being
of the same sort of ringing and yet guttural tone heard in the
"talking " of the Ngomejal (Phijllostrephits leucopleurus), but
with more of the ringing quality. The pair were making
this noise together, both " talking " at once, like the '^ Nkes "
(P. simplex). Their breeding-organs were much enlarged.
These birds must keep to the river-bank ; else I should have
got them where I had collected a great deal before, only a
few miles away.

1760. Phyllostrephus leucopleurus. [Ngomejal.]
Bleda leucopleura Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 460.

I cannot characterize the "Ngomejal" better than I have
done already (' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 97). But I can add that a
nest of the bird has been shown to me, though too badly torn
up to be described. It was taken in October, on a swamp-
palm-tree, and contained two well-grown nestlings,

1782. Andropadus virexs. [Otok.]

Reich. V. A. iii. p. 412.

Eurillas virens Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 462.

Here, again, I use the generic name adopted by Reichenow,
so as to have all the species of Otok" in the same genus,
for they are certainly much alike.

My note under the head of " Ewillas camermiensis "
('The Ibis,' 1907, p. 462) should have been attributed to
E. virens. This is the commonest species. It is that of

Birds of Southern h'amerun. 59

which tlie notes "have a clear^ ringiug tone that is pleasing.'*
as I said previously (' The Ibis/ 1905, p. 97) without knowing
the species certainly.

Besides the nest with eggs already reported C The Ibis/
1907, p. 46.2), another has been found. This was on a
yam- vine in an old garden. Tliere were two eggs in it,
Avhich measured 2V5 X 15 mm. and 22 x 15 mm.

[Two eggs of a nearly perfect oval shape ; the ground-colour
is pinkish-white, marked all over with rather obscure longi-
tudinal reddish-brown markings and densely freckled and
indistinctly clouded with obscure purplish-grey markings. —
O.-G.]

Andropadus efulexsis. [Otok.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 461.

No. 2802. ? ; abdomen, ovary, &c. indicating a sitting
bird. Shot on the nest.

The ^'Otok^' with the yelloAV moustachial streaks is some-
times called " Otok afan/^ that is, " forest Otols" because it
is more inclined than the other species to the forest ; but it
is not strictly a forest-bird. Its notes, which it utters with
great persistency while hidden in a thicket, are not musical,
and deserve the name of jioise or racket rather than of song.
The yellow streaks down the sides of the throat, as is the
case with all such markings in birds, are more conspicuous
in life than in the skin. This species spreads out the
plumage of the chin and throat, giving the fullest effect to
the yellow feathers.

The nest (on which No. 2802 was shot) was a rough oblong
cup of dried leaves and Aveed-stems, with fine horsehair-like
vegetable fibre for lining, about 65 and 45 mm. on the
inside diameters. Two eggs were in it, which measured
23'5 X 16 mm. and 24 x 16"5 mm.

[Tw^o eggs are of a slightly pointed oval shape and slightly
glossy ; the ground-colour is white, rather sparingly spotted
all over with purplish-brown and grey and with some larger
blotches of paler and darker grey round the large end. —
O.-G.]

60 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

Pycxoxotus gabonexsis. [Nkwe'ele, or Kwalawata.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1907, p. 463.

No mistake was made in calling the Nkwe'ele '^ a versatile
bird " {' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 98). It has many habits usually
associated with other birds. It so frequently clings by its
claws to the bark of a tree, using its tail for a support, that
the tail-feathers become broken, and it is rather rare to
see a bird with all its tail-feathers whole. It eats fruits,
but seems to prefer insects. "When an army of driver-ants
spreads itself among the bushes of the open land around
villages (the Nkwe'ele never goes into the forest), these birds
may be seen busily pecking and eating something as they
hop about to keep out of the way of the ants. But it is not
the ants themselves that they eat, l)iit the other insects —
beetles, cockroaches, crickets, &c. — that arc driven by the
ants from their hiding-places. This I know in one case at
least by examining the stomach of a bird shot among the
ants.

An egg measures 21'5 x 17 mm. (See also ^ Ibis,' 1907,
p. 163.)

[Three eggs of the usual Bulbul type, of a rather bluntly
pointed oval shape and slightly glossy ; the ground-colour is
Avhite, densely and. finely mottled and frecklied all over with
pale lilac-grey and light red, the markings in some cases
being more or less concentrated into a zone round the larger
end.— O.-G.]

1829. AXTUOTHREPTES FRASEKI.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 340.

This plain green Sunbird is a bird of the forest, and was
more abundant at Efulcn than at the Ja. It is a common
member of the <'jak (sec 'Ibis,' 1905, p. 462). Its food
consists of insects of all kinds, as well as spiders.

The remarkable little song of some small forest-bird, to
which I have often listened, I am almost satisfied is sung by
this bird, as my boys say they have heard the bird sing it,
and I myself have heard the song in places where it
was to be expected. It consists of four musical notes in a

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 61

descending scale, repeated, in a fine, sweet voice, -with great
rapidity, over and over again, for almost as long as a man
■will stand and listen, "oithont a pause for breath. It is a
performance that arrests the attention. It seems to have
impressed the mind of the African Thrush also, for these
notes have been heard to mingle in the Thrush's sons:.

1833 «. AXTHOTHREPTES HVPODILA. [Zesol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 340.

1835. AxTHOTHREPTES TEPHROL.EMA. [ZcSol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 310.

These two species are easy enough to distinguish from
each otlier when in the hand — the males at least. Yet in mv
notes they are not always distinguished, and so I speak of
them together. Both are found in every place where I have
collected long. They live among the bushes and smaller
trees of the open cleared land, not in the forest. Their food
is more varied than that of most Suubirds. They often eat
small fruits; and a certain kind of hard seed as lari^e as a
small pea is sometimes swallowed Avhole, almost filliu"-
the little stomach. Amono- the insects most frequently
found in stomachs are small moth-larvse and spiders. In
the stomach of one bird {A. hypodila) were four or five
minute snail-shells.

Besides many nests of small Sunbirds found and not
identified was one which, from the well-grown nestling in
it, was seen to belong to one of these two species. It was
hanging from a slender bough, and was composed of fine
fibres ; it was decorated outside with whitish bits of drv
leaves and lichen, and abundantly lined with very soft white
plant-down.

1840. Chalcomitra obscura. [Zesol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 338.

This is probably the most common species of Sunbird here
considering that it is found not only in the bushes about
villages where most of the Sunbirds are common, but also
in the forest. Its little song has been already described

62 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

correctly (' The Ibis/ 1908, p. 338) . The food is nearly always
found to be spiders. Sometimes in the stomachs I have found
what looked like little particles — stamens, &c. — of flowers.

An individual of this species was found caught in the web
of a big black-and-yellow spider, a sort of retribution for the
many little spiders it had killed and eaten.

Nests and eggs have now been certainly identified by
having the bird caught on the nest, as Bulu boys well know
how to do. These nests are hung from a twig and composed
of fine fibres, some of which pass over the twig, mixed with
dry leaves or grass in varying proportions, with little or no
down inside, ditfering thus from the nests of some Sunbirds.

The eggs are two in a clutch. They measure 17-18 mm. x
13 mm. In my notebook I speak of some of them as of a
dull (grey ?) colour, with blackish spots aud irregular marks
scattered sparingly over them. But the two eggs from one
of the nests — ^just as certainly identified as the others —
dift'ered greatly from them in wanting the blackish spots
and markings. (I seem, unfortunately, to have left behind
the eggs of this species, and could not shew them to
Mr. Grant.)

1848. Chalcomitra cyanol^ma. [Zcsol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 339.

This is rather a common Sunbird, both about Efulen and
in the Ja district. It is seen around flowering shrubs and
vines. The food found in the stomach was sometimes spiders,
sometimes hard seeds resembling grape-seeds, sometimes
•what appeared to be bits of flowers, as if the flowers them-
selves had been picked to pieces and swallowed. In the
stomachs of these and other Sunbirds is often found a
liquid, which may consist of the nectar of flowers mixed with
the stomach juices. I did not feel like tasting it to find
out.

1857. Chalcomitra angolensis. [ZesoL]
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 338.

This Sunbird is rather common, and is seen most often
about the flowering twigs of some tree standing in an open

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 63

place. The stomach-contents consist mainly of insects,
including spiders. These and other Snnbirds do often hover
on the wing before Howers, like Hnmming-bircls, bnt only
for a few moments at a time.

The beautiful velvety dark brown of the males of tliis
species becomes much faded, or bleached, when the plumage
is worn, so that in the moult the new feathers are much
darker than the old.

1866. Anabathmus reichenbachi. [Zesol.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 340.

Of this little Sunbird only two adults and one young
specimen were obtained, all at the Ja. The last adult and
the young one were cauglit, along wnth a Clnnijris chloro-
pygiiis, by a boy, at evening, at tlieir roosting-place among
tall weeds near a village.

Both the adult specimens w^ere females and are wrongly
marked " $ " in Dr. Sharpe's paper. This fact is remarkable,
because they have the bright colours usually possessed by
the males alone among the Sunbirds, including the yellow
pectoral tufts. I was surprised at the time of skinning to see
that they were females, and so looked carefully to be sure
that there was no mistake. In both cases the ovaries
shewed small ova. When I examined the second specimen
and found it a female, I put the body in spirit and sent it
to the ]Museum ; but it seems not to have arrived there.
Lately I have found in Reichenow^'s ' VJigel Afrikas ' (iii.
p. 468) the statement, under this species, that " the female
is like the male in colour."

1874. CiNXYRis suPERBUs (Sliaw). [Odiraa-ZesoL]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 338.

This, the most richly dressed and largest of our Sunbirds,
makes its appearance, rather infrequently, about flowering
shrubs and trees, and most often about the great opening
buds of staminate flowers at the end of a young bunch of
plantains or bananas. It frequently perches for a moment
on the plantain-bunch, but wlien thrusting its bill among
the flowers it often hovers on the wing as well. Though this

64 Mr. G. L. ^^ie^— Field-Notes on the

hovering, in the manner of Humming-birds, is never kept up
for long at a time, it is a mistake to say that Sunbirds
do not hover at all.

The stomach-contents of these birds consist most fre-
quently of spiders and a liquid. In my notebook, under
one specimen, this liquid is stated to have been " sweet " ; I
must have ventured to taste it.

In my paper on ''Breeding-Seasons^^ ('The Ibis,' 1908,
p. 568) are some remarks about the moulting of these Sun-
birds.

1884. CiNNYRIS CHLOROPVGIUS. [Zcsol.]

deich. Y. A. iii. p. 486.

Cinnyris preussi Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 338.

As the little Sunbirds called '' C. preussi " in the pajier in
' The Ibis ' cited above have the upper tail-coverts green like
the backs and not violet, they would seem to be referable
to C. chloropygius. Most of my birds were too small to be
C. preussi, but they varied in size a good deal.

This, the smallest of our Sunbirds, is the most abundant
species on the shrubs and flowering trees of the open country,
though never seen in the forest. Many individuals assemble
about the flow ers, and a tree in blossom may actually be full
of them, at a distance looking like insects flying among the
flowers. They move very quickly. When one of these little
fellows passes near it is scarcely visible, from its small-
ness and the swiftness of its flight. They are rightly called
Sunbirds, in that they seem to like the sunshine, even when
it is hot. At mid-day, when other birds have sought the
shade and are still, these little Sunbirds are flitting about as
actively as ever.

They are generally silent, except for a little chirpings
like that of an insect, made in the smallest of voices as they
flit by. But the males have a pretty little song that is
occasionally heard.

The food of this small species seems to be about the same
as that of the larger Sunbirds, consisting mostly of small
insects, mainly spiders. In some stomachs were found what
looked like tiny bits of flowers that had been picked and

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 65

swallowed. Sometimes tiuy shells and grains of sand were
found !

Many of the nests of Sunbirds found hanging on bushes
probably belong to this species. Some of them have been
identified by having the bird caught in them ; but the birds
thus caught have always been females, and it is assumed
that the plain-coloured females corresponding in measure-
ments with the males of this species really belong to it.
These nests are constructed, like those of other Sunbirds
already described, of stringy fibres more or less mixed with
dry leaves and lichens, and lined with fine white pappus-
down. Though the entrance to the nest is very small
(20 mm, in diameter, or just fitting the thumb) the inside is
roomy for so small a bird. The nests with sitting birds
were all found in the month of April, in diff"erent years.
Though this was partly a mere accidental coincidence, since
breeding birds were killed in several other months, yet
doubtless it shews a preference for that month for breeding,
when rains, but not the hard pouring rains, refresh the
vegetation after the drought. The number of eggs of this
Sunbird was never more than two, and they varied little
in size; length 14-15 mm., breadth 105-11 mm,

[Five eggs are of a pointed oval form and are more or less
glossy. The ground-colour is pale bluish-white, with a
strongly marked zone round the larger end, consisting either
of separate spots or of confluent clouds and longitudinal
streaky markings of dark grey, with a few minute blackish
surface-markings, — 0,-G.]

(I wish here to mention a number of specimens of tiny
Sunbirds which I have collected, in size and in the bill
corresponding to this species, but with plain olivaceous
plumage. They have been omitted from Dr. Sharpens paper.
They might be thought to be females or young males of
C, chloropygius j but among them were many males with the
testes large — sometimes extremely large. And some that
were moulting shewed the new plumage that was just
growing to be of the same colour as the old. These males
in plain plumage appear to be very numerous.

SER. IX. VOL. III. F

66 Mr. G. L. Bates— Field- Notes on the

Either the first plumage of Cinnyris chlorupygius continues
for a long time after the bird has begun to breed, and there is
at least one moult before the changing moult ; or there exists
another species of the same size having a plain olivaceous
plumage throughout life.)

1914. Parus funereus.

Pentheres funereus Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p, 337.

The two specimens obtained were all that 1 have ever seen.
The first was shot on a little tree at the back of my house at
Efulen, where it was in the act of pulling to pieces a large
caterpillar. In the stomach were found bits of the cater-
pillar, just swallowed. AVhen this bird was freshly killed,
the nostrils were seen to have a raised ring round them, as
in Indicator ; when the specimen dries, this is not apparent.
The other example was obtained at the Ja, shot by a boy,
who said that there were two together.

1943. PhOLTDORNIS RUSHIiB.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 324.

These pretty little creatures, which would stand a good
chance of a prize for the smallest of birds, are generally seen,
three or four together, flitting about in the tree-tops, catching
insects, or rather picking them off the twigs ; for the insects
most frequently found in their stomachs were the Cocci
that adhere to the bark of twigs. A favourite foraging-
place with them seemed to be the parasitic plants, like
mistletoe, found on the branches of trees. When feeding
they were heard to make a scarcely audible little twitter.

One of these little birds was brought to me alive by a boy
who said that he had caught it in his hands. The way in
which he came to be able to catch it was evident when I
examined the bird, for its wing-quills were found to be stuck
together by the strong, viscid, yellow threads of a spider's
web. This is not the first small bird which I have known
to be caught by becoming entangled in the web of a certain
kind of large blank-and-yellow spiders.

Ibis. 1909.P1.II,

West, Newman imp.

PARMOPTILA WOODHOUSII.

Birds of Southern Kamerun. 67

1944. Parmoptila woodhousii. (Plate II.)

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 323.

Nos. 2130, 2130 «. Bitye, Jan. 4, 1907. Young, caught
in the nest. The four small white wattles at the gape (see
the upper figure in the Plate) were conspicuous.

These birds are seen going about in little companies of half-
a-dozen, both in the forests and in the bushes or open land.
Their food is insects, largely small ants. The four specimens
Nos. 1784-7 were killed at one shot while engaged in picking
from a bush the small ants that were swarming over it.

In my note already published in 'The Ibis' (1908,
p. 324), I refer to the large dome-shaped nests of these
small birds. I have seen more of these nests since, and
there is now no doubt about their belonging to this species.
The four immature specimens Nos. 1358-9 were caught in
such a nest. Another nest, shown me in a better state of
preservation, was a rough mass as big as a half-gallon
measure, composed of fine dry grass, with a quantity of green
moss thrown loosely over the outside. It was placed on
a forked twig which was growing out horizontally. The
entrance was at one side and had a sort of portico
covering. An egg, taken from a nest in which were also
two young birds, measured 14*5 X 10"5 mm.

[The egg is of a distinctly pointed oval shape, devoid of
gloss and pure white. — O.-G.]

2002. CiSTicoLA ERYTHROPs. [Abankwat, or Tinkwat.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 317.

This lively and bold little bird has already been charac-
terized in ray brief note in 'The Ibis ' (/. s. c). Its little
song was spoken of, and also its sharp-toned notes, which
are imitated in the name ^' Abankwat/' the last syllable
being brought out with an emphasis almost like the crack
of a whip. When these notes are abbreviated at the
beginning, they resemble the shorter name " Tinkwat."
Still another call often uttered by this Grass-Warbler
remains to be described. It is merely a long-continued
and rapid repetition of one sharp note. The bird, sittin"-

F 2

68 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

on some bush or plautain-leaf, starts with its rapid " queek !
queek ! queek ! " &c., and continues without a pause for
breath until you would think that it must be suffocated and
tumble from its perch from exhaustion. It must be able to
breathe while using its voice.

Many nests of this bird have now been found. They
are constructed like those of the Tailor- bird {Orthoiomus
sutorius), as they are described, being set in a sort of basket
or sack formed of large leaves sewed together. Leaves
with an adhesive surface are preferred. They are united
by stitches made by puncturing the leaf-edge and passing
through it a thread of what looks like several united fibres
of yellow-brown spider's web. The thread is often only
passed through and knotted on the outside, but sometimes
is brought round and passed through again, making a true
stitch. The nest itself, set in this sack of leaves, is a deep
cup of dry grass-blades, with the edge built higher on one side
than on the other. Inside this cup is a Hning of the fine
brownish pappus or down from tlie seeds of some plant.
Other related birds making similar nests use different
materials. The nests of this species seem to be always
of grass-blades, and the downy lining is brown, not white.
The identification of the nests has been effected by shooting
the bird on the nest, or catchmg it on the nest at evening.
Usually only two eggs are found, sometimes three. My
eggs vary in measurement thus : length 16-19 mm.,
breadth 12-13 mm.

[In a series of eleven eggs the shape varies from a perfect
oval form to a rather long pointed oval. The shell is
distinctly glossy. The eggs are of two types. In the first
the oround-colour varies from bright bluish-green to pale
dull greenish-white, and the markings consist of rather
large spots and blotches of pale red, reddish-lilac, and
lilac-grey, which are either scattered over the entire shell
or mostly concentrated round the larger end. In the
second type the ground-colour is creamy-white, densely and
minutely freckled all over, but especially in a zone round
the larger end, with light red-brown and grey. — O.-G.]

Birds of Southern Katnerun. 69

2016. Calamocichla poensis. [Oto'o-Bis6ug.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 318.

The Bulu name of this bird and the scientific name of
the genus mean almost the same, "Otok'* being the name
of some of tlie common Bulbuls, and '^ bisong " meaning
"canes'^ of the big cane-like grass Panicum maximum. Both
names are appropriate, for the bird seems never to be seen
or heard outside the thickets of this big grass, which grows
ten feet high, with the stalks close together. In such
places it may be heard, but seldom seen, until it flits about
among the grass-stems to within a few feet of you, when,
if you shoot it, it is of no use as a specimen. Its notes
are peculiar, being uttered in a sort of ventriloquial voice,
and sound like human conversation in an undertone ;
sometimes they are sweet, reminding one a little of those
of the Angokou {Cossypha).

2050. Prima bairdi.

Burnesia bairdi Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 326.

This is a lively little bird of the bushes and gardens
about villages — lively in its movements, though generally
silent. It is not always silent, however, for I have seen
and heard it uttering a long succession of rapid notes
without pause like Cisticola erythrojis, as described above
(see p. 67). When perched on a twig, this little Prinia
has a way of jerking up its long tail till it points forward,
making an acute angle with its back.

No. 1398 was shot in its nest, and No. 2538 was caught
alive in its nest. Both the nests were brought to me torn
from their setting, but I do not think that they were placed
in a sack of leaves in the manner of Cisticohi erythrops,
but rather set in a great tangle of di'ied herbaceous vines.
Both were made of dry strips of grass-leaves, with a lining
of grass-tops — no down. They were deep, with one side so
raised as to be partly roofed over, and were very large for
the size of the bird. The eggs found in each nest numbered
three. Those of one clutch all measured 17xl2'5 mm.;
those of the other, from 15 to 16 mm. long by 12*5 mm. broad.

70 Mr. G. L. Bates— Fie/d-Notes on the

[Six eggs are of a nearly perfect oval form aud distinctly
glossy. The ground-colour is pale bluish-green or greenish-
white, either blotched and clouded, especially round the
larger end, with pale light red and grey, or minutely and
densely freckled all over with pale light red, forming a
more or less distinct zone round the larger end. — O.-G.J

2073. Apalis binotata.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 320.

This rather rare little bird has been obtained only at the
Ja. There it is found in the open country of old clearings,
where it has been seen in small trees, or in the tangle of
vines hanging from trees, hopping and flitting from twig
to twig, looking for insects.

No. 1488 was shot with bow and arrow in its nest, and
the bird and the nest brought to me. The latter was a
loosely woven little pocket suspended from a twig, and
composed entirely of the Usnea that fringes the limbs of
old trees, with a very few brown gossamer-fibres to attach
it to the twig, and a slight lining of fine grass. An egg
in the nest was broken.

2093. Camaroptera griseiviridis. [Tinkwat.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 321.

Very common amongst the brush of felled trees in
plantations and gardens, through which it is continually
threading its way, looking for insects. Its loud sharp-toned
notes have already been described ('The Ibis,-" 1908, p. 322).
The note is not always repeated just five times, but sometimes
six or eight times.

No. 1495 was shot with bow and arrow in its nest,
which contained three naked young birds, just hatched. It
was, with great ingenuity, attached to the stem and two
large leaves of an " ajom " (^Amomum) in such a manner as
to hang from them, one of the leaves being arched over it so
as to form a perfect roof. The main material of the nest
was very fine fibres ; over the outside was a covering of

Birds of Soiillicrn Kaineriiii. 71

down like thistle-down, which in places was thrust through
the leaves to form attachments. Another sort of wool, of
tough yellowish-brown adhesive fibres, was used to form
the stitches that held the edges of the leaves together, and
also woven over the outside of the entire nest to hold the
slippery thistle-like down in place.

2103. Hylia prasina.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 325.

A very common little bird of the tree-tops iu the opener
country and the borders of the forest — never found in the
depths of the forest. It Hits among the twigs hunting for
its insect food, which is often found to consist of the
Cocci that adhere to the bark of the twigs. It never
perches fully in sight, like the similar little Camaroptera.
A bird-call I had often heard coming from the thickest
tree-tops or tangles of vines, which 1 called the "saw-filing
note,'' because of its piercing shrillness, and because it was
double, like the drawing of a file across a savv and back
again, though it was not so grating and harsh a sound as the
comparison would suggest, was at last traced to this little
bird.

2105. Stiphrornis gabonensis.
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 325.

2106. Stiphrornis xanthogaster.
Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 325.

Though Reichenow's arrangement is followed here as
elsewhere, it seems strange to associate these two species
{^S. gabonensis found in the coast-region and S. xanthogaster
at tbe Ja) with such birds as Camuropttra and Sylviella.
These latter and other similar Warblers are birds of the
bushes and brush of open land, not particularly secretive,
but escaping hostile observation by their plain colours,
small size, and lively movements. The species of Stiphrornis
inhabit the dark forest and seek their food on the ground,
while they light up the gloom with their bright colours.

72 Mr. G. L. Bates — Field-Notes on the

My specimens were obtained in snares baited witli termites,
along with birds of the genera Alethe, Turdinus, Bleda,
Neocossyphus, &c. Young birds have spots on the wing-
coverts, as have those of Alethe.

Sylviella batesi.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 319.

Both my specimens of this species were caught or shot
in their nests. The male (which had the testes very large)
seemed to be sitting. The two nests were alike, and
resembled those of some other small Warblers in being
pocket-shaped ; but in materials and structure they were
peculiar. These small pockets were made of short leaf-
petioles, not woven togetlier, but held together loosely by
gossamer-threads (of spider^s or caterpillar's web) I'unning ail
among them, and extending up over the twig so as to form
the attachment, which is not at one point of the twig, but
extends along for several inches. Thus the whole structure
is as flexible as a knitted bag. All over the outside are
many particles of trash hanging to the gossamer-threads,
that tremble at the slightest breath. Inside the bag are
a few fibres for nest-lining, A single egg was found in each
nest; the two were just alike, except in size, one measuring
19 X 12 mm., and the other 16*5 x 11 mm.

[Two eggs are of a long pointed oval form and devoid
of gloss. The ground-colour is yellowish-clay, thickly
mottled all over with umber-brown and grey, the markings
being more or less clouded and indistinct. — O.-G.]

2124. Sylviella virens.

Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 319.

Two of my female specimens were caught in their nests,
which were suspended in the bushes or grass. The nest
is a nicely constructed little pocket like that of a Sunbird.
In one nest were three or four tiny eggs, which got broken
when the bird was caught ; it could be seen^ however, that
they were speckled on a wliite ground.

Birds of Southern Kdinerun. 7o

2152. Phvlloscopus sibilatrix.

tsharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 319.

My specimens were shot at different dates during the
months forming the winter of Europe, the latest being
March 26. All that I have shot or h^een were in the
tree-tops of the open land, where they were busily flitting
about, pursuing insects. They seemed to prefer a certain
kind of tree with open, spreading foliage ; and more than
once were seen in trees just coming into leaf, where the
mucilage of the buds attracted insects.

2228 6. TuRDUs PELios sATURATus. [Etvito.]

Sharpe, Ibis, 1902, p. 95.

Merula saturata Sharpe, Ibis, 1908, p. 124.

To my brief note about the Etyito in 'The Ibis' (1905,
p. 473) I have to add a description of the nest and eggs.
But first I must say a word more about its song. Some
individuals, at least, are as fine songsters as any Thrush
that I know. One that I have listened to many an evening
at Bitye could pour forth a song of endless variety, now
mocking other birds, now uttering notes of its own, all in
a full rich voice.

Nests of this bird are not infrequently found on plantains
or at the base of the palm-fronds, about villages. They
are always in damp places, and have been most often found
in the rainy season ; the base of the nest is always of damp,
rotting fibres of weeds or plantains, and in one a weed-seed
had germinated and was growing out of the side of the nest,
which had eggs in it. The top part of the nest, however, is
always dry — that is, composed of rootlets and small weed-
stems. The number of eggs found was either two or three ;
they vary in length from 24 to 28 mm., and in breadth
from 20 to 21 mm.

[A series of eight eggs, which vary in shape from a very wide
blunt oval to a wide regular oval and are somewhat glossy.
The gronnd-colour varies from bluish-green to pale bluish-
white, and in one specimen it is warm cream-colour. Some

74 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected in

specimens are mottled all over with pale red and lilac,
others are similarly marked, but the markings are mostly
confined to the larger end. The markings vary considerably
in different specimens : in some they are larger and more
distinct, in others they are finer and more clouded. — O.-G.]

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES.
Plate I.

Caprimulffus latest, p. 25. From the type.

Plate II.

ParmoptUa xooodhonsii, p. 67. Adult (below) and young, shewing
the white markings on the bill (above).

II. — Contributions to the Ornithology of the Sudan. —
No. III.* On Birds collected by Captain E. P. Blencowe
in the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province. By A. L. Butler,
F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Superintendent of Game Preservation,
Sudan Government.

In December 1907, Captain E. P. Blencowe, of" the Army
Service Corps, who was proceeding to the Bahr-el-Ghazal
Province in connexion with the transport arrangements for
supplying the various military posts, kindly agreed to take
with him a native boy whom I had trained to skin birds, and
to collect for me such specimens as he had time to shoot
along his line of march.

The following paper contains a list of birds which he
obtained, with the localities and dates added and a few
remarks.

Captain Blencowe left the Nile at Shambe, and travelled
first to Rumbek (distance about 90 miles), crossing the Lau
and Naam Rivers; then he marched to the Tonj River, crossing
the Gell River on the way (distance about 75 miles over fiat
forest-country with black cotton soil) ; thence to Wau (about
70 miles — undulating, forest-covered, ironstone country) ;
from Wau to Ukanda (45 miles — country fiat, all forest) ;

* See ' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 301, and 1908, p. 205.

the Bahr-el-Gliazal Province, Sudan. 75

from Ukauda along the Sueli River to Raffile (30 miles —
ironstone forest-country) ; south along the Sueh River to
Kojali (G3 miles — forest-country, black cotton soil, many
"khors""^ with high grass); from Kojali to Tembura (55
miles — country hilly, forest-trees smaller, many large granite
rocks) : from Tembura he returned by the same route to
Wau ; travelled from Wau to Meshra-el-Rek (114 miles,
over the route along which I collected in 1907) ; and
journeyed from Meshra to Khartoum by steamer.

The birds were thus almost all obtained between 7° and
8° N. lat. and 27° and 31° E. long. Many of them are not
mentioned in my two previous papers on the birds of the
Sudan ('Ibis/ 1905, p. 301, and 1908, p. 205).

I am indebted to Messrs. E. Hartert, Oscar Neumann,
and Ogilvie-Grant for much kind assistance in identifying
the skins. To Captain Blencowe my best thanks are due
for his trouble in forming for me so representative a collection
of the birds met with on his journey.

Nectarinia pulchella (Linn.).
(?. Raffile, 18.2.08.
cJ. Wau, 31.3.08.
^ . Wau, 24. 4. 08.
^. Raffile, 14.2.08.

CiNNYRis cuPREUs (Shaw) .
S . Kojali, 22. 2. 08.

Chalcomitra acik (Antin.).
S . Kojali, 20. 2. 08.
S. „ 20.2.08.
^ . „ 20. 2. 08.
S. Wau, 31.3.08.

AnTHOTHREPTES LONGUEMARII (LeSS.) .

cJ. Kojali, 29.2.08.

S. „ 28.2.08.

?. Wau, 31.3.08.

? . Kojali, 28.2.08,

76 ]\Jr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected in

ZOSTEROPS SENEGALENSIS Bp.

S . Moyeii, 4. 5. 08.
?. „ 4.5.08.

Parus leucomelas Biipp.
S. Raffile, 13.2.08.
?. „ 14.2.08.
?. „ 8.2.08.

MOTACILLA VIDUA SuudcV.

J. Raflile, 12.2.08.
J . „ 14. 2. 08.

A NTH us GouLDi Frasci'.
c?. Kojali, 26.2.08.

AnTHUS TKIVIALIS IjillU.

(J . Kaffile, 12. 2. 08.
(S . Kojali, 20. 3. 08.

Mackowx ckoceus (Vicill.).
cJ . Meshra-el-Rek, 12. 5. 08.
?. „ 12.5.08.

Topotypes of Ilenglin's Macronyx striolatus. The wing
oi' the S measures 104 ram., and that of the ? 100 mm.

MiRAFRA ERYTHROPYGIA (StricUl.).

? . Wau, 22. 4. 08.

IIeliocorys modesta Ileugl.
S juv. West of Touj, 16. 1.08.
S. West ofTonj, 16.1.08.
?. Wau, 1.4.08.

Pyrrhulauda LEUcoTis (Stanley).
?. AVau, H.4.08.
S juv. Wau, 26. 3. 08.

EmBERIZA AFFINIS Wiirt.

? . Raffile, 11.2.08.
?. „ 14.2.08.
c?. „ 11.2.08.

the Bahr-d-Ghazal Prov'tnce, Sudan.

Petkoxia dextata (Suudev.).

f?. llaffile, 12.2.08.

S . Wau, 1.4.08.

?. „ 31.3.08.

$ . Raffile, 6.2.08.

?. ,, 14.2.08.

Passer uiffusus (Smith).
S . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

+ • ^> )}

O • <5 }}

O • )) ))

+ • >> 5)

cJ. Near Wan, 18.1.08.

Passer emixi (Hartl.).

S. Meshra-el-Rek, 10.5.08.

Serixus ictkrus (Bouu. et Vieill.).
cJ. Dug-Dug, 5.5.08.

Hypochera ultramarina (Gru.).
? . VVau, 1.4.08.
?. „ 1.4.08.
d. Tawela, 18.12.07.

Coliopasser macrurus (Gm.).

(^. Raffile, 8.2.08.

cJ . Kojali, 24. 2. 08.

? . Raffile, 14. 2. 08.

? . Kojali, 14. 3. 08.

? . Raffile, 14. 2. 08.

? . Kojali, 14. 3. 08.

Urobrachya ph(enicea (Heugl.).

S . Meshra, 10. 5. 08.

c?. „ 10.5.08.
Pyromelana franciscana (Isert).

? . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

S . ;, 30. 3. 08.

? . „ 31. 3. 08.

? . „ 1. 4. 08.

78 Mr. A. L, Butler on Birds collected in

Spermestes cucullatus Swains.
S . Tembura, 5. 3. 08.

O • }) >}

EsTRILDA CINEREA SwainS.

? . Wau, 3. 4. 08.
? . Moyen, 4. 5. 08.
? . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

EsTRiLDA PHCENicoTis Svvains.
c? . Kojali, 13. 3. 08.
S . Wau, 25. 4. 08.
c? . „ 3. 4. 08.
<^ • » >j

Laooxosticta brunneiceps Sharpe.
? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

Pytelia citerior Strickl.
S . Wau, 3. 4. 08.
? . „ 24. 4. 08.

Pytelia soudanensis (Sharpe).
S. Sharabe, 3. 1.08.

Ploceipasser supERciLiosus (Rupp.).
c?. K affile, 6.2.08.
S. Wau, 1.4.08.

Anaplectes melaxotis (Lafr.).
cJ. Raffile, 9.2.08.

Hyphanturgus ocularius (Smith).
S . Tembura, 5. 3. 08.

This bird belongs to the subspecies Ploceus ocularius
crocatus oi Reicheuow (Vog. Afr. iii. p. 46).
Male iu full plumage.

SiTAGRA LUTEOLA (Licht.).

S . Wau, 22. 4. 08.

In nearly full breeding-plumage.

Hyphantornis heuglini (Reichenb.).

S. Kojali, 22.2.08.

in full breeding-plumage.

the Bukr-el-GJunaJ Province, Sudan. 79

Hypiiantornis t.knioptekus (Rciclicnl).}.
c?. Kojali, 20.2.08.
Out of plumage.

Hyphantornis abyssinicus (Giu.).

(J. Kojali, 29.2.08.

In non-brcediiig plumage.

OiuoLUs AURATUs Vieill.
^ . Raffile, 4. 2. 08.

O • }} )}

^. „ G.2.08.
S. Kojali, 1.3.08.

1'holidauges leucogaster (Gm.).

Nine adult males, two immature males, and two females.
Wau, between 30. 3. 08 and 25. 4. 08.

In 1907, when I was collecting in the same locality, I
did not see a single specimen of this lovely Starling.

Lamprotorxis caudatus (P. L. S. Miill.).
$ . Kojali, 22. 4. 08.

Lamprotorxis porphvropterus Riipp.
S. Tawela (on the Nile), 18. 12.07.

Lamprotorxis jExeocephalus Heugl. ?
? . Ratfile, 2. 2. 08.

Lamprocolius chalybjEUs (Ehr.).
c?. Terabura, 5.3.08.
S . :, 6. 3. 08.

S . Wau, 24. 5. 08.
? . „ 30. 3. 08.
? . Tembura, 5.3.08.
? . Tawela, 8. 12. 07.

CoRvus scapulatus Daud.
? . Wau, 2.4.08.

Cryptorhina afra (Linn.).
S . Wau, 30. 3. 08.
r^ . Doleiba, 5.5.08.

80 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected in

DlCRURL'S AFER (Licht.).

? . Tembura, 4. 3. 08.

c? . W. of Tonj River, 15. 1. 08.

Prionops poliocephalus (Stanl.).
? . W. of Rumbck, 10.1.08.

Campophaga ph(enicea (Lath.).
S . AVau, 24. 4. 08.

o • » )>

(jRAUCALUs PECTORALis Jard. & Sclbj.

c? . Raffile, 8. 2. 08.

? . Wall, 22. 4. 08.

CORVINELLA CORVINA (Shaw).

? . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

O • J> J>

S. Ukanda, 28.1.08.

Fiscus ExcuBiTORius (Des Murs).

c?. Atwot, 7.1.08.

^. E. of Rumbek, 8.1.08.

?. Doleiba, 5.5.08.

o ■ }> •>>

o • )> >>

Lanius paradoxus Brehra.

S . Raffile, 6. 2. 08.

^ • )} "

?. „ 14.2.08.

^juv.„ 16.2.08.

Lanius nubicus Licht.

S . Hillet Abbas (White Nile), 20. 12. 07.

? . S. of. Renk (White Nile), 21. 12. 07.

NiLAUS AFER (Lath.).
S . Wau, 20. 4. 08.

Laniarius .fflTHiopicus (Gm.).
S . Raffile, 2. 2. 08.

? • » >i

the Bahr-eUGhazal Province, Sudan. 81

Laniarius catiiaroxaxthus (Neum.).

S . Tembura, 6. 3. 08.

S . W. of Rumbek, 10. 1. 08.

Laniarius sulphureipectus (Less.).

S . Kojali, 29. 2. 08.

(?. Raffile, 2.2.08.

? . Tembura, 5.3.08.

?. Kojali, 29.2.08.

? . AYau, 30. 3. 08.

Laxiarius krytiirogaster Cretzsehm.
(J . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

+ • J) ij

? . Atwot, 7.1.08.

Dryoscopus malzacii (Ifeugl.j.

c?. Ukanda, 28.1.08.

S. Kojali, 2L3.08.

cJ juv. Tembura, 3. 3. 08.

?. Ukanda, 28. 1.08.

Telephonus sexegalus (Linu.).
S . Tembura, 4. 3. 08.

Telephonus blanfordi (Sharpe).
S. Shambe (Upper Nile), 28. 12. 07.

Crateropus plebeius (Riipp.),
S. Ukanda, 28.1.08.

S . Wau, 22. 4. 08.

Pycxoxotus minor Heugl.
cJ. Doleiba, 5. 5.08.
$ . Kojali, 25.2.08.
(J. W. of Tonj, 16.1.08.

Crixiger flavigula (Cab.).
J. Tembura, March 1908.

Eremomela elegans (Heugl.).
c?. Wau, 31.3.08.

SER. IX. VOL III. G

82 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected in

Camaropteea brevicaudata (Riipp.).
S. Wau, 1.4.08.
? . „ 24. 4. 08.

Sylviella brachyura Lafr,
?. Wau, 24.4.08.

Orthotomus erythropterus (Jard.).
J. Wau, 31.3.08.

Prinia murina (Heugl.).
? . Renk (White Nile), 21. 12. 07.

Prinia mystacea Riipp.
? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

CisTicoLA STRANGii (Frascr).
? . Doleiba, 4. 5. 08.

CiSTICOLA MARGINALIS (Heugl.).

(J . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

ClSTICOLA RUFICEPS (Rvipp.).

cJ . Moyen, 4. 5. 08.

ClSTICOLA FERRUGINEA HcUgl.

c? . Wau, 22. 4. 08.

Melocichla mentalis (Fraser).
? . Tembura, 4. 3. 08.

Hypolais pallida (Hempr. & Ehr.).
S . Kojali, 23. 2. 08.

CossYPHA HEUGLiNi Hartl.
(?. West of Rumbek, 10. 1. 08.
S. Shambe, 1. 1.08.

RUTICILLA PH(ENICURUS (Liun.).

fT. Wau, 14.1.08.
c?. „ 1.4.08.
c?. Raffile, 18.2.08.
(J . Tembura, 5. 2. 08.

TURDUS PELIOS Bp.

S . Wau, 30. 3. 08.
J. „ 23.4.08.

the Bahr-el-Ghuzal Province, Sudan. 83

MONTICOLA SAXATILIS (Lilin.).

c? . North of Kojali, 20. 2. 08.
c?. Tembura, 4.3.08.

Saxicola (exanthe (Linn.).
S . Raffile, 13. 2. 08.
? . Wau, 1 . 4. 08.

o • >i ,}

Saxicola melanoleuca (Giild.).

c^. Hillet Abbas (White Nile), 20. 12.07.

The Eastern race, S. melanoleuca melanoleuca.

Saxicola isabellixa Cretzschm.
S. Wau, 18.1.08.

Melanornis edolioides (Swains.).
$ . Raffile, 2. 2. 08.

Bradyorxis pallidus (v. Miill.).
S. Wan, 22.4. 08.
S . „ 30. 3. 08.
?. ,, 31.3.08.
S. „ 29.1.08.

Muscicapa AQUATicA Hcnj^l.
S. Kojali, 22.2. OS.

Platystira cyaxea (P. L. S. Miill.).
? . Tembura, 5. 3. 08.

Batis orientalis Heugl.
(?. Raffile, 11.2.08.
S. „ 14.2.08.
? . Wau, 31. 3. 08.
?. Tonj, 14.1.08.

ElMIXIA TERESITA Atttin.
^. Tembura, 3.3.08.
^. „ 5.3.08.

Terpsiphone cristata (Gm.J.

J . Shambe, 3. 1.08.

^ . Wau, 20. 4. OS.

ri2

84 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected i?i

? . Wau, 20. 4. 08.

? . „ 3. 4. 08.
S. Tembura, 5.3.08.

S. „ 4.3.08.

?. „ 5.3.08.

<?. „ 3.3.08.

? . Kojali, 29. 2. 08.
A good series shewing all stages of plumage.

Empidornis semipartitus (Riipp.).
? . Gardein, 3. 5. 08.
S . Gameiza_, 4. 1.08.

+ • }f ))

COTILE MINOR, Cab.

?. Raffile, 18.2.08.
?. „ 19.2.08.

HiRUNDo ^THiopicA Blanf.
? . Meshra, 10. 5. 08.

+•55 J>

Macrodipteryx longipexnis Shaw.

c^. Tonj, 14.1.08.
cJ. Raffile, 23.3.08.
S . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

SCOTORNIS CLIMACURUS (Vieill.).

t? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

S . „ 28. 4. 08.
?. „ 25.4.08.
? . Hillet Abbas (White Nile), 18. 12. 07.

CORACIAS ABYSSINICUS Bodd.

(J . Wau, 28. 3. 08.
S. Tembura, 3.3.08.

+ ' }•> ))

?. W. of Tonj, 17.1.08.

?. „ 16.1.08.

the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province, Sudan. 8

DiCROCERCUS FURCATUS (Staill.).

? . S.of Kojali, 1.3.08.

Merops pusillus p. L. S. Miill.
S . Gardein, 3. 5. 08.

O ' }> ))

+ • ;? 1)

* • >j }f

Merops frenatus (Hartl,).
c^ . Raffile, 18. 2. 08.
? . Kojali, 20. 2. 08.
? . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

jNIerops viridis Linu.

S. S. of Reuk (White Nile), 21. 12. 07.

!Merops NUBicus Gtn.
? . Raffile, 4. 2. 08.

O • )) )}

S . W. of ToDJ River, 16. 1. 08.

S. Kojali, 1.3.08.

? . Tembura, 4. 3. 08.
?. „ 5.3.08.

S. „ 3.3.08.

TIpuPA Epops Linn.

$ . S. of Raffile, 18. 2. 08.

A very small specimen : culmen 37 mm. ; wing 130 mm.

Irrisor erythrorhynchus (Lath.).
$ . Wau, 20. 4. 08.

O ' }> V

SCOPTELUS ATERRIMUS (Steph.).

S. W. of Tonj, 16.1.08.
?. Near Raffile, 1.2.08.

LoPHOCERos NAsuTus (Linn.).
J . Raffile, 22. 3. 08.
? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

86

Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds collected in

LOPHOCEROS EKYTHRORHYNCHUS (TeiUm.

? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

Ceryle rudis (Linn.).
? . Raffile, 14. 2. 08.

CORYTHOR.NIS CYANOSTlG.MA (Rupp.^.

S . Raffile, 6. 2. 08.
2. „ 18.2.08.
S . Wau, 24.4.08.

IsPlDlNA PHTA (Bodd.).

S . Teiiibura, 4. 3. 08.

(J . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

+ ' }} )>

Halcyon semic\«ruleus Forsk^l.
S . Raffile, (). 2. 08.
2 . „ 20. 3. 08.
^. „ 18.2.08.
? . „ 6. 2. 08.
S. Tembura, 1.3.08.
? . Kojali. 23.2.08.

Halcyon chelicutensis (Staul.j.
^ . (Label lost. )

Halcyon malimbicus Shaw.

^ . Tembura, 8. 3. 08.

(.'OLIUS LEUCOTISS Rupp.

J. Kojali, 22.2.08.

?

Tu

6

„ 23.3.08.

RACUS LEUCOLOPHUS Heilgl.

Tembura, 10.3.08.

4. o. 08.

the Bahr-el-Ghazal Province, Sudan. 87

6-

Kojali, 23. 2. 08.

S-

24. 2. 08.

S

S. of Kojali, 1.3.08.

ScHIZORHIS ZONURA Rupp

6

Tembura, 3. 08.

2

4. 3. 08.

6

}i 3)

6

>» )>

6

W. of Tonj River, 17

Centropus monachus Riipp.

?. E. of Rumbek, 8.1.08.

The head is glossed with grcea and not purple. There is
a precisely similar specimen in the British Museum labelled
" B aroma, Abyssinia: Lord Lovat."

CoccYSTEs GLANDARius (Linn.).
S. Madal, 5.5.08.

V • )j ))

S . W. of Rumbek, 11. 1.08.

CoCCYSTES CAFER (Licht.).

cJ. Tembura, 3.3.08.
+ • j> »>

Chrysococcyx cupreus (Bodd,).
J . Meshra-el-Rek, 10. 5. 08.

Indicator sparrmani Steph.
S . Kojali, 1. 3. 08.

Indicator minor Steph.
(J. Shambe, 28. 12.07.

Erythrobucco rolleti (De Filippi).
S. Kojali, 1.3.08.
(? . „ 23. 2. 08.
S . Wau, 24. 4. 08.
? (Label missing.)

Lybius leucocephalus (De Filippi).
<?. Doieiba, 5.5.08.

88 Mr. A. L. Butler oti Birds collected in

Lybius abyssinicus (Lath.).
cJ. Ardebba, 5.1.08.

Lybius vieilloti Leach.
<^. Raffile, 14.2.08.
? . AVau, 24. 4. 08.
cJ . Raffile, 22. 3. 08.
cT . „ 3. 2. 08.

Earbatula chrysocoma (Temm.).
S. Meshra, 10.5.08.

Mesopicus pyocephalus (Swains.),
f? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

ViNAGO calva (Temm. & Kuip).
S. Madal, 5.5.08.

O • 37 )J

+ • ^> }}

$ . llumbek, 9.1.08.

CoLUMBA GUINEA Linn.
S . Dug-Dug, 5. 5. 08.

TuRTUR DECipiENs Fiuscli & Hartl.
S . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

TuRTUR VIXACEUS (Gm.).

S. Wau, 1.4.08.

This Dove is Antinori's Turtur vinaceus barbarus. I find
that in my paper in the 'Ibis,' 1908, p. 249, I erroneously
entered it as T. roseigriseus (Sundev.).

Turtur senegalensis (Linn.).
? . Tembura, 4. 3. 08.

Chalcopelia afra (Linn.).
S . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

Pyocephalus meyeri (Riipp.).
S. Wau, 22.4.08.

the Bahr-el-Gliazal Province, Sudan. 89

Pal.korms Docins Yieill.
S . Amien's, 5. 5. 08.
$ . „ 4. 5. 08.
?. „ 8.5.08.
S . Wau, 22. 4. 08.

Glaucidium perlatum (Vieill.).
(J . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

Bubo cixerascens Guer.
S. Kojali, 20.3.08.

Falco RUFicoLLis Swains.
c? . Wau, 30. 3. 08.

Cerchxeis ardesiacus (Bonn, ct Vieill.).
(?. Tonj, 14.1.08.

BUTASTUR RUFIPENNIS (SuUtlcV.).

?. Amien's, 8.5.08.

]\Ielierax polyzonus (Kiipp.).
? . Wau, 2.4.08.

Melierax gabar (Daud.).

c? . Goz Abu Guma (White Nile), 28. 5. 08.

? . Bringi's (S. of Wau), 2G. 1. 08.

AsTUR SPHENURUS Rlipp.

S . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

Hagedashia hagedash (Lath.).
? . Raffile, 16. 2. 08.

Herodias ralloides (Scop.).
S . Wau, 2. 4. 08.

Scopus umbretta Gm.
? . Raffile, 14. 2. 08.
?. „ 17.2.08.

Francolinus icterorhynchus Heugl.
S . Raffile, 4. 2. 08.
? . Tembura, 4.3.08.

90 Major H. A. F. Magrath on the

? . Wau, 1 . 4. 08.

+ • 5> >)

^ ' }} 3>

Ptilopachys fuscus (Vieill,).
S. Raffile, 10.2.08.
?. Kojali, 20.2.08.

Pterocles quadricinctus Temm.
? . Raffile, 18. 2. 08.

Sarciophorus tectus (Bodd.).
c?. Tawela, 18.12.07.

XiPHIDIOPTERUS ALBICEPS (Gould).

?. Kojali, 1.3.08.
$ . „ 22. 2. 08.

HOPLOPTERUS SPINOSUS (Liiin.).
?. Shainbe, 29. 12.07.

Tringoides hypoleucus (Linn.).
J. Shambe, 29.12.07.

CEdicnemus senegalensis Swains.
?. Raffile, 17.2.08.

Q]]dICNEJMUS AFFINIS RUpp.

? . Wau, 24. 4. 08.

III. — On the Birds of Kohat and Kvrram, Northern India.
By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army. With an
Introduction by Major H. A. F. Magrath, Indian Army.

(Plate III. and Text-figures 4 & 5.)

I. — Introduction.
By Major H. A. Y. Magrath.

Contrasted with a district of the Punjab, which I had just
left, the variety of the surrounding bird-life was one of
the fir.^t impressions received on my arrival at Kohat in

Birds of Kohat and Kurrani. 91

December 1904, and it struck me tliat, as I was likely to be
quartered there for some time, a List of the birds of the
district might be usefully attempted. I had already made
notes on a few of the commoner species, when I had the good
fortune to discover in Mr. C. H. T. Whitehead, 56tli Rifles,
who had just rejoined his regiment at Kohat, a keen naturalist,
anxious to start work at once on the ornithology of the
district. We at once agreed to work together, and in spite
of military duties which permitted of little leisure for the
pursuit of hobbies, we had, by the end of February 1906,
acquired at first hand a fair working knowledge of the local
avifauna. In March 1906 my regiment moved to the
Saraana, a ridge 6500 feet above sea-level and .'50 miles due
west of Kohat Station. This ridge forms the northern
boundary of the ]\Iiranzai Viilley, and overlooks on the
north the Khanki Valley and Tirah, the land of the Afridis.
Here a few interesting additions were made to our list — such
as Pica rustica, Accentor rufilutus. Accentor himalaijanus, Frin-
gillauda sordida, and Su7ja crinigera. Meanwhile, Whitehead
was doing good work below, and during the manoeuvres
secured, among other birds, an example of Fringilla
coelebs, a species new to India. In the end of April 1906 I
proceeded home on furlough and, as the sequel will shew,
the production of the List was then left entirely in White-
head's hands. An interesting discovery made by him shortly
after my departure was a nesting colony oi A'edon familiaris
in the vicinity of the station. Taking two months' leave in
June 1906, he paid a visit to the Kurram Valley lying to
the N.W. of Kohat, and followed to their breeding-grounds
at the head of the valley many of the birds that winter in
the plains around Kohat. During these two months he
explored the Safed Koh Range very thoroughly, considering
the short time at his disposal, ascending the two peaks of
Sikaram (15,600 ft.) and Bodin (14,000 ft.), and by dint oE
real hard work, aided by much enthusiasm, added a great
deal to our knowledge of the distribution and nesting-habits
of many Oriental and Palsearctic species, discovering for the
first time the nests and getting the eggs of Saxicola capistrafa

92 Major H. A. F. j\ragratli on the

and PJiylloscopus subviridis jhesides obtaining some interesting
mammals. His most important discovery, however, was a
new race o^ Anorthura procured at 10,000 feet on the Safed
Koh. To this bird he has very generously done me the
honour of giving my name, an honour quite undeserved, which
has made me insist on the trivial name of '' Whitehead's
Wren-" for that species.

With the kind assistance of Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and
Mr. Charles Chubb I was enabled to work out, at the British
Museum, the skins procured by "Whitehead on this trip, in
addition to those previously collected in Kohat.

During my absence on leave my regiment had marched
in course of relief to Bannu, the district which borders the
Kohat District to the south. My official connexiou with
Kohat was therefore, much to my regret (especially as I
could no longer pursue my ornithological studies there),
severed. Passing througii Kohat Station on my return
from leave, Whitehead met me with the interesting news
that he had a few days previously shot a Waxwing [Ampelis
f/arrulus), another new bird for India.

In April 1907, availing myself of three months' privilege-
leave and Whitehead at the same time obtaining a year's
furlough, Ave decided to take a trip together to the Kurram
Valley before he went home, in order to add, if possible, to
the knowledge gained in the previous year. We met at
Thall on the 15th of April and there awaited the sanction of
the Political Agent of the Kurram Valley to our proposed
expedition in the territory under his administration. The
number of the smaller Passerine birds migrating up the valley
at the time was very great, and we had plenty to interest us
in this unusual leave-resort. The officer commanding the
Post, Lieut. Wolley, with his wonted hospitality, invited us
to consider ourselves honorary members of his little mess,
which privilege w'c were only too glad to avail ourselves of,
In due course the Political Officer's permit arrived, but it
was so hampered by restrictions that we had to abandon
our original intention of working slowly up the valley and
proceed direct to Parachinar, the headquarters of the Agency,

Birds of Kohat and Karrum. 93^

which is situated about 13 miles from the head of the valley.

Here the officers of the Kurram Militia very kindly allowed us

to make use of their exceedingly comfortable mess, and most

hospitably entertained us during our stay. After obtaining

permission to move up to Peiwur, 10 miles further up the

valley, we left Parachinar on the 21st of April. The

Political Agent was so solicitous for our safety that he

insisted on our taking an armed tribal escort of six men with

us. AVe did not require their military assistance, but found

them useful to look for nests, climb trees, and carry our

guns and lunch-baskets. Making the little rest-house at

Peiwar our headquarters, we daily explored the surrounding

Ilex jungle and visited several times the pine-clad hills ou

the Afghan border. In an Ilex, Whitehead was fortunate in

coming across a nest, with eggs, of jEgithaliscus leucogenys.

This bird is an early breeder, and six other nests that we found

contained young. We had not been at Peiwar many days

when rumours reached us from Parachinar that the Turis

(the tribe inhabiting the Valley), who had been listening to

wondrous tales of the spread of plague in Peshawar, poured

into their ears by Kabuli traders and others passing up the

valley from India to Afghanistan, had become highly

suspicious of our movements and credited us with all sorts

of nefarious deeds. We were supposed to be agents of the

Government sent up to poison their water-supply and to

spread the plague. We were said to stalk abroad at night

catching and inoculating rats, in order to disseminate the

pestilence. Colour was lent to this ingenuous theory by the

fact that we had trapped a few Mole-rats, Gerbilles, and

Dormice. Curiously enough we could see no signs of

hostility in the villagers themselv^es, in fact we found them

invariably friendly, and our tribal escort seemed to know

nothing of these rumours. We were now anxious to shift

camp and to move up the slopes of Sikaram, as the snow,

under the influence of the summer sun, was gradually

receding. But, in face of the rumours related above, the

Political Agent did not think it advisable for us to do so,

and even considered that our presence at Peiwar might lead

94

Major H. A. F. Magrath on the

to some act of violence towards us, and be the cause of
administrative complications in the valley. We were, there-
fore, asked to return to Parachinar, where a meeting was
called of the leading Maliks, on the result of which our fate
with respect to being allowed to continue collecting would
depend. Unfortunately and much to our chagrin the verdict
of the " Jirga " was against us, and the Political Agent
called on us and informed us that, owing to the popular
excitement, it would be quite unsafe for us to go into camp

Text-fijr. 4.

l^drt Ijockliart, in winter.

again and that we could only work in the immediate vicinity
of Parachinar. Our expedition thus came to an untimely
end, and, as there was nothing more to be done in the bird-
line at Parachinar, we returned to Thall, whence a few days
later Whitehead took his departure for England, and I to
places where ignorance and superstition would cease from
troubling.

I may mention that soon after wc arrived in Parachinar
from Peiwar news was brought in by a native officer of the

70

>

Sikara

hrj J5600J

Safe,

4e80

KOH^
KUR]

IBIS, 1909. n. EI .

Birds of Kohat and Kurram.

95

local militia, who had beeu on leave to his villag:e, that we
had left Peiwar just iu time. Had we remained anotiier
night, we were, like the Babes in the Wood, to have beeu
foully murdered. All arrangements had been made, assassins
hired, and our pleasant little camp was to have been converted
into a shambles ! This was a most amusing yarn which
tickled us immensely ! Gladly would we have accepted
these small risks if only we had been allowed to continue
our expedition.

Text-fio". o.

Zeran Nullah, Safed Kob, fioui SOOO ft. alt.

A glance at the accompanying map (Plate III.) will give
a good idea of the geography of this portion of the N.W.
P'rontier of India. Situated between the 32nd and 35th
parallels of latitude and the 69th and 72nd meridians of
longitude it is in shape somewhat like a pipe, the District
of Kohat forming the bowl and the Kurram Valley the stem
and mouthpiece. Its northern boundary, proceeding from
east to west, consists of the bare and rocky hills lying
between it and the Peshawar Dislrictj the Samana Range

96 :\Iajor H. A. F. Magrath on the

(barren hills inhabited by independent Orakzai and Afridi
tribes) and the Sa£ed-Koh Range. This n;gged barrier of
hills is on the east as low as 3000 feet above sea-level, bnt
grarkially increases in height westward till it culminates in
the imposing snow-clad ramparts of the Sa£ed-Koh Range,
the highest peak of which, Sikaram (15,600 feet), lies at its
western extremity. To the west it is bounded by Afghan-
istan and Waziristan, to the south by the districts of Bannu
and Mianwali, and to the east by the R. Indus.

The general aspect of Kohat is a confused mass of low
bare rocky hills, nullahs, and ravines, intersected by two
main depressions running parallel and with a general trend
from west to east. These depressions are formed, in the
first case, by the Miranzai and Kohat Valleys running in
prolongation of each other, and in the second by the Teri
Valley. Two alluvial plains are also noticeable, namely that
around and east of Kohat Station, and the oasis of Lachi.
The Kurram is a long valley, averaging some 2 miles in
width at its lower end and broadening into a stony plain 8
or 10 miles wide at its upper extremity and rising in the
70 miles from Thall 4000 feet. Down its centre rushes,
over a bed of stones and boulders, the river that gives its
name to the valley, which rises in Afghanistan some 20
miles beyond the valley-head. Consisting, as the district
does, for the most part of desert, the flora, compared with
that of the Himalayas, is not luxurious. Coarse grasp,
Olives, thorn-scrub, and Dwarf Palms sparsely cover the hills,
and in parts of the Miranzai Valley and around Thall the
two latter form thick scrub-jungle. Hex-Oaks, where their
branches are not ruthlessly lopped and the trees are permitted
to grow, attain a considerable size on the Samana, and here
and there on this hill some fine Ash-trees flourish. In the
Safed Koh Range, however, forests of Fir, Pine, and Cedar
clothe the mountain-sides from about 8000 to 12,000 feet,
and cover the top of the spur over vvhich the Peiwar Pass
runs. Below, these forests are gradually replaced by Ilex
trees, which again, as one descends to the low foot-hills, are
replaced by dense Ilex-scrub.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 97

Where water is easily brought on to the Land, as is the
case in the plains around Kohat and Lachi and in the
Kurram, Hangu, and Teri Valleys, green oases of cultivation
relieve the general barrenness. A feature of the cultivation
around Kohat and in the Miranzai Valley consists of the
beautiful orchards of Mulberry, Peach, Plum, Fig, and Vine
which abound, and are supplemented, in the stonier parts,
by groves of wild Olive-trees. The crops consist mainly of
Avheat ; but Indian corn, barley, millet, cotton, and sugar-
cane are also grown, and around Bangu, Thall, and in the
Kurram Valley, rice. Immediately south of the station of
Kohat the Gov'crnment grass-farm, of about 300 acres,
possesses many attractions for birds on migration, and, after
irrigation, is not a bad place to observe Waders : even Duck
and Snipe have been shot on it. The climate is very dry.
As regards temperature : in the plains of Kohat the winter
might be compared to that of the south of France, but the
summer is decidedly hotter and probably most nearly
approximates to that of Egypt. In the Kurram Valley
temperatures are much lower, and the climate of Upper
Kurram must be somewhat similar, both in summer and in
winter, to that of Northern Germany.

Ornithologically speaking, this corner of the Palsearctic
Region * has hitherto been little worked. With the exception

* Dresser in the preface to his ' Manual of Patearctic Birds ' does not
clearly define the Paleearctic boundary in this locality, and by omitting
all reference to the plains of India would seem to imply that Kohat
belongs to the Indian Subregion. On the other hand, Blanford in his
' Distribution of Vertebrate Animals in India ' assigns the plains of the
PuQJab to the Palfearctic Region. Professor Newton, however, in his
article on "Birds" in the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica,' remarks that if
Baluchistan is to be excluded from the Palaearctic Region, " then the line
of demarcation must run inland and so continue between that land
and Afghanistan till ascending the right bank of the Indus it turns the
shoulder of the Great Snowy range." The italics are mine, and I take
this to mean that the line of demarcation strikes the Indus at a point
in prolongation eastward of the boundary-line between Afghanistan and
Baluchistan, i. e. somewhere in the vicinity of Dera Ghazi Khan. If tliis
is the correct interpretation of Newton's views then the ornithology of
N.W. India strongly supports them.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 11

98 Major H. A. F. Magratli on the

of the two papers by Colonel R. H. Rattray published in the
' Journal ' of the Bombay Natural History Society, " Notes
on Nests taken from March to June at Kohat and Mussoorie,
North-Western Provinces'-' (vol. x. p. 628), and ''Birds
Collected and Observed at ThalP' (vol. xii. p. 337),
and a few observations by Major Wardlaw-Ramsay and
others mentioned in the ' Fauna of British India,' I
know of no contribution to its ornithology *. Neither
Hume nor Jerdon, Oates nor Blanford, nor others of India's
many excellent ornithologists, appear to have visited it. And
yet it is an important locality, lying as it does in the extreme
north-west of the Peninsula on one of the great migration-
highways into India, and at a point on that highway where
it converges to its narrowest limits. The pre-eminently
Palsearctic character of the avifauna is most striking.
Especially is this noticeable in the forms breeding in the
ITpper Kurram, very few of the many subtropical species
inhabiting the Western Himalayas being found there. From
the description of the country and from its geographical
position the predominance of such groups as the Accipitrines,
Motacillidse, Fringillinae, Emberizinte, and of the desert-
forms will not be considered surprising. Although un-
doubtedly well represented on migration, the Ducks, Waders,
and Shore-birds are difficult of observation in Kohat. With
the exception of the grass-farm, the tank at Dhand-Idl-Khel,
and some marshy tracts round Thall and Lachi, this District
is singularly devoid of the moist places beloved of Wild-
fowl and Waders, no streams of any size flowing through
it. Matters improve in this respect on arriving at the
Kurram Valley. The river here being taken oflF for rice-
cultivatiou in places along its banks, marshy spots have
formed, and in the months of March and April, September
and October, numbers of W"ild-fowl and Waders, using this

* There is only one allusion to Kohat itself in the ' Fauna of British
India,' and that is in connection with the occurrence there of the Red-
wing {Turdus iliacus), recorded hj Jerdou on hearsa^^ from Blyth, on
hearsay from Trotter. After more than two years' careful ohser\ation
we failed to come across this bird, and I think we may safely say that^it
is not "a re,'rular winter visitant," if it occurs at all.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 99

river-route on migration, are induced to halt on their way,
affording good sport to " Sahibs '' and Turi villagers. The
importance of this river as a migration-route is illustrated
lower down, where it debouches into the sandy plains of
Bannu, outside of the area which we are now considering.
Here vast quantities of Wild-fowl, Waders, and Gulls, on
migration to their far-off northern homes from the lower
reaches of the Indus and the Manchar Lake in Sind, are to
be observed, in the months of February and March, asleep
or preening their feathers on the mudbanks in mid-river.
The majority of these birds undoubtedly keep to the river-
route, there being no other important water-way lying near
their line of migration, and must therefore, of necessity,
pass up the Kurram Valley. It may be wondered at that
the River Indus, bordering Kohat, has not been mentioned
as suited to the observation of Water-fowl. But in this
portion of its course that great river is confined between
hills, and flows over a rocky bed, consequently here it affords
no feeding-grounds or resting-places for such birds. White-
head came doAvn it in a boat at a time of year when he
might have expected to find birds, but his journey proved
disappointing. On the whole, then, Kohat and Kurram
must be looked on as a profitable locality to the Indian
ornithologist.

The straggling of Western Palsearctic forms, not as yet
recorded within Indian limits, into this area is probably of
commoner occurrence than might be supposed, and, were it
possible for a winter to be spent in collecting in the Upper
Kurram, yet new species to the Indian list woidd doubtless
be forthcoming. The task we set ourselves in our late trip,
so unfortunately interrupted, still remains to be done, and
most assuredly new breeding species to India await the
discoverer.

It was at first intended to publish two separate papers,
one on the birds of Kohat and another on those of the
Kurram Valley, but Mr. Whitehead has decided, wisely as I
think, to combine them. The two localities are contiguous,
and the latter is, as I mentioned before, the breeding-ground

h2

100 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

of many species that winter in the plains. Of the total
number of 336 species which the list contains, 317 were
found in Kohat, the remaining 19 were met with only in
the Kurram Valley. Considered together, therefore, the
single paper will be found to be of greater scientific value
than if the two districts had been separately treated, and
Mr. Whitehead deserves much credit for the excellent piece
of work which he has accomplished.

II. — Preface.
By C. H. T. Whitehead.

-Major Magrath does not take any credit for his own work.
Before I even started he had made a fair list of the birds of
Kohat, and it was his enthusiasm that infected me. All that
I have done is to somewhat amplify this list and add a little
to the notes. The paper should have been Avritten by him,
but he insisted on my doing so, and has now most kindly
gone carefully through it, making many necessary corrections
and alterations and entirely rewriting the account of the
Bulbuls of the genus Molpastes, the hybrid forms of which
he was first to observe in Kohat.

Much interesting information was kindly contributed by
Mr. D. Donald, C.I.E., the Political Officer and Commandant
of the Border Military Police and Samana Rifles, which his
long residence in Kohat (some 18 years), his frequent tours
in the district, the interest he takes in birds generally, and
in the Accipitrines in particular, and his great reputation as
a falconer, render of especial value.

Specimens of most of the Passerine and of a large number
of the remaining birds included in this paper were shot
and carefully compared with Oates and Blanford's excellent
descriptions, measurements and points of difference, if any,
being always recorded, but only in the case of their not
corresponding or of their being of special interest were skins
made, for time did not permit of more. These skins are now
in the Britisli Museum and are those I'cferred to in the paper.
Amongst them will be found melanistic varieties of several
species (Lanius lahtora, Passer domeslicus, Anthus similis,

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 101

A. spipoletta), wliich^ except in the case of the Shrike, were
shot out of flocks of similarly coloured birds. Taken as a
whole^ however, the birds of the District are characterized
by their pale colouring, which is what one would expect from
the desert nature of the country.

Many more birds appear to halt in Kohat in the spring
migration, which continues from February till well into
June, than in the autumn. This is probably due to the
configuration of the locality. As will be seen from the map
(Plate III.), the main Kohat Valley at its junction with the
Indus is comparatively broad but narrows considerably towards
the Kurram River, with which it is connected by the Ishkalai,
an insignificant stream flowing in at Thall. The latter stream
is probably easily missed by the hosts of migrants passing
down the Kurram River on southward migration in autumn.
Major Magrath writes that they migrate down this river in
the Bannu District in great numbers in August, September,
and the first half of October.

In square brackets are added notes on those species met
with by Major Magrath in Bannu, but not found by us in
Kohat or in the Kurram Valley, as most of them would be
likely to occur within our limits. The Bannu District,
however, exhibits a great contrast to Kohat, consisting as it
does for the most part of a broad, well-watered, highly
cultivated plain with a good deal of marsh-land.

In the following notes, wherever the expression " we " is
used it refers, of course, to Major Magrath and myself, as
we worked together.

The word " plains " is used, as it usually is in India, to
denote the low coimtry — i.e., in this case, below about
3000 feet— as opposed to the main hill-ranges, and not merely
the flat country, the greater part of Kohat being a maze of
low hills and ravines. Similarly the word ''desert" is used
in its wider sense to include stony and not necessarily level
wastes which cover such a large part of the District (where
there is very little sandy desert).

The nomenclature followed is that adopted by Gates and
Blanford in the ' Fauna of British India, Birds,' and the

102 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

numbers placed in brackets before the scientific names are
those used in that work.

The following is a list of the papers chiefly referred to, all
contributed to the * Journal of the Bombay Natural History
Society ' : —

Rattray, Colonel R. H. — Birds Collected and Observed at Tliall. xii.

pp. 337 to 348 (1899).
Marshall, Capt. T. E. — Notes on the Birds near Quetta : Part I. xiv.

pp. 601 to 602 (1902) ; Part II. xv. pp. 44 to 04 (1903).
EtTLTON, Capt. H. T., D.S.O.— Notes on the Birds of Chitral. xvi.

pp. 44 to 64 and p. 744 (1904).
Rattray, Colonel R. H. — Birds'-nesting in the Murree Hills and Galls.

xvi. pp. 421 to 428 and pp. 657 to 663 (1905).
CuMMiNG, J. W. N.— Birds of Seistan. xvi. pp. 686 to 699 (1905).
Ward, Colonel A. E.— Birds of the Provinces of Kashmir and Jammu

and Adjacent Districts, xvii. pp. 108 to 113, pp. 479 to 485 (1906),

pp. 726 to 729, pp. 943 to 949 (1907) ; xviii. pp. 461 to 464 (1908).

To obviate the inconvenience of looking up these papers
I have added references, and where possible the gist of the
note.

My best thanks are due to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and
Mr. Charles Chubb for much assistance in the identification
of my skins, and to the former for very kindly going through
my notes and putting them into correct form in spite of a
great press of other work. Also to Dr. Hartert for going
through the series of Wagtail- and Pipit-skins. Lastly, to
Dr. Sclater, F.R.S., for most kindly looking through the
proofs and seeing the paper through the press.

III. — List of Birds and Remarks.
By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead.

[1.] CoRVus corax. The Raven.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (common round Thall) ;
Marshall_, op. cit. xiv. p. 681 (the small race very common
and resident at Quetta) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 686 (race
in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 108.

Ravens of all sizes are very common in the cold weather,
especially round human habitations, the majority leaving in

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 103

April or early in May_, but I have counted over 80 roosting
together as late as the 18th of May near Kohat.

A few_, however, mostly smaller birds, are resident all the
year round.

[3.] CoRvus coROxXE. The Carrion-Crow.

Cummiug, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 686 (common in winter
in Seistan, and often seen about houses) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 108 (resident in Kashmir, nestiug between 8000
and 10,000 ft.).

505. S ad. Kurram Valley, 5800 ft., 19th April.

I am not sure whether this species occurs in the plains or
not. Major Magrath has found it fairly common in winter
in Bannu, so it probably does. In the Upper Kurram
Valley it nests freely in April from 5000 ft. upwards, a
Chinar (Plane-tree) near a village being usually selected as
a nesting-site. Like tlie Raven, the Carrion-Crow is not a
dweller in the wilds in these parts, but prefers the neigh-
bourhood of mankind.

[4.] CoRvus MACRORHYNCHus. The Juuglc-Crow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (Thall: very common);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 45 (Lower Chitral : very common) ;
Rattray, t. c. p. 421 (very common up to 9000 ft. : Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 108.

Abundant in the plains from November till mid-April
(last seen on the 28th), partially taking the place of C.
splendens. In summer it retires to the Ilex- and ?ir-clad
slopes of the higher ranges, nesting freely on the Safed
Koh.

[5.] CoRvus FRUGiLEGUs. The Rook.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 601 (once seen in
January near Quetta) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 686
(common in Seistan in winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 108
(occurs in winter along the R. Jhelum).

641. S juv. Samana, 6500 ft., 5th March.

744, 745. ? ; 746. S juv. Kohat, 1760 ft., 25th March.

Visits the district in large flocks in winter, arriving in
November and remaining as late as the middle of April.

104 Lieut. C. H. T. Wliiteliead on the

The birds, however, staying on through March appear to
be almost all young which have not entirely shed the face-
feathers and nasal bristles. Gates, in the ' Fauna of India/
writes : " About January or Avhen the young bird is about
nine months old the nasal bristles are cast, and by March
the front part of the head has become entirely denuded of
feathers." Here, neither are entirely lost till April. The
above-mentioned examples represent the ordinary type found
here in March.

[6.] CoRvus sHARPii. Sharpe's Hooded Crow.

Corvus sharpli Gates, F. B. I., Birds, i. p. 20; Gumming,
J, B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 68G (common in Tamarisk -jungle of
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 109 (a rare visitor to
Kashmir).

We have not observed the Hoodie in Kohat, but Mr,
Donald, the Political Gfficer, tells me that he has met with
one or two almost every year, generally about the grass-
farm. This Crow is a common winter visitor to the
Peshawar and Bannu Districts, which are better suited to
its habits. From the latter Major Magrath has sent a
typical specimen of the race Corvus comix sharpii to the
British Museum.

[7.] CoRVUs SPLENDENS. Thc Housc-Crow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (not common at Thall);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 109 (common in the low country).

A resident and extremely common in summer. In mild
winters numbers remain, but in severe w^eather it almost
entirely disappears, C. macro-hynchus taking its place as the
common cook-house scavenger.

[9.] CoRvus MONEDULA. The Jackdaw.

Battray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 387 (rare in Thall) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 109.

A rather rare winter visitor from December till March,
occurring with large flocks of Books. Major Magrath
noted immense flocks coming into the station on five
consecutive evenings, just before the cold wave in January

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 105

1905. Similar flocks^ but mixed with llooksj roosted in
cantonments for a few nights in February 1908.

[10.] Pica rustica. The Magpie.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 601 (common round
Quetta) ; Fulton^, op. cit. xvi. p. 4G (very common in
Upper Chitral) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 686 (scarce in Seistan :
1700 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 109 (common in Ladak and
Baltistan).

661. Marai, 2900 £t., 9th March.

773. ? ad. Raisan, 2100 ft., 1st April.

A resident, but somewhat rare in Kohat, being more often
seen in Samilzai than elsewhere ; a few pairs also occur on
the Samana, where Major Magrath found a nest in April
built in an Ilex, just above the tennis-court. In the Upper
Kurram Valley it is very common, especially near PeiAvar,
and occurs up to the tree-limits. The nest is usually placed
in an Ilex, and is of the normal type, though often within
six or seven feet of the ground. These examples appear to
be typical F. rustica.

[16.] Dendrocitta rufa. The Indian Tree-Pie.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (Thall: a few seen) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 109.

670. S ad. Raisan, 2300 ft., 12th March.

709. <S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th March.

A common winter visitor to Kohat, arriving early in
September and leaving about mid- April. A few pairs,
however, remain to nest, Mr. Donald, the Political Officer,
having several times observed young birds in July in the
Miranzai Valley barely able to fly.

[24.] Garrulus lanceolatus. The Black-throated Jay.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (Thall: common on
the hills) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 46 (Lower Chitral : very
common from 5000 to 10,000 ft.); Rattray, t. o. p. 421
(very common round Murree) ; AVard, op. cit. xvii. p. 109.

Rare in the plains. During the cold spell in November
and December, 1905, a few individuals occurred about the

]06 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

grass-farms and the orchards of Kohat. A resident on the
Samana Eauge above 5000 ft,, hut not common.

Fairly plentiful in the Ilex-scrub in the Kurram Valley,
occurring up to 8000 ft. Generally goes about in parties of
four or five, out of the breeding-season, but sometimes
collects into big flocks. Major Magrath observed one of
about forty individuals near Peiwar (7000 ft.) in April 1907.
Very shy and difficult to observe.

[28.] NuciFRAGA MULTiPUNCTATA. The Larger-spotted
Nutcracker.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 46 (only got one specimen,
no others seen) ; "Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 109, xviii. p. 461
(common : young hatch out in April; probably two broods).

Occurs sparingly amongst the conifers of the Safed Koh,
but is more often heard than seen. Its cry resembles the
syllables " kack-kdck" rapidly repeated, hence its Pushtu
name " Khakarra.^^

[30.] Pyrrhocorax alpinus. The Yellow-billed Chough.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (10,000 ft., near
Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 46 (Chitral : very common
from 5000 ft. to 16,000 ft., according to season) ; AVard,
op. cit. xvii. p. 109 (occurs from 5500 ft. in winter upwards,
often caught in traps set round carrion for foxes).

Not common, but fairly well distributed in summer along
the upper slopes of the Safed Koh above tree-limit. By
the end of June the birds had collected into small flocks.

[31.] Parus atriceps. The Indian Grey Tit.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 601 (winter visitor to
Quetta : seen at Ziarat, 8000 ft., in May) ; Fulton, op. cit.
xvi. p. 46 (Chitral : very common) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 421
(very common up to 6500 ft. : Murree) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 109.

327. c? juv. Safed Koh, 7500 ft., 16th July.

A very common winter visitor to the District from mid-
September till about the third week in April. A resident on
the Samana above 5000 ft. Nests in the Ilex-scrub of the
Upper Kurram in fair numbers.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 107

Anthoscopus coronatus. The Turkestan Penduline Tit.

Hartert, Pal. Vogel, i. p. 392.

Lacln, 1500 ft., 25th March; S ? ad., Kohat, 1760 ft.,
7th-8th April; S ad., Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th March.

Major Magrath first observed a party of these Tits on a
Peach-tree in his garden in April 1905. Since then we
have met with the bird regularly from mid-March till
mid-April in parties of from two or three to forty or
more, chiefly frequenting Shisham trees, but also orchards
and Camel-thorn scrub. The call-note resembles that of
Zosto'ops palpebrosa and is constantly uttered.

Mr. T. R. Bell, I.F.S., was the first to discover this
species in India. He met with parties of it iu February 1904
in the tamarisk-acacia scrub-juugle near Sukkur, Sind,
and procured several examples {vide J. B. N. H. S. xvii.
p. 244).

[37.] ^GiTHALTscus LEucoGEXYs. The Wliitc-cheeked
Tit.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 46 (resident and very
common from 6000 to 12,000 ft. in Lower Chitral) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 109.

333. S ad. Safed Koh, 1800 ft., 20th July.

391. ? ad. Samaua, 5000 ft., 5th November.

A resident in the Upper Kurram Valley and on the
Samana, being largely reinforced on the latter in winter :
some individuals descending to the Miranzai and Samilzai
Valleys down to 2500 ft., where I have met with parties as
late as the 9th of April.

Breeds freely in the Ilex-scrub near Peiwar from 6000 to
8000 ft. Nesting-operations must commence towards the
end of March, as a nest found on the 1st of May contained
fully fledged young. The fabric is usually placed near the
top of an Ilex-bush from three to seven feet above the ground.
It is egg-shaped and rather like that of the British Long-
tailed Tit, but a good deal smaller and not quite so neat.
It is made of moss and cobwebs outside, lined with a little
grass, with a thick inner lining of feathers. The opening is

108 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

usually near the top, but is sometimes nearer the centre.
We came across seven nests altogether, the first six containing
young, and the seventh a nearly fresh clutch of five eggs.
These are pure white, three having a very faint zone of spots
round the large end, the remainder being unmarked, and
averaging "58" x '39". The clutch appears to vary from five
to eight. The young closely resemble their parents, but the
colours are duller, and the black of the chin and throat is
replaced by a few indistinct dusky streaks.

Capt. Keen also observed a pair of these Tits with a
newly fledged family on the Samana.

In habits this species closely resembles the Long-tailed Tit,
going about in parties of eight or nine in scrub-jungle, con-
tinually utteiiug its call -note, which may be rendered by the
syllables " prit-t-t," while it is often in company with Parus
atriceps.

[44.] LoPHOPHANES MELANOLOPHUs. The Crestcd Black
Tit.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 46 (abundant in Chitral from
5000 to 12,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 422 (common in the
Murree Hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110 (common in
Kashmir).

Very common on the Safed Koh from 6500 ft. to tree-
limit. An early breeder. Major Magrath found a nest
containing young on the 25th of April. It has a great
variety of notes.

[91.] Trochalopterum SIMILE. The Western Variegated
Laughing-Thrush.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 47 (resident and very common
up to 6000 ft. in Lower Chitral) ; liattray, t. c. p. 422 (very
common round Murree, up to 10,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 422.

417. Ad. Samana, 5600 ft., 19th December.

A resident, but rare. Altogether I met with about a dozen
individuals in one wooded nullah on the northern slope
of the Samana, but nowhere else. It is a great skulker;
its loud wdiistling notes, however, proclaim its presence.

Birds of Koliat and Kurram. 109

Usually found creeping about the densest part o£ the under-
growth.

[99.] Tkochalopteruji lineatum. The Himalayan
Streaked Laughing-Thrush.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (common in winter :
Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 60.2 (common at 4000 ft.
in February : Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 47 (abundant
in Chitral) ; Uattray, t. c. p. 422 (commonest bird in Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110.

130. S ad. Marai, 3000 ft., 2oth February.

579. Sex? Kohat, 1760 £t., 13th February.

633. ? ad. ,, „ 1st March.

653. ? ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 8th March.

Abundant and resident on the Samana, many birds
wintering in the Miranzai and Samilzai Valleys, and, in the
winter of 1907/1908, quite a number visited the orchards
around Kohat, staying till April. Occurs also in the
Kurram Valley up to 7000 ft., but not so commonly.

[105.] Argya caudata. The Common Babbler.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (abundant at Thall) ;
Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 686 (very common in Seistan) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110 (found in the outer ranges).

A resident and very common, especially in scrub-jungle,
only occasionally visiting gardens. Does not ascend the
hills to any height, its place being taken by the next species.

Breeds in April and May.

[104.] Argya earlii. The Striated Babbler.
Major Magrath obtained an example of this species last
March in a reed-bed in Bannu.

[110.] Crateropus canorus. The Jungle-Babbler.

Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110 (chiefly confined to Jammu).

639. ^ ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

666. S ad. Marai, 3000 ft., 10th March.

A resident, taking the place of the last species from
the foot of the hills, where the two occur together, up to
4000 feet in winter and 6000 feet in summer. Fairly

110 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

common, too, in the Miranzai Valley in winter, wherever
there is plenty of scrub-jungle. Not observed in the
Kurram Valley.

[139.] Pyctorhis sinensis. The Yellow-eyed Babbler.

Major Magrath has met with parties of this Babbler in the
sugar-cane fields and reed-beds of Bannu. An example shot
by him is now in the National Collection.

[187.] MiTioPHONEUS TEMMiNCKi. The Himalayan
Whistling-Thrush.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (common in Avinter :
Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (Quetta : 7000 ft. in
May) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 47 (common in Lower
Chitral) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 422 (common in Murree Hills) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110.

A fairly common winter visitor from mid- September till
mid-April, rather rare round Kohat, but common in the
Miranzai and Samilzai Valleys and on the Samana. A
resident in the Kurram Valley, nesting between 6000 and
8000 feet. Usually found about cliffs and grvjves near water,
but sometimes in very dry shadeless spots some distance
from water.

[191.] Lakvivoka BiiuNNEA. The Indian Bluc- Chat.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 423 (common at Murree) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 110 (nests in Kashmir up to 8000 ft.).

Occurs in summer along the lower slopes of the Sated
Koh between 6500 and 8000 ft., but is not common except
in one or two secluded glens. Very shy, has a rich but
quite short song.

[226.] ZosTEROPS PALPEBROSA. The Indian White-eye.

774. c? ad. Kachai, 2700 ft., 1st April.

A cold-weather visitor to the District, the first parties
arriving in August, but it does not become common till
October, and leaves toward the middle of April. Possibly a
resident on the Samana: a party of eight or nine stayed
there during the winter of 1906-07, in spite of frequent

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. Ill

heavy sno\r-stornis ; a large numbei* arrived early in April,
though Avhether only on migration or not I cannot say,
as I left shortly afterwards. Not observed in the Kurram
Valley.

[269.] Hypsipetes psaroides. The Himalayan Black
Bulbul.

Fulton, J. B. N. II. S. xvi. p. 47 (common in summer) ;
Rattray, t. c. p. 424 (common round Murree) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. Ill (common in Kashmir).

583. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 15th February.

630. c? ad. „ „ 1st March.

In 1907 several parties of this species visited the district
early in February, staying till the end of March. They
were always to be found about the same spot, never wander-
ing far away. Berries of the Bakain tree seemed to form
their staple food.

[283.] MoLPASTEs iNTERMEDius. The Puiijab Red-vcnted
Bullml.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. Ill (found in Pooneh and
Jammu) .

634. ? ad. Kohat, 1700 ft., 1st March.

733. c? ad. „ „ 23rd March.

786. S ad. „ „ 4th April.

A resident and not uncommon in the gardens and orchards
around Kohat, though seldom seen elsewhere in the District.
This species, as Major Magrath has pointed out, probably
interbreeds with M. leucogenys, as they are so often seen
together, and birds intermediate in colouring are so common
{vidt next note). Mr. Donald, the Political Officer, states
that on two separate occasions he has met with the present
species in Kohat paired with a yellow-vented Bulbul and at
the same nest. Further, that it is well known amongst local
gardeners that the red- and yellow-vented Bulbuls do inter-
breed, their progeny being known as " Neemchi,-"^ i. e. half-
breeds. M. intermedius is the common resident Bulbul of
the Peshawur district north of Kohat.

112

Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

List of hybrids between M. intermedius and M. leucogenys.

Under

590. (J ad.

564. Ad.

631. ?ad.

635. ? ad.

689. ? ad.
700. c^ad.
710. ?ad.
735. ? ad.
758. c??

785. ? ad.

790. (?ad.

791. c?ad.

Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th Feb.
„ „ 6th „

„ „ 1st Mar.

2nd „

„ „ 16th „

IT'th „

}) )) lytn J,

24th ,,

„ 28th „

„ 4th Apr.
5th ..

Ear-coverts
dingy white.

})

dark brown.

>i

dirty white.

white.

dark brown.

j>
dusky white.

dull white.

tail-coverts
yellow,
orange,
red.

pale bufiP.
yellow with
orange tips,
orange,
dull
crimson.

orange.

lemon-
yellow.

brownish
orange.

5th

orange-
^' yellow.

(A truly wonderful series, but the birds inust be hybrids. —
R. B. S.)

[These remarks are by Dr. Sharpe, and from them it
will be seen that the series ranges from an almost pure
M, intermedius to a nearly pure M. leucogenys. No two
examples are alike, some being more like ''intermedius/'
others more like "leucogenys" or " leucotis."]

[284.] MoLPASTES LEUCOGENYS. The White - cheeked
Bulbul.

Fulton, J. B. !N . H. S. xvi. p. 47 (Chitral : summer visitor
from March to October ; very common up to 7000 feet) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. Ill (very common in Kashmir),

CVery grey on the breast,
591. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th Feb.

724. ^ad.
767. ?ad.

779. c?ad.

780. Ad.
789. ?ad.
792. (Jad.

21st Mar,
31st „
2nd Apr.

}>
5th Apr.

but with pale yellow
under tail-coverts.
)t >) }>
More typical.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 113

[I do not call these birds true P. leucogenys, as they are
so much darker on the head, which is nearly blackish, and
have not the olive on the back. They illustrate how variable
is the coloration of this species in Kohat. In spite of its
abundance it is difficult to procure an example true to type.
Most of the birds seen have the breast mottled, i. e. in-
stead of havinj^ the black of the upper breast clearly defined
from the light colour of the lower parts, it graduates into it,
frequently combined with a mottled back and sullied cheek-
patches and a blackish head with or without a supercilium.

Major !Magrath, who has specially studied the Bulbuls in
Bannu, kindly contributes the following note on the present
species : —

"Dr. Bowdler Sliarpe is, I believe, inclined to the view
that this Bulbul differs generically from Molpastes. "With
this I can hardly agree. Seen in its natural state, the bird
is a true Molpastes. In habits and notes it differs little from
the next species, with which it mixes freely, and from which
it is aoything but easy to distinguish when in a tree. It
seems likely that the two species interbreed, but I have had
no opportunity of observing a fertile cross, although I have
seen wild birds which looked very like hybrids between the
two species. The diet of the present species is perhaps more
insectivorous than that of the next. It is much addicted to
the habit of fly-catching in tlie evenings, and is often seen
on the ground feeding on ants and grubs under trees. It is
less of a garden bird than the next species. Its staple food
in these parts is the berries of the Ber {Zizyphus vulgaris)
and Boquain (Melia azedaracK) trees. Numbers of this
species are caught in Bannu in winter and haAvked about the
bazaars, perched on pieces of stick, to which they are attached
by a long string tied round the body. Although I have
examined several of these captives and bought many in order
to release them, in no case have I seen among them a bird
of the next species, which is also so common at Bannu. I
attribute the ease with which the present species is caught
to its greater feebleness and to its partiality for the grubs
of the white ant, with which the traps are usually baited :
this attraction the birds are simply unable to resist."

SER. IX. VOL. III. i

114 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

This Bulbul is resident in Kohat, and breeds freely in the
Station and in the orchards round about.

[285.] MoLPASTEs LEUcoTis. The White-eared Bulbul.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (common in February
and March, a few pairs staying to breed) ; Marshall, op. cit.
xiv. p. 602 (a few occur in March and April); Gumming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 686 (Seistan : saw several which appeared to
be of this species, but failed to secure any) .

In July 1905 Major Magrath found a pair of Bulbuls
nesting in his garden which he took to be of the present
species. At that time he concluded that this bird in
summer replaced the last as the breeding species in Kohat
and w'as unaware^ as we subsequently discovered {vide note
on the last species), that M. leucofjenys bred commonly in and
around Kohat. Unfortunately we did not critically study
the Bulbuls at that time, and not having since spent a 'Miot-
weathcr''^ in Kohat wc have not had an opportunity of
collecting any examples of the present species. According
to Major Magrath, the note of this bird is well represented
by the foUowiug words repeated rapidly : " Quick — a drink
with you ?^'

[MoLPASTES MAGRATHi. Magratli's Bulbul.

Whitehead, Bull. B. O. C. xxi. p. 48 (1908).

In February 1907 Major Magrath sent a skin of a Bulbul
obtained in the Bannu District to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe. The
latter and other eminent ornithologists who examined it,
finding that there was nothing exactly like it in the National
Collection, were of opinion that it belonged to a new species.
This opinion was further strengthened by the arrival of three
more specimens collected by Major Magrath in the same
locality. These all agreed more or less with the fii^st ex-
ample sent, except that the black of the breast in one
was clearly defined from the whitish lower parts, instead of
graduating into them as in the other specimens. At a
meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club held on the
15th of January, 1908, I exhibited these specimens and

Bi7'ds of Kohat and Kurram. 115

described the bird as a new species, naming it as above in
honour of its discoverer.

Major Magrath^s specimens differ from the hybrid forms
already described in being closely allied to M. leucotis and
not to M. leucogenys. It is difficult to ascribe them to a
hybrid form, as in the case of the Kohat birds, because
M. intermedius does not, Major Magrath assures me, occur
in Banuu, and M. leucogenys there is always more or less
true to type.]

[320.] SiTTA KASHMiRENSis. Brooks's Nuthatch.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 48 (Chitral : very common
from 6000 to 11,000 ft.; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. Ill (ob-
tained in April in Kashmir).

Fairly common on the Peiwar Spur of the Safed Koh and
in the adjoining nullahs from 7500 to 10,000 ft.

[323.] SiTTA LEUcoPsis. The White-cheeked Nuthatch.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 48 (Chitral : very common
from 7000 to 12,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c.p. 424 (fairly com-
mon above 8000 ft.: Murree Hill) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. Ill
(fairly common).

This is the common Nuthatch of the Safed Koh, from
8000 ft. to tree-limit. Its curious call-note, resembling the
word " pain " (pronounced like the French word for
" bread '^), may be heard all day long.

[327.] DicRURUS ATER. The Black Drongo, or King
Crow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (summer visitor to
Thall) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 48 (Chitral : common in
summer up to 5500 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. Ill (Kash-
mir: occurs up to 7000 ft.).

One of our commonest summer visitors from the plains up
to 8500 feet in the Kurram Valley, the first birds arriving
in the middle of March and the species becoming common a
fortnight later. It disappears towards the end of October.
Probably, however, the Drongo we observed above 7000 feet
on the Safed Koh belonged to the allied species D, long'i-
caudatus, the differences not being very marked and the latter

I 2

116 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

being a common bird in the Murree Hills. Unfortunately
no examples were procured.

[341.] Certhia himalayana. The Himalayan Tree-
Creeper.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 48 (shot in August) ; Rattray,
t. c. p. 424 (Murree Hills : very comon) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. Ill (abundant up to 10,000 ft.).

623. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th February.

690. ? ad. „ „ 16th March.

A common cold- weather visitor to the District from
September till April, occurring on the Samana up to 6000
feet. It does not by any means restrict itself to trees : I
have often noticed it climbing up walls.

Breeds in fair numbers on the Safed Koh, from 7000 to
9000 feet.

The call-note is a faint squeak, rarely heard in winter,
though in summer its loud but rather monotonous song is
constantly uttered.

[348.] TicHODROMA MURARiA. Tlic Wall-Crecper.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 602 (Quetta: occurs in
winter from 1000 feet upwards) ; Fulton^ op. cit. xvi. p. 48
(Chitral : common from October till April) ; W^ard, op. cit.
xvii. p. Ill (winter visitor, sometimes assuming black
throat-feathers) .

40. Ad.? Khushalgarh, 1200 ft., 16th December.

315. c? juv. Safed Koh, 15,000 ft., 12th July.

A winter visitor to the District from October till mid-
March ; common on the Samana, but less so elsewhere.
Generally found singly or in pairs about cliffs, but occasion-
ally some distance from rocks on earth-banks.

An example shot on the 13th of March had the black
feathers on the throat and breast well developed.

On the 12tli of July, 190G, I came across a newly-fledged
family at 15,000 feet on the Safed Koh, in the shale screes,
and shot one specimen. The wing- and tail-feathers were
only partially grown, the bill Avas quite soft and very short.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 117

and bits of down were still adhering to its plumage. It
would therefore appear that the Wall-Creeper nests within
Indian limits. "When touring through the Kaglian Valley,
Hazara District, this year (10th of July, 1908) my shikari
minutely described to me a bird that he had seen that day,
which could scarcely be anything else but a Wall-Creeper.

Mr. S. L. Whymper also informed me in a letter (I have
not got this by me, but, so far as I remember, it was to the
following effect) that a friend of his had actually found a
Wall-Creeper nesting somewhere on the North- West Frontier,
but had been unable to get at the nest.

Anorthura magratht. Whitehead's Wren.
Whitehead, Bull. B. O. C. xxi. p. 19 (1908).

343. S . Safed Koh, 12,500 ft., Gth August.

344. ? Safed Koh, 8500 ft., 8th August.

Bill blackish, base and gape yellow ; tarsus brownish
flesh-coloured ; iris brow'n.

This appears to be a well-marked race of A. neglecta,
differing from it in being almost uniform in colouring above,
the barring being scarcely perceptible, and in having the
throat ashy grey. In summer it is found fairly commonly
on the Safed Koh, from 8000 feet upwards, chiefly in the
juniper-scrub. I have met with it on the very summit of
the range, picking about amongst the rocks.

In habits and song it closely resembles A. parvula.

[358.] Regulus cristatus. The Goldcrest.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. Ill, and xviii. p. 461 (not
common ; eggs taken in May, June, and July in the Liddar
Valley, Kashmir).

Fairly numerous in summer amongst the firs and deodars
of the Safed Koh from 8000 to 11,000 feet.

[359.] Aedon FAMiLiARis. The Grey-backed Warbler.

Eattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. pp. 2.25, 339, & 579 (fairly
common at Thall ; found several nests) ; Watson, op. cit.
XV. p. 144 (occurs at Chamau, near Quetta, in August and

118 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead o7i the

September) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 686 (very common
in Seistan in summer) .

246. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 6th May.

Fairly common up to 3500 feet, from April till September,
in dry scrub-jungle ; round Thall it is particularly com-
mon. In the breeding-season the male may often be seen
perched on the top of a bush, pouring forth its sweet song.
In many of its habits it resembles the Indian Robin {Tham-
nobia cambayensis), especially in the way it flirts and spreads
its tail, and also in its tame and confiding habits. If the
intruder happens to approach the nest, the pair will follow
him about uttering their alarm-cry — wutch, xviitch. If the
nest be found they get terribly excited, and will sometimes
remain hovering in the air within a few feet. Of five nests
taken, three were placed in thorn-bushes close to the
ground, the other two on the ground under low shrubs. They
were cup-shaped and loosely constructed of coarse grass and
roots. I looked in vain for the bit of serpent-skin which
Mr. Dresser, in the ' Manual of Palsearctic Birds,' states is
always found in the nest of this species.

The specific title [familiaris) is very appropriate, but the
trivia] name (Grey-backed) seems to be only misleading,
for the back is fulvous-broAvn, the most noticeable feature
being the bright red, white-tipped tail which the bird is so
fond of displaying.

[362.] LocusTELLA sTRAMiXEA. The Turkestan Grass-
hopper-Warbler.

742. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 25th March.

749. Sex ? „ „ 26th March.

77Q. S ad. „ „ 2nd April.

Passes through the District in fair numbers from the third
week in March till the middle of May. Not observed in
autumn. It is chiefly found on the grass-farms and in
young crops, occasionally in the gardens. It is not such
a skulker as one would expect ; there is no difficulty in
flushing it, but it is not easy to observe or to shoot, except
on the wing.

Binh of Kohat and Kurram. 119

[363.] AcRocEPHALus sTEXTOREus. The Indian Great
Reed- Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (breeds in Kashmir in
June) .

Common on migration from the end of ^Nlarch till well
into June, and again in August and September; possibly a
few stay to nest in Kohat.

I found a small colony nesting in a reed-bed near Dandar^
in the Kurram A^alley, on the 9th of July.

[366.] AcROCEPHALus DUMETORUM. Blvtli's Reed -
Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (summer visitor to the
Valley of Kashmir).

203. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 13th April.

231. S ad. „ „ 29th April.

247. S ad. „ „ 6th May.

360. Juv. „ „ 30th August.

Like the last species, this Warbler passes through in great
force in April, May, and early June, returning in August and
September. Not often found in reed-beds, preferring shady
gardens and orchards. The sweet rambling song may often
be beard issuing from the midst of a thick mulberry-tree.
Probably breeds in tlie Upper Kurram Valley.

The upper plumage of this species is distinctly tinged with
olivaceous. ]\Ir. Oates does not mention this in the ' Fauna
of British India.'

[367.] AcRocEPHALUs AGRicoLA. The Paddyfield Reed-
Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (nest not found).

729. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 23rd March.

Our commonest Reed- Warbler on migration, passing
through from the third week in March till about the end
of May and returning in August, September, and October.
Seldom found far away from reed-beds or irrigated crops.

Occurs with the last species on migration in the Kurram
Valley, and perhaps breeds there. Both Davidson (' The Ibis/

120 Lieut. C. H. T. Wliiteliead on the

1898, p. 9) and Lieut. Wilson (J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 635)
found it nesting in Kashmir.

[374.] Orthotomus sutorius. The Indian Tailor-bird.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (occurs in Jamrnu, but
is rare).

751. ? . Kohat, 1700 ft., 27th March.

A resident, common in gardens and orchards around
Kohat. Not observed in the Kurram Valley.

[377.] LusciNioLA MELANopoGox. The Moustached
Sedge-Warbler.

152. S ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 19th March.

69G. ? ad. Lachi, 1540 ft., 17th March.

A M'inter visitor in small numbers, largely reinforced in
February and March. I have searched for it in May in the
plains without success, but, on the other hand, I shot an
example at Dandar (4700 ft.) in the Kurram Valley on the
20th of April. The wing and wing-muscles, however, are so
feeble that it can scarcely go very far away to breed. Has
a pleasing song which is often uttered, even in winter.

[381.] CiSTicoLA cuRSiTANS. The Rufous Fantail-
Warbler.

77. ? ad. Kohat, 1700 ft., 11th January.

Abundant in summer wherever there is cultivation. The
majority leave in autumn, but a few stay through the winter,
and are then more often found in and around reed-beds
than elsewhere. In the Kurram ^^alley we observed it as
higii as Paraehiuar (5700 ft,).

[384.] Fraxklixia buchanaxi. The Rufous - fronted
Wren- Warbler.

121. S ad. Jabba, 2400 ft., 18th February.

781. S ad. Kohat, 17G0 ft., 3rd April.

A common resident in the scrub-jungle of the District,
though it does not ascend the hills. It usually occurs in
small parties or pairs and is always on the move, either
creeping about in bushes or running mouse-like along the

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 121

ground from one bush to another. In spring the air
resounds with its cheery little song.

[394.] Hypolais rama. Sykes's Tree- Warbler.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 602 (summer visitor,
nesting in May : Quctta) ; Bentham, op. cit. xvi. p. 749
(nests freely in rose-hedges : Quetta).

546. ? ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 11th May.

759. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th March.

Occurs sparingly on migration.

[396.] Hypolais caligata. The Booted Tree-Warbler.

Ward, J. B.N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (passes through Baltistan,
but rare).

229. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th April, 1906.

551. ? ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 15th May, 1907.

Passes through in fair numbers in April and May, return-
ing in August. Usually found in dry scrub. In appearance
very like Phylloscopus tristis, but not quite so active. I think
it possible that this species may breed within our limits.

[Major Magrath procured an example of the rare
Hypolais obsoleta at Bannu on the 8th September, 1907.
It was creeping about in grass with others.]

[398.] Sylvia cinerea. The Common Whitethroat.
Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112.

357. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 30th August.

358. c? ad. ,, ,, „

Not common. Only a few observed during the autumn
migration at the end of August and beginning of September
1906.

[399.] Sylvia jerdoni. The Eastern Orphean Warbler.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 602 (common in April
and May : Quetta) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 687 (common
in the Tamarisks : Seistan) ; Betham, t. c. p. 831 (nests
freely in April and May above 7000 ft. : Quetta) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 112 (recorded at Gilgit on migration).

491. ? ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 14th April.

A summer visitor, and not common. Has a very fine song.

122 Lieut. C. H. T. Whiteliead on the

We found several pairs in the scrub round Thall in April.
On picking up the above-mentioned example^ I noticed some
cobwebs in the bill^ and on looking round found a nest in a
thick bush close by. It was composed of roots, bits of green
plants, and a lot of cobwebs, and had not been completed.

[400.] Sylvia nana. The Desert-Warbler.

Watson, J. B. N, H. S. xv. p. 145 (occurs near Chaman).

452. Sex ? ad. Lachi, 1500 ft., 24th February.

This example was shot creeping about in a thorn-bush
in the desert. Only one other was seen, in a similar spot,
the following year.

[401.] Sylvia alth^a. Hume^s Lesser Whitethroat.

Marshall, J. B. X. H. S. xiv. p. 602 (believes that this sp.
is fairly common at 8000 ft. in May) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi.
p. 48 (shot three in May between 5000 and 7000 ft.) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 112, and xviii. p. 4G1 (eggs taken in May and
July at 8000 ft.).

232. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th April.

Passes through Kohat and the Kurram Valley in spring
and autumn, but is not common. In spring I have gene-
rally observed it in Shisham trees (Dalbercjia sissoo) in
company with the next species. These trees are then in
flower and attract much insect-life. Birds shot in them
generally have their heads covered with pollen. This White-
throat is a beautiful songster.

[402.] Sylvia affixis. The Indian Lesser Whitethroat.

Battray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (winter visitor, not
common : Thall) ; Betham, op. cit. xvi. p. 831 (a few pairs
nest round Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 112 (common in
summer in Kashmir).

41. Sex? Khushalgarh, 1200 ft., 16th December.

101. ? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 5th February.

Passes through in large numbers in spring and autumn, a
few staying for the winter. Breeds freely in the Kurram
Valley in Ilex-scrub and low bushes from 6000 to 8000 feet.
Like the last species it has a pleasing and remarkably loud

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 123

song, often uttering it on the wing. Much more confiding
in summer than at other seasons.

[403,] Sylvia minuscula. The Small Whitethroat.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 603 (small flocks on
migration in April).

521. ? ad. Peiwar, 6500 £t., 22nd April.

Probably not uncommon, but owing to its close resem-
blance to the last species must have often been overlooked.
Altogether I shot some half-dozen specimens around Kohat
in the cold Aveather. It appears to breed, in company with
the last species, in the Kurram Valley, this example having
been secured in a locality where many of the latter were then
nesting.

[407.] Phylloscopus tristis. The Brown Willow -
Warbler.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 602 (shot one in February) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 112 (eggs taken in Ladakh).

56. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 31st December.

110. c? ad. „ „ 11th February.

Extremely common up to about 5000 feet from ear^y
September till about the middle of May. Found every whercj
in gardens, groves, scrub-jungle, and desert; also on stony
hill-sides where there is vegetation, in bare stubbles, and
standing crops. It frequents more especially the neighbour-
hood of water, reed-beds, water-plants, and irrigation cuts.
An expert flycatcher and very active. Except in spring, it
is very silent.

[408.] Phylloscopus indicus. The Olivaceous Willow-
Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 112 (eggs taken in August
in Ladakh, 11,500 ft.).

185. (? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 5th April.

Passes through Kohat in small numbers on migration in
March and April. I only once observed it on the return
migration, when a solitary example was seen on the 16th
of September. Nests freely in parts of the Safed Koh
Ransre. Differs in habits from other Willow-Warblers in

124 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead 07i the

being rather a skulker, as it is usually found hopping and
creeping about in the undergrowth. Its loud call-note of
" tack " often indicates its whereabouts.

[411.] Phylloscopus neglectus. The Plain Brown
Willow-Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xviii. p. 461 (eggs taken and parents
secured at K argil in May and June).

706. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th March.

This species is so difficult to distinguish from P. tristis
until actually examined in the hand, that it is impossible to
say Avhether it is fairh^ common or merely a straggler. The
above-mentioned example was the only one secured. It was
busily fly-catching in a willow just like P. tristis.

[415.] Phylloscopus proregulus. Pallas's Willow-
Warbler.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 424 (nests freely in the
Galis) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 112 (common in Kashmir).

664. ? ad. Marai, aOOO ft., 9th March.

m7. ? ad. Kachai, 2700 ft., 10th March.

Not common. I have met with it in spring at the foot
of the hills and in summer on the Safed Koh at 8500 feet.
Its song is very characteristic.

[416.] Phylloscopus subviridis. Brooks's Willow-
Warl)ler.

Kohat, 1760 ft., 5th February.
„ „ 10th February.

Samana, 6500 ft., 12th April.

Safed Koh, 8800 ft., 13th July.
Fairly common in the District from October to April.
Generally found solitary or in pairs in scrub and wild olive-
groves, more rarely in orchards and gardens. Occurs on
the Samana in large numbers on migration. Nests freely on
the lower slopes of the Safed Koh from 7000 to 9000 feet.
A nest found on the 13th of July, 1906, was evidently an
old structure re-lined, and was placed in the bank of a nullah
under cover of a small bush. It was of the usual Willow-
Warbler type and contained four fresh eggs (this was the

102.

S ad.

113.

? ad.

276.

Sex?

319.

? ad.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 125

full clutch^ the female having no eggs in the oviduct).
They were white, thickly spotted with dark red, and
averaged "55 x '^ inch.

In summer this Warbler frequently utters a loud mono-
syllabic call-note, not unlike that of the next species but not
so loud. In Avinter this is only occasionally heard.

[418.] Phylloscopus humii. Hume^s Willow- Warbler.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 48 (only two obtained in
Chitral) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 424 (very common in the Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p, 113 (breeds in Kashmir).

48. Ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 23rd December.

55. S 3.d. „ „ 31st December.

119 & 120. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th February.

153. Ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th March.

Abundant in the cold weather in Kohat from September
till the end of April, frequenting gardens, orchards, and
groves — usually singly. It has a loud call-note resembling
the syllable " chiveyj" which is constantly uttered. Occurs
on the Samana on migration, and nests iu large numbers on
the Safed Koh from 7000 to 11,000 feet. Its curious song,
which may be rendered " pi-pi-piaz-z " (this being repeated
with variations), is first heard in March, whilst still in its
winter-quarters, and is continued throughout the summer,
being usually uttered from the midst of a thick tree.

[421.] AcANTHOPNEUsTE NiTiDA. The Green Willow-
Warbler.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 113.

766. Ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 31st March.

784. (J ad. „ „ 2nd April.

Passes through Kohat and the Kurram Valley ia large
numbers from the last week in March till the end of May,
returning in September, when comparatively few are seen.
This is the last Willow-Warbler to leave, and I have met
with it at Kohat up till the 28th of May. Major Magrath
says that this species is extremely common in Bannu in
September and October. Its relative scarcity at that season
in Kohat, together witli that of many other species^ may

126 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

perhaps be accounted for by its following the Kurram River
down through the Bannu District instead o£ turning off at
Thall up the Ishkalai, an insignificant stream which connects
the Miranzai and Kurram Valleys.

[424.] AcANTHOPNEUsTE MAGNiRosTRis. The Large-billcd
Willow- Warbler.

Rattray^ J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 425 (fairly common in the
Galis) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 113 (apparently rare).

I have only met with this species on the lower slopes of
the Safed Koh, where it nests in small numbers between
7000 and 8000 feet. The call-note is loud and characteristic,
the song resembling the syllables " dirtee," hence its native
name "Deru."'

[428.] AcANTHOPNEUSTE OCCIPITALIS. The Large-crow^ned
Willow-Warbler.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 425 (very common round
Murrec) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 113 (nests from 7000 to
8000 ft. in Kashmir).

535. S ad. Kurram Valley, 6800 ft., 28th April.

Occurs sparingly in the Kohat orchards in April and May,
but not observed in autumn. Abundant, however, on the
Safed Koh Range in summer from 6000 to 10,00 feet,
being quite the commonest Willow-Warbler there. Its loud
monotonous song may be heard from dawn to dusk all the
summer through.

[434.] Cryptolopha xanthoschista. Hodgson's Grey-
headed Flycatcher- Warbler.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 426 (rare in Murree Hills,
one nest found) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 113.

624. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th February.

629. S ad. (testes big) . Kohat, 1850 ft., 1st March.

665. S ad. Marai, 3000 ft., 9th March.

A fairly common winter-visitor to the district, arriving
about the third week in October and leaving early in April.
This species and Suya crinigera are the only Warblers found
on the Samana above 5000 feet all through the winter; it is
difficult to understand how^ they manage to pick up a living.

Birds of Roll at and Kurram. 127

tlie hill-side being often covered with snow for days together.
Frequents scrub-jungle, gardens, and orchards, going about
in small parties, and often uttering its pretty little song
even in mid-winter.

[445.] ScoTocERCA ixQuiETA. The Streaked Scrub-
Warbler.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (Thall : common) ;
Watson, op. cit. xv. p. 145 (very common round Chaman,
near Quetta).

436. ? ad. Banda, 1930 ft., 27th January.

608. S (testes very big). Lachi, 1540 ft., 25th February.

A common resident among scrub on dry stony hill-sides,
but not seen above 3500 feet, nor far from the foot of the
hills. The specific name is very appropriate : it is never
still, but is always flitting or running mouse-like about from
bush to bush, only pausing occasionally to sing a few notes
of its cheery little song.

[456.] Cettia orientalis. The Eastern Bush- Warbler.

167. c? ad. Lachi, 1540 ft., 27th March.

701. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 17th March.

732. c? ad. „ „ 23rd March.

734. ? ad. Chillibagh, 2100 ft., 24th March.

Bill dark brown, lower mandible flesh-coloured, gape
yellowish; tarsus flesh-coloured; iris brown.

Passes through Kohat in fair numbers in March, fre-
quenting reed-beds, gardens, and generally thick cover near
water. A great skulker, usually occurring singly. My
attention was first drawn to this species by a loud note,
resembling the syllable " chey," proceeding from the midst
of a tamarisk. After much peering, I made out a small
brown bird vigorously flirting its tail and evidently much
resenting my presence. It was in this way that I always
met with it.

[458.] SuYA cRiNiGERA. The Brown Hill- Warbler.
Rattray, J. B.N. H. S. xvi. p. 426 (nests freely in Murree
Hills) ; AVard, op. cit. xvii. p. 113 (common in Kashmir).
663. ? ad. Marai, 4000 ft., 9th March.

128 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

677. S ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 14th March.

A resident on the Samana and fairly common. In winter
it descends to the Miranzai Valley, occurring commonly in
the scrub-jungle near the foot of tlie hills.

We did not meet with it in the Kurram Valley, though
I shot one at the entrance, near Thall.

[462.] Prinia lepida. The Streaked Wren-Warbler.

Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 687 (fairly common
amongst the Tamarisks: Seistan, 1700 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 114 (occurs in outer hills, but not in Kashmir
proper) .

617. $ (testes very big). Lachi, 1540 ft., 26th February).

697. ? ad. Lachi, 1540 ft., 17th March.

698. $ ad.

A resident in the plains, and not uncommon about reed-
beds and tamarisk-scrub, being particularly abundant in the
Lachi Plain. Nesting-operations are begun in March, and
from then till May the curious reeling song is constantly to
be heard.

[[463.] PKIiNIA FLAVIVEMTKIS DclcSS.

]\lajor Magrath has found this species common in the
reed-beds of Bannu, the adjoining District on the south,
and has forwarded examples to the British Museum.]

[466.] Prinia inornata. The Indian Wren-Warbler.

llattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 337 (Thall : occurs in the
reeds) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 113.

683. Ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 14th March.

750. $ ad. Kohat, 1600 ft., 26th March.

Resident but rather rare, except along the banks of the
Kurram River.

In Bannu, however, where the country is more suited to
its habits, jNIajor ^lagrath has found it extremely common.

[469.] Lanius lahtora. The Indian Grey Shrike.
Rattray, J. B. N, H. S. xii. p. 338 (Thall : an uncommon
summer visitor) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (in April

Birds of Koliat and Kiirram. 129

near Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 479 (occurs in
Jammu) .

567. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 6th February.

658. ? ad. Hangu, 2650 ft., 8th March.

A resident, chiefly found in the desert, but not commonly,
more numerous in winter than summer. Major Magrath
found a nest containing four slightly incubated eggs on the
12th of May near Thall. Not met with above 3500 feet in
the Kurram Valley.

[473.] Laxius yittatus. The Bay-backed Shrike.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (very common and
resident at Thall); Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (Quetta;
an uncommon summer visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 48
(Chitral : common in summer up to 6000 ft.).

520. S ad. Kurram Valley, 6500 ft., 23rd April.

Fairly common from the last week in March till Sep-
tember in Kohat and the Kurram Valley. We both believe
that we have observed stray examples of this species in
winter, but cannot be certain. I noted it in Lahore, some
200 miles S.E., early in February.

[476.] Lanius erythronotus. The Rufous - backed
Shrike.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (Thai) : abundant) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (Quetta: very common in
summer) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi, p. 43 (common in Chitral in
summer up to 7000 ft.) ; Betham, t. c. p. 750 (breeds
freely) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 479 (widely distributed in
Kashmir) .

A resident, and extremely common in summer every where
np to 7000 feet. The majority leave for warmer climes in
autumn.

[479.] Lanius isabellinus. The Pale-Brown Shrike.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. pp. 602, 606 (Quetta :
a summer visitor, nesting in May between 7000 and
QOOOfeet).

SER. IX. — VOL. III. K

130 Lieut. C. H. T. AYhiteliead on the

109. ? ad. Koliat, 1700 ft., 8tli February.
A fairly common Avinter visitor from October to April.
I shot an example in the Kurram Valley at 6500 feet on
the 2nd of May j possibly a few pairs nest up there.

[495.] Pericrocotus brevjrostris. The Short-billed
Minivet.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 49 (Chitral : summer
visitor, nesting commonly from 7000 to 9000 £t.) ; Rattray,
t. c. p. 4.26 (nests freely in Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 479 (breeds in Kashmir).

A common winter visitor to the District from the end o£
September to April. Nests freely on the Safed Koh
between 6000 and 8000 feet. Captain Keen observed a few
on the Samana all through the summer, and believes that
they nested there. An example collected by Major Magrath
in Bannu, and now in the National Collection, is typical.

[500.] Pericrocotus peregrixus. The Small Minivet.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 479.

Very rare. I came across a pair in some camel-thorn-
scrub {Acacia modesta), three miles west of !Makhud on the
Indus, but unfortunately failed to secure them. It is a
bird I know well, however, having frequently met with it
near Rawal Pindi (100 miles east), and I have also shot it
there.

[518.] Oriolus kundoo. The Indian Oriole.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 (common on migra-
tion) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (a summer visitor to
Quetta) ; Watson, op. cit. xv. p. 145 (Quetta : common in
gardens, mostly immature) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 49 (very
common in summer in Chitral up to 8000 ft.) ; Rattray,
t. c. p. 426 (common near Murree at 5500 ft.) ; Ward, op.
cit. xA-ii. p. 479 (breeds in Kashmir up to 6000 ft.).

A large number pass through Kohat in April and the
beginning of May, returning in August and September :
many breed in the orchards of the Kurram Valley, a few
also in Kohat.

Birds of Koliat and Kurram. 131

[528.] Pastor roseus. The Rosy Pastor.

Rattray, J. B. jN". H. S. xii. p. 338 (Thall : passing through
in vast numbers) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (common at
Chaman at the end of April) ,

Major Magrath has written the following note on this
species in Kohat : — '^ Passes through this district in vast
flocks daring the spring and autumn migrations. At the
spi'ing passage the birds are slaughtered in hundreds by the
natives, every man possessing a firearm turning out for the
sport. They arrive about the middle of April and the rush
continues till the middle of May. The mulberries, which
are ripe at this season, are eagerly devoured by them, and
the ripe coru also suffers from their depredations. A few
young birds remain in the district throughout the hot
weather. Tlie return passage begins about the end of July,
being at its height by the middle of August, and lasting into
September. Very few adult birds are to be seen at this time.
The direction of the flight through the district is N.W. and
S.E. for spring and autumn migrations respectively. The
vast flocks which roost in and about the cantonments become
an unmitigated nuisance while they are with us." Since
writing the above, Major Magrath has noted the appearance
of small flocks of adult birds in the middle of summer, as
also have Captain Keen and I ; in fact, between us we have
noted them at short intervals throughout the summer, and it
seems probable that some of them at least breed a good deal
nearer India than Asia Minor. Small flocks of immature
birds stay with us till November. Curiously enough, in the
spring of 1907 only a few small flocks were observed passing
through the Kohat district. The migration appears to have
been diverted elsewhere, though whether this was due to the
district being invaded at the time by vast armies of locusts
in the crawling stage, I cannot say. One would have
imagined that this would have had an opposite effect.

[529.] Sturnus humii. The Himalayan Starling.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 338 ; Marshall, op. cit.
xiv. p. 602 (rare at Quetta, shot in March and April); Ward,

k3

132 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

op. cit. xvii. p. 479 (very commou in Kashmir in summer
from 5000 to 7000 feet).

We must have overlooked this Starling. Colonel Rattray
records it from Thall as " not common, but a fair number
may be seen any day during April and May. ...'•'
An example shot by me on the 14th of April (the last
date on which a Starling was seen) proved to be Sturnus
menzhieri.

[530.] Sturnus porphyronotus. The Central Asian
Starling.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (in flocks in Chaman,
near Quetta, in December) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 479
(does not appear to breed in Kashmir) ; Perreau, op. cit.
xviii. p. 186 (occurs in Chitral).

62. S fifl- Kohat, 1760 ft., 4th January.

688. S a(^- Kohat, 1760 ft., lOth March.

719, 721. S ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 21st March.

A winter visitor, not so commou as the next species,
occurring singly or in flocks, often in company with
S. menzhieri.

As Dr. Sharpe has pointed out to me, both Major Magrath's
examples from Bannu and mine from Kohat shew signs of
the mixing of this race with some other, the head being
generally marked in places with purple gloss.

[532.] Sturnus menzbieri. The Common Indian Star-
ling.

Rattray, J. B. N. H, S. xii. p. 339 (Thall : common in
winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 49 (Chitral : common
winter visitor) ; Cumming, t. c. p. 687 (probably the Starling
Avhicli occurs in flocks in Seistan in Avinter) ; Ward, op.
cit. xvii. p. 479 (the majority migrate through, a few nest).

63. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 4th January.

117. c? ad. „ „ 13th February.

718-720. S , ? , (?• Kohat, 1760 ft., 21st March.

Abundant in the cold weather, arriving about the third
Aveek in October and leaving towards the middle of April.

Birds of Koliat and Kurram. 133

[544.] Temenuchus pagodarum. The Black-headed
Myiia.

Fultou, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 49 (very common in summer
in Chitral at 5000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 427 (rare in the
Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. p. 479 (occurs in Kashmir,
but is rare).

A summer visitor to the district. I have only twice met
with this species, once on the .25th of August, when I
observed about a dozen feeding in a garden in company
with the Common Myna, and again a pair on the 4th of
June. Mr. Donald, the Political Officer, however, tells me
that a few pairs nest regularly every year near Haugu
(2700 feet), usually selecting holes in the Boquain tree
{Melia azedarach) as nesting-sites.

[549.] AcRiDOTHEiiEs TKisTis. Tlic Common Myna.

Kattray, J, B. N. H. S. xii. p. 339 (common and resident) ;
Marshal], op. cit. xiv. p. 602 (a fevv occur in spring) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 49 (resident in Chitral, occurring up
to 8000 ft. in summer) ; llattray, t. c. p. 427 (common
around Murree) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 479.

Resident and extremely common, occurring up to 7000
feet in the Kurram Valley in the summer, and at Fort
Lockhart (6500 feet) all the year round, in spite of the heavy
snowfall.

[551.] AcRiDOTHEREs GixGiNiANUs. The Grey Bank-
Myna.

Small flocks occur in the District in February and March,
and are usually seen following the cattle on the grass-farms.
Major Magrath has found the bird fairly common in Bannu,
and has sent an example to the British ]\Iuseum.

Ampelis garrulus. The Waxwing.

Whitehead, Bull. B. O. C. xxi. p. 19.

416. ? ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 16th December, 1906.

I first met with this handsome bird on the 11th of
December, in a small garden near the Fort, but just as I
had sighted it through my glasses, up flew a flock of Gold-

134 Count T. Salvadori on the

finches and began mobbing it^ and away it went uttering a
soft whistling note. Five days later, on visiting the same
spot, I was lucky enough to again find a Waxwing there.
It was in fine condition with four wax-like tips to the
secondaries of each wing. In addition to this example,
Major Magrath shot one, a male (extremely fat), in his
garden in Bannu, lat. 33° (apparently the furthest southern
record for this species), on the 20th of March. Colonel Ward
records another secured on the 8th of the same month at
7000 feet in Kashmir.

[To be continued.]

IV. — Note on the Corvus neglectus of Schlegel.
By T. Salvadori, H.M.B.O.U.

COLGEUS NEGLECTUS.

? Corvus dauricus /3 var. Pall. Zoogr. Bosso-As. p. 388
(1811).

Corvus dauricus ^^n. Temm. ct Schleg. Fauna Jap., Aves,
p. 80, tab. 40 (1850) (Japan).

Corvus neglectus Schleg. Bijdr. Dicrk. Amsterd. Afl. 8,
Corvus, p. 16 (1859) (Japan) ; Swinh. Ibis, 1867, p. 227
(Amoy) ; Gray, Hand-list, ii. p. 14. no. 6233 (1870) ; Gieb.
Thes. Orn. i. p. 786 (1872) (=C. dauricus !) ; Dress. B. of
Eur. iv. p. 527 (1875); Blak. ct Pryer, Ibis, 1878, p. 232
(Japan); iid. Tr. As. Soc. Jap. x. p. 143 (1882); Seeb.
Ibis, 1884, p. 180 (intermediate form between C. dauricus
and C. neglectus ; hybrid ?) ; id. B. Jap. Emp. p. 97 (1890)
(Japan, Eastern Siberia to N. China) ; Dress. Man. Pal. B. i.
p. 420 (1902) ; La Touche, Ibis, 1906, p. 433 (Chinkiang).

Corvus monedula Schrenck (nee Linn.), Reis. Forsch.
Amurl. i. pt. 2, p. 324 (1860); Sewerz. Journ. f. Orn. 1875,
p. 171; Pleske, Mem. Ac. St. Pe'tersb. 1888, p. 12.

Corvus {Monedula) neglectus Swinh. Ibis, 1861, p. 259
(Talien Bay, N. China), p. 337 (between Takoo and Peking,
N. China).'

Corvus neglectus of Schlegel. 135

Lycos neglectus Swinh. P. Z. S. 1863, p. 305 (China, allied
to the ti'ue L. monedida), p. 338 (Amoorland and Japan) ;
1871, p. 383 (Ningpo to Pekiu ; closely related to L. mone-
dida ; also hybrid) ; Giglioli, Viaggio Magenta, pp. 544,
601 (1875) (Foce del Pehio e Golfo di Petchili) ; David et
Oust. Ois. de la Chine, p. 370 (1877) ; Taczan. Mem. Ac.
Sc. St. Petersb. xxxix. p. 524 (1903).

Corviis daiiriciis part. Schleg. Mus. P.-B., Coraces, p. 35,
nos. 6, 7 (1867, Japan, types of C. neglectus).

Motiedida neylecta David, Nouv. Arch. Mus. vii. Bull. p. 9.
no. 278 (1871) (Pekin, Setchouan, Mongolia).

Corvus dahuricus (sic) Dyb. u. Parrex, Journ. f. Orn.
1868, p. 332 (schwarz gefarbte Varietaten, Darasun in
Daurien) .

Lycos dauricus part. Dyb. Journ. f. Orn. 1872, p. 453
(Kultuk); Tacz. Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr. i. p. 171 (1876)
(Siberie or.).

Colceus neglectus Sharpe, Cat. B. iii. p. 28 (1877) (Shang-
hai) ; Styau, Ibis, 1891, pp. 324, 358 (Lower Yangtse, also
hybrids) ; Pleske, Bull. Ac. Sc. St. Petersb. 1892, p. 279 ;
Hartert, Vog. pal. Fauna, p. 18 (1903) (hochstwahr-
scheinlich keine Art !) ; id. Nov. Zool. 1906, p. 388 (probably
not a species, but a dark aberration).

Colceus monedida var. Lonnb. Ark. f. Zool. Stockh. 1905,
p. 20.

Corvus dauricus var. neglectus Kothe, Journ. f. Orn. 1907,
p. 388 (Tsintau, Kiautschou).

Colopus monedida neglectus Schalow, Journ. f. Orn. 1908,
p. 117 (Central As.).

Very similar to Colceus monedida, from which C. neglectus
differs in the following points : —

1st. The hind-neck is almost black, so that the black of
the pileum is not sharply defined behind.

2nd. The cheeks and ear-coverts are almost black, very
slightly tinged with grey.

3rd. The grey patch on the sides of the neck is much
reduced, being confined to the upper part, just below the
ear-coverts.

136 Oil the Corvus neglectus 0/ Schlegel.

4th, Altogether C. neglectus is a darker bird than
C. monedula.

5th. The dimensions are not smaller, as generally stated :
one bird in the Museum of Turin has the wing 240 mm.
long, while in C. monedula the wing is about 230 mm.

Hab. Japan and Eastern Asia from Siberia to N. China.

In the recent work of Dr. Hartert {' Die Vogel der pala-
arktischen Fauna ^) Cokeus neglectus is treated, as " hochst-
wahrscheinlich keine Art.^^ I was rather surprised at this
statement, especially as the Museum of Turin possesses two
fine specimens obtained on board the ship * Magenta ' while
staying in the Gulf of Petchili (Giglioli, ' Viaggio della
Magenta/ p. 601). Therefore I was induced to investigate
the status of the bird, and I soon perceived that ornitho-
logists Avere at variance on the subject.

It appears that Pallas was the first to mention the bird,
thinking that it was a variety of C. dauricus.

Temminck and Schlegel in the ' Fauna Japonica' described
specimens from Japan as the young of the same bird ; they
also gave a good figure of it.

Later on Schlegel (Bijdr. etc.) recognised tliat the bird
figured as the young of C. dauricus in the ' Fauna Japonica '
was really an adult, and described it under the name of
C. neglectus. He pointed out that the two typical specimens
had the remiges and rectrices Avorn, so that they could not
be young, and besides he rightly noticed that in the Crows
the young birds do not differ much in colouring from the
adults. Notwithstanding all this, in the ' Museum des
Pays-Bas/ Coraces, p. 35, Schlegel went back to the earlier
mistake and declared that the two types of C neglectus were
nothing but young birds of (\ dauricus ! Swinhoe (P. Z. S.
1871, p. 383) protested against such statement, saying :
" I cannot understand Prof. Schlegel considering the follow-
ing species (C neglectus^ the young of this bird (C dauricus).
I have taken this bird from the nest and found the young
beginning life \ni\\ all the characters of the adult."

When we consider that Swinhoe, David, Styan, and others
have noticed that between the two extreme forms, the pied

TFeif/ht of Birds' Eggs during Incuhation. 137

C. dauricus and the dark <\ negledus, many intermediate
forms occur, we must be led to believe that these inter-
mediate forms are hybrids and that C. dauricus and
C. neglectus are distinct species. All recent (Styaii and
La Touche) and earlier observers (Swinhoe and David)
had not the least doubt as to the specific value of the two
forms, and I quite agree with them. Of the same opinion
seems to be my friend Mr. Dresser, who I think was
not much at fiiult (Man. Pal. B. p. 420) in considering
C. negledus a distinct subspecies of ('. monedula, to which
Swinhoe, Giglioli, and others positively say that C. neglectus
is nearly allied. All field-naturalists who have observed
the two forms state that they are frequently found together,
and we may suppose it possible that the birds not infrequently
have the habit of losing sight of their proper mates.

V. — On the Decrease in fVeight of Birds' Eggs during
Incubation. By Elizabeth Seymour Norton, F.Z.S."^

(Text-fig. 6.)

Circumstances arose last summer which made me curious
to ascertain whether a partially-incubated Thrush's egg could
be distinguished from a new-laid egg by its weight. The
natural inference, in the absence of definite knowledge,
seemed to be that an egg containing a living, breathing chick
would be heavier than an egg containing only the nearly
fluid " yolk and white.'' A few books that I consulted told
me nothing with regard to the weight of eggs ; so I began
a series of incubations of hens' eggs to find out for myself
what occurred. I soon discovered that all the eggs decreased
in weight as incubation advanced.

After reaching this conclusion I came across the " Note "
by Mr. Hugh S. Gladstone which was published iu ' The Ibis '
of 1904 (p. 376) . Mr. Gladstone shewed the average decrease
of Pheasants' eggs during incubation to be a little over 14

* Communicated by Mr. W. P. Pycraft, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

138

Miss E. S. Norton on the Weight of

7i
n3

Explanation of the Diagram.
Eacli line in tlie diagram shews how an individual egg decreased in
weight from day to day. The weight in grammes (shown at the
sides) determines the height of the line, and the time in days (shown
at the top) determines the length of the line. Thus, the line of the
egg 1 commences at the point denoting 59'8 gr. on the beginning of
the first day of incnbation, and it ends at the point denoting 51 gr.
on the 22nd day ; the egg was opened that day and was found to
contain a dead chick. X marks the approximate time of the death
of the chick or embryo.

Birds' Eggs during Incubation. 139

per ceut. In a letter published later in ' The Ibis/ 190J;,
p. 662j Mr. Nevin Foster stated that the decrease in the weight
of Thrushes' and Blackbirds' eggs during incubation is about
15 per cent. My results shew that, in like manner, hens'
eggs lose weight during incubation to the extent of between
14 and 15 per ceut. For example, the average Aveight of
12 eggs descended from 57*66 grammes to 49'23 grammes
in 20 days : this is an average decrease of 14*58 per ceut.

Apparently all the eggs weighed by Mr. Gladstone
contained living chicks. Now in each of my batches of
incubated eggs some proved infertile and others contained
dead embryos of varying ages. The curious and interesting
fact is, that in every case the infertile and dead-embryo-
bearing eggs decreased in weight in very nearly the same
degree as did the eggs which eventually hatched out into
sturdy chicks. A line which shews the average decrease in
weight of three clear, infertile eggs is nearly parallel to
that line which shews the average weight-decrease of three
eggs — incubated at the same time — from which emerged
three perfectly developed chicks.

On examining the lines shewing the loss of weight of
individual eggs, I noticed another interesting point — a line
generally makes a sudden, erratic drop just before that spot
which marks the death of the embryo. Thus, an egg which
at the close of the period of incubation contained a dead
embryo appears to have suffered an increased loss of weight
when the embryo was dying.

The chemical examination and explanation of the loss in
weight of incubated eggs, and especially of the fact that the
weight-lines of dead and living eggs are so nearly parallel,
would prove of great interest. I found that the infertile
eggs had not become at all putrid at the end of three weeks'
incubation: apparently they lost weight by losing water
only. The living eggs, one might assume, would lose water
to the same extent as the dead ones, for they were kept
under identically similar conditions ; but the eggs containing
living chicks have the Aveight of the products of respiration
and excretion to be accounted for.

140 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

These experiments were conducted at the Regent Street
Polytechnic Biological Laboratory ; and I have to thank
Mr. G. P. Mudge for many kind hints as to my methods of
workinor.

YI. — On the Birds of Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. By
E. C. Chubb, A.ssistant Curator, Rhodesia Museum,
Bulawayo.

The material upon which tliis paper is based has mostly been
collected by myself and otiiers for the Rhodesia Museum
during the last eighteen months, although it has been
thought worth while, for the sake of completeness, to include
in it a number of birds belonging to Mr. R. Douglas, which
he has allowed me to examine. These are distinguished by
an asterisk.

Bulawayo is situated on the water-parting which divides
the Limpopo from the Zambesi River basin, at an altitude of
1450 feet above the sea. The geological formation upon
which it rests is schist, while theie are outcrops of granite
at several places within three or four miles of the town, e.(j.
at the Hillside Kopjes and at the Waterworks Reservoirs.

Encircling the town for a radius of about three miles is
the " Commonage," where most of the specimens have been
collected, but a number of birds and nests have been obtained
at Belle Vue Farm, where I am now living, some four miles
south of Bulawayo. The Commonage consists of fairly
thick Bush, composed largely of Acacia horrida and other
leguminous trees, and several species of Comhretnm, while
Copaifera mopani is common on the granite soil. These
trees are all small, averaging in height from eight to ten
feet ; the absence of large trees being due to the fact ihat
fifteen years ago, prior to the occupation of the country by
the White Man, the Commonage was- under cultivation by
the natives belonging to the chief Lobengula's kraal, the
site of the kraal being now occupied by the present town.

The annual rainfall of Bulawavo ranges between 20 and

Buluaaijo, SoutJiern Rhodesia. 141

30 inclies, and practically all of this falls during the summer
months, viz. from October to ^larch. On account of the
elevation of the town and its situation on the Mater-parting,
the rainfall is rapidly drained away, and it is only where
artificial dams have been built, as at the "Waterworks, that
there are any permanent sheets of water.

Although well within the tropics, the small number of
really tropical species occurring here is remarkable, and may
probably be accounted for by the high altitude and dry
climate.

The Whitcthroat [Sylvia cinerea) and the Senegal Coucal
(Centropus seiiegalensis) are now recorded for the second
time from South Africa, while the following sixteen species
appear to be new to Southern Rhodesia : —

Glareola melanoptera.
Ardetta payeti.
Deudrocygna viduata.
Halcyon albiventris.
Coccystes serratus.
Erythropygia zambesiana.
Dryodromas fulvicapilla.
Eremomela polioxantha.

Camaroptera siiiidevalli.
Fiscus subcoronatus.
Aiithus vaalensis.
Mirafra nigricans.
Hjpochera funerea.
Pyrcmelana taba.
Coccopygia dufresnii.
Oriolus lavvatus.

The dominant native race in this the Western Division of
Southern Rhodesia is the Matabele, a branch of the great
Zulu nation, which in 1836, under the leadershij) of
Mziligazi, came up from the south, conquered the various
tribes then living in the country, and settled among them,
taking their women for wives and their children as slaves.

These natives take a great interest in the animals and
birds around them, having separate names for most of the
species. But it is the young boys avIio are most conversant
with the names of the smaller and less conspicuous birds;
for at this age most of their time is spent in herding cattle
and sheep, and they observe and talk about the birds that
they see.

I have given the Matabele names to as many species as
I have been able. In reading these names, C and Q, are to
be pronounced like ilie Zulu " clicks " : the former is much

142 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

the same sound as " tut," which we often use to indicate
vexation. The " q " click is very similar to the " pop " of
a cork when extracted from a bottle.

I have to express ray best thanks to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe,
who has been good enough to look over this paper and has
identified a number of species for me, and also to Mr. F. P.
Mennell, the Curator of the Rhodesia ]\Iuseum, for much
assistance and encouragement.

1. Fkancolixus coqui.

FrancoUnus coqui Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 197.

'^Iswempi."

Fairly common throughout the year and breeds here.
It begins to pair at the end of Octo])er, and lays from four
to eight eggs in a slight hollow in tlie grass.

2. Fkaxcolixus shelleyi.

FraJicoUnus shelleyi Ogilvie-Grant, Ibis^ 1890, p. 318;
Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 208.

" Inkwali." ^

This bird, known locally as the " Kedwiug," occurs on.
the granite kopjes at Hillside, three miles from the town.
It pairs at the end of October, and half-grown birds may be
seen at the beginning of May. It lays from five to ten eggs
in a slight hollow in the ground. The covey consists of
from three to ten brace.

3. Pternistes swainsoxi.

Pternistes sivainsoni Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 217.

'^sikwehli."'

A common resident. It has no particular breeding-
season, and its nests may be found at all times throughout
the year. These are formed of grass, and placed under
bushes or in the bed of a river. Nine appears to be the full
complement of eggs.

4. COTURXIX DELAGORGUII.

Coturnix delayoryuei Stark & Scl. Biz'ds S. Afr. iv. p. 224.
Common during the summer mouths, and sometimes
arrives in abnormal numbers.

Bulaioayo, Southern Rhodesia. 143

5. NUMIDA COKOXATA.

Numida coronata Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 227.

'' Itendeli."

This Guinea-fowl is very common a few miles away
from Bulawayo, and it is occasionally met Avitli on the
Commonage.

6. TURNIX LEPURAXA.

Tumi.)- lepurana Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 238.

*^ Ugonqo.^'

Not unaommon here during the greater part of the year.

7. TURTUR SEMITORQUATUS.

Turtur senntonjuatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 167.
a. S ' May 11, 1908. "Injeba.''

8. Turtur capicola.

Turtur capicola Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 169.
a. S ' April 24, 1907.. '^celegwana."
b,c. ? ? . May 18, 1908.

This Dove is extremely common throughout the year, and
is quite a pest to the natives when their crops are ripening.

9. Turtur senegalensis.

Turtur senegalensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 172.
a. March 4, 1907. '' Ijuba.'^

This Dove is almost as common as the preceding, and
resembles it very much in habits.

10. CEna capensis.

(Ena capensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 174.
" Umjova ^' and " Umkombazana."

A common resident. It is very tame, and may often be
seen walking about on the gravel paths in gardens.

11. Crex pratexsis.

Crex pratensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 246.
Rather plentiful during its winter stay.

12. Gallixula angulata.

Gallinula angulata Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 264.
a. $ . Jan. 11, 1902.

144 Mr. E. C. (-hubb on the Birds of

H. (?. Dec. 15, 1907.
Specimen a was taken with a nest and five eggs. The
latter are creamy white with numerous pin-point spots
and a few larger spots^ all of chocolate-colour.

13. FULICA CRISTA TA.

Fulica cristata Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 270.
a. July 8, 1907.

14. PoDlCIPES CAPEXSIS.

Podiceps capensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 513.
a. S- Sept. 1, 1907.

15. Stephanibyx coroxatus.

Stephanibyx coronatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv.
p. 355.

llather uncommon close to the town^ although I saw a
flock of about a dozen individuals- on the road one evening
towards the end of June. They rose with a whistling cry.

16. CURSORIUS TEMMINCKI.

Cursorius temmincki Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 325.
a. ? . June 1, 1907.
n. cT . June 10, 1908.

17. Khixoptilus chalcopterus.

Rhinoptilus chalcopterus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv.
p. 329.
*fl. ? . Xov. 26, 1907.

18. CEdICNEMUS CAPEXSIS.

(Edicnemus capensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 315.
a. ? . July 17, 1908.

19. Glareola melanoptera.

Glareola melanoptera Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 333.
a. Jan. 11, 1908.

This example is moulting into the adult plumage, but it
still shews traces of that of the young bird.

Bfi/awayo, Southern Rhodesia. 145

20. LoPHOTIS RUFICRISTA.

Otis ruficrista Stark & Scl. Birds S. Mr. iv. p. 290.

" Umswiliswili."

Occasionally occurs close to the town.

21. EUPODOTIS KOKI.

Otis kori Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 308.
" Icherni.'^

This Bustard occasionally approaches very close to the
town and has several times been seen on the Commonage.

22. CiCONIA ALBA.

Ciconia alba Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 37.
*«-. $. Dec. 8, 1907. 'angabezane.''
The White Stork appears in large flocks during ithe
rains.

23. Scopus u-\ibretta.

Scopus umbretta Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 51.

a. ? . Sept. 24, 1907. " Tegwane.'^

This individual had a nest in a high tree close to the
water's edge at the Waterworks reservoirs. It was of
the usual type — a huge mass of sticks^ with an entrance-
hole on one side. The bird has also been seen in the very
heart of the town.

24. Leptoptilus crumeniferus.

Leptoptilus crumeniferus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv.
p. 46.

Three examples were seen near the town on Feb. o, 1908^
one of which was shot by Mr. R. Douglas.

25. Nycticorax griseus.

Nycticorax griseus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 82.
«. Juv. July 21, 1907.

26. BUTORIDES ATRICAPILLA.

Butorides atricapilla Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p, 80.

a. S • Nov. 25, 1907.

b. S • June 9, 1908.

SER. IX. VOL. III. L

146 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

27. Ardetta payesi.

Ardetta payesi Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 86.
a. ? . Jan. 11, 1908.

28. Dendrocycna a'iduata.

Dendrocygna viduata Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 124.
a. $ . April 1, 1908. " Idada.''

*• ?•

29. Phalacrocorax africanus.

Phalacrocorax africanus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 9.
I have seen this bird several times at the Waterworks.

30. Plotus rufus.

Flatus rufus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 13.
%. ? . Feb. 29, ] 908.
This specimen was shot while in company with one other
at the Waterworks.

31. Serpentarius secretarius.

Serpentarius secretarius Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 402.

" Udwai.''

Occasionally seen near the town, usually in pairs. A nest
was found about four miles east of Bulawayo on July 20, 1908.
It was a loose platform of sticks, about twenty feet from
the ground, in a tree known to the natives as '^umlaladwai^'
(literally, " tlie sleeping-place of the Secretary Bird ") . In
the nest were the remains of a large snake and a pellet of
fur; while on the ground beneath were found the skulls
of a wild cat and a meerkat with numerous bones of hares.
I examined the stomach of a female that had been shot as
it left the nest and found therein bones and fur of mice,
a large lizard and several small ones, and also a quantity of
locusts.

32. Gyps kolbii.

Gyps kolbii Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 383.
" Ilinqi."

I saw a number of what I took to be these birds feeding
on the carcase of a horse on the Commonage in March 1907.

BuJaivayo, Southern Rhodesia. 147

33. Melierax gabak.

Melierax gahar Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 364.
a. ? . May 19, 1907.
n. ? . March 2, 1908.

34. AqUILA llAPAX.

Aquila rapa.v Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iv. p. 294.

a. ? . July 2, 1908.

This female was shot at the nest, which was a liu^e
structure of branches and twigs formed on the top of
a thorn-tree [Acacia nigrescens) about forty feet from the
ground. When I visited it on the following day, the male
had taken the place of his (late) mate on the nest. It con-
tained one " oval " egg, white with very indistinct blotches
of grey. This Eagle preys chiefly on hares, of which there
were numerous remains on tlie ground below the nest.

35. Aquila wahlhergi.

Aquila wahlberyi Sundev. CEfvcrs. K. Vet.-Akad. Handl.
Stockh. 1850, p. 109 (1851); Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr.
iii. p. 296.

a. $ . Sept. 22, 1907.

h. S- Nov. 20, 1907.

36. EUTOLMAETUS PENNATUS.

Eutolma'etus pennatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 298.

a. Oct. 30, 1907.

b. S • Nov. 15, 1907.

37. SpiZAliTUS BELLICOSUS.

Eutolma'etus bellicosus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr, iii,
p. 301.

a. April 13, 1908. " Ukozi."

b. S ■ April 21, 1908.

38. Helotarsus ecaudatus.

Helotarsus ecaudatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 314.

''Inqunqulu.^'

l2

148 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

I frequently see this bird sailing overhead near the town.
Its head alwaj^s appears to me to be directed vertically down-
wards as it scans the ground immediately below, and not
bent backwards along the breast, as is stated to be the case
by Millais in his ' Breath from the Veldt."

39. MiLVUS ^GYPTIUS.

Milvus (Bgyptius Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 336.
a. Nov. 28, 1907. " Umzwazwa."
h. Nov. 28, 1907.

These two birds were shot from among numbers that
were following swarms of locusts.

40. Falco biarmicus.

Falco biarmicus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 269.
a. S- Oct. 1, 1907. "Uhehvaui."

41. TiNNUNCULUS RUPICOLA.

Tinnunculus rupicoliis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 276.
*a. ? . March 5, 1908.
""b. ?.

42. Bubo maculosus.

Bubo maculosus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 249.

a. ^ . '' Isikova," a name applied to all, except the very
small. Owls.

b. Oct. 15, 1907.

This Owl makes its appearance just after sunset. I fre-
quently see it in the twilight, perched on the tops of trees.
When thus sitting, its horns are erected perpendicularly or, if
anything, slightly inclined inwards, and it is evidently on the
alert for the slightest rustle among the grass below. During
the day it usually sits among the branches of a thick tree,
but sometimes I'ests in the long grass. Its cry is a double
hoot, consisting of two different notes slurred together.

43. Bubo lacteus.

Bubo lacteus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 252.
Not uncommon. Its loud booming hoot is frequently
heard in the evening.

BuIaivai/0, Southern Rhodesia. 149

44. Scops capensis.

Scops capensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. .'254.
a. S ■ May 31, 1908.

Rai'e ; this is the only example of this Owl that I have
met with. Locusts and other insects were in the stomach.

45. Scops leucotis.

Asio leucotis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 243.

There is a dilapidated skin belonging to this species in
the collection. It was obtained near the town some few
years ago.

46. Glaucidium perlatum.

Glaucidium per latum Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii, p. 257,

a. S • May 26, 1908. " Umandugulu.''

Not at all uncommon.

The stomach of this specimen was full of large white
caterpillars. The note of this little Owl is remarkable, and is
frequently heard just after sunset ; although I have listened
to it early in the afternoon. It consists of an ascent of the
octave in clear distinct notes and then a slurred descent in
one prolonged note. It may be represented thus : —

S

32:

22:

^

47. Strix flammea.

Strix flammea Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 237.
a. S- June 22, 1907.
*. — • „ „

c. ^ . ,, ,,

Common ; often found in the disused mine-shafts on the
Commonage.

48. PCEOCEPHALUS TRANSVAALENSIS.

Poicephalus meyeri transvaalensis Neum. Oruith. Monatsb
vii. p. 25 (1899).

Poeocephalus meyeri Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 487.
a. Sept. 30, 1907.
n. ? . Dec. 25, 1907.

150 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

49. CORACIAS GARRULUS.

Coracias garrula Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 4G.
Specimens were obtained in January^ February, and
March.

50. Coracias caudatus.

Coracias caudatus Stark & ScL Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 48.
%. May 6, 1908. ''Ifefe."
*i. May 10, 1908.

Common.

51. Coracias olivaceiceps.

Coracias olivaceiceps Sharpe, Cat. B. M. xvii. p. 25
'(1892).

Coracias mossambicus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 51.

«. ?. May 7, 1908. 'atjegela/'

By no means rare, though much less common than the
preceding species. The stomach of an example examined
was full of locusts.

52. Ceryle rudis.

Ceryle rudis Stark & Scl, Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 73.

A pair of these birds may generally be seen on the lower
reservoir at the Waterworks. I have observed them fishing
in their characteristic manner — hovering Hawk-like at some
distance from the water, and suddenly darting down upon
their piscine victims.

53. Ceryle maxima.

Ceryle maxima Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 7Q.

a. Aug. 21, 1905.

b. Dec. 2, 1907.

54. CORYTHORNIS CYANOSTIGMA.

Corythornis cyanostigma Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii,
p. 81.

a. April 15, 1907.

b. June 6, 1907.

Common ; to be seen along every river and stream.

Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. 151

55. Halcyon albiventris.

Halcyon albiventris Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 8G.
a. ? . Nov. 22, 1907.

The stomach of this individual contained the remains of
crabs.

56. LOPHOCEROS EPIRHINUS.

Lophoceros epirhinus Stark & ScL Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 114.

«. (^. July 14, 1907. "Igoro."

Fairly common ; seen singly and also in parties.

57. Lophoceros leucomelas.

Lojyhoceros leucomelas Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 118.

a. S ' May 6, 1907. " Igoro."

This, like the preceding species, is frequently met with on
the Commonage.

58. Upupa africana.

Upupa africana Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 10.
*«. S • Jan. 4, 1908.

b. S . April 24, 1908.

Not uncommon, and appears to have been rather more
plentiful during the last few months — March, April, May,
and June. As a rule it is solitary, though sometimes two
are met with together; but I have never seen it in flocks.
It is certainly a shy bird and difficult to approach.

59. Irrisor viridis.

Irrisor viridis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 14.

I saw two examples of this beautiful species on May 23rd ;
they flew across the road in front of me as I was cycling
into town. Since then I have seen it on two or three
occasions. The flight is rather heavy and slow, but even —
the tails being carried almost horizontally.

60. Melittophagus meridionalis.

Melittophagus meridionalis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. Q7.

a, ? . Aug. 10, 1907.
n. ? . Feb. 29, 1908.

152 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

61. Merops apiaster.

Merops apiaster Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 57.
a. (^ . March 23, 1907. "Inkonjane inkulu'' ( = large
Swallow).
n. ? . Nov. 24, 1907.

*(L ? . Feb. 29, 1908.
Very common during its stay here, from the middle of
October to the beginning of April.

62. Merops natalensis.

Merops natalensis Reichenb. Handb. Merop. p. 78, pi. 451
(1852).

Merops nubicoides Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 62.

a. Nov. 15, 1907.

b. Nov. 22, 1907.

Numbers of these birds were seen at the Umguza River,
three or four miles from tow'n, on several occasions during
last November.

63. CoSMETORNIS VEXILLARIUS.

Cosmetornis vexillarins Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 42.

*a. S- Nov. 24, 1907. " Inabanaba," applied to all
Nightjars.

64. Caprimulgus rufigena.

Caprimulgus rufigena Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 34.
a. S ■ Nov. 23, 1907.

65. Caprimulgus fossii.

Caprimulgus fossei Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 39.

a. ? . March 5, 1907.

I believe that this is our commonest Nightjar. It is found
squatting on the ground at night-time, while during the
day it may often be flushed in thick grass.

66. CoLius erythromelon.

Colius erythromelon Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 99.
" Isogonono.^'

Bulawaijo, Southern Rhodesia. 153

This, the only species of the genus occurring here, is
rather common. It is usually seen flying in parties of from
six to twelve. Its flight is very steady and even, but not
particularly rapid, as has been stated by one author. The
tail during flight is usually carried at an angle of about 45°
to the horizontal.

It has been pointed out to me that a party of these birds
always roosts in the same tree, night after night. It is a
thorn-tree (Acacia horrida).

A young example, although apparently in the ordinary
adult plumage, except for its short tail (5*75 inches), had
the bill grey ; the cere and bare skin round the eye greyish.

Q7. SCHIZOKHIS CONCOLOR.

Schizorhis concolor Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 219

" Umguwe."

The " Go-away bird/^ as it is called, is fairly common,
and often to be seen perched on the topmost branches of
trees, uttering its well-known cry, which has suggested both
the English and native names.

68. Centropus sexegalensis.

Centropns seneyalensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 206.
*a. c?. Nov. 9, 1907.

Iris reddish orange ; legs and bill black.

This species has only once been previously recorded from
South Afi-iea. It was obtained by Buckley at Bamangwato,
Bechuanaland, in 1874.

69. COCCYSTES SERRATUS.

Coccystes serratus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 199.
a. S. Nov. 20, 1907.
*6. March 22, 1908.
This species appears never to have been recorded from
Southern E-hodesia before.

70. CoCCYSTES HYPOPINARIUS.

Coccystes hypopinarius Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 197.

154 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

a. S- Nov. 20, 1907. " Inkanku.''

h. ^.

Not uncommon during the rainy season. In addition to
its loud whistle-like call, it has a low cackling cry which is
said by the natives to portend heavy rain.

71. COCCYSTES JACOBINUS.

Coccystes jacohinus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 195.
*a. $ . Nov. 9, 1907.

72. Lybius torquatus.

Lyhius torquatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 157.

a. March 1, 1907. " Isiqoqoto," a name applied to
Barbets and Woodpeckers.

b. S- April 30, 1908.

73. Trichol/EiMA leucomelas.

Tricholcema leucomelas Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii.
p. 160.

" Isiqoqoto.'^

Very common. A nest of this species Avas found at Belle
Vue on Feb. 17th, 1908. It was simply a circular hole
in the trunk of a tree without lining-materials, and contained
four young.

74. Barbatula extoni.

Barhatula extoni Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 168.
*u. S ' Feb. 29, 1908.

n. ? .

75. Trachiphonus cafer.

Trachyphonus cafer Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 170.
a. ? . July 6, 1907.

76. Thripias namaquus.

Thripias namaquus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. iii. p. 138.

fl. c?. June 18, 1908. '^siqoqoto.''

Fairly common. This example was caught in a recently
bored hole in the trunk of the common thorn-bush [Acacia
horrida). Its testes were very much enlarged, and looked as
though the bird was about to breed.

Bulaivayo, Southern Rhodesia. 155

77. Dendropicus cardixalis.

Dendropicus cardinalis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr, iii.
p. 135.

a.S' Sept. 21, 1907. 'asiqoqoto."

This example appeared to be nesting ; it was shot as it
entered a hole in a branch of an Euphorbia tree.

78. Chelidox urbica.

Chelidon urbica Stark & Scl. Birds S. Africa, ii. p. 278.

Two examples of the House- jNlartin were shot on April 7th,
1908, at the Waterworks, three miles from town. They
were with a flock of Swallows at the time.

79. HiRUXDO RUSTICA.

Hirundo rustica Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 289.

a. S' March 9, 1907. ^ankonjane."

h. March 9, 1907.

c. ? . Feb. 17, 1908.

The Common Swallow began to arrive here about the
middle of October, and the greater number of them left
again about the beginning of April, although a few were
seen as late as April 27th and 28th.

80. Hirundo semirufa.

Hirundo semirufa Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 301.

I saw several examples of this species flying over a reservoir
at the Waterworks on Jan. 5th last. Their flight is very
different from that of the Common Swallow [H. rustica),
and they reminded me rather of Bee-eaters on the wing.

81. Bradyornis mariquensis.

Bradyornis mariquensis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 238.

a. S ' May 2, 1908.

b. May 13, 1908.

c. S- May 15, 1908.

82. Muscicapa grisola.

Muscicapa grisola Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 240.
a. Jan. 11, 1908.

156 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

The Spotted Flycatcher arrived here at the beginning of
November last summer, and did considerable damage to the
grapes in the gardens during its stay.

83. Parisoma subcceruleum.

Parisoma subccendeum Stark & Sol. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 75.
*a. ? . Nov. 16, 1907.
^b. S • Dec. 4, 1907.

c. ? . Jan. 28, 1908.

d. Feb. .3, 1908.

Specimens were obtained in November, December, January,
and February.

84. Batis molitor.

Pachyprora molitoi' Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 255.

'' Ishlutu/'

By no means uncommon. Generally seen sitting on or
hunting among the branches of bushes, where its charac-
teristic cry is frequently heard. This is ably described by
Capt. Boyd Alexander thus : '' a clear Hute-like note in a
high key being first uttered, followed in succession by three
others, each descending a tone in scale, the rendering of which
is A^ery true, while between the notes a distinct interval is
made.^' I find, however, that it sometimes misses one or
two of the triple notes. In music this cry would be rendered
as follows : —

85. Pycnonotus layardi.

Pi/cnonotus lai/ardl Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 63.

" Igwiko" and " Isigweuula,^'

An extremely common resident ; breeding with us.

86. TURDUS LITSITSIRUPA,

Turdus litsitsirupa Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 173.
*«. ? . Feb. 22, 1908.

Bulaioayo, Southern Jihodesia. 157

87. EllYTHllOPYGIA LEUCOPHRYS,

Erythropijgia Ieuco})Iirijs Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 225.

a. ? . Jan. 12, 1908.

88. EllYTIIllOPYGIA PCENA.

Erythropygia pdtia Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 223.
*a. S ' Nov. 22, 1907.

89. Ekythkopygia zambesiana.

Erytliropijyia zambesianu Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 224.

Termites were found in the stomachs of two examples
examined.

90. Saxicola familiaris.

Saxicola /((miliaris Stark &, Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 201.

a. S- March 22, 1907.

b. S ■ May 5, 1907.

c. S . Jan. 28, 1908.

91. Campicola pileata.

Saxicola pileata Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 196.

a. c? . Feb. 15, 1908. " Umgawana.^'

b. S • April 27, 1908.

c. ? . June 2, 1908.

A very common and familiar bird in and around Bulawayo.
It may often be seen in the roads, especially during- the
winter months, or seated on the fences and telegraph-wires.
When upon the ground it often stands bolt upright, looking
very stately, and all the while jerking its wings and tail.
It is by no means shy ; on the contrary, it will not attempt
to fly away until one gets within two or three feet of it,
and then it only flics a short distance and settles again.
Its coloration renders it very inconspicuous on the dark
red schist soil of Bulawayo. 1 once saw a Drongo {Bicnirus
afer) chasing one of these birds, and the Wheatear was
uttering most pitiful cries.

158 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

92. CiSTICOLA RUnCAPILLA.

Cisticola ruficapilla Smith, III. Zool. S. Afr., Aves, pi. 73.
fig. 1 (1842).

Cisticola ahermns Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 143.

a. March 4, 1907.

I took a nest of this species at Belle Vue on Feb. 20th,
1908. It contained three pale blue eggs finely spotted with
light red, measuring 15*5 x 12 mm. The nest was cup-
shaped and circular {2\" internal diameter) and built of
soft grass-blades lined with fine vegetable hair. It was
situated in tall grass.

93. Cisticola subruficapilla.

Cisticola subruficapilla Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 151.

Ants were found in the stomach of one specimen examined.
Another Avas shot as it flew' from the nest. This was situated
in a tuft of thick grass on the ground and contained one
e^''"- and two young. The egg was transparent white with
purplish-brown spots, thickest at the larger end. It measures
19 X 8 mm. The nest was cup-shaped and formed of w^oveu
o-rass, bound together and lined with silky down from
plants.

94. Silvia cinerea.

Sylvia cinerea Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 81.

a. ? . Feb. 15, 1908 (in full moult).

The Whitethroat appears to have been only once previously
recorded from South Africa. It was obtained at Otniovapa
in Damaralaiul by Andersson on January 12, 1867.

95. Phvlloscopus trochilus.

PkyUuscopus trochilus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 81.
rt. March 22, 1908.

96. Dryodromas fulvicapilla.

Cisticola fulvicupilla Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 141.

a. Jan. 8, 1908. '' Umdonya."

I took a nest of this bird, which is a plentiful resident, on
March 14, 1908. It was situated in the fork of a low
bush about one foot from the ground, and contained three

Bidawayo, Southern Rhodesia. 159

eggs of a very pale blue colour with minute spots of reddish
browu, thicker at one end. They measured 16 X 11*5 mm.
The nest was composed of soft grass and woolly seeds of
plants, and formed a deep cup-shaped structure.

97. Sylviella rufescexs.

Si/lviella ntfescens Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 115.

Common. Usually found in the thickest trees, where it
hunts up and down the trunk or among the branches in a
very active manner. Frequents gardens occasionally.

98. Eremomela polioxantha.

Eremomela polioxantha Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 108.
^a. S . Nov. 16, 1907.

h. ? . March 22, 1908.

c. ? . June 9, 1908.

This species is by no means uncommon here. I have
seen it flying in small parties from bush to bush. It
resembles Sylviella rufescens in habits.

99. Camaroptera sundevalli.

Camaroptera sundevalli Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 113.

a. ? . Dec. 26, 1907.

I found a nest of this species on December 26, 1907. It
contained two transparent white eggs with faint brownish
plum-coloured blotches. The eggs measured 18x12 mm.
The nest was a purse-shaped structure of very fine grass,
bound together and attached by fine silk vegetable fibres to
the leaves and stems of a nettle-like plant. It was about
eighteen inches from the ground. The female was shot as
it flew from the nest.

100. Prima flavicans.

Prinia flavica7is Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 136.

'' Uboiyana."

A nest of this bird taken at Belle Vue Farm on March 1,
1908, contained two eggs. The nest was purse-shaped, domed,
with an entrance at the side, and composed of fine grass-

160 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

peelings^ curled^ twisted, and woven together. It -was situated
in the fork of a tree about three and a half feet from the
ground. The eggs were of a pale bluish-green colour, with
spots, blotches, and scribblings of chocolate and paler brown.
They measured 16 X 12 mm.

101. Prinia mystacea.

Prinia mystacea Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 135.

a. S ■ May 2, 1907.

102. EUROCEPHALUS ANGUITIMENS.

Eurocephalus angiiithnens Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 13.
%. ? . Jan. 26, 1908.

b. ? . May 17, 1908.

Rare. The stomach of specimen h contained remains
of beetles.

103. Prionops talacoma.

Prionops talacoma Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 51.

a.^. May 5, 1907. " Ihlolanyama.''

b. ? . May 27, 1908.

Fairlv common. Always seen in parties of from ten to
twenty or twenty-five. It is very difficult to get within
gunshot-range of these birds ; they settle on low bushes,
and before one can get close enough to them they fly on
a short distance ahead and settle again. I wasted about an
hour one day trying to get a shot at a flock. On the other
hand, they are also very bold, as the following incident will
g]^e;v : — A few weeks ago a man happened to wound one of
a party of these birds, and the cries it made as he carried it
in his hand brought the other members of the flock to the
rescue. One of them actually flew at him and pecked his cap.

104. Lanius minor.

Lanius minor Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 9.
Specimens were obtained in November 1907.

105. Lanius subcoronatus.

Lanius subcoronatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 9.
a. ? . Feb. 8, 1908.

Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. 161

It is almost impossible to distinguish between this and
the succeeding species in the wild state; but individuals
belonging to one of them, or perhaps both, may often be seen
perched on the telegraph-wires or on the tops of bushes.

106. Lanius collaris.

Lanius collaris Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii, p. 6.
Not uncommon. The stomach of one contained a number
of large spiders.

107. Lanius collurio.

Lanius collurio Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 11.

" Ukonchalakoncha."

Extremely common from November to March. Generally
seen perched in a very conspicuous position on a thorn-bush.
I saw a nest of this species near Bulawayo on January 29th.
It was built in a thorn-tree about 4 feet from the ground
and contained three Avhite eggs with small black markings.

108. Chlorophoneus chrysogaster.

Laniarius sulphureipectus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 40.

a. S . June 8, 1908.

Bare. Caterpillars and remains of large ants in its
stomach.

109. Laniarius guttatus (Hartl.).

Dryoscopus guttatus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii.
p. 28.

a. S . May 2, 1908.

b. (?. May 3, 1908.

c. May 10, 1908.
Uncommon.

110. Laniarius atrococcineus.

Laniarius atrococcineus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 31.

Not uncommon, but shy and seldom seen. Its bright red
underparts render it a very conspicuous object in the bush.
Occasionally it descends to the ground to feed : one was
shot while feeding among thick grass on the ground, and in
its stomach were found ants, beetles, and caterpillars.

SER. IX. — VOL. III. M

162 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

111. Telephonus senegalus.

Telephonus senegalus Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p, 19.

" Umgubane.^'

A fairly common resident. It may often be disturbed
•while feeding on the ground. It then flies off to the nearest
bush with its tail widely spread and the subterminal band
of white shewing veiy conspicuously. Its legs are pale grey,
as stated by Marshall.

Two nests taken near Bulawayo on December 9th
were each formed of fine twigs wound round into a neat
shallow cup, having an internal diameter of about 3^ inches.
They were resting on the horizontal branches of bushes and
only two or three feet off the ground. These nests contained
two and three eggs respectively. They are white with
small chocolate-coloured splashes and blotches, and measure
24 X 18*5 mm.

A nest found on January 2 contained two chicks.

112. Telephonus AUSTRALis.

Telephonus australis Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 22.

" Umgubane.^'

Bill black ; legs and feet pale grey ; iris silvery white or a
very light grey. Like the preceding species, a common
resident. Its habits are also very similar to those of
T. senegalus. A nest containing two eggs was taken on
December 26. It was almost identical in construction and
position with those of its ally. The eggs, again, only differ
in being slightly smaller.

113. NiLAUS BRUBRU.

Nilaus hrubru Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 16.

a. ? . May 30, 1908.

Bare. Locusts and grasshoppers in the stomach.

114. Parus afer.

Parus afer Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 305.
Not frequently met with.

115. CiNNYRIS MARIQUENSIS.

Cinnyris mariguensis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 279.
" Intjenwana," a name used for all the Sun-birds.

Btilaivai/0, Southern Rhodesia. 1G3

Very common, perhaps the commonest of our Sim-birds.
This species, with C. chahjheus and Chalcomitra gutturalis,
frequents gardens in the town and suburbs, attracted by the
flowers.

116. ClXNYRIS CHALYBEUS.

Cinnyris chahjbeus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 284.

Very common. This species, with C. mariquensis and
Chalcomitra yutturalis, seems to be more numerous and
active during April and May. They appear to be partial to
the wild mistletoe, which grows on a number of trees on the
Commonage.

117. Chalcomitra gutturalis.

Cinnyris gutturalis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 28G.

a. S imin- May 10, 1907.

b. S' April 1-1., 1908.

Common, though not quite so numerous as Cinnyris
mariquensis and C. chalybeus.

The plumage of a is very similar to that of the adult
female, except that the scarlet breast of the adult male is
present.

118. Cinnyris leucogaster.

Cinnyris leucogaster Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 281.

a. S' May 5, 1907.

Uncommon. I saw one on June 1 at Belle Vue. It was
hopping briskly among the branches of some thick bushes
and uttering a subdued tweet-tweet all the while.

119. ZOSTEROPS anderssoni.

Zosterops anderssoni Stark^ Birds S. Afr. i. p. 300.

a. (?. June 29, 1907.

Rare. The only example seen.

120. Motacilla capensis.

Motacilla capensis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 259.

a. S ■ June 8, 1 908. " Umvemve."

Rare. I have only seen this species once or twice, and
each time it was close to water. Ants were found in the
stomach of this example.

w2

1G4 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

121. Anthus trivialis.

Anthus trivialis Stark_, Birds S. A£r. i, p. 247.
a. ? . Feb. 18, 1908.

122. Anthus rufulus.

Anthus rufulus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 251.

" Umncelu.''

This Pipit is extremely common, and is found feeding on
all the roads in and around the town. Its coloration then
renders it almost invisible, and the bird seems to be conscious
of this means of protection, for it does not attempt to fly
away until one is within a few feet of it, and even then it
generally runs off in a crouching manner and takes refuge
in the grass at the sides of the road.

123. Anthus pyrrhonotus.

Anthus pyrrhonotus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 250.
a. ? . Feb. 9, 1908.

This exam])le is just attaining the adult plumage, and
still shews remains of the young dress.

124. Anthus vaalensis.

Anthus vaalensis Shelley, Birds Afr. ii. p. 311 (1900).
a. ? . May 2, 1907.

125. MlRAFRA SABOTA.

Mirafra sabota Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 208.
Examples have been obtained in January, February, May,
and July.

126. MlRAFRA AFRICAN A.

Mirnfra africana Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. i. p. 212.
" Indayila ''

This species is not uncommon during the winter months,
when it may be seen feeding in the roads, always singly.

127. MlRAFRA NIGRICANS.

Mirafra africans Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 207.

a. ? . Jan. 5, 1908.

b. ? . Feb. 10, 1908.

BuIaivat/0, Southern Rhodesia. 165

These examples arc in their first year's plumage. So far
as I am aware, this species has not been previously recorded
in Southern Rhodesia.

128. Pyrrhulauda smithi.

Pyrrhulauda smithii Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 196.

Very common, especially during the winter mouths, when
it may be seen feeding in numbers in the streets — reminding
one of the Common English Sparrow {Passer domestims) in
its ways.

129. POLIOSPIZA ANGOLEXSIS.

Serinus ungolensis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 178.

" lutagane."

A common bird throughout the year. Small seeds were
found in the stomach of one that 1 examined. A female
was shot as it flew from the nest, which was a shallow cup-
shaped structure of fine twigs bound together with hair and
wool, and attaclicd to a horizontal branch of a Syringa-tree
about six feet from the ground. The nest measures two
inches internal diameter. It contained three white eggs
with very fine indistinct pale brown markings, measuring
17 X 12*5 mm.

130. POLIOSPIZA GULARIS.

Poliospiza gidaris Stark, Birds S. Afr, i. p. 165.
Often found in company with Serinus sulphuratus. They
are both very partial to the seeds of the sunflower.

131. Serinus sulphuratus.

Serinus sulphuratus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 169.

a. S ' April 10, 1908.

This species is common in and near Bulawayo, although I
have not been able to shoot one up to the present. The
only example in the Museum collection lived for some time
in captivity.

132. Serinus icterus.

Serinus icterus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 173.
*a. ? . Sept. 8, 1907.
*6. ? . Nov. 22, 1907.

166 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

133. Serinus shelleyi.

Serinus shelleyi, Neumann, Orn. Monatsb. xi. p. 184 (1908) .

a. ? . July 28, 1907.

134. Emberiza flaviventris.

Emberiza flaviventris Stark, Birds S. A£r. i. p. 184.
ISIot uncommon.

135. Fringillaria tahapisi.

Fringillaria tahapisi Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 189.
*a. ? . Nov. 26, 1907.

136. Hypochera funerea.

Hypochera funerea Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 153.
*a. S ■ J^ec. 9, 1907.

b. S- J:iii- 12, 1908.
*c. S • t'eb. 29, 1908.

Uucoramoii. b was shot in a thorn-bush.

a is in changing plumage ; there are some brown
feathers on the back and some white ones on the underside
intermingled with the black.

Bill "white; legs and feet flesh-colour; iris very dark
brown. The stomach of b contained small seeds.

137. Vidua paradisea.

Vidua paradisea Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 149.

" Umasiyabundu."

A common resident, and like Tetranura regia is in the
summer a prominent feature of our bird-life. The males
begin to dun their bright livery early in November and lose
it again in March. One shot on November 25 is already in full
dress, except that the long tail-feathers are not yet developed.

During the summer the males are usually met with sepa-
rately, accompanied by their hosts of females, but occasionally
two or three cocks may be seen together, and I once (Jan. 5)
saw a flock of about twenty-five males all in full plumage.

Although their diet consists chiefly of small seeds, it is
varied sometimes by insects. Mr. Mennell tells me he once
saw a number of males and females devouring flying termites
as thev swarmed from a hole in the ground.

Bulawayo, Suuthern Rhodesia. 167

138. Vidua regia.

Vidua regia Stark^ Birds S. Afr. i. p. 143.

"lutaga."

Common, and very conspicuous during the breeding-
season. The full plumage is assumed during November, and
the long tail-feathers are shed again at the beginning of
May, otherwise the summer dress persists throughout May
until June.

139. Vidua serina.

Vidua principalis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 145.

Occasionally ;• met with near Bulawayo. I have seen
several examples of it in aviaries and have been told that
they were caught close to the town.

140. EUPLECTES XANTHOMELAS.

Pyromelana capensis xanthomelcena Stark, Birds S. Afr. i.
p. 133.

" Isigwe.^*

A common resident. The males commence to assume
their breeding-plumage at the beginning of November : one
of them has some white feathers on the breast and abdomen,
and some brown ones on the head and back, interspersed
among the black. They must begin to lose their summer
garb in March, for I have seen them in full plumage in
February, but examples shot on the 18th April, 20th and
25th of May are all in their light brown winter dress,
although the yellow on the wing-coverts and rump is still
quite bright. Unlike Pyromelana sundevalli, this bird usually
builds away from water and. singly. A nest taken on
January 27th was found in tall grass two or three miles
from water. It was made of fine grass and formed into a
sphere, about 2^ inches internal diameter, with a circular
opening on one side. There were three eggs, bluish green in
colour with numerous dark brown spots and splashes. They
measure 19 x 14 mm.

141. PVKOMELANA TAHA.

Pyromelana taha Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 128.

1 saw a male of this species, in breeding-plumage, in an

168 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

aviary on March 30. It had been caught near the town,
and is said to have been very common here a few years
ago.

142. Pyromelana sundevalli.
Py?'omelana oryx Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 126.
''Isigwe ubonvu."

Common, noticeably so during the summer. It nests in
reeds near water, from the end of November to March ;
and by the end of April the gorgeous breeding-plumage is
entirely lost. There is a colony with some hundred nests
near the Waterworks reservoirs. The newly hatched chicks
have a pink skin with a few straggly yellow down-feathers.

143. Quelea quelea.

Quelea quelea Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 122.

Very common during the winter, when it congregates in
lai'ge flocks. I saw one among a colony of Pyromelana
sundevalli last December.

144. Amadina erythrocephala.

Amadina erythrocephala Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 118
(1900).

This species is not uncommon, and is often caught for
aviaries. I have no knowledge of its breeding here.

145. ZONOGASTRIS MELBA.

Pytelia melba Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 89.

" Uwatvvatwayana."

A very common resident. Usually seen in pairs during
the i^ummer, but in winter often associating with the flocks
of Sporopipes squamifrons.

The young male resembles the adult females, except that
the barring on the breast and abdomen is only faintly
indicated and the wash of olive on the back is much paler.

146. Sporopipes squamifrons.

Sjjoropipes squamifrons Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 86.

'^ Indhlala."

An exceedingly common species throughout the year.

Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. 169

It breeds from October to the end of March, forming a
loosely constructed nest of grass-tops, usually placed in
thorn-bushes. Its cry is a gentle twit-twit.

147. Ortygospiza polyzona.

Ortygospiza pohjzona Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 109.
a. S . Aug. 9, 1907.

Uncommon. The upper mandible of this specimen is
black and only tlie lower one is red.

148. Lagonosticta jamesoni.

Lagonosticta jumesoni Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 93.

a. S- April 10, 1908.

This species is scarce here. The present example, the
only one I have seen, was caught close to the town and
lived for some time in captivity. Its tail measures
27 inches.

149. ESTRILDA ASTRILDA.

Esirilda astrilda Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 98.
Fairly com num. The only example in our collection was
purcha&ed alive.

150. EsTRILDA ERYTHRONOTA.

Estrilda erythronota Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 100.

a. ? . May 29, 1907.

b. Aug. 21, 1907.

151. Estrilda angolensis.

Estrilda angolensis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 102.

" Icecetwana.^'

Very common throughout the year. Two nests were
taken close to the town, one on January 27th and the other
on February 15th. They were similarly constructed of fine
grass-tops, loosely put together and lined with a few feathers.
They contained four and five pure white eggs respectively.

152. Estrilda subflava.

Estrilda subflava Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 105.

a. c? . Juue 26, 1908.

Rare; this is the only example met with.

170 Mr. E. C. Chubb on the Birds of

153. ESTRILDA DUFRESNII.

Estrilda dufresnii Stark, Birds S. A£r. i. p. 107.
a. c? . Marcb 7, 1908.

Occasionally caught near the town and kept in aviaries.
The example in the collection died in captivity.

154. Estrilda granatina.

Estrilda granatina Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 104.

" Ikiwane.^'

A common resident.

155. Hyphantornis cabanisi.

Hyphantornis cabanisi Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 57.

a. ? . Nov. 29, 1907.

b. ? . May 16, 1908.

156. Hyphantornis velatus.

Hyphantornis velatus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 58.
*a. S ' Nov. 13. '^ Isikwe.''
n. cJ. Nov. 18.
*c. c? • Nov. 29.
The amount of black on the forehead in these three
examples varies considerably. It measures '1, '3, and "6 of
an inch respectively, c has also much more black on the
throat than either of the others.

This bird is common here, noticeably so during the summer,
when its nests are to l)e seen suspended from the ends
of the branches of trees, usually the common thorn-bush
{Acacia horrida). I have also seen them attached to the
ends of reeds at the water's edge.

157. Oriolus larvatus.

Oriolus larvatus Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 51.

a. ? . July 21, 1907.

b. Aug. 25, 1907.

Seen occasionally throughout the year and always singly.
Bill terra-cotta ; legs and feet black ; iris crimson.
Large lepidopterous larvae and remains of locusts were
found in the stomach of one I examined.

Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia. 171

158. DiCRURUS AFER.

Dicrunis afer Stark & Scl. Birds S. Afr. ii. p. 265.

" Intengu."

This bird has been extremely common near the town during
the last few months, viz. March^ April, May, and June. It
is usually seen sitting on projecting branches of trees or
bushes, from which it makes short flights after passing
insects, generally returning to the same position. It has a
variety of different notes.

159. CiNNYRICINCLUS VERREAUXI.

Pholidauges leucogaster verreauxi Stark, Birds S. Afr. i.
p. 44.
*a. ? . Nov. 25, 1907.

b. S yg- l^ec. 1907.

c. ? yg. Jan. 8, 1908.

d. c? imm. May 11, 1908.

Iris narrow yellow. Buds of flowers were found in the
stomach of one that I examined. It is not an uncommon
species here, especially during the winter months, when it
has been seen in parties of about a dozen, consisting chiefly
of females or young males, whereas in summer the males are
usually seen singly.

a although marked as a female, had several metallic-
violet feathers in its plumage.

b shews traces of the appearance of the adult plumage
by a few violet feathers on the neck.

d has already assumed the plumage of the mature bird,
but the gape is still yellow, an evidence of youth.

160. Lamprocolius bispecularis.

Lamprocolius phoenicopterus bispecularis Stark, Birds S.
Afr. i. p. 39.

a. Bulawayo, ? . April 24, 1907. " Ikwezi."

b. „ Aug. 30, 1907.

d. „ juv. Jan. 10, 1908.

Very common and generally seen in large flocks.

When a flock is feeding on the ground, first one bird and

1 72 Recently published Ornithological Works.

then another will fly a foot or two off the ground and settle
again directly. It may be that they are in this way looking
out for danger.

They always perch in very prominent positions on trees
and for this reason are difficult to approach. I have heard
them utter a very subdued continuous wailing cry.

161. CORVULTUR ALBICOLLIS.

Corvultur albicollis Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 10.

" Iwabai Tintaba."

This Crow has been seen flying around the granite kopjes
at Hillside. It appears to be confined to the neighbourhood
of hills, and more especially those of the granite formations
such as we have in the Matopos about 40 miles south of
Bulawayo, where I have seen this bird in great numbers.

162. CORVUS SCAPULATUS.

Corvus scapula/us Stark, Birds S. Afr. i. p. 12.

"Iwabai."

An extremely common bird in the town from January to
June, but during the rest of the year only a few are seen
occasionally. It frequently rests in trees or on the posts
supporting the electric-light wires. Its foods consists of
scraps of meat or other offal, and I have also seen it hunting
for ticks on donkeys' backs. It has a harsh guttural croak.

VII. — Notices of recent Ornithological Publications.

1. Allen on Bseolophus bicolor-atricristatus.

[The Bceolophus bicolor-atricristatus Group. By J. A. Allen. Bull.
Am. Mus. N. H. xxiii. p. 467 (1907).]

The Tufted Titmouse of the Eastern United States
(B(Eolophus bicolor) is replaced in Texas and Mexico by the
quite distinct species B. atricristatus. The breeding-ranges
of these two species, as it has recently been discovered,
overlap in Southern and Central Texas, where intermediate
forms are found and have been described as new subspecies.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 173

Parus atricristatus castaneifrons and P. hicolor texensis.
Dr. Allen discusses the true status of these birds at full
length, and, after a careful study of all available niaterial_,
accepts Mr. Ridgway's view that " the birds shewing mixed
characters are hybrids '' and not " geographical intergrades.^'
A somewhat similar case in the Oriental Region is that of
Coracias indicus and C. affinis (see Blanford, Fauna of
Brit. Ind., Birds, iii. p. 106).

2. Berlepsch on the Birds of Cayenne.

[On the Birds of Cayenne. — Part II. By Hans, Graf v. Berlepsch.
Nov. Zool. XV. p. 201.]

We have now before us the second part of Graf von
Berlepsch's excellent memoir on the Birds of Cayenne, of
which we have already noticed the first {' Ibis/ 1908, p. 616).
In the two parts together 626 species are included. In the
second part the author begins with the Trochilidae, of which
he enumerates 38 species as found in Cayenne.

Additions and corrections follow the List, and it is stated
in a " Summary " that we may add about 140 more species
which, although not yet recorded from Cayenne, are likely
to be found there. We are therefore "justified in comput-
ing the number of species that belong to that country to be
about 766/'

" Penelope granti " is proposed as a new name for the
species of Guan from British Guiana called P. marail
by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant (Cat. B. xxii. p. 495), the P. marail
of Gmelin being probably = P. jacupeba.

3. Cheeseman on the Lesser Frigate-bird.

[Notice of the Occurrence of the Lesser Frigate-bird (Fregata ariel) in
North Auckland District. By F. F. Cheeseman. Trans. New Zealand
Inst. xl. p. 265 (1897).]

In BuUer's " Supplement " to his ' Birds of New
Zealand ' it is stated that there is only one authentic record
of the occurrence of Fregata ariel in New Zealand. The
capture of a second specimen of this bird in the peninsula
north of Auckland and various particulars about it are now

174 Recentli/ published Ornithological Works.

described by Mr. Cheeseman, the Curator of the Auckland
Museum.

4. Drummond on the Little-Barrier Bird- Sanctuary .

[The Little-Barrier Bird-Sanctuary. By James Drummond, F.L.S.
Trans. New Zealand Inst. xl. 1907.]

After reading Dr. Fulton's lugubrous account of the
decadence of the Avifauna of New Zealand (see below,
p. 175), it is pleasant to know that some steps have already
been taken to alleviate the evil and seem likely to be, to a
certain extent, successful. Little Barrier Island in the
Gulf of Hauraki (about 10,000 acres in area) has been
declared a '^ Bird-Sanctuary " and no bird on it is allowed
to be destroyed, or interfered with in any way. Mr. Drum-
mond spent a fortnight on the island in the beginning of
1907 and gives us a satisfactory account of what he observed.
He had only to go " outside his tent to see scores of Bell-
birds, Whiteheads, Tuis, Tom-tits, Fan-tails, and other
small birds." Many other native birds were observed, and the
two migratory Cuckoos are said to arrive and depart at their
regular seasons. Altogether some 41 species live and thrive
in the island, and the experiment, so far as it goes, is an
undoubted success. But we do not see that it will do much
to help restocking the main islands with native bird-life.

5. Flower's List of Zoological Gardens.

[Zoological Gardens of the World. Reference List, 1st Oct., 1908.
Capt. S. S. Flower, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt.]

Capt. Flower has sent us a copy of the new edition of his
' List of the Zoological Gardens of the World,' which we
have great pleasure in introducing to the notice of our
readers. It is arranged alphabetically under six heads —
Africa, America North, America South, Asia, Australia, and
Europe. Altogether 80 Gardens are enumerated — 4 African
(Egypt and the Transvaal) ; 21 North American, in various
States, the best-known being those of Bronx Park, New
York, and Philadelphia; 3 in South America (Buenos
Ay res, Para, and Rio) ; 8 in Asia (British India, Saigon, and

Recently published Ornithological Woi'ks. 175

Japan, &c.) ; 4 in Australia (3 of which have members of the
Le Souef family as Directors) ; and 40 scattered over Europe,
no less than 18 being found in different towns in Germany.
As we have often heard said, the establishment of a Zoological
Garden is a very fair test of the progress of civilization in
every country. We thank Capt, Flower for the trouble he
has taken in preparing this useful list. We have already
noticed his report on the Zoological Gardens in Europe
which he himself visited in 1907 (see 'The Ibis,' 1908,
p. 619).

6. Fulton on the Disappearance of Neiv Zealand Birds.

[The Disappearance of New Zealand Birds. By Dr. Fulton. Trans.
New Zealand Inst. xl. p. 485.]

"Owing to change in environment, alterations in food-
supply, and disturbance of the balance of Nature by
ridiculous importations of birds and animals/' Dr. Fulton
tells us, " our beautiful feathered friends are fast going to
the wall." He discusses the dififerent groups of Land-birds
of New Zealand, and gives ample proofs of this melancholy
fact. The Birds of Prey " are now rarely seen/^ the Tui
is " fast disappearing,'^ the Thrush is " very rare,"" the Native
Quail is " absolutely extinct "' — such are the sad stories put
before us. The same sort of process is, no doubt, going on
in all civilized lands, but in New Zealand it is progressing
more rapidly.

7. Godman's ' Monograph of the Petrels.'

[A Monograph of the Petrels (Order Tubinares). By F. DuCane
Godman, D.C.L., F.R.S., President of the British Ornithologists' Union.
Part III. September, 1908. Witherby & Co.]

The third part of this important Monograph continues
the good work on the system described in our notices of
the first and second parts (see ' Ibis,' 1907, p. 515, and 1908,
pp. 367, 527). The present part is mainly devoted to the
widely spread genus (Estrelata, of which 23 species are
recognized, and all but two are figured, with " more to
come.'' They are far wanderers, as their name implies, and

176 Recent lij published Ornithological Works.

one of them {(E. hcesitata) has the honour of being in-
cluded in the British List, on the faith of a single straggler.

8. Hartert's ' Miscellanea Ornithologica ' : Part V.

[Miscellanea Ornitliolofyica — Critical, Nomenclatorial, and other Notes,
mostly on Paleearctic Birds and their Allies. By Dr. E. Hartert. Part V.
Nov. Zool. XV. p. 295 (1907).]

Dr. Hartert shews that Acrocephalus inexpectatus of
Berezowski and Bianchi, from Southern Kansu, is based
upon a young specimen of Acrocephalus orieyitalis, the
eastern form of A. arundinaceus. He also discusses the
species of Scotocerca, and maintains — we fear correctly —
that the form of Scotocerca lately met with in the Wadi Hof,
near Cairo, by Mr. Nicoll, and characterized by him as new
under the name Scotocerca inquiela innesi (Bull. B. O. C. xxi.
p. 98), does not differ from the typical Scotocerca ifiguieta.

9. Hilgert's Catalogue of the Erlanger Collection.

[Katalog der Collection von Erlanger in Nieder-Ingelheim-a.-RU .
Von Carl Hilgert. Berlin : Friedltinder, 1908.]

The great collection of birds formed by the late Carlo,
Freiherr von Erlanger, who lost his life by a sad accident,
when only just commencing his career *, has been carefully
arranged and catalogued by Herr Carl Hilgert, his taxi-
dermist and companion in travel. The 12,500 specimens
are referred to 1419 species in the List, and the name, date,
and locality are attached to each of them. The collection
is specially rich in N.E. African species (where Erlanger
made extensive researches) and contains many types. The
catalogue will be very useful to those who are working on
African Birds, and gives many references to Erlanger's
publications.

10. Marriner's Notes on the Kea (Nestor).

[Additional Notes on the Kea. By George B. Marriner. Trans. New
Zealand Inst. xl. p. 534 (1907;).]

IMr. IVTarriner visited a Sheep-Station (Mount Algidus)
in the North Island of New Zealand in July 1907, and
* See ' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 144.

Recently published OnuHiological J Forks. 177

quite convinced himself of the ravages of the Kea {Nestor
notahilis) upon the flocks (see ' The Ibis/ 1908, p. 382). He
took photographs of the dead victims, and also of the nest-
lioles of the Keas, which breed in nearly inaccessible cavities
in the highest rocks. We are not sorry to be told that with
such breeding-places there seems to be little chance of these
" interesting but cruel birds " being exterminated !

11. Menegaux's Ornithological Papers.

[(1) Catalogue des Oiseaux envoyes en 1906 du Tonquin et de I'Annani
par M, Boutou. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'FI. N. 1907,
No. 1, p. 6.

(2) Liste des Oiseaux rapport^s en 1906 par M. Geay de sud-ouest de
Madagascar. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H, N. 1907, No. 2,
p. 102.

(3) Ornithologie renseignements pratiques (i., ii., iii.). Par M. A.
Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H. N. 1907.

(4) Catalogue des Oiseaux rapportes par M. et Mme. Ph. de Vilmoriu
de Soudan Egyptieu. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H. N. No. 6,
p. 385.

(5) Liste des Oiseaux de la Guyane Frangaise donnes au Museum par
M. Rey. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H. N. 1907, No. 7,
p. 493.

(6) Oiseaux de I'Equateur donnes au Mus6uni par M. Gonessiat. Par
M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H. N. 1908, No. 2, p. 107.

(7) Etude d'une collection d'Oiseaux de I'Equateiu: donne au Museum
d'Histoire Naturelle. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bidl. Soc. Phil, de Paris,
1908.

(8) Sur les embryons, les poussins, et les jeunes oiseaux des Regions
australes. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull. Mus. d'H. N. 1898, No. 2.]

M. Menegaux, who is now in charge of the Mammals and
Birds in the French National Museum, has kindly sent us
copies of the eight ornithological memoirs of which the titles
are given above. No. 1 contains the names of 30 species of
birds, examples of which were received from the French
Colonies of .Tonquin and Annam. No. 2 gives an account
of a collection of birds made by M. Geay in Madagascar,
which are referred to 19 species ; amongst them is a pair
of that rare and singular form Uratelornis chimcera.
M. Geay observed in the sands of the sea-shore near Cap

SER. IX. VOL. III. N

1 78 Recently published Ornithological Works.

Sainte Marie in Southern Madagascar innumerable frag-
ments of the eggs of ^pyornis. No. 4 relates to a collec-
tion of birds from the Egyptian Soudan made by M. and
Mme. de Vilmorin. Fifty-eight species are enumerated,
and notes are added on each of them. In No. 5 we find the
first and second parts of a list of birds forwarded to the
Paris Museum by M. Rey, the Governor of the Colony of
Cayenne. Most of the 74 species are well-known, but
Vireolanius leucotis is rather a rarity. In Nos. 6 and 7
M. Menegaux transfers his attention to Ecuador, and
registers two collections made in various parts of that
Republic. The former, presented by M. Gonessiat, con-
tained examples of 47 species ; the latter was a set of
duplicates from the Museum at Quito, which are referred to
47 species, many of them being rare and new to the Paris
Museum.

12. Neumann's Notes on African Birds.

[Notes on African Birds in the Tring Museum. By Oscar Neumann.
Nov. Zool. XV. p. 366 (1908).]

Prof. Neumann begins his notes with a useful list of the
Musophagidse, of which he recognizes 32 species and sub-
species, belonging to the genera Corythtsola (1), Chizoerhis
(2), Corythaicoides (5), Gymnoschizorhis (3), Musophaga (2),
Ruwenzorornis (2), Gallirex (2), and Turacus (16). Nearly
all the Turaci are provided with three names, and the very
distinct Musophaga rossof is made a subspecies of M. violacea !
Turacus livingstonei loitanus is a new subspecies from the
Loita Mountains, B.E.A.

After disposing of the Touracos, Prof. Neumann gives us
his " List of the African Psittacidse,^^ with much information
about their localities, recognizing 31 species and subspecies.
Of these Posocephalus guUelmi fantiensis, P. meyeri nyansce
and Agapornis pullaria ugandae are described as new sub-
species. But he omits to mention Agapornis liliance and
A. nigrigenis, both excellent and well-marked species,
because, we suppose, they are not represented in the Tring
Museum. It would, however, have been well to mention

Recently published Ornithological Jfui-ks. 1 79

their names in a footnote, if only to show that desiderata
occur even in this excellent Collection. Of A. ingrigenis
many examples have lately been imported alive to England,
and it has been well figured by Goodchild in the ' Avi-
cultural Magazine' (vi. p. 317, 1908).

After examining these two articles we are more dissatisfied
than ever with the practice of reducing what are quite valid
and well marked species to subspecific rank merely because
they are supposed to be representatives of each other in
different areas.

13. North on new Birds from the South Pacific.

[On Three apparently undescribed Birds from Henderson or Elizabeth
Island, Paumotu Group. By Alfred J. North. Rec. Austr. Mus. vol. vii.
No. i. 1908.]

Six specimens, in spirit, of birds from Henderson or
Elizabeth Island, an outlier of the Paumotu Group, South
Pacific, have been lately received by the Australian Museum,
Sydney, from Mr. A. E. Stephen. They are referred by
Mr. North to three new species, which he proposes to call
Calliptilus (?) stepheni, Ptilopus insularis, and Porzana atra.
Two plates are given to illustrate the natural features of the
islaudj which belongs to Great Britain.

14. North on the Nesting of the Australian Black- and-
White Fantail.

[On an unusual Nesting-site of Sauloprocta melcdeuca. By Alfred J.
North. Rec. Austr. Mus. vii. p. 21 (1908).]

A pair of this pretty bird, nested in 1907 in the verandah
of Mr. North's house at Roseville, Sydney. As the nest was
just opposite his sitting-room, Mr. North had good oppor-
tunities of observing the habits of this species, which are
here fully described. Mr. North noticed that both parents
sit, but that after a remarkably short time each bird called
to its mate to be relieved. The average time during which
each bird sat was only a quarter of an hour. This species
has not been previously observed to build in. a house.

n2

180 Recently published Ornithological Works.

15. Report on the Zoological Gardens, Giza, for 1907.

[Government of Egypt. Public Works Department. Zoological
Gardens, Giza, near Cairo. Report for the Year 1907 (Ninth Annual
Report) by the Director, Cairo, 1908. 30 pp.]

Like most of the other British institutions which we have
introduced into the Land of the Pharaohs, the Zoological
Gardens at Giza seem to be in a very flourishing state.
Capt. Stanley Flower informs us that the year 1907 has
proved a " record^' for the Gardens under liis charge in the
number of visitors, in the amount of gate-money taken, and
in the increase of the Menagerie. The donations of living
animals (225) exceeded in number those received in any
previous year, and among the species which bred in the
Gardens in 1907 were the Koodoo and the Addax, two fine
antelopes which are not known to have reproduced their
kind elsewhere in captivity. A new aviary has been built
for the Ibises and allied birds, and a new enclosure has been
made for the Flamingoes. Amongst the birds which bred in
the Gardens in 1907 were the Crowned Pigeon [Goura
coronata) and Key's Partridge {Ammoperdix heyi).

AVe need hardly add that no lover of natural history who
goes to Egypt should fail to visit the Giza Gardens, which
are situated on the tram-line leading to the Pyramids. The
three Shoe-bills (Balceniceps rex) are still alive and well !

16. Rothschild on Casuarius bistriatus.

[Note on Casuarins bistriatus Oort. By the Hon. Walter Rothschild,
Ph.D. Nov. Zool. XV. p. 392.]

Mr. Rothschild recognizes Casuarius bistriatus, lately de-
scribed by Dr. Van Oort (see 'The Ibis,' 1907, p. 541), as
a good subspecies, but maintains that it ought not to be
compared with C. beccarii, but with C. sclateri, of which it
is a smaller form. He now enumerates eight subspecies of
C. galeatus.

17. Rothschild and Hartert on the Birds of Vella Lavella.

[The Birds of Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands. By the Hon. Walter
Rothschild, Ph.D., and Ernst Hartert, Ph.D. Nov. Zool. xv, p. 351.]

Mr. Meek has now visited Vella Lavella, one of the

Recently published Ornithuloyicul IVorks. 181

Central Group of the Solomon Islands, in which no bird has
ever been obtained before, and has furnished the Tring
Musieum with a collection from it containing examples of
51 species. Although the majority of these are the same as
those of the other islands of the central group, some inter-
esting new forms have been discovered (see Bull. B. O. C.
xxi. pp. 105-107). The peculiar races of Vella Lavella are
remarkable as shewing '• a tendency towards melauistic
coloration ,^^

18. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from San Christoval.

[On a Collection of Birds from San Christoval, Solomon Islands. By
the Hon. Walter Roth.<child, Ph.D., and Ernst Hartert, Ph.D. Nov.
Zool. XV. p. 359.]

Mr. Meek has also been able to pay a short visit to San
Christoval, in the southern group of the Solomons, and to
fill up, at all events partially, a much-lamented gap in the
fine series of the Avifauna of this group in the Tring
Museum. The specimens in it are referred by the authors
to 34 species, of which Halcyon perplexa, Monarcha castanei-
ventris megarhynchus, and Zosterops alberti are characterized
as new. Many of the species described from San Christoval
by Tristram and Ramsay are likewise represented in the
collection, but, unluckily, not Ceyx gentiana !

19. Schaloiv on the Birds of the Tianshan.

[Beitrage zur Vogelfauna Centralasiens von Herman Schalow. — II.
Uebersioht der von Herrn Dr. Gottfried Merzbacher im Centralen Tien-
schan gesammelten Vogel. Journ. f. Orn. 1908.]

On a former occasion (see 'The Ibis,' 1907, p. 511) we
called attention to the collection of birds made by the great
German traveller Dr. jVIerzbacher in Central Tianshan, and
stated that an account of it was being prepared by Herr
Schalow. This account has now been completed, and has
been published in two parts in the 'Journal fiir Oruithologie'
for 1908. Herr Schalow has favoured us with a separate
copy of his excellent article, and we have great pleasure in.
saying a few words on it.

182 Recently published Ornithological Works.

The Tianshan Range borders the great desert of the
Tarim on the north^ rising in places to a height of over
7000 feet and forming a portion of the central mass of the
Asiatic continent. Being within the limits of the Palsearctic
Region, although not far removed from the unascertained
northern boundary of the Oriental Region, the Tianshan is
of special interest to workers in Palsearctic Ornithology and
deserves our closest attention. Herr Schalow has given us
a list of the more recent authorities on the birds of the
district, which are not numerous. It will be observed that
Russian naturalists (Koslow, Loudon, Bianchi) are, as might
have been expected, prominent among them.

Herr Schalow does not state the exact number of speci-
mens in Dr. Merzbacher's collection, but we believe it was
not very numerous. Dr. Merzbacher did not himself collect
birds, but employed two taxidermists to do so. The speci-
mens thus obtained are referred by Herr Schalow to about
1 50 species, which, as a rule, are well-known Palsearctic species,
or, in some cases, we may say subspecies, for Herr Schalow
is a strong advocate of trinomials, and gives three names to
the greater number of the birds referred to. There are a
few Himalayan forms in the list, such as Mycerobas carneipes,
Carduelis caniceps, and RuticiUa grandis, but the majority
are northern mountaineers.

It is quite certain that there are many more species of
birds in the Tiautshan than are represented in the present
collection, and we are glad to hear that Dr. Merzbacher has
returned to that country and may probably procure an
additional series.

20. Stuart Baker on Indian Ducks.

[The Indian Ducks and their Allies. By E. C. Stuart Baker, F.Z.S.,
M.B.O.U. With 30 coloured Plates, by H. Gronvold, G. E. Lodge, and
.T. G. Keulenians. 1 vol., large 8vo. 292 pp. Bombay and London,
1908. Loudon : 11. II. Porter, 7 Princes Street, Cavendish Square, W.]

Mr. Stuart Baker has contributed to the Journal of the
Bombay Natural History Society a series of articles on the
Indian Ducks and other Chenomorphae. He now reprints

Recently published Ornithological Works. 183

these, with additions aud corrections to bring the List up to
date^ in a handsome octavo volume, which is further orna-
mented by 30 coloured plates drawn by some o£ the best
living bird-artists, Mr. Stuart Baker wisely follows nearly
the arrangement and nomenclature used by Salvadori in the
twenty-seventh volume of the British Museum Catalogue of
Birds. He introduces the Red-breasted Goose into the
Indian Avifauna mainly on the faith of specimens seen on the
Brahmapootra. It is quite likely to occur there in the cold
season, but we are not aware of there being Indian speci-
mens of this Goose in any museum. The generic name of
Rvfibrenta, we may observe, which is here adopted for this
species, is quite unnecessary, as it is a typical Brenta, except
in colour.

We do not find that Mr. Stuart Baker has solved the
problem of what the Swan is that breeds regularly on the
Lake of Seistan (see ' Ibis,' 1906, pp. 397, 612, 737).

21. Stuart Baker on the Birds of the Khasia Hills.

[Birds of the Khasia Hills. By E. C. Stuart Baker, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
Journ. Bombay N. H. Soc. 1907, pp. 783, 957.]

The Khasia Hills in Assam, although separated from the
Himalayas by the great valley of the Brahmapootra, are said
to have nearly the same phase of animal life. All round the
foot of the Khasias, as Mr. Stuart Baker tells us, the dense
tropical woods contain much bird-life, but few forms of great
interest. Towards Shillong there are immense stretches of
grass-land, until, about five miles from that place, where the
pine-forests begin, in the extreme east of the Khasias, there
is another kind of country — grass-covered hills varied by
scattered oak-forests. " Towards Cherraponji and its
vicinity there are many huge cliffs that afford breeding-
places to several interesting birds, amongst which are the
local Swift [Cypselus acuticauda) and the Striped Swallow
{Hirundo striolata). Hirundo daurica also breeds in the
houses in the native villages." Other interesting birds of the
Khasias, Mr. Stuart Baker tells us, are the Long-tailed Wren

184- Recentlt/ published Ornithological Works.

( Urncichla longicaudata) and the local form of Laughing-
Thrush [Dryonedes subcceruleus) .

Mr, Stuart Baker's List of Species is compiled from the
collections of Hume, Godwin- Austen, and others, and from
several collections made by his own men. He follows the
arrangement and nomenclature of the ' Fauna of British
India,' and gives short notes to each species. As regards the
subfamily Brachypteryginse of the C rat eropod idee, he remarks
that, although for the sake of convenience he retains Oates's
classification, there is no doubt that the majority of the
birds placed in this family in the 'Fauna of British India'
belong elsewhere. He would accordingly refer the genera
Myiophoneus, Larvivora, and Drymuchares to the Turdidaj.

Altogether Mr. Stuart Baker enumerates about S36 species
as belonging to the Khasian Avifauna.

22. Stuart Baker on the Indian Cuckoos.

[The Oology of Indian Parasitic Cuckoos. By E. C. Stuart Baker,
F.Z.S. Journ. Bombay N. H. Soc. 1906-8. (Parts I.-V.)]

The abnormal breeding-habits of the Cuckoos are of
special interest to all naturalists, aud Mr. Stuart-Baker has
done well to prepare a series of papers on the engrossing
subject of their eggs, to which he has long devoted his
attention.

" The great difficulty," he observes, " to be overcome in
collecting Cuckoos' eggs is not so much to get hold of eggs
which are Cuckoos' beyond all doubt, but to obtain proof as
to what particular Cuckoo they belong to. To do this it is
absolutely necessary to get eggs direct from the oviduct of
the female, aud because Cuckoos' eggs vary so much it is of
no use to get one egg only, but series are required." The
Indian Parasitic Cuckoos, to which Mr. Stuart-Baker con-
fines his attention, are 17 in number, belonging to the
genera Cuculus, Hierococcyx, Cacomantis, Penthoceryx,
Chrysococcyx, Suruiculus, Coccystes, and Eudynamis. The
true Cuculi in India are four. Our familiar C. catiorus,
w4iich heads the list, is stated to breed freely throughout
the Himalayas and Sub-Himalayas, the Burmese Hills,

Recently published OrnithologicallVurks. 185

Cliagpore, and the Neilglierries. Mr. Stuart Baker lias seen
about -10 Indian specimens of its eggs. A list of 20 species
of Passeres iu which its eggs have been found is given. The
egg of C. saturatus has also been obtained, but is much
scarcer than that of C. canoriis ; it is white or very slightly
speckled, and two coloured figures are given of it on plate i.

Of both the two other Indian species of true Cuckoo
(C. poliocephalus and C. mi crop terns) authenticated eggs
have also been obtained, and that of the latter is figured on
plate ii. It is pale blue, but in some examples a few specks
are visible.

Of Hierococcijx nisicolur the eggs are quite different, being
short and stumpy, and varying from dark brown to olive, but
those of H, sparvtrioides are again of a uniform pale blue.

The known eggs of the species of Cacomantis, Penthoceryx,
Chrysococcyx, Surniculus, Coccystes, and Eudynamis are all
fully discussed by Mr. Stuart Baker in Parts II. and III. of
this series of excellent papers, and many interesting eggs are
figured and described. In Part IV. some additional notes
are given, and the extreme abundance of our common
Cuckoo in the Khasia Hills is insisted upon. In the spring
of 1907 at Shillong tlie author had brought to him no less
than 59 eggs of Cuculus canorusl In Part V. (1908)
Mr. Stuart-Baker descants on an undoubted blue egg of
Cuculus canorus, and shews that a remarkable egg found in
a nest of a Sun-bird [j^Etfiiopyga scherice) must have belonged
to Chrysococcyx maculatus.

23. Winge on the Birds of the Danish Lighthouses in 1907.

[Fuglene ved de danske Fyr i 1907. 25de Aarsberetning om danske
Fugle. Ved Herluf Wiuge. Vid. Medd. fra d. nat. Foren. Kbhvn.
1908.]

This is the twenty-fifth annual report of Herr Winge's
series of papers upon the birds obtained and observed at the
lighthouses which surround the coast of Denmark. In 1907
1738 specimens were forwarded to the Cophenhagen Museum
and referred to 79 species, while the whole number of birds
observed was estimated to be over 8000. The species of

186 Recently published Ornithological Works.

most frequent occurrence were Alauda arvensis, Stumus
vulgaris, Turdus iliacus, T. musicus, Erithacus rubecula, and
Fringilla monfif ring ilia. The commonest migrant of all
appears to be the Song-Thrush, of which it is calculated
that at least 4492 specimens were noticed. Yet this bird
(in spite of what Newton told us long ago, see ' The Ibis/
1860, p. 83) is not usually considered to be a migratory-
species !

An excellent map, as usual, accompanies Herr Winge's
report and shews the position of all the Danish lighthouses.

24, Wollasion's ' Ruwenzori.'

[From lluweiizori to the Congo. A Naturalist's Journey across Africa,
By A. F. 11. Wollaston. London : John Murray, 1908. 1 vol., 8vo.
315 pp.]

Dr. A. F. R. Wollaston was one of the expedition planned
and financed by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant to explore the mountain-
chain of Ruwenzori, and, as Medical Officer, to look after the
health of his companions (Messrs. Woosnam, Dent, Legge,
and Carruthers) and their followers, as well as to assist the
good cause by helping to form botanical and zoological
collections. We have given frequent notices of the progress
of the Huwenzori Expedition in this Journal and an account
of its return, also of the mode in which it is proposed to
publish the results'^, but this volume is the first regular
narrative of the Expedition that has been made public.

Dr. Wollaston was not able to start along with the other
members of the Expedition, and when he caught them up
found them already well established in camp at Bihunga, on
the eastern slope of Ruwenzori, in the Upper Mubuku
Valley. Here the party remained for very nearly four
months, and found no lack of occupation in any branch
of natural history. For the first month the weather was
uniformly fine. " Day succeeded day of bright sunshine
and cloudless skies : it was neither too hot by day, nor too
cold by night. Birds nested, butterflies were on the wing,
and the hill-sides were ablaze with flowers.^' But suddenly
* ' Ibis,' 1908 p. 548.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 187

the rain came, and thereafter, with the exception of a few
occasional fine days^ never ceased, so that the climate fell
much below the ideal that had been previously formed of it.
However, excellent collections were made both in zoology
and botany in spite of the weather, and various excursions
were carried out with the view of reaching the snowy summits
of the main range. Among the birds met with at an altitude
of some 13,000 feet was a splendid new Sun-bird, " of a
dark metallic green shot with a wonderful iridescent purple,"
which has been named " Nectarinia dartmouthi,''' after one
of the most liberal supporters of the expedition.

The next chief halting-place of the expedition was on the
plains of Ruisamba, a very different kind of country, which
flanks the Ruwenzori range on the south-east. Here a
second base-camp was formed near a village called Muhokya
and collections were again made. The next effort was to
find a good resting-place in the Congo Free State district on
the western slope of Ruwenzori. To do this it was necessary
to go round the south end of Ruwenzori, and then turn
northwards down the Semliki Valley to the Congo Free
State Station of Beni, celebrated as the place where the
Okapi was discovered by Sir Harry Johnston. Although
the Ruwenzori Range was reached from this station, and
the Butagu Valley was ascended to a height of 10,400 feet,
the hostility of the natives — due, it seems, to the mismanage-
ment of the Belgian officers — soon necessitated a hasty retreat
to Fort Beni and thence to Toro. Here it was resolved to
be impracticable to continue the exploration of the eastern
slope of Ruwenzori in the then disturbed state of the country,
and it was agreed to break up the expedition. Mr. Legge
returned straight to England by Entebbe and Mombasa,
Messrs. Woosnam and Dent made a direct journey to
the West Coast down the Aruwimi and Congo, and
Dr. Wollaston and Mr. Carruthers resolved to visit the
volcanoes of Mfumbiro and Lake Kivu and thence to cross
the Continent to the West Coast by a more southern route.
How they accomplished this is well told in the present
volume, which is one of the best-written and most inter-

188 Letters, Extracts, and Motes.

esting books of travel that we have comeacross for many years.
There are some, though not many, allusions to birds in it,
but Dr. Wollaston was busy with his plants and insects and
left the " birds " to his companions, from whom we shall, no
doubt, get full information on this part of the subject when
the general results are published.

The volume is well illustrated by numerous full-paged
plates taken from photographs, most of which are excellent.
No one interested in Natural History of any kind should fail
to read it.

VIII. — Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

We have received the following letters addressed " To the
Editors " :—

Sirs, — Some account of the breeding of the Golden-eye
{Clangula ylaucion) in captivity may perhaps find a place in
' The Ibis.'

I had kept a pair of these ducks for six or seven years on
a pond in my park together with a great variety of other
water-fowl. The male courted the female every spring,
but she had never laid any eggs. In May last the female
was observed to frequent some of the nesting-boxes which
are placed on poles in different parts of the pond, and in the
latter half of the month two bright green eggs were found in
one of the boxes and a third in another box.

As the female Golden-eye shewed no inclination to incubate,
being probably disturbed by some female Summer-Ducks
which laid eggs in the same boxes, the three green eggs were
put under a domestic hen. After being sat upon for twenty
days, on the 26th of June the three eggs were hatched,
giving birth to three black-and-white ducklings. One of
these died the first day, but the two others have been doing
well and are alive now. The downy dress may be described
as follows : — Upper parts black, crown of head glossy black.
Throat and sides of head to almost under the eyes, but not
meeting at the back of the neck, pure white. A white spot

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 189

on each shoulder and one lower down under each wing. At
the root of the tail on each side of the back there is another
white spot. Under parts grey, lightest on the belly. Bill
black. Legs and feet black, with greenish along the toes.

As will be noticed, the coloration of the chicks resembles
in general character that of the chicks of the Velvet Scoter,
but in the latter the six white spots which adorn the back of
the Golden-eye chicks are wanting.

The little birds were very active and soon got tame and
intelligent. They lived principally on ants' eggs and duck-
weed. On the 18th of July feathers became visible on the
shoulders. On the 8th of August the birds were completely
feathered; the flight-feathers, however, were only just be-
ginning to grow. Their appearance may be described as
follows : —

Head chocolate-brown, belly and lower breast pearly white.
The rest of the bird slaty black, darkest on the underside
where it meets the white. The white wing-mark of the
adults is present. The legs and toes are yellowish, the webs
are black. The iris is chocolate-brown. The bills are rusty.

About the 25th of August the birds were able to fly and

practically full-grown. The young birds differ in size in the

same way as the sexes do in the adults, and are evidently

male and female.

I am, Sirs, yours &c.,

F. E. Blaauw.

" Gooilust," 'sGraveland,

Hilversum, Holland.
September 8th, 1908.

Sirs, — It may interest you to know that on the passage
of my ship down the Red Sea on October 2nd, 1908
(lat. 21° 25' N., long. 38° 15' E.), large flocks of Swallows
settled on the vessel from about noon till about 4 or 5 p.m.
The exact position, as you can see by the map, is at the
narrowest part of the Red Sea and evidently chosen by
the birds as the proper place to make their crossing.
There would be nothing unusual in Swallows settling on
the ship except on account of the large numbers on this

190 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

occasion. The birds seemed to have lost their usual
instinct o£ direction. They roosted for the night under
the awnings of the bridge deck, and many of them came
into the music room, and even into the lower cabins of
the vessel. At the first streak of dawn the next morning
almost all of the birds set ofi', steering almost due south-
west, but some of the Swallows were so tired and utterly
done up as to be unable to fly and remained on their perches
under tbe awnings until they collapsed, falling off one by
one and dying. There were three or four different kinds of
Swallows in the same flock, some had black throats, some
bronze, some white. Some had the long pointed tail, with a
large white spot on each tail-feather and a few white
feathers on the back, whilst many of the birds had the short
tail, as seen in Indian House-Swallows and Martins. The
Swallows were also accompanied by several yellow Wagtails,
five or six Doves, and a few Hawks, which occasionally
picked up a tired Swallow. We tried to revive some of the
birds as they dropped helplessly on deck by giving them a
little water — it did revive them for a time, but they soon
died. I have been up and down the Red Sea eight or ten
times per year during the last thirty years, but never before
saw so many birds on passage, nor have I ever before seen a
Swallow unable to proceed on its way after a night's rest on
the ship. The weather was exceedingly hot at the time, but
all other conditions were normal. The birds were all fully
feathered and in good condition ; there was a considerable
amount of droppings from them, shewing that they could not
have been very long without food.

I am. Sirs, your obedient servant,

W. H. Haughton,
Aden, October 3rd, 1908. Commander, R.N.R.,

Commander P. & O. s.s. ' Persia.'

Sirs, — During a stay of thirteen months in Russian
Turkestan (from Sept. 1907 to Oct. 1908) and the
Khanate of Bokhara, I formed a collection of about 730
specimens of birds and mammals in the Zarafshan Valley.

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 191

The Zarafshau is a typical river of inner Asia^ having its
source amongst giant mountain-ranges, and eventually-
drying up in a sandy desert. It follows that there is a great
variety in temperature and flora, and therefore a corre-
spondingly great variety of bird and animal life. The country
that I actually worked varied in altitude from 150 ft. to
18,000 ft. above the sea-level. There is practically no wild
forest in the Zarafshan Valley, and the fauna will, I think,
be found to belong rather to Northern Afghanistan than to
Turkestan proper.

Animal life was especially numerous in the sandy deserts
and tamarisk-swamps. A very strong and sudden north-
ward migration of birds in the spring was also of great
interest.

It appears that no Englishman has ever made a syste-
matic collection of birds anywhere in this neighbourhood,
and Severtzoff's work seems to include little about the
south-western corner of Turkestan. The Transcaspian
Railway made travel and work in the plains very easy,
but the upper Zarafshan Valley is difficult of access,
and the mountain-paths are particularly difficult and even
dangerous.

I also made a journey into the South-western Tian-Shanto
the high plateaux of Chatir-kul and Ak-sai, north of
Kashgar. On these high steppes bird-life was very scarce
indeed, and mammal-life was almost entirely absent, except
for marmots and one species of vole. But on the mountain-
ranges which surround the plateaux there is a greater
amount of life.

The difficulties of travel, the lack of fuel and of fodder,
made collecting exceedingly difficult, and I found all the
birds at the end of August in such a bad state of plumage
that they were scarcely worth the trouble of preserving.

I am, Sirs, yours &c..

The American College, D. Carruthers.

Beirut, Syria,
Nov. 3rd, 1908.

192 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

Birds of Bear Island and Spit zber gen. — From the ' Bericlit '
of the Senckenbergische Natiirforschende Gesellschaft of
Frankfort-on-the-Main for 1908 we learn that on January
18th, 1908, Prof. Dr. A. Konig, of Bonn, gave the members
of the Society an account of his recent expedition to Bear
Island and Spitzbergen. At Bear Island the rocks on
the coast were covered with countless breeding-flocks of
Guillemots (Uria troile, U. ringvia, and U. bruennichi) and
other sea-birds. An excursion was made into the desolate
interior of the island, where Charadrius hiaticola and Phala-
ropus fulicarius were found breeding, and Scoters {(Edemia
nigra) were seen, while feathers of Sturnus vulgaris and
Tardus iliacus and T. merula, eaten by foxes, were
discovered.

In Spitzbergen the party visited Prince Karl's Foreland
and found Anser hrachyrhynchus and Bernicla leucopsis
breeding there. Two nests of Somaterta spectabilis were
obtained, and a pair of Xema sabinii with their nest and eggs
were secured. Dr. Konig claims to have added Mareca
penelope and Scolopax rusticula to the avifauna of Spitzbergen.

Increased Fertility of the Domestic Fowl. — It would appear
that in Australia the Domestic Fowl, under special treatment,
can be greatly advanced in fertility. In the official report
of the " Egg-laying Competition " lately held at the Agri-
cultural College, Roseworthy, South Australia, some sur-
prising facts on this subject are given by Mr. D. F. Lawrie,
" Poultry-Expert and Lecturer." Seventy-five pens, each
of one cock and six hens, were shewn in the competition.
The total number of eggs laid by all the 450 hens in one year
was 80,959, making an average for each pen (of six hens)
of 1079, and an average for each hen of 179. The special
breeds selected for the " Egg-laying Competition " were
White Leghorns, Black Orpingtons, and Silver Wyandottes,
but the White Leghorns were by far the most in number.
The pen which produced the greatest number (1531) in the
year was of White Leghorns. These remarkable results are
attributed to the " continued careful breeding of laying

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 193

strains." Mr. Lawrie is of opinion that " by a continual
careful mating and subsequent care of the progeny for
several generations it is possible, not only to considerably
increase the average egg- production, but also, by careful
selection, to evolve a strain with robust constitution,
immunity from disease, and marked fecundity."

We suppose that no Gallus hankiva in a state of nature
would lay more than from 20 to 30 eggs in the year. To
increase the number of eggs to 179 is, therefore, a remarkable
piece of work. But this, it appears, can only be done in
Australia. In our cold climate, we are told on the best
authority that anything over 100 eggs from each hen is
quite exceptional.

Mr. Boyd Alexander's new African Expedition. — Mr. Boyd
Alexander is now departing on another important expedition
to West Africa, and will leave England very shortly. The
main object in view is the establishment of the fact that the
chain of islands in the Gulf of Guinea, on the West Coast of
Africa, which are situated at distances varying from twenty
to forty miles from the mainland, formed at one time a part
of the African Continent.

Some years ago, Mr. Alexander during his exploration at
Fernando Po demonstrated that the fauna of that island
was closely allied to that of the mainland. As a result of his
investigations on that journey, the explorer decided, when
opportunity offered, upon pursuing similar investigations
with regard to the remaining islands of that group. Litera-
ture regarding these islands is scanty, and there has been
hitherto practically no scientific exploration of them.

Another important point is to discover whether these
islands are of volcanic origin.

Mr. Alexander will not be accompanied by any other
European durnig his travels. His assistant, Jose Lopez, will
leave England in advance, in order to organize the caravan
of the expedition at Cape Coast. There being no labour
available on the islands themselves, Mr. Alexander will

SER. IX. VOL. III. o

194 Letters, E,it7'acts, and Notes.

disembark at the Portuguese island of San Thomas, the most
important island of the group, where he will commence
his work, and where he will be joined by his Haussa
caravan. He proposes to ascend the mountains in the
centre of the island, which have an altitude of about 5600
feet, and he will spend altogether about two months in San
Thomas, exploring and making collections. Mr. Alexander
will then sail to the most southerly island of the group, the
Island of Annebon, and on the completion of his work there
will also \isit Prince's Island.

Having finished its work on the chain of islands, the
expedition will cross to the mainland for the purpose of
exploration in the Kamerun Colony, for which every assist-
ance will be given by the German Government. The
first object will be to ascend the celebrated Kamerun
Peak, which rises to an altitude of 15,000 feet, and which
the explorer holds to be the sister mountain of Ruwenzori
in East Africa. He expects that he will find here a fauna
nearly identical with that of Ruwenzori. The district to be
traversed is largely unknown, and one of the great difficulties
will be the lack of water, which will have to be carried by the
expedition.

If time and health permit, the expedition will further
penetrate into the interior of Kamerun, to explore a range of
hills which are said to attain an altitude of 10,000 feet.
Travelling is, however, very difficult, owing to the moun-
tamous nature of the country and the difficulties of transport.
The expedition will probably be absent about twelve months.

Proposed Zoological Exploration of Dutch New Guitiea. —
Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant sends us a copy of the following
appeal to his " Brother Members of the B. O. U. '' : —

" We are now celebrating the Jubilee of the greatest
Ornithokgical Society in the world, and it has occurred to me
that we might do something more than is at present being done
to mark this great event. My suggestion is that we should

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 195

unite in undertaking the zoological exploration of a totally
unknown land of vast and unlimited promise, and that the
ornithological results, which are certain to prove unique,
should lie published in a special volume of the ' Ibis ' in
further commemoration of the Jubilee.

'' The following is a brief outline of the scheme, with which
I am sure you will all be in sympathy, and in which I hope
as many of you as possible will participate.

" The wonderful Fauna of New Guinea, especially the
marvellous forms of Bird-life to be found there, has long
attracted the attention of naturalists in all parts of the
world. The explorations during recent years of certain
portions of the Dutch territory at the north-west end and of
the British and German possessions at the eastern extremity
have brought to light many extraordinary and hitherto
unknown forms, more particularly new Birds-of-Paradise
and Gardener Bower-Birds ; but the central portion of that
vast island is still absolutely unexplored, though there is
no })ortion of the Globe that promises to yield such an
abundance of Zoological treasures to those prepared to face
the difficulties of penetrating to the great ranges of the
interior,

" The Charles Louis Mountaiiis in Central Dutch New
Guinea are an immense snow-capped range forming part of
the great central system that stretches east and west across
the island. The highest peaks are believed to attain an
altitude of from 16,500 to 17,500 feet, and are thus the
loftiest mountains in the whole Archipelago, and in the whole
area between the Himalayas and the Andes. They probably
exceed the Owen Stanley Mountains in British New
Guinea by about 5000 feet. Until quite recently the
hostility of the natives has frustrated all attempts to enter
this part of New Guinea, but the time has now come when
it is possible for a properly equipped expedition to explore
the range, the Dutch having arrived at an amicable under-
standing with the inhabitants.

'' During the last few years Mr. Walter Goodfellow, the

1 96 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

well-known traveller, has made several expeditions to New
Guinea, and as the result of careful enquiries he has satisfied
himself that the projected, undertaking would, in all
probability prove successful.

*' It is proposed that an Expedition should leave England
about June, 1909, under the leadership of Mr. Goodfellow,
Avho has been able to make specially favourable arrangements
for obtaining porters and transport.

"' The services of two other well-known naturalists with pre-
vious experience in New Guinea have also been secured, and
to these it is hoped to add two more specially selected men,
should the funds prove sufficient, so that all branches of
Zoology and Botany may be investigated.

"As a large sum of money has already been promised, the
working expenses of the Expedition are assured, but my
great desire is to associate this undertaking with the Union,
so that it may be known as the ' B. O. U. Jubilee Explora-
tion of the Charles Louis Mountains.'

" Should the scheme meet with your approval I shall be
glad to receive subscriptions from any Member of the B.O.U.
of sums from half a guinea upwards. These may be sent
direct to Mr. C. E. Fagan, Natural History Museum,
Cromwell lload, London, S.W., who has kindly consented to
act as Treasurer.

" The greater the resources the longer the Expedition can
remain in the field. Any available funds after the termina-
tion of the Expedition might be devoted to the publication
of a special volume of the ' Ibis/ containing the ornitho-
logical results of the Expedition.

" It is intended that such portions of the collections as
may be required for the British Museum shall be offered to
that Institution, as a present from the Subscribers.^'

THE IBIS

NINTH SERIES.

No. X. APRIL 1909.

IX, — A Journey to British New Guinea in search of
Birds-of- Paradise. By Charles B, Horsbrugh.

(Text-figure 7.)

The experiences here related are the result of a two months*
expedition into the interior of British New Guinea (or Papua,
as it is now called), for which country I left England in
December 1907. I had only a bare three weeks in which to
organize my expedition and complete the innumerable
arrangements regarding stores, medicines, ammunition, and
other matters which a journey into the jungle always entails.
My object in visiting Papua was to obtain as many living
Birds-of- Paradise as possible and other birds that were deemed
rare enough to be worth the trouble of transportation to
England. Sir William Ingram stood sponsor for my journey,
in conjunction with the Zoological Society of London; and I
must acknowledge how deeply I am indebted to Sir William
for the manner in which he spared no expense whereby I
might attain my object. Although he warned me that
I should meet with many difficulties in an expedition of
this character, he said that he was convinced that I should
overcome such as might arise, and reward the trust that he
had in my capabilities and judgment. He kindly met me at
Marseilles on my return on the 28th of June last, and, after
inspecting the collection of birds on board the P. & O.
s.s. 'Victoria,' informed me that he was thoroughly satisfied
with the results of my journey. I must also state that

SER. IX. VOL. iir. p

198 Mr. C. B. IJorsbrugli — Journey to British

owing to tlie assistance given me by way o£ useful
introductions from the Zoological Society, I found ray
expectations far exceeded in the facilities afforded me for
travelling in New Guinea, and, what was more important
still, for procuring so many of the rarer birds which I went
abroad to seek. I have never met with so much help and
kindness as was shown me when I presented my credentials
to His Excellency Judge Murray, the Acting Administrator
of Papua, and the other Government Officials, who took the
greatest interest in my expedition and did their utmost to
promote its success.

Before my departure from England I endeavoured to collect
all available information concerning New Guinea, but it did
not amount to very much, and two troublesome items — fever
and cannibal natives — I was seldom allowed to forget. I
left Tilbury Docks on Dec. 20th bound for Sydney in
the P. & O. s.s. ' Britannia/ and had ample warnings as
regards these matters throughout the trip from my fellow-
passengers, who echoed each other's ideas, and drew on their
own imaginations to supplement them. I reached Sydney
after a most enjoyable voyage on Jan. 31st, and after spending
four days in that charming city, fully occupied in getting
my stores unloaded and passed through the Customs, I
boarded the A. U.S.N, s.s. ' Aramac ' l)ound for Cooktown.
Two days w'ere spent en route at Brisbane, and when inspect-
ing the museum there I was informed that my companion
Mr. Wilfred Stalker, whom I expected to meet in New Guitiea,
w'as intending to sail from Brisbane by the 'Aramac' the same
day. For obvious reasons it was preferable that I should not
travel alone in strange places, and Mr. Stalker, who, before
my departure from England, had been employed in collecting
mammals and birds for Sir William Ingram in the northern
territory of Australia, had been advised by cable to meet
me and accompany me to New Guinea. We quickly dis-
covered each other at Brisbane, and throughout our travels
were the best of companions and friends. 1 shall always
entertain a high sense of appreciation and esteem for the
plucky and cheerful companion to «hosc help I owe so much.

Nciv Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 199

L.iiulinf;^ at Port Moresby, tlie scat of the Papuan Govern-
ment, on February 28th, we had to wait for ten days before we
could proceed to Yule Island, whence we proposed to enter the
interior; and during this enforced halt we were daily engaged
in getting together "trade " for the natives, and in endeavour-
ing to persuade one or two " boys " to join us as interpreters
and servants. Tins we found no easy matter. We would
interview a certain number, and all arrangements would
appear to he advancing satisfactorily until our destination was
mentioned. Then the excuses came out. One had married
a wife, another was l)usy in collecting a debt, and there
were other antiquated and annoying reasons which we found
it very difficult to overcome. It had so happened that
some mouths previous to our arrival a native policeman had
])een killed and eaten somewhere in the vicinity of Mt. Yule,
toward which our proposed route stretched, though miles
away from the mountain itself. Our would-be guides and
interpreters unanimously declined to take any commercial
risks with their heads. Eventually we " signed on " three
youths for a six months' engagement, and straightway
started them off into the bush to see what they could
accomplish as entomologists. The results were poor, and
the next day we " signed o^'" one who was partially blind.
Before leaving Yule Island we had to discharge a second
boy, as the police there gave him so many harrowing
accounts of carriers who had disappeared mysteriously for
ever, added to other stories of a gruesome nature, that
an annoying attack of "funk^^ rendered him useless in
any capacity. Port Moresby lies inside a land-locked bay,
the entrance to which is difficult on account of numerous
reefs, while behind the town high and magnificent ranges
and spurs of the Owen-Stanley Mountains stretch for miles
parallel to the coast. Along the shore the foot-hills are
clothed in dense vegetation, occasional open patches reveal-
ing undulating slopes vivid with rank green grass. Large
masses of misty clouds frequently divide the inland ridges
and completely conceal the summits of many a lofty peak.

The white residents at Port Moresby number about seventy,

p2

200 Mr. C. B. Horsbrugli — Journey to British

and include Government Officials, Store-keepers, traders, and
others o£ various callings. At this place what is known as
the '' South-east Season " generally extends from May to
November, and during that period a continuous wind prevails,
clearing the town of mosquitoes and lowering the tempera-
ture, which reads in the mean about 79°. During the
remainder of the year the '' North-west Season " prevails,
with a temperature increasing to about 81°, and mosquitoes
become very troublesome. The mean monthly rainfall is
about 2 25 inches.

Text-fijr. 7.

|WedgeH.
SiK ..L.Inapi V s_

Orirapetjana,

R a J) e k a

-Ep<t'«-

M? Davidson V ^.

lyitOiena ,

P 0 K A U

Map of part of Papua Yisitecl by Mr. Ilorsbrugh.

Having definitely decided on our route and completed our
purchases of stores, we embarked with our two attendants
and Stalker's retriever pup on the ' Lotus,' a schooner of
about 25 tons. We landed on Yule Island on the fifth day,
after a monotonous passage, which should have occupied
only two days had we not been becalmed and experienced
contrary wands. The headquarters of the Roman Catholic
Mission are situated at the southern end of Yule Island, the

New Guinea in search of Paradise-hirds. 201

majority of its members being French. Our vessel dropped
anchor opposite this spot, where the surrounding views
were very picturesque. We soon landed our packages, and
Mr. N. H. M. Bowden, the Resident Magistrate, most
hospitably entertained us and gave us all the assistance in
his power. After a few days' delay, during which we
unpacked our stores and arranged them into convenient
loads for porterage, we " signed on " six more " boys " as
gun-bearers and in other capacities. Our kind host had sent
word across to the mainland that we required canoes to
transport us to Bioto. This place lies about nine miles from
the mouth of the Ethel River, which flows into Hall Sound
opposite the south point of Yule Island, Judicial business
demanded the Magistrate's presence in Bioto, and we
accompanied him thither, returning late the same day. The
heat on the fine river I found very trying, but its beauty was
marvellous, though the amount of bird-life hardly equalled
our expectations. One or two large Eagles sailed over
the many swamps which concealed the river's banks, whilst
the passage of the whale-boat disturbed Jacanas^ Shell-
ducks, Cormorants, Blue Coots, White Egrets, and a variety
of Waders.

We had frequent shots at crocodiles, which slid into the
water unharmed, until we were about to turn up a tributary,
at which spot I severely wounded a specimen about Ave feet
in length, and as it dived Bowden finished it. On arriving at
Bioto we passed the time in collecting butterflies and a few
birds,which included a small Parrot, some Wood-Swallows, and
Jacanas, as well as a fine Blue Coot, which one of the mission-
aries shot for me in a swamp. An amusing scene occurred
ere our return. The police, who formed our crew, had been
busy capturing prisoners wanted for various petty offences
and obtaining a few witnesses, who accompanied us back to
Yule Island. Their friends and relatives surrounded us and
uttered most harrowing lamentations, to which all the children
and innumerable pariah dogs added their voices. The scene
Avould have been piteous had we been a murderous press-
gang, but the police treated it as an amusing spectacle, seeing

202 Mr. C. B. Horsbrugli — Journey to British

that these captives would all return at no very distant date.
A few days later, when we again set foot in the village,
several natives joined us as carriers. Travelling down the
stream we occasionally bumped on a sand-bank, when the
crew and prisoners jumped overboard and pushed the whale-
boat into deeper water. Steering continuously from one
side of the river to the other, we kept a look-out for more
crocodiles, but failed to notice any. One of the police,
however, observed a Cuscus feeding in some low saplings,
and the boat being brought to the bank he and several
of the prisoners scrambled through the reeds towards it
and endeavoured to shake it down. Failing this, the man
fired four bullets into the unfortunate creature, much to our
disgust. Stalker, nevertheless, preserved the specimen for
identification.

On March 16th we quickly loaded up the canoes,
which lay in a small cove below our host's bungalow ;
while the natives at once set sail across the channel, and not
long afterwards we did likewise in the whale-boat, lent
by the Magistrate, along with our personal luggage, staff,
and puppy. Some crocodiles were seen, but caused
no delay, as the police had forgotten their rifles, and
were souiuUy rated for their neglect by the sergeant in
charge. Before the morn had passed away we had taken
possession of a house in the village at Bioto, wherein
we ^ound the natives had placed our stores, and proceeded
to make ourselves comfortable. We proposed to feast on a
(luck which one of our " boys '' had shot, but it was too
tough for enjoyment. The natives were much interested in
our proceedings, and one of them brought in a fine Cuscus
alive, tied to a stick. It was creamy-white in colour with
fairly large dull brownish spots. Although I tried to rear
it the poor thing died a day or two later, and I have seldom
skinned such a fat and tender-skinned creature as it proved
to be. We determined to push on during the following day, as
Bioto was a great stronghold for blood-thirsty mosquitoes, and
the place is by no means a health-resort. We quenched
our thirst with the milk from some delicious young cocoanuts^

New Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 203

and as the trees only grow along the coast we made the most
ot our opportunity. The missionaries whom w'e met during
our first visit were away at the time, so we made arrange-
ments with the native chief to use his village as a base for
some of our supplies to be forwarded at a later date.

Early next day we assembled our carriers to proceed to
Epa, and having the loan of a government pony I led the
advance, while Stalker brought up the rear. The track for
a considerable distance was very swampy, owing to the recent
heavy rains. Wherever a tree had fallen across our trail
we had either to get over it in the best way Ave could
or to make a semicircle around the branches. Tlie over-
hanging tangle of cree[)ers and bushes sometimes dragged
me out of the saddle and tore ray clothes and flesh to an
uncomfortable extent. The crossing of a small stream
caused us much trouble, as the bridge which spanned it
had rotted away. We could not persuade the pony to swim
across, and the animal tried to climb into the remains of
the structure, but slipped between the uprights and fell into
the water. We released him by using our tomahawks, and
he then managed to reach the opposite bank in a rather
exhausted state. A partially submerged tree, over wdiich
1 tried to pass, gave Avay and 1 fell into the stream, but the
natives quickly helped me out of my difficulty.

Shortly after this adventure the path became steeper, and
we Avere continually ascending and descending, sometimes
through open grass-covered slopes thinly dotted with Euca-
lyptus trees, succeeded by belts of jungle of greater or less
density. Frequently the track led o\'er the brow of a slope,
so that it was possible to look down for a little distance into
the thick scrub on either hand without the necessity of
stepping aside. Mosquitoes became less numerous than in
the low country. Parrots, the Crowned Pigeon [Goura
coronata), and other Pigeons and Paradisea ragyiana could
be heard in the higher trees as Ave marched along, though
not often seen. Great masses of orchids hung from the
branches and clustered on the trunks of the trees, but it did
not appear to be the season for them to be in bloom.

204 Mr. C. B. Horsbrugh — Journey to British

Occasionally we heard Cassowaries, which usually keep
away from a track frequented by human beings. This
bird^s voice sounds to me like very distant and indistinct
thunder. At this seasou rain is of daily occurrence, and
innumerable streamlets crossing the track made it rough
and slippery, but the porters took great care of our belong-
ings and we found nothing damaged when we reached
camp. Of how many miles that first day's march consisted
I cannot state, but we both had more than enough of it
and were pleased when we came to Epa. Here we invaded
the mission-house and stored our personal luggage inside,
while the natives made themselves at home underneath the
house and on the wide verandah. Cooking-operations were
soon started and everyone finally settled down, not, however,
before the day's events and a host of other subjects had been
discussed far into the night. Before our start next morning
I bought a Frogmouth [Podargus intermedius) for a stick or
two of tobacco. I kept the bird alive for a week, and it
became fairly tame and readily ate grasshoppers of all sizes ;
but I can say nothing of its habits in captivity, as it was a
mournrul-looking object, and sat silent and inactive all day
in its cage. At this place Stalker deemed it wise to remain
until he could get more of our impedimenta brought up from
Bioto. We sent back the pony by the policeman, with a
few carriers who would not go any further. The rice,
which was intended to serve as food for our staff and carriers,
had mostly been stored at our first halt, with several other
items which might be required when we finished our marches.
Stalker and some of our personal attendants were, therefore,
left behind whilst I advanced to Eikeiki, which was reached
the same afternoon. Where the village lay I had no time
to discover, as none of its inhabitants came to meet us. The
mission-house there stood on a little hill, from which was
obtained a fine view of the mountains densely covered with
vegetation. I made use of this dwelling, and while attending
to preparations for the evening meal heard some shots in
the surrounding jungle, and soon afterwards one of our boys
returned with a fine male Paradisea raggiana. This bird

New Guinea in search of Parudise-hirds. 205

seemed fairly plentiful in the neighbourhood, judginj; by its
continuous calling, 1 took, a short stroll along the track and
saw some White Cockatoos and Hornbills, and heard some
Goura Pigeons. I also caught fleeting glimpses of smaller
birds, with which I was unfortunately unacquainted. Towards
evening a few carriers came into the camp with three walla-
bies, which they had run down with their dogs. Heni-Keni
worked hard in skinning one, but soon tired of this business,
as I was too busy with the birds and could not give him
much assistance. 1 boiled the heads of the other two for
the sake of their skulls, while the men roasted and ate the
bodies. The third and last day's march began about
9 A.M., and we arrived at Madiu about 3 p.m. The track
was very tortuous and crossed endless ravines, down which
flowed numerous small streamlets. The jungle became
grander if possible than anything I had so far seen ; and I
observed many huge trees with their trunks split up into a
network of roots some distance above the ground, while others
were supported by means of huge flying buttresses. About
midday the rain descended in torrents, and we became
drenched and thoroughly tired by the seemingly endless
marching. At the summit of a high hill, cleared of bushes,
we found a large house into which we entered, while the
carriers went to a tumbledown shelter or squatted down under
the flooring of the first building. The view from this spot
was exceedingly fine — wide and very precipitous ravines and
mountain-slopes, with hardly a sign of any clearing with the
exception of the small village of Ihaevala. This lay some
considerable distance off across a deep valley, and was just
discernible through the jungle. Far away to the north-west
stretched several ranges, with Mt. Yule on the horizon. But
the view was frequently concealed during the day by clouds
or showers of heavy rain. Next morning I paid oft' about
twenty-four carriers with tobacco and large knives, and they
departed in great haste, whooping with satisfaction, down into
the valleys immediately below our camping-site. Aihegetta
arrived in the afternoon with eleven carriers and brought a
note from Stalker stating that he expected to join me in a

206 Mr. C. B. Horshrugh — Jovrney to British

few days' time. From this date till our return to the coast
the villagers came in daily, bringing us bags of sweet-potatoes,
bananas, taros, and sugar-cane as food for the camp, and we
bartered for these commodities tobacco, salt, beads, or small
strips of cloth. Our two gun-bearers were sent off to collect
specimens, and I heard them banging away in the depths
of the jungle. When they returned they proudly displayed
one or two much-damaged small birds. They were rather
disgusted when I limited their supply of cartridges and was
not encouraging in my verdict on their marksmanship.

Word soon went round the country that a white man had
arrived with some excellent " trade " to be bartered for various
birds and beasts, but I had to. wait a few days before serious
business commenced.

I did a little butterfly-hunting along the track, but failed
to secure a good collection. Several large species of
Orthoptera were fairly common, but usually flew at heights
far above ray reach. The natives call these insects " Kow-
pepper," which is a curious sounding name. Aihegetta's
party soon left, but were replaced by another of five
natives accompanied by a policeman. They came in from
Dilava, and brought me two small snakes and a chameleon
alive. Aihegetta became sick with fever, but 1 soon cured
him by a few grains of quinine, and took a dose myself,
though as time passed I gave it up and never felt the want
of it again.

Before Stalker's advent I had stored all the heavy luggage
under the house, and I was very glad when he walked into camp
on the fifth day with the rest of the carriers and many store-
boxes. He brought in a wounded Paradise-bird {Paradisea
ra(j(ji(ma), which unfortunately did not survive the night,
and a dead Channel-bill Cuckoo {Scythrops nov(S-hollandice),
both of which he had shot on his way up the mountain.
The remainder of the carriers were soon paid off' with cloth
and tobacco and left camp, while we skinned the birds, pickled
the reptiles, and made further arrangements regarding the
house. The shooting boys were very keen to go afield again,
but we decided that it would be inadvisable to have the jungle

New Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 207

disturbed, so forbade them. As this district appeared to be
fairly rich iu bird-life we determined to give it a trial; and
in order that no time should be wasted in having a house
built for us, we set out for the Mission Station at Dilava to
request permission to occupy the house where we were.
Starting soon after breakfast, accompanied by Heni-Keni
and a villager, we ultimately arrived after a hard march of
about three hours at Dilava, from which high altitude we
obtained a grand view of many spurs of the Owen- Stanley
range (particularly J\lt. Chamberlain far away on the horizon),
and of a great number of deep valleys all densely covered with
jungle. The missionaries, of whom there were seven, gave
us a most cordial Avelcome and shewed us what they were
cultivating in their gardens in the way of vegetables, "We
had some delicious oranges and some fresh milk, as they had
a small herd of cows and also w ent in for poultry-farming.
After a sumptuous repast and the receipt of much useful
information regarding the birds of our district from the
converts, which our genial hosts kindly interpreted for us,
we found it necessary to bid them farewell and return to our
camp. The day passed without rain, which was exceptional.
Our request that we might occupy the mission-house at
Madiu was immediately granted, and during our residence
there we did our best to repair it and to keep it in good
order. At no great distance from Epa the track led down
to a river about eighty yards wide, but two of my staff
led me safely across and I got wet only up to my middle,
though close to Dilava a mountain torrent took a considerable
amount of negotiation. By means of a fallen tree, across
which we manoeuvred Blondin-like, and by jumping from
rock to rock we managed to reach the opposite bank, but I
must say that after my last attempt I was glad we had no
more of such obstacles to encounter. For the next three
weeks our daily routine did not vary much. Live birds,
mammals, and reptiles came in to such an extent thai our
collapsible cages were soon filled, and we had to build two
large aviaries under the house. These measured roughly
about 6x8x5 feet, and into one of them we turned all the

208 Mr, C. B. Horsbrugh — Journey to British

Hunstein's Paradise-birds, which soon became tame enough
to feed from our hands. The other held several sorts of Doves
and some Raggi^s Paradise-birds. No single day passed
without some addition to our collection, and in reviewing our
united experience with European and other birds. Stalker and
I agreed that we had never handled such confiding and fearless
creatures as these. They would usually take food from our
hands within three days of their capture. The Hunstein^s
Birds-of-Paradise were the first examples of this family
brought in. The males clear a small open space on the
ground in which to display their beautiful plumage to a
number of admiring females. It is an easy matter for the
natives, who are all aware of this habit, to arrange a net near
these •' dancing grounds " and at an opjwrtune moment
to frighten the birds into its meshes by a sudden shout and
clapping of hands. We found that these birds were decidedly
more delicate than the other species, but usually agreed very
well amongst themselves when caged, and they were certainly
more plentiful in this district than any of their other relatives.
During our return journey from Dilava, Stalker fired at
and missed a bird which must have been Lawes's Bird-
of-Paradise (Parotia laivesi), but this was the only glimpse
obtained of it in its wild state. We were therefore
much delighted to receive afterwards at different dates about
a dozen examples of this fine species. Unlike Hunstein's
Paradise-bird, they were as hardy as we could wish and
quickly became very tame. One specimen was slightly
more adult than the others, liaving the six wires from the
head of full length and the gorgeous cravat covering the
throat well developed. It unfortunately died from some
complaint affecting its eyes soon after reaching Sydney.
Our natives could not appreciate our wish to receive hen
Paradise-birds, the numbers of males far exceeding those of
the latter sex. We had to offer double rewards for hens of
P.racjyiana, and even then we only obtained three specimens.
So far as we could discover, no birds are kept alive as pets
in any of the villages in this particular district, as their habits
in captivity and the trouble of attending to their wants would

New Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 209

not appeal to any native. Pity does not enter into their con-
siderations concerning anything they capture, and to prevent
escape their victim, whether a grasshopper or one of their OAvn
kith and kin, usually has the legs broken. Single examples
were brought to us of Lophorhina minor, Pitta mackloti,
and Rhectes dichrous, but owing to rough treatment at the
hands of their captors these fine birds died within a day or
so of reaching us. The same remark applies to a pair of
exquisite Pigmy Parrots (Nasiterna), which to my great
annoyance had been put in a cage with some large Pigeons,
a Cat-bird, and other species, and were therefore only just alive
when they reached camp. Although the missionaries at
Dilava had obtained for us many of the vernacular names of
various birds, we supplemented them by a small collection of
drawings of such species as we imagined might be found in
the locality. These pictures were a source of great interest
to the villagers, and w' ere so readily recognised that we were
supplied with examples of several of the birds that were
portrayed for their guidance. One of the Bower-birds
{j^luroedus melanocephalus^ which we were rather anxious to
possess, and which, as we were given to understand, was not
uncommon, was shortly afterwards added to our acquisitions,
but only six specimens of it came in. A few examples of
Amblyornis subalaris and Phonygama piirpureo-violacea and
a single P. chaJybeata also increased our collection. The
first-named were delicate and we had very great difficulty in
keeping a couple of the females alive; but the Manucodea
were as strong as Parotia lawesi, and soon developed
murderous tendencies towards each other, necessitating
separate cages. The villagers one day brought me a young
Cassowary, and we were rather puzzled for some time as to
where we should keep it. We got our boys to construct a
large run, which they quickly completed, and into this we
put our captive, feeding it daily on figs, rice, and sweet-
potatoes. But it ultimately escaped and the search-parties
failed to recapture it. The natives called it " Coco-Coco "
and ^' Yeo.^^ To our mammal-series we added several
specimens of the Three-striped Phalanger {Dactylopsila

210 Mr. C. B, Horsbrugli — Jovrney to Bi'itish

trivirgata), the Eastern Grey Cuscus [Phalanger orientalis) ,
and other varieties of the latter family, with several
species of rats which have not as yet been identified.
Our spirit-jars were rapidly filling Avith crabs, frogs^
chameleons, a few snakes, prawns, and other denizens of the
jungle. In a very short time we had so many birds to deal
with that we had absolutely no time to devote to shooting,
and for that reason seldom stirred from the house. Even
bread-making was voted a nuisance, and we often substituted
biscuits for it. All our available cages and the two
aviaries beneath the house now held as many inmates as was
compatible with safety, so we began the construction, with
the help of our staff and numerous villagers, of a very large
aviary for additions, which, however, time did not permit us
to complete.

New Guinea is not connected with Australia by cable, and
steamers only call at Yule Island every tenth week, while a
schooner brings the mails every fifth week. To entrust such
delicate freight as birds to a schooner was not to be thought
of, so that we had to settle the question whether we could
catch the steamer that called at the island on April 19th.
This meant that our collecting must end within less than a
month of our arrival at Madiu. Nevertheless, considering the
numerous birds which we had on hand and continued to receive
daily, we thought it better to make active preparations for
departure. Orders were therefore sent far and wide declining
to I'cceive further specimens, as we were very doubtful whether
enough natives could be obtained to carry what we already
had down to the coast. About a week before commencing
our rcturu-journcy our hoys were busily engaged in making
reed cages for the various birds, which with the other cages
previously brought out from England numbered twenty-three
in all, and there were other packages besides. The bulk of
our stores were left in our house, as Stalker proposed to return
there when I had joined the steamer at Yule Island with
the birds, and intended proceeding further inland in pursuit
of the magnificent Prince lludolph^s Bird -of- Paradise
{Puradisornis rudolphi) .

Xeiv Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 21 1

On April 14tli wc were up before daylight attending to the
last of the packing ; then, after fixing the cages to long poles
slung between two men^ I led off at 8.30 a.m. with the birds,
while Stalker followed with our impedimenta. We reached
Eikeiki about 3.30 p.m., much tired, with the long march, and
just escaped the rain which fell heavily soon afterwards.
Next day I got ahead of our noisy followers with my gun-
bearer and shot a fine Zoo's Fruit-Pigeon {Carpopha(/a zoece).
When we arrived at Epa a native missionary residing there
gave us some fresh bread, and I tried some fried wallaby-
meat, which was palatable enough, though somewhat tough.
I observed plenty of beautiful butterflies in this district, and
spent a little while in the village, which did not differ much
from others that we had already seen. Signs of revolt here
arose amongst our carriers, but Stalker threatened to
report them to the police, and they then came along quietly
for the last march. This part of the journey was one of the
most trying that I have ever undertaken, as we had received
word from Bowden that the whale-boat and canoes would
meet us below Bioto, and wc therefore took a slightly different
route to our former. We continually descended through the
marvellous jungle and open patches of country until we
found ourselves in a mangrove-swamp, where the mosquitoes
became most annoying in their attentions. For a long while
I fully believed that we had lost the way. The daily rains
had flushed the banks of all the streams, and as a natural con-
sequence the swamp was rendered more difficult to traverse
than at other seasons, so that I was happy to arrive at last
at the small village of Nikora about 2 p.m. I immediately
ordered fresh cocoanuts and had a change of clothing. Stalker
arriving about an hour later, when we enjoyed some lunch
and made preparations for a night's lodging. We were
allowed but a short rest, however, for news was brought in
that the whale-boat and canoes were awaiting us in a creek,
having been sent up a day earlier than I had arranged with
Bowden. Luckily we were within about two miles of the
river, and we soon put our stores aboard the Avbale-boat,
while the bird-cages were placed carefully on a canoe, and

212 Mr. C. B. Horsbrugh — Journey to British

in the midst of a very steady downpour of rain and heavy
thunder overhead we paid off our carriers with a tomahawk
each for the three days^ march, with which they were quite
satisfied. A canoe then took us off to the whale-boat lying
outside the creek, and away we rowed for Yule Island.
During the passage everything got soaked, but the birds,
which had been well covered up with mackintosh-sheeting,
came across the sound without wetting a feather. Bowden
gi'ceted us from his verandah, and we were very sorry to find
him just recovering from an attack of fever. We again took
possession of his liouse, and he was astonished to see the
results of our labours, and gave us a most hospitable
reception.

The s.s. ^Moresby ^ (Burns, Philp, & Co.) did not arrive
till the 21st, when we went early aboard to make arrange-
ments for the accommodation of the birds. I borrowed the
launch to take my luggage and cages from the island, and
about 1 P.M. bade farewell to Bowden and Stalker, much
to my regret. Reaching Cooktown on the third day I had
great trouble in trans-shipping my precious freiglit, as
regulations prohibiting the importation of birds, beasts, and
plants into Queensland were in force. I despatched an
urgent request to the Secretary for Agriculture at Brisbane
for permission to proceed, and received his sanction just in
time to catch the s.s. ' Wodonga,' of the A.U.S.N. line, to
Sydney.

During the remainder of our fortnight's passage, Avhicli as
regards weather was very enjoyable, the vessel put into many
ports, and on May 4th landed me at Sydney. Here, in
accordance with arrangements previously made, I took the
whole of the collection off to the Zoological Gardens, where
the authorities most kindly placed some large aviaries at my
disposal, and the collection during its stay attracted many
visitors. I owe a great deal to Mr. H. E, Peir, a well-known
Aviculturist, for much excellent advice and assistance at
Sydney. He took charge of some of my more delicate
specimens, of the health of which I had some doubts.
Before leaving New Guinea I received two splendid Rifle-

New Guinea in search of Paradise-birds. 213

birds {Ptilorhis intercedens) , but one of them unfortunately
died of a wound in the thigh. The second was always very
shy, and caused me more anxiety than any of the other birds
that I brought out of the country.

I left Sydney on May 24th, with the collection iu new and
more commodious cages. I greatly dreaded crossing the
Great Australian Bight, as the winter was advancing aud I
anticipated rough weather. As events turned out, it proved
the most dangerous part of my long journey, and I had some
fatalities that I could ill afford. At every port of call I
obtained bananas, oranges, and other fruits easily enough,
while I received the greatest courtesy from the Captain and
Officers of the P. & O. s.s. ' Victoria ' all the way home.
Travelling through France, I reached London on June 28th
and immediately handed over my collection to the authorities
of the Zoological Society.

Appendix.

List of Paradise-birds brought home by Mr. C. B. Horsbrugh
and Mr. W. Stalker in 1908 from British New Guinea.

July ^rd, 1908.

7 Raggi's Bird-o '■-Paradise (Paradisea raygiana).

7 Lawes's Bird-of-Paradise {Parotia lawesi).

8 Hunstein's Bird-of-Paradise (Diphtjllodes hunsteini).

4 Manucodes (Pkoni/^ama pmynreo-violacea and P. chalybeata).

1 New-Guinea Rifle-bird [Ptilorhis intercedens).

3 Black-laeaded Cat-birds {JLlurcedus melanocephalus).

2 Subalar Bower-birds {Ambhjoruis subalaris).

October 5th, 1908.

1 Prince Rudolfs Bird-of-Paradise {Paradisornis rudoIjM).

5 Count Raggi's Bird-of-Paradise [Paradisea raggiana).
10 Hunstein's Bird-of-Paradise [Diphyllodes hunsteini).

2 Violet Manucodes ^Phonygama jmrpiireo-violacea).
1 New-Guinea Rifle-bird [Ptilorhis intercedens), $.
7 Lawes's Bird-of-Paradise [Parotia lawesi).

1 Black-headed Cat-bird ( Jiluroedus melanocephalus).

SER. IX. VOL. III. Q

214 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

X. — On the Birds of Kohat and Kurram, Northern India.
By Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army. With an
Introduction hy Major H. A. F. Magkath^, Indian Army.
—Part II *.

[558.] Hemichelidon siBiKiCA. The Sooty Flycatcher.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 50 (Chitral, 4000 ft.) ;
Rattray, t. c. p. 427 (common above 8000 ft. on Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 479.

250. S ad. Kohat, 17G8 ft., 9th May.

Capt. Keen shot this bird in our garden on the 8th of
May. In the course of the following week I came across
several more. It nests commonly in the forests of the Safed
Koh up to tree-limit.

[561. J SiPHiA PARYA. The European Red-breasted
Flycatcher.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 603 (Quctta : common
in April) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 50 (common in Lower
Chitral in winter, leaving in mid-April).

7J5. S lid. Kohat, 1768 ft., 20th ^March.

Major Magrath has made the following notes on this
species: — "A winter visitor abundantly reinforced during
the spring migration. The rush north-west is at its height in
the middle of April and continues till the end of the month.
The last birds remain till well into May. The adult males are
the first to leave, the females and immature birds following
two or three weeks later. The return migration commences
in October. Few examples with chestnut breasts are to be
seen at this season. This Flycatcher constantly descends to
the ground to take its prey.^^

In autumn I have seen it as early as Sept. 13th. We
did not meet with a single adult male in winter, the first
appearing about the middle of March.

* Continued from above, p. 134. The arrangement and nomenclature
followed are those of Gates and Blanford's " Birds " in the ' Fauna of
British India.' The numbers in square brackets before each name
are the same as in that work.

Bi7-ds of Kohat and Karram. 215

[567.] Cyornis leucomelanurus. The Slaty-blue Fly-
catcher.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 480 (very plentiful in
Kashmir),

627. ^ ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 1st March.

This solitary example was the only one met with. Its
alarm-note [tit -it-it) attracted my attention.

[568.] Cyornis superciliaris. The White-browed Blue
Flycatcher.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 427 (common in Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 480 (plentiful),

528. S ad. Kurram Valley, 7500 ft., 24th April.

A rare bird. I shot one uear Kohat on the 13th of April,
and this was the only example seen in the plains. A second
I got near the Peiwar Kotal, and believe that 1 heard one or
two more close by.

\_Culicicapa ceylonensis (Sw.). Major Magrath shot an
example of this species, which is now in the National
Collection, in Banuu, in October, and has since found it a
fairly common winter visitor.]

[589.] Alseonax rui'icaudus. The Rufous-tailed Fly-
catcher.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 50 (shot two iu April) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 480 (breeds at high altitudes iu
Kashmir).

Abundant in summer on the Peiwar Spur, and in the
Spin khwar Nullah of the Safed Koh, from 8000 to
11,000 feet. As Major Magrath has pointed out, it is quite
likely that this species occurs in Kohat in winter, but, from
its remarkable likeness to the female Ruticilla rufiventris,
has been overlooked. It may be distinguished from the
latter by its not shaking its tail. It is a good songster with
a great variety of notes.

[598.] Terpsiphone paradisi. The Indian Paradise-
Flycatcher.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 606 (shot one in May
near Ciuetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 50 (an uncommon

q2

216 Lieut. C. H. T. Whiteliead on the

summer visitor up to 5000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 480
(common in summer).

A fairly comnf)on summer visitor, arriving early in April,
leaving towards the end of September, and nesting freely
in the shady orchards of Kohat.

[608.] Pratincola caprata. The Pied Bush-Chat.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 339 (Thall : scarce) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 603 (Quetta : common in summer) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. pp. 50 & 744 (resident iu Chitral) ;
Cumming, t. c. p. 687 (Seistan : a scarce summer visitor) ;
Bethara, t. c. p. 750 (common) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 480
(rare in Kashmir).

A fairly common summer visitor from the second week in
March till October, but not found much above 3000 feet in
the Kurrara Valley.

[610.] Pratincola maura. The Indian Bush-Chat.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 339 (abundant at Thall in
April) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 603 (a few at Quetta in
April) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. pp. 50 & 744 (shot one at
6000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 467 (common iu Murree) ;
W^ard, op. cit. xvii. p. 480 (common up to 7000 ft.).

722. S ad. Kohat, 1768 ft., 21st March.

Passes through Kohat in force from February till mid-
May, returning in small numbers in August and September ;
a few stragglers remain for the winter. Nests freely on the
Samana and in the Kurram Valley from 5000 to 7000 feet.
I have shot a recently fledged young bird as high as 9000
f( et.

[618.] Saxicola piCATA. The Pied Chat.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 480 (Quetta: common
summer visitor) ; Betham, op. cit. xvi. p. 750 (nests freely) ;
W^ard, op. cit. xvii. p. 480 (scarce : Kashmir) ; Perreau, op.
cit. xviii. p. 186 (occurs in Chitral),

A fairly common winter visitor to the District from
October till the end of March, chiefly frequenting stony
wastes and hill-sides, and particularly common between Lachi
and Latammar. Nests freely on the Samana. Capt. Keen

Bird.f of Kohat and Kurram. 217

found a nest on tlie 14tli of May containing six fresh eggs.
A beautiful songster, singing both on the wing and on the
ground.

[619.] Saxicola capistrata. Tlie White-headed Chat.

liattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 339 (common in winter at
Tliall : many young birds seen at Parachinar in July) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 603 (shot one at Sibi, 5000 ft., iu
Feb.); Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 50 (occurs in Chitral in summer
from 7000 to 11,000 ft.); Gumming, t. c. p. 687 (shot one
in March: Seistan).

302. S juv. Parachinar, 5700 ft., 7th July.

435. ? ad. Banda, 1900 ft., 27th January.

A cold-weather visitor to the District and very abundant
from the third week in August till April, frequenting both
desert country and open cultivated lands and especially
common by the roadside. In the Kurram Valley it nests
freely round Parachinar from 4500 to 6500 feet, but rarely as
high as 9000 feet. The nest, a neat grass structure, is usually
placed in a hole in the bank of a nullah or under a stone in
the nuliah-bed, occasionally in a cairn of stones. The eggs
are pale blue, varying a good deal in shade, marked with red
spots also varying much in shade and distribution, and average
•79 in. X "53 in. The full clutch is five. Two broods at least
are reared in the season.

[620.J Saxicola opistholeuca. Strickland's Chat.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 50 (the commonest bird in
Chitral, moving up or down according to season) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 480 (migrates through Baltistau).

433. Ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 27th December.

A fairly common cold-weather visitor from September to
the middle of April, keeping chiefly to stony ground. It
migrates through the Kurram Valley in April.

[624.] Saxicola cenanthe. The Wheatear.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 481, & xviii. p. 461 (one
shot in Wardwan in Sept. 1907) ; Perreau, t. c. p. 186
(occurs iu Chitral, specimen shot).

702. ? . Kohat, 1768 ft., 18th March.

218 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

This was the only example secured, but, owing to its close
resemblance to the following species, the bird has probably
been overlooked.

[625.] Saxicola isabelltna. The Isabelline Chat.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 339 (Thall : found a nest
at 4000 ft.) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 603 (common in
summer, nesting down holes) ; dimming, op. cit. xvi. p. 688
(Seistan : fairly common in spring) ; Betham, t. c. p. 748
(Quetta : numerous, nesting in rat-holes) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 481 (Baltistan).

A common cold-weather visitor to the desert parts of the
District from August till April.

[626.] Saxicola deserti. The Desert Wheatear.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 603, & xv. p. 355
(Quetta : found a nest with young in a bank) ; Gumming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 688 (one shot in Januarj^) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 481, & xviii. p. 462 (occurs in Kashmir in spring
and in Ladak in summer).

618. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 28th February.

Fairly common from November till thethird week in March,
but not such an exclusive haunter of the desert as some of
its allies, being frequently met with about cultivated lands.

[628.] Saxicola chrysopygia. The Red-tailed Chat.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (shot in September near
Chaman) ; Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Chitral).

Common in the cold weather from September to mid-
April about low stony hills.

[638. J Chimarrhornis leucocephalus. The White-
capped Redstart.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340 (January) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 744 (rather rare) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481
(common in Kashmir).

Occurs in the Miranzai Valley from Raisan upwards from
October to the middle of April, but is somewhat rare.
Abundant, however, in summer along the torrents of the Safed
Koh up to tree-limit.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 219

[642.] KuTiciLLA ERYTHRONOTA. Eversmanii's Red-
start.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 603 (common in winter);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481 (occurs in spring).

51. ? ad. Raisan, 2360 ft., 25tli December.

100. ^ ad. Kohat, 1 760 ft., 4th February.

Fairly common, especially in the Miranzai Valley, from
December till March, and on the Samana from October till
the end of March, chiefly frequenting scrub-jungle, olive-
groves, and avenues. The call is a peculiar croaking note
sounding \\\iegre-er. The male assumes nearly full breeding-
])lumage before leaving. Not observed in the Kurram
Valley.

[644.] RuTiciLLA RUFiVE.VTRis. The Indian Redstart.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. pp. 603, 603 (a common
resident up to 11,000 ft. in summer) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi.
p. 51 (common from 9000 to 14,000 ft. in July) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 481 (nests in Ladak).

A winter visitor, abundant from September to mid- April,
but only occurring on the Samana on passage. A few pairs
nest on the Safed Koh above 10,000 feet. The nest is
usually well concealed under a stone or sometimes in a hollow
in a bank, and is made of bents and grass lined with hair.
The eggs are very pale blue without markings, and vary much
in size. The full clutch appears to be five.

[646.] Rhyacornis fuliginosus. The Plumbeous Red-
start.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 51 (a common resident in
Chitralfrom 4000 to 7000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 428 (common
in the Galis); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481 (very common on
all liill-streams).

660. ? . Kachai, 2700 ft., 9th March.

Major Magrath observed this Redstart by the Khanki
River at Raisan in October 1905 ; this is the only example
of the species we have noted besides that which I procured
at Kachai.

220 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

[G47.] Cyanecula suecica. The Bluethroat.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (common in March
and April at Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cif. xvi. p. 51 (common
in September and October) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481
(common in Kashmir).

Passes through the District and up the Kurram Valley in
large numbers from March till the end of May. The return
passage, commencing in the last week of August, is at its
height in September. A certain number of immature birds
winter in Kohat, and are then chiefly found in the reed-
beds.

[654.] Ianthia rufilata. The Red-flanked Bush-Robin.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 481, & xviii. p. 462 (breeds
in Kashmir).

95. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 21st January.

669. c? ad. Kachai, 2700 ft., 12th March.

A rare winter visitor to the Samana and the orchards of
Kohat and Miranzai. Capt. Keen was the first to meet
with it. Fairly numerous on the wooded slopes of the
Safed Koh from 8000 to 10,000 feet in summer. The call-
note resembles the syllable prot, the mate answering ee (both
notes are used by the two sexes).

[657.] Adelura c.eruleicephala. The Blue-headed
Robin.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 51 (resident : Chitral) ;
Rattray, t. c. p. 428 (very rare, nests in holes in stumps :
Murrec Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481 (occurs in April:
Kashmir).

A winter visitor to the District from December till raid-
March, and to the Samana from the first week in November
till the end of March, but in varying numbers. In 1906
and 1907 it was fairly common, but in 1908 I only met with
one specimen. Usually frequents olive-groves and gardens,
and on the Samana scrub-jungle. In the woods of the
Safed Koh, however, it is abundant in summer from 7500 to
12,000 feet. It has the tame and confiding habits of the
Redbreast, and the same way of quivering the tail. The

Birds of Koliat and Kurram. 22 1

alarm-notes, too, are very similar. The two nests that I came
across migrlit well have been those of the Redbreast. The first
was placed on the ground under shelter of a juuiper-root
(not in a hole) at 11,000 feet, and contained three eggs just
hatching ; they were cream-coloured, with a darker zone near
the larger end, and differed a good deal in size. The second
was in a similar position at 8000 feet, and had four eggs of
similar type, but very faintly tinged with green and slightly
smaller, averaging -66" x '48'''.

[661.] Thamnobia cambaiensis. The Brown-backed
Indian Robin,

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340 (a common resident) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 481.

686. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th March.

A fairly common resident in the plains. As Major
Magrath notes, it differs from its down-country relatives in
shunning gardens and cultivated spots, preferring arid stony
localities, and shewing a marked partiality for graveyards.
It does not ascend the hills to any height, and in the
Kurram Valley we did not find it above 3000 feet.

[666.] Merula maxima. The Central Asian Blackbird.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 482 (breeds in Kashmir at
high altitudes).

295. Juv. Safed Koh, 10,500 ft., 1st July.

Bill, gape, and eyelid brownish yellow; tarsus fleshy
brown ; iris bruwn.

Apparently very rare, this example being the only one
met with. In July 1908 I found this fine bird fairly
common outside our limits near the head of the Kaghau
Valley (Hazara, N.W. F. P.), between 12,000 and
13,500 feet, either in parties of from three to ten, or
occasionally alone. It was very wild, and it was with
difficulty that I procured three examples (now in the British
Museum). I never heard it utter the rattling alarm-cry of
M. vulgaris, but only the low chuckle characteristic of the
genus. Usually found feeding on small white caterpillars,
which were very common on the grassy slopes, or amongst
rocks, but sometimes in juniper-scrub.

222 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

[672.] Merula castanea. The Grey-headed Ousel.

Rattray, J. B. N, H. S. xvi. p. 657 (abundant in the
Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (occurs in Kash-
mir in varying numbers).

598. ¥ ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th February.

657. c? ad. Hangu, 2600 ft., 8th March.

Fairly common from November till April in the wooded
nullahs of the Samana in company with flocks of M. atri-
gularis. A few individuals occur in the Miranzai Valley
and in the orchards of Kohat in Fel)ruary and March.

I met with a family-party on the 9th of August on the
Safed Koh at 8000 feet.

[674.] Merula fuscata. The Dusky Thrush.

Major Magrath shot a specimen of this Thrush on the
7th of April in his garden at Bannu ; the skin is now in
the British Museum. On seeing it I was struck by its
resemblance to one which Capt. Keen shot for me at Kohat
the previous winter (22nd March, 1906), about which I
made the following notes at the time : '• Differs from H. atri-
gularis in the throat and cheeks being light brown tinged
with red, turning to blackish on the upper breast." Unfortu-
nately I had no time to skin it.

Major Magrath has sent me the following extract from
his pocket-ljook made near Kohat and dated April 6th,
1905 : — " A Thrush, upper parts like M. atriyularis, abdo-
men and vent white ; the throat I could not see; abroad
huff super ciliumJ^ So it seems probable that it is also a winter
visitor to Kohat. Oates records it as a rare winter visitor
to North-eastern India only.

[677.] Merula ATRiGULARis. The Black-throated Ousel.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S, xiv. p. 603 (very common) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 51 (one shot in April); Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (abundant in winter).
. 578. ? ad. Kohat Pass, 3000 ft., 12th February.

These birds were abundant on the Samana and in the
Miranzai Valley from October to the middle of April, but
their further movements towards the plains depend a good

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 223

deal on the weather. In the severe winter of 1904—05 Major
Magrath noted them at Kohat in large numbers as early as
December, but in the following year, which was mild, we did
not observe them till February, and then only a few.
Not met with in the Kurram Valley.

[691.] Petrophila cixclorhyxcha. The Blue-headed
Rock-Thrush.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 51 (shot one in May :
Chitral) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 657 (nests freely round Murree) ;
Ward, op. cit, xvii. p. 482 (plentiful in Kashmir).

A rare cold-weather visitor to the District from September
till May. A few nest on the Safed Koh.

[693.] Petrophila cyaxus. The Western Blue Rock-
Thrush.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 603 (a fairly common
summer visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 51 (a summer
visitor, not common) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 657 (rare : Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (occurs in summer).

A rather scarce winter visitor from October till mid-April,
keeping almost entirely to low rocky hills and generally
seen singly or in pairs. Breeds on the Samana and in the
Kurram Valley above 5000 feet.

[694.] MoNTicoLA sAXATiLis. Tlic Rock-Thrush.

Marshall, J.B.N. H.S. xiv. p. 603 (one in January and one
in April) ; Pulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 52 (shot two in autumn) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (occurs in Baltistan in summer).

I have only once met with this species, and that was on
the 6th of September in a stony valley near Kohat, when
the autumn migration was at its height. I got a good view
of it through my glasses, but unfortunately did not secure it.

[695.] TuRDUs viscivoRUS. The Missel-Thrush.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604, & xv. p. 355 (a
resident in the hills round Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi.
p. 52 (resident in Chitral) ; Ward, op. cit. xviii. p. 482
(resident and common).

In the severe weather of January 1905, Major Magrath

22i Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

observed one in an orchard at Koliat, and Mr. Donald's
bird-catchers caught two on the grass-farm about the same
time. None liave been seen there since.

In the Kurram Valley it nests not uncommonly amongst
the firs and Deodars of the Peiwar spur^ and in the Spin
Khwar Nullah from 7000 to 9000 feet.

[697.] TuRDus iLiACus. The Redwing-Thrush.

Mr. Gates writes (Fauna Brit. Ind., Birds, ii. p. 156) : — "I
have not been able to examine any specimen of Redwing
obtained in India, and I admit the species on the authority
of Jerdon^ who states that at the time he Avrote it had been
lately found in the Himalayas, though very rarely. But at
Kohat," he adds, " as I am assured by Mr. Blyth, according
to a very good observer, the late Lieut. Irotter, it is a
regular winter visitant in large flocks.^' Major Magrath
and I have looked in vain for this species for the last three
winters. Possibly the flocks of Calandra Larks [Melano-
corypha himaculata) were mistaken for Redwings.

[709.] CiNCLUs AsiATicus. The Brown Dipper.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 52 (not uncommon from
4000 to 10,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (very
common in Kashmir).

Occurs along the larger streams of the Safed Koh up to
9000 feet, but is scarce. I shot a strong flying young bird
on the 27th of June.

[712.] Accentor rufilatus. The Red-sided Accentor.

Accentor rufilatus Sharpe, Cat. Birds B. M. vii. p. 664
(1882).

Accentor nepalensis (part.) Gates, Faun. Brit. Ind., Birds,
ii. p. 166.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 482 (occurs in Ladak and
Baltistan) ; Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Chitral).

274. Sex ? Samana, 6500 ft., 5th April.

296. Sex? Safed Koh, 12,300 ft., 1st July.

A rather rare winter visitor to the Samana from the
beginning of November till April, generally found singly

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 225

about cliffs or on steep stony slopes, but never much below
6000 feet.

Nests freely on the Safed Koh above 12,000 feet. I came
across the first nest on the 1st of July, 1906; it was placed
under a rock on a steep slope, and contained three fresh eggs
closely resembling those of our Hedge-Sparrow, but larger,
averaging '^S" x 'o7". The fabric was beautifully made of
grass and roots, lined with moss and a little fur. On the
28th of July I came on two more nests built in crevices in
cliffs, each containing two young ones, the most noticeable
ftature about them being their bright red gapes. This is
not the first record of the nest. Mr. Stuart Baker writes
that he has an authenticated clutch of eggs in his collection
from Ladakh, taken previously to mine, though he adds
that his is that of A. nejmlensis, as he does not recognise
A. rvfilatus as a good species.

[713.] Accentor himalayanus. The Altai Accentor.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 482 (large flocks pass through
Kashmir in spring).

132. ? ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 7th March.

361. Sex ? „ „ 5th ApriL

A visitor to the Samana from December till the middle of
April. Usually to be seen in large flocks, busily feeding
amongst stones, near the Fort. Major Magrath procured
the first examples of both this and the last species.

[716.] Tharrhaleus atrigularis. The Black-throated
Accentor.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (shot one in January) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 744 (shot two in March) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 482 (common in spring).

66. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 5th January.

A common winter visitor to the District, arriving in
October and leaving towards the middle of March. It
closely resembles the Hedge-Sparrow in habits, but is
somewhat gregarious.

[719.] Tharrhaleus jerdoni. Jerdon's Accentor.
Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (small flocks occur in

226 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

Januai-y and March : Charaan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii, p. 482
(breeds in Kashmir).

407. Ad. Saraana, 6000 ft., 2nd December.

A winter visitor to the Satnana (above 4000 feet) in small
numbers ; it frequents scrub-jungle, and is generally solitary ;
it is perhaps commoner than it appears to be, but it is
such a terrible skulker one rarely gets more thau a glimpse
of it.

Nests fairly commonly on the Safed Koh, between 9000
and 12,000 feet, both in the forest and in Juniper-scrub.
The alarm-note resembles the syllal)le tir-r-r.

[722.] Ploceus bengalensis. The Black-throated
Weaver-bird.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340.

We have not met with this species in Kohat, but
Col. Rattray records it f roai Thall, and writes as follows : —
''Appeared suddenly about the beginning of June in all the
reed-patches on the river-banks ; they fly about in flocks of
twenty or thirty birds. On 25th June, 1898, I found u nest
containing three eggs much incubated . . . ."

Mr. Donald, the Political Otiicer, observed a flock in the
reeds near Thall in March. Probably a resident species,
moving locally up and down the river.

[734.] UitoLONCHA MALABARiCA. The Whitc-throatcd
Munia.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340 (not common) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 52 (summer visitor up to 4000 ft. : Chitral) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 483 (occurs in Kashmir).

A resident in the plains ; abundant in summer, but be-
coming scarce in winter.

[758.] SpoRiEGiNTHUs AMANDAVA. The ludiau Red
Munia.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 483 (occurs in Jammu).

Colonel Rattray met with a few flocks of this species on
the jheels (marshes) and amongst liigh grass near Thall.
Mr. Donald, the Political Officer, who passes through Thall

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 2,27

montlily on tour, tells me be has observed flocks in the
reeds there at all seasons, and in August has seen parents
going about with newly -fledged families.

[740.] CoccoTHRAUsTEs HUMii. Humc^s Hawfinch.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 52 (shot 2 in May at
4000 ft.: Chitral).

50. S ad. liaisan, 2360 ft., 25th December.

85. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 14th January.

638. S ad. Ilangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

A winter visitor to the District in fair numbers from
October till mid- April, being especially common in the
Miranzai Valley, but rare on the Samana. It generally
occurs in small parties about wild olive-groves, orchards, and
gardens, feeding on berries, seeds, and the kernels of fruit-
stones. The call-note, which is frequently uttered, is a shrill
tee, not at all what might be expected from such a big bird.

I met with a party of five on the 5th of May at 9000 feet
on tbe Peiwar Spur; possibly the bird nests about there.

[741.] Pycnorhamphus icteroides. The Black-and-
Yellow Grosbeak.

Kattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 657 (common : Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484 (abundant) ; Perreau,
op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Chitral).

671, 672. c? $ ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 12th March.

A common bird on the wooded slopes of the Safed Koh
from 7000 to 11,000 feet, but shy, and its loud call-note,
preter-pre, is more often beard than the bird seen. A few
occasionally descend to the Miranzai Valley in winter.

[743.] Pycxouha.mphus carneipes. The White-winged
Grosbeak.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (common in the
hills round Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 486, & xviii.
p. 462 (resident, but scarce).

301. c? ad. Safed Koh, 8500 ft., 7th July.

Not nearly so common as the last species, but much bolder
and less of a forest-bird, keeping more to the Juniper-scrub
between 8000 and 12,000 feet. Frequently to be seen

228 Lieut. C. H. T. Whiteliead on the

perclied in some prominent position, uttering its familiar
notes wil-ye-ffo-ame or croak-et-et. The flight is whirring
and dipping like that of a Woodpecker. I found a nest
containing two hard-set eggs on the 7th of July. It was
beautifully made of twigs and bents, well lined with fresh
strips of Juniper-bark. The eggs were of the Hawfinch
type, of a French-white colour with strong reddish-brown
markings, and averaged 1*18" x •72".

[754-.] Propasser dubius (Prjev.). The White-browed
Hose-Finch.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi.p. 52 (April, 9000 ft. : Chitral);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. j). 484, & xviii. p. 403 (common in spring,
breeding in August near source of Siud River).

288. ? . Safed Koh, 10,000 ft., 29th June.

Not uncommon on the Safed Koh in summer from 8000
to 11,000 feet. Apparently an early breeder. I came on
a family very strong on the wing on the 29th of June. Its
loud call jjwit, ywit may be constantly heard, recalling
somewhat the Paroquet's {Palceornis) screech, especially
when a party wing their way overhead and all call together.

[757.] Propasser grandis. The Red-mantled Rose-
Fmch.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (9000 ft. in Mayj ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 744 (fairly common in spring from
7000 to 9000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484 (Kashmir).

133. S ad. Chikarkot, 2000 ft., 2nd March.

628. ? ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 1st March.

649. <S ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 6th March.

A winter visitor in small numbers to the Miranzai and
Kohat Valleys. It is usually met with singly or in small
parties about wild olive and camel-thorn {Acacia machata)
groves, gardens, and cultivated spots, feeding on various tree-
seeds, dandelion-flowers, &c. Call-note, wir. It was also
observed on several occasions on the Safed Koh in July
between 10,000 and 11,000 feet.

Tame and confiding in its habits.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 220

[7G1.] Carpodacus erythrinus. The Common Rose
Finch.

Marshall, J. B. N. H, S, xiv. p. 604 (Quetta: common at
9000 ft. in May) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 52 (common from
10,000 to 15,000 ft. in July, and at 5000 ft. in winter) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484 (found everywhere).

179. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 3rd April.

Major Magrath has made the following notes on this
species : — " Visits the district in considerable numbers on
the spring and autumn migrations, passing through on the
former in March and April, and on the latter in September
and October, when mostly young birds are seen. A good
deal of damage is done by this species to the fruit-trees, which
it attacks by eating the buds after the manner of Bull-
finches. The song may be rendered thus, to-weet-tew."

In the summer I found the bird abundant in several of the
valleys of the Safed Koh from 6500 to 8500 feet, where in
the early morning the loud though rather monotonous song
resounds on all sides.

[763.] Erythrospiza gith^ginea. The Desert- Finch.

Perreau, J. B. N. H. S. xviii. p. 186 (one shot: Chitral).

88. (? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th January, 1906.

This example was procured by Major Magrath out of a
small flock at the foot of the hills. Subsequently I fre-
quently met with the birds, generally feeding on stony
ground, but once in young crops. They are probably resident.
I came across a pair near Thall on the 19th of May which, I
believe, had a nest, but I failed to find it.

[764 b.] Rhodospiza obsoleta. The Persian Desert-
Bullfinch.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (common in gardens in
August and September and again in March : Chaman,
4450 ft., near Quetta).

74. cJ ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 8th January.

Gates (Fauna Brit. Ind,, Birds, ii. p. 233) wrote that this
species was likely to be found within Indian limits. Capt.
Watson procured, I believe, the first authenticated examples

SER. IX. VOL. III. R

230 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

in India, at Chaman. Subsequently Capt. Marshall and Major
Betham found it common round Quetta, and the latter dis-
covered a number of nests (vide Rep. of Baluchistan Nat.
Hist. Soc.in J. B. N. H. S. xviii. p. 521). From the 8th of
January till the 1st March, 1906, a flock frequented a
Mohammedan cemetery near Kohat which was much over-
grown with weeds, on the seeds of which they used to feed.
The males had started singing by the 1st of March; the
call-note may be rendered worr.

[7Q7.'] Carduelis caniceps. The Himalayan Goldfinch.

Marshall, J. B. N. H, S. xiv. p. 604 (Quetta : scarce);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 53 (very common in summer up to
13,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484 (the majority migrate
through Kashmir, but a few stay to nest).

625, 626. ? ? ads. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th February.

A winter visitor, occurring in large flocks from November
till the middle of April. Its confiding habits are taken
advantage of by the local bird-catchers, who snare large
numbers, retailing them at 2d. or 3^. each.

One of the commonest birds on the Samana in winter.
Capt. Keen tells me that a few stayed there all through
the summer, and he believes nested in the neighbourhood.

W^e also observed a few in the Upper Kurram Valley in
spring and summer.

[7G8.] Callacanthis burtoni. The Red-browed Finch.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 53 (Chitral : summer visitor) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484, & xviii. p. 463 (nests in Kashmir).

Not uncommon on the Safed Koh in summer between
8000 and 9000 feet. Its loud whistling call-note — chew-ee —
is very striking. It is usually uttered from high up on a
bare branch.

Colonel Ward describes a nest taken from a fir-tree at 9000
feet as being very small and made of pine-needles ; the eggs
measured •88" x •65'', and were of a greenish blue marked with
dark brown spots at the larger end.

[771.] Metoponia pusilla. The Gold-fronted Finch.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (Quetta : common on

Birds of Kohat and R'nrram. 231

passage) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 51 (resident in Chitral : nest
at 12,000 ft. in July in birch-scrub) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 484, & xviii. p. 4G3 (breeds in Kashmir and Baltistan).

414. c? ad. Saraana, 5600 ft., 13th December.

A rather rare winter visitor to the Samana, occurrins^ in
small parties, and sometimes in flocks of forty or fifty, from
December till April. The flocks may be easily located by
their incessant twittering (which resembles the syllables hri-i).

Fairly common in summer between 8000 and 9000 feet on
the Peiwar Spur.

[772.] Hypacanthis spixoides. The Himalayan Green-
finch.

E-attray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 658 (nests fairly commonly
in the Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 484 (Kashmir :
common up to 8000 ft.).

409. Juv. Samana, 6500 ft., 6th December.

A few individuals are to be found in December and
January in company with the flocks of Goldfinches on the
Samana near Fort Lockhart, but the bird is not at all common.

[774.] Fringilla montifringilla. The Brambling,

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 484 (passes through) ;
Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (one shot in Chitral).

131. ? ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

Migrates through the District in small numbers early in
March, associating with big flocks of Buntings. Not ob-
served on the autumn passage.

Fringilla c(Elebs. The Chaffinch.

135. ? ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

I came across a pair of this species in an orchard near
Hangu in March 1906 and secured one specimen. The
following February I saw what 1 feel certain was another
(a male), but in the excitement of the moment I missed, it
and never saw it again.

[775.] Gymnorhis flavicollis. The Yellow-throated
Sparrow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 310 (Thall : rather rare).

K 2

232 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

777. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 2nd April.

A common summer visitor to the District, arriving; about
the 1st of April. It usually breeds in trees^ but the demand
for nesting-sites seems to be greater than the supply, one nest
that I found being built after the fashion of that of Passer
domesticus, and placed conspicuously in the top of a thorn-
bush. It contained four fresh eggs. I shot the hen on her
return, to make quite sure of her identity.

[776.] Passer domesticus. The House-Sparrow.

Rattray, J. B. N. II. S. xii. p. 340 (Quetta : common) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 604 (very common, but in summer
only) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 54 (summer visitor only) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485.

791. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th March.

755. S ad. „ „ 27th March.

Major Magrath writes of this species in Kohat as
follows : — " The usual pest and only too common. In April
and early in May vast flocks of a migratory race of this
species pass through the District in company with the next
and the flocks of Pastor roseus already mentioned. Numbers
of them are slaughtered along with the two latter. Does
not winter on the Samana."

These two examples belong to a melanistic variety not
uncommon round Kohat.

[778.] Passer hispaniolensis. The Spanish Sparrow.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (large flocks from
October till December : Chaman) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 54
(passes through Chitral in April and October) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 485 (met with in July).

Q7Q. S ad. Thall, 2550 ft., 14th March.

I will again quote from Major Magrath's excellent
notes : — " Mixed up with flocks of the last species, numbers
of the present occur on the spring migration. At the
height of the migration vast flocks of Sparrows in company
with flocks of Pastor roseus pour into the station at sundown
to roost. The combined noise of these birds before they
have settled down to sleep is indescribable, and the smell

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 233

of them becomes quite appreciable and rather offensive.
Gardens, hedges, and trees are disgustingly soiled by the
rain of their excreta. Shooting the birds is encouraged in
Cantonments at this time, and every sepoy who can procure
a gun slaughters to his heart's content. But not with-
standing these drastic measures little mitigation of the
nuisance is effected."

The spring migration sets in about the second week in
March and continues till the middle of May, the return
passage commencing early in August and continuing till
October, but comparatively few examples are seen in autumn.
A few stay for the winter, being fairly common then in the
reed-beds and scrub round Lachi, None appear to breed in
the Kurram Valley, but a large number pass through.

An example picked up by Major Magrath near Peiwar
(6500 feet) had evidently been strangled by getting its head
inextricably fixed between the primaries when preening
itself.

[779.] Passer montanus. The Tree-Sparrow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340 (nests freely: Upper
Kurram) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 604 (a very common
resident : Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 54 (a common
resident : Chitral) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 688 (abundant in
April : Seistau) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485.

714. S ad. Kohat, ] 850 ft., 20th March.

Common in winter in the Miranzai Valley, a few individuals
occurring as low as Kohat and Banda. Mr. Donald found a
nest with young in Doaba Station (3000 feet) in May and
says that the bird nests regularly at Shinauri (3800 feet). It
possibly also does so at Thall (2550 feet), where I observed a
solitary example on the 18th of May. In the Upper Kurram
this species and P. domesticus are present in about equal
numbers in summer, and build alongside one another in
houses ; but the former, as noted by Capt. Fulton in his paper
on " The Birds of Chitral," get the pick of the nesting-sites
before the latter's arrival, and in many cases P. domesticus
has to put up with holes in cliffs.

234 Lieut. C. H. T. Whiteliead on the

[782.] Petronia stulta. The Rock-Sparrow.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 485 (winter visitor to
Gilgir).

599. Ad. Banda, 2000 ft., 19tli February.

Major Magrath first met with a flock of this species
in February ]906 feeding in a stubble near Kobat. It is
apparently a regular winter visitor, more common in the
desolate country south of Banda than elsewhere. I found it
very wary and generally feeding in young crops in flocks of
fifteen or twenty.

[[785. J MoxTiFRiNGiLLA ADAMsi Moore. Adamses Mouu-
tain-Fiucli.

I can)e on a small flock of Mountain-Finches on the
2iid of August on a grassy knoll at an altitude of 10,000 feet
in the Safed Koh. From their markings and colouring I
attribute them to this species, but they were rather wild and
I did not secure one, and do not therefore feel justified in
entering the species on the list.]

[787.] Fringillauda sordida. Stoliczka's Mountain-
Finch.

Fulton, J, B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 55 (common in summer
from 10,000 to 14,000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485
(breeds in Kashmir).

13G. Ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 7th March.

642, 645. S ^ ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 5th March.

643, 644. Ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 5th March.

During the intense cold in March 1906, when the snow
was lying deep round Fort Lockhart, Major Magrath
noticed small flocks of these birds picking up scraps round
the cook-house door and shot one. They left when the
snow melted. The following winter I was stationed there,
but did not meet with a single s})ecimen. In March 1908,
however, I spent a couple of days there and found large
flocks feeding on fallow land ; curiously enough, the weather
was comparatively warm then and there was no snow lying
on the ijruund.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 235

[789.] E.MBERizA scH(ENiCLUs. The Reed-Buuting.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (December : Charaan) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485, & xviii. p. 463 (Gilgit and near
Srinagar).

126. Sex ? Kohat, 1760 ft., 20th February.

593. SexV ,, „ 17th February.

Fairly common from November to March in reed-beds
and irrigated crops and on the grass-farm, or occasionally
in dry stubble and scrub-jungle. Varies much in size and
coloration.

[792.] Emberiza leucocephala. The Pine-Bunting.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (common in
winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485 (occurs in early
spring); Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (specimen shot:
Chitral) .

52. ? ad. Raisan, 2300 ft., 25th December.

103. ^ ad. Kohat, 1700 ft., 5th February.

640. S ad. Hangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

A winter visitor, occurring in small flocks from
December till March about cultivated places, often in
company with E. stracheyi.

[793.] Emberiza stewarti. The White-capped Bunting.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (Quetta : common in
summer) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 55 (Chitral : very common
from 5000 to 12,000 ft.); Rattray, t. c. p. 672 (Murree Hills :
common) ; Betham, t. c. p. 832 (nests round Quetta) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 485 (rare),

648. S ad. Darband, 2800 ft., 6th March,

725. cT ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 22nd March.

778. S ad. Kachai, 2700 ft., 1st April.

A common resident on the Samana and in the Kurram
Valley, nesting up to 10,000 feet. In winter it is found in
varying numbers throughout Kohat above 3000 feet, where-
ever there is a good supply of grass and other seeds. During
cold spells, however, and on migration large numbers
appear in the plains, but they keep chiefly to scrub-jungle,
olive-groves, and rock-valleys, avoiding cultivated spots.

236 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

[794.] Emberiza stracheyi. The Eastern Meadow-
Bunting.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (one shot in November:
Chaman) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 55 (abundant fiom 4000
to 14,000 ft. according to season) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 672 (nests
freely in the Murree Hills) ; \A'ard, op. cit. xvii. p. 485 (resi-
dent : Kashmir).

53. ? . Raisan, 2300 ft., 25th December.
60. ? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 2nd January.

124. ? . „ „ 19th February.

A winter visitor to Kohat and by far our commonest
Bunting from the second week in October till April, occur-
ring at all elevations and on all sorts of ground, though more
commonly about cultivated places than elsewhere. On the
Samana it quite takes the place of Passer domesticus in
winter. It nests fairly commonly on the Safed Koh up to
11,000 feet.

[795.] Emberiza buchanani. The Grey-necked Bunting.

i\lar»hall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (common in April
near Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 485 (a rare spring
migrant) ; Pcrreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Chitral).

Not an uncommon species on the spring passage from the
middle of April to the middle of May. It frequents stony
ground covered with patches of scrub, usually singly or in
pairs. On the autumn migration I only observed it once,
viz. on tlie 16th of September. An example was forwarded
from Bannu to the British Museum by Major Magrath.

[800.] Emberiza luteola. The Red-headed Bunting.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (a few seen in May
in Chitral) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 744 (a spring migrant).

534. S ' Kurram Valley, 6800 ft., 27th April.

Passes through the District and up the Kurram Valley in
force from mid-April till mid-May, returning in August and
September. Major Wardlaw-Ramsay found this species
nesting in the Hariob Valley, which drains into the Kurram
Valley just west of our limits.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 237

[80.2.] E.MBERizA sTRioLATA. TliG Striolatcd Bunting.

Marshall, J. B. N. 11. S. xiv. p. 60i (not rare in summer :
Quctta).

Hare. I met with a party of six or seven in some very
desolate eountry between Lachi and Dhand on the 23rd of
February, 1907, and shot one bird, which corresponded well
with Oates's description.

[804-.] Chelidon urbica. The Howse-Martin.

Kattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 340 (Thall : rare) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 604 (Quetta : May); Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 483 (breeds in Ladak).

Colonel Eattray shot a specimen at Thall on the 14th
of May, 1898, out of a small flock. We have seen one or
two flocks of what appeared to be this species, on spring
migration, but have never shot an example.

[805.] Chelidon kashmirensis. The Kashmir Martin.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 55 (Chitral : common in
summer) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 659 (common in the Galls, nesting
freely in verandahs: Murree Hills); Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 483 (breeds in Kashmir).

Fairly numerous in summer along the Safed Koh Range,
nesting either singly or in small colonies under overhanging
crags from 6000 to 8000 feet. The nest resembles that of
the last species, but varies considerably in size and shape
according to the situation.

[808.] CoTiLE RiPARiA. The Sand-Martin.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 55 (Chitral : common in
summer) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 483 (Kashmir).

The large Sand-Martin which migrates through Kohat in
April and May must, I think, be of this species, though I
have not shot an example. Major Magrath shot one out of
a large flock on the autumn passage at Bannu, just south
of our limits.

[808 A.] CoTiLE DiLUTA. The Pale Sand-Martin.
Wyatt, Monogr. Hirundinidae, p. 63.

238 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

437. ? ad. Khushalgarh, 1200 £t., 16th February.

679. Ad. Thall, 2550 ft., 14th March.

This speeies is distinguished from C. riparia by its paler
colour, smaller size, and less sharply defined pectoral band.

It is probably widely distributed in India, but, owing to its
resemblance to the last-named species, has been overlooked.
In Kohat it is common enough and resident, large colonies
nesting in the banks of the Indus and Kurram Rivers
in February and March. The specimen, shot at Thall in
March, was one of a breeding-colony. Major Magrath also
found a large colony in March, nesting in the banks of the
Kurram River (south of our limits), and secured two typical
examples.

Besides these there are five specimens in the British
Museum, viz. a doubtful one obtained by Jerdon at Madras,
two from Afghanistan, and two from Central Asia.

[809.] CoTiLE SINENSIS. A resident species in the
District.

[810.] Ptyonoprogne rupestris. The Crag-Martin.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 604 (nests freely round
Quetta) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 55 (('liitral : summer visitor,
found up to 13,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 659 (nests in the
Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 483 (nests in Ladak).

277. Ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 12th April.

A winter visitor from October till April. Probably resident
on the Samana. Fair numbers nest in the precipices of the
Safed Koh.

[Ptyonoprogne ohsoleta. — Major Magrath shot an example
out of a flock at Bannu in December 1907.]

[813.] IIiRUNDO RUSTiCA. The Swallow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Murree Hills : a
common resident) ; Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 605 (abundant in
summer : Quetta) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 688 (Seistan,
1700 ft. : summer visitor) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 483 (summer
visitor: Kashmir) ; Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Chitral).

A fairly common resident in the Miranzai Valley, nesting
freely at Thall (2550 ft.) and at Doaba, but becoming scarce

Birds of Ko hat and Kurram. 239

in winter and temporarily disappearing in severe weather.
A summer visitor to tlie Kurram Valley in small numbers.
Major Magrath has found this highly migratory species
to 1)6 resident even in the hot plains of Bannu (1200 ft.)
{vide 'Yield,' March 28th, 1908).

[818.] HiRUNDO sMiTHi. The Wirc-tailcd S wallow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (common) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 483 (summer visitor : Kashmir).

A summer visitor and abundant from April till October,
the first birds arriving in the middle of March.

Occurs in the Kurram Valley up to GOOO feet, but only in
small numbers.

[822.] HiRUNDO NEPALENsis. Hodgsou's Striated
Swallow.

Marshall, J. R. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (summer visitor:
Quetta) ; Rattray, op. cit. xvi. p. 659 (nests freely in the
Galis).

Numbers pass up the Miranzai Valley in the first half of
April. I shot an example at Hangu on the 9th, and found
a retort-shaped nest under a bridge close by, though whether
it belonged to this species or the next I did not discover, as
I was only passing through.

[823.] HiRUNDO ERYTHROPYGiA. Sykes^s Striated
Swallow.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (great numbers passed
through Thall in the middle of May).

A small party of these Swallows arrived on the Samana
towards the end of March 1907. On the 4th of April I shot
one, the beak and part of the forehead of which were plastered
with mud ; it had evidently started nesting-operations.

[826.] MoTAciLLA ALBA. The White Wagtail.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta: common in
winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 55 (Chitral : resident from
4000 to 10,000 ft., according to season) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 723 (rare in Kashmir),

Large numbers arrive in Kohat early in September, and a
few stay though the winter; the majority pass on and return

240 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

about the middle of February, again to disappear towards the
middle of May.

[829.] MoTAciLLA PERSONATA. The Masked Wagtail.

Watson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (fairly common in
winter : Chaman, 4450 ft.) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 56
(Chitral: resident from 6000 to 12,000 ft., according to
season) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 688 (Seistan : April) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (breeds from 6000 to 8000 ft.).

First arrivals at Kohat noted in the last week of August.
Many individuals remain through the winter. This species
leaves about the same time as the preceding. Nests commonly
along the Kurram River from Thall (2550 ft.) upwards.

[831.] MoTACiLLA MADERASPATENSis. The Large Pied
Wagtail.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S- xii. p. 341 (Thall : common, many
stay to nest) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (Kashmir).

A resident in Kohat, but scarce. A few pairs were noted
along the Siau Nullah and the Kohat Toi.

[832.] MoTAciLLA MELANOPE. The Grcy Wagtail.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Thall : rare) ; Marshall,
op. cit. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : a few seen at 7000 ft. in May) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 56 (Chitral : March) ; Gumming, t. c.
p. 688 (Seistan : very common) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723
(common, and breeds in Kashmir).

A familiar cold-weather visitor, arriving in the plains
towards the end of August. Nests freely along the streams
of the Safed Koh from 6000 to 8000 feet.

[833.] MoTACiLLA BOREALis. The Grey-headed Wagtail.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : a few seen
in April) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 688 (common : Seistan) :
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (Kashmir).

760. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th March.

771. ^ . „ „ 31st March.

782. c? ad. „ „ 3rd April.

Occurs on passage from March till mid-May, but not so
commonly as the next species.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 241

[835.] ^loTACiLLA BEEMA. The Indian Blue -headed
Wagtail.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 56 (common in April);
"Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (breeds in Ladak).

770. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 31st March.

783. c? ad. „ „ 3rd April.

68. S ad. „ „ 17th April.

Passes tlirough Kohat in fair numbers from the second
week in March till nearly the end of May, being very
common in April ; the return passage lasts from August
and September till Avell into October.

No. 68. Major Magrath shot this specimen, and saw
others on his way through Kohat in April 1908. In the
Bannu district he has found the bird fairly common.

[836.] MoTACiLLA FELDEGGi. The Black-hcadcd Wagtail.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : fairly
common in April) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 688 (common
in Seistan in April) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (migrates
through Kashmir).

768. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 31st March.

769. Juv.

Small numbers appear towards the end of March and
early in April, in company with the last species.

[837.] MoTACiLLA ciTREOLA. The Yellow-headed Wag-
tail.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 723 (common on migration :
a few nest in Kashmir) .

727. c? ad. Kohat, 1 760 ft., 23rd March.

Occurs fairly commonly from February till nearly the
end of May. This species and the next are more usually
to be found about marshes than the preceding, and com-
monly roost in reed-beds, when available. None were seen
in autumn,

[838.] MoTACiLLA ciTREOLoiDEs. Hodgsou's Ycllow-
headed Wagtail,

Fulton, J. B.N. H. S. xvi. p. 56 (Chitral : saw a pair at

242 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

10,000 ft. in July) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (breeds in
Kashmir).

775. ^. Kohat, 1760 ft., 2nd April.

The same may be said of this species as of the last, but it
is rather more common.

It may be of interest to add tliat this year (July 1908)
I found this species nestinj^ freely from 8800 to 13,000 feet
in the Kaghan Valley (Hazara, N.W. Frontier), north of
our limits.

Oates says of M. citreola, " the young probably assume
the adult plumage at the first spring moult '^ ; and of the present
species, "the young do not appear to differ in any respect
from those of M. citreola^ This, however, appears not to be
the case, for some individuals certainly breed in the immature
plumage. A pair consisting of an adult male and an
immature female had made a nest at 12,000 feet, under
a stone, and this contained two young birds and one
abnormally small egg measuring "72 X "50 inch. In several
other instances, too, I observed birds in the pale immature
garb with food in the bill, which, from their beliaviour,
had evidently broods hard by.

[840.] Anthus trivialis. The Tree-Pipit.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (common near Quetta
in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 56 (a few resident
between 5000 and 10,000 feet) ; Betham, t. c. p. 832 (found
two nests near Quetta in June).

712. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th March.

Large numbers pass through Kohat and the Kurram
Valley from mid-March till mid-May, returning in August,
September, and October, but halting in comparatively few
cases.

[840 A.] Anthus pratensis. The Meadow-Pipit.

708. $ ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th March.

Major Magrath was the first to meet with this species in
N.W. India, and in January and February 1908 secured
four examples at Bannu. I only met with one at Kohat,
but possibly it has been overlooked, owing to its resem-
blance to A. trivialis.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 243

[844.] Anthus similis. The Brown Rock-Pipit.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (summer visitor) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (occurs : Kashmir) ; Pcrreau,
op, cit. xviii, p. 186 (specimen shot : Chitral).

566. S' Kohat, 1760 ft., 6th February,

569. S • „ ,i 8th February.

736. S afl. „ „ 24th March.

743. c? ad. „ „ 27th March.

A common resident in the District, nesting on the
Saraana in summer, and occurring from August till April
along the foot of the hills and on stony ground generally.
From January till the end of March it is also found commonly
about cultivated lands. It perches readily in trees. It
varies a good deal in size and colour. In February 1908 there
were flocks of peculiarly dusky individuals on the grass-
farm. Nos. 566 and 569 are examples of this dark-coloured
Pipit.

[845.] Anthus richardi. Richard^s Pipit.
61. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 4th January.
582. J ad. „ „ 14th February.

A rare winter visitor, these being the only examples met
with. Both were procured on the grass-farm.

[847.] Anthus rufulus. The Indian Pipit.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Thall : common in
winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723.

140. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., llth March.

145. ? ad. „ „ 15th March.

151. c? ad. „ • „ 17th March.

A summer visitor, arriving early in March and breeding
in numbers on the grass-farm and other suitable places.
Colonel Rattray must, I think, have mistaken A. cam-
pestris (which I have shot at Thall) for this species.

[848.] Anthus campestris. The Tawny Pipit.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : winter
visitor).

69. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 7th January.
142. S ad. ,, „ 13th March.

244 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

485. ? ad. Thall, 2500 ft., 14th April.
492. c? ad. „ „ 16th April.

Fairly numerous from the middle of September till the
middle of April, chiefly frequenting dry open country, and
not found much about cultivated ground. Not observed
on the Samana or in the Kurram Valley.

[850.] Anthus rosaceus. Hodgson's Pipit.
Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 723 (breeds freely in
Kashmir).

298. S ■ Safed Koh, 12,000 ft., 2nd July.

486. S ad. Thall, 2550 ft., 14th April.
586. Juv. Kohat, 1850 ft., 15th February.

Flocks composed chiefly of immature birds visit the
District from January till mid-April, frequenting, for the
most part, marshes and irrigated land. This species nests
freely on the Safed Koh, from 11,000 to 13,000 feet. I
found two nests in June, both under stones, perfectly con-
cealed, and well and solidly constructed of roots and grass.
In one case I surprised the bird excavating the hollow under
a stone for the nest. Not noted in autumn.

[851.] Anthus spipoletta. The Water-Pipit.

W^atson, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 145 (Chaman : common in
winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723 (occurs).

568. c? juv. Kohat, 1760 ft., 7th February.

622. S ad. „ „ 29th February.

632. J' ad. ,, „ 1st March.

636. S ad. „ „ 2nd March.

646, 647. S ? ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 5th March.

A winter visitor, and by far our commonest Pipit from
early in October till about the 18th of March. It moults
into the beautiful summer plumage before leaving. A iew
individuals are to be found on the dry rocky summit of the
Samana all the winter. No. 568 is a dingy specimen.

Anthus coutellii. The Persian Water-Pipit.
Anthus coutellii Savigny ; Hartert, Yog. pal. Faun,
p. 281.

387. ? . Samana, 6500 ft., 28th October, 1906.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 245

Bill blackish, lower mandible yellowish ; iris dark brown ;
tarsus dark yellowish brown.

Wing 3"4in. ; tail 2"55 in. ; bill '75 in. ; hind claw '48 in.

6i6, 647. S ? ad. Samana, 6500 ft., 5th March.

No. 387 was shot out of a flock which was feeding in a
very dry spot amongst stunted scrub.

Dr. Hartert says that the range of this bird has not yet
been fully worked out, but that it is found in winter in
Egypt and Palestine, as well as in Eastern Persia and Persian
Baluchistan ; also that it breeds in the highlands of Persia
and possibly in Lel)anon and the Caucasus.

[852.] Anthus japonicus. The Eastern Water- Pipit.
84. S ■ Kohat, 1760 ft., 14th January.
155. (^ . „ ,, 22nd March.

184. c?. „ „ 4th April.

581. ? sex. „ „ 14th February.

A somewhat scarce winter visitor, occurring singly with
the flocks of ^. spipoletta or in small parties by itself.

[853.] OnEocoiiYS SYLVAN us. Tlic Upland Pipit.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 654 (common in the
Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 723.

398. S ad. Samana, 4500 ft., 14th November.

A resident on the Samana from 4000 feet upwards, but
not common. Capt. Keen found several nests in July.

[859.] Melanocorypiia bimaculata. The Eastern
Calandra Lark.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 56 (plentiful in Chitral at
the end of February and beginning of March) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 724 (one shot in December).

Large flocks visit Kohat in February and early in March.

[860.] Alauda arvensis. The Sky-Lark.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (common round
Quetta in winter, a few stay for the summer) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 56 (a resident between 5000 and 11,000 feet) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 724 (a resident).

577. S ad. Jamrud, 2000 ft., 11th February.

SER. IX. VOL. III. s

246 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

615. ? ad. Lachi, 1540 ft., 26th February.

704. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 18th March.

737. ? ad. „ „ 25th March.

A winter visitor, abundant from November till March.
By the end of the latter month it is entirely replaced by the
next species, which arrives in the second week in March.

[861.] Alauda gulgula. The Indian Sky-Lark.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 724 (reported from the Jammu
plains),

695. S- Lachi, 1540 ft., 17th March.

728. ^. Kohat, 1760 ft., 23rd March.

752. S ' „ ., 27th March.

A summer visitor, nesting freely on the grass-farm. It can
he distinguished from A. arvensis by the harsh note uttered
on rising and by the song, which is not so rich as that of
the latter.

862. Calandrella brachydactyla. The Short-toed
Lark.

Marshall, J.B.N. H. S. xiv. p. 605 (abundant from winter
till May 1st) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 56 (Chitral : many
pass through in October).

613. ? . Lachi, 1540 ft., 26th February.

621. S' Kohat, 1760 ft., 29th February.

730, 731. ? c? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 23rd March.

Occurs commonly in Kohat and the Kurram Valley from
the last week in February till the middle of April (last seen
ou the 19th), and returns in small numbers in September.

[864.] Calandrella tibetana. — Major Magrath shot an
example of this species at Bannu in December 1907. It has
now been found to occur in Kohat; fairly common in spring.

[869.] MiRAFRA cANTiLLANs. The Singing Bush-Lark.

266. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th May.

Fairly numerous from the middle of May till September
about grassy and bush-covered plains. Not observed in the
Kurram Valley, though fairly common at Thall at the
entrance. A most energetic songster ; many of its notes
seem to be borrowed from Argya caudata.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 247

[874.] Galerita cristata. The Crested Lark.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (very common at Tliall) ;
Marshal], op. cit. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : a very common
resident) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 689 (Seistan : abun-
dant) ; Perreau, op. cit. xviii. p. 186 (Ghitral).

610. ? . Lachi, 1540 ft., 26th February.

687. ? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 16th March.

723. ? . „ „ 21st March.

751. S ' „ „ 27th March.

This species is abundant everywhere and resident up to
3000 feet. In the Kurram Valley it occurs uj) to 7000 feet
in summer. It is a great mimic, as Major Magrath has
noted, its rendering of the notes of Fiarcograimnus indicus
and Totanus calidris being particularly good.

[878.] Ammomanes phgenicuroides. The Desert Finch-
Lark.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Thall : rather rare) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xiv. p. 605 (Quetta : common in the low
hills) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 689 (fairly common in
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 724 (Kashmir).

609. S • Lachi, 1540 ft., 25th February.

761. ? . Kohat, 1850 ft., 30th March.

Resident and abundant on stony wastes and hill-sides up
to 3000 feet.

The song reminds me somewhat of that of Anthus similis,
being often uttered on the wing.

[879.] Pyrrhulauda grisea. The Ashy-crowned Finch-
Lark.

196. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 8th April.

The above example was one of the only pair met with.
The male, a fine black-breasted bird, I failed to secure.

[895. J Arachnechthra asiatica. The Purple Sun-bird.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Thall : common iu
summer).

A common summer visitor, arriving in the middle of
March and disappearing towards the middle of September.
It occurs up to 5000 feet on the Samana.

s2

248 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

[946.] Gecinus squamatus. The Western Himalayan
Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 57 (common in Chitral from
4000 to 8000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 659 (common in the
Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 724 (widely distributed
in Kashmir).

565. ? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 6th February.

659. ? ad. Hangu, 2500 ft., 8th March.

713. S ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 20th March.

A cold-weather visitor to the District from August to the
end of March; fairly common in the Miranzai Valley, but
scarce near Kohat. A resident on the Samaiia. Occurs
sparingly in the Kurram Valley up to 9000 feet. I have
several times seen this Woodpecker climbing up a cliff as if
it were a tree.

[961.] Dendrocopus HiMALAYENsis. The Westem Hima-
layan Pied Woodpecker.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 57 (Chitral : common from
5000 to 11,000 ft); Rattray, t. c. p. 660 (Murree Hills:
abundant) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 724 (common).

Common on the Samana from 4500 feet upwards, and on
the Safed Koh up to tree-limit.

[963.] Dendrocopus sindiancs. The Sind Pied Wood-
pecker.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 341 (Thall : not rare) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta : common near
Khojak).

655, 656. ^ ? ad. Hangu, 2500 ft., 8th March.

A fairly common resident tliroughout the District up to
3000 feet. Nesting commences early in April, a mulberry-
tree being usually selected for the excavation. I have often
observed this species in scrub-jungle some distance from
trees.

In this and the last species the colouring of the lower parts
varies from white to a rich reddish buff, the white parts of
the upper surface being also frequently tinged with fulvous.
No. 656 represents this ruddv variety.

Birds of Kuhat and Ktirram. 249

[969.] Dendrouopus auuiceps. The Brown-fronted Pied
Woodpecker.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 57 (fairly common in Chitral
from 4000 to 10,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 660 (breeds in the
Murree Hills up to 7500 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725
(rare in Kashmir).

580. ? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 13th February.

654. ? . Hangu, 2500 ft., 8th March.

716. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 20th March.

A common winter visitor to the District, including the
Samana, from October till Aprd (last seen on the 9th).

[972. Liopicus MAHRATTENsis (Lath.) is fairly common
both at Rawal Pindi and Peshawar (an example from the
latter place is in the British Museum), but has not been
observed in Kohat as yet.]

[1003.] Iynx torquilla. The Wryneck.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: occurs
regularly in April) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 57 (Chitral :
one obtained in May) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (nests fairly
commonly in Kashmir).

80. S ^(^- Kohat, 1760 ft., 11th January.

69. ? ad. „ „ 18th April.

Not common. The only other examples seen were observed
on the 23rd of April near Peiwar, 7000 feet (Kurram Valley),
with the exception of one on the 29th near Kohat.

[986. Brachypternus aurantius (Linn.) . — Major Magrath
observed one individual at Baunu in October 1908. It is
common at Lahore.]

[1022.] CoRACiAS iNDiCA. The Indian Roller.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 724 (rare; occurs in the
outer ranges).

Resident, but partially migratory, being very common in
summer and comparatively scarce in winter.

[1024.] CoRAciAs GARKULA. The European Roller.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S, xii. p. 341 (Thall : common in
summer) ; Marsliall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta: common in

250 Lieut. C. H. T. Whiteliead on the

May and early June) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 57 (passing;
through Chitral early in May) ; Gumming, t, c. p. 689
(passing through Seistan in April) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 725 (summer visitor from May till November) .

A fairly common summer visitor to the District and the
Kurram Valley, up to 3000 feet, from early in May till
September, being particularly common round Thall, where it
nests in colonics in the conglomerate cliffs.

[1026.] Merops viridis. The Common Indian Bee-
eater,

Rattray, J. B. N, H. S. xii. p. 342 (not common at Thall) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725.

756. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 28th March.

Abundant in summer, the majority arriving about the
20th of March and leaving in the middle of October. In a
mild year odd birds and even parties of five or six are seen
at intervals throughout the winter.

[1027.] Merops PHiLippiNUS. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall : June).

We have not met with this Bee-eater in Kohat. Colonel
Rattray, however, observed a pair at Thall in June.

Major Magrath has found it not uncommon in Bannu in
early autumn and has procured an example. It is also very
common round Rawal Pindi.

[1028.] Merops persicus. The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.

Major Magrath saw what he took to be this species in
large numbers between Basal and the Indus, just outside
our limits, in July 1907, and also observed an individual at
Khushalgarh just inside. Another which he obtained iu
Bannu, where the bird is fairly common in summer, is now
in the National Collection.

[1029.] Merops apiaster. The European Bee-eater.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 351 (Quetta : common
summer visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 57 (a few breed in
Chitral) ; Betham, t. c. p. 749 (nests freely round Quetta) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (abundant in summer).

Birds of Kohat and K tor am. 251

Passes through Kohat in April and tlie beginning of ^lay,
returning in August and September. Possibly a few pairs
nest round Thall; several were eertaiuly there up to the
time that I left (May 20th), and Capt. Keen informs me
that he saw some there in July. This species breeds freely
in the Kurrara Valley from 3000 to 7000 feet. Towards the
end of July, when nesting-operations were over, flocks of
from ten to forty used to fly up the valleys of the Safed
Koh to tree-limit (12,000 feet) every morning, and return
at dusk.

[1033 ] Ceryle varia. The Indian Pied Kiug6sher.

Rattray, J. B. N, II. S. xii. p. 342 (common at Thall :
nests in JMarch) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (very common
up to 6000 ft.).

A resident, but not very common, though found along
most of the streams of the District, and in the Kurram
Valley at least up to Dandar (4700 feet).

[1035.] Alcedo ispida. The Common Kingfisher.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: an uncommon
resident) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta : common in
spring) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 689 (a common resident
in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (abundant in Kashmir
up to 6000 ft.).

The Kingfisher is common in cold weather, even about
cantonments, and, never being molested, shews little fear of
man.

It nests fairly commonly in the Miranzai and Kurram
Valleys, but only a few pairs stay to breed in the plains
around Kohat. It may often be seen hovering over water
after the manner of Ceryle varia, if no perch is available.

[104i.] Halcyon smyrnensis. The White-breasted Kin<;-
fisher.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: common);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 725 (occurs in Pooncli).

Abundant in Kohat and up to Sadda (3500 feet) in the
Kurram Valley. A permanent resident. This bird picks up

252 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

lizards and insects from the ground like a Shrike. In
Kohat its favourite food consists of freshwater crabs. Major
Magrath has also observed it taking locusts and dragon-flies
on the wing.

[1066.] Upupa epops. The European Hoopoe.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 351 (Quetta : summer
visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral : summer visitor,
occurring up to 1-1,000 ft.) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 690 ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 726 (common in summer, rare in winter).

Abundant in Kohat in the cold weather, but only a few
individuals stay to nest. Occurs in the Kurram Valley up
to 8000 ft., but is scarce.

[1068.] Cypselus melba. The Aljiine Swift.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall : May) ; Marshall,
oj). cit. XV. p. 351 (Quetta : summer visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit.
xvi. p. 58 (common in Chitral in summer from 5000 to
16,000 ft.) ; llattray, t. c. p. 660 (found two nests : Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726.

Flocks of this fine Swift, often accompanied by the next
species, pass through Kohat at intervals from March till the
end of May, returning in August and September. They
merely pass over and do not stay.

[1069.] Cypselus Apus. The Common Swift.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (Thall: common in
May; shot two); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta;
common in summer ; found nests in caves) ; Fulton, op. cit.
xvi. p. 58 (Chitral : common in summer up to 14,000 ft.) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726 (summer visitor; nests in cliff's).

Occurs like the last species and often in company with
it. Breeds in small numbers in the cliff's of the Safed Koh,
and is fouud up to the summit.

[1073.] Cypselus affinis. The Common Indian Swift.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 342 (rare at Thall) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (common in summer) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 726.

Abundant in the District frum early in March till

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 253

November, and appearing at intervals throughout tlie cold
weather if the season is mild.

[1089.] Caprimulgus mahrattensis. Sykes^s Nightjar.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. J542 (Thall) ; Gumming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 690 (abundant in Seistan from April till
September).

Nightjars are not common in the neighbourhood of
Kohat, but round Thall the country is better suited to
their habits and they are plentiful. We did not meet vvitli
this species, and are indebted to Col. Rattray for the
following notes he made at Thall : — " Fairly numerous.
The birds are not permanent residents, but arrive about
the middle of May with C. europcBus. I always found this
species on the open hill-sides, and not amongst jungle.
It breeds in the more open nullahs during June and July.
I obtained four nests with eggs, the female in each case
being shot on leaving the eggs "

Major Magrath procured an example at Bannu in
September 1907.

[1090.] Caprimulgus monticola. Franklin's Nightiar.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 313 (Thall).

The following details are again taken from notes made by
Colonel Rattray at Thall : — " Common and a permanent
resident. 1 found it breeding plentifull}' ; all the eggs that
1 procured from five nests were laid without any depression,
and were extremely highly coloured, being almost brick-
red.'^

[1092.] Caprimulgus EUR0P.EUS. The Common Nightjar.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 (Thall : commonest
Nightjar in summer ; found ten nests) ; Marshall, op. cit.
XV. p. 351 (fairly common at Quetta in summer); Rattray,
op. cit. xvi. p. 661 (not common in the Murree Hills).

Passes through Kohat in spring and autumn, and nests
commonly in the scrub-jungle around Thall. I shot several
examples.

[1101.] CucuLUs CANORUs. The Common Cuckoo.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S, xv. p. 351 (Quetta: very common

254 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

in March and April) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral :
fairly common in summer) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 661 (abundant
in the Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 726; Magrath,
op. cit. xviii. p. 296 (abundant at Thandiani, 9000 ft.,
Hazara District).

The familiar call of the Cuckoo is heard in Kohat from
early in April till nearly the middle of May. The bird is
found up to the tree-limit on the Safed Koh, but is rather
scarce. It continues calling there till well past the middle
of July.

Major Magrath (/. c.) records his finding Blue Cuckoo's
eggs.

[1118.] CoccYSTEs jAcoBiNus. The Pied Crcstcd Cuckoo.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 726 (Kashmir: not common,
but several specimens were procured in the Valley).

Occurs rarely during the autumn migration. I have mot
M'ith it on three occasions, viz. in August and September.

[1120.] EuDYNAMis HONORATA. The Indian Koel.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 726.

I cannot do better than quote the following notes made
by Major Magrath : — '' A summer visitor in small numbers,
much to the annoyance of Corvus splent/ims. In the early
summer of 1905 there were probably not more than half a
dozen birds in the station, but they made enough noise for a
hundred. I picked up a dead Hedgling in the month of
August.^'

Arrives in Kohat about the middle of May.

[1138.] Pal.eornis torquatus. The Rose - winged
Parroquet.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 727.

The following details are also from Major Magrath's
notes : — " A resident, though scarce. There are probably
not more than eight or a dozen in the District, all of which
frequent cantonments. I know of only two trees where
they nest, one a large cotton-tree (Simal) and the other
a Cirrus. A tame example which I kej)t in a state of semi-
freedom used often to mix with the wild birds, but the

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. .255

females, to wliom he made advances, he invariably found, to
his cost, a;)propriated."

[1141.] PALiEORNis scHisTicEPs. The Slaty-hcadcd Par-
roquet.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral : summer visitor,
occurring up to 7000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 661 (very common
in the Murree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 727 (common
in summer and autumn up to 7500 ft.).

Flocks of this Parroquet visit the District during April
(noted on various dates from the 8th to the 26th) and stay
a few days. I came across a small nesting-colony on the
19th of June near Zeran, 5800 feet (Kurram Valley) ; the
young birds had just floven.

[1157.] Asio ACCiPiTRiNus. The Short-eared Owl.
Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 727 (occurs in the plains).
456. c? ad. Samaua, 6500 ft., 5th ]March.
Migrates through Kohat in March, but apparently only
in small numbers.

[1159.] Syrnium biddulphi. Scully's Wood-Owl.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 58 (Chitral : not common,
occurs up to 8000 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 727 (fairly
common in Kashmir : eggs taken in April and May).
90. cJ . Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th January.

637. S ' Hangu, 2700 ft., 3rd March.

Fairly common from November till April in the orchards
and wild olive-groves of the Kohat and Miranzai Valleys.

This species spends the day in evergreen trees, but without
troubling much about concealment, being often mobbed by
Crows, Mynas, Bulbuls, &c. An individual so mobbed was
rescued and taken to Major Magrath, who kept it till dusk
and then let it go. He says that it allowed him to handle
it and scratch its head, and appeared to be of a gentle dis-
position. He adds that the bird is a not uncommon winter
visitor to Bannu.

[1164.] Ketupa ZEYLONENsis. The Brown Fish-Owl.

668. S ad. Kachai, 2700 ft., 11th March.

Probably not rare, as the streams of the District are full of

256 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

sraall fishes and crabs. The stomach of the above-mentioned
example was crammed with fragments of crabs' shells and
claws, with a few fish-bones.

Besides this example I shot one of a pair at Kohat in
November.

[1168.] Bubo bengalensis. The Rock Horned Owl.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 (rare : Thall) ;
Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 690 (Seistan : one young bird
brought in) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 727 (common in
Kashmir) .

Major Magrath writes as follows on this .species : — " A
resident and fairly common. An example I shot on the
13th of January, 1906, was put up in broad daylight from a
nullah in which it had just pounced on a huge bull-frog.
It flew away with its prey some distance and was killed on
the ground. The vast flocks of Pastor roseus that roosted
in the cantonments in August 1905 were mvich harried by
Owls, this species being, as far as I could ascertain, the chief
depredator.'^

This is tlie common Owl of the District.

[1180.] Athene brama. The Spotted Owlet.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 727 (Kashmir).

441. c^. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th February.

549. c? . Thall, 2550 ft., 15th May.

A fairly common resident, not found about houses, as is
usually the case, but only in clitts in wild and desolate
})arts of the District, or occasionally in groves. In the cliffs
near Thall it is particularly common, and this must, I think,
be the species which Colonel Rattray took for A. bactriana.
Curiously enough, in the adjoining District of Peshawar it
occurs commonly about towns and villages.

[1191.] Otogyps calvus. The Black Vulture.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 728 (far from common in
Kashmir) .

Rare. I met with a pair near Siau in November 1905,
and a solitary individual on the grass-farm in February
1908. These are the only examples that I have observed.

Birds of Koliat and Kurram. 257

[1192.] Gyps fulvus. The Griffon Vulture.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 (Thall : common);
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 351 (Quetta : very common) ;
Wardj op. cit. xvii. p. 728 (breeds in colonies and is
resident).

Common throughout the District, especially on the
Saraana, where it breeds and is resident. Observed in the
Kurram Valley up to 8500 feet.

[1196.] PsEUDOGYPs BENGALENsis. Thc Indian "White-
backed Vulture.

Rattra)^ J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 ; AVard, op, cit. xvii.
p. 728 (rare in Kashmir).

Colonel Rattray recorded this species from Thall, and
made the following notes on it : — " Common on the plains
round Thall ; they were feeding on the dead transport
animals all along the road from Kohat to Thall.*' This
was during the Tirah Carapaio-n of 1897-98, wiiich doubtless
attracted them to our part of the country, where in times
of peace they are unknown. The nearest place where I
have seen them is at Rawal Pindi, a hundred miles east
of our limits, where, in October 1905, on the occasion of
thirteen mules being shot, a great number, in company
with Gyps fulvus and N^eophron jjercnopterus, assembled in
anticipation of the feast.

[1197.] Neophron percxopterus. The Egyptian
Vulture.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 (Thall) ; Marshall,
op. cit. XV. p. 351 (Quetta : common in summer) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral : summer visitor from March till
September) ; Rattray, t. c. p. G62 (common in the Murree
Hills) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 691 (occasionally seen in Seistan);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728.

The common Scavenger Vulture of the District. A
resident everywhere, except on the Samana and in the
Kurram Valley, which it leaves on the approach of winter,
returning early in March wdth Passer domesticus. Scarce

258 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

in the Kurram Valley, though we noted it up to the head
(7000 feet).

[1199.] Gypaetus barbatus. The Lammergeier.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 (common at Thall) ;
Marshal], op. cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta : very common and
nests) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral : a common
resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 928 (common ; nests in
February and March).

Common and found everywhere from the plains to the
summit of the Safed Koh, though seldom seen in the plains
from June till October.

[1201.] Aquila heliaca. The Imperial Eagle.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 728 (an uncommon winter
visitor).

A fairly common winter visitor. Mr. Donald has seen
one give chase to a Laggar Falcon, and finally force it to
drop its prey. Immature birds of this genus are frequently
seen about the grass-farm feeding on oifal, mole-rats, &c.

[1202.] Aquila bifasciata. The Steppe-Eagle.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 336 (abundant in Kashmir).

772. S imm. Kohat, 1900 ft., 1st April.

Fairly common in winter, but those seen were mostly
immature birds.

[1203.] Aquila vindhiana. The Tawny Eagle.

Kattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 343 ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 728.

Fairly plentiful in the cold weather and probably resident.
Mr. Donald told me that in May 1907, when swarms of
young locusts were devastating Kohat, he counted in one
spot alone thirty-five of these Eagles which had apparently
been gorging on the locusts. Colonel Rattray writes that
in the Tirah Campaign he often saw this species feeding in
company with Vultures on dead transport animals near Thall.

[1205.] Aquila maculata. The Large Spotted Eagle.
Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xviii. p. 464 (Badarwa, Kashmir).
One pair observed on the grass-farm and another at the

Birds of Kuliat and Kurram. 259

Laclii reed-bed in April and May. Probably breeds in the
neighbourhood.

[1207.] HiERAETUs FASCiATUs. Bonelli's Eagle.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (Quetta : some breed
in the hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 728 (not common in
Kashmir).

A fairly common resident, very destructive to game.
Mr. Donald, who has trained several of these birds, says that
they are most courageous and will hawk anything they are
entered to ; but that they are wild and difficult to train, even
when taken very early from the nest, and that through
Avant of practice in flying they are usually rather un wieldly ;
added to which, owing to their marked partiality for poultry,
they are somewhat nnsatisfactory from a falconer's point
of view. In the wild state they have a bad reputation for
pursuing and killing trained Goshawks when they get the
chance, and are said to be tlie Avorst enemies of the wild
Goshawk. They hunt in pairs ; their favourite quarry, if
they can be said to have one, is perhaps the Wood-Pigeon,
but little comes amiss, and they will snatch up a fowd when
opportunity offers, or make off Avith a wounded duck.

[1216.] CiRCAiixus gallicus. The Short-toed Eagle.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 728.

Fairly common in Aviuter, and perhaps resident.

[1220.] BuTASTUR TEESA. Tlic Whitc-cycd Buzzard-
Eagle.

711. c? ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 19th March.

A summer visitor, arriving early in March and leaving
toAvards the end of October. Breeds fairly commonly in the
Miranzai and Samilzai Valleys.

[1223.] Haliaetus leucoryphus. Pallas's Fishing-
Eagle.

Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 728 (Kashmir).

Resident and common along the River Indus. Mr. Donald
found four pairs nesting there in March. Rare elsewhere;
occasionally seen between Chikarkot and Hangu.

260 Lieut. C. H. T. Wliitehead on the

[1229.] MiLvus GoviNDA. The Common Pariah Kite.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 844 (Thall : very common) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta : common, scarce in
winter) ; Rattray, op. cit. xvi. p. 642 (common in the
Galis) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729.

532. ? ad. Peiwar Kotal, 8000 ft., 25th April.

A very common resident up to 4000 ft., occurring up to
8000 ft. in summer. Major Magrath writes : " The numbers
of this species were considerably reduced in the winter of
1905 by the excessive cold. The unfortunate birds were
induced to breed early in January by the mildness of the
weather, and had actually commenced to nest when the
intense cold, lasting well into March, fell on us.'^

[1230.] MiLVus MELANOTis. The Ijarge Indian Kite.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 34i (Thall : rare; shot a
female off a nest) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral :
April) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (rare at Murree) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 729 (common in Kashmir).

Not common, more numerous on the Samana and in the
Kurram Valley than elsewhere.

[1232.] Elanus c.eruleus. The Black-winged Kite.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 59 (common in ('hitral in
summer) .

Fairly common in Kohat from earlj'^ in April till October.
In a mild year a fesv stragglers stay for the winter. I met
with it as high as Dandar (1700 ft.) in the Kui-ram Valley.

[1223.] Circus macrurus. The Pale Harrier.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (Quetta : common in
spring) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral : April).

739. S ad. Kohat, 1760 ft., 25th March.

This is the common Harrier of the District. Chiefly seen
on migration from September till the end of November,
and from February till May, only a few remaining for the
winter.

[1234.] Circus cineraceus. Montagu's Harrier.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 729 (winter visitor to
Kashmir).

Birds uf Kohat and Kurrarn. 261

Rare. We both observed this species on the Samana
during the spring migration. I also saw one near Lachi
in March.

[1235.] Circus cyaneus. The H en-Harrier.
Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (occurs at Quetta in
spring) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (common in winter).
Fairly common on passage in spring and autumn.

[1237,] Circus ^RUGiNosus. The Marsh-Harrier.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (fairly common in
winter); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (very plentiful ; possibly
breeds in Kashmir).

Common about reed-beds and irrigated crops from
September till the middle of May, especially in spring and
autumn. Dresser, in his ' Manual of Palaearctic Birds '
(p. 504), writing of this species, says : " It is doubtful if it
dares even to attack a rat.'" I once disturbed a bird feasting
on a freshly-killed adult Nesokia hardwickii (a particularly
fierce species of field-rat), which I think must have been
killed by the bird. I believe that a pair nested on the grass-
farm at Kohat in the summer of 1906. They were there
up to the 14th of June, when I left for the Kurram Valley.
On my return in August I found an immature bird in the
same spot.

[1239.] BuTEo FEROX. The Long-legged Buzzard.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (common round
Quetta in winter, chiefly the dark form; probably breeds
close by).

A winter visitor and very common from October till
April. I have shot both the light and the dark forms^ but
the former is much the commoner.

[1241.] BuTEo DESERToRUM. The Common Buzzard.

Cumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan : one shot
in February).

757. ? . Kohat, 1760 ft., 28th March.

A winter visitor, but by no means as common as the last
species.

SER. IX. — VOL. III. ;r

262 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead o)i the

[1243.] AsTUR PALUMBARius. The Gosliawk.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 729 (rare).

This species occurs on passage, but very rarely.

Mr. Donald says that nets are set iu four or five gorges
in the independent territory north of Kohat. These nets
average twelve feet in height, have a two-inch mesh, and are
made to fit roughly the bottom of the gorge, while they are
so arranged as to collapse when struck by anything. The
Goshawk is thus occasionally taken in spring and autumn.
Bonelli's Eagle is its chief enemy and pursues both wild and
trained birds for its prey. This is the favourite Hawk with
the local Khans, but it is an expensive luxury, females costing
from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 (£10-jei3), and males from Rs. 50
to Rs. 70.

[1244'.] AsTUR BADius. The Shikra.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 729 (Kashmir: rare).

A summer visitor, arriving towards the end of March.
Nests commonly in the Samilzai Valley. Large numbers
are snared by means of a light cage formed of fine netting
stretched over supports, and covered with nooses ; a live
Quail is used as a bait. They are used for hawking Quail,
and their price varies from 2d. to Is.

[1247.] AcciPiTER Nisus. The Sparrow-Hawk.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : occasionally
seen ; breeds in the Safed Koh) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv.
p. 352 (not common ; occurs in spring at Quetta) ; Fulton,
op. cit. xvi. p. 59 (Chitral : shot one in May at 8000 ft.) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (a resident in Kashmir).

Occurs on migration in spring and autumn. Colonel
Rattray mentions a young bird in down being brought to
Parachinar in July from the Safed Koh. Mr. Donald tells
me that this species breeds freely in Tirah, which lies just
north of our limits, and that every autumn some thirty or
forty individuals are snared along the Kachai stream, bv
means of a drop-net set up in the open, with a fine network
cage containing Sparrows suspended in front. The Hawk

Birds of KoJiat and Kurram. *Zi][\

seeing the Sparrows flutter up makes a dash and gets en-
tangled iu the net. The bazaar rate varies from 2d. to 10*.

[1254.] Falco peregrinus. The Peregrine Falcon.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 729 (common in Kashmir).

This species occurs chiefly on migration in spring and
autumn, but is by no means common. Mr. Donald only
knows of one instance of its being snared in the District, but
has often observed it on passage. The bazaar rate for a good
female is about Rs. 30.

[1255.] Falco peregrinator. The Shahin.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : common along
the foot of the hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (occasionally
caught near Srinagar).

A resident, and aft^r the Laggar the commonest of our
larger Falcons. ]\Ir. Donald generally keeps a pair for
hawking Chukor, Partridges, Teal, &c. He speaks highly of
their courage, and has known one strike and kill a Mallard,
but says that, though comparatively easy to train, after a
year or two in captivity they deteriorate rapidly. There
are many eyries scattered through the District. In June
and July Mr. Donald has often seen them taking Bats ;
these he thinks must be young birds practising.

[1257.] Falco jugger. The Laggar Falcon.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (Quetta: fairly
common) ; W^ard, op. cit. xvii. p. 729.

Resident and common in open, cultivated, country. Mr.
Donald says that this species is the most frequent lure
for taking other and more valuable Falcons. It is usually
trained to take hares, but is not thought very much of,
being too slow. The bazaar price is R. 1.

[1258.] Falco cherrug. The Cherrug or Saker.

The Cherrug occurs in open country like the last species,
but is not nearly so common, and is a winter visitor only,
arriving about October and leaving in April. Mr. Donald
kept two birds which he trained very successfully to take
Milvus govinda as well as Houbaras, Bustards, and Hares.

t2

264 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

After the Goshawk and Peregrine, this is the favourite
amongst local falconers. The price ranges from Rs. 7 to
Rs. 14 for a good female.

[1260.] Falco subbuteo. The Hobby.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 60 (Chitral : one specimen
obtained in May) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (rare in the Murree
Hills ; breeds) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729 (breeds in the
higher hills of Kashmir).

Mr. Donald states that this species is fairly common in
spring and that he has observed it as late as May. I came
across three individuals in beautiful adult plumage in
February near Lachi ; they were flying backwards and for-
wards, sparring at each other, and occasionally perching
in a tree close by, while constantly uttering a cry which
sounded like " gyak-gyak.^'

[1263.] iEsALON REGULUs. The Merlin.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 729 (widely distributed in
■winter).

This bird is fairly common from October till the middle of
March ; it is more often, seen about the grass-farm and the
Yarma and Lachi plains than elsewhere. It migrates over
the Samana in March. It is seldom trained in this district.

[1264.] ^SALON CHiCQUERA. Thc Rcd-hcadcd Merlin or
Turumti.

An occasional visitor, but by no means common. I have
only twice seen the Turumti ; on one occasion the bird shot
down just in front of me to take a Starling flying in to
roost, and started to tear it up close by, giving me a splendid
view through my glasses. Mr. Donald says that he has met
with this species in Kohat in most months of the year. He
has a great opinion of its courage, and has trained it to take
Rollers (a bird a great deal bigger than itself), while he has
known a pair to tackle a Blue Rock-Pigeon. It is a fairly
common resident, he says, in the adjoining Districts of
Peshawar and Mianwali. Major Magrath has also found it
not uncommon in Bannu. The wide open plains of these
Districts are more to its liking than the confined valleys of
Kohat.

Bit'ds of Kohat and Kurram. 265

• [1265.] TiNNUNCULus ALAUDARius. The Kestrel.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (a common resident at
Thall); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. ,352 (Quetta : common;
found many nests) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 60 (Chitral : a
very common resident from 4000 ft. upwards ; one seen at
18,000 ft.) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (common in the Murree
Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 729.

753. S' Kohat, 1760 ft., 27th March.

764. S' „ „ 23rd March.

Common in winter ; a resident on the Samana and in the
Kurram and Miranzai Valleys (nesting regularly at Thall,
2550 ft., and Hangu, 2700 ft.).

[1292.] CoLUMBA INTERMEDIA. The Indian Blue Rock-
Pigeon.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : common in
winter) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (a resident at Quetta);
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. GO (Chitral : resident, occurring up
to 10,000 ft.) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 691 (occurs in Seistan) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Kashmir).

Occurs in large flocks in the District from August to
April. A few appear to be resident round Thall, but the
great majority leave in April. Colonel Rattray, in his
article referred to above, says that " they were breeding in
hundreds in a cliff near the Fort. About the middle of
April they all disappeared suddenly.^' On the 19th of May,
1907, however, I found some still about the cliffs at Thall.

[1293.] CoLUMBA LiviA. The Blue Rock-Pigeon.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : large flocks
occur in winter) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 352 (Quetta) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (the common Pigeon of Kashmir).

Occurs with flocks of the last species in winter, but is
much less common. Never observed in separate flocks.

[1295.] CoLUMBA EVERSMANNi. The Eastern Stock-Dove.

Cumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 691 (Seistan : April);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Kashmir : rare, occurs on
migration).

266 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

Migrates through Kohat in the latter half of April in
small flocks, which feed chiefly on the mulberries that are
then ripening. Less wary than other members of the genus.
Appears to be scarce in the Kurram Valley, and probably
only passes through. I shot an example at 6500 feet in
Ilex-scrub on the 2ud of May.

[1298.] Palumbus CASiOTis. The Eastern Wood-Pigeon.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 352 (common on the hills
round Quetta) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Kashmir).

A resident species, collecting in large flocks in autumn in
the scrub-jungle above Marai, about Shinauri, and in the
wooded nullahs of the northern slopes of the Samana — these
being its favourite haunts, but odd birds occur all over the
District, Mr. Donald tells me that it nests freely near
the Tera Kotal above Shinauri and north of the Samana.
It occurs also in the Kurram Valley, and probably breeds
there, but may still be seen in flocks in May.

[1305.] TuRTUR FERRAGO. The Indian Turtle-Dove.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p, GO (common in Lower
Chitral in summer) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (common in the
Miirree Hills) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (common in
Kashmir).

Small numbers migrate through Kohat from mid- April
till the 3rd or 4th of May, returning in September and
October. Mr. Donald has found it nesting on the Samana,
while I shot a specimen there as late as the 4th of November.
It is common in summer in the woods of the Safed Koh,
from 7000 feet to tree-limit.

[1309.] TuRTUR CAMBAYENsis. The Little Brown Dove.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : common) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (resident at Quetta, largely
reiniorced in summer) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 60 (Chitral :
probably common) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Kashmir).

A resident in the District and abundant at all seasons.
Common in the Kurram Valley in summer up to 6500 feet,
and occurring at least up to 8000 feet, at which height
Major Magrath shot an example.

Birds of Kohat and Kurrain. 267

[1310.] TuRTUR RisoRius. The Indian King-Dove.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 344 (Thall : common) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 355 (common summer visitor) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 60 (common in summer) ; Gumming
t. c. p. 691 (very rare in Seistan) ; AVard, op. cit. xvii.
p. 943 (Kashmir).

Abundant in summer, the majority leaving in autumn,
though many stay for the winter. In the Kurram Valley
the bird is common up to Dandar, but rather scarce higher
up. I have met with it, however, as high as 8500 feet.

[1311.] CEnopopelta tranquebarica. The Red Turtle-
Dove.

Rattray, J. B. N. II. S. xii. p. 345 (rare at Thall); Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (rare in Kashmir).

A summer visitor to the District, and fairly numerous
from the second week in April till August.

[1316.] Pterocles arenarius. The Black-bellied Sand-
Grouse.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall : passes through
in March); Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : common
in autumn and. spring); Gumming, op. cit. xv^i. p. 691 (said
to occur in Seistan); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 943 (Jummu).

Large flocks occur in the cold weather in the fields
around Doaba and occasionally round Lachi and Dhano. I
flushed a bird on the 21st of June, 1906, on the stony plain
near Dhandar in the Kurram Valley, which was possibly
breeding in the neighbourhood.

[1317.] Pterocles fasciatus. The Painted Sand-Grouse.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 944 (Jummu).

A rare bird, probably resident. Mr. Donald told me that
he had frequently flushed a pair of strange Sand-Grouse in
the scrub-jungle west of Shinauri (3800 feet), but that for a
long time they managed to ef«cape. Eventually, however,
one was brought to bag and on being compared with Hume
and MarshalFs ' Game Birds of India ^ was found to corre-
spond exactly with this species. This is not the first record
of its occurrence west of the Indus. In 1902, Major Barton,

268 Lieut. C. H. T. Wliitehead on the

of the Guides, sent a skin to the Bombay Natural History
Society, and in a note to the Journal (vol. xiv. p, 606)
wrote that the bird was sliot every year near Mardan and
that it was said to be resident.

[1321.] Pteroclurus exustus. The Common Sand-
Grouse.

A resident in Kohat, but not very common. Pteroclurus
alchata should occur, but we have not met with it, nor has
Mr. Donald.

[1342] LoPHOPHORus REFULGENS. The Monal.

Fulton, J. B. IS. H. S. xvi. p. 61 (common in Lower
Chitral) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii, p. 914 (common in Kashmir).

Fairly numerous on the Safed Koh from 9000 feet to
tree-limit. I came across young ones fairly strong on the
wing on the 27th of June.

[1355.] CoTURNix COMMUNIS. The Grey Quail.

Kattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (Tliall: passes through
in spring and autumn, a few are resident) ; Marshall, op. cit.
XV. p. 353 (Quetta : a few occur in spring and autumn) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 61 (Chitral: passes through in spring,
a few stay) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 692 (Seistan: fairly common;
nests in March and April) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 944
(summer visitor, nesting).

Passes through in varying numbers from about the third
week in March till the middle of May, and returns in
August and September. Forty-six brace to two guns is the
best morning's bag that I remember being made. Every
year a few pairs stay to nest. Colonel Rattray found four
eggs on the 21st of April near Thall. Mr. Donald has come
across several nests, on one occasion actually treading on
the sitting bird.

[1356.] CoTURNix coRAMANDELiCA. The Rain Quail.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 944. (A rare visitor: has
been known to nest in Kashmir.)

Two or three examples are yearly shot in Kohat about
May ; the bird probably nests in the District.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 269

[1370.] Caccabis chucar. The Chukor.

Rattray, J. B. N. II. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall : a common
resident) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : very
common) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 61 (very common, ranging
up to 12,000 feet) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 944 (found every-
•vvhere in Kashmir).

662. Sex ? Marai, 3000 ft., 9th March.

763. ? ad. Kohat, 1850 ft., 30th ]\Iarch.

Resident, and fairly numerous from the plains up to
at least 8000 feet in the Safed Koh.

[1371.] A.MMOPERDix BONHAMi. The Sisl Partridge.

Rattray, J. B. N. 11. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall : a fairly
common resident) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta :
very common) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 692 (Seistan :
scarce).

A common resident on the stony hills of Kohat and the
Kurram Valley up to about 6000 feet, and abundant in the
more remote parts, where it is less persecuted.

[1372.] Fraxcolixus vulgaris. The Black Partridge.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall : abundant);
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : occurs about the foot-
hills) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 692 (Seistan : abundant).

A resident, and common in the Mazri scrub (dwarf-palm)
of the Lower Kurram and Upper Miranzai Valleys, and, in
fact, wherever there is plenty of Mazri.

[1375 ] Francolinus poxdicerianus. The Grey

Partridge.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (Thall : very common) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 944 (Kashmir : occurs in the plains).

A resident and fairly numerous, but less so than the Sisi.
It is found on much the same ground, though more
frequently about cultivated spots, and up to about the same
altitude in the Kurram Valley.

[1378.] Tetraogallus himalayensis. The Himalayan
Snow-Cock.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral : found in winter

270 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

down to GOOO ft. and in summer up to 16,000 ft.) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 945 (common at high altitudes).

This grand bird occurs in summeron the upper slopes
of the Safed Koh, from about 9000 feet to the summit, but
is rather scarce. Like the Chukor, it would often escape
notice were it not so talkative.

[1384.] TuRNix TANKi. The Indian Button-Quail.

A summer visitor in small numbers, breeding on the
grass-farm.

[1387.] Rallus aquaticus. The Water-Rail.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 945 (breeds in the Valley of
Kashmir).

402. (?. Dhaud, 1200 ft., 17th November, 1906.

This example, shot in reeds at Dhand Tank, was the only
one met with.

[1393.] PoRZANA PusiLLA. The Eastern Baillon's Crake.

llattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (large numbers pass
through about the end of May) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 945
(Kashmir).

092, 693. ? ? ads. Lachi, 1540 ft., 17th March.

Capt. Keen shot the first example on the 11th of February,
1906, and from then till mid-April single individuals were
met with at intervals. About the latter date the main
body appeared, and up to the 20th of May large numbers
continued to pass through, frequenting the grass-farm,
irrigated crops, and cover near water. The bird has not been
observed on the autumn migration, though common at
Rawal Pindi (120 miles east) at that season.

[1394.] PoRZANA MARUETTA. The Spotted Crake.

694. (^ ad. Lachi, 1540 ft., 17th March.

Passes through Kohat in fair numbers in March and April,
frequenting recd-beds and irrigated crops. A great skulker,
which may frequently be located by its peculiar loud call-
note.

[1398.] Amaurornis fuscus. The Ruddy Crake.

W^ard, J. B. N. 11. S. xvii. p. 945 (breeds in Kashmir).

281. c? ad. Dandar, 4700 ft., 23rd June, 1906.

Bir-ds of Kohat and Kurram. 271

I found numerous nests of this species in a marsh near
Dandar, in the Kurram Valley. They are usually fairly well
concealed in clumps of reeds or grass, and are merely hollows
scantily lined with hits of these plants. The first eggs
are laid ahout the middle of June, the clutch varying from
five to seven. In colour they are creamy-white profusely
spotted with pale red, and the average measurements are
1*22 X '82 in. This species has hrought the art of skulking
to a high state of perfection, and it is only when the young
have emerged from the shell that it shews itself at all.

[1402.] Gallinula chloropus. The Water-Hen.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 9i5 (Kashmir).

A rather scarce winter visitor to Kohat ; more numerous
at Dhand than elsewhere. It occurs chiefly on migration in
March and April, when it is frequently caught. It breeds
in the Kurram Valley in small numbers. I found a nest at
Dandar on the 9th of July.

[1405.] FuLicA ATRA. The Coot.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : common in
winter) ; Fulton, op. eit. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral : shot in March
at Drosh) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 693 (Seistan : a common
resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 945 (Kashmir).

Abundant on Dhand tank throughout the cold weather,
occurring also in other suitable places in small numbers. I
met with a pair near Lachi as late as the 20th of May, so
that a few are probably resident.

[1407.] Grus communis. The Common Crane.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 345 (passes over Thall in
great numbers : often driven back after storms) .

Large flocks pass over the District from the third week in
February till the end of March, returning in August and
September, but rarely halting except in the Latammar
Nullah or at Dhodha.

Residents at Parachinar say that Cranes on migration fly
straight over the Safed Koh Range (lowest point 11,760 feet)
and not round the western shoulder, but that they are fre-
quently forced to turn back by storms. Major Magrath, too

272 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

has often observed them returning S.E. to Bannu after a
storm.

[1411.] Anthropo'ides virgo. The Demoiselle Crane.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (Thall) ; Camming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 693 (Seistan : a few occur in February and
March) ; Ward, op. cit. svii. p. 945 (a winter visitor to
Kashmir).

This beautiful species passes through in big flocks from
the end of March till about the middle of April (last flock
seen on the 17th), returning in September.

[1413.] Otis TETRAX. The Little Bustard.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 945 (Kashmir: one shot in
December).

Very rare. We have never met with this species, but
Mr. Donald says that he has twice flushed the " Butterfly"
Bustard, as he calls it, from its peculiar flight, when hawking
the Houbara.

[1415.] Houbara macqueeni. The Houbara Bustard.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (passes through Quetta
in Marcli and April) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 693 (fairly
common in Seistan in spring : said to breed) .

A rather scarce winter visitor, but fairly plentiful on
the spring migration in March. Mr. Donald frequently
takes this Bustard with his trained Cherrug Falcon {Falco
cherrug),

[1418.] CEdicnemus scolopax. The Stone-Curlew.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (rare at Quetta) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 945 (Kashmir).

I only once met with this species in Kohat and that was
near Sheikhan on the 22nd of August, 1906. Mr. Donald
says that it occurs commonly in the desert-country between
Yamrud and the mouth of the Khyber Pass, i. e. about
40 miles N.E. of Kohat.

[1427.] Glareola LACTEA. The Small Indian Pratincole.
Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (Thall) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii, p. 945 (said to occur in Kashmir).

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 273

A summer visitor from April till August. Col. Rattray
found it breeding freely on the gravel banks in the Kurram
River in April. It was very common when we passed
through Tliall in April and on our return in May.

[1131.] Sarcogrammus indicus. The Red-wattled
Plover.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (common at Thall) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (only one seen at Quetta,
5600 ft.) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (a few occur at about
5000 ft. in Kashmir).

A resident in the plains ; abundant in summer, but scarce
in winter.

[1436.] Vanellus vulgaris. The Lapwing.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (a few pass through
Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 353 (winter visitor to Quetta) ;
Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral : fairly common up to
the end of May ; probably breeds) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 946 (winter visitor).

Fairly common from October till the third week in
March.

[1437.] Chettusia gregaria. The Sociable Plover.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (large flocks pass
through Thall in April) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral :
common in winter ; saw some at Drosh, 4300 ft., at the end
of May, probably breeds about there) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii.
p. 946 (scarce in Kashmir).

I shot a solitary individual on the 6th of March on the
parade-ground at Fort Lockhart, where it had alighted during
parade. Many of those passing through in small flocks are
in full plumage with black and chestnut on the abdomen.

[1438.] Chettusia leucura. The White-tailed Plover.

Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 694 (Seistan, 1700 ft..
May 6th).

Mr. Donald shot a specimen on the grass-farm on the 31st of
March, 1905, and sent it to Major Magrath for identification.
This is the only occurrence in Kohat that I know of. In

274 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

Bannu, however, it is very common in winter about the
larger marshes.

[1446.] tEgialitis alexandrina. The Kentish Plover.

A somewhat rare spring visitor, arriving towards the end
of February and disappearing before the end of March
Major Magrath has found it common in Bannu in sprin g
and autumn.

[1447.] jEgialitis dubia. The Little Ringed Plover.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 346 (Thall) ; Marshall, op.
cit. XV. p. 353 (common at Quetta in spring); Gumming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 694 (fairly plentiful in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 946 (Kashmir).

This species passes through Koliat in small flocks from
about the end of February till the middle of May (last seen
on the 20th) . The numbers vary a good deal. In the spring
of 1905 Major Magrath noticed a great many passing
through, but in the following year comparatively few were
seen. On the gravelly shores of the Kurram it breeds abun-
dantly from Thall up to Dandar, at least Colonel Rattray
found many nests near Thall, from the end of May onwards.

I once saw an individual trying to escape observation by
Iving flat on the ground with head and neck extended, after
the fashion of the Stone-Curlew.

[1451.] HiMANTOPUs CANDiDUs. The Black-wiugcd Stilt.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (Quetta: common in
March) ; Cummiug, op. cit. xvi. p. 694 (scarce in Seistan) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (breeds in Kashmir).

A rather rare visitor to Kohat from March till May (last
seen on the 28th). Major Magrath says that it is very
common in Bannu in spring.

[1460.] ToTANus HYPOLEUcus. The Common Sandpiper.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (Quetta: occurs in
April, but is rare) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 62 (Chitral : one
shot on May 30th) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (breeds in
Kashmir) .

Occurs on passage in the spring and autumn, a few
stragglers staying for the winter.

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 275

[1461.] ToTANUs GLAKEOLA. The Woo(l-San(li)ii)cr.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S, xvi. p. 62 (Cliitral : one shot on the
6tli of Mayj ; Gumming:, t. c. p. 695 (common in Seistan in
May) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p, 946 (Kashmir),

Occurs in numbers on the spring migrutiou in the irrigated
fields round Kohat.

[1462.] ToTANUs ocHROPus. The Green Sandpiper.

Marshall, J. B. N. II. S. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : common in
winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 63 (Chitral : common in
spriiig ; believed to breed in Chitral ; many found between
9000 and 14,000 ft. in July) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946
(Kashmir).

Abundant on migration in April and May, and from the
end of August till November ; the majority leave about tliat
time, but many stay for the winter in tlie plains, and a few
non-breeding birds through the summer. It passes up the
Kurram Valley in spring in great force, but does not stay to
breed.

[1463.] ToTANUs sTAGNATiLis. The Marsh- Sandpiper.

Not at all common, but a few individuals pass through
every year between February and the middle of May, being
generally found about the irrigated parts of the grass-farm.

[1464.] ToTANus cALiDRis. The Redshank.

Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 695 (Seistan) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 946, & xviii. p. 464 (fairly common in Kashmir
in winter; breeds in Ladak).

I have only met with one solitary example, and that was
on the 17th of March near Lachi. Major Magrath, however,
has found the bird very common in Bannu in winter.

[1466.] ToTANUs GLOTTIS. The Greenshank.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 946 (Kashmir).

A fairly common cold- weather visitor, arriving in October
and leaving towards the end of April.

[1468.] Pavoncella pugnax. The Ruff.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 353 (Quetta : one shot in
February) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (a winter visitor to
Kashmir).

276 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

Occurs in large flocks on the grass-farm and other suitable
places from the end of February till the middle of May (I
shot a single bird on the 17th).

[1471.] Tkinga minuta. The Little Stint.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 63 (common in Chitral in
April and May) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (Kashmir).

Appears in small flocks towards the end of March, and is
abundant about irrigated fields and shallow tanks, in com-
pany with Sandpipers, till the middle of May. Not met with
in autumn.

[1474.] Tringa temmincki. Temminck's Stint.

Arrives and leaves about the same time as the Little Stint,
but unlike that species is almost always found singly. I
have only once met with it in autumn, on the 26th of
October.

[1482.] ScoLOPAX RusTicuLA. The Woodcock.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 354 (Thall : a rare winter
visitor) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : winter
visitor) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 63 (resident in Lower
Chitral, but scarce) ; Rattray, t. c. p. 663 (nests freely in the
Murree Hills above 8500 ft.) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 695 (scarce
in Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 946 (breeds in Kashmir) .

A winter visitor from November till the middle of March,
but not common : there are, however, several favoured spots
in the District which can usually be counted on to hold one
bird or more. In the gardens of Kohat itself some half-
dozen are shot every winter.

[1484.] Gallinago cojlestis. The Common Snipe.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 3i6 (Thall : common in
March) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : fairly com-
mon) ; Fulton, op. cit, xvi. p. 63 (Chitral : a few noticed in
April) ; Cumming, t. c. p. 695 (Seistan : abundant from
September to April) ; Ward, op, cit. xvii. p. 947 (breeds in
Kashmir) .

Passes through in varying numbers from the last week in
January till the middle of April. Few stay in Kohat, but

Birds (if Kohut and Karram. 277

in tlie Karram Valley, whore tliere is plenty of good feeding-
ground, bags of fifty and sixty eouples of tliis and the next
species are often made in a few hours. On the return passage
in autumn comparatively few halt.

[1487.] Gallixago gallinula. The Jack Snipe.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall) ; Marshall, op. cit.
XV. p. 354 (Quetta : occasionally met with) ; Gumming, op.
cit. xvi. p. 695 (Seistan : said to be fairly common) ; Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (Kaslimir).

The same may be said of this bird as of the last, but it is
not quite so common.

[1488.] RosTRATULA CAPENsis. The Painted Snipe.

Rattray, J.B.N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall in March);
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (a resident in the Kashmir Valley).

Rare in Kohat. Capt. Keen shot a specimen in April 1904,
while Mr. Donald and Major Venour shot several early in
July 1907 and saw others. In the Kurram Valley it is a
permanent resident, but is not common.

[1498.] Hydroprogne caspia. The Caspian Tern.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall) ; Gumming,
op. cit. xvi. p. 696 (common in Seistan).

Colonel Rattray saw a party of seven near Thall on the
22nd of May and shot one. Capt. Keen and Mr. Boyle
observed a large solitary Tern on the Toi near Hangu
between the 20th and 26th of March, 1906, and from their
description it must, I think, have belonged to this species.

[Major Magrath has also met with Lams ridihurulus and
L. cachinnans in Banuu, and as they both occur in Kashmir,
they probably also do so in the Kurram Valley.]

[1499.] Sterna anglica. The Gull-billed Tern.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall : common in
March) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 696 (Seistan : common).

Small flocks pass through Kohat from the beginning of
April till May (last seen on the 5th), and are then usually to
be met with about the grass-farm or feeding in irrigated
fields.

SER. IX. — VOL. HI. u

278 Lieut. C. H. T. Wliiteliead on the

[1504.] Sterna melanogaster. The Black-bellied Tern.

Cumminf^, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 696 (Seistan : not
common).

Major Magrath observed tins species in some irrigated
fields near Doaba on the 18th of May, 1907. In Bannu he
says that it is common.

[1526.] Phalacrocorax carbo. The Common Cormorant.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : a few seen
in March).

A fairly common bird on the Indus between Khushalgarh
and Makhud. It also occurs occasionally up the Kohat Toi ;
Capt. Lyall sent me a specimen that he h;:d shot on this
stream near Hangu.

[1527.] Phalacrocorax FUSCicoLLis. The Indian Shag.

Eattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347.

Colonel Rattray shot an example near Thall in February,
1898, after a heavy storm in the Kurram Valley : it was the
only one that he saw. We have never met with this species.

[1544.] Plegadis falcinellus. The Glossy Ibis.

1. Juv. Kohat, 1760 ft., 22nd August.

The only example that we have seen was a bird of the year
which Mr. Donald shot in his garden on the 22nd of August,
1905, and sent to Major Magrath, who forwarded the skin
to the Secretary of the Bombay Natural History Society.
Mr. Donald flushed another on the grass-farm.

[1545.] Platalea LEUCORODIA. The Spoonbill.

Kattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall : a big flock, at
the end of May).

I came across four Spoonbills on the grass-farm on the
30th of May, 1906. The following year, on the 30th of
April, Major Magrath and I were standing on the Peiwar
Kotal (8200 feetj when a flock of about twenty came up
from the Kurram and passed close overhead ; but appa-
rently not relishing the strong north-west wind which met
them as they topped the Kotal {i. e. pass), they wheeled
round and flew back down the valley.

Birds of Kohat and Kurrain. 279

[1540.] CrcoNiA ALR.v. The White Stork.

Occurs regularly on the spring migration either singly or in
small parties. In the Kurram Valley we saw a flock of some
two hundred near Dandar on the 20l;h of April. Single
individuals continue to pass through up till the end of .May.

[154.7.] CicoNTA NIGRA. The Black Stork.

Ward, J. 13. N. II. S. xvii. p. 9J>7 (occurs early in spring
in Kashmir).

Not common ; but small flocks are seen ever}'^ winter
from January till the end of March,

[1554.] Ardfa AivNMLLENsis. Tlic Eastcm Purplc Hcrou.

I flushed three individuals out of the Lachi reed-bed on
tlie 2()th of May, 1908, while Major Magrath and I came on
a small flock in the reeds at Dandar in the Kurram Valley
in April 1907. These arc the only occasions on which we
have met with this Heron.

[1555.] Ardea ciNEREA. Thc Common Heron.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall : one or two
always about) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta: com-
mon, especially in March) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 63 (only
a few^ seen in Chitral) ; Gumming, t. c. p. G9G (common in
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (abundant in the Vale
of Kashmir).

Fairly common in suitable places, especially along the
Kurram River. Probably a resident species.

[1559.] Herodias alba. The Large Egret.

Rattray, J. H. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall) ; Marshall, op.
cit. XV. p. 354 (Quetta : fairly common in February); Ward,
op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (Kashmir).

Colonel Rattray writes : — " A few birds appeared at Thall
in the middle of May for a day or two; one was shot and
brought to me, it was in splendid breeding-plumage.'^

We have not met with this species ourselves in Kohat,
though Major Magi'ath has found it quite common in
Bannu in winter.

u2

280 Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead on the

[15G5.] Ardeola GRAYi. The Ponrl-Heron.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 947 (breeds in Kashmir).

Abundant in the plains in summer, arriving in the
beginning of April, and nesting freely in the cantonments.
A few stay throngh the winter, if fairly mild.

[1568.] Nycticorax griseus. The Night-Hrron.

Eattray, J. B. N. 11. S. xii. p. 347 (rare, but presumably
resident at Thall) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (breeds in
Kashmir).

Personally I have only met with this species in summer
from April onwards; but a few individuals appear to be
resident, as Colonel Kattray observed it at Thall in winter,
and Major Magrath at Bannu. It occurs in Kobat and the
Kurram Valley (up to 4800 feet at least), but is not common.

[1570.] Aruetta minuta. The Little Bittern.

Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. G96 (Seistan : one speci-
men) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (breeds in Kasbmir).

I found a nest with seven slightly incubated eggs in a
reed-bed near Dandar on the 9th of July, 1906, ar.d shot
the male bird. The nest was a flat pad of reeds on a stump,
three feet above the water. 1 have several times put up a
Little Bittern, cither this species or A. sinensis, in the reed-
beds in the plains in April and May, but have not secured
a specimen, so cannot say to which form it belonged.

[1574.] BoTAURUs sTELLARis. Tlie Bittern.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall : very rare) ;
Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 696 (Seistan : one shot in De-
cember) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 947 (a winter visitor, but
not common).

72. Adult. Kohat, 1600 ft., 7th January.

A fairly common winter visitor, both to Kohat and the
Kurram Valley. Leaves early in April (last seen on the
8th).

[1579.] Anser eerus. The Grey Lag-Goose.
Gumming, J. B. N. H. S. xvi. p. 697 (common in Seistan
in winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (abundant in winter).

Birds of Kohat and Kurram. 281

Mr. Donald lias shot this species on the grass-farm ; but
it is very rare in Kohat, though occurring regularly in the
Kurram Valley in spring.

[1588.] Casarca RUTiLA. The Brahminy Duck or Ruddy
Sheldrake.

Rattray, J. B. N. II. S. xii. p. 34<7 (rare at Thall) ; Mar-
shall, op. cit. XV. }). 354 (Quetta : occurs in February and
March) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (a winter visitor to
Kashmir, breeds in Ladak).

Passes through Kohat from the middle of February till
the middle of April, but is not common.

[1587. Tadorxa corxuta (S. G. Gm.). jNIajor Magrath
■writes that the Sheldrake is a regular spring visitor to
Bannu in small numbers.]

[1592.] AxAS BoscAs. The Mallard.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 347 (Thall : common in
March) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : common in
winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 64 (passes through Chitral) ;
Gumming, t. c. p. 697 (Seistan : common) ; Ward, op. cit.
xvii. p. 947 (a few nest in Kashmir).

A winter visitor and one of our commonest Ducks; it
disappears towards the end of March.

[1595.] Ghaulelasmus streperus. The Gadwall.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 348 (Thall: common in
March) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 697 (not common in
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (Kashmir).

Scarce in winter, but becoming fairly numerous in spring.
Some stay very late : I shot an individual out of a party of
three on one of the reedy tanks near Lachi on the 20th of
May, 1906; they appeared to fly quite well. 1 was unable
to visit this spot again before autumn, so cannot say whether
the bird nests there or not. Golonel Rattray also writes : —
" One male was shot out of a party of three in June [at
Thall] and brought to me.^'

[1597.] Nkttium crecca. The Common Teal.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 318 (Thall: very common

282 Lieut. C. II. T. Whitehead on the

in spriDg) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : common
in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 64 (Chitral : common on
migration) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 697 (Seistan : abundant and
apparently resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (Kashmir:
occurs in June and July in the Valley, but no eggs found).

Quite our commonest Duck and the first to arrive. The
9th of Septemher is the earliest date on wliich I have noted
it. As Avith all Ducks in Kohat, it is much more numerous
in autumn and spring than in winter. It leaves towards the
end of April.

[1599.] Mareca PENELOPE. Tlic Wigcon.

Fulton, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 64 (passes through Chitral) ;
Camming, op. cit. xvi. p. 698 (Seistan : winter visitor) ;
W^ard, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (fairly common in winter iu
Kashmir).

Not common, but usually occurs in March and April.

[1600.] Dafila acuta. The Pintail.

Rattray, J. B. N. II. S. xii. p. 348 (Thall : one flock seen
in jVIarch) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : fairly
common in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 64 (Chitral :
passes through in February and March) ; Cumraing, t. c.
p. 698 (Seistan: a winter visitor); W^ard, op. eit. xvii.
p. 948 (common on passage in Kashmir).

Passes through in small numbers in February and March.

[1601.] QuERQUEDULA ciKciA. The Garganey.

Ward, J. B. N. II. S. xvii. p. 948 (Kashmir : common on
passage) .

Mr. Donald shot one of a pair (a male) on the grass-farm
in October ; this is the only occurrence of the Garganey in
the District that 1 have heard of.

[1602.] Spatula clypeata. The Shoveller Duck.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 348 (Thall : common in
spring) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : fairly common
in winter) ; Fulton, op. cit. xvi. p. 64 (Chitral : passes through
in March and April) ; Gumming, t. c. p. 698 (Seistan : com-
mon in winter and probably resident) ; Ward, o]). cit. xvii.
p. 948 (Kashmir).

Birds of Kohal and Kiirram. 283

Not common in autumn and winter ; but large numbers
pass through in spring. Some individuals stay very late,
and I have noticed them all through April and up to the
20th of May.

[1604.] Netta rufina. The Red-crested Pochard.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 34S (Thall : occurs in
March) ; Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta: common in
winter) ; Cumming, op, cit. xvi. p. 698 (Seistan : common
in winter, probably resident); Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 918
(Kashmir: common in February).

Not common, but found throughout the winter at Dliaud
Tank, and occasionally elsewhere, up till the <nid of March.

[1605,] NvROCA FERiNA. The Pochard.

Marshall, J. B. N. II-, S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta: common in
winter); Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p, 698 (Seistan: common
and doubtless resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 918
(Kashmir).

Next to the Teal this is our commonest Duck in the cold
weather.

[1606.] Nyuoca FERRUGiNEA. The White-eyed or Fer-
ruginous Duck.

Marshall, J. B. N. II. S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta: common in
February) ; Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 698 (Seistan: common
in winter) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (Kashmir : a common
resident).

Less common than the last species, but fairly abundant on
Dhand Tank in the winter. It leaves towards the end of
March.

[1609.] Nyroca fuligula. The Tufted Pochard.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : common in
March); Gumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 698 (a winter visitor in
Seistan) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 948 (common, especially in
March).

I have only met Avith this Duck at Dhand, where it is
abundant and occurs throughout the winter, at least up till
the end of March.

28 i On the Birds of Kohut and Karram.

[1611.] Ekismatuba leucocephala. The Whitc-lieaded
Duck.

Marshall, J. B. N. II. S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : February) ;
Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 699 (Seistan : very common in
winter, perhaps resident) ; Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 949 (not
common, but a regular winter visitor in Kashmir).

Very rare. I observed single birds at Dhand on the 18th
of November, 1906. and the 21st o£ February, 1907, but
could rot get a shot ; it is, however, an unmistakable species.
Capt. MacNab, I.M.S., shot one at Mardan (thirty miles north
of our limits) on the 12th of November, 1899 [vide J. B. N.
H. S. xiii. p. 182).

[1612.] Mergus albellus. The Smew.

Rattray, J. B. N. H. S. xii. p. 348 (Thall : February) ;
Marshall, op. cit. xv. p. 354 (Quetta : common in winter) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 949 (Kashmir : often seen on the
Wular Lake; breeds on the Shyoh).

An immature bird was brought in to IMajor Magrath on
the 26th of Drcember, 1905. I also observed a big flock on
the Indus on the 18th of February, 1907.

[1613.] Merganser castor. The Goosander.

Ward, J. B. N. H. S. xvii. p. 949 (shot on the Wular Lake
and seen on the Indus).

A rare winter visitor, occurring on the Indus, where
Mr. Donald has shot it.

[1616.] PoDiciPES NiGRicoLLis. The Eared Grebe.

403 & 404. Dhand, 1200 feet, 17th November.

Occurs regularly every winter on Dhand Tank, staying at
least up till the end of March. The first example that I saw
was one Capt. Keen shot in November 1905 at Jand, just
beyond our limits.

[1617.] PoDiciPES ALBiPENNis. The Indian Little Grcbc.

Marshall, J. B. N. H. S. xv. p. 354 (Quetta: common in
spring) ; Cumming, op. cit. xvi. p. 699 (Seistan : resident) ;
Ward, op. cit. xvii. p. 949 (resident in Kashmir).

A very common resident at Dhand, while a few individuals
occur in other suitable localities.

Contribiitions to the Ornithology of Egijpt. 285

XI. — Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. — No. II.
Birds of the Province of Giza. Part 1. By Micii.vel J.
Njcoll, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Plate IV.)

The following paper is chiefly based on a collection of birds
made by myself" during a residence of two and a half years
at Giza, supplemented by notes from Captaiu Flower. I do
not offer it as a complete list of all the birds occurring in
the Province, as I have only mentioned such species as have
come under my personal observation or have been vouched
for by competent correspondents and friends, amongst whom
I should specially mention Mr. E. W. Buckley, Mr, G. E.
Burnett-Stuart, Capt. J. W. H. Seppings, and Capt. J. B.
Jenkinson.

Owing to the number of birds on which I have notes it
will be necessary to divide the paper into three parts, in the
course of which several species will be recorded for the first
time from Egypt.

The resident birds of Egypt are few iu number as
regards species, compared with the migrants, and are
somewhat local in their distribution, for which reason it
will be seen that several well-known Egyptian forms are
not included in my paper.

The Province of Giza extends for some seventy miles
along the banks of the Nile, from about seventeen miles
north of Cairo to about six miles north of Beni Sout'.
North of Cairo it is confined to the west bank of the river.
Immediately above the town, however, both banks are
included, while for about the last seventeen miles it includes
the east bank only.

The Province consists of a narrow strip of alluvium, varying
from about six miles at its greatest breadth, which is on the
west bank only, opposite Cairo, to three and a half miles at
Kafr Ammar, where both banks are included. The rest is
desert, the highest surveyed point being 380 metres (or
1083 feet) above the VVadi Ilof near Helwan.

286 Mr. M. J. ^icoW— Contributions

1. TUKDUS MUSICUS Lillll.

Turdus musicus Shelley, Birds of Egypt, p. 66.

The Song-Thrush is a regular winter visitor, arriving in
late autumn and remaining till early spring. I have on
several occasions counted from twelve to fifteen examples
together on one of the lawns in the Giza Zoological
Gardens about sunset. During the day they frequent the
tops of the various species of Ficus, where they feed on
the small figs. The examples which I have examined in
Egypt are paler above than most British specimens. I have
frequently heard the Thrush singing in tiie Giza Zoological
Gardens.

2. Turdus iliacus Linn.

The Redwing, which is not mentioned by Shelley or any
other writer on Egyptian birds — so far as I can ascertain, —
appears to be a winter and spring visitor here in snudl
numbers. I have never met with more than two individuals
together. I possess a male specimen, obtained in the
Zoological Gardens on March 18th, 1907.

3. Turdus pilaris Linn.
Turdus pilaris Shelley, p. 65.

The Fieldfare seems to be a rare visitor to Egypt. On
November 13th, 1906, I watched an example feeding on one
of the lawns in the Zoological Gardens, and on the 21st of
that month I saw five individuals flying high over the same
part of the Gardens. A \ejyf days later 1 found a number of
feathers of a Fieldfare — the bird had evidently been killed
by a Sparrow- Hawk.

4. Turdus merula Linn,, subsp, ?
Turdus merula Shelley, p. 66.

The Blackbird is a regular winter visitor to ICgypt. In
some years it is more numerous than in others. All the
individuals that I have met with have been very shy, and in
the Zoological Gardens they keep to the thickest bushes and
are rarely seen on the lawns.

5. Turdus torquatus Linn.
Turdus torquatus Shelley, p. 67.

I have an adult male Ring-Ousel in winter-plumage, which

to the OrnUholu(jij of Etjijid. 287

I shot on December 9th, 11)00, in the Zooh)gieaI (j archils.
It was iu company with severa. others. I have since heard
and seen this species ou two or three occasions during the
winter months.

6. MoNTicoLA sAXATiLis (Linn.).
Monticola saxatilis Slielley, p. 70.

The Rock-Thrusli appears to be migratory in the province.
1 have at present only seen it duiing the spring migration
in April.

7. Monticola cyaxus (Linn.).
Monticola cijanus Shelley, p. 70.

I possess two male specimens of the Blue Rock-Thrush —
one shot at the Pyramids of Giza on November l)th, 1*J0(!,
and the other from Abu iioash on April Gth, 11)07. 1 have
personally met with this species in spring and autumn in the
province of Giza.

8. Saxicola (enanthe (Linn.).
Saxicola cencmthe Shelley, p. 71.

The Common Wheatear appears to be a regular spring and
autumn migrant, though, so far as I have been at present
able to ascertain, it docs not visit us in large numbers. Ou
arrival here iu autumn the adult birds are in full winter-
plumage — the feathers of the upper parts and the wing-
coverts and quills are broadly edged with brown. I can at
present see no signs of any spring moult in adults of this
species ; the grey upper parts of the male are assumed by a
casting of the brown edges of the feathers of the winter-
l^lumage and the quill-feathers turn entirely black — in adult
males — by the same process.

9. Saxicola cenanthe leucorrhoa Stejneger.

This large form of the Common Wheatear passes through
Egypt on both spring and autuum migrations, though it
always appears later than the common form. I have from
the province of Giza an adult male shot by Capt. J. \V. H.
Seppings on May 15th, 1907, and an adult male shot by
myself on November 17th, 1908.

288 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

10. Saxicola isabellina Riippell.
Saxicola saltatrix Shelley, p. 72.

The Isabelline Wheatear seems to be resident in Egypt,
for I have seen specimens shot in January, February, April,
August, September, and December. This species frequents
the cultivated lands more than the desert in the Giza
Province. It is by far the commonest Wheatear found in
tlic alluvial districts, and it is, in fact, the only Wheatear
Avhich is found on cultivated ground throughout the year.
It moults in autumn. The sexes are indistinguishable, both
as regards size and colour.

11. Saxicola occidentalis melanoleuca Guldenst.
Muscicupumelanoleuca Giildenstadt, Nov. Comp. Petr. xix.

p. 468, pi. XV. (1775K

? Saxicola eurymelcena S?ielley, p. 73.

This form of the Black-throated Wheatear, which Las the
black extending to the upper breast, is a regular spring and
autumn visitor to Egypt. I have seen it during both migra-
tions in the province of Giza, but at present the only
examples that I have are individuals shot during the autumn
migration. A splendid white-backed male frequented the
Zoological Gardens for several days during the spring
migration of 1907.

12. Saxicola stapazina stapazina.

Motacilla stapazina Linn. Syst. Kat. i. p. 331 (1766).

Saxicola aurita Temm. Man. d'Orn. vol. i. p. 241 (1820).

Saxicola amphileuca Shelley, p. 72.

Saxicola stapazina Salvador!, Ibis, 1904, p. 75.

The " Eastern" form of the Black-cared Chat seems to be
a regular visitor in spring and autumn. I have examined
the following specimens obtained in the Giza Province : —
An adult male from Abbassia, April 10th, 1908 (Capt.
J. B. Jenkinson) ; two adult males in full winter-plumage,
obtained by myself at Giza, September 14th, 1908.

During the spring migration of 1907 I saw an example of
this form in the Zoological Gardens.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 289

In tlic spring the plumnge of the Blaok-eared Chat hccomcs
so much ahraded that the fcatliers have an almost hair-like
texture. There appears to be hut one moult — in autumn.

13. Saxicola deserti Riippell.
Saxicola deserti Shelley, p. 74.

A male of this species frequented the Zoological Gardens
for several days during November 1906; on December 11th,
1908, I shot an adult male near the Giza Pyramids, aiul on
J'ebruary 4th, 1909, 1 saw several others near the same place.

14. Saxicola lugens Licht.
Saxicola lugens Shelley, p. 77 .

This is the most abundant Chat in tlie desert, where it is
resident. I have nine specimens collected at different times
of year, from the Giza Pyramids and the Wadi Hof • in
the latter place it is abundant. The sexes are superficially
alike, but the female has shorter wings and the black is not
so intense as that of the male. A young bird (August 11th
1908) is sandy brown on the crown and upper parts ; the
wings and throat are, however, black, and at first sight it is
possible to take it for an example of Saxicola deserti. The
tail, however, is always more than half white.

[n the 'Birds of Egypt' Shelley describes the pre-ent
species as having the " top of the head and nape pale dusky.'"*
This, however, refers to birds in winter-plumage, that is,
directly after the autumn moult. In spring these parts in
old males at any rate, are pure white.

15. Saxicola leucopygia Brehm.
Saxicola leucopygia Shelley, p. 79.

At present I have only met with this species in the Wadi
Hof. In habits it is very much more shy than S. lugens
though the>two may be found in the same locality. There
are two varieties of this bird. Some examples have the
crown of the head white, while in others it is black like
the remainder of the upper parts^ but the difference does not
appear to be due either to sex or season. I have an adult
pair with white crowns which 1 shot in February 1908 an
adult and a young bird with black heads obtained in Au^^ust

290 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

of the same year, and three adults also with black heads
obtained in December.

Saxicola monacha I have not yet met with.

16. Myrmecocichla melanura (Temm.).

On October 9th, 1907, I saw an example at close quarters,
perched on a wire fence in the Zoological Gardens {cf. ' Ibis,'
1908, pp. 201 & 544).

The species had not previously been recorded from Egypt.

17. Pkatincola rubetra (Linn.).
Praiincola rubetra Shelley, p. 81.

The Wliinchat passes through Giza on migration in small
numbers in spring and autumn.

18. Pratincola ruricola (Linn.).
Pratincola rubicola Shelley, p. 81.

I have only met with this species during the winter months
and have never heard of its occurrence during the summer.
We have never met with P. r. hemj)riclti.

19. RuTiciLLA PHOSNicuRUs (Linn.).
Ruticilla phwnicurus Shelley, p. 82.

The Iledstart is a regular spring and autumn visitor. In
autumn it arrives in comparatively small numbers during
the early part of September. The first arrivals are nearly
always adults in full winter-plumage ; the immature birds
follow a week or so later. In spring this species makes its
appearance in far greater numbers about the middle of
March. The first arrivals are invariably old males in full
breeding-plumage and are followed later by females and
younger birds. The migration lasts well into April.

20. Ruticilla semirufa (Hempr. & Ehr.).
Ruticilla semirufa Shelley, p. 84.

I have not personally met with this species up to the pre-
sent time, but have the skin of an adult male shot by Mr. A.
L. Butler, near Giza, on February 16th, 1901. Capt. Flower,
who was with Mr. Butler when this example was obtained,
informs me that there were several Redstarts about that day.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 291

Doubtless they all belonged to this species, as it was at least
a month too early for the arrival of the Common Redstart.
Although this example very closely resembles specimens of
7?. rufioentris from India in the British Museum, I have
thought it advisable to provisionally place it under the
name given above, as it would seem that the present form
is the more likely to occur in Egypt.

21. RUTICILLA TITYS (ScOp.).

Ruticilla titys Shelley, p. 83.

The Black Redstart is a winter visitor in small numbers to
the Giza Province.

22. Cyanecula suecica suecica.
Cyanecula suecica, Shelley, p. 85.

The Red-spotted Bluethroat is a regular winter visitor
to Giza Province. As regards its plumage and habits I
have nothing to add to my former remarks (' Ibis,' 1908,
pp. 492-3).

23. Cyanecula suecica leucocyana C. L. Brehm.
Cyanecula loolfi Dresser, Man. Pal. Birds, p. 61.

The White-spotted Bluethroat is a winter visitor to Giza,
though in much smaller numbers than the typical form.

I use tlie name leucocyana for this form, as the form or
variety with an entirely uns[)otted blue gorget has been
called wolfi; and although the former name may not be in
strict accordance Avith the laws of priority, it seems better
not to make " confusion worse confounded."

Of the entirely unspotted form I can say nothing. I
have never obtained or seen a specimen in Egypt up to the
present time.

24. EllITHACUS RUBECULA IIUBECULA.

Erithacus rubecula Shelley, p. 87.

This form of the " Robin •" is of regular occurrence duriu"-
the winter months. In some years it appears to be more
numerous than in others, but this may be on account of its
habits. The Redbreasts met with here are comparatively
shy, and in this respect maybe compared to tiic Bluethroats.
The song is often heard during the winter.

292 Mr. M. J. 'NicoW—Coniributions

All the Redbreasts that I have at present examined from
Gua belong to the pale-breasted greyish-backed form, wiiich
differs considerably from the British E. rubecula melophilus.

25. Daulias luscinia (Linn.).
Philomela luscinia Shelley, p. 88.

Nightingales begin to arrive in Giza towards the end of
March, and for about a fortnight they abound. Great
numbers frequent the Zoological Gardens, and I have seen
as many as fifteen together close to the verandah of my
house. Very soon after their arrival they commence to
sing. In the autumn I have only met with this species on
three occasions. I think that it is probable that the birds
follow a different route on their way south from that taken
on the passage northwards in spring. In addition to its
song the Nightingale utters in spring a curious shrill
squeak, unlike anything I have lieard in England.

26. Daulias Philomela (Bechst.).
Fhilome'a major Shelley, p. 88.

I have only twice met with the '' Sprosser " Nightingale
in Egypt. On May 5th, 1907, 1 w^atched an example perched
on a wire fence in the Zoological Gardens, and on November
1st, 1908, 1 obtained a specimen at Giza. The latter example
had both feet considerably swollen, and this probably had
retarded, its passage southward.

27. Sylvia cinerea Bechst.
Sylvia cinerea Shelley, p. 111.

The Whitethroat appears to be a spring and autumn
visitor in very small numbers. I saw a few during Apiil
1907 in the Zoological Gardens, and obtained an adult male
on the 12th of that month. I also have an adult female
shot by Capt. J. W. H. Seppings on the 17th of April,
1907, at Giza, where I shot another adult male in winter-
plumage on September 24th, 1908.

28. Sylvia curruca (Linn.).
Sylvia curruca Shelley, p. 110.

The Lesser Whitethroat is one of the most abundant

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 293

visitors during the spring and autumn migrations. I have
frequently heard it singing during the autumn.

29. Sylvia subalpina Temm.
Sylvia subalpina Shelley, p. 109.

The Subalpine Warbler is a regular visitor in spring,
though not in any great numbers. The only record of this
species during the autumn is of one example which I saw on
November 27th, 1906, in the Zoological Gardens.

30. Sylvia conspicillata Temm.
Sylvia conspicillata Shelley, p. 109.

Capt. Shelley inserts this species with " some hesitation,"
as he did not meet with it in Egypt. Dr. Walter Innes
obtained it in the Wadi Hof in the Province of Giza>
and in tlie same place I have found it in February and
December 1908.

31. Sylvia melanocephala Gm.
Curruca melanocephala Shelley, p. 107.

I have occasionally met with this species in spring and
winter in the Zoological Gardens, but have as yet procured
no specimens.

32. [Sylvia mom us.

On March l-lth, 1907, I watched a bird, which I feel
sure was Bowman's Warbler, in my garden, but was unable
to obtain it. This species is not mentioned by Capt.
Shelley.]

33. Sylvia orphea Temm.
Curruca orphea Shelley, p. 104.

Two birds which I fancy were Orphean Warblers fre-
quented the Zoological Gardens during November 1906.

I have no specimens of the species from Egypt, and at
present agree with Capt. Shelley that it is of rare occurrence
in that country.

34. Sylvia kueppelli Temm.
Curruca rueppellii Shelley, p. 106.

RiippelPs Warbler is a common visitor during the spring

SER. IX. — VOL. III. X

294 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

migration. It makes its appearance during the last days
of March. I have only one record for the autumn — an
adult female, which I shot near Giza on August 21st, 1907.
I believe this species to have but one moult in the year,
namely, in autumn.

35. Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.).
Curruca atricapilla Shelley, p. 105.

The Blackcap arrives in September, and is one of the few
Warblers that spend the winter in the Zoological Gardens.
I have frequently heard it singing from November onwards
till April, when it takes its departure. This bird moults
in autumn, and undoubtedly some individuals moult
again completely in spring ; I fancy, however, that these
are young birds of the previous year. The same remarks
as regards moult apply to the Lesser Whitethroat {Sylvia
curruca^

36. Sylvia hortensis (Gm.).
Curruca hortensis Shelley, p. 104.

I have once or twice seen Garden-Warblers in the Giza
Zoological Gardens during the autumn migration, but have
no specimens from Egypt.

37. Aedon galactodes (Temm.).
A'edon galactodes Shelley, p. 85.

The first llufous Warblers malce their appearance in
March. The earliest date on which I have seen one is on
the 17th, but the main body do not arrive till April, from
which month onward, until they take their departure in
September, they are abundant.

38. Phylloscopus bonellii (Vieill.).
Phyllopneuste bonellii Shelley, p. 101.

Bouelli's Warbler is a regular visitor in large numbers
during the spring migration, and again in much smaller
numbers during the autumn movement southward.

39. Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.).
Phyllopneuste sylvicola Shelley, p. 101.

The Wood-Wren appears to be a regular visitor in

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 295

small numbers during the spring migratiou. At present I
have only met with it in my garden, where during the
month of April in 1907 and 1908 a pair or two frequented
a mulberry-tree for several days.

40. Phylloscopus trochilus (Linn.).
Phyllojmeuste trochilus Shelley, p. 103.

The VVillow-Wren arrives in September, but only remains a
short time, its wM"nter-quarters evidently being further south.
Very few reappear during the spring migratiou in March atid
April.

I have not yet met with the northern subspeeies P. trochilus
eversmanni (Bp.).

41. Fhylloscopus rufus rupus.
Phyltopneuste rufa Shelley, p. 102.

Tne Chiffchaff arrives during September and spends the
Avinter in Giza. I have heard it in song in November, but
the majority do not begin singing before February *. By
the end of April all have taken their departure.

Some Chitfchaffs have a moult of the contour feathers in
spring, but 1 have not as yet been able to ascertain whether
this is restricted to young birds of the previous year or not.

The first arrivals in autumn of tljis species are usually
adult birds in full winter plumage.

42. Phylloscopus rufus, subsp. ?

? Phylloscopus collybita abietina Hartert, Vog. d. pal. Fauna,
Heft iv. p. 503.

This "■ northern " form of the Chiffchaff differs from the
typical form in its slightly larger size and much whiter under
parts ; in this respect it stands in the same relation to
the typical bird as the Northern Willow-Wren (P. trochilus
eversmanni) does to the Common Willow- Wren (P. trochilus
trochilus). This subspecies arrives here in October and
remains till March. My attention was first drawn to
the bird by its extraordinary call-note, which can only be

* After the autumn moult the ChiffchatF and many other Warblers
may be heard in song, but this seems to be restricted to adult birds.

x2

296 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

described as resembling the " cheep ^' o£ a very young chicken
in distress ; by this it may be easily distinguished from the
typical ChiffchaflP, and so loud is the note that the bird, makes
its presence known at some distance. All those that I have
met with seem much shyer than the typical form^ and conse-
quently are much more difficult to obtain. They are winter
residents here, and are smaller and darker than typical
specimens.

43. ScoTocERCA iNQUiETA (Crctzsch.). (Plate IV.)

Malurus inquietus Cretzschmar, in Riippell's Atlas.

Cur7'uca fumula Hemp. & Ehrenb. Symb.Phys.fol. bb, 1833.

Drymceca eremita Tristram, Ibis, 1867, p. 76.

Drymoeca inquieta Heuglin,Ornith. No rdost- Africa's, vol. i.
p. 244.

Scotocerca inquieta innesi Nicoll, Bull. B. O. C. vol. xxi.
p. 98 (May 1908).

The Egyptian examples of Scotocerca appear to be iden-
tical with birds from the typical locality — Sinai, though they
are quite distinct from Asiatic specimens. The latter are
greyer above and lack the white superciliary stripe of
the typical form. The Scotocerca inquieta innesi which I
described from Egypt must therefore be referred to the
typical form. When comparing my examples at the British
Museum I — seeing only Asiatic specimens and finding that
these were labelled " Scotocerca inquieta," and that both
Dresser (Man. Pal. Birds, p. 142) and Sharpe ('Hand-list/
vol.iv. p. 234) gave the range of Scotocerca inquieta (Cretzsch.)
as from Arabia Petraea to N.W. Punjaub and N.W. of the
Indus — ventured to describe the Egyptian bird as a new
form. Dr. Hartert subsequently pointed out my mistake
to me and I take this opportunity of correcting it.

The typical Scotocerca inquieta is found in Egypt near
Cairo, and in Palestine and Sinai, the Persian and Trans-
caspian birds belonging to distinctly different subspecies.

At present I only know of one locality in Egypt where
this " Scrub-Warbler '^ may be met with, i. e. the Wadi Hof,
near Helwan in the Giza Province. This Wadi Hof is a

Ibis. 1909. Pl.iV.

■^^^sja^"""*'

West, Newman imp.

SCOTOCERCA INQUIETA.

tu the Oniithuluyy of Eyijpt. 297

rocky valley iu tlie hills. I believe tlie bird to be a residcut
iu this locality, as I have raet with it and obtained examples
in February, August, and December. It is extremely wild
and shy for a small bird, and specimens are obtained with
considerable difficulty. It seldom, if ever, takes refuge in
a bush, but flies ahead, occasionally settling on the top of a
rock. When hard pressed it invariably either flutters up the
steep sides of the valley or flies away out of siglit. The
call-note of this bird is a shrill chirp and the song a short
trill. It is not included in Shelley's ' Birds of Egypt.'

41. Drymq-xa gracilis delt.e (Ricli.).

Drymceca gracilis Shelley, p. 98.

The Graceful Wren- Warbler is resident in the Giza Pro-
vince. Numbers nest in tlie Zoological Gardens.

45. CisTicoLA ciSTicoLA (Tcmm.).

Cisticola schoenicola Shelley, p. 97.

The Fan-tailed Warbler is abundant and resident in the
province.

[46, Htpolais polyglotta.

PhyUopneuste hippolais Shelley, p. 103.

Capt. Shelley did not meet with the Melodious Tree-
Warbler in Egypt, and I have no positive record of its
occurrence ; but I fancy that I have seen it once in September
and once in March in the Giza Zoological Gardens.]

47. Hypolais pallida (Ilempr. & Ehr.).

Hypolais elceica Shelley, p. 100.

The Olivaceous Tree-Warbler is the most abundant of our
breeding birds. The first individuals appear towards the end
of March and at once begin singing. The song at first
resembles that of the Reed- Warbler [Acrocephalus streperus),
but after the birds have been here a few weeks their notes
become richer. I believe the Olivaceous Warbler to have
two moults in the year. The nests are placed in a variety
of situations, usually in tall clumps of flowering plants or
shrubsj but I have found several in the lower branches of
fir-trees and one in a branch of BoiKjainvillia overhanging
water. By the end of October all the birds have taken their

298 Mr. M, J. Nicoll — Contributions

departure. I have eleven speciroens of this species from
Giza ; in all of them the tarsi and toes are lead-coloured
with a tinge of brown.

48. LocusTELLA N^viA (Bodd.).

On September 28th, 1907, I saw a Grasshopper- Warbler
in the Zoological Gardens. I have no other record of
the species from Giza or Egypt. Capt. Shelley does not
mention it.

49. AcllOCEPHALUS PHRAGMITIS (Bcchst.).

Calamodijta schoenobaenus Shelley, p. 91.

During the autumn migration (September 1908) I found
great numbers of Sedge- Warblers in the cotton-fields near
Giza, and obtained a pair of adults and one immature
example.

50. ACROCEPHALUS MELANOPOGON (Tcmm.).

Calamodyta melanopogon Shelley, p. 93.

I saw one example of this species outside the Zoological
Gardens on August 23rd, 1907. This is the only occasion
on which I have seen it in the Province of Giza.

Some six years ago Dr. P. L. Sclater shewed me the skin
of an example which he had shot close to the same place.

51. ACKOCEPHALUS AQUATICUS (Gm.).

Calamodyta aquatica Shelley, p. 92.

I saw an undoubted Aquatic Warbler near Giza, in a patch
of cotton, on November 17th, 1908.

52. AcROCEPHALus STENTOREus (Hempr. & Ehr.).
Acrocejyhalus stentoreus Shelley, p. 95.

The Clamorous Great Reed-AYarbler is probably a resident
in Egypt. I have only one record from the Province of
Giza. I saw an example in the Gardens of the Government
Aquarium in the autumn of 1907.

53. AcRocEPHALus TURDoiDEs (Mcycr).
Acrocephalus turdoides Shelley, p. 90.

Capt, Shelley did not meet with this Great Reed- Warbler
i^ Egypt. I have an adult male which I shot in the Province

to the Oniilhulogy of Egypt. 299

of Giza on August 25th, 1907. On the same day I saw
numbers of Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio) and imagine
that the Reed-Warbler had arrived from Europe in their
company. It is certainly only a visitor to Egypt on migra-
tion, its place being taken in this country by A. stentoreus.
The present species may be at once distinguished from the
resident bird by its deeper and stronger bill.

54. AcRocEPHALUs STREPERUs (Vieill.).
Calamoherpe arund'inacea Shelley, p. 94.

The only record that I have of this species in the Giza
Province is of two individuals seen on August 23rd, 1907,
by myself just outside the walls of the Zoological Gardens,
in a bed of bulrushes.

55. SiTTA sp.

On February 10th, 1903, a Nuthatch was seen by Capt.
Flower in the Zoological Gardens.

56. MOTACILLA BOARULA BOARULA.

Motacilla sulphurea Shelley, p. 127.

Motacilla boarula boarula Hartert, Vog. d. pal. Fauna,
Heft iii. p. 298.

The European Grey Wagtail arrives in Giza in the autumn
and remains until the following spring. I have never seen it
in large numbers. A pair or two may be met with daily
during the winter in the Zoological Gardens. I have seen
examples with the black throats of summer plumage in
March.

57. Motacilla alba Linn.
Motacilla alba Shelley, p. 126.

The White Wagtail arrives in Giza during the beginning of
October, and the first to arrive are nearly always adult birds
in full winter plumage. A very short time elapses before
the immature birds put in an appearance, and from that time
onwards until April this species is most abundant. Large
numbers frequent the Zoological Gardens, and I have fre-
quently seen them singing while perched on the tops of some
of the cages and buildings. This species has a moult of the

300 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

contour feathers in spring, but I do not think that the
quills are shed then. Capt. Jenkinson informs me that in
March 1908 he saw an almost pure white example near
Mazghouna in the Giza Province.

58. MOTACILLA CITREOLA Pall.

I include this Wagtail among the birds of Giza on the
strength of a single immature example shot by Capt. J. W. H.
Seppings, not far from the Pyramids, on September 18th,
1907, and now in my collection. I have matched this
example with specimens in the British Museum. It was
doubtless a straggler, as the winter-quarters of the species
are much further to the eastward. It is not unlikely,
however, that wanderers should occasionally reach Egypt,
as specimens have been obtained as far west as Heligoland
and in Italy.

59. MOTACILLA FLAVA FLAVA.

Motacilla flava Shelley, p. 128.

The Blue-headed Wagtail is a common visitor during the
autumn and spring migrations. I have several specimens
shot in September at (riza.

[60. Motacilla ilava borealis.

Though Capt. Shelley does not mention this form as
occurring in Egypt, and though I have up to the present
time obtained, no examples here, I include it amongst the
hirds of Giza, as there can be no doubt of its occurrence
on migration. Hartert (Vog. d. pal. Fauna, Heft iii.
p. 292) mentions it as occurring in Egypt, and I have a skin
of an adult male procured by Mr. A. L. Butler in Khartoum
in autumn. Up to the present time I have had little oppor-
tunity of collecting migrating Wagtails in Egypt, and though
thousands pass through the Province of Giza, even within a
mile of the Zoological Gardens, I have seldom seen them
actually inside the walls.]

61. Motacilla flava melanocephala.

Motacilla melanocephala Shelley, p. 130.

The Black-headed Wagtail is a regular spring and autumn

to the Ornithologij of Eyijpt. 301

visitor on migratiou. Great numbers pass during botli
migrations.

Adult males in autumn plumage have the greater part of
the black head obscured by the greenish edges of the feathers.
One-year-old males in spring are almost exactly similar in
appearance.

I have not yet met with M. f. melanogrisea (Hom.).

62. MOTACILLA FLAVA PVGM.EA (Brchm).

Budytes pygmcEus A. E. Brehm, J. f. O. 1854^ p. 74.

? Budytes cinereocapilla Shelley, p. 129.

Motacilla flava pygmaa Nicoll, Ibis, 1908, p. 495.

This small form, which appears to be nearest to M. f.
cinereocapilla, is, I believe, a resident in the Giza Province.
I have seen specimens obtained from September to May ;
those obtained during the latter month were feeding young.

Capt. Shelley remarks on the difference of measurement
between his " Budytes cinereocapilla " and B. flava from
Egypt, and for this reason I believe that his specimens of
M. cinereocapilla are referable to the present form. I have
not yet obtained the true Motacilla flava cinereocapilla in
Egypt.

This bird does not appear to have a spring moult, all
examples that I have obtained in spring are in much worn
plumage.

63. Anthus trivialis (Linn.).
Anthus plumatus Shelley, p. 130.

The Tree-Pipit is a regular visitor during both spring and
autumn migrations.

64. Anthus pratensis (Linn.).
Anthus pratensis Shelley, p. 131.

The Meadow-Pipit appears to be a regular winter visitor
in some numbers. It arrives in autumn and remains till
the spring.

65. Anthus cervinus (Pall.).
Anthus cervinus Shelley, p. 131.

The Red-throated Pipit winters in very large numbers in

302 Dr. R. B. Sharpe on

the Province. As regards the habits and plumages of this
species I have nothiug to add to my former remarks (' Ibis/
1908, pp. 495-6).

66. Anthus spipoletta coutellii.
Anthus spinolettus Shelley, p. 132.

Anthus spinoletta coutellii Hartert, Vcig, d. pal. Fauna,
Heft iii. p. 281.

This form of the Water-Pipit is an abundant winter visitor
to the Province. It arrives in autumn and remains till April.

67. Anthus campestris (Linn.).
Anthus campestris Shelley, p. 134.

The Tawny Pipit appears to be resident in the Province.
I have never found the nest, but this is no doubt owing
to lack of opportunity. I have obtained immature examples
in first plumage in autumn and adults in winter and spring.

68. Anthus richardi Vieill.

The only example that I know to have been obtained in the
Province is an adult male shot by myself on November 17th,
1908, near Giza. For the recorded occurrences of this species
in Egypt, cf. ' Ibis/ 1908, p. 496.

[To be continued.]

XII. — A Note on Molpastes magrathi Whitehead.
By R. BowDLER Sharpe, LL.D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Plates V. & VI.)

The Editors have asked me to write a few words on the
curious species of Bulbul which Lieut. C. IL T. Whitehead
has lately named after Major H. A. F. Magrath (see
Whitehead, Bull. B.O. C. xxi. p. 48 (1908) ; id. Ibis, 1909,
p. 114).

Thanks to Lieut. Whitehead and Major Magrath, the
British Museum contains an ample series of specimens of the
Bulbuls which have served for the interesting essay they
have written on these forms.

Ibis. 1909. Pl.V.

MOLPASTES MAGRATHI.

West, Newman imp.

Molpastes magrathi Whitehead. 303

MOLPASTES INTERMEDIUS. (Plate VI.)

Molpastes intermedius (A. Hay) ; Gates, Faun. Brit. Inrl.,
Birds, i. p. 272 (1889) ; Whitehead, Ibis, 1909, p. 111.

The three specimens from Kohat mentioned by Lieut.
Whitehead (Nos. 634', 733, 735) appear to me to be certainly
M. intermedius. They differ slightly inter se, the male
having brown stripes on the lower flanks, while the others
(male and female) are uniform ashy grey on the latter ; all
have the dark brown ear-coverts of typical M. intermedius.
This species probably interbreeds with M. leucogenys, accord-
ing to Major Magrath, and Mr. Donald has twice seen the
two forms pairing together.

I have again examined the series which is enumerated by
Lieut. Whitehead (above, p. 112), and I confess that I have
never seen a more wonderful example of the hybridizing of
birds in a wild state. There can be no question that all
these specimens contain a certain amount of admixture, one
of the other. Typical M. leucogcmjs has the chest uniform
like M. leucotis (PL VI.), and both have lemon-yellow under
tail-coverts and pure white ear-coverts, whereas M. intermedius
has brown ear-coverts and crimson under tail-coverts, as well
as a decidedly long crest. When the hybrids have a mottled
brown chest {M. intermedins), the ear-coverts generally
follow the brown ear-coverts ofM. interm,edius, and the crest
is also long. The under tail-coverts vary from orange to
crimson. There is, however, no rule as regards colour, and,
as Lieut. Whitehead says, " some are more like M. inter-
medins, and others more like M. leucogenys or M. leucotis.''

I quite agree with what Lieut. Whitehead and Major
Magrath say about M. leucogenys, of which the breast varies
in colour, some birds being more ashy grey than others, but
the under tail-coverts are always lemon-yellow.

Sometimes there is some brown mottling on the chest,
but as a rule this is uniform, and the ear-coverts are pure
white, very few having any shade of dusky. Major Magrath
observes on one of these specimens : *"' Consorts with
M. leucotis " ; and adds that it seems likely that the two
species interbreed, though he has not actually observed a

304 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

fertile cross. The series collected by ray two friends
certainly points to hybridizing, the ear-coverts when sullied
with brown being accompanied by a browner and longer
crest {M. leucogenys) , while pure white ear-coverts accompany
a shorter and blacker crest [M. leucotis).

Molpastes magrathi (PL V.) has deep orange-coloured under
tail-coverts, sometimes slightly inclining to crimson. The
chest varies from uniform ashy grey to grey with more or less
black mottling, the feathers being black in the centre, with
ashy margins. I agree with Lieut. Whitehead that, on the
present evidence, it is impossible to pronounce these birds
to be hybrids. They could only be hybrids between
M. leucotis and M. intermedius, but the latter does not occur
in Bannu.

XIIL — Notes on some Birds collected during a Cruise in the
Caribbean Sea. By Percy R. Lowe, M.B.O.U.

The following paper is chiefly based on a collection of birds
which I made during the winter of 1907-1908, while cruising
with Sir Frederic Johnstone in his yacht ' Zenaida.' It
includes, among others, notes on the species met with in
some little-known islands off the noi'th coast of Venezuela.
Thanks also to Sir Frederic Johnstone, I have previously
been able to describe the birds of Margarita and Blanquilla
Islands, while some years ago Dr. Hartert described the
birds of Curagao, Bonaire, and Aruba {' Ibis/ 1893, p. 318) ;
so that my present notes on the birds collected and seen in
the island groups of Los Testigos and Los Hermanos make
another step towards completing the account of the birds of
this interesting chain of islands — the true Leeward Islands.
In an endeavour to make them still more complete, I have
added a list of the birds which I met with in the Cariaco
Peninsula; for not only must the geological formation
of this interesting strip of land be referred to the same
primitive period as is represented in Margarita, Blanquilla,

Ibis. 1909. PI. VI.

\"^'4

West, Newman imp.

1. MOLPASTES INTERMEDIUS
2. MOLPASTES LEUCOTIS.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 305

Los Hermanos, and Los Tcstigos Islands (and, so far as
1 am aware, in the Curasao Group also), but the flora
and avifauna present the same general characteristics and
differ in an appreciable way from those of the mainland
as a whole.

To one steaming up the Gulf of Cariaco nothing indeed
could be much more striking than the strange contrast
which is exhibited on the one hand by the Peninsula, with
its arid, desolate, and schistose rocks only scantily clothed
with cactus and mimosa scrub, and on the other by range
after range of tall mountains, luxuriantly forest-clad,
which mark the Secondary limestone formations of the
mainland.

We have, then, off the coast of Venezuela a chain of
islands which, together with the Peninsula of Cariaco,
lepresent the remains of what in all probability in a remote
Primary age was one continuous and large tract of land,
and exhibit an avifauna which in general can be distin-
guished from that of the mainland. In an old French
atlas this chain of islands is designated by the name " Les
Isles sous le vent." They are, indeed, the real Leeward
Islands of the old discoverers, and I am at a loss to account
for the reason that the name has been applied to another
and more northern group.

My paper also includes notes on the birds of Swan
Island and the Grand Cayman, both of which lie in the
western end of the Caribbean Sea. I have added a few
notes on some of the species met with in the islands of
St. Vincent, Grenada, and Barbados. We have previously
visited these islands on one or two occasions, but the birds
which inhabit them are in general so well known that I
confine myself to a few remarks which may possibly prove
of interest.

I take the islands in the order in which we visited them.

I once more have to express my great indebtedness to
Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, who has allowed me to work out my
collection at the British Museum and given me much kind
assistance.

306 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

Barbados.

Leaving Monte Carlo on Nov. llth^ 1907, we arrived at
Barbados on Dec. 4th and left that island on Dec. 12th.
During this and a previous visit I obtained specimens
of all the resident birds on the island except the Vireo.
They are so well known that I merely add a note or two on
one or two forms which seem to call for remark.

Zenaida aurita Temm. & Knip.

This very handsome Dove is fairly generally distributed
over the island, but is nowhere very abundant except in
the hilly " Scotland " district. I shot a few examples, and
it seems to be distinguishable by well-marked differences
from other forms of this genus found in the Lesser Antilles.

Cham^pelia antillaru.m.

Chamcepelia antillarum Lowe, Bull. B. O. C. vol. xxi. p. 109
(1908).

This Grround-Dove, which is also found on the islands of
St. Vincent and Grenada, has the base of the bill olive-
brown, with no trace of either yellow, orange, or crimson,
except that in some specimens, in the perfectly fresh state,
there is to be seen the thinnest possible line of yellow along
the upper edge of the mandible. Its nearest ally is C. ber-
mudiana Bangs ; but the bill of that bird is almost uniformly
black, while the edges of the mandibles have a thin line of
crimson. C. antillarum is also larger and much richer in
coloration than examples from Bermuda.

I have twenty specimens in my collection from the three
islands. How much further north along the Antilleau chain
this form extends, I have had no opportunity of discovez'iug.

El^nia martinica barbadensis.

Elainea barbadensis Cory, Auk, v. 1888, p. 47.

Elcenia martinica martinica Ridgw. Birds North and
Middle Amer. pt. iv. p. 426.

Elainea martinica Nicoll, Ibis,. 1904, pp. 558."

Elainea martinica Berlepsch, Proc. Fourth Intern. Orn.
Congress, 1907, p. 394.

during a Cruise in the Carihhcan Sea. 307

I Iiave three specimens of this Tyrant which I obtained
at Barl)ados that undoubtedly differ from examples of true
E. martinica, and having also examined two birds taken by
Mr. Nicoll on the same island, one of which exactly agrees
with mine, while the other is lighter in coloration and
is apparently younger, I am unable to agree with him
in thinking that this form should be united to that found
in St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and
Guadaloupe (true E. martinica) . The four apparently fully
adult birds from Barbados are both larger and darker in
coloration above and below than examples from these islands,
a large series of which I have examined, and my only
hesitation has been whether they best deserve specific or
subspecific rank.

Tyrannus dominicensis vorax.

Tijrannus vorax Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxv.
1819, p. 90.

Tyrannus dominicensis vorax Ridgw. Birds North and
Middle Amer. pt. iv. p. 710.

Tyrannus rostratus Sclater, Ibis, 1864, p. 87.

Three males and one female.

The bills of these specimens from Barbados, as well as of
three others which I shot iu Grenada, are somewhat larger
than in typical specimens of T. dominicensis (Gmelin), and
agree in other respects with deseriptious of this form, which
is found in the more southern Antilles. The difference in
size between the two birds is, however, slight, and the bills
also vary a good deal in length in examples from the same
island ; yet no doubt if a suthciently large series were
examined the distinction betweeu tlie two forms would be
more obvious.

EUETHIA BICOLOR MARCHII.

Euethia bicolor marchii (Baird), Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad.
1863, p. 297 ; llidgw. Birds North and Middle Amer. pt. i.
p. 541.

Euethia bicolor Nicoll, Ibis, 1904, p. 557.

I shot a series of fourteen male examples of this Finch,

308 Mr. P. R. Lowe un Birds collected

which I consider to be undoubtedly a good and very-
constant subspecies and similar to the bird found in Jamaica,
the black of the under parts in adult birds ending abruptly
on the lower part of the chest or in the middle of the breast.
Six males which I obtained on the islands of Grenada and
St. Vincent agree exactly with those from Barbados and
must be undoubtedly referred to the same subspecies.

Island of St. Vincent.
Leaving Barbados on Dec. 12th, we arrived here the
same day and stayed until Dec. 19th.

Chrysotis guildingi (Vig.).

This magnificent Parrot still occurs in sufficient numbers
on the island to make its preservation a matter of certainty
if proper care is exercised. Several large flocks are known
to exist, and 1 was informed by the Heveuue Officer at
Chateau-Belair that they regularly came down to his garden
among the hills to feed. The effect of the recent eruption
must have been moderate in regard to its extinction.
Strangely enough, although a large number of birds are
strictly preserved on the island, this species remains un-
protected.

Myiauestes sibilans Lawr. " Soufiriere Bird."
This bird was also reported to have been wiped out by the
eruption. I was told, however, that for days after that
calamity it was both seen and heard in numbers round
Chateau-Belair and that it then gradually disappeared,
having apparently gone back to the mountains. This species
is not nearly so rare, I believe, as some would have us
suppose. It lives in the " high woods " and is very retiring
and "skulking" in its habits, so, as no one dreams of
climbing to the densely-wooded mountain-tops without some
very good reason, very little is known about it.

In times gone by the Negroes, or rather the Caribs, had a
superstitious dread of the bird, and did not dream of killing
it. It used to be very common in and around the Souffriere
and there never could have been such difficulty in obtaining
specimens as one might gather from Mr. Ober's accounts.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 309

CffiREBA SACCHARINA (Lawr.).

This bird seems to be in much greater danger of extinction
than either of the previous two forms. I have only seen
one specimen on the island of St. Vincent, where it appears
to have been entirely ousted by C. atrata (Lawr.), a peculiar
black form of this genus. It is becoming very rare, too,
on Grenada. On our last visit to that island we did not
see a single example, while on former occasions I obtained
four. Mr. Austin Clark states, however, that it is common
on the Grenadines.

Mr. Ridgway has suggested (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. vol. viii.
1885, p. 28) tiiat the two black forms of this genus found
in St. Vincent and Grenada may prove to be merely phases
of the normally coloured birds ((7. saccharina) inhabiting
the same island ; but there does not seem to be very much
evidence in support of his contention.

I have lately found another black form well established
on the islands of Los Testigos, Venezuela (see below),
where C. saccharina is conspicuous by its absence. If this
black form is also merely a melanistic phase, as Mr. Ridgway
would have it, it must be a phase of C. luteola ; but it is
strange that we do not find black phases on the mainland
or in any other of the Antillean or Caribbean islands,
C. luteola is the form which occurs on Margarita.

CoTiLE RiPARiA (Linn.).

A number of these Bank-Swallows were *' hawking"
about in pursuit of insects on the top of the Souft'riere,
some little way below the crater, but a long way above
the zone of present vegetation. Unfortunately, in my
ascent of the volcano I had left my collecting-gun behind
where the vegetation ceased, and so could not procure a
specimen for identification. The birds were flying very
low, skimming backwards and forwards over the ground
and passing continually within a few feet of us, so that
I was able to get a perfectly good view of them. My
notes, taken at the time, state that they " were of a light
sandy colour above, with lighter rumps and white under

SER. IX. VOL. HI, Y

310 Mr. P. R. Lowe o?i Birds collected

parts/' So far as I am aware, this bird has not been
previously recorded from the Lesser Antilles.

Ch^tura bkachyura (Jard.).

On the strength of Mr, Cory's remarks {' Birds of West
Indies/ 1889, p. 295), I have referred my only sjiecimen (a
female), which I procured from a large flock near Kingstown,
to this species ; but having compared it with others in the
British Museum, I am unable to detect any difference between
it and specimens of C. poliura Temm.

EuETHiA BicoLOR MARCHii (Baird).

The St, Vincent Finch of this genus seems undoubtedly to
be referable to this subspecies and to agree in every respect
with examples from Barbados and Grenada. Having now
obtained for myself a series of birds on the spot, 1 must
correct my remarks in ' The Ibis' (1907, p. 122) with regard
to the St. Vincent form, which were made on the strength
of an examination of an insufficient number of specimens
from that island in the British Museum collection. This
bird was breeding in December.

Urubitinga anthracina (Licht.).

I saw a pair of these black Hawks near the Botanical
Gardens at Kingstown, and I was informed at Chatcau-
Belair that they are often seen there.

Anous STOLiDus (Linn.).

Breeds in large quantities on the shore to the north of
Chateau-Belair.

Island of Grenada.

We arrived at this island on Dec. 19th, and after a stav
of a week left for Tobago.

ELiENIA FLAVOGASTER (gRENADENSIS ?).

Pipra jiavogaster Thunberg, Mem. Acad. Imp. St. Petersh.
viii. 1822, p. 429; Lonnbcrg, Ibis, 1903, pp. 241, 2J2.

Elania Jlavogasier subpagana Berlepsch, Proc. Fourth
Intern. Ornith. Congress, 1907, p. 384.

Elania subpagana Sclater & Salvin, Ibis, 1860, p. 36.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 311

Ehenia martinica subpagana Ridgw. Birds of North and
Middle Amer. pt. iv. p. 429.

Elainia pagana Nicoll, Ibis^ 1904, p. 566.

Two specimens which I obtained on Grenada and a
large series which I have examined in the British Museum
collection are undoubtedly distinct from birds found in
St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, and Guada-
loupe (typical E. martinica). They very closely resemble,
if not actually identical with, the form found on the neigh-
bouring mainland (Venezuela and Colombia), Trinidad and
Tobago, If, therefore, we follow Count Berlepsch's recent
proposal, and accept Thunberg's original name flavogaster
for the mainland bird, instead of martinica (from which
purely Antillean group both the mainland and Grenada bird
are quite distinct), then this form becomes E. flavogaster.

If, on the other hand, the Grenada bird is recognised as
differing from the mainland form and as being worthy
of subspecific rank, another name than subpagana must
be found for it; for this name is referable to a race which
ranges further to the west through Central America, from
South Mexico to Panama, and it is hardly possible that
those from Grenada and the Grenadines can be identical
with it.

We should thus have E. flavogaster representing the
typical bird from Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, while
E. flavogaster subpagana would represent the more western
race ; and if the Grenada and Grenadine bird is to be
distinguished by a name, I would suggest E. flavogaster
grenadensis. By this arrangement the name martinica is
reserved for the purely Antillean races, which are easily
distinguished from the mainland forms.

Myiarchus oberi nugator.

Myiarchus oberi nugator Biley, Smithson. Misc. Coll.
1904, p. 275.

Specimens of this Tyrant which I obtained on Grenada
and from St. Vincent, and others which I have examined in
the British: Museum collection, can be distinguished from

y2

312 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

examples found in Dominica and St. Lucia — M. oberi Lawr.
They are also easily distinguished, both in size (larger) and
coloration, from examples of M. iyrannulus Miiller.

MOLOTHRUS ATRONITENS (Cabauis).

At the southern end of Grenada this beautiful glossy
Cow-bird is rapidly establishing itself. I saw numbers flying
about with flocks of Quiscalus luminosus, and shot four
specimens. The bird has a most charming song — a series
of low musical flute-like notes of extraordinary sweetness.
I listened to one for some time as it sang on the ground
beneath a mangrove bush.

Los Testigos Islands.

Leaving Trinidad on the afternoon of Dec. 31st, we
arrived in the early morning of Jan. 1st, 1908, at this
group of little-known islands and after some trouble found
a very snug and safe anchorage in an almost land-locked
position under the lee of the largest of them, which is called
Testigo Grande (Great Witness) or Goat Island.

These islands, six or seven in number, lie off the north
coast of Venezuela. They are forty-three miles from the
mainland, eighty-five miles from Grenada, and fifty-one
miles north-east (roughly) of Margarita.

Testigo Grande is of greater extent than is given in the
sailing directions. We put its length at from three to
three and a half miles, but its shape is very irregular, and
in the short time at our disposal we had no opportunity of
taking more accurate measurements. Its greatest height
is (roughly) 400 to 500 feet.

Scattered round it are other smaller islands or rocky
fallarones. The group is periodically inhabited by fisher-
men, who go there from January to April, but we were
informed that one family now lived there all the year.

Testigo Grande is thickly wooded and covered with very
varied vegetation, in spite of the waterless condition in which
we found it. Many of the trees attain quite respectable pro-
portions, and there seemed to me to be an unusual variety.
Besidec: many that were unknown to me, I noticed Logwood,

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 313

West-Indian ''Birch/' Guiaicura, Acacia, Tamarind, and
Manchineel. Various kinds of Cactus grow on the lower
slopes and on the smaller islets, and there is a great pro-
fusion of flowering bushes and even flowering plants. Wikl
cotton grows in abundance. Except for the few miserable
huts erected by the fishermen, and a modest plot or so of
cultivated ground in their immediate vicinity, these islands
remain as they have existed through the ages. Geologically
they consist of masses of a coarse-grained granite (horn-
blende), enormous fragments of which, much weathered, may
be seen here and there amid the surrounding vegetation.
On the weather side of one of the smaller islets this granite
is overlaid by a layer of shaly rock. The general colour
of the soil and exposed rocks in the lower parts of the island
is deep ferruginous. I was much struck by the number of
butterflies that we saw. Progress anywhere on the large
island is laborious, owing to the thick bush and the ex-
cessive heat. I have no doubt that other land-birds besides
those observed would be met with if a more extended search
was made for them ; and sea-birds probably nest here also,
especially on the north side of the large island, where the
shore is sandy. I have met with the Sooty Tern in great
numbers in the near neighbourhood of these islands, but
saw nothing of it on any of the fallarones.

Besides the few birds mentioned below as having been
seen or shot, one or two unidentified Owls were seen, as well
as a Buzzard {Buteo latissimus ?) and a few Pelicans {Pele-
canus fuscus). I have no doubt that Margarops fuscatus
or some other Thrush would be found towards the higher
levels of the largest of the islands, as it exists on the Los
Hermanos group; but we had no time in the two days
at our disposal to cover all the ground, having unfortunately
lost much valuable time in visiting some of the smaller
outlying islands.

CoLUMBA CORENSIS Gmcl.

We saw several Pigeons on Goat Island which were no
doubt examples either of this species or of C. Icucocephala^
but we were unable to get near enough to shoot any.

314 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

CHAMiEPELIA PERPALLIDA. ♦

Columbigallina jmsseyina perpallida Hartert, Ibis, 1903,
p. 304.

Three males and one female.

A fairly common bird wherever the scrub is scanty and
the ground suitable. I shot other specimens, but had no
time to prepare more skins. The colour of the bill at the
base varies in both sexes from orange to yellow, according
to age.

The under tail-coverts have very broad margins of white
with only very narrow wedge-shaped centres of dusky ;
otherwise I do not think specimens of the Los Testigos
Ground-Dove quite so pale as those I have obtained on
other islands.

Leptoptila sp. ?

I shot an example of a Dove of this genus on one of the
smaller islands, but unfortunately lost it in some thick cactus-
scrub ; I have no doubt, however, that it belonged to the
species verreauxi, which I found very common on Margarita
Island.

HiEMATOPUs PALLiATUs Tcmm,

One female.

I saw a pair of Oyster-catchers on the rocks at the south-
east end of Testigo Grande, and shot one of them. Another
bird, at the western end of Margarita Island, was so tame
that it ran about on the beach within twenty yards of some
fishermen^s huts.

Arenaria interpres (Linn.).

One female.

Several flocks of Turnstones were seen along the western
side of Testigo Grande, where the shore becomes morp
sandy and there is abundance of shell- fish. It is remark-
able how admirably the colour of the upper parts matches
with the rocks on which the birds are accustomed to settle.
They were exceedingly tame, and several times when I
approached within three or four yards of a small band
they only flew to an adjacent boulder and immediately

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 315

settled down close to the rock. lu the act of settling their
white under parts became for a moment visible^ and then
instantly the birds remained motionless, some of them
crouching close to the rock, and as if by magic seeming to
almost disappear under my eyes. Several times, after
intentionally turning away, it was difficult to locate the
birds on looking round again, although they were only twenty
feet or less away.

LiMONlTES MINUTILLA (Vicill.).

Limonites minutilla (Vieill,) ; Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus.
xxiv. p. 548 (1896).

Common on the shores. I shot one example for
identification.

Ardea herodias, Linn.

Ardea herodias Sharpe, Cat. B, Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 80
(1898).

I saw several of these large blue Herons fishing on the
islands, but did not shoot any. This bird seems to prefer
rock-strewn shores to the banks of rivers and streams, and
will fly enormous distances in order to feed on the abundance
of shell-fish and other food which it finds there. In the
Bermudas there is a regular annual migration from the
mainland, and I have seen many individuals along the shores
there. This entails a flight of close on six hundred miles
across an open sea, without a landmark to guide the
birds. The migration occurs in spring, and I was told by
a naturalist on the island that later in the year they all
disappear.

SuLA suLA (Linn.).

This Gannet was present on the smaller islands of the
group in large numbers, and was breeding. It invariably
lays its eggs on the ground, and makes a more elaborate
nest than Sula cyanops, lining a slight depression in the
soil among the rocks with roots and pliant twigs. Either
one or two eggs are laid. I have photographs of these birds
on their nests taken within four feet of them.

316 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

On the second morning of our stay at the island we saw a
flock of quite a thousand, flying in a dense and compact
mass. They were evidently following a shoal of fish, which
occasionally rose to the surface, and as they watched the fish
below their movements appeared to be actuated by a single
will or volition, so that they dipped or rose or inclined to
the right or left as if at the word of command of a single
individual. Through all their movements they kept the
closest order, and when from time to time they dived
the whole flock fell plumb to the water as one bird, the sea
being lashed and churned to white foam over a very circum-
scribed area in a most remarkable manner.

A curious thing which we noticed was that occasionally
the whole compact flock made a sort of feint at the water,
and then with one accord turned again to regain their
former level of flight, as if the shoal of fish had been sighted
but the birds realised in the middle of their dive that
their prey were too deep.

I have watched many thousands of Gannets of different
species fishing, but have never seen them hunt together
in this way before. As a rule, where numbers are fishing
together, each bird acts independently ; but this flock,
which consisted entirely, so far as I could make out, of
examples of Sula sula, acted in a unison as perfect as that
exhibited by a flock of Starlings.

Sula piscator (Linn.).

This Gannet w^as also breeding on the smaller islands of
the group. It was not present in such numbers as S. sula.
Examples of all three stages of plumage were noticed.
Most of the nests behmged to individuals in the white-
tailed and brown-bodied stage of plumage. Birds in the
wholly brown stage do not breed, being apparently too
young. Birds in the fully adult white plumage are, in com-
parison with birds in the middle stage of plumage, quite rare.
This species invariably makes its nest in low trees, either
mangrove or sea-grape.

dnr'nuj a Cruise in the (Utribbean Sea. 317

Freoata aquila (Linn.).

These birds were beginuiiig to nest and were present in
hundreds. I did not see a single example with a red gular
sac during the two days we were at the Testigos, and I
am inclined to think that this is only acquired by very old
males. One of our officers told me that he had seen one.
By far the greater number of birds hovering over the islands
had the head black and the throat and thorax white, with a
pectoral band of brownish not meeting in the middle line —
that is to say, they were either young males or young
females ; a lesser number had the head and neck white
(fully adult females).

Ceryle alcyon (Linn.).

I saw several examples of this Kingfisher along the shores
of the island. In my experience this bird seems to prefer
salt to fresh water. There was no water in any of the
watercourses on Testigo Grande when we visited the group.
I have found this bird on Blanquilla Island, which is seventy
miles from the mainland, and contains no streams, on Swan
Island (ninety-eight miles from the coast), which is another
streamless island, and again on the Cayman Islands. So far
as my recollection goes, I have not met with it as a rule very
far from the sea when exploring rivers, and its favourite
resorts are the mangrove bushes which border their mouths,
where the water is brackish or tidal.

Chrysolampis moschitus (Linn.).

Chrysolampis moschitus Salvin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi,
p. 113 (1892) ; Sharpe, Hand-1. ii. p. 119 (1900).

Three males and two females.

I only found this pretty little Humming-bird on one of
the smaller islands of the group. In April 1906 I found it
very common on Blanquilla Island, but on two subsequent
visits, one in January and the other in February, I failed to
observe a single specimen. There can, therefore, be little
doubt that this diminutive bird annually migrates over
ninety-five miles of open sea, for Blanquilla is so small
and the vegetation on which the bird feeds so uniformly

318 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

distributed, that it seems impossible that it could have
escaped our deliberate search for it. It is not found on
Margarita.

Myiarchus tyrannulus (Miill.).

Myiarchus tyrannulus Sclater, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xiv.
p. 251 (1888).

One male and four females.

These birds agree with two specimens of M. tyrannulus
which I obtained on Margarita in 1906 rather than with
five specimens obtained on Blanquilla Island, which agree
with Dr. Hartert's description of his M. brevipennis. The
plumage both above and below is darker and richer than in
the latter species ; but the difference in the wing measure-
ments is very slight — Los Testigos specimens averaging
90 8 mm., while specimens from Blanquilla average 898 mm.

The exposed culmens of

Los Testigos specimens vary from 17 mm. to 20'5 mm.
Blanquilla „ „ 16*5 „ 18*5 „

Curac^ao „ „ 17 „ 20 „

Compared with specimens of Myiarchus oberi nugator
■which 1 shot at St. Vincent and Grenada, all the measure-
ments of my Testigos birds are smaller, and the general
coloration not so rich.

Dendrceca ruficapilla rufopileata.

Dendroeca ruficapilla rufopileata Ridgw. Proc. U.S. Nat.
Mus. vii. 1884, p. 173. .

Two males and one female.

Fairly plentiful but in poor plumage. I have referred
my specimens to D. ruficapilla rufopileata rather than to
typical D. ruficapilla or D. r. capitalis; but with such scanty
material and specimens in indifferent plumage, I hesitate
to express any decided opinion. The Blauqudla bird must
undoubtedly be referred to this subspecies. It occurs merely
as a straggler on Margarita Island. I only saw the bird on
two small islets lying close to Testigo Grande,

during a Cruise, in the Caribbean Sea. 319

MlMUS GILVUS ROSTRATUS.

Mimus gilvns rostratus Ridgway, Proc. U.S. Nat. Miis.
1884, p. 173 (Curasao) ; Berl. J.LO. 1892, p. 74 (Curac^'ao);
Hartert, Ibis, 1893, p. 291.

P'ive males and two females.

This was one of the commonest birds met with, and was
present in large numbers. A small group of mangrove-trees
was, towards sunset on the day of our arrival, simply
swarming with them. I have noticed them collecting to-
gether at dusk in a similar way on Margarita Island at the
same season of the year. The plumage was much worn, and
some individuals were beginning to nioult. These birds
are very numerous on Blanquilla Island, where, at the
beginning of February 1907, they were in full song and
commencing to nest. We shot one specimen on Testigo
Grande which was pure white (irides normal).

There is no doubt that the bills of these birds, and of
examples from Curacao, Blanquilla, and possibly Margarita
Island, tend to be larger than in typical Mimus yilvus. I
have accordingly referred them to Mr. Ridgway's M. yilvus
rostratus. Male birds are always larger than females.

The average mearsurements of the exposed culmen in
birds from

f (Ridgway, Birds of N.
& Mid. Amer.j

Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of North and Middle America,^
part iv. p. 236) describes this subspecies as " similar to
M. g. gilvus (West Indian specimens), but slightly larger,
with bill much larger, and white of chest less tinged with
grey." I believe, however, that the amount of grey on the
chest is indicative of age, for I have specimens which I shot
on Curasao which are distinctly more grey than those from
Grenada and St. Vincent^ and the same remark applies to

Los Testigos

=r

19'2 mm

Blanquilla Isl.

5>

20 „

Margarita Isl,

5}

19 „

Curac^ao

}i

23 „|

Grenada

}>

17-5 „

320 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

my specimens from Blanquilla. My Testigos birds are,
however, paler below than those I have obtained in Grenada.
Two examples in my collection, one shot by me on Margarita
and the other in Tobago, seem to correspond to M. gilvus
columbianus. The wings and tails in these birds are notice-
ably much longer than in those under discussion. The
Tobago Mocking-bird has been distinguished as M. gilvus
tobagensis.

CcEREBA LAUR.E.

Cvereba laurcB Lowe, Bull. B. O. C. vol. xxi. p. 108 (1908).

Four males and five females.

Soon after landing on Testigo Grande 1 was astonished to
meet with a black form of this genus similar to Ccereba
atrata and C. ivellsi from St. Vincent and Grenada ; and I
quickly became aware that it was quite common and well
established there, for we soon shot as many specimens
as we required, and its nests were everywhere in evidence.
Previous to this discovery, an entirely black form of this
genus had only been known from the two above-mentioned
islands, so that the discovery of one here was of some
interest. I have ventured to separate the Testigos bird
chiefly on account of the fact that the bright crimson
and tumid rictus which is so conspicuous an object in the
St. Vincent and Grenada birds, is in this form entirely
absent. The bill is also less curved. The fact that the
tumid rictus is absent in this form cannot, I think, be put
down to a change at the breeding-season, for in some of the
examples which I shot the sexual organs were enlarged and
the birds were evidently soon about to breed, although I did
not find any eggs in several nests I examined, A fortnight
before I had found the black Ccereba in St, Vincent and
Grenada busily engaged in breeding-operations, and I found
both young and eggs on Grenada. The brightly coloured
rictus was then a conspicuous feature. The nest of the
Testigos bird differs markedly in appearance from that found
in the other two islands, a large amount of vegetable down
being interwoven into the outside structure.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 321

The average lengths of the exposed culmen of male speci-
mens shot by me are as follows : —

Four males from Los Testigos . . 14*5 mm.
Five males from St. Vincent . . 14 „
Four males from Grenada ... 13 „

The average length of wings = 62 mm., and of the tarsi
= 185 mm. Females are rather smaller.

The measurements given by Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of
North and Middle America/ part ii. p. 423) of the only
specimen in the Smithsonian Institute of Coereba atrata seem
to be much larger than is usually the case.

HOLOQUISCALUS LUMIXOSUS.

Quiscalus luntinosus Lawr. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., July 1,
1878, p. 162.

Five males and one female.

These specimens agree in every respect with those which
I obtained in Grenada. It is to be noted that this bird
is not found on Margarita Island, where its place is taken by
Quiscalus insularis. It is well represented on the island.

Cariaco Peninsula.

We left Los Testigos in the early morning of Jan. 3rd, 1 908^
and after a short stay at Cumana for pratique, proceeded up
the Gulf of Cariaco and arrived at the Laguna del Obispo at
dusk. This extraordinary inlet of the sea is situated about
halfway up the southern rock-bound coast of the Peninsula.
The entrance to it is very narrow and easily missed. Once
inside, the voyager finds himself on an irregular sheet of deep
still water of the deepest blue, studded here and there with
small islets. Surrounding it on all sides, in the fashion of a
Scotch loch, are high hills. They present a series of colours
which vary from rich deep red to deep yellow-ochre. In the
distance the iron-tinted soil seems in places to be frosted with
old silver, an effect produced by the patches of silvery-toned
cactus- scrub. Along the shores, stretches of bright golden
sand alternate with the deep green of the mangrove-belts.
Here and there on the lower slopes patches of acacia-trees

322 Mr. V. R. Lowe on Birds collected

and the candelabra-like inflorescence of the agaves relieve
the more sober tones of the cactus-scrub. The Cariaco
Peninsula is about twenty-eight miles long by a few wide. It
is everywhere of an arid and hilly nature. The vegetation is
similar to that found on the lower levels of Margarita Island,
and towards the eastern end becomes more luxuriant and
varied. Our stay at the Lagunawas on this occasion limited
to a few hours, but^ tlianks to Sir Frederic Johnstone, I have
had, on a previous occasion, the opportunity of exploring
the surrounding country along with Dr. Bowdler Sharpe.
My investigations at the eastern end have also been very
limited^ but from what I have seen I feel convinced that a
more extended visit would amply repay the ornithologist.
There can be little doubt that this strip of land and at
least the Island of Margarita were formerly one. The rocks
of both consist of Archaic schists.

I give a list of the birds which I have met with in this
interesting stretch of land : —

Ortalis ruficauda Jardine. Quite common.

Eupsychortyx pallidus Ricbmond. A well-marked species.

Chamcepelia perpaUida Tiartert.

RhyncLops niyra, Linn. I ^^.^^^^^ j^ enormous quantities.

I'halacrocorax species ? I

Pelecanus fuscus Linn. Breeding in the lagoon during our visit.

Butorides virescens robinsoni Richmond.

Cathartes aura (Linn.).

Catharista atrata (Bartram).

Polyhorus cJieriwayi (Jacquiuot).

Parabuteo unicivctus (Temm.).

Conurus ceriiyinosus (Linn.).

Chrysotis P ochroptera ? rothschildi. (See below.)

Ayapornis.

Ceryle alcyon Linn.

Doleromyia pallida Richmond.

Melanerpes subelegans (Bonaparte).

Formicivora intermedia Cabanis.

Dendroplex lunyirostris Richmond.

Subleyatus arenarum (Salvin).

Myiarchus tyrannulus {Mvl\^\) .

Corypkospinyus piienfus (Max.).

Stelyidoptcryx rxJicoUis uf9pyyJalis\Lnvrv.). . . . . >

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 323

Tacht/cinetn alhi'veniris, Sharpe.
Mhiins ffilrus subspecies ?
Polioptila plumheicepn, Lawrence.
Pachysilvia griseipes (Kichmond).
Careba luteola (Cabanis).
Volatinia jacarini spleudens Richmond.
Etietheia bicolor omissa (Jardiue).
CardiyiaUs j^Jiccniceus, Gould.
Tana</ra palmarum melanoptera.
Icterus icterus (Linn.).
Icterus xanthormts helioeides Clark.
Molothrus atronitens, Cab.

Los Her.manos Islands.

On Jan. 9th_, 1908, we steamed across the ten miles of
sea which separates lilanquilla from the Los Hermanos
Islets. A fresh trade-wind was blowing, and a strong
current was running between them, so that we had some
trouble in landing on Orquilla, one of the more northern of
the seven islets.

The group is situated forty-five miles due north of the
north-west point of Margarita Island, which is itself about
twenty miles or more from the mainland of Venezuela.
They together occupy a space of about eight miles in a
N.N.W. and opposite direction, and consist of masses of a
granite-like rock (diorite), which rise more or less abruptly
from the sea.

Orquilla, the only islet that we had time to explore, is, so
far as we could judge, about two miles or more long by a
mile wide. It rises to a height of 650 feet, and is covered
with a thick growth of cacti, agaves, and tall coarse grass,
while here and there are patches of sea-grape and fairly tall
mangrove-trees. Near the top, dense masses of tall, upright
Cerei grow to a height far above a man^s head. In the
short time at our disposal (about five hours) at least two-
thirds of the island was left unexplored, owing to the very
great difiiculty in making a way through the scrub, so that
it is possible that there may be other land-birds there which
we did not come across. At a height of 600 feet there is a
long, saddle-backed ridge, nearly a mile long, which wejiad

324 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

to leave unexplored. The only other land-bird seen was a
Peregrine Falcon. The whole island swarms with Iguanas.

SuLA CYANOPS (Sundeval).

One adult male taken.

These birds were nesting, but were not present in anything
like the numbers of 8ula sida or Sula piscator. I have seen
them in far greater abundance on Arenas and Areas Cays in
the Gulf of Mexico, where they seem to be more at home.
On Orquilla they chose comparatively exposed and open
spaces on the rocks. In no instance did they breed in trees
or bushes. The nest, if such it may be called, is situated
on the bare rock, and is not lined M'ith either sticks or grass.
In some cases I noticed a sort of ring of very finely divided
pieces of rock formed round the shallow depression which
does duty for the nest.

These birds seem to breed rather later than either of the
two other Gannets present on the Los Hermanos rocks.

The colours of the soft parts, from notes taken on the spot,
are as follows : —

Tarsi greenish drab.

Webs and feet dirty yellowish drab.

Gular sac of an Indian-ink colour.

Bill greenish yellow.

Iris yellow.

These colours do not agree with those given by Mr. Cory
in his ' Birds of the West Indies.'

Sula sula (Linn.).

One adult male taken.

Present in very great numbers, and nesting. The nests
were invariably situated on the bare rocks, and lined with a
few pieces of grass or twigs.

The colour of the soft parts of this Gannet were taken on
the spot, and are as follows : —

Tarsi and upper surface of webs bright chrome-yellow.

Under surface of webs greenish yellow.

Gular sac bright chrome-yellow.

Bill yellow at base, shading off into bluish grey.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 325

Iris pale ^rcj. Eyelids edged with bright blue ; a patch
of dark bluish green immediately in front of eye.

These colours do not agree in any particular with those
given by Mr. Cory in his ' Birds of the West Indies/

SuLA pisCATOR (Linn.).

This Gannet was present in greater numbers than either
of the other two s])ccies. It appears to breed earlier, and,
at the time of our visit, there were already young in all
stages of down, a few being quite big birds. The nest
is formed, of twigs, grass, and sticks very roughly put
together, and is ludicrously small in comparison with the
size of the bird. It is invariably placed in either mangrove
or sea-grape bushes. By far the greater number of nests
were occupied by birds in the white-tailed stage of plumage,
entirely white birds of the most adult stage being very scarce.
One egg only is laid.

The colours of the soft parts have been recently described
by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and Mr. Nicoll.

Birds which I obtained on Little Cayman Island, whence
examples have been distinguished by the name of Sula coryi,
do not appear to differ in any respect, sufficient to justify
distinction, from birds obtained in other parts of the
Caribbean Sea.

I have found the Little Cayman Gannets breeding at
exactly the same time as those on Los Hermanos.

The cause which has led these three species of Gannet, so
similarly circumstanced, to constantly build their nests in
dissimilar positions would be an interesting subject for
speculation.

Fregata aquila (Linn.).

These birds were present in numbers amounting to many
hundreds. They were busy breeding, and the island was
covered with nests which contained eggs and young in
various stages of nakedness and down.

The nest is formed of sticks and twigs, with a comfortable
lining of dry grass, similar to the long coarse grass which

SER. IX. VOL. III. Z

326 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

grows among the boulders amidst whicli they were breeding.
The nests on this island were raised some little way off
the ground, and rested, as a rule, on the centre of a thick
tussock of long grass or on some low spreading shrub.
We found none until we had reached an altitude of about
three or four hundred feet, and the birds chose ground of
the roughest and rockiest description, so that they were
partly hidden among boulders, long grass, and cactus.
Only one egg appears to be laid. The young bird when
hatched is naked. The parent birds were astonishingly
tame and confiding.

The commonest form of plumage which we noticed was
that in which the head, neck, nape, and back were all black,
relieved by a beautiful greenish-purple sheen, the throat
and thorax being white. Next came a form in which the head,
neck, nape, and breast were entirely white; while infinitely the
rarest variety was that in which the head and neck were
black, but the throat exhibited the conspicuous and remark-
able red gular pouch. The first stage consists apparently of
both young males and females, the next of older females,
and the last of old males. I saw all three varieties
incubating.

So far as I have been able to observe, it is only the fully
adult male that exhibits the extraordinary balloon-shaped
pouch, which it can distend at will. I, however, noticed
some birds, apparently not /wZ/y-adult males, with orange
gular sacs, and some, apparently still younger males, with
the white throat and breast, mottled and streaked with
black, in a stage antecedent to the perfectly fully-adult male.
These appeared to have no distensible gular sac, or at any
rate it was not apparent. The fully-adult males were very
shy, and I could not get near enough to take photographs of
the few I found sitting on nests. As we reached the top of
the island (650 ft.), some of these old males were soaring
against the strong trade- wind just above our heads. The
vivid red, almost translucent, and distended pouch waggled
about in the breeze in a somewhat ludicrous way. It
appears to have a constricted and elongated neck, which

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 327

allows it to " flop about " in an apparently purposeless
manner.

The colours of the soft parts in young males and young
females are as follows : —

Bill pale bluish grey, light lavender-blue at base.

Interramal bare space pale lavender-blue, darker here and
there.

Iris sepia-brown ; circumorbital bare space dark cobalt-blue.

Webs and feet pale flesh-coloured.

The two birds from which the notes of these colours were
taken were a male and female respectively, with the entirely
black head and nape. I took them home in a frozen state
to Mr, Pycraft, and together we tried to distend the gular
sac by artificial means, but after repeated efforts failed to
do so.

Phaeton .liTHEREUs Linn.

We found numbers of these beautiful birds breeding in
holes among the broken masses of rocks which were strewn
everywhere on the steep slopes of the island, but not
until we had reached an altitude of about 300 feet. No
attempt at making any sort of nest is made. At the
time of our visit the nesting-places contained both eggs and
downy young. The breeding-habits do not appear to differ
in any particular from those of P. americanus, except in
regard to the time of year at which the birds commence. I
have found the latter species breeding in the Bermudas in
the middle of May.

Cham^pelia perpaxlida.

Columbigallina passerina perpallida Hartert, Ibis, 1893,
p. 304.

1 noticed a fair number of these Ground- Doves. They
were exceedingly tame and allowed us to approach within
three or four yards of them. The specimens 1 secured are
the palest I have seen.

Margarops fuscatus (Vieillot).

Margarops fuscatus fuscatus Ridgway, Birds North &
Middle Amer. pt. iv. p. 265.

328 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

Two males and one female.

The first specimen secured was shot at an altitude of about
400 ft., the other two on the central saddle-backed ridge
(600 ft.). It was rather strange to come across these
Thrushes on an island which is entirely waterless. They
appeared to be well established there, however. Dr. Hartert
has recorded them from the Island of Bonaire, near Cura9ao.

My specimens agree in coloration of plumage with typical
specimens in the British Museum, but the measurements are
rather smaller. They are as follows : —

Exposed

Wing. culmen. Tarsus,

ram. mm. mm.

(?.... 131 . 26 32

(?.... 132 25 32

? .... 131 26 32

The average measurement of the tarsus of birds in the
British Museum collection is 36*5 mm. ; the averasre
measurement (of males) given by Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of
North and Middle America ') is 37*5 mm.

EUETIIIA BICOLOR JOHNSTONII.

Euethia johnstonei Lowe, Bull. B. O. C. vol. xix. p. 6
(1906) ; id. Ibis, 1907, p. 120.

A fair number of these dark little Fiuclics were present
on the island and I shot several specimens. They are in
every way identical with those which I obtained on Blan-
quilla, where they are very numerous. It is remarkable
that this bird, which lives amidst such very similar sur-
roundings to the Cura(;ao bird {E. bicolor sharpei), should
differ from it in such a marlied manner. I had the
opportunity of shooting and examining some examples of
the latter a fortnight after visiting Blanquilla and Los
Hermanos, and was surprised to find it such a light-
coloured form. The chin, throat, and breast are of a dull
slaty grey, while the Blanquilla bird is the darkest of tlie
genus.

The wings of nine males of E. b. johnstonei average
53"6 mm., while tiie tarsi average 16*3 mm.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 329

HOLOQUISCALUS INSULARIS RiclirQOiid.

Quiscalus insiilaris Kiclimoiul, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xviii.
p. 675 (1896).

Holoquiscalus insularis Ridgway, Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci. iii.
p. 151 (1901).

Five males aud three females.

We met with many examples of this insular form, which
has thoroughly estahlished itself on the island. Strangely
enough, it is not found on Blanquilla, which is only ten miles
away — at any rate, I have never seen a single specimen there
during three visits.

The differences between this form and Holoquiscalus
lugubris which inhabits the mainland are only slight ; the
males are rather larger, and the females differ in the much
lighter brownish-grey colour of the throat, while the back
and head are also lighter.

Mr. Richmond says that the colour and pattern of colo-
ration in the female are very similar to those of the female
of Molothrus ater, but are slightly darker.

The average measurements of my birds are as follows : —

Wing.

Tail.

Exposed
culmen.

Tarsus,

mm.

mm.

mm.

mm.

Five males .

. 118

95

27

31

Three females

. 102

83

23

28

Two of my males are not fully adult. They are much
browner above and below than adult birds, and some of the
quill-feathers are almost pure hair-brown. All my specimens
are in poor plumage, and the wings and tails are somewhat
worn. These birds are apparently fond of a little animal
diet, for I watched a female trying for a long time to break
the egg of a Ganuet which had just left its nest. It kept
persistently hammering at the egg with its bill, and on
being driven away quickly returned to the nest and
commenced operations again. I saw them feeding on
the flowers of the Agave, in the calyces of which they
apparently find many insects attracted by the honey. In

330 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

Cuba I have also seen the candelabra-like flower-scapes of
the Agave crowded with another Icterine bird, viz. Icterus
hypomelas.

Blanquilla Island.

On January 7th we arrived at Blanquilla Island, which
Sir Frederic Johnstone had very kindly consented to touch at
again to enable rae to get a series of specimens of the Parrot
found there, which I had been unable to do during our previ-
ous visit. In addition to securing seven of these birds, which
are to be found in abundance on the island, I also obtained one
or two examples of a Tyrant, Tyrannus dominicensis (Gmelin),
which I did not meet with on our first visit to the island in
1906, and four more examples of the Myiarchus which I have
referred in my paper on the birds of Blanquilla (' Ibis/ 1907,
p. 118) to Myiarchus tyrannulus. I think there can be no
doubt, however, that these birds should be called Myiarchus
brevipennis Hartert. I have compared my examples with a
series kindly sent to me by Dr. Hartert from the Tring
Museum, and mine appear to be identical with his.

ChRYSOTIS KOTHSCniLDI.

C/irysotis rothschildi. Hartert, Bull. B. O. C. iii. p. xii ; id.
Ibis, 1893, pp. 123, 328; Lowe, Ibis, 1907, p. 117.

Six males, two females, and one immature specimen
unsexed.

I have compared my series of Parrots from Blanquilla
with a series from Bonaire, which Dr. Hartert kindly lent
me for comparison from the Tring Museum. It included
the two types of C. rothschildi. As noted above, I have
referred my Blanquilla birds to this form, but the series is
rather puzzling.

Some of my specimens agree with C. rothschildi in that
the green coloration extends to the lower mandible, and
is seen as a bar on either side of the chin. The distribution
of the yellow colour on the vertex and sides of the head
also agrees with Dr. Hartert's description of this bird ;
but, ou the other hand, several of my examples exhibit

durinf/ a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 331

the rich golden or orange-yellow on the chin and throat
which is present in C. ochroptera, whereas in C. rothschildi
Dr. Hartert states that no yellow feathers are to be seen on
the throat.

As regards^ too, the red coloration of the cubital edge,
which Dr. Hartert makes a point of distinction between the
two species, in some of my birds it is marked, in others not
at all. As regards the yellowish-green coloration of the outer
bend of the wing, my specimens agree with his description,
and in all of them the feathers of the abdomen and back
shew black edges, while in most the abdomen is tinged with
blue. One has some bluish feathers mixed with the yellow
on the forehead, a character which Dr. Hartert notes as also
occurring in one of his examples from Bonaire. I agree
with him in thinking this a sign of immaturity.

To add to my difficulty I have a specimen which I shot
on the Cariaco Peninsula which more closely corresponds
with Dr. Hartert's description of C. rothschildi than any of
my Blanquiila birds, and two specimens from Margarita
Island also have green on the checks and sides of the face,
whereas others I brought from this island undoubtedly
correspond with examples of C. ochroptera.

It would be strange if out of all the nine birds I shot on
Blanquiila there was not one in really fully adult plumage,
and if the series actually illustrates different phases of the
plumages of C. ochroptera.

Swan Islands.

On Jan. ]9th, 1908, after a passage of over a thousand,
miles from the Island of Cura9ao, we came to anchor in a
charming little bay at the western end of these two small twin
islands. They are situated at the western end of the Caribbean
Sea, and lie ninety-eight miles nearly due N.E. from Patook
Point, which is the nearest part of the mainland of Honduras.
Although in some respects disappointing from an ornitho-
logical point of view, yet no island, however small, which is
so isolated, can possibly be altogether uninteresting. The

332 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

two islands, which are separated by only a shallow channel
two or tht^ee hundred yards in width, together stretch for
four or more miles in an easterly and westerly direction.
The easternmost has always remained uninhabited. The
western island is now occupied by the owner and his family.
Both islands, except where clearings have been made in
the last fifty years, are densely wooded, and until about
the year 1840 they had remained completely uninhabited;
but in the old buccaneering days they seem to have occa-
sionally been visited by the sea-pirates, who used them as
a rendezvous for cutting off Spanish vessels returning to
Europe. The islands apparently owe their name to the
famous Captain Swan. So far as resident and really indi-
genous birds are concerned, the islands are, as 1 have indicated,
disappointing ; but, considered from a migratory point of
view, they would no doubt form an excellent point from
which to observe birds in the spring and autumn migrations
to and from Central America. I was informed by the owner
that at these seasons they were visited by a great influx of
birds.

Similarly to what obtains in the Caymans (180 miles
distant). Humming-birds are not represented, and, strangely
enough, I did not come across a single representative of the
Tyrant family, nor any examples of the genus Coereba.

CoLUMBA LEUCOCEPHALA Linn.

This is a common and well-established species. It breeds
on both islands, and is not nearly so shy as such Pigeons
usually are. On the eastern island it is, in fact, almost
coijfiding, and I shot six or seven specimens with a small
collecting-gun in less than half an hour.

Colours of soft parts in the fresh state : —

Iris white or creamy w hite.

Circumorlital bare space white on a pinkish background,
which here and there shews through the white.

Base of mandible and maxilla dull crimson-lake, dull
crimson, or dark brownisli purple according to age.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 333

Tip of bill pale greenish white, horny white, or pearly
green.

Feet and tarsi bright crimson, claivs brown.

COLUMBA CORENSIS Gmcl.

Although I did not secure any examples, I was told that
a second Pigeon was found on the island, and from the
description given me I concluded it to be this form.

SuLA suLA (Linn.).

Nesting in quantities on the easternmost of the two
islands.

Young birds just able to fly are entirely/ brown; webs and
feet dirty yellow. Bill slaty grey, not yellow at base. Irides
pearly grey.

Some of the nests on this island were made with a
foundation of twigs and were lined with sea-grape leaves,
wdiile others were merely depressions in soft beds of a
Mesembryanthemum-Wke plant which covered the rocks
near the shore. The island swarmed with iguanas, which
were crawling about among the young Gannets.

SuLA piscATOR (Linn.).

Many of these birds were nesting on the eastern island
at the time of our visit.

Fregata aquila (Linn.).

A large colony of these birds was breeding on the eastern-
most of the two islands, and, contrary to what obtains on
the Los Hermanos group, the nests were placed on the tops
of fairly tall trees about twenty-five to thirty feet high, in
some cases as many as eight or nine being found in one tree.
The alarm-note (if such it is) of this bird while on its nest is
peculiar, being a series of rapidly repeated half -guttural
half-whistling sounds, very difficult to describe. While
uttering these sounds the mandibles are alternately and
rapidly opposed and separated, the interramal space being
slightly distended. When alighting on its nest the Frigate-
bird is extremely clumsy, and, if flurried, will often slip

334 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

through the branches and fall to the ground, where it is
lielpless and more often than not is unable to regain its
native element through the thick overspreading branches.
We found the desiccated bodies of several birds hanging by
the neck from a forked branch, having evidently slipped
down from their nests and been caught up by the fork as
they fell. We had been previously solemnly assured by a
AVest-Indian negro that Frigate-birds sometimes commit
suicide. The owner of the island told me that these birds
eat an enormous quantity of young turtles that have just
taken to the sea, when they are unable to dive. I am not
aware whether or no Frigate-birds are known to take draughts
of water, but I watched for some time a band of about twenty
hovering over a large pond of fresh water on the western
island, and every now and then dipping down to it one after
the other in the apparent endeavour to scoop some of it into
their bills. The bill at each stoop was dipped lightly into the
water, and I could discover nothing either on the surface or
in the water on which they could be feeding. Dr. Adams,
the son of the owner, assures me he has often seen Frigate-
birds doing this, and he is convinced that they are then
drinking. It is a mistake to suppose that they live entirely
on animal-matter floating on the surface of the water, or on
prey which they make Gannets and other birds disgorge, for
I have myself seen one chase and capture a fine flying-fish
which was skimming over the waves. If by any mischance
a bird happens to find itself in the water, it is very seldom
able to rise unless there is a fresh breeze, and it sooner or
later perishes.

Falco columbarius Linn.

An American Merlin was seen and shot. The owner told
me that he had been interested to note many Hawks of
different species apparently following in the track of birds
migrating during the autumn and spring. I have shot the
present species in both the Grand and Little Cayman
Islands.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 335

Crotophaga ani Linn.

I met with flocks of this Cuckoo in nearly every open
space on the island. The only specimen I shot, a male, does
not differ from those obtained elsewhere. In its stomach I
found four lizards and the remains of several large beetles.
This bird has probably established itself here recently, for
it prefers open spaces, and sixty years ago the island must
have been uniformly and densely wooded.

jyJiMOClCHLA RUBRIPES (Tcmm.).

Mimocichla rubripes eremiia Ridgw. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus.
X. p. 575 (1887).

This Thrush has been separated from the typical M. rubripes,
which inhabits the western end of Cuba, by Mr. Ridgway on
the ground that it " averages larger, has shorter toes," and
that " the white of the chin and malar region is usually more
extended."

During a stay of nearly three weeks various collecting-
parties from the yacht hunted high and low and searched
every corner of the island for this species, but without seeing
a sign of it. It is strange if it has died Out, for the owner
of the island takes great care to preserve the birds. He tells
me that occasionally he sees members of this genus in October;
but that is a month of gales, and no doubt these birds have
been blown over from Cuba, the Grand Cayman Island, or
elsewhere.

The measurements given by Mr. Ridgway (^ Birds North
and Middle America,^ part iv. p. 85) would not, in my
opinion, justify the creation of a new subspecies; and the
variation in extent of the white on the chin and malar
region, which is the only other distinction given, does
not seem to be constant according to Mr. Ridgway's
description.

Galeoscoftes carolinensis (Linn.).

Several specimens taken.

This bird was extremely abundant on the island, and I

336 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

was assured bj the owner that it breeds there. It
does not appear to differ from the form found elsewhere.
Considering the distant localities in which this bird is
found breeding, it appears to be a remarkably constant
species.

1 have found nests and eggs in Bermuda. The eggs are
of a beautiful Egyptian blue colour.

ViREO NOVEBORACENSis (Gmelin).

I shot a single example of this bird, which was the only
one I saw. The throat and upper breast of this specimen
are of a deep buff.

Colours of soft parts : —

Mandibles silvery white.

Maxilla dark horn-coloured.

l^arsi bluish grey.

Claws whitish.

I am rather surprised that Mr. Ridgway docs not consider
Vi7'eo novehoracensis bermudianus Bangs a very satisfactory
subspecies, for I have a series of nine examples that I shot
in Bermuda, which, compared with birds from Florida shot at
the same season of the year, are, strikingly and constantly,
very much duller in coloration, and have not the same rich
yellow of the under parts.

Mniotilta varia (Linn.).

I contented myself with procuring two specimens of this
Black-and- White Warbler, a male and a female. It was
fairly abundant on the trees at the edges of the clearings.
It is met with in the winter throughout all the West-Indian
islands, and is far more like our Tree-creeper in habits than
a Warbler.

Helmitherus vermivorus (Gmelin).
One adult male.

This was the only example of this Warbler I saw. It is
a winter visitor from the Eastern United States.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 337

Dexdrceca coroxata (Linn,).

I noticed several bands of these birds feeding in the recent
clearings, and shot one or two specimens. I have also seen
many of them ou the Grand Cayman Island. This species
is a winter visitor from North America.

Dendr(eca DOMINICA (Linn.).

I shot a male example of this Yellow-throated Warbler.
It was the only example that I saw. It is a winter resident
or straggler.

Dendrceca vitellina Cory.

Dendroica vitellina Cory, Auk, iii. 1886, pp. 497, 501.

I obtained a series of thirteen of these little Warblers,
which are peculiar to these islands and the Grand Cayman.
It consists of adult males and females, and also of individuals
in various stages of immature plumage. The bird is very
abundant ou both the Swan Islands and is extremely
tame.

It differs from D. discolor in being larger and in lacking
the chestnut spots on the back. The broad black streaks
along the sides of the breast and flanks which are so
conspicuous in D. discolor are either entirely absent or are
only faintly indicated by dusky streaks. It is incorrect, as
Mr, Ridgway states {' Birds of North and Middle America,^
part ii. p. 610), to say that they are always absent, for in
some specimens which I have obtained, both on these islands
and the Grand Cayman, the faint dusky lines are easily
observed.

I have compared examples from the Swan Islands with my
birds obtained on the Grand Cayman and also with those
which Mr. Nicoll obtained on the same island, and they
appear to me to be identical. They also differ from specimens
which I obtained on the Little Cayman (D. craivfordi Nicoll)
in the points which Mr, Nicoll has already indicated.

D. vitellina would seem to be a well-marked and very
constant species. According to Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of
North and Middle America,' vol. ii. p. 610) the under parts

338 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

of the young of this species in first plumage are entirely
white, washed with yellow, so that eight immature birds in
my series from the Swan Islands would appear to be in an
intermediate stage between the young in first plumage and
the adult.

My two most immature birds are ashy grey above, with a
slight tinge of greenish yellow on the lower back and upper
tail-coverts ; lores and superciliary stripe white ; sides of
face dusky, fringed with yellow on the cheeks; throat white;
fore-neck and entire under surface of bodv pale yellow.
The next three are similar to the foregoing, but have the
lores and superciliary stripe tinged with yellow, as also the
chin and throat, leaving a more or less white band across
the lower throat, which separates the yellow on the chin and
upper throat from that of the breast and remaining portions
of the under surface. The four remaining examples exhibit
an increasing amount of yellow on the lores, superciliary
stripe, and entire under surface of the body. No trace of
the white band across the throat remains, and they approach
more nearly to the bright yellow of the adult bird.

Dendrceca palmaru.m (Gmelin).

I shot one or two specimens of this Palm- Warbler for
identification. It was not so well represented on the islands
as D. coronata, but is very common on the Cayman Islands.

Geothlypis trichas brachydactyla.

Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson).

I noticed a fair number of these pretty little '' Yellow-
throats.'^ Having unfortunately shot only one specimen I
am not sure that I am justified in referring it to the northern
form of G. trichas. My specimen, however, seems to be
identical with one I have in my collection from Eastern
Mexico. The wing of this bird measures 57 mm.

I have nine specimens which I collected on the north
coast of Cuba in February 1907, the wings of which average
52*5 mm., and I consider that these birds should be referred
to typical G. trichas trichas ; but Mr. Ridgway {' Birds

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 339

of North and Middle America/ part ii. p. 655) says, in dis-
cussing the range of this form, "The only extra-limital
specimens that I have seen which seem without doubt refer-
able to this form are from certain islands of the Bahama
group.'' It may be, however, that they should be referred
to Mr. Chapman's G. triclias ignota, with which 1 have not
been able to compare them.

Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.).

I observed a few examples of this " American Redstart "
and shot a female specimen.

Of birds seen and identified, but of which I did not think
it necessary to take specimens, the following is a list : —

Arenaria inferpres (Linn.).
jEgialitis tcihonia (Ord).
Ardea crrulea Linn.
Botaurus lentiginosus (Mont.).
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis (Gmel.).
Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.).
Ceryle alcyon (Linn.).

Besides these I was informed that, among many others
that I was unable to identify with certainty from the
descriptions given, the following birds constantly visited
the islands : —

Aristonetta valisneria (Wils.). 41 were once shot in one week.

Nettion carolinensis Gmel.

Querquedula discors (Linn.).

Mareca americana (Gm.).

Gallinula galeata (Liclat.). Common in Grand Cayman Island.

Passercidus sandwichensis (Wils.).

Tyrannus dominicensis (Gmel.).

I have unfortunately been unable to consult Mr. Ridgway's
notes on the birds of this island (Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. x.
1888, p. 576), and so I am unaware of what birds were met
with by Mr. Towusend when he visited it in February 1887.

Grand Cayman Island.
Leaving the Swan Islands on the evening of Feb. 10th, we

340 Mr. P. E. Lowe on Birds collected

arrived in the afternoon of the next day at the Grand Cayman
Island, and anchored off Georgetown, the capital. Our stay
here was limited to twenty-four hours, but in January 1904
Sir Frederic Johnstone had previously visited the Caymans
in the yacht ' Emerald/ and thanks to this I then had the
opportunity^ in company with Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, of
making a more extended acquaintance with the many
interesting insular forms with which these islands abound.
As Mr. Nicoll (^bis/ 1904, pp. 577-589) has lately given a
description of the birds he met with there, I simply add
some notes on some of the more interesting and peculiar
forms. Neither Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, Mr. Nicoll, nor myself
succeeded in finding any examples of Mimocichla ravida
Cory, a Thrush peculiar to the Grand Cayman ; but I was
informed by a squatter who lives on the northern side of the
island, which is covered with tall trees and bush, that this
bird breeds there and that he knows it well. Neither did
we see anything of another bird which Mr. Cory has
separated from Icterus leucopteryx of Jamaica and to which
he has given the name of Icterus bairdi. I covered a large
amount of country where I should naturally have expected
to meet with this bird, and I have read Mr. Ridgway's
description of it in his ' Birds of North and Middle America'
(Mr. llidgway has not seen an example), but I must confess
to having some little doubt as to the status of the form.
I make this remark because I am of opinion that, in these
West Indian islands which are so often visited by hurricanes,
when a bird is met with which is evidently quite rare
and apparently struggling to exist we ought to feel quite
sure that it is not merely a straggler from neighbouring
islands or has been introduced, as is the case with Icterus
icterus of St, Thomas, which I have found there but which
does not differ from typical examples.

Of the handsome Grand Cayman Parrot [Chrysotis
caymanensis Cory), I have never been able to shoot any
examples, but I have seen it in the wild state and also in
cages. It is quite common on the northern side of the
island and is a well-marked species.

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 311

Zenaida spadicea Coiy.

Zenaida spadicea Cory, Auk, iii. p, 498.

I have five specimens of this pretty Dove from the Little
Cayman, where it is common. Unfortunately I have never
i)ecn able to secure any specimens from tlie Grand Cayman.
j\Ir. Cory has, on the strength of one specimen, provisionally
proposed the name of Z. richardsoni for the Little Cayman
form ; but, from the description he gives, his specimen is one
not in fully adult [)lunuige, and I prefer to think that the
birds from the two islands are identical. This is a good
species.

CHAMiEPELiA JAMAiCEXSis Mayuard.

Columbigallina passerina insularis llidgw. Proc. U.S. Nat.
Mus. p. 574(1887).

Columbigallina Jamaicensis Maynard, Ajjp. Birds West
Indies, 1899, p. 34.

I shot five or six of these Ground-Doves, which still appear
to me to be identical with the birds found in Jamaica. I
liave previously {' Ibis,' 1908, p. 107) given my reasons for
preferring to drop Linnaeus's specific name of passerina
for this Dove and for calling it C. jamaicensis Maynard.
During my last visit to the Grand Cayman I shot a
Ground-Dove with the base of the bill crimson as in
C. aflavida of Cuba, which was evidently a straggler from
this island. I have over a hundred specimens of the
genus from various islands in the Caribbean Sea in my
collection, and this was the only occasion in which I have
Ibund the colour of the bill to vary from that normally
found in the locality.

Centurus caymanensis Cory.

Centwus caymanensis Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 499, 502 (188G).

I met with this Woodpecker in abundance, but only shot
two examples. It differs from two specimens that I shot in
Cuba in lacking the black superciliary mark.

COLAPTES GUNDLACHI Cory.

Colaptes gu7idlachi Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 498, 502 (188G).
I obtained six specimens of this very handsome Wood-

SEll. IX. VOL. III. 2 a

342 Mr. P. R. Lowe on Birds collected

pecker, which agree Avith Mr. Cory's original description. I
have never met with its Cuban ally.

El^nia martinica rush.

Elainea riisii Sclater, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1860, p. 314.

Elainea martinica Nicoll, Ibis, 1904, p. 582.

El(snia ?narti'nica caijmanensis Berlepsch, Proc. Fourth
Internat. Orn. Congr. 1907, p. 394.

Count Berlepsch has lately separated this Tyrant on the
ground that it " differs from true E. martinica of the
Windward Islands in being much paler and more uniform
greyish-brown (less mottled) on the upper parts.'' lie says
also, " in colour they agree with E. riisii from St. Thomas
and Cura(jao, but have the large measurements of E.
martinica.^'

I have only three specimens from the Grand Cayman,
but I have carefully examined a fine series collected by
Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and Mr. Nicoll, while I have compared
them with examples from St. Thomas in the British iMuseum
and my own collection, and they appear so similar that with
all regard to such an authority as Count Berlepsch it appears
to me that it would have been better to have referred this
form to E. martinica riisii, which I venture to do. My
examples from St. Thomas certainly give me the impression
of being slightly smaller than examples from the Grand
Cayman, bat when measurements are taken the differences
are very slight indeed.

I notice that Mr. Ridgway (' Birds of North and Middle
America,' part iv. pp. 428, 429) has included examples of
E. m. riisii with true E. martinica ; but the former bird is
constantly and uniformly very much paler, and is also
noticeably smaller, than examples from Dominica, Martinique,
St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.

From a geological point of view this form, E. m. i^iisii,
ought to be found in Porto liico, Culebra, St. Thomas,
St. John, and the whole of the Virgin Islands, which are all
situated on the same submarine elevation.

With the form or forms which are found in the happy

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 343

hunting-ground for new subspecies which lies between the
islands of Anguilla and Montserrat, I have no personal
field acquaintance ; but after cruising among these islands
and observing how very close to one another and how
small they are, and after studying charts of the surrounding
submarine banks, I can only wonder if the creation of
numberless subspecies is not a scientific mistake.

ToLMARCHUS CAUDIFASCIATUS CAVMANENSIS.

Pitangus cuudifasciatus Cory, Auk, iii. p. 502 (1886).

PitamjKs caymanensis Nicoll, Ibis, 1904, p. 58.2.

Tolmarckus caymanensis Ridgw. Birds JNorth & Middle
Amer. part iv. p. 681.

I possess only one specimen of this species from the
Grand Cayman. It agrees with Mr. NicoU's description
of this insular form.

Myiarchus sagr.e Gundlach.

Myiarchus denigratus Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 500, 502
(1886).

Mr. Cory says : " This is a very dark species, easily dis-
tinguished from any other West Indian form."

I have compared my specimens, which I shot on the
Grand Cayman, with six examples of M. sagrce which I
obtained in Cuba, and I am in entire agreement with
Mr. Ridgway in not being able to distniguish the slightest
difference between the two forms. My series from both
islands were in very good plumage.

MlMUS POLYGLOTTOS ORPHEUS.

\Turdus'\ orpheus Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. x. i. 1758, 169.

Two males which I shot are^ referable to this subspecies.
I notice that Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of North and Middle
America,' part. iv. p. 232) does not admit the subspecific
rank of Mimus p. portoricensis Bryant, from Porto Rico,
but two birds in ray collection from that island would
seem to justify it. I found some low bush country near
Guauica, in Porto Rico, simply swarming with this species,
but unfortunately only shot two examples.

2 A '^

t^ A. nt

344 Mr. P. E. Lowe on Birds collected

ViREOSYLVA CAYMANENSIS Corj.

Vireo caymanensis Cory, Auk, iv. p. 7 (1887) .

Three males and one female.

When compared with F. magister these birds (jitfer in
being paler green above and yellowish white instead of
ochreous Avhite below.

V"]RE0 CRASSIROSTRIS ALLENI.

Vireo aUeni Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 500, 501 (188G).

Vireo crassirostris alleni Cory, Cat. W.I. Birds, pp. 11 G,
153 (1892).

One male and one female.

The nearest ally of this large-billed Vireo is V. crassi-
rostris of the Western Bahamas, from which it hardly differs.

The song of this bird is very similar to that of 1^ nova-
boracensis ; so similar in fact that I shot these two individuals
under the impression that they belonged to that species, and
did not discover ray mistake until getting back to the
yacht. Otherwise I might have obtained several other
specimens.

Dendrosca petechia (auricapilla?).

Dendroica petechia auricapilla Ridgw\ Birds North & Mid.
Amer. part ii. p. 517.

Dendroica aurocapilla Cory, Auk, vi. p. 31 (1889).
Six adult males and one adult female.
The Grand Cayman bird has been separated from D.
petechia of Jamaica on the ground that it has ''decidedly
shorter wing and larger bill and feet.^^

The measurements of four males which I shot in January
1904 are as follows : —

Win-. ^^?^''^ Tarsus,

mm. mm. mm.

(1) 63 9-5 19-5

(2) 64-5 10-5 20

(3) 64 10-5 20

(4) 625 10 19-5

According to the measurements given in Mr. Ridgway's
'Birds of North arid Middle America,' the wings of male

during a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea. 345

specimens of D. petechia from Jamaica average G5 mm.,
the exposed eulineu 10"G, the tarsus 205.

DeNDRCECA VITELLINA Cofy.

Dendroica vitellina Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 497, 501 (188G).
One male and two adults uusexed.

I have previously discussed this well-marked form in
describing the birds of Swan Island.

CCERKBA SHARPII (Cory).

Certhiola sharpei Cory, Auk, iii. p, 497 (188(5).

Certhiola sharpei Nieoll, Ibis, 1904, p. 580.

Seven adults and one immature specimen.

An exceedingly common bird and met with nearly every-
where, but especially in the outskirts of Georgetown,
where it is attracted by the flowers. Its call-note
reminded me somewhat of a Gold-crested Wren, but
it is louder. These birds seem busy all the day through,
creeping about among the branches and searching continu-
ally for insects, which they seem to find as much among
the leaves and their axils as in the interior of honey-
laden flowers or pollen-laden inflorescences.

The wings of my seven adult birds average 60'4 ram.,
while the exposed culmens of males only average 1.3"7 mm.,
which is a smaller measurement than that given by
Mr. Ridgway ('Birds of North and Middle America'), who
states that the bill in C. sharpei is larger than in C. calmti
from the Island of Cozumel, Yucatan. The plumage in
nearly all my specimens is a good deal worn, so that the
difference in wing and tail measurements between the two
species must be very trifling.

Two specimens which I shot on Little Cayman Island
agree Avith those from the Grand Cayman.

MELOPYRunA TAVLORi ITartcrt.

Melopyrrha nigra Cory, Auk, iii. p. 501 (1886).

Melopyrrha taijlori Hartert, Nov. Zool. iii. p. 257 (1896).

I have two males and one female of this insular form.
One of the males is immature. They differ from the Cul)an
form M. nigra in the points indicated by Dr. llartert.

346 Birds collected durwg a Cruise in the Caribbean Sea.

I found this bird shy and not at all easy to procure.
It frequents thick bush country. I found the Cuban
bird fairly common at the eastern end of Cuba on the
north coast, where it seemed to be more gregarious than
in the Grand Cayman.

Spindalis salvini Cory.

Spindalis salvini Cory, Auk, iii. p. 499 (1886).

I obtained four males of this fine species, which, owing to
its skulking habits, is difficult to find.

Mr. Cory has compared it with S. pretrei, but it is a
much larger bird than that species. Mr. Eidgway, who has
not seen any examples of this Cayman bird, very rightly
says that, " judging from the description, it seems to be more
like S. benedicti than any other.'^ I have compared my
specimens with a series of the latter species in the British
Museum collection and with eight examples of -S. pretrei in
my own, and I find that the chestnut coloration of the
breast in S. salvini is more defined than in S. benedicti,
the lower margin tending to be well differentiated from
the clearer yellow of the lower chest, whereas in S. pretrei
the colours blend imperceptibly and are lighter. The
median throat-stripe is lighter in S. salvini as compared
with S. benedicti and of a more yellowish tint, not " more
orange '' as suggested by Mr. Ridgway, and the rump is
paler — brownish orange as compared with chestnut.

S. salvini is, in fact, generally less rich in coloration
in every way than S. benedicti, but is far nearer to it than
S. pretrei. The back in S. salvini is yellowish olive and is
distinctly lighter than in S. pretrei.

I append wing-measurements of four specimens of each
species : —

S. sidvini. S. henedicti. S. iiretrei,

mm. mm. mm.

88 80 72

88 81 69

85 79 74

85 82 73

The female has never been described.

On attaching "Authorities " to Scientific Names. 347

HOLOQUISCALUS CAYMANEXSIS (Coi'y).

Quiscalus caymanensis Cory, Auk, iii. pp. 499-502; Ridgw.
Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1887, p. 574.

Holoquiscalus caymanensis Ridgw. Proc. Wash. Ac. Sci.
iii. p. 151 (1901).

Three males and two females.

This is a smaller bird than H. gundlachi, which is found in
Cuba, and the contour-feathers in the male exhibit a bluish
or violet-blue gloss as compared with a more purely violet
gloss in Cuban birds. The quill-feathers have a beautiful
bluish purple sheen, while the wing-coverts are shiny bluish
green.

Female (previously undescribed). Similar to the male,
but distinctly smaller and duller and lacking the rich bluish
pnrple gloss ; the black of the upper parts has a greenish
hue, while the lower parts have a dull brownish tint, with
hardly any gloss.

Female examples of this genus which hail from the
Greater Antillean Islands do not exhibit the brown coloration
which obtains in those from the Lesser Antilles and fui'ther
south.

J append measurements of four males and two females.

Wing. Tail. ^^P^^^*^ Tarsus.

° culmen.

Ad. S .

. . 133

115

29

32

Ad. ^ .

. 133

115

29

32

Ad. c? .

. 133

114

32

35

Ad. c? .

. 136

113

32

35

Ad. $ .

. 119

100

25

29

Ad. ? .

. 114

101

25

29

XIV. — Remarks on the Practice of attaching " Authorities "
to the Scientific Names of Animals. By P. L. Sclater,
D.Sc, F.R.S.
LiNNiEUS, as we all know, was the founder of the Binomial
System of nomenclature for animals and plants. Before his
time authors had invented " Genera," but had generally

348 Dr. P. L. Sclatcr on attachmt/

used a short diagnosis for the designation of the s])ccies.
Linnseus converted the diagnosis into a single specific name,
and estabhshed the system, now universally adopted, that
animals and plants should have two scientific names and
two names only — one that of the genus and the other that of
the species.

The immediate followers of Linnseus adhered pretty closely
to his rule, but in course of time, as the multitude of names
increased, the custom arose of adding the name of the author
to the generic and specific names. So far has this custom
been carried by many writers that even the most familiar
names, such as "Corvus corax " and " Turdus musictis," are not
considered to be complete unless the name of the authority
be placed after them. Thus, if this custom be invariably
followed, we should have in fact a trinomial system of
nomenclature instead of the simple binomial system o£
Linnseus.

When the number of genera began to be augmented and
the names of animals were often transferred from one genus
to another, it became a question whether the authority to
be attaclied to the generic and specific names should be the
name of the writer who first gave the species its specific name
or the name of the writer who first placed the species in the
proper genus and made a correct combination of the generic
and specific names. After some discussion it was generally
agreed that the name appended to the genus and species
should be that of the writer who first described the species,
but that if a subsequent writer transferred the species into
a different genus, the first writer's name should be enclosed
in brackets. Thus the name of the Song-Thrush still remains
" Turdus musicus," but that of the Rock- Thrush, '* Turdus
cyanus" of Linnaeus, on being transferred into the genus
Monticola, became Monticola cyanus (Linn.), not Monticola
cyanus Boie.

The question I now Avish to consider is whether it is
necessary or advisable to continue this practice of abrays
adding the name of the author who first described the species
to the generic and specific names, and thus, as I have said.

"Authorities'' to Scientific Names. 349

to convert the binomial system of Linmeus into a triuomial
system.

Ill tlie case of the non-scientific or ordinary reader it
seems to me that this practice is of very little advantage or
rather of no use at all. It is probably quite as much as the
ordinary reader can do to recollect the two terms of which
a scientific name is composed, without having to carry in his
memory also the name of the author who first published
the specific name. Moreover, the author's name is fre-
quently stated only in such an abbreviated or symbolical
form as to be quite unintelligible except to the expert
zoologist. Thus, " Bp.," " Gm./^ &c., which often occur
in zoological literature, arc terms well understood by the
zoologist, but are undecipherable enigmas to the outsider,
and, so far as he is concerned, may be advantageously
omitted.

To the expert also, that the name of the authority for the
species should be added to the generic and specific name seems
to beof very littleadvautage. In the case of all familiar animals
(such as Fetis leo, Turdus musicus, Bufo calamita, &c.), it
may safely be omitted, as conveying no additional information
whatever. In the case of the less-known species it would be
much better to give, when it is considered necessary, a
reference to the original description of the species or to
some standard work (such as the ' Catalogue of the Birds in
the British Museum ') in which it has been described. In
the case of '' British Birds '' it is obviously unnecessary to
give more than the generic and specific names under which
the species is designated in the List of the B.O.U. This
List was specially prepared for the use of writers in ' The
Ibis ' by a Committee of experts. Saunders used the same
names in his excellent ' Manual/ and, with very few ex-
ceptions, they remain valid at the present time.

I will not on the present occasion go into the vexed
question of " subspecies " and how to call them, but merely
repeat the conclusions which I have come to on this subject
as follows : —

(1) That the " authority '^ (as it is usually called) does

350 Ofntaary.

not form a part of the scientific name of any species, but,
when added, is merely for convenience of reference.

(2) That in the case of the names of all well-known species
the ''authority^' is quite unnecessary and may be altogether
omitted.

XV. — Obituary.
Mr. W. H. HuDLEsroN.
It is but three months since the four surviving Original
Members still on the List of the B.O.U. were presented with
Commemorative Medals, and. already one has passed from our
midst, for we have now to announce, with the greatest
regret, the death of Mr. W. H. Hudleston. The following
paragraphs are extracted from the full " Life " which he
himself wrote last year for the Jubilee Supplement : —

Previous to April 18G7 Hudleston was known as Wilfrid
Hudleston Simpson, and it w^as whilst bearing this name
that most of his ornithological work was done. He was
born at York on the 2nd June, 1828, and spent the years
from 1838 to 1843 at the Collegiate School in that city, now
St. Peter's School. Those were the days before scientific
farming had reduced our fences, and there was a fine field
for the bird's-nester.

In 1843 young Simpson went to Uppingham School, being
then 15 years of age. Here, for three successive seasons,
he indulged in his favourite pursuit in a locality which at
that time was certainly favourable to ornithological rambles.
Kites had only just disappeared from those large woods
which were remnants of the old forest of Rockingham, but
some of the local eggs were still preserved in Bell's
collection.

The scene now shifts to Cambridge, when the glories of
Fenland were already in a transition state. The seasons of
1847, 1848, and 1849 are those with which we have to
deal. Simpson spent no small part of his time during the
spring months in fen localities, and the area of his operations
extended from Whittlesey Mere, on the west, to the fens of

Obitnnry. 351

the Little Ouse, on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk.
lie was just iu time to find some of the Harriers breeding,
and notably Montagu's Harrier, which then nested
regularly in Feltvvell Fen in company with the Short-eared
Owl.

The year 1848 was in many ways a memorable one. It
was in that year that Simpson first made the acquaintance
of Alfred Newton, who had just come up as an under-
graduate to Magdalene College, Cambridge. The similarity
of their tastes soon made them firm friends, though Newton
did not then accompany Simpson in any of his excur-
sions. His principal comrade at this time was a brother
Johnian named James E. Law, who had shared in his birds'-
nestiug experiences at Uppingham, and who ultimately
married his eldest sister. When the May term was over,
Simpson and LaAv made a short tour in Nortliumberland,
the programme including a complete day at the Fame
Islands on the 15th of June. Sandwich Terns were particu-
larly plentiful in those days, but the eggs of the few Roseate
Terns visible were only doubtfully identified. The same
party had a delightful day on Cheviot a little later, when
they found that the j\Iei'lin and Dunlin had already hatched
off; but a complete clutch of the Golden Plover was
secured from the flat and hassocky summit of the mountain.
On the rth July following, Simpson, who was then visiting
his relations in Cumberland, secured a nest of the Dotterel,
with its complement of three eggs, on the summit of
llobinson Fell near Buttermere.

Simpson took his B.A. degree in January 1850, and
forthwith went to reside in London, where he was called to
the Bar iu 1853. Those years were not prolific in ornitho-
logical pursuits, although during a short fishing-trip to the
north-west of Ireland, in May 1853, he and his old College
chum James Law had the good fortune to secure nests of
the Sea-Eagle and Peregrine Falcon from the cliffs of Horn
Head in Donegal.

He again took up ornithology seriously in the spring
of 1855, and this time at the instance of Alfred Newton,

352 Ohiivary.

with whom he had remained in constant touch ever
since their first meeting at Cambridge in 1848. The two
comrades started from Hull late in May, and, owing to most
unseasonable weather^ missed the steamer connexion along
the Norwegian coast, and so were taken on to Christiania,
whence they proceeded overland in a great hurry to
Trondhjem, just in time to catch the coasting-steamer that
was to take them on to Hammerfest.

When, after an interval often days, the rolling 'Gyller''
at length arrived in port, two Englishmen, Scott and Torr,
were on board, and a merry party of four rounded the
Nordkyn together, and ultimately reached Vadso in the
Varanger Fjord, where the hero of Lapland ornithology,
John Wolley, shortly made his appearance, fresh from a
fortnight's excursion up the Pasvig, in Russian Finland, and
this, too, during the Crimean War. The party of three
ornithologists, being now complete, lost no time in making
their way up the Varanger Fjord, and thence to the valley
of the Tana, and so round by the Tana Fjord to Vadso
again. There is no need for any ornithological details, as
these may be gathered from the writings of Wolley and
Newton, and also from the pages of ' Hewitson.' The same
remark applies to the still more prolific region of Central
Lapland, at Muoniovara, for instance, which Wolley had
made his home. The 'Ootheca Wolley ana ■" should especially
be consulted, for there each egg has its history.

The return journey commenced towards the middle of
July, when the three friends committed themselves once more
to the rolling ^Gyller,' and were landed at a place on the
Lyngen Fjord, whence they made their way across the water-
shed into Swedish Lapland, and so in boats down the Muonio
River to Muoniovara itself.

The homeward journey began on the 8th of September,
and the party reached Hull early in October, by way of
Haparanda, Stockholm, and Gothenburg.

In the spring of 1856 John Wolley induced Simpson
to join him in an expedition to the Isle of Gland, in the
Baltic, in quest of the Little Gull, supposed to breed there,

Obituary. 353

but tills turned out to l)e the Black-Leaded Gull, and so far
the expedition was a failure. Nevertheless, a most interest-
ing campaign was carried on in the watery isle and adjacent
coast of Sweden — some of the results being recorded in
' The Ibis ' (see " Narrative of the Discovery of some Nests
of the Black Woodpecker in Sweden/' Ibis, 1859, p. 264)
and in the ^Ootbeca Wolleyana/

Probably the most enjoyable excursion in which Simpson
shared was that undertaken by Tristram and Salvin in
the year 1857. The introduction was effected through
the good offices of Alfred Newton ; and Salvin and Simpson
started together from London early in February to join
Tristram, already in North Africa. The three met at Tunis,
and some time was spent in that highly interesting country,
where archaeology and ornithology were alternately in the
ascendant.

At the latter end of March the " caravan " started
for Algeria, via the famous valley of Roman ruins, to Kef,
and thence over the somewhat lawless borderland to Souk-
harras in the province of Constantine. From the day of
their leaving Souk-harras, very early in April, to the day
of their arrival at Constantine, towards the end of June,
the party dwelt constantly in tents, and travelled on horse-
back from place to place. From an ornithological point
of view the country was almost a virgin one, and espe-
cially the upper valley of the Medjerdah, where operations
first commenced. The country was alive with birds of
prey, from the stately Griffon to the querulous Black Kite,
and other birds were equally interesting and demonstrative.
The wretched "Colon'-' had not yet potted everything, and
there were even lions, long since extinct, for the followers of
Jules Gerard to pursue.

The early part of 1858 presents no particular features
of interest. Simpson passed a few weeks in Argyllshire,
looking out for shootings, and while thus engaged secured
nests of the Buzzard and Hen-Harrier.

When the British Ornithologists' Union was formally
founded at Cambridge in November 1858, Simpson

354 Obituary.

and F. D, Godman, with others of the brotlierhood, stayed
for some little time at the Bull Hotel, in order to take part
in the proceedings.

Simpson's latest expeditions in the pursuit of ornithology
took place during the years 1859 and 1860, chiefly in Greece,
but also to a less extent in that part of Turkey known
as the Dobrudscha, which has since become a portion of
the State of Rumania. In Greece he had the advantage of
the company of Dr. Kriiper during part of the time, especially
in the neighbourhood of Mcsolonghi, where some interesting
captures were made. He was able to study the country
both in its summer and its winter aspect, and the results of
his experiences are recorded in some of the earlier volumes
of 'The Ibis/

Shortly after his return from Turkey, viz. in June 1860,
he attended the memorable meeting of the British Asso-
ciation at Oxford, where there w^as a considerable gathering
of original members of the B. O. U. The general results
of that meeting are a matter of history, but the more
immediate result ;is regards the ornithologists present was
to confirm their leaning towards the doctrine of Evolution,
then for the first time brought to the notice of the public.

Simpson made a trip to Switzerland in the spring of 1861,
and several interesting finds were the result, such as the
Golden Eagle from Ben Laoghal, the Grey-lag Goose from
Loch Laoghal, and two or three complete nests of the
Greenshank — substantially the last eggs he took.

Henceforth he determined to devote his energies to some-
thing more practical, and, as a preliminary course, to undertake
his own re-education, so as to be less dependent on classical
knowledge only. With this object in view, in the winter of
1862-63, he studied chemistry under Playfair at Edinburgh,
where he obtained the University medal in that branch of
science. Subsequently, for three successive winters, he con-
tinued those studies at the Royal College of Chemistry in
London, and ultimately set up his own laboratory in Chelsea,
where he was able to conduct mineral analysis on his own
account.

Recently published Ormthologicdl ll'arks. 355

All this work was so much training for the main object lie
had in view, viz. to become a practical geologist. In this
connexion, during a short trip to Switzerland in the autumn
of 1866, he met Marshall Hall, through whom he obtained
introductions to several well-known geologists. From such
men as Morris, Etheridge, and Blake, to mention no others,
he received instruction in palaeontology, and thus early in
the seventies he was sufficiently advanced to be able to
contribute to the literature of his favovirite study. He
became a Fellow of the Geological Society in May 1867, just
a fortnight before he changed his name to Hudleston.

From the year 1872 onwards he continued to write
papers on various geological subjects, while he also partici-
pated in the management of the several societies with which
he was connected. It is probable that he was the only person
who has been Secretary and Presideut, both of the Geologists'
Association and of the Geological Society. In 1897 he was
awarded the Wollaston Medal ; in 1898 he was President of
Section C at the Bristol meeting of the British Association ;
and so recently as last summer (1908) he was deputed by
the Council to represent the Geological Society of London
at the Darwin- Wallace Jubilee meeting of the Linnean
Society. He w-as elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in
1884.

Mr. Hudleston died at his residence_, West Holme, Ware-
ham, on January 29thj 1909.

XYI. — Notices of recent Ornitliologicul Publications.

[Continued from p. 188.]

25. 'Annals of Scottish Natural History.'

[The Annals of Scottish Katural History'. October 1908 and January
1909.]

In the first of these numbers Mr. J. Paterson continues
his able Report on Scottish Ornithology for 1907, and in it
we again find matter of the greatest interest. Linota
rostrata, Pyrrhula erythrina, Emberiza melunocepJiala,

356 Recently published OrniUiologicanVorks.

E. pusilla, E. Jiortulana, Turtur communis, Totanus uchropus,
and other species of less importance are recorded on
Mr. W. E. Clarke-'s authority from Fair Isle, while it may-
be noted that Corvus corone has also occurred there; an
early nest of Phalacrocorax graculus is noticed from Orkney
(Feb. 24th) ; two pairs of Somateria moUissima remained
from April to August on the Solway Firth; a pair of
(Edicnemns sculopax are reported from Lerwick on May 20th ;
Fringilla montifringilla and Scolopax rusticula {cf. Annals,
1907, p. 144) seem to have been unusually plentiful in Scot-
land ; and, finally, forty-two nests o{ Megalestris catarrhactes
were counted in the breeding-season at Hermaness in Unst.

A short paper by Mr. W. Evans on the origin of the
present colony of Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Scotland,
in which the author inclines to the view of an English rather
than a Scandinavian source of supply, is preceded by an
article on the same species by Mr. Harvie-Brown, who
elaborates and maps out for us with his usual accuracy the
gradual extension of the bird''s range since 1841 or 1851.
In the map present summer-records and records of breeding,
ancient records, and those of winter are duly represented by
various signs or dates, so that we can take in the facts at a
glance, and sec for ourselves how distinct this new colony is
Irom the old, whose breeding area lay to the north of the
Grampians. In the letterpress the gradual extension north-
ward and southward since the first nest was found in 1887 at
Duns, in Berwickshire, is carefully ti-aced, while a specimen
of the schedules used in the investigation is printed for the
guidance of others. The author furthermore discusses the
route by which this species is likely to spread still further
to the north, and ventures to prophecy that it will be by
way of the Dee.

Mr. H. B. Watt follows with a list of Scottish Heronries,
past and present, but we are afraid that he has omitted to
consult certain books or papers on local avifauna ; Muirhead's
' Birds of Berwickshire ' and the articles in the ' History of
the Berwickshire Naturalists^ Club^ would, for instance,
have enabled him to be more accurate with regard to some

Recently published Ornithological Works. 357

of the Heronries of '* Tweed," while the writer does not
distinguish accidental cases of the breeding of a single pair
from a Heronry proper.

In the January number we find three consecutive ornitho-
logical papers. Mr. Eagle Clarke reports the occurrence
of Phylloscopus borealis at Fair Isle, the first record for
Britain, and the second for Western Europe ; the Duchess
of Bedford writes a couple of pages of Bird Notes from
the Outer Hebrides, with notices of Muscicapa parva and
Ruticilla titys; and Miss E. Baxter continues her useful
records from the Isle of May, and gives details of her
observations and those of Mr. Maccuish in 1908. Blue-
throats, Yellow-browed Warblers, Pied Flycatchers, Bram-
blings, one Scarlet Grosbeak, and one Wryneck appear to be
the most notable of the species met with.

In the Zoological Notes we wish to draw special attention
to the correction of a statement as to the Lesser Whitethroat
nesting in the " Tay " area, and to the records of the Blue-
headed Wagtail, Hawfinch, and Gadwall.

26. 'Aquila/ 1905-1907^ (vols, xii.-xiv.).

[Aquila : Zeitsclirift fiir Ornithologie. Redact. Otto Herman. Tom.
xii.-xiv. Budapest, 1905-7.]

* Aquila,' as we all know, is the scientific organ of the
'' Ofiicium Hungaricum Ornithologicum,^' and the yearly
volume is issued at Budapest with unfailing regularity.
We have now before us those for three years — namely,
1905, 1906, 1907. The Journal is naturally for the most
part devoted to matters pertaining to the Birds of the
Kingdom of Hungary; but it should be carefully studied
by all who are interested in the Ornithology of the
Western Palsearctic Region, as it contains a mass of infor-
mation about species little known in the minute fragment
of Europe which we inhabit. Bird-migration in Hungary is
specially studied by a host of observers, and reports on this
subject will be found in every volume of ' Aquila.' In that

* See ' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 269.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 B

358 Recently published Ornithological Works.

for 1905 is contained an excellent account by the late Prof.
Newton of tlie three Naumanns and of the festival held in
their honour at Cothen, when the " Naumann-denkmal " was
inaugurated. This is followed by a report on the '' Pro-
ceedings^' of the International Ornithological Congress of
1905. We may also call attention to Mr. Herman's important
essay on Geronticus eremita -and its former existence in Europe
in vol. xiv. (1907).

27. ' The Auk:

[The Auk. A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Vol. xxv. Nos. 2,
3, 4 (April-October 1908).]

The April number of our American contemporary begins
with a long article by Mr. C. C. Adams on " The Ecological
Succession of Birds," a title somewhat in the nature of a
" hard saying " for the multitude. The author considers it
hiffli time that more attention was devoted to the nature
of the birds' surroundings, and to the effect of the permanence
or change of those surroundings on the birds themselves. He
also thinks that present works refer too exclusively to political
or other convenient "" areas/' which are often of a highly com-
posite nature — hill, moor, marsh, and so forth. He speaks
for his own country, of course, and not for Britain, where we
are deluged with books on the birds of the marsh, the birds of
the shore, and the like ; but we quite agree with him in his
estimate of the importance of a bird's environment, and the
changes which that environment makes in the creature itself,
if indeed it does not necessitate its departure.

In the April and October numbers, Mr. Ruthven Deane
gives details of a letter of Audubon to his family, of his
letters of introduction carried on his Missouri River Ex-
pedition, and of the fate of the copperplates of the folio
edition of the ' Birds of America,' coupled with a sketch of
the engravers. Mr. Deane is a well-known authority on
such matters, and we are glad to read the articles from his
pen referring to the great American Ornithologist, and also
that by Dr. C. H. Merriam on the "King Cameos of
Audubon " in the October number.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 359

Next we may allude to articles by Dr. J. A. Allen on the
vexed question of Strix v. Aluco (wlierein his conclusions
agree with those of Prof. Newton and Dr. Coues), and on
Columhina v. Chamapelia ; while these serve to draw our
special attention to the Fourteenth Supplement to the
A. O. U. Check-List given in the July number.

The chief distributional paper is that of Messrs. Beyer,
Allison, and Kopman on the birds of Louisiana (Pt. IV.
April, Pt. V. October), a most useful piece of work and far
more than a mere list of species. In the April number we
have also articles by Mr. W. A. Dawson on the Avifauna of
the Olympiades (a name he proposes for three reserves
among the islands off the West Coast of Washington State),
by ]\Ir. H. G. Smith on that of Colorado, by Mr. E. S.
Woodruff on that of Shannon and Carter Counties,
Missouri ; in July others by Mr. R. H. Harlow on that of
Eastern Pennsylvania and by Mr. C. J. Pennock on that
of Delaware ; in October by Mr. A. A. Saunders on that of
Central Alabama, by Mr. J. M. Edson on that of the
Bellingham Bay Region in the north-west of the United
States, by Mr. E. Thompson Seton on that of Manitoba,
by Mr. N. Hollister on that of the Needles Region,
California, and by Mr. A. B. Reagan on that of the
Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota.

Returning to the April number we find Mr. Ruthven
Deane again to the fore with a short paper on the Passenger
Pigeon in confinement {cf. ' Auk,' xiii. p. 234) and the
probability of its immediate extinction; in July Mr. E. S.
Cameron gives us the benefit of his experiences with regard
to the Golden Eagle in Montana, Mr. J. H. Riley discusses
the broad-winged Hawks of the West Indies, and describes
as a new subspecies Buteo platypterus insulicola, Mr. E. J.
Court writes on the Treganza Blue Heron (with two plates),
Mr. F. H. Allen on Larus kumlieni and other northern Gulls
at Boston, Mr. J. H. Fleming on the destruction of Olor
columhianus at Niagara, and Mr. A. H. Clark on the Macaw
of Dominica (which he provisionally terms Ara atwoodi).
The last-named paper should be read in connexion with the

2b2

360 Recently published Ornithological Works.

review of Mr. Rothschild's ' Extinct Birds ' in the April
number. Finally, in October, Mr. E. S. Cameron describes
the changes of plumage in Buteo swainsoni.

28. ' The Avicultural Magazine?

[Avicultural Magazine. The Journal of the Avicultural Society.
New Series. Vol. vi. Nos. 11, 12, Vol. vii. Nos. 1-5 (Sept. 1908-Marcli
1909.)]

The Editor of this Magazine, Mr. D. Seth-Smith, has the
first claim upon our attention for his attractive article on
his visit to Australia on behalf of the Zoological Society.
This article is continued from September to March, and gives
an account of his sojourn in West Australia, with trips to
the mining centre of Kalgoorlie, the Forest region, and the
Mammoth cave; from Freemantle he proceeded by sea to
Adelaide, and thence by train to Melbourne, the Zoological
Gardens at both of these places being a great attraction, while
at the latter he took a further trip to the Penton Hills. To
an aviculturist the whole story is especially interesting on
account of the large number of Australian species of birds
that may be kept in confinement.

The allusion to Zoological Gardens leads naturally to the
mention of a paper in November by Mr. R. I. Pocock on
the breeding-habits of the genus Crax, as exemplified in the
mating of a female of C. hecki with a male of C. glohicera
at Regent's Park. The nest of twigs in a tree built by the
male, the period of incubation by the female, the two white
eggs, the remarkable precocity of the young and the method
of feeding them are all duly chronicled, and give much
information to the ornithologist.

Success in breeding rare species in captivity seems to be
now almost more the rule than the exception, a fact which
must be most gratifying to the Society and on which we
congratulate it most heartily. In his well-known aviaries
at Gooilust, Mr. F. E. Blaauw has reared many rare species,
among which Gallus sonnerati may be particularized (Nov.) ;
and at Woburn the Duchess of Bedford has been equally
successful, especially with several species of Cranes (Sept.).

Recently published Ornithological Works. 361

In February, Mr. W. H. St. Quintin gives us a coloured
plate of the Waxwiug and another of its egg, while relating
his unfortunate failure to rear the young that were hatched
in 1903 ; in March he follows this up with notes on
the breeding of the Eider and other Ducks, Tragopans,
CapercaillieSj and so forth at Scampston. In October
Mr. G. H. Gurney^ a new member, signalizes his advent by
a good paper on Centropus superciliosus, brought by him
from British East Africa, which is preceded by a shorter
notice in October on the breeding of Aramides ypecaha in
his aviaries.

In October, November, and March those constant con-
tributors Mr. H. D. Astley and Mr. R. Phillipps join forces
to write oi Agapornis nigrigenis (col. pi.), and give an excellent
account of its breeding, wherein we wish to call special
attention to the habit noticed in some members of the
genus of carrying nesting-material among the feathers so
as to leave the bill free for climbing purposes. In September,
October, January, and March, Mr. Astley also writes on the
nesting of Turacus corythaix, on rare birds from New Guinea
(especially the Paradise-birds in Mrs. Johnstone's col-
lection), on certain Thrushes, and on Bower- birds. In
September, moreover, Mr. E. J. Brooks gives an account of
the breeding in captivity of Artamus superciliosus, and
Mr. Williams of that of Conurus cerugitiosus ; while Mr. C.
B. Smith has furnished a series of papers in the various
numbers on the display of the Monal Pheasant, on the
Rock Ptarmigan and Harlequin Duck, and the nesting of
Nothoprocta maculosa and Francolinus vulgaris on his
premises.

In November and December Mrs. Johnstone and Sir
William Ingram are once more to the fore with articles on
Paradise-birds, the former writing on Cicinnurus regius, of
which she possessed two males and three females (col. pi.),
and the latter on Paradisea rudolphi brought from New
Guinea by Messrs. Horsbrugh and Stalker. In October
Mr. T. H. Newman describes his successful attempt at
breeding Geopjhaps scripta.

362 Recently published Ornithological Works.

Lack of space forbids us to give details of all the papers,
but Dr. Butler should be mentioned as contributing two in
January and February^ and Capt. Perreau contributes " Some
Notes on Indian Ornithology " to the same numbers ; while
Mr. B. R. Horsbrugh gives in September an account of the
breeding of Turnix lepurana as observed by him in South
Africa.

29. Brugger on Birds' Bones from the Norwegian Kitchen-
middens.

[Vistefundet en jeldre stenalders kjokkenniodding fra Jscderen. Av
A. W. Brogger. Stavanger, 1908. 102 pp., 5 pis.]

At Viste, in the parish of Rendeberg, on the south-
eastern coast of Norway, not far from Stavanger, the
remains of an ancient dwelling-house of the older neolithic
stone-age were discovered in the autumn of 1907. This was
accompanied by a large kitchen-midden, containing masses
of shells of the sea-mollusks which had been consumed for
food. But with these were also exhumed, after a careful
search^ remains of numerous other animals — Mammals,
Birds, and Fishes. The bird-bones have been examined, by
our Foreign Member, Dr. Winge, who has kindly supplied us
with a copy of this interesting memoir. They are referred
to 27 species, nearly all well-known inhabitants of the
adjacent sea-coast. But amongst them are also numerous
fragments of the bones of the Great Auk {Alca impennis),
which prove that this bird was used there in past ages as a
regular article of food.

The memoir is well illustrated by five lithographic plates
and numerous text-figures. '

30. Carter on a supposed new Grass- Wren.

[Description of a supposed new Grass- Wren. By T. Carter, M.B.O.U.
Vict. Nat. XXV. p. 86.]

Mr, Carter describes Amytis varia as a new species,
comparable with A. gigantura Milligan, Vict. Nat. xviii. p. 27,
but probably differeut. It is, we suppose, from West
Australia, but the exact locality is not stated.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 363

31. Chapman's ' On Safari.'

[On Safari. Big-Game Hunting in British East Africa, with Studies
in Bird-life. By Abel Chapman. With 170 Illustrations. London:
Edward Arnold, 1908. 1 vol., 8vo.]

" Big-Game," we must allow, is the principal theme of
Mr. Chapman's volume, but the references to Birds and
the text-figures which illustrate them, taken from the
author's sketches, are so numerous and so attractive that
we are quite justified in calling it a Bird-book also.
" Safari " is a new word, and, we are told, " has no
precise equivalent in our British tongue." Yet, being in
daily use in East Africa and apparently meaning a " hunting-
expedition after big game," it is a convenient expression
which Mr. Chapman has taken leave to introduce into
'•'our common language." The author, on his three trips,
entered British East Africa — " probably the most glorious
hunting-field still extant, and certainly the most accessible'"' —
by the usual steam-route to Mombasa, and by the so-called
" Uganda Railway," which, however, does not touch Uganda
at all. He went straight up into the great " equatorial
trench," and encamped at various places in the highland
district which shuts off Lake Victoria from the Eastern
Ocean. On each occasion he spent many happy days in
pursuit of big game in that hunter's paradise. We will not
follow him into his account of the slaughter of many
mammals, which are not only fully described, but splendidly
illustrated by well-drawn pictures taken from life, but we
must at once call attention to his frequent remarks on the
bird-life of tlie country, to which, as a well-known Member
of the B. 0. U., he was bound to attend. These remarks are
scattered throughout the volume, and relate to Sun-birds,
Louries, Whydahs, Social Weavers, Nightjars, Rollers,
Shrikes, Touracos, and a host of other forms which the
luxuriant Avifauna of Tropical Africa possesses in such
abundance. Although there are numerous scientific articles
on the Birds of British East Africa, few ornithologists
(except perhaps Mr. F. J. Jackson) have given us such good
field-notes. Much may be learned from what Mr. Chapman

364 Recently published Ornithological Works.

writes on the subject, and much from the excellent little
sketches which he introduces into his text. It has been
stated elsewhere that the Wood- Hoopoe {Ir riser) climbs trees
like a Creeper, but this has never been so clearly shown as
in Mr. Chapman's drawing (p. 243), which we have kindly-
been allowed to reproduce.

Irrisor erythrorhynchus.

The appendix of " rough veld-notes on bird-life in British
East Africa/' which concludes the volume, is, in our opinion,
by no means so " valueless to the scientific ornithologist "
as the author supposes. It presents us with a good
general idea of the varied forms of Birds characteristic of
this favoured portion of the Ethiopian Region, and contains
many interesting observations on their habits. We have
read Mr. Chapman's adventures " on Safari " with pleasure

Recently published Ornithological Works. 365

and interest, and are sure that many other Members of our
Union will do the same.

32. Collett on the Great Auk in Norway.

[Nogle Bemajrkninger om Alca impennis i Norge. Af R. Collett.
Christianiti Vidensk.-Selsk. Forhandl. 1907, No. 8. CbristiaDia, 1907.]

Dr. Collett here gives a sketch of our knowledge of the
Great Auk in Norway, beginning with Linnseus, who, in his
' Fauna Suecica ' in 1746, cautiously says "habitat in mari
Norvegico, rarius ! ^' He then proceeds to the recent dis-
covery of its remains in kitchen-middens on the Norwegian
coast. There is only one complete stufl'ed specimen of the bird
in any of the Norwegian museums, of which an uncoloured
plate is given. The bones from the kitchen-middens now in
the Museum at Christiania are likewise described and figured ;
they consist of fragments of the humerus and coracoid.

Dr. Collett moreover describes a considerable series of the
bones of the Great Auk which were exhumed by P. Stuwitz
in 1842 on Funk Island, north of Newfoundland, and are
also in the Christiania Museum.

33. Dresser on Palaearctic Birds' Eggs.

[Eggs of the Birds of Europe, including all the Species inhabiting th&
Western Palaearctic Area. By H. E. Dresser. Parts XIII., XIV.,.
XV., XVI.]

These four parts of Mr. Dresser's work treat of the
Corvida, Cypselidee, Caprimulgidee, Picida, Alcedinidce, Cora-
ciidcB, Meropidce, Upupidee, CuculidcE, Strigidce, Phalacro-
coracidce, Sulidce, Peleca7iidce, Ardeida, Ciconiida, Ibidida
(with Platalea), Phoenicopteridce, and Anatida. The eggs
figured are those of members of the same families, with the
addition of Phasianidce, Tetraonida, Rallida, Gruida, and
OtididcB. The plates, as a whole, are even better than their
precursors, and the three-colour process of photography is
fully justifying its use for the representation of Oological
specimens. The letterpress contains much interesting

366 Recently published Ornithological Works.

matter^ especially as regards those species whose homes lie
to the eastward, and is in most cases sufficiently full as well
as accurate. But the author does not appear to have
brought his information quite up to date with regard to the
distribution of species in Britain, or, perhaps we should
say, might advantageously give more ample details of that
distribution in cases where fresh information has been
acquired by those so carefully working at the British
Avifauna.

The Little Owl has now a far more extended range in
England than that here assigned to it, and Bewick's Swan is
numerous every winter in parts of the north-west of Scotland,
and not only in some winters. Further particulars, moreover,
might be added in the case of such Ducks as the Gad wall,
Shoveler, and Wigeon. Mr. Dresser seems to imply that the
Shoveler's nesting in Scotland is a matter of doubt, though
it is known to do so in several parts, and the woodcut
given depicts a nest from Fifeshire. Again, the Gannet
is said to breed on " Sulisgeir and Suliskerry." Now
Suliskerry is a flat island (as a '' skerry '^ always is), and no
Gannet would think of nesting there. As is well known
to residents in Northern Scotland, and may be gathered
from such works as ' A Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney
Islands,' p. IGO, the bird only breeds on " Stack" (or East
Sulisgeir) and West Sulisgeir. The Stack is an almost
inaccessible precipitous island and has no connexion
whatever with " Skerry."

With a few such exceptions the work is excellent, and
gives us much information as to the new subspecies that
have recently been proposed, though not invariably
accepted by our author. It avIU be noticed that Mr. Dresser
no longer maintains the specific title of Corvus leptonyx
for Irby's Raven (C. tingitanus) and that he upholds the
specific distinctness of the Grey-backed and Carrion Crows,
M'hile he appears to doubt the fact of the e^^ of the Cuckoo
shewing a resemblance to that of the foster-parent, therein
differing from the great majority of ornithologists.

A printer's error of some importance is to be found under

Recently published Ornithulogical Works. 3G7

Caprimulgiis ruficollis, where '^ Kellingworth " should be
" Killing worth/'

34. Giglioli on Italian Birds.

[Avifauna Italica, nuovo Elenco Sistematico delle Specie di Uccelli,
stationarie, di Passaggio o di accidentale Comparsa in Italia ; coi nomi
volgari, colla loro distribuzione geografica, con notizie intorno alia
loro Biologia, ed un esame critico delle Variazioni e delle cosidette sotto
specie. Dal Enrico Hillyer Giglioli. Florence, 1907. Pp. i-xxiv, 1-784.J

In the year 1886 Professor Giglioli earned the gratitude
of the ornithological world by compiling his first 'Avifauna
Italica/ consequent upon a shorter meraoir in the Roman
Annals of Agriculture. He now gives us, in what may be
termed a second edition, the results of his labours from 1886
to the present time, pending the completion of his illustrated
folio work, ' Iconografia dell' Avifauna Italica.' Much new
information has been amassed in these twenty years, and the
aid of the Ministers of Public Works and Marine has been
invoked, and not in vain, to the assistance of Orni-
thologists, chiefly with regard to the Migration and the
Distribution of species. Further statistics are, as the
author tells us, still needed ; but we have here a very satis-
factory account of the birds of the Kingdom of Italy.

Proper attention is paid to the new subspecies or species
that have occurred in the country, more especially where
" neogenesis,''' or the birth of new forms (e. g. Athene
chiarardia) , has been asserted ; due weight is also given to
the question of geographical races.

Several of the specific names used are not those with
which we are most familiar, but it would be impossible in
a short space to discuss their validity.

We must, in conclusion, draw particular attention to the
excellent Introduction, which gives an account of the progress
of Ornithology in Italy and a statement of the Professor's
creed. He declares himself an unsparing opponent of the
fashion of founding new species or subspecies on very slight,
or mere individual, characters, and considers that such
characters are unfortunately often confounded with those

368 Recently published Ornithological Works.

that are truly specific, while he also inveighs against the
unnecessary multiplication of synonyms and the use of
tautonyms, and reminds us, as is very necessary nowadays,
that nomenclature in Zoology is a means and not an end.
Given proper characteristics, he is as ready as another to
propose a new species : he is neither a " lumper " nor a
" splitter."

35. The Grouse Disease Inquiry.

[Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Grouse Disease Inquiry.
Interim Eeport. London, 1908.]

We have lately received a copy of this Report, the evidence
in which tends to certain conclusions, though the Final Report
alone will justify our adherence to them as absolute facts. It
appears that there may be two forms of Grouse Disease :
firstly, the chronic, wasting, and generally fatal form, where
the parasitic worms normal to the bird become particularly
harmful in its weakened condition ; and secondly, the acute
form, considered by Klein to be an infectious pneumonia con-
nected Avith a special organism. As, however, this organism
is also found in healthy Grouse, and individuals said to be
attacked by acute disease in their full vigour have proved
to be in an emaciated condition, Klein's views are open
to doubt, and the existence of a second form of disease is
held to be not proved at present.

One fact, however, has been made abundantly clear from
the evidence of owners of moors, keepers, and local corre-
spondents in touch with the appointed " head-centres " :
namely, that there is an intimate connexion between health
and the food-supply, which consists, as is well known, chiefly,
though not entirely, of the shoots of Calluna (Ling). Over-
stocking a moor simply means keeping more birds than the
food-supply can maintain. Minor points to which attention
is drawn are that Grouse do not eat frosted heather, and that
the cocks succumb chiefly in spring and the hens in autumn,
when the sexes are respectively at their weakest.

It would not be fair to judge the Commission on the
strength of the work of the first two and a half years alone.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 3G0

and we must await the Final Report before definitely eriti-
cizing ; but certainly a good beginning has been made by
studying the bird in its normal state and the conditions on
which the health of moors depends ; while beyond this Mr. E,
A. Wilson reports on the specimens examined and their crop-
contents, Mr. A. E. Shipley on the Parasites, Mr. J. C. Fryer
on the Insect Life of Grouse Moors, Mr. H. Hammond Smith
on the observation-area established at Frimley, in Surrey, and
Mr. R. H. Rastall on grits found in the gizzards of Game Birds.
Full discussions of the Bacteriology, the Causes of
Mortality, the Economic Value of Grouse Shootings, and
especially the subject of Heather-burning, so important a
factor in the health of a moor, have been held over until the
Final Report stage.

36. ' Irish Naturalist.'

[The Irish Naturalist. A Monthly Joiiraal of General Irish Natural
History. January to December 1908.]

Comparatively few papers on Ornithology are to be found
in the pages of the ' Irish Naturalist ' for last year, but in
April Dr. Scharff writes on the Determination of Sex in
the Woodcock, in June Mr. A. Williams discusses Bird-
Protection in Co. Dublin, followed by an article in September
on Bird Life in Dublin Bay, and in October Prof. Patten
gives an accout of his '' Rambles on Achill Island.'^

Unfortunately Dr. Scharff's careful investigations were
fruitless, and no reliable distinguishing character could
be discovered between the male «and female Woodcock.
Mr. W^illiams's papers will be read with interest, and the
titles speak for themselves. Prof. Patten spent more than a
fortnight in September in Achill, and occupied himself in
watching and photographing the interesting birds he met
with, but he does not furnish us with any new records.

In the " Notes " we may call attention to accounts of the
overland flight of Sea-birds by Messrs. Praeger, Harvie-
Brown, and Ussher; to the first occurrence of Richard's
Pipit in Ireland (p. 59) ; to observations on Great Shear-
waters and Fulmars off the coast by Mr. Ussher ; to notices

370 Recently published Ornithological Works.

of migrants at RockalDill by Mr. Barrington, and of Stock
Doves in Wexford by Major Barrett-Hamilton.

The November number is devoted to a full account of the
Dublin Meeting of the British Association.

37. McGregor on Philippine Birds.

[Notes ou a CollectioQ of Birds from Siquijor, Philippine Islands.
By Richard C. McGregor. Philipp. Journ. of Science, iii. no, 6, Sept.
1908.]

Our American friends continue their excellent work in
the Philippines. The establishment of a " Biological
Laboratory" and of a '^Journal of Science^' so soon after
their arrival ou the scene are feats that may well put other
Governments to shame. As regards Birds at least they
have an engrossing subject before them. The preparation
of an 'Avifauna Philippinensis/ and the correct working
out of the numerous representative species in the different
islands, will be a task of much labour but of intense
interest.

In the present paper, Mr. McGregor, who is now the
leading ornithologist at Manila, gives us an account of a
collection from the coral rock of Siquijor, a little island
lying close to Negros, and apparently comparatively recently
provided with bird-life. Three species, however, have had
time to develop into well-marked representatives — namely,
Dicceum besti, Loriculus siquijorensis, and lole siquijorensis.
Mr. McGregor enumerates 87 species from this island,
thus adding 9 to the list given by Worcester and Bourns in
1898''^. Among these is Acanthopneuste borealis (Blasius),
of which two specimens were obtained.

38. Mair's ' Mackenzie Basin.'

[Through the Mackenzie Basin, a Narrative of the Athabasca and
Peace Kiver Treaty Expedition of 1899, and Notes on the Birds and
Mammals of Northern Canada, by Roderick MacFarlane. 1 vol., 8vo.
494 pp. London : Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., 1908.]

This volume contains in the first place the narrative of an
expedition sent into the" Great Mackenzie Basin'' in 1899,
* Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus. xx. p. 564.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 371

in order to come to terms witli the native Indians as to the
surrender of their land-rights to the Canadian Government.
In the second half the valuable field-notes made by the author's
friend, Roderick MacFarlane, for many years a Chief Factor
of the Hudson Bay Company, are reprinted. They have
already appeared in the ' Proceedings of the U.S. National
Museum' (see 'Ibis/ 189.2, p. 335), but are well worthy
of repetition. The specimens collected appear to have gone
to Washington, not to Ottawa, which would have been a
more appropriate destination for them.

39. Martens on Magellanic Birds.

[Ergebnisse der Hamburger Magalhaeniscben Sammelreise, 1892-3.
Herausgegeben vom natiirhistoriscben Museum zu Hamburg. Vol. I.
Hamburg, 1896-1907. Vcigel bearbeilet von G. H. Martens (Ham-
burg).]

Among the articles on the results of the Magellanic
Collecting-Expedition sent out by the City of Hamburg in
1902-3, under the leadership of Dr. Michaelsen, is a chapter
on Birds, prepared by Herr G. H. Martens, of Hamburg.
The collection made on this occasion is stated to have
consisted of 60 specimens, referable to 42 species. The
examination of these specimens, which were placed in the
Natural History Museum of Hamburg, did not result in
any new discoveries, but this, considering the small size
of the collection and the well-known features of the
Avifauna of the country visited, does not seem very
wonderful.

Herr Martens has consoled himself for his disappointment
at the meagre results (as regards birds) of the Magellanic
Collecting-Expedition by compiling a List of the birds of the
South Polar area, which, according to his investigations^
embraces about 299 species referable to 176 genera. But
we think that he has been unwise to include in his List the
land- birds of the islands adjoining New Zealand (Chatham
Island, Auckland Islands, &c.). The sea-birds, it is true,
are nearly the same all round the South Polar seas ; but the
land-birds of the New Zealand Islands are quite distinct,

872 Recently published Ornithological Works.

and belong entirely to the Australian Region. The List,
therefore^ presents rather an incongruous mixture of
Neotropical and Australian forms of bird-life.

40. Martorelli on the Parrots in the University of Naples.

[Elenco dei Papagalli del Museo Zoologico Universitario di Napoli
con note ed illustrazioni. Dal Prof. Giacinto Martorelli. Ann. Mus.Zool.
Univers. Napoli, n. s. ii. No. 4 (1908).]

At the request o£ Prof. Monticelli, the Director,
Prof. Martorelli has undertaken tlie arrangement of the
fine series of Psittacidae represented in the collection
of the Royal Museum of Naples. He wisely follows
Count Salvadori's nomenclature and arrangement, and gives
a few notes on the rarities. Pionus reichenowi of Heine is
figured.

41. Mullens on the Bibliography of British Birds.

[A List of Books relating to British Birds, published before the Year
1815, from the Library of W. H, Mullens, M.A., LL.M., F.R.S.
Exhibited at the Corporation Museum, Hastings, during June 1906.
With Seven Plates. Hastings and St. Leonard's Nat. Hist. Soc.
Occasional Publications, No. 3. lleprinted, with additions and correc-
tions.]

Mr. Mullens has kindly sent us a copy of this pamphlet,
which he hopes to make the precursor of a larger work on
the Bibliography of British Birds. Such a work was
originally planned by Mr. W. R. Butterfield, who, in a
short preface, announces that he has withdrawn in favour of
Mr. Mullens ; while, from the extent of the latter's library,
it is evident that a better successor could not have been
selected. The word " additions " on the cover of the
pamphlet leaves us a little doubtful whether the books
recorded are all in the author^s possession, but we believe
that such is the case. We are by no means desirous of
criticizing so useful a list, but wish to suggest the addition,
in the larger work projected, of more information as to the
writers, their birthplace, works, and so forth. Mr. Mullens
will no doubt, also include books that he may not himself

Recently published Ornitlwlogical Works. 373

possess, and notes on writers on British Birds quoted by
such authors as Aklrovandi (e. g., Elliot & Wotton) ; certainly
he should add accounts of the later editions of White's
' Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne/ which he
disposes of at present in one line.

In connexion with the work of John Cains, Evans's trans-
lation in the Appendix to 'Turner on Birds* is not of the
whole, but only of extracts.

42. Penard on the Birds of Guiana.

[De Vogels van Guyana (Surinam, Cayenne en Demerara). Door
Frederik Paul Penard en Arthur Philip Penard. 1 vol., 8vo. Para-
maribo. London : Kegau Paul & Co. 587 pp.]

This is the first portion of a new and original work on
the birds of Guiana, prepared by two brothers — Messrs. F. P.
and A. P. Penard of Paramaribo. The book, we are given
to understand, is the result of a long and arduous study of
the subject under most difficult circumstances, of which the
want of many necessary books was perhaps one of the
smallest. It is chiefly noteworthy on account of the
information which it contains on the life-history and habits
of many species previously little known except by name.
Besides recording their own observations, the authors have
received great assistance in this part of their labours from
numerous assistant observers, including native Indians, who
make their home in the forests and on the rivers of Guiana,
and live by shooting and fishing.

Besides the systematic part, which, beginning with the
Pygopodes, contains a survey of all the known species of the
birds of Guiana up to the end of the Picarise, the authors
give a general and very interesting account of the local
distribution of the birds in the various districts and at
different seasons of the year. They also endeavour to
explain the rather startling ornaments borne by the males
of some birds by suggesting their origin from " mental
peculiarities " induced by dances, songs, fights, and other
habits, and not simply from what is called " sexual selection.^*
Thus the erectile frontal crest of certain Tyrant-birds is

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 c

374 Recenthj published Ornitholoyical Worhs.

attributed to the result of the exertion caused by the capture
of struggling insect-prey, which induces the energetic bird
to erect its frontal feathers !

We will reserve our remarks on the general Avifauna of
Guiana until the completion of the work by the issue of the
second volume, which, we understand, has already reached
Holland in manuscript^ and will, we hope, be published with-
out much delay. We are not sure that the authors have done
well in writing in their native language. It is highly
patriotic, no doubt, but we fear that it will interfere with the
circulation of the book. English is well understood by all
educated Hollanders, and especially by those who read
scientific books.

We understand that the collection of bird-skins made by
the authors has been acquired by the Tring Museum,
and that the accompanying series of eggs (which contains
specimens referable to 273 species) has been presented to
the Leyden Museum.

43. Pya'aft on Birds.

[A Book of Birds. By W. P. Pycraft. London, 1908. Pp. i-viii,
1-155, with coloured plates and text-figures.]

Mr. Pycraft has invariably something interesting to relate
with regard to Ornithology, but we consider his talents
wasted in writing letterpress to accompany the thirty inferior
coloured plates contained in this volume, which consists of
a general survey of the principal groups of Birds, with
special reference to those of Britain and the reat of Europe.

The forms included are for the most part selected with the
view of bringing out the differences in anatomical structure,
and in this connexion the author warns his readers that
similarity of appearance does not necessarily imply close
relationship. The instances are well chosen ; but for the
general public it might have been better to have reduced
the number of species and treated the remainder more fully,
as may be seen in. the case of the Megapodes and Cuckoos.

Nearly thirty pages are devoted to an admirable Introduc-
tion, which, after touching upon the descent of Birds from

Recently published Ornithological Works. 375

Reptiles, proceeds to discuss their structure and development
from the archaic Archeeopteryx to the present day. Here
Mr. Pycraf t is in his element, and gives a clear and sufficient
account of the osteology, myology, pterylography, feather-
formation, mechanism of flight, moult, colour-change, air-
sacs, digestive organs, eggs, and so forth. Excellent wood-
cuts aid the reader to follow the explanations in the text.

Finally, we pass chapter by chapter through the various
Orders and Families of Birds, from the lowest to the
highest ; but this portion of the book is less successful than
the former, scanty details being afl'orded in many cases and
much information being omitted that might have easily been
included by the addition of a few more pages. Some of the
statements, moreover, are misleading, as when we are told
that the Great Skua is " well-nigh extinct, so far as these
islands are concerned,^' and that the Black Redstart is
" tolerably common in Great Britain during the summer
months."

44. Richmond on the Generic Names of Birds.

[Generic Names applied to Birds during the Years 1901 to 1905
inelusive, with further Additions to Waterhouse's ' Index Generuni
Avium.' By Charles W. Richmond, Assistant Curator, Division of
Birds, U.S. National Museum. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxxv. pp. 583-65-5
(1908).]

Mr. F. H. Waterhouse's ^ Index Generum Avium,' con-
taining a list of all the generic terms proposed in the Class
of Birds from the time of Linnaeus down to 1889, is a work
of great value to the ornithologist and well known to ail of
us. In 1902 Mr. Richmond published a supplement to
Mr. Waterhouse's work * containing 675 additional names.
Of these 475 had been instituted as new after the appearance
of the ' Index,' while the remainder consisted of terms over-
looked by Waterhouse or requiring correction. Mr, Richmond

* " List of Generic Terms proposed for Birds during the Years 1890
to 1900 inclusive, to which are added Names omitted by Waterhouse in
his ' Index Generum Avium,' " Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxiv, no. 1267
(1902).

2 c 2

376 Recently published Orniihological Works.

now gives us what may be regarded as a continuatiou of his
former ^List/ drawn up in exactly the same way. It
contains some 200 generic names introduced as new during
the years from 1901 to 1905 inclusive, together with about 350
others of earlier date, the majority of which were not
recorded by Waterhouse.

For this new ' List,' as for the former, ornithologists owe
Mr. Richmond their most sincere thanks. It will save them
many weary hours of severe labour by indicating exactly
when and where any particular generic name has been
first proposed. So far as we have been able to judge, it
has been prepared with great care, and merits our warmest
commendation. As in Mr, Kichmond's former ' List/
each name is accompanied by an explanation of its origin.
Of course, authors of new names do not always tell
us from what they are derived, so in such cases the deriva-
tions have to be guessed, but this is not usually a difficult
matter. This part of the work, we are informed, is largely
due to Mr. H. C. Oberholser, and was finally submitted to
Dr. Theodore Gill for revision.

While, however, we fully recognise the merits of Mr. Rich-
mond's work, Ave do not at all approve of the use that is likely
to be made of it. Mr. Richmond and his friends, of what we
may call the " ultra-prioriiarian " school, have discovered
some hitherto little-known works and memoirs, which, if
recognised, would cause changes in some of our oldest and
most familiar generic names. For example, it appears that
Bechstein first proposed the name "Accentor'' for the
Dippers, but afterwards transferred it to the Hedge-Sparrows
and used " Citiclus " for the Dippers. Mr. Richmond's
view is that '' Accentor " is, therefore, a mere synonym of
Cinclus," and should not be used at all ! The Hedge-
Sparrows are to be called " Laiscopus " — the next earliest
generic name given to them. It is difficult to realize the
confusion that would arise from such a change in the name
of one of our commonest and best-known birds. But this is
merely a sample of many similar proposals to change well-
established names for others that are practically new. We

Recently published Ornitliolugical Works. 2^77

venture to prophecy — at any rate, we hope — tliatsueh innova-
tions will not meet with much serious support. We recom-
mend Mr. Richmond to study Mr. Boulenger's paper " On
the Abuses resulting from the Application of the Rule of
Priority in Zoological Nomenclatuie, and on the Means of
protecting well-established Names/' read before Sect. D at
the Meeting of the British Association for the Advancement
of Science at Dublin in 1908.

45. South African Ornithologists' Union, Journal of the.

[The Journal of the South African Ornitliologists' Union. Vol. IV.
Nos. 2, 3, and Supplement (Oct. 1908-Jan. 1909).]

The third number consists merely of the Titlepage, Index,
and so forth, but the six papers in the second number are
of considerable interest. First, we have the Report of the
Committee for Migration for the Years 1906 and 1907.
The species selected for observation were six, namely the
European Swallow, the Bee-eater, the Lesser Kestrel, the
Greenshank, the White Stork, and the Black-winged Pratin-
cole. Circulars were sent out to Members of the Union and
others, but the results proved disappointing, as few of the
accompanying cards were returned with the requisite details.
A good beginning has, however, been made, and we may
expect to gain much information in the future from the
fifteen South African observing-stations.

In a second paper Mr. J. A. Bucknill commences an
account of the birds' eggs in the Transvaal Museum at
Pretoria, collected in many cases by Messrs. Austin Roberts,
R. H. Ivy, Krantz, Wilde, and Major Sparrow. Both nests
and eggs are described, and of the latter measurements are
given. Special attention should be called to the eggs of the
various Cuckoos, to that of Tardus cabatiisi (apparently
undescribed before), and to that of PoUohierax semitor-
quatus (certainly new to science) .

In a third paper Mr. C. Gr. Davies discusses the Wild-
fowl and Water-birds of Matatiele, E. Griqualand ; while the
remaining articles are from the pen of Mr. E. C. Chubb.
These contain a description of the nest and eggs (with

378 Recently published Ornithological Works.

plate) of Podica petersi, from the Umguza River near
Bulawayo_, a bird whose nesting-habits have not previously
been recorded ; notes on Birds collected or observed at the
Khami River in Matabeleland, and others on those obtained
by the writer in the north of the same country, including
the new species Poliospiza mennelli {cf. Bull. B. O. C. vol. xxi.
p. 62, 1908).

In the " Occasional Notes '' will be found an interesting
letter from Mr. Bucknill, now resident in Cyprus, on the
Birds of that island, and a note on the colouring- matter of
the remiges of Turacus corythaix by Mr. Draper.

Lastly, the Supplement consists of Pamphlet No. 1 of
the Bird Protection Committee, entitled " The South African
Birds-of-Prey, their Economic Relations to ]\Ian," a par-
ticularly interesting sketch of the subject being elaborated
at some length, with illustrations, by that well-known South
African ornithologist Mr. Alwin Haagner.

46. Ussher on Irish Birds.

[National Museum of Science and Art, Dublin. General Guide to the
Natural History Collections. A List of Irish Birds, shewing the Species
contained in the National Collection. By Richard J. Ussher. Dublin,
1908. 54 pp.]

No more capable person could have been chosen to
compile this List than Mr. Ussher, the well-known joint-
author of the * Birds of Ireland,^ and a worthy successor
of A. G. More, who issued a similar catalogue in 1885,
followed by a second edition in 1890. The records have
been made as complete as possible, but we are informed
that the Little Bunting and Pallas's Grasshopper-Warbler
have been added to the Irish List since this pamphlet was
published, and also that the Reed- Warbler has been taken on
the coast.

Mr. Ussher is careful to include in square brackets all
the species which he considers either doubtful or, as in the
case of American land-birds, to have probably received
'' assisted passages," and we notice that he thus brackets
the recent record of the Canadian Craue. The reader is

Recentbj published Ornithological JVorks. 379

recommended to take special note of the Introduction, and
in particular of the species now bracketed Avhich were
admitted by Mr. More, such as the Marsh -Titmouse and
the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We should hardly have
considered it necessary, however, to bracket the Kite, so
common in Great Britain of old, as individuals from Wales
must surely at times have crossed (and even now may cross)
the sea to Ireland.

47. Van Oori on a neiv Macruropsar.

[On Macmropsar magnus brevicauda, nov. subsp., from the Island of
Mefour. By Dr. E. D. Van Oort. Notes Leyd. Mus. xxx. p. 69 (1908).]

Macruropsar magnus of Schlegel is represented in the
Leyden Museum by a series of specimens from the island
Soek or Soepiori,of the Schouten group, collected by v. Rosen-
berg, which all agree with one another. On the other hand,
all examples of the same form from Mefour, though similar
in plumage, have shorter wings and tail. Dr. Van Oort
characterizes them as constituting a new subspecies under
the title M. m. brevicauda.

48. Van Oort on a new Chalcopsitta.

[On a new Species of Chalcopsitta from N.W. New Guinea. By Dr. E.
D. Van Oort. T. c. p. 1.^7.]

The '^magnificent new species of Chalcopsitta," which it
is proposed to call spectabilis, is nearly allied to C. insignis of
Oustalet, but differs in many respects. The type-specimen,
a male, was obtained by La Glaize in 1876 at Mambrioe in
N.W. New Guinea.

49. Van Oort on the Birds of the Netherlands.

[Contribution to our Kuowledp-e of the Avifauna of tlie Netherlands,
being a List of all the Species of Birds hitherto observed, with Special
References to Specimens in the Leyden Museum. By Dr. E. D. Van Oort.
T. c. note xviii.J

The Ornithology of the Netherlands is of special interest
to the students of British Bird-life, and we are glad to see
that more attention has been paid to it of late years.
Besides the present paper, we have received a copy of

380 Recently published Ornithological Works.

Baron Snouckaert van Schauburgli's 'Aves Neerlandicse/
which we hope to be able to notice in our next number.

Dr. Van Oort's memoir contains a list of all the known
birds o£ Holland, 335 in number according to his reckoning,
with remarks, especially on those represented in the Leyden
Museum. Schlegel, who ruled that Museum so long and so
worthily, adhered stedtastly to the old-fashioned plan of
having all the specimens mounted. The natural con-
sequence was that the shelves became crowded with a
large series of birds, which it was impossible for the
Ornithologist of the present age to use. It has been left
to his successors at Leyden to alter this inconvenient plan,
and, if we understand rightly, Dr. Van Oort with the help
of many friends is now hard at work on a " collection of
indigenous birds " for purposes of comparison.

We must not forget to mention that the Leyden Museum
has lately received a very valuable addition by the bequest
to it of the well-known collection of native birds of the late
Baron van Wickevoort Crommeliu.

Following the recent inconvenient innovation. Dr. Van
Oort commences his List of Netherland Birds at the
bottom. After the name of each species he gives the
number of specimens of it in the Leyden Museum, and
particiilarizes special examples w^orthy of notice. He also
gives the pojjular names in the language of Holland, which
are more different from the ordinary English vernacular
appellations than we should have expected. As regards
nomenclature he is not a full-blown trinomialist, except in
special cases, such as the Wagtails and Tits ; but he allows
"homonyms," which are ugly, especially when the same name
is repeated three times over. He has also adopted the
perverse practice of not altei'ing the termination of a specific
term when the genus is changed — hence such barbarities as
Porzana parvus, Porzana pusillus, and Totanus maculata.
There is not, so far as we know, any canon of the Inter-
national (or any other) Code Avhich sanctions this obvious
violation of the Laws of grammar — laws which, to our
minds, are of fur greater importance than those of Priority.

Recently published OrnitJiological Works. 381

We Avill now add one or two remarks, as we turn over
the pages of Dr. Van Oort's paper.

Two specimens of Gyps fiilvus have been killed in Holland,
and lielp to authenticate the occurrence o£ the single British
example.

Dr. Van Oort recognises three forms of Parus palustris as
found in Holland, and calls them Parus communis longi-
rostris, P. montanus salicariiis, and P. montanus borealis.
According to Baron Snouckaert a specimen of the last-named
race has been, obtained in North Brabant. Mr. Ogilvie-
Grant has lately recorded its occurrence in England (Bull.
B. O. C. vol. xxiii. p. 34).

Our author refers all the Dutch Creepers of which he
has specimens at Leyden to Certhia brachydactyla.

An example of Emberiza leucocephala, said to have been
captured alive on May 3rd, 1873, and subsequently kept in
the Zoological Garden at Rotterdam, is now in the Leyden
Museum. We believe that a single specimen of this
eastern form oi Emberiza palustris has recently been obtained
in Great Britain (see Bull. B. 0. C. vol. xxi. p. 101).

50. Verner on the Wild Birds of Spain.

[My Life among the Wild Birds of Spain. By Colonel Willoughby
Verner (late Rifle Brigade). London : John Bale, Sous, and
Danielsson, Ltd., 1909. 1 vol., large 8vo.]

All bird-lovers — especially if they happen to be, or have
been, birds'-nesters — will, we think, be delighted with
Col. Verner^s volume, which gives us the chief experiences
of a life devoted to bird-hunting, profusely illustrated by
the facile pencil and ready camera of the talented author.
Of narratives of the pursuit and destruction of the larger
game-animals we have had a large supply of late years.
We confess to be nearly satiated with these talcs of
slaughter, although there is often much to be learned by the
Naturalist from their perusal. But Col. Verner's book is
quite of a different character. Very rarely does he take
the life of a parent-bird, although he helps himself to the
eggs when they are specially required for his cabinet. In

382 Recently published Ornithological Worhs.

fact, Col. Verner has supplied us with a complete manual
of egg-hunting based on his own long experiences, and
abundantly illustrated by his remarkable artistic talent.

Before commencing the main part of his work Col. Verner
devotes several chapters to the preparations required by
him who would go egg-hunting, and describes the para-
phernalia required, as shown by his experiences during thirty-
four years. Not only is the ordinary camping-out furniture
described, but the ropes and shoes necessary for rock- and
tree-climbing are distinctly specified. The ■ leader of the
expedition must " carry on his person " aneroid, watch,
silk-rope, whistle, hunting-belt, swivels, knives, note-book,
field-glass, telescope, compass, sketch-book, and small hand-
camera; while ropes, canvas-sling, casting-line and weight,
egg-boxes, and various other articles may be entrusted to
his assistants.

After these preliminaries come chapters on the lagunas,
plains, woodlands, sea-cliifs, and sierras of Southern Spain,
and on the birds that specially resort to each of them.
The larger birds naturally occupy most attention, but the
smaller species are not forgotten.

" Among those which abound on the vega in spring is
the handsome Calandra Lark [Alauda calandra), a fine bird
with a conspicuous black gorget. Both this and the
Common Bunting are very numerous. The pretty little
Crested Lark is also abundant, its sweet flute-like call
being constantly heard. The smaller Short-toed Larks of
both species [Alauda brachydactyla and A. bcetica) are also
met with. The Common Fan-tail Warbler [Cisticola
cursitans) is constantly to be seen and heard, its curious
jerky flight and sharp staccato call making it easy to
recognise."

In Southern Spain the Crane is the typical bird of the
laguna, the Great Bustard of the plains, the Osprey of the
shore, the Booted, Snake- and White-shouldered Eagles
those of the forests, and the Grifi'on Vulture and Lammer-
geyer of the sierras ; although these birds occasionally
intrude into each other's domains. Full accounts are

Letters. Extracts, and Azotes. 383

supplied of the habits of all these fine birds and of the
adventures of the author and his friends in their forays on
their nesting-places. Excellent and most characteristic
pictures are given of all of them.

We are particularly pleased to have such full details as to the
nesting of the Black Vulture {Vultur monachus) and White-
shouldered Eagle [Aquila adalberti) . The latter is the Spanish
representative of the Imperial Eagle of Eastern Europe^ and
though its eggs are usually ^' white with a few faint
rufous niarks/^ Col. Verner, in February 1878, obtained some
eggs of this species " richly clouded with purple and
blotched with rufous -brown.^' So abnormal were they
that the late Henry Seebohm, who was a great collector
of birds^-eggs, tried to persuade Col. Veruer to alter the
labels on them to " Golden Eagle," eggs of which they
certainly closely resembled. But the Colonel was firm in
his refusal to yield to this suggestion, having himself taken
the specimens.

We must now close our remarks on this excellent piece
of work. It is not, of course, a strictly scientific book, and
does not contain a learned description, even of a new
subspecies ! But we have read every word of it ourselves
and advise all who are interested in birds to do the same.

XYII. — Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

We have received the following letters addressed "" To the
Editors of ' The Ibis ' " :—

Sirs, — Two young birds of Parmoptila ivoodhousii lately
examined are younger than that figured in the last number
of 'The Ibis.^ The little wattles at the gape in these
specimens are very conspicuous, being quite white, while
the margin of the skin on which they are situated is black-
When the mouth is opened wide and the skin at the gape
stretched, the open mouth appears to be bordered on each
side by a row of white beads, strung, far apart, on a black
string. The inside of the mouth, also, which is whitish in

384 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

colour, is marked with symmetrically arranged black spots —
five on the palate, two on the tongue, and one under the
tongue. The whole arrangement seems to serve the purpose
of making the open mouth conspicuous.

1 am^ Sirs, yours &c.,

Kribi, Kamerun, Geo. L. Bates.

October 11th, 1008.

Sirs, — I wish to bring to your notice three notes on oui
New Zealand birds, which are, I think, worthy of record : —

(1) In the Trans. N.Z. Inst. (vol. xxxvi. p. 119) is a
reference to parasitic Cuckoos occasionally reverting to the
habit of nest-building. I have just had a most authentic
account of the feeding by two adults of five little Bronze
Cuckoos [Chalcococcyx lucidus), the gradual teaching to fly,
and, finally, the discovery of a nest with the feathers of the
adult birds in and about it.

This conduct by a bird so universally considered strictly
parasitic is extremely interesting, and if you will refer to the
Trans. Austr. Assoc, for the Adv. of Sci. (vol. x. p. 323)
you will find reference to similar habits of Cuckoos in India.
This is another step towards the elucidation of the strange
habit of parasitism.

(2) In vol. xl. of Trans. N.Z. Inst, now to hand you
will find (p. 498) a most remarkable instance of sagacity or
instinct in a pair of Paradise-Ducks {Casarca variegata).
They were surprised in the bush and instantly took to the
water with ten little ones. Entering the rushing sw^ollen
torrent they sailed out diagonally, one with its beak to the
other's tail, and all the little ones settled against and above
them as they battled across the stream.

(3) The Dotterel of New Zealand [Charadrius dicinctus) is
a clever deceiver and performs many curious antics to lead
an intruder from its nest. A reliable observer says : — " On
starting a Dotterel out of her nest, her antics were
of the usual kind, fluttering away in front of me, as though
with a broken wing. Suddenly I saw her drop alongside of a

Letters, Extracts^ and Notes. 385

stunted white tussock and remain there until I was quite close
to her. Judge of my surprise to find that her stoppage had
been at a Ground Lark^s [Anthus nova-zealandicE) nest
containing eggs. Three days later I was fishing on the
same ground and the Dotterel again went through the same
performance. This was the most cunning act that I have
ever heard of in any of the feathered trihe.'^

I may say that the observers in all three instances are
well known to me personally and are thoroughly reliable
men,

I have done what I can to work out the parasitic problem,
and have, I think, made some steps towards the elucidation
of it. I have fairly well exhausted the subject of our Long-
tailed Cuckoo, and am now engaged on a similar collective
investigation on the Bronze Cuckoo.

Hoping you may make some use of these notes on our
interesting birds, which are fast disappearing from among us,

I am. Sirs, yours &c.,

Robert Fulton, M.D.

Dunedin, N.Z.,

October 29th, 1908.

Sirs, — You have done me the honour of reviewing my
' History of the International Convention of 1902 ' in your
valuable periodical, for Avhich I am very grateful. But I must
regret that in all English reviews, and so in the present case
in ' The Ibis,^ there occurs some misunderstanding. The Con-
vention never meant to force upon anybody " new methods,"
as rules §§ 1 and 9 admit of exceptions, in consequence
of which every adhering State is allowed to draw up its lists
[schedules) entirely in conformity with its own considerations.

The chief object of the Convention is the protection of
migrant birds, which, after they have left their homes, are
exposed in the south (Italy) to the severest persecution and
even extermination.

This evil can only he remedied by international regulations.
The English List of Birds comprises also a number of

386 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

migrant species whicli leave the country and are therefore
exposed in the south to the same persecution.

It is deeply regrettable that a country so highly esteemed
as England refuses its moral support in such a noble and
useful matter, just when this is especially wanted.

I am, SirSj yours &c.,

Otto Herman,
Hungarian Central Bureau for Ornitliology,
Budapest, October 12th, 1903.

Sirs. — I have been invited to write a Life of the late
Professor Alfred Newton, F.R.S., of Magdalene College,
Cambridge. If any of your readers, wlio have letters or
reminiscences or other interesting information about
Professor Newton will be kind enough to communicate
with me, I shall be exceedingly grateful to them. I will, of
course, undertake to return all letters &c. to the senders.

I am, Sirs, yours &c.,

A. F. R. WOLLASTON.

Savile Club,

107 Piccadilly, W.,
March 1st, 1909.

Sirs, — I have received from Mr. Frank Atterbury,
Repression of Slavery Department, Roseires, Blue Nile,
an aluminium ring taken off the leg of a Stork [Ciconia
alba) killed near there on October 30th, 1908.

The ring, which measures 2§ in. by |- in. when flattened
out, is marked '' Vogelwarte, Rossitten 1757, Germania.^'
Communication with the Rossitten Ornithological Observa-
tory, to which I have returned the ring, has elicited
from Dr. J. Thienemann the information that the Stork
No. 1757 was ringed in the nest at Goldap, E. Prussia, in
July 1908. The exact position of Roseires is 11° 51' 22"
N. lat. and 34° 23' 10" E. long.

It will be remembered that the capture of a Rossitten Stork
(No. 163), ringed at Koslin, in Pomerania, in July 1907,
and killed at Fort Jameson, N.E. Rhodesia, in December

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 387

of the same year, was recorded in the ' Field ' of Jan. 25th,
1908, and the account quoted in the ' Ibis ' of April 1908,
p. 389.

I am, Sirs, yours &c.,

A. L. Butler.
Khartoum,

February 4th, 1909.

Another German Stork in South Africa. — We have
received from ITerr Thienemann, the Director of the German
Ornithological Observatory at Rossitten, in East Prussia,
intelligence of the capture of another of their marked Storks in
South Africa. The Stork in question was bred on the property
of Herr Adam Sobottka at Lyek in Eastern Prussia, and was
labelled, on July 7th, 1907, with a small aluminium ring on
one foot, on which was engraved '' Vogelwarte Rossitten,
Germania, 769.^^ In the autumn of the same year it was
captured by some bushmen in the Kalahari Desert. The
aluminium ring, which seems to have been considered by the
bushmen to have been of heavenly origin, passed into the
hands of a trader on the northern edge of the Kalahari, who
sent it, with an account of the way in which it had been
obtained, to the Editor of ' The Wide World ' in London.

This and the previous instance, in which one of the marked
Storks of Rossitten was taken in South Africa and identified *,
seem to establish the fact that Storks bred in nearly the
most northern limit of their range cross the whole continent
of Africa to pass the winter months south of the Equator.

Arrival of Migrants in North-east Greenland. — In the
account of the explorations of the eastern coast of Northern
Greenland by the ' Danmark,^ under the command of the
ill-fated Mylius Erichsen (1906-1908), which was read before
the Royal Geographical Society in December last (see Geogr.
Journ. xxxiii. p. 40), will be found the following description
o£ the arrival of the spring-migrants at Cape Danmark,

* See ' The Ibis,' 1908, p. 389.

388 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

where the winter-quarters of the Expedition were established
in 77° N. lat. :—

"The change into summer was quite sudden. Gradually
the temperature of the snow had risen to zero, and then in
one day it all melted. The rivers were rushing along, flowers
were budding forth, and in the air the butterflies were
fluttering. It was a lovely time, bringing hard work for the
Botanist Lundager, and the Zoologists Manniche and
Johansen. The birds came nearly all on the same day, most
of them even at the same hour. One day we had only had
the ordinary Ptarmigan and the Raven ; the next day we had
the Sanderling, the Ring-Plover, the Goose, the Eider- Duck,
and many others. Young Sanderlings, Icelandic Ring- Plovers,
and Sabine's Gulls have been found by Mr. Manniche, our
indefatigable ornithologist, and fine specimens were brought
home.''

We hope to receive, in due course, an account from Mr,
Manniche of the birds obtained during this famous expedition.

News from Mr. A. L. Butler. — Our excellent correspondent
Mr. A. L. Butler passed some time last year on the Red Sea
coast of the Anglo-Egyptian Soudan, and made many notes
on the spring migrants. Writing from Khartoum in October
last, Mr. Butler says that he still continues to obtain speci-
mens of species new to that locality, while from Mongolia,
on the Upper White Nile, he has lately received examples
of the little-known Pa^^er shelleyi (Shelley, B. Afr. iii. p. 247) .

The Booth Collection at Brighton. — Mr. Arthur Griffith, a
Trustee of the " Booth Museum'" at Brighton, has lately
visited Hastings, and has obtained there some valuable
additions to the Collection. Amongst these are specimens of
the Pine-Grosbeak, Red-footed Falcon, Little Gull (in adult
summer plumage). Red-necked Grebe, Whiskered Tern,
Black Lai'k, Great Reed- Warbler, and Icterine Warbler, all
well-authenticated examples from Kent or Sussex. We wish
that all our provincial collections of birds were as well cared
for and kept up to the mark as that at Brighton.

THE IBIS.

NINTH SERIES.

No. XI. JULY 1909.

XVIII. — Contributions to the Ornithology of the Sudan. —
No. IV.^ On Birds observed on the Red Sea Coast in May
1908. By A. L. Butler, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Superin-
tendent of Game Preservation, Sudan Government.

I SPENT the month of May in 1908 on the Red Sea coast in
the vicinity of Port Sudan, and the ornithological notes then
made form the subject of this paper. The dates on which
migratory birds were met with were carefully recorded daily.
The great number of Blackcaps, Garden -Warblers, and
Barred Warblers seen was remarkable, and the main line of
migration of these three species seems, in the Sudan, to lie
along the Red Sea coast. None of them is ever abundant
at Khartoum, and I often saw more of them in half an hour
than I have seen in eight years in the Nile Valley. I was
surprised to find them still in such numbers in Africa late
in May. Possibly these late individuals are the birds from
the most northern parts of the range of the species.

Port Sudan lies about forty miles north of Suakin. A flat
scrub-covered plain extends from the sea to the ranges of
barren mountains twenty or twenty-five miles inland, sandy
near the coast, and becoming stony as the hills are neared.
Through these rocky hills runs a narrow valley known as the
Khor Arbat, in which is that delightful rarity in the Sudan,
a permanent flowing stream. This loses itself in the sands of
the plain shortly after emerging from the hills. I found the

• See ' The Ibis,' 1905, p. 301, 1908, p. 206, and 1909, p. 74.

SER. IX, VOL. III. 2 D

390 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

vicinity of the stream a capital camping-place and collecting-
ground, where birds were abundant. In some places the
little river ran twenty yards wide and a foot deep, babbling
over grey, water-rounded stones ; in others it formed narrow,
dark, deep pools under precipitous faces of rock, and offered
me the delightful luxury of a swim in cool water. On both
sides of the Khor rose high, rocky hills, intersected by little
winding valleys descending to the stream. The hills them-
selves were very barren and almost entirely composed of
rock, but along the stream there was plenty of cover, chiefly
consisting of fringes of various thorny acacias and of tamarisks
forming dense thickets. The stream teemed with a tiny fish,
Cyprinodon dispar, of which the sexes are so unlike in
appearance that I at first imagined that they were two quite
different species. They were literally in millions; I have
never seen water so full of fishes anywhere, and their
presence in every little stagnant pool, as well as in the main
stream, doubtless accounted for the almost total absence of
mosquitoes. I saw one albino of this fish, but, though I
tempted him repeatedly to swim over a submerged handker-
chief, he always eluded the raising of this primitive net. In
the deeper, darker pools water-tortoises, Pelomedusa galeata,
moved slowly about or scuttled in and out of rocky crevices ;
at dusk they came out to the shallows. They were very
numerous, and I counted thirty, and captured thirteen for the
Giza Zoological Gardens, on my last evening. A toad, Bufo
dodsoni, was plentiful under stones along the water's edge, and
a bluish lizard with an orange-red head, the name of which I
do not remember, was common and conspicuous on the rocks.
Of mammals in this neiglibourhood, the principal was the
Nubian Ibex, which was fairly plentiful on the larger hills ;
I shot one on Jebel Bawati, a good male with horns of 38^
inches. The Isabelline Gazelle was met with here and there
in valleys among the hills, but was not very plentiful in this
particular locality. I obtained specimens of that large-eared,
slender-limbed Fox, Vulpes famelica^ of the pretty, but evil-
smelling Zorilla {Ictonyx ery threes), of a Hyrax {Procavia
ruficeps), a' Spiny Mouse, and a Gerbil.

oti the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 391

Jebel Bawati, or Bawateb (5514 feet), is one of the largest
eminences in the near vicinity. It lies back among the
other hills some forty miles north-west of Port Sudan, and
is about one march from the Khor Arbat.

The natives of this district are Hadendowa of the Amarar
tribe.

1. Nectarinia metallica Licht.

a-h. Five adult males, one young male, and two females.
Khor Arbat, 1. 5. 08 to 6. 5. 08.

The Metallic Sun-bird was very abundant and the males
were in perfect breeding-dress. Beautiful little parties of
this species and the Abyssinian Sun-bird used to collect on
trees in flower near the water. One male, though otherwise
in perfect breeding-plumage, still retained the short dull-
coloured tail ; it appeared, on dissection, to be breeding.

2. CiNNYRis HABEssiNicus (Hcmpr. & Ehr.).

a—g. Three adult males and four young males. Khor
Arbat, 1. 5.08 to 8. 5.08.

The Abyssinian Sun-bird was very plentiful in the Khor
Arbat. The males had not quite completed the moult, and
shewed many quills about the head and neck.

3. MOTACILLA ALBA LinU.

The only White Wagtails I saw were two in the Khor
Arbat on May 13th.

4. MoTACiLLA FLAVA Linn.

I saw very few Yellow Wagtails in the Khor Arbat, and
only obtained four specimens. Black-beaded birds were
seen on the first five days in May, and various grey-headed
birds up to the 16th. In treating these birds subspecifically
I do so with hesitation, and will, for the present, keep a note
of interrogation after each.

(i.) Motacilla fiava flava Linn. ?

a. ? . Khor Arbat, 13. 5. 08.

This was the last Yellow Wagtail I saw, excepting one on
May 16th. From its very marked pale supercilium and a
touch of whitish on the ear-coverts I ascribe it to this form.

.2d. 2

392 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

(ii.) Motacilla flava cinereocapilla Savi ?

a. S . Khor Arbat, 6. 5. 08.

Mr. M. J. Nicoll, who has kindly noted his opinions on
the labels of a large series o£ Yellow Wagtails collected by
me in the Sudan, has marked this bird M. f. flava. It has,
however, much more white on the throat than any of my
large series of that form, and, though it has a broad and
distinct white eyebrow, the lores and ear-coverts are very
dark blackish grey, and the ear-coverts shew no traces of
white. I should call it M. f. cinereocapilla with an unusually
well-defined superciliary stripe. The testes were of the size
of hemp-seeds.

(iii.) Motacilla flava pygmoBa A. E. Brehm ?

a. S ■ Khor Arbat, 12. 5. 08.

I have atypical specimen of this well-marked small resident
Egyptian race, with a wing of 73 mm., kindly given me by
Mr. M. J. Nicoll. My Khor Arbat bird almost exactly
agrees with it, but has a wing of 78 mm. ; it was apparently
paired with a female which I did not get. There were only
two birds in all, in what seemed quite a likely breeding-
place, near permanent running water. The testes of this
bird were enlarged to about the size of hemp-seeds, as in the
bird referred to M. f. cinereocapilla. These are the only two
Yellow Wagtails that I have shot in the Sudan in the spring
in which the testes have been at all enlarged.

I notice that in Mr. Nicoll's Egyptian specimen of M. f.
pygmoia the longest secondary exceeds the longest primary
by 1 ram. I have before me some fifty skins of Yellow
Wagtails, including M.f. rail, M.f.fiaim, M.f. melanocephala,
M. /. melanogrisea, M. f. borealis, &c., and this is the only
bird in which this is the case. I do not knovr if this is the
rule in M.f. pygmfEa, but if so, the slight difierence in the
proportionate length of primaries and secondaries in the non-
migratory bird would be interesting. In my slightly larger
Khor Arbat bird, however, the secondaries fall short of the
primaries by 7 mm.

on the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 393

(iv.) Motacilla jiava melanocephala Licht. ?

a. ? . Khor Arbat, 5. 5. 08.

A few Black-headed Yellow Wagtails were seen along the
stream for the first five days of May. This female was with
two or three of these, and probably is of the same subspecies.
There is hardly any trace of a pale eyebrow.

5. Al^mon alaudipes (Desf.).

Fairly frequent round Port Sudan and along the coast
plain.

6. Galerida cristata (Linn.).

a-d. Three males and one female. Port Sudan, 19.5.08.

Crested Larks were very common round Port Sudan and
along the coast. I took my examples to Tring to get them
subspecifically identified, and they appeared to agree best
with G. c. brachyura Tristr., of Palestine.

7. Ammomanes deserti (Licht.).

a. $. Jebel Bawati, 11.5.08.

b. ? juv. Khor Arbat, 1.5.08.

c. ?. Khor Arbat, 1.5.08.

Pairs and small parties of these lictle Desert-Larks were
met with daily among the rocky ground near the hills.

8. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen (Cab.).
a. S' Port Sudan, 25.5.08.

These Finch-Larks were abundant near the coast. I met
with one or two very large flocks of some hundreds. They
all seemed to be in full moult.

9. Emberiza septemstriata Rupp.
a. ? . Khor Arbat, 2. 5. 08.

Pairs and small parties of this little Rock-Bunting were
fairly frequent among the hills. I noted them on eight of
the first sixteen days of May.

10. ^DEMOSYNE CANTANS (Gm.).

a. ? . Talgwareb Station, 29. 4. 08.

I shot this bird at a station on the Red Sea Railway on
my way to Port Sudan, but I did not note it on the coast.

394 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

11. Hyphantornis galbula Riipp.

a-f. Five males and one female. Khor Arbat, 2. 5.08 to
6.5.08.

These Weavers were very plentiful, and busily engaged in
building nests on the tamarisks and acacias near the stream.

12. Oriolus galbula Linn.

I only noticed the Golden Oriole twice in the Khor
Arbatj on May 4th and 17th. Both individuals were adult
males.

13. CoRvus affinis lliipp.

This Crow was seen at Jebel Bawati and among the hills.

14. CoRvus uMBRiNus Suudcv.

This species was the common Crow round Port Sudan
and on the coast.

15. Lanius leuconotus Brehm.

a. S (breeding). Khor Arbat, 13.5.08.

b. S (breeding). Jebel Bawati, 9. 5. 08.

These birds were noted daily throughout the month, and
I think that most of them were breeding. On May 16th
I found a nest containing four young, placed about four
feet from the ground in a '' Marakh " bush (Leptadenia
spar Hum).

16. Lanius isabellinus Ehr.
a. <S . Khor Arbat, 4. 5. 08.

An adult male in very perfect plumage. This was the
only Isabelline Shrike I noticed during the month.

17. Lanius nubicus Licht.

The Masked Shrike was common in the Khor Arbat.

18. Rhodophoneus cruentus (Hempr. & Ehr.).
o. c?. Port Sudan, 18. 5.08.

6- ? •

C' S juv. „

Seen a few times on the plain between Port Sudan and
Khor Arbat. In the young male the pink of the breast
extends up on to the throat, as in the adult, but is there

0)1 the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 395

bordered by a narrow black Hue on each side — an inclination
towards the plumage of the female.

19. Argya acaci/e (Licht.).
a. S • Jebel Bawati^ 8. 5. 08.

c. S juv. Port Sudan, 22.5.08.

Lichtenstein's Desert-Babbler was common in the bush
between the coast and the mountains. A female shot on
May 9th contained a perfect egg, and I took a clutch of
five fresh eggs from a nest in a thorn-bush in the town of
Port Sudan, on May 24th.

20. Pycnonotus arsinoe (Hempr. & Ehr.).

This Bulbul was common round Port Sudan and in the
Khor Arbat.

21. Prinia gracilis (Licit.).
a. S ■ Khor Arbat, 4. 5. TS.
6. ? . „ 4.5.08.

Fairly numerous in the tamarisk-thickets near water. The
two specimens shot were in breeding condition.

22. Cercotrichas podobe (P. L. S. Miill.).
a. J . Khor Arbat, 2. 5. 08.

6. ?. ,, 14.5.08.

The Black Bush-Robin was common in the scrub along
the coast plain, and in the tamarisk-thickets of the Khor
Arbat.

23. Ackocephalus streperus (Vieill.).

I shot a Reed-Warbler on May 5th, and perhaps over-
looked others among the Pallid Warblers, but the bird was
certainly not plentiful.

24. Hypolais pallida (Hempr. & Ehr.).
a. ? . Talgwareb Station, 29.4.08.

The Pallid Warbler was numerous round Port Sudan and
in the Khor Arbat for the first ten days of May, and was
noted less frequently up to the 24th.

396 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

25. Sylvia hortensis (Gm.).

a. ? . Khor Arbat, 1.5.08.

*. ?. „ 4.5.08.

Garden-Warblers were, perhaps, even more numerous than
Blackcaps. Their numbers shewed no diminution until the
16th of May, when there was a great decrease, and on the
18th I noted only a few individuals.

2Q. Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.).

a. S- Khor Arbat, 2.5.08.

Immense numbers of Blackcaps assembled along the
coast during the first half of May, together with Barred
and Garden -Warblers. These three species seemed every-
where, and abundant as the Barred Warblers were, the
Blackcaps and Garden-Warblers greatly outnumbered them.
I saw very great numbers of this species daily from May 1st
to the 11th, and large numbers again on the 14th and 16th.
I spent the next few days looking for sea-birds, and saAv no
more Blackcaps afterwards.

27, Sylvia nisoria Bechst.
a. S ' Khor Arbat, 4. 5. OS.
5.5.08.
5.5.08.
1.5.08.
1.5.08.
30. 4. 08.

The numbers of migrating Barred Warblers which I saw
during the first week in May astonished me. During that
time the scrubby thorn-bush between the coast and the hills
was full of them. Often there were eight or ten in one
small thorn-tree, and frequently one could have killed three
or four at a shot. Indeed, I twice killed two with the same
shot unintentionaVy. For the first five days of May there
must have been thousands of them within a comparatively
small radius round my camp. Certainly I saw hundreds in
a morning, and it was the same in whichever direction I
wandered in the bush. On the 6th and 7th of May these
great numbers shewed a considerable decrease. From the

h. s.

})

c. 6.

)i

d. s-

)>

e. S-

>j

./. ?•

Port Sudan

on the lied Sea Coast in May 1908. 397

8th to the 12th I travelled inland among barren hills where
there was little cover, and on ray return I saw no more
Barred Warblers, though for several days later the Black-
caps and Garden-Warblers remained as plentiful as before.
All specimens of these three species were in perfect plumage,
and I made some beautiful skins of them, though it required
time and patience to turn them out uusoiled, as they were
simply little balls of fat, which melted into oil directly I
started working on them in the extreme heat ; and, unless
a cheap thermometer deceived me, the temperature one
afternoon rose to 135° in my tent, when the sun was
full on it.

On the Nile the Barred Warbler seems quite uncommon.
Witherby met with a few, but neither Rothschild and
Wollaston nor Hawker came across it. At Khai'toum I have
only recognised it once, in October.

28. Sylvia blanfordi Seebohm.
a. ^ . Khor Arbat, 4. 5. 08.

This, a male in breeding condition, was the only specimen
of Blanford's Warbler that I noticed.

29. Sylvia curruca (Linn.).
a. S- Khor Arbat, 2.5.08.
d. ?. „ 3.5.08.

The Lesser Whitethroat was plentiful from May 1st to
May 5th, but I did not note it after May 9th.

30. Sylvia cinerea Bechst.
a. c? . Port Sudan, 30. 4. 08.

This example is the only greater Whitethroat that I have
so far identified in the Sudan.

31. Aedon galactodes (Temm.).

a. S (breeding). Khor Arbat, 13.5.08.
Bufous Warblers were common in the Khor Arbat, and
were probably breeding in the tamarisk-thickets.

32. RuTiciLLA PHCENicuRus (Linn.).

Either I was too late for the migrating Redstarts or I was
not on their line. One individual at Port Sudan on April

398 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

30th^ and another in the Khor A.rbat on May 3rd, were all
the examples that I saw of this common winter-visitor.

33. Saxicola melanoleuca (Giild.).
Saxicola melanoleuca occidefitalis Salv.

a. ? . Khor Arbat, 6. 5. 08.

b. S. „ 7.5.08.

c. ? . „ 13.5.08.

The birds obtained at Khor Arbat belong to the western
form of the Black-throated Chat, with a markedly smaller
black gorget than in S. melanoleuca (Giild.), the eastern bird,
which is the form commonly met with in the Sudan from
autumn to spring. I only met with the three examples shot,
and unfortunately both the female specimens were destroyed
by a cat when drying. I compared the male with both forms
at the Natural History Museum, and Mr. M. J. NicoU,
whom I asked to examine it, also attributes it to the
western subspecies.

A Black-throated Chat shot at Kliartoum on April 4th,
1908, also appears to me to be S. m. occidentalis. In both
this and the Khor Arbat bird, besides the smaller amount
of black on the throat, the wings measure 87 mm. against
89 mm, in several specimens of S. m. melanoleuca. In both
the testes were much enlarged, which was not the case in
specimens of S. m. melanoleuca shot in April.

34. Saxicola leucopygia Brehm.

0-0. cJ c? • Khor Arbat and Jebel Bawati, May 2nd to 16th.

P-^- ? ? • „ ,, „ „

Of the fifteen males collected seven have the cap pure
white, two have the cap white except for a single black
feather, in four the cap is mixed black and white, in one the
head is entirely black, and in another (the only breeding
male) there is only a single white feather on the crown.

Of the three females two (one of which had large eggs in
the ovary) have the cap pure white, and the third has the
head entirely black. This handsome Chat is very abundant
on the hills along the Red Sea coast, and its jetty black and
snowy white plumage make a pleasing contrast to the sombre

on the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 399

surroundings of rock. It breeds before assuming the
white crowUj and pairs may be seen composed of two white-
capped birds, two black-headed birds, or one of each.

35. Myrmecocichla leipura (Hempr. & Ehr.).
a. $ (breeding). Jebel Bawati, 9. 5. 08.

h. S • Jebel Bawati, 9. 5. 08.

c. S • Khor Arbot, 5. 5. 08.

d. (? juv. „ 7.5.08.

e. S • „ 1.5.08.

These little Ant-Chats were common in the hills round
Khor Arbatj and especially numerous near the stream.
They were charmingly tame and familiar, venturing very
close to my tent. The young bird (d) had apparently only
left the nest a few days.

36. MuscicAPA GRisoLA Liuu.
a. ? . Khor Arbat, 2. 5. 08.

A few Spotted Flycatchers were seen during the first
four days of May only.

37. Batis orientalis Heugl.

A single individual seen among a few stunted trees high
up on Jebel Bawati was the only specimen of this little
Flycatcher that I noticed (May 11th).

38. HiRUNDO RUSTicA Linn.

The Common Swallow was numerous during the whole
month. I noted it daily from May 1st to 29th, excepting
from the 9th to 12th, when I was at Jebel Bawati.

39. HiRUNDo URBicA (Linn.).

Some House-Martins were seen on the first four days
of May.

40. CoTiLE RiPARiA (Linu.).

Sand-Martins were common during my stay, and were
noted daily, except at Jebel Bawati, from April 30th to
May 29th.

41. Ptyonoprogne obsoleta (Cab.).
a. S . Khor Arbat, 6. 5. 08.

This Cliff-Swallow was common on the rocky hills round

400 Mr. A, L. Butler on Birds observed

Khor Arbat and at Jebel Bawati. A pair were building on
a rock-face in the Khor when I arrived there on May 1st,
but the necessity of shade compelled me to pitch my tent
immediately under their nest, which caused them to
forsake it,

42. Cypselus apus (Linn.) ?

I saw a single Swift, which looked like C. apus, in the
Khor Arbat on May ]4th.

43. Cypselus afpinis Hardw.
a. S ' Khor Arbat, 4. 5. 08.

These little White-rum ped Swifts were common among
the hills. They generally flew high, descending occasionally
to skim over the pools in the khor,

44. Caprimulgus nubicus Licht.
a. S ■ Khor Arbat, 15. 5. 08.

This was the only Nightjar met with near the Red Sea
coast. It was observed or heard every evening along the
tamarisk-thickets near water in the Khor Arbat, but in
these valleys between high hills it was very difficult to see
to shoot it after dusk. The note is a liquid sound, like
" chukku ! chukku ! chukku ! "

45. Merops apiaster Linn.

Large numbers of Common Bee-eaters appeared at the
Khor Arbat on May 6th and 7th, and joined the Blue-
cheeked birds among the tamarisks. When both are heard
together there is a considerable difference between their
notes, the call of M. persicus being shriller than that of the
common species.

46. Merops persicus Pall.
a. ?. Khor Arbat, 2.5.08.
i. ?. „ 1.5.08.

c. S- „ 16.5.08.

d. S- „ 14.5.08.

Large numbers of the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater frequented
the tamarisks in the Khor Arbat all the time that I stayed
there (May 1st to 16th).

oti the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 401

47. Upupa epops Linn.

I only noted Hoopoes on the 2nd and 4th of May.

48. Irrisor erythrorhynchus (Lath.).

I picked up the sun-dried remains of a Red-billed Wood-
hoopoe in the Khor Arbat. I imagine this must be about
the northern limit of its range along the Red Sea coast.

49. Trachyphonus margaritatus (Riipp.).

a. (J. Talgwarcb Station, 29. 4.09.

b. (?. Khor Arbat, 4.5.08.

These Barbets were fairly common in the Khor Arbat.
The tail of the second specimen was bent in a curve ;
probably it had been sitting in a nest-hole.

50. Campothera nubica (Gm.).
a. S ' Khor Arbat, 7. 5. 08.

I saw the Nubian Woodpecker a few times in the Khor
Arbat.

51. Iyngipicus obsoletus (Wagl.).
a. S • Khor Arbat, 7. 5. 08.

I only saw the Pigmy Woodpecker three or four times.

53. CoLUMBA LiviA Briss.

A small colony of Rock-Pigeons frequented the clefts in
a very high and precipitous rock-face near my camp in the
Khor Arbat, but I could not get a shot at them.

53. Turtur roseigriseus (Sundev.).
a. cJ. Khor Arbat, 16.5.08.

54. Turtur senegalensis (Linn.).

Both this species and the last were common in the Khor
Arbat.

55. (Ena capensis (Linn.).

Common in the Khor Arbat and near the coast.

^56. Athene noctua spilogaster.

Athene spilogaster Heuglin.

a. cJ . Jebel Bawati, 11.5.08.

This was the only example of this little Owl that I have
seen in the Sudan. I got it quite by chance, as I had
wandered out by moonlight to try to shoot an Eagle-Owl

402 ]\rr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

that was calling somewhere near, and on returning noticed
a dark lump on the top of a small leafless tree which, I
remembered, had no such lump on it in the daytime. A
shot at this object resulted in its remaining stationary, but
its shape seemed to have changed, and on my shaking the
tree the little Owl fell to the ground.

57. Bubo ascalaphus Sav.

The Desert Eagle-Owl was often heard at night among
the hills, but T did not come across it in the daytime.

58. Falco, sp. inc.

A pair of Falcons were noticed several times at the Khor
Arbat, but were not identified.

59. Helotarsus ecaudatus (Daud.).

I saw a single Bateleur Eagle in the Khor Arbat, and a
pair at Jebel Bawati.

60. Aqlila imperialis Bechst.

A pair of Imperial Eagles frequented the Khor Arbat,
and used to glide along the higher slopes of the hills
in sight of my tent every day, apparently hunting for
Hyraxes. I saw another pair on Jebel Bawati. I was
anxious to get a specimen, and, as it was useless to climb
about such steep hills after birds with such powers of wing,
I set a trap for them, baited with a dead kid, on the summit
of a small hill within view of my camp. I soon, however,
got tired of climbing up and down five hundred feet of
rock to release Egyptian Vultures, and had to give up the
attempt. A rat-trap with the teeth blunted held the Vultures
without injuring them at all.

61. BUTEO DESERTORUM (Daud.).

I saw these Buzzards daily in the Khor Arbat.

62. Gyps rueppelli Brehm.

Vultures, which I think belonged to this species, were
frequently seen high in the air.

63. Neophron percnopterus (Linn.).
Egyptian Vultures were abundant everywhere.

on the Red Sea Coast in Mai/ 1908. 403

61. BUTORIDES ATRICAPILLUS (Afzel.).

One example was seen at the edge of the harbour, on
April 30th.

65. SuLA suLA Linn.

a. ? . Port Sudan, 22. 5. 08.

The Brown Booby was very plentiful in the harbour and
very tame.

66. Sterna sauxdersi Hume.
a. c?. Port Sudan, 26.5.08.
A. ?. „ „ 26.5.08.
c. S. „ „ 24.5.08.

Numbers of these dainty little Terns frequented a beach
of coral and sand on the south of Port Sudan harbour
with a persistence that caused me to spend some time in
searching for eggs. The specimens shot, however, were not
in breeding condition.

67. Sterna bergii Licht.

a. S ■ Port Sudan, 22. 5. 08.
A. ?. „ „ 27.5.08.

68. Sterna media Horsf.

a. ? . Port Sudan, 27. 5. 08.

b. ^ . „ „ 24.5.08.

Both this large Tern and the last were abundant in Port
Sudan harbour during May.

69. Larus fuscus Linn.

a. ? . Port Sudan, 23. 5. 08.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull was fairly common in Port
Sudan harbour.

70. Larus leucophthalmus Temm.

a. S • Port Sudan, 22. 5. 08.

b. ^ . „ „ 22.5.08.

c. S ■ „ „ 23.5.08.

Extremely abundant in the harbour and very tame.
Immature brown birds were much more numerous than
adults.

401 Mr. A. L. Butler on Birds observed

71. Ammoperdix cholmleyi Grant.

a. S ■ Khor Arbat, 2. 5. 08.

b. S' V 2.5.08.

These little Rock-Partridges were tolerably common in
the hills through which the Khor Arbat runs. They came
down to the water at mid-day, and, after drinking, spent the
heat of the day under bushes and creepers along the edge of
the stream.

Francolinus erckeli (Riipp.) was not seen, and does not,
I think, extend north of Erkowit.

72. Pterocles exustus (Temm.) .

Common round Port Sudan, but I did not see large
numbers together.

73. Pterocles lichtensteini Temm.
a. S' Khor Arbat, 16.5.08.

These beautiful Sand-Grouse were fairly plentiful in the
Khor Arbat and at Jebel Bawati. I saw little of them in
the daytime, beyond flushing a few occasionally among the
rocks, but every night small parties of them came flying
down to the khor to drink, until considerable numbers were
collected along the stream. They did not arrive at the
water until dusk was merging into darkness, but continued
to come until after 8 p.m. Indeed, it was most diflBcult
to see to shoot even the earlier birds, as they flew low, and
the high hills shutting in the khor prevented me from
getting them straight against the sky-line. The call of
this species is a sharp, clear double whistle, like " quittoo !
quittoo \," repeated two or three times, and by 8 o'clock
this, and an occasional rattle of wings, sounded on all sides,
long after the birds themselves had become invisible.

The crop of the male skinned was full of the seeds of an
acacia. I have also seen Lichtenstein's Sand-Grouse among
the hills between Suakin and Kassala, and near the Shab-
luka Cataract, fifty miles north of Khartoum, but only
among rocky hills.

on the Red Sea Coast in May 1908. 405

74. iEoiALITIS GEOFFROYI (Wagl,),

These Sand-Plovers were seen along the shore till
May 26th.

75. Pavoncella pugxax (Linn.).

A flock of RuflFs flew low over me in the Khor on the
14th of May.

76. TOTANUS GLAREOLA (Liun.).

a. ?. Khor Arbat, 13. 5.08.

A tew Wood-Sandpipers were seen along the stream iu
the Khor Arbat, on the 6th, 7th, 12th, and 13th of May.

77. ToTANus HVPOLEUcus (Linn.).

Common Sandpipers were noted on the first seven days of
May.

Corrections to previous " Contributions to the Ornithology
of the Sudan."

No. I. [' Ibis,^ 1905, p. 301).

P. 321. No. 45. — The bird referred to as Lagonosticta nigricollis
Heugl. was L. lakvata Riipp. (see ' Ibis,' 1908, p. 219).

P. 337. No. 104. — The Nightingale referred to as Lusciola golzi (Cab.)
is L. PHiLOMKLA (Bechst.). I greatly regret this serious error.
By a slip a wrong identification of my first specimen was given
me by a high authority, and I named subsequent specimens from
comparison with this skin. Plentiful as these " Sprossers " are in
Khartoum during their autumn migration southwards, I have
never seen them at all in the spring, and believe that they must
return north on a different line.

P. 358. No. 175. ViNAGO waalia (Gm.) ? — The note should be taken
as applying to Vixago calva (Temm. & Knip).

P. 369. No. 215. AsTUR unduliventer (Riipp.) ? — This was Astur
SPHENURUS Riipp.

P. 382. No. 261. — For Rhynchops flavivkntris read R. flavirostris
Vieill.

No. II. {' Ibis/ 1908, p. 205).

P. 233. No. 118. — For Luscinia golzi (Cab.) read L. Philomela

(Bechst.J.
SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 E

406 StafF-Surg. K. H. Jones on Birds observed

No. III. ('Ibis/ 1909, p. 74).

P. 79. Lamprocolius chalyb^us (Ehr.). — The birds from Tembura
and Wail, in the Bahr-el-Ghazal, are L. chalcurus (Nordm.),
in which the tail is strongly glossed with reddish violet. The
female from Tawela, on the Nile, is L. chai.yb^us, with no
violet on the tail, and agrees in this with all other specimens
from that river.

P. 82. Camaroptera brevicaudata (Riipp.V — If C griseoviridis
(v. Mlill.) is distinct, these two birds should stand under the
latter name.

XIX. — Notes on some Birds observed on the Trans-Siberian
Railway Line. By Staff-Surgeon Kenneth H. Jones, R.N.

As a means of transit from the Far East to Europe, the
Trans-Siberian Railway is now so well known that it is un-
necessary to say much about it as a highway.

Commencing at Vladivostok, on the Pacific coast of North-
eastern Asia, it runs both east and north across Manchuria
and Transbaikalia, through ten degrees of latitude, to Irkutsk,
near the south-western shore of Lake Baikal, and thence
almost due west over the great Siberian Plain to the Ural
Mountains. After crossing the Urals into Europe, the line
continues in a westerly direction for about two days' journey
and then turns northward to reach Moscow. As a means of
making a land-journey with ease and rapidity through
many degrees of longitude, over a wide tract of the
Palgearctic Region, and through the areas of distribution of
many species of birds, it offers unequalled facilities to the
ornithologist.

Moreover, birds, of all the wild inhabitants of this region,
alone give an opportunity to an observer of making notes
from the train itself, and this the more easily because of the
slow progress and of the many, and often lengthy, stoppages
which occur — frequently in the woods and steppes themselves.

It is, of course, an unavoidable misfortune that as the train

on the Trans-Siberian Railway Line. 407

runs by night, as well as by day, the traveller misses about two
hundred miles during the darkness out of every twenty-four
hours' journey, in the month of June. As this article is
devoted to the birds observed from the line, I have only
mentioned in it such features of the landscape through which
I passed as may serve for a setting to the avifauna, with the
names of some of the more important towns, in order that
those who care to do so may note roughly the region referred
to from day to day. I do not pretend that even with the
aid of good binoculars it is possible to identify all the species
which are seen, and many, of course, must escape notice
altogether. At the same time a fair acquaintance with
the birds of the Palsearctic Region, and the assistance of
Mr. Dresser^s invaluable work on the subject, have enabled
me to make sufficient notes to be, I venture to hope, of some
utility.

Nothing is more interesting than to notice the transition
from the range of one species into that of another, so
that in some cases, within an hour, it is possible to see the
last of the one and the first of the other. Indeed, I think,
from what 1 saw, that species tended to disappear suddenly
at the limit of their area of distribution, as often as they did
to gradually diminish in number, till they eventually vanished
from the landscape altogether.

On the afternoon of June 1st I left Vladivostok, and the
line at first ran through badly cultivated country covered
with low scrub and the remains of silver-birch forest, having
an arm of the sea on the left-hand side.

Carrion-Crows {Corvus corone) were much in evidence and
by the shore Black-eared Kites [Milvus melanotis) were not
uncommon. The Tree -Sparrow [Passer montanus) was
abundant and apparently just as parasitic on man here as
it is in China. The Eastern Common Swallow {Hirundo
gutturalis), and the Nepalese Swallow {H. striolata) were
plentiful at all the stations, and the nests of both species
often adorned the eaves of the same building. Apparently
the Nepalese Swallow is here a later breeding bird than
the other species, for none of its nests appeared to be

2e3

408 Staff-Surg. K. H. Jones on Birds observed

completed; at the same time I do not think that H. gutturalis
had eggs ; incubation, I am sure, had not commenced.

Herring-Gulls, probably Larus vega, were fairly numerous
on the arm of the sea mentioned above.

June 2nd. — To-day the line ran through Manchuria, and
the character of the country changed considerably, being
hilly and well wooded, chiefly with silver-birch trees and firs,
whilst rivers, though plentiful, were rather small and culti-
vation was scarce. Both species of Swallows were again
seen, but only at the stations on the line. Sparrows were
visible, but in much smaller numbers than yesterday.

The Daurian Jackdaw (Corvvs dauricus) put in its first
appearance to-day, but I only saw one or two individuals.
Carrion-Crows [Corvus corone) were abundant, of Magpies
{Picus caudata) there was a fair sprinkling, and I saw a
few Streak -eyed Wagtails {Motacilla ocularis). Of Kites
T saw only one, Milvus melanoiis, but of Buzzards I observed
several, while in some places Marsh-Harriers were quite
numerous. Kestrels and Sparrow-Hawks were noticed, but
not in any numbers.

The Eastern Ring-Dove [Turtur orientalist w^as seen
occasionally ; the birds were always in pairs. In the late
afternoon we ran into the large well-cultivated plain in
which stands the town of Harbin. Here Carrion-Crows
began to be scarce and the Eastern Rook (C. pastinator) put
in its first appearance. The Rooks were very numerous, while
their nests were observed on many of the trees near the line
and round the houses of the natives ; but I saw nothing at
all like a rookery, such as we know at home, perhaps from
the want of sufficient trees growing together in one place.
Magpies also increased considerably in numbers in this part
of the country, but I did not see many of their nests.

June Srd. — In the morning we found ourselves in a rolling
grassy country, beautifully green, but with very few trees,
and apparently almost uniidiabited. Here I saw a few
Daurian Starlings [Sturnia siurnina), but only near the
stations, and here also I first noticed the Daurian Stonechats
{Pratincola maura) in great numbers and evidently breeding.

on the Trans-Siberian Railway Line. 409

"Wheatears were very numerous, sitting on the telegraph-
wires along the route, but whether of the Common or the
Isabelline form, it was impossible to say. I think, however,
of the latter, I saw also many Thick-billed Shrikes [Lunius
tigrinus), which likewise seemed very partial to the telegraph-
wires. Marsh- Harriers were numerous. Here I first observed
a few Lapwings ( Vanellus vulgaris), which evidently had eggs
or young, for I saw one bird fiercely chasing a Carrion-Crow
away from the vicinity of its piece of territory. Skylarks
were fairly numerous. Kestrels were unusually abundant.

About noon we began to traverse a rather more sandy
country and at the same time the landscape became quite
flat. Here Skylarks were abundant and I saw also Pallas's
Short-toed Lark {Calatidrella pispoletta), a bird I knew
very well in Shantung. At 2.30 p m. we reached Khailar,
which stands in a sandy plain on the edge of an arm of the
great Gobi Desert.

After leaving this place I saw many Mongolian Larks
{Melanocorypha mongolica), while Pallas's Short-toed Larks
became more numerous. Here also Kestrels and the
Eastern Red-footed Falcon {Falco amurensis) became very
abundant : the latter frequents similar localities in Shantung.
I saw one Ringed Plover, but of which species I am
not sure. The country, it must be understood, is not an
absolute desert, for though sandy it is covered with
abundance of wiry grass.

About an hour after leaving Khailar we came to a curious
region in which the desert seems to be either advancing or
receding, for, although it retained its usual character, the
landscape was studded with numbers of fir trees, standing
at considerable distances from one another, with here and
there two or three together in a sort of clump. This region
was characterized by the presence of large numbers of
Hoopoes {Upupa epops), though after we left it I did not see
any more of these birds until we had crossed the Urals into
Europe. At 7 p.m. we reached Manchuria Station, which is
the last in Chinese Territory.

June ith. — In the morning we found ourselves in Trans-

410 Staff-Surg. K. H. Jones on Birds observed

baikalia, a very beautiful country, well wooded and with
rapid clear rivers such as are seen in Wales and Scotland,
but ou a larger scale. In the forenoon I saw the Eastern
House-Martin [Chelidon lagopoda) at a station, but I
never noticed this species again.

To-day Daurian Jackdaws were in great abundance and in
the afternoon I noticed with them an occasional example of
Corvus neglectus, the eastern form of the Common Jackdaw,
according to Dresser. Carrion-Crows were rather scarce.
I twice saw Black-eared Kites {Milvus melanotis). Buzzards
were fairly plentiful and I saw one or two Moor-hens on the
pools by the side of the line. At dusk I saw an example of
Bubo maximus on the top of a dead tree.

June 5th. — In the morning the train had arrived at the
southern end of Lake Baikal, the mountains on the eastern
side of which were in full view.

There was much drift-ice, in large blocks, on the shores of
the lake, and numerous ice-floes on its surface, at some
distance from the land. There were many Herring-Gulls by
the shores of the lake or floating on its surface, but whether
they were Larus vega or L. cachinnans it was impossible to
make out, especially as the mnjority were in immature
plumage. Buzzards were fairly plentiful, and of Black-eared
Kites I observed one or two. Here I saw the only Haven
{Corvus corax) which I noticed throughout the journey and
a few Carrion-Crows {C. corone). What I took to be the
Baikal White Wagtail [Motacilla baicalensis) was abundant
near the lake-side. Common Swallows [Hirundo gutturalis)
were fairly numerous near the stations, but the other
species (i/. striolata) had disappeared. To-day I saw the last
of the Daurian Jackdaws and indeed of the Eastern Jackdaw
(Corvus neglectus) also for a time. We got to Irkutsk, the
capital of Siberia, about 2 p.m. on this day, and here I noticed
Passer montanus and saw what I believed to be P. domesticus.
June 6th. — After leaving Irkutsk and until reaching the
Ural Mountains, a distance of some thousands of miles, the
country is either quite flat or very gently undulating, chiefly
the former. June 6th was rather uninteresting; in the fore-

on the Trans-Siberian Railway Line. 411

noon we passed through a country absolutely flat, but well
wooded with silver-birch and fir trees, and in the afternoon
through open prairie land with scattered strips and clumps of
wood. In the forenoon I noticed the first Starlings {Sturnus
vulgaris), and Jackdaws [Corvus neglectus) were plentiful.
In the more open country Kestrels were numerous and I
saw one or two Sparrow-hawks.

June 7th. — In the forenoon I saw the first Grey Crow
(^Corvus comix), but many others appeared as the day went
on. Jackdaws (C. neglectus) continued to be numerous, and
Magpies, which I had not seen for some days, were again
plentiful. Starlings were very abundant, and near every
house, elevated on poles or fastened in trees, were little
nesting-boxes for these birds, of which they gladly availed
themselves. Carrion-Crows were scarce. Swallows were
much in evidence and White Wagtails were abundant. I
first saw Cuckoos {Cuculus canorus) to-day, and they were
plentiful. Kestrels also were very numerous. To-day we
passed through Mariinsk and Bogatyr.

June Sth. — The morning and forenoon of this day found us
in a steppe country which was studded by numerous small
shallow lakes fringed with reeds, whilst huge marshes
spread on either side of the line as far as we could see.

We passed Kainsk in the forenoon. Ornithologically this
day was full of interest and I saw many birds hereabouts
which I had not observed elsewhere. Waterfowl, as might
be expected, were abundant. Mallards were numerous and
almost certainly breeding ; and I saw a pair of Grey Lag
Geese which probably had a nest, they were not far from the
line and seemed quite undisturbed by the proximity of the
train.

We passed several colonies of Black-headed Gulls {Larus
ridibundus), but these birds were not very numerous.
Coots [Fulica atra) and Little Grebes {Podicipes fluviatilis)
were fairly plentiful, and in the drier parts of the country I
saw a good many pairs of Lapwings ( Vanellus vulgaris).
In the early afternoon we left the lakes behind us and
the train ran through open grassy country with occasional

412 Birds absented on the Trans- Siberian Railway Line.

scattered groves of silver-birch trees, always at some distance
from the line. At about 4 p.m. we reached Omsk. In
this part of the country Stonechats [Pratincola maura)
were extremely plentiful : no doubt the locality suited them
well for breeding purposes. Here also I saw a great
many Hobbies {Falco subbuteo) ; they were very tame and
remained sitting on the telegraph-posts whilst the train
steamed by. Cuckoos were very numerous and so were
Pipits, on which, no doubt, the former were chiefly parasitic.
Carrion-Crows, which had become rather scarce, again
became numerous in the afternoon, but the Grey Crows
continued to be plentiful — even in the marsh-land they
did not diminish much. In the afternoon as we neared
Omsk I first saw Rooks {Corvus frvgilegiis) and Jackdaws
(C monedula), but neither were very plentiful. At Omsk
Sparrows {Passer domesticus) were well to the fore.

June 9ib. — From this date until June 11th, when we
reached Moscow, birds were not plentiful and I did not make
many notes of interest.

In the forenoon we found that as we reached the neighbour-
hood of Cheliabinsk the country underwent a great change :
still flat and grassy, it wore a look of cultivation and civilization
greatly in advance of anything that we had seen since passing
the well-ordered Manchurian plains about Harbin. Soon
after mid-day we entered the Urals, and passed the border-
line of Europe and Asia shortly after 4 o'clock. The Ural
scenery was pretty but not at all grand : the mountains are
neither rugged nor of any great height, but they are most
beautifully wooded with forests of conifers.

Birds were scarce, and I only noticed Carrion-Crows,
Grey Crows, Rooks, and Jackdaws, chiefly about Cheliabinsk.
Starlings continued to be plentiful and in the Urals I saw a
couple of Buzzards.

June lOth. — To-day the country was flat and woods were
scarce, indeed I only saw one or two small copses of rather
undersized oaks. I noticed a Hoopoe, the first I had seen
since crossing the Gobi Desert near Khailar, some thousands
of miles further east. 1 noticed the last Black-eared Kite

Field-Notes on Vultures and Eagles. 413

to-day near Samara, Rooks, Crows, Jackdaws, and Starlings
were also very numerous.

June Wth. — This day we reached Moscow, and it seemed
curious to see, in the city itself, such birds as the Grey Crow
and the Black Kite [M. migrans), neither of which were
uncommon.

I was disappointed on my journey in not seeing any
Thrushes, for I have always looked, on Siberia as a stronghold
of that family in the breeding-season ; no doubt tiiey keep
well within the forests at this time of year, which accounts
for my failure to observe them.

In conclusion I may say that the climatic conditions were
very much the same throughout the journey as they are in
Great Britain at the same time of the year, except that at
"Vladivostok it was abominably hot. I did, however, observe
once in Manchuria, and once again in Siberia, some patches
of unthawed snow near the railwav line.

XX. — Field-Notes on Vultures and Eagles.
By Brigadier- General H. R. Kelham, C.B., M.B.O.U.

Colonel Willoughby Verner's interesting work on the
Wild Birds of Spain recalls to me birds^-nesting days near
Gibraltar as far back as 1873, including the finding of
nests of the Egyptian Vulture {Neophron percnopterus) and
Bonelli's Eagle [Nisaetus fasciatus), a description of which
may be worth recording.

On reference to an old note-book I find : —

" Gibraltar, 15th April, 1873, — This has been one of many
delightful days in the cork woods, birds'-nesting with
Savile Reid, R,E,

" A short time ago, while hunting with the Calpe Hounds,
we noticed Egyptian Vultures and a pair of Bonelli's Eagles
sailing about some crags a few miles from the town of San
Roque, To-day we revisited the spot.

*' Riding up a sandy ravine, the steep scrub-clad hills on

414 Brig.-Gen. H. R. Ke\h&m— Field-Notes

each side crowned by masses of precipitous rock, we disturbed
a pair of Egyptian Vultures from what was evidently a
nesting-place — a small cave in the face of a perpendicular
and much weather-worn cliff standing like a ruined castle on
the summit of the hillside. A scramble through the bushes
and we soon reached the foot of the cliff, the cave not twenty
feet above us ; moreover, there was an easy way round to
where a conveniently situated fig-tree offered a secure
fastening for our rope, up which I climbed, as owing to the
overhanging rock the place was more easily accessible from
below than from above.

*' The nest was on the floor of the cave and consisted of an
untidy mass of sticks roughly lined with rags and bits of
rubbish and goats' hair, while scattered around were bones,
pieces of goat-skin, and other very evil-smelling remains.

" In the nest lay one large egg, the bluish-white ground-
colour almost obscured by smudges and blotches of rich
chocolate-brown.

" On the 25th April I took another egg from the same
nest, and yet a third on the 8th May, all similar in appearance.
''The usual complement is two, a third is, I think, unusual.'*
The allied Indian species {Neophron ginginianus) I found
common among the Outer Himalayas, especially round
Dagshai, Sabathu, and the neighbouring hill-stations, at an
elevation of about 7000 feet; apparently it is more rare
at greater altitudes, anyhow during many expeditions into
the high snow-ranges at Kashmir and Baltistan I saw but
one, and that late in the summer.

Within a few hundred yards of the Neophron's nest, the
finding of which I have described, but on the opposite side
of the ravine, we discovered the eyrie of a Bonelli's Eagle.

It was very easy of access from the flat hilltop above, for
a descent of about ten feet landed us on the ledge of a rock
where the nest lay, in fact almost in the mass of sticks, which
was lined with green leaves. It contained two handsome
eggs, dull white with a few faiut reddish blotches. The
date was early in April, about the 8th or 10th.

From his description I gather that both these nests were

on Vultures and Eagles. 415

discovered next year (1874) by Colonel Verner, in the same
ravine though apparently not in quite the same sites.

On 28th Nov., 1886, while wild-fowl shooting at Mornie
Tal, a lake at the foot of the Simla Hills, thirty miles east of
Kalka, a Bonelli's Eagle suddenly swooped down and seized
one of my wounded ducks, and would have carried it off if
I had not shot the Eagle.

I also obtained Nisaetus fasciatus near Candia in Crete
during November, 1896.

During many years spent in Northern India, among the
outer ranges of the Himalayas after Chamois, or Gooral, as
they are there called, with several expeditions into the higher
ranges of Kashmir and Baltistan stalking Ibex, there was no
bird I saw more of than the Great Bearded Vulture, or Lam-
mergeyer [Gypaetus barbatus). Everywhere throughout the
hills at an elevation of from 4000 to 8000 feet it was plentiful,
especially round Dagshai *, Kasauli, and Sabathu, during the
winter; I frequently saw it, in company with the white-
backed Gyps bengalensis, feeding on the refuse from the
slaughter-houses. I much doubt if it kills prey for itself,
anyhow I never even heard of it doing so.

In Kashmir I used to watch the birds for hours and often
saw them pass over flocks of goats, and on more than one
occasion pass and repass female Ibex with young kids without
taking any notice of them, nor did the animals shew the
slightest alarm, which they certainly would have done if the
birds had been a source of danger.

During a winter spent at Dagshai the Lammergeyers were
always with us, and though they used to sail along the hill-
side, often within a few yards of the fowls and pigeons which
fed in our Mess Compound, I never saw any hostile act,
though they would pick up bones or fragments of meat.

The soldiers, in fact most non-ornithological Europeans,
invariably talked of these birds as Golden Eagles, misled by
the ruddy buft' colour of the head and neck of the mature
specimens, which gives them a decidedly golden appearance.

* Dagshai is a small military station in the Outer Himalayas, thirty
miles south of Simla.

416 Brig.-Gen. H. R. KeWxam— Field- Notes

On the wing the Lammergeyer is easily identified, even at
a considerable distance, by its long pointed wings, very wedge-
shaped tail, and even, gliding flight — an occasional flap, and
with scarcely another movement of its wings it sails along,
skimming close over the ground, following every undulation
of the hillside as it works backwards and forwards in long
*' l)eats," and searching every fold of the ground for food.

During the spring I found it numerous in the Murree
Hills (10,000 feet), and I knew of a nesting-place in
Changla Gully. In my diary is : —

"Changla Gully, N.W. Himalayas, 4th May, 1896.
This evening the sunset was glorious beyond description, the
sun sinking in a glow of light over the * perpetual snows ' of
Kashmir, crimson, fading to rose, purple, and every conceiv-
able tint, while brilliant flashes of lightning played round
the snowy summit of Nanga Parbat (27,000 feet) and other
Himalayan giants. The Great Bearded Vulture is quite in
keeping with this grand scenery. This evening while
sitting among the highest peaks round Changla, admiring
the view, several of these huge birds came sailing close
past me : my dog seemed to excite them, for many, as
they swooped by, uttered hoarse croaks, others settled on a
dead pine close below, in fact they were unusually confiding
and gave me an exceptional chance of studying tiiem."

They breed early in the year in caves on the face of the
most inaccessible crags, often where the cliS" is overhanging,
so that the approach from above is almost as difficult as that
from below.

During the winter of 1887, while chamois-stalking among
the Sirmoor mountains, I found several nesting-places, and
in the early spring of the next year three pairs of these birds
bred in some very precipitous cliffs twelve miles east of
Dagshai, where they doubtless still nest. Tliese clifl's were
very " happy hunting-grounds" of mine. One January day,
dull and snowy, I was stalking chamois, and when in rather
a fix, on a very nasty piece of cliff", discovered a Bearded
Vulture's eyrie. At the time 1 was near a huge beetling
crag, in a crevice of Avhich was the nesting- place : it was

on Vullures and Eagles. -^17

apparently, at least without ropes and careful arrangements,
perfectly inaccessible from either above or below.

According to my shikari, the Vultures breed in April ; but
1 think that the nest contained eggs on this occasion, the
18th of January, as a magnificent golden-headed bird came
sailing along the face of the cliff and disappeared into the
cave, which had evidently been used for years, the rocks
being much soiled by the birds and their young.

During the summer, after the snow has melted, they
spread over the higher ranges, and I saw them far north, in
Baltistan, Astor, and nearly to Gilgit, but not in such
numbers as among the Outer Himalayas. Westward, I saw
them among the Afghan Hills, and in March 1889 there
were several about the cliffs overlooking Ali Musjid, in the
Khyber Pass.

The Brown Vulture {Gyps indicus) and the white-backed
G. bengalensis were both common round Dagshai and bred
near that place, where on one occasion I had a great Vulture-
afternoon— quite an " At Home, from 3 to 5 p.m." I placed
a carcase on the hillside, hid near and had a close view of
the scene which ensued. At first only a few stray Vultures
were visible soaring above, some comparatively low down,
others tiny specks high up a2:ain<t the blue sky. As usual,
the Kites and Crows were the first arrivals, and by the
noise and commotion they made I think attracted the
attention of the Vultures.

Anyhow I came to the conclusion that the carcase was
first discovered by the lower stratum of Vultures either by
sight or else by noticing the gathering together of the
clamoring Crows. Then other Vultures observing from the
manner of the discoverers that they were off to something
good, flocked towards them, others still higher up, still farther
away, followed suit, the dark specks high up in the clouds
descended nearer and nearer, till in a short time the carcase
was alive with a struggling, squabbling mass of these huge
birds.

A more rare species, the Black Vulture {Otugyps calvus),
I found undoubtedly breeding among the Murree Hills in

418 Mr. H. E. Dresser on the Occurrence of

May, also in the wooded valleys of Sirmoor, forty miles
east of Simla.

" Sirmoor, 15th April, 1887. While big-game shooting,
I to-day crossed the Jellal River and ascended a thickly-
wooded ridge separating it from the next valley.

" At the head of a jungly ravine and overhanging its steep
banks I came on a tree, of no great height, with a huge nest
on its top.

" The nest was only about thirty feet from the ground, and
standing on the hillside above I could look dovvn right into
it, having a good view of the owner. It was a Black Vulture,
sitting very close, in fact it was only when I shouted and threw
sticks that it could be induced to move ; then, standing up,
it opened its beak and spread its wings by way of intimida-
tion, at the same time disclosing to view one large white egi^
on which it had been sitting. The tree was by no means
easy to climb, being covered with a tangled mass of wild
vine, to say nothing of being alive with red ants, which, to my
detriment, resented being disturbed."

The nest, built in the crown of the tree, was an enormous
mass of sticks with finer ones as a rough lining. The large,
round, white egg — the full complement — was very nearly
hatched.

During February of the next year I found the Black
Vulture in the Nepal Terai, and saw an individual, in com-
pany with the common brown species, feeding on the carcase
of a bear which I had shot.

XXI. — On the Occurrence of Pseudoscolopax taczanowskii
in Western Siberia. By H. E. Dresser.

(Plate VII.)

The Semipalmated Snipe,or so-called "Snipe-billed Godwit,'*
is certainly one of the rarest and least known of the Palae-
arctic Waders, and up to the present time its breeding- range
has been undiscovered. First described by Blyth in 1848 as

Pseudoscolopax taczanovvskii in Western Siberia. 419

Macrorhamphus semipalmatus from a specimen obtained near
Calcutta in the winter, it was again described and figured by
Verreaux in 1860 (Rev. et Mag. de Zool. p. 206, pi. 14) as
Macrorhamphus taczanowskii from a specimen obtained in
Dauria.

The two specimens now figured, a male and a female in
full breeding-plumage, were obtained on the 12/25 May,
1908, not far from Tara, in the valley of the Irtysh, Tobolsk
Government, Western Siberia. Tara is situated on the left
bank of the Irtysh River, about two hundred miles below
Omsk. The valley at that point is only about four kilo-
metres broad, in some places widening to six or seven
kilometres. The right bank is the higher, and is covered
with pine and fir wood, forming there the southern portion
of the Siberian '' taiga.'* The left bank is broadly bordered
by small non-evergreen woods, interspersed by steppe (the so-
called steppe-forest belt of Russian geographers), but gives
place further south to the true treeless steppe. Between
these banks and the bed of the river is a wet meadow inter-
sected by marshy rivulets and streams and covered with small
lakes and ditches overgrown with reeds, swamps either treeless
or with small unhealthy pine-trees, and even mossy bogs
near the right bank. This meadow is uneven, with hollows,
while parallel with the river are higher beds covered here
and there with low bushes of Salix, and on the left side of
the river is a narrow belt of high old Salices. The meadow,
especially on the left side of the river, is overflowed when
the water rises in the spring.

About a mile from Tara a small river called the x\rkharka,
only about five miles long, flows into the Irtysh, and at its
mouth the meadow is very low, slimy, and treeless. In
1908 the ice on the Irtysh broke up between the 6th and
10th of May, new style, and on the 25th of May the water
was still very high, so that the lower parts of the valley and
that of the Arkharka were under water, with only small strips
of land visible here and there. The grass was still very short,
the leaves of the birch trees very small. Hooded Crows and
Magpies had eggs highly incubated, or young just hatched;

420 Mr. H. E. Dresser on the Occurrence of

the Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Common Suipe, and
Lapwing had fresh- eggs, and the nests of the Red-legged
Falcons (Falco vespertinus obscvi'us) were ready, though as yet
they were empty.

On this day three local sportsmen, Messrs. Grabinsky,
Tveritin, and Florinsky, were on the Irtysh River in a boat,
and about 11 o'clock in the forenoon observed two Waders
at the edge of the flooded meadow near the mouth of the
Arkharka, one of which was probing the muddy ground,
whilst the other was walking about close to its mate. In their
manners they reminded the sportsmen of Greenshanks, but
on account of their rust-coloured plumage it was concluded
that they must be Godwits. They were quite tame, even
when approached within forty paces, and Mr. Florinsky
killed both birds with the same shot. As they seemed to
be somew^hat uncommon Mr. Florinsky brought them to
Mr. V. E. Ushakow, a correspondent of Mr. S. A. Buturlin,
who skinned them. Both were in a somewhat poor condition
and rather lean, the stomachs containing small shells and
river-ooze. Mr. Ushakow, with the assistance of Mr.
Buturlin's ' Synoptical Tables of the Birds of the Russian
Empire' (in Russian), correctly identified the birds; but,
inasmuch as the present species had not been recorded from
further west in Siberia than Chita in Dauria, he was
doubtful as to whether he was right, and sent the birds to
Mr. Buturlin. On skinning the female bird Mr. Ushakow
found in the lower part of the oviduct an egg fully coloured
and quite ready for exclusion, which he carefully extracted,
measured, and photographed. Unfortunately before he sent
me this egg a mouse got at it and so damaged it that I have
been unable to repair it sufficiently to photograph it in
colour, so I have re])roduced the photograph (p. 421)
taken by Mr. Ushakow.

This egg is somewhat glossy in the surface of the shell,
like that of a Snipe, but in form and general coloration
is not unlike that of a Godwit, though the ground-colour is
rather more grey in tone and at the larger end there are two
sharp reddish-brown stripes, such as are often found in eggs

Pseudoscolopax taczanowskii in Western Siberia. 421

of Tot anus glareoln, but never in those of Limosa ; tlie
greyish-brown surface-spots are more numerous and denser
at the larger end. When blown and whole this e^^
measured 51-1 by 37 mm. (2 by 1*45 inch) and weighed
2*11 grammes.

Mr. Buturlin has kindly placed me in direct communica-
tion with Mr. Ushakow, and has sent me all his notes with

Text-fijr. 9.

Egg of Pseudoscolopax tuczanoivskii.

the egg and the two birds, to enable me to write this
article.

The present bird is not a Godwit, but appears to me to be
intermediate between Macrorhamphus and the American
Willet {Symphemia semipalmatd).

The Semipalmated Snipe evidently breeds in the valley of
the Irtysh, and I have asked Mr. Ushakow to use every
endeavour to procure and send me the eggs, which I trust
he will succeed in doing.

SER. IX. VOL. III.

2 F

422 Mr. C. luorram on the

XXII. — The Birds of Manchuria.
By CoLLiNGWooD Ingram, M.B.O.U.

(Plate VIII.)

I. Introduction.

Two years ago I journeyed from Vladivostock to Berlin.
As the train travelled slowly through the wooded valleys of
the Khingan Mountains and across the park-like meadow-
lands of North Manchuria, I was much impressed by the
ornithological promise of that beautiful but comparatively
little known country. Upon my return home I immediately
searched the zoological libraries of London for information
on the subject — but could find none there. Of the Ornis
of Manchuria very little was known. In the " eighties,"
Mr. (now Sir Evan) James brought back a small but
interesting collection from South Manchuria, while fifteen
years later a certain Capt. Karpow, then in the Russian Army
and quartered at Yingtzu, made another small collec-
tion, which I believe is now in the St. Petersburg Museum.
These two collections, both from the southern part of the
country, constitute all that is known to me of Manchurian
birds. Realising this and hoping that the country would prove
a fruitful field for ornithological research, I wrote to my friend
Mr. Alan Owston, of Yokohama, and with his assistance
arranged that a Japanese collector should visit Manchuria
during the summer of 1908. Although the results of this
expedition were disappointing in the sense that they yielded
no novelties, they were nevertheless extremely interesting
from another point of view — they served to fill in a considerable
gap in our knowledge of the geographical distribution of East-
Asian birds. After all, when the extreme severity of its
winter climate is taken into consideration, it is hardly sur-
prising to find that Manchuria can boast of no local races of
birds. According to Sir Evan James the temperature falls
to below —49° Fahr. in the north, while even on the coast it
reaches —10° Fahr. The summer, however, is temperate.

IBIS,1909H.Vni.

E A S T E ti

Leoyjards<m ScCo ,

MAP OF MANCHURIA

Scaie a£ Miles
CollecUno strxtions rruirkatL t^uts 4

Birds of Manchuria. 423

though very wet, rain falhng '' almost without intermission "
from May to the end of August.

The resident species of birds seem to be comparatively few
in number, w'hile, on the whole, the avifauna appears to re-
semble that of Siberia very closely, and in North Manchuria
might almost be said to be boreal in character. This is
especially noticeable in the various races of Spotted Wood-
peckers and Marsh-Tits, which, in some cases, appear to be
almost identical with those existing in tlie extreme north of
Europe. Tardus duhius, Frinyilla montifrinciilla, and Calcarius
lapponicus are among the birds that I was surprised to find
so far south during the breediug-season. Below Kirin the
avifauna naturally tends to become more " tropical" or
like that of China: as examples of this, I might mention
Halcyon coromanda, Eurystumus calonyx, and Terpsiphone
incii.

Dr. Valentine Bianclii has compiled a brief catalogue of the
birds collected by Capt. Karpow * (comprising 51 species),
and this has been published in the ' Annuaire du Musee de
St. Petersbourg ' for 1902. Sir Evan James's collection is now
in the Natural History Museum, where I have been able to
make a careful examination of all his specimens. Reference
to these will be found in the following pages, the collector's
initials appearing in brackets after each entry. Perhaps it is
hardly necessary to say that the list of birds contained in the
present paper is anything but complete. I have no doubt
that when the country becomes better known there will be
many species to add to the number. However, I trust that
my work will serve at least as a foundation for the future
study of Manchurian ornithology.

In his interesting book, 'The Long White Mountain,'
Sir Evan James describes Manchuria as being essentially a
highland country; almost the entire south and east being
occupied by the Pai-shan and other mountains, while tne
Khingans occupy the north-western corner. The same writer
goes on to say that " The plain country is limited to tne

* In that paper, -written in Russian, the town Yingtzu is spelt Inkow,
or Inkoii.

2f2

424 Mr. C. Ingram on the

fertile alluvial tract in the west of Feng-tien (or Liao-Timg
Province), on the banks of the Liao Ho, and to the north
and west of Kirin, in the region of Petuna, and where the
Nonni drains the vast area of undulating steppes. "

My Japanese collector reached the Khingan Mountains on
April 17th and stayed at a station of that name on the Trans-
Siberian Railway until June 30th. He informs me that this
station is the highest point on the line and is situated about
3500 ft. above sea-level. Thence he went south to Chang-
chun and afterwards to two neighbouring villages called
Fan-chia Tim and Chu-chia Tai. He returned to Japan
early in October. In the accompanying map (Plate VHI.)
I have marked the places visited by him, so that they may
be seen at a glance ; I have also shown most of the towns
mentioned on Sir Evan Jameses labels.

The works chiefly cited in my paper are Taczanowski^s
^Faune ornithologique de la Siberie Orientale,' Mr. Dresser's
' Manual of Palsearctic Birds/ and Dr. Hartert's * Vogel der
palaarktischeu Fauna.' In referring to them, I have merely
given the author's name, followed by the number of the
page. Sir Evan James in his excellent work on Manchuria
has unfortunately devoted but little space to ornithology.

In conclusion, I must express my thanks to Mr. Alan
Owston, who was good enough to make all the necessary
arrangements in connexion with the expedition : while I am
also deeply indebted to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe and Mr. Ogilvie-
Grant for their great kindness during my work in the
Natural History Museum, and last, but not least, to Sir
Evan James for very kindly looking through my proot-sheets
before they went to press.

II. List of the Birds of Manchuria, with remarks.

1. Turdus dubius Bechst. Bechstein's Thrush.
Tacz. p. 289 ; Dresser, p. 7.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 13, 1908.

b. S- „ „ » 3400 ft. „ 19, 1908.

ButIs of Manchuria. 425

Iris brown ; feet blackish brown ; bill dark horn-brown.

As this Thrush breeds in Siberia (its eggs were first taken
by Mr. Popham in 1875 in the valley of the Yeuesei) and
migrates in winter to China and Japan, I fully expected
to find it in Manchuria as a migrant ; but it was somewhat
surprising to procure it there as late as May 19tli — a date
which suggests a possibility of its remaining to nest in the
mountains of North Manchuria.

2. ToRDUs NAUMANNi Tcmm. Red-tailed Thrush.
Tacz. p. 294 ; Dresser, p. 9.

o^ybjC. S S ? . Chang-tsai-Ling, S. Manchuria. Nov. 19,
1886. {E. J.)

Probably wintering in South Manchuria. Chang-tsai-Ling
is roughly seventy miles east of Kirin.

3. TuRDUs oBscuRUs Gm. Dusky Thrush.
Tacz. p. 306; Dresser, p. 13.

This bird is included in the present paper on the authority
o£ Bianchi, who records a specimen from Yingtzu, May 10,
1901.

4. TuRDUs PALLiDUS Gm. Pale Thrush.
Tacz. p. 307 ; Dresser, p. 15.

a, h. Hsiao Shan Forest. July 6, 1886. {E. J.)
These two examples, obtained by Sir Evan James, are both
fledglings and could only just have left the nest when shot.
Seebohm examined them and described them in his ' Mono-
graph of the Turdidse' (vol. ii. p. 186). He was doubtless
able to assign them to the present species by the character-
istic broad white tips to their tail-feathers.

They were shot in the valley of the Sungari, about seventy
miles from the source of the river.

5. Geocichla sibirica Pall. Siberian Ground-Thrush.
Tacz. p. 282; Dresser, p. 19; Ingram, Ibis, 1908,

p. 134.

A male was procured by Capt. Karpow at Yingtzu, on
May 10, 1901.

42G Mr. C. Ingram on the

6. MoNTicoLA GULARis (Swiulioe). White-throated E-ock-
Thrush.

Tacz. p. 323 ; Dresser, p. 22.

u, S. Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. May 28, 1908.

6. ? . „ „ „ „ May 29, 1908.
Iris very dark brown ; feet horn-coloured ; bill black.
The male is in full breeding-plumage and its colouring is

exceptionally bright, all the feathers being quite free from the
brown margins shown in the winter dress. The chestnut of
the rump and under parts is darker and richer than in any
of the examples in the British Museum. The breeding-area
of this beautiful Rock-Thrush is probably restricted to
E. China, Manchuria, and the extreme south-east of Siberia.
Eianchi records a male from Yingtzu, May 14, 1901.

7. Pratincola MAURA Pall. Siberian Stonechat.

Tacz. p. 355 ; Dresser, p. 46 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908,
p. 138.

a-e. 4 (? , I ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3600 ft. May 20
to June 25, 1908.

Iris brown ; bill and feet black.

These birds were obviously nesting in the Khingans ; in
Japan nidification commences during the first and second
week in May. Bianchi records the Siberian Stonechat
from Yingtzu, Oct. 11, 1901.

8. RuTiciLLA AUROREA (Gm.). Dauriau Redstart.
Tacz. p. 326 ; Dressei', p. 52.

a, b. (J & ?. Hsiao Shan; Chang Pai-shan Forests. July 6,
1886. (E. J.)

9. Calliope camtschatkensis (Gm.). Siberian Ruby-
throat.

Tacz. p. 335 ; Dresser, p. 65.

a,b. (J J . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 22, 1908.

Iris black-brown ; feet greyish-brown ; bill black.

This bird, no doubt, nests in the Khingan Mountains; it
is known to do so in Mongolia and North China (Tacz.
p. 337).

Birds of Manchuria. 4:17

A male was killed near Yingtzu ou April 28, 1901
(^Bianchi).

10. Nemura cyanura (Pall,). Red-flanked Bluetail.
Taez. p. 343; Dresser, p. 69 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 139.
a,b. c? 9 . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500-3700 ft. May 6 and

12, 1908.

Iris dark brown; feet brown ; bill blackish.

11. Larvivora cyanea (Pall.). Siberian Blue Robin.
Tacz. p. 338; Dresser, p. 70; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 137.
a,b. S S ■ Khingan Mts., alt. 3200-3700 ft. June 6 and

8, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet plumbeous-brown ; bill brown.

This species probably visits Manchuria to breed in the
mountains ; in Japan it is essentially a bird of the hills.

12. Phylloscopus borealis (Bias.). Eversmann^s Willow-
Warbler.

Tacz. p. 254 ; Dresser, p. 99 ; Hart. p. 517.

a, b. (5" ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 17,
1908.

These birds were evidently passing through Manchuria on
their southward migration.

13. Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus Swinh. Middendorff's
Willow-Warbler.

Tacz. p. 259 ; Sharpe, Hand-1. vol. iv. p. 217 ; Hart,
p. 511.

a. S • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 1, 1908.

b,c. S' „ „ „ 3700 ft. June 3 and 5, 1908.

d. S' „ „ „ 3600 ft. June 8, 1908.

e,f. ^ ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 11 and 14,
1908.

ff. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. June 16, 1908.

h. c? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 30, 1908.

Iris blackish-brown; feet greyish-brown; bill blackish
above.

428 Mr. C. Ingram on the

Evidently breeding in the mountains and working south-
ward^ through Central Manchuria, in August.

14. Phylloscopus superciliosus (Gm.). Yellow-browed
Willow- Warbler.

Tacz. p. 264 ; Hart. p. 518.

a, b, c, d. S S (S S ■ Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3800 ft.
May 13-17, 1908.

e. S • Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 30, 1908.

/. ^ . Fau-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 12, 1908.

y,h.^^. Near Kirin. 1886. {E.J.)

Iris dark hazel ; feet light brown or horn-brown ; bill
black-brown above.

15. Phylloscopus proregulus (Pall.). Pallas^s Willow-
Warbler.

Tacz. p. 207 ; Sharpe, Hand-1. iv. p. 215 ; Hart,
p. 523.

a,b. S S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. May 17, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet horn-brown ; bill blackish-brown
above.

My birds are typical F. proregulus, both in colour and
wing-formula [cf. Gatke, Ibis, 1889, p. 578).

Capt. Karpow procured this W^illow-Warblcr at Yingtzu,
April 3, 1901 (Bianchi).

16. Phylloscopus tuscatus (BIyth). Dus-ky Willow-
Warbler.

Lusciniola fuscata Tacz. p. 272 ; Dresser, Man. Pal. B.
p. 125.

Phylloscopus fuscata Hart. p. 528.

a,b,c.SS ? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3500 ft. May 19-
28, 1908.

d, e. J c? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3600-3800 ft. June 3 and
25, 1908.

Iris dark brown; feet horn -brown ; bill blackish-brown
above.

Dresser (Man. Pal. B. p. 126) says that this species
" frequents low bushes on the plains and at low altitudes in

Birds of Manchuria. 4?^9

the hills, especially iu damp localities." That it is not,
however, entirely a lowland species is shown by my series
of skins procured at elevations varying from 3400 ft. to
3800 ft., while Radde found it up to an altitude of 7000 ft.
on the Tarei-nor and Middendorif met with it up to the
summits of the Stanovoi Mountains. I prefer to follow
Hartert and place this species among the Phijlloscopi; in
habits, as well as in general appearance, it appears to belong
to this genus rather than to Lusciniola.

Bianchi records the Dusky Willow- Warbler from Yingtzu,
Sept. 11, 1901.

17. AcRocEPHALUs ARUNDiNACEUs ORiENTALis. Eastern
Great Reed-Warbler.

Hart. p. 558; Dresser, p. 120.

Calamoheiye turdoides orientalis, Tacz. p. 234.

a,b. ^ ^ . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 15 and 16,
1908.

This Warbler has also been procured at Yingtzu, July 1,
1901 {Bianchi).

18. AcRocEPHALUSBisTRiGiCEPsSwinh. Schrcuck's Rccd-
W^arbler.

Tacz. p. 236; Dresser, p. 121; Hart. p. 565; Ingram,
Ibis, 1908, p. 144.

a-k. (J c? ¥ c? c? ? ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3500 ft.
June 15-25, 1908.

/. (J. Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 14, 1908.

Iris blackish-brown ; feet dark horn-brown ; bill lilackish-
brown.

Capt. Karpow twice procured this Warbler at Yingtzu, a
male on July 1, and a second on Sept. 29, 1901 [Bianchi).

19. Arundinax AEnoN (Pall.). Thick-billed Warbler.
Hartert, p. 554.

Arundinax aedon Tacz. p. 227.
Lusciniola aedon, Dresser, p. 124.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., N. Manchuria, alt. 3400 ft. June 6^
1908.

430 Mr. C. Ingram on the

b, c. S S ' Khitigan Mts., N. Manchuria, alt. 3400 ft.
June 11, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet dark greyish-brown ; upper man-
dible walnut-brown.

20. LusciNioLA scHWARZi Radde, Radde's "Warbler.
Tacz. p. 276 ; Dresser, p. ] 27.

a,b,c. S (i S ■ Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3600 ft. May 29
and 30, 1908.

d,e. S S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3700 ft. June 16 and 18,
1908.

Iris blackish-brown ; feet horn-coloured ; bill blackish
above, lighter below.

21. LocusTELLA LANCEOLATA (Temm.). Lanceolated
G rasshopper-Warbler.

Tacz. p. 244; Dresser, p. 132; Hart. p. 553.

a,b. c? ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. June 6 and 8,
1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet cinnamon-coloured ; upper mandible
blackish-brown.

In the summer this species is widely distributed throughout
Siberia, but I do not know of its ever having been found
breeding south of that country ; its occurrence in Manchuria
as late as June 8th is, therefore, interesting.

22. LocusTELLA cERTHiOLA (Pall.). Pallas's Grasshopper-
Warbler.

Gates, F. Brit. Ind. i. p. 352; Tacz. p. 239; Dresser,
p. 133 ; Hart. p. 550.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3300 ft. June 8, 1908.

b, c, d. ^ (^ ^ . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 14,
1908.

e,f. J c?. Khingan Mts., alt. 3300 ft. June 18, 1908.

Iris dark brown; feet cream-coloured; bill blackish-
brown.

With one exception, these examples from the Khingan
Mountains are all in very bright plumage, the light margins
of the feathers on the back (and especially those of the

Birds of Manchuria. 431

winji^s) being broad and shewing in strong contrast to their
blackish centres. On the otlier hand, the example a is
singularly dark, slightly speckled on the breast, and with
the margins of; the feathers of the back and wings brown
and dark russet-brown, instead of whitish-buff and pale
olive-brown. Indeed this last bird differs so markedly from
the others that it is difficult to believe that it belongs to the
same species. There are, however, several dark specimens
in the National Collection that agree perfectly with my
Manchurian skin, but these (known to the older authors
under the name of L. rubescens Blyth) were mostly procured
in winter. Perhaps they are all young birds ,• but if
immaturity is the explanation of this dark phase, it is some-
what curious to find it in an example killed as late as
June 8th, and in an individual that must necessarily have
passed through both the autumn and spring moults.

Crossing from Japan to Vladivostock in June 1907, a
Grasshopper- Warbler came on board our steamer. It was
in such an exhausted condition that it allowed me to
approach within two or three feet of it, so close, in fact,
that I made several attempts to catch it in my hands. I
am confident that it belonged to the present species, which
is the more interesting as this Warbler was hitherto un-
recorded from Japan.

23. LocusTELLA FASCTOLATA (Gray). Gray's Grasshopper-
Warbler.

Tacz. p. 249 ; Dresser, p. 135 ; Hart. p. 545.

a,b. S S • Khingau Mts., N. Manchuria, alt. 3800 ft.
June l\), 1908.

c,d. $ S ' Khiugan Mts., N. Manchuria, alt. 3800 ft.
June 20, 1908.

e. S- KhinganMts., N.Manchuria, alt. 3900 ft. June 26,
1908.

/. S' Khingan Mts., N. Manchuria, alt. 4000 ft. June 27,
1908.

Iris brown ; feet drab ; bill blackish-brown.

Gray's Grasshopper-Warbler was probably breeding in

432 Mr. C. Ingram on the

the Kliiugan Mountains^ for examples were procured as late
as June 27th. Although nothing definite is known of its
nesting-habits, this bird is supposed to breed in Eastern
Siberia ; but Dybowski and Godlewski only found it rarely,
and apparently as a migrant^ in the environs of Irkutsk,
though the latter heard it in July during his travels in
Yeniseisk. It winters in the Malay Archipelago. In the
young of this Warbler the plumage is much diffused with
yellow, and most of the examples in the British Museum,
killed during winter in the Malay Islands, are in this dress.
My birds are all in breeding-plumage, and are russet-brown
above, with the lower neck ashy grey.

24. Accentor erythropygius (Swinh.). Red-rumped
Alpine Accentor.

a. ? . Mt. Pai-shan, 7000 ft. July 14, 1886. {E. J.)
Iris blackish ; feet pinkish.

25. AcREDULA CAUDATA (Liun,). Long-tailcd Tit.
Tacz. p. 443 ; Hart. p. 382.

a. Near Niuguta. Oct. 1886. (E. J.)
This specimen is in a very poor state of preservation ; the
bird was moulting heavily when shot.

26. Parus cinereus minor. Japanese Great Tit.
Hellmayr, Mon. Paridse, p. 104.

fl. juv. ?. T'ou-i-pi Ho, Pai-shan Forests. July 17,
1886. {E. J.)
Iris brown.

27. Parus borealis baicalensis. Baikal Marsh-Tit.
Tacz. p. 437 ; Hellmayr, Mon. Paridse, p. 65.

a. c^. Khingan Mts., 3500 ft. April 22, 1908.

b,c,d.(SS^. Khingan Mts., 3500-3800 ft. May 3
and 6, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet greyish-black ; bill blackish.

These examples are large and very grey above and have
the under parts almost white. Average measurements :
wing 2*65 in. ; tail 2*85 in.

Birds of Manchuria. 433

28. Parus palusthis brevirostris. Short-billed Marsh-
Tit.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., 3900 ft. April 29, 1908.

b. (S. „ „ 3700 ft. May 2, 1908.
Iris dark brown; feet greyish-black; bill blackish.
Compared with the others, two of ray birds have slightly

browner backs, and a faint metallic or steely sheen on the
black part of their heads. Their bills are decidedly short
and thick, and their wing-feathers are distinctly margined
with greyish-white. Sir Evan James's bird, from Chang-
tsai-Liiig, is still browner and, if anything, the bill is even
more abrupt. I have therefore referred it to Taczanowski's
crassirosiris, but the difference between these two races seems
to me to be very slight.

29. Parus palustris crassirostris. Great-billed Marsh-
Tit.

a. S ?. Chang-tsai-Ling, 80 miles E. of Kirin. Nov. 188G.

The measurements are : wing 2*5 in. ; tail 2*7 in.

30. SiTTA AMURENSis. Amur Nuthatch.

a. S • Lao-sung Ling. 1886. [E. J.)

b, c, d. $ and ? ?. Lao-sung Ling. 1886.

Sir Evan James writes (Oct. 31) : " We then crossed the
top of the ridge called Lao-sung Ling, 1400 feet elevation,
and descended into the vale of Tumen."' This pass is about
forty-five miles south of Ningnta.

31. MoTAciLLA LUGUBRis LEucopsis. Whitc-faccd Wag-
tail.

Tacz. p. 366 ; Dresser^ p. 198.

a,b. ^ S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. June 3 and 4,
1908.

Iris very dark brown ; feet and bill black.

32. MoTAciLLA ALBA BAicALENsis. Siberian White Wag-
tail.

Tacz. p. 361 ; Dresser, p. 201 ; Hart. p. 304.

434 Mr. C. Ingram on the

«-/. c? c? ? c? ? ? • Kbingan Mts., alt. 3400-3500 ft.
April 30 to May 18, 1908.

Iris very dark brown ; feet and bill black.

The three species of Pied or White Wagtails were all
apparently breeding in the same area.

33. MoTACiLLA ALBA OCULARIS. Streak-cvcd Wagtail.
Tacz. p. 364 ; Dresser, p. 202 ; Hart. p. 307.

a, Z*. ? ? . Gt. Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 6 and 12,
1908.

Iris very dark brown ; feet and bill black.

34. MoTACiLLA BOARULA MELAXOPE. Eastcm Grcy Wag-
tail.

Tacz. p. 375; Hart. p. 300; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 152.

a-e. (? c? ? c? ? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3500-3600 ft. May
13-29, 1908.

/-/. 'i S S S S S S • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3000 ft.
June 1-26, 1908.

m. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 29, 1908.

n, 0. Lao-ling, near Tang Ho Kou. June 30, 1880,

{E.J.)

Iris very dark brown; feet blackish; bill blackish.

This bird is probably common in most parts of Man-
churia in suitable localities.

35. MoTACiLLA ciTREOLA Pall. YcUow-hcaded Wagtail.
Tacz. p. 387 ; Dresser, p. 203 ; Hart. p. 296.

a-o. 7 S,7 ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 17-31,
1908.

I)-t. 3 J, 2 ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. June 1-18,
1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet and bill black.

My skins measure, on the average, slightly more than
those in the British Museum, but this is perhaps explained
by the fresh condition of their plumage. The Avings of most
of the males exceed 35 in. in length. The Yellow-headed

Birds of Manchuria. 435

AYagtail is evidently a common breeding-bird in the
raonntainous country of N. Manchuria.

36. MoTACiLLA FLAVA BOREALis. Blue-headcd Wagtail.
Tacz. p. 382 ; Dresser, p. 205 ; Hart. p. 291.

a. Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 22, 1908.
Iris very dark brown ; feet and bill black.

37. Anthus trivialis maculatus. Eastern Tree-Pipit.
Dresser, p. 212 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 153.
Pipastes maculatus Tacz. p. 390.

a-d. S S ^ S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3600 ft. May
12-18, 1908.

e,f. J S • Khingan Mts., 3600 ft. June 11, 1908.
(J. cJ. Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 1908.
Iris dark brown; feet flesh-brown; bill brownish.

38. Anthus richardi Vieill. Richard's Pipit.
Tacz. p. 395 ; Dresser, p. 219.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 20, 1908.
h, S' Chang-chun. July 6, 1908.

c. Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 9, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet flesh- or pinky-brown ; upper
mandible dark brown.

Bianchi received an example from Yingtzu, killed on
Oct. 4, 1901.

39. Oriolus diffusus Sharpe. Black-naped Oriole.
Oriohs indicus Dresser, p. 228.

a. S • Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 13, 1908.

b, c. ? ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 9 and 17,
1908.

d. ? . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 11, 1908.
e.S. Near Kirin. Sept. 1886. {E.J.)

436 Mr, C. Ingram on the

40. Lanius sphenocercus Cab. Long-tailed Grey-
Shrike.

Tacz. p. 485 ; Dresser, p. 230.

a. (^ . Plains near Tsi-tsi-ha, Manchuria. {E. J.)
This is a very rare Shrike. There is no date on the label,
but Sir Evan James visited Tsi-tsi-ha on Sept. 20-23, 188G.

41. Lanius cristatus Linn. Red-tailed Shrike.

Tacz. p. 498 ; Dresser, p. 240 ; Ogilvie-Grant, Nov. Zool.
1902, p. 481 ; Hart. p. 446.

a-c. c? c? c? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 29-31,
1908.

d-ff- c? c? c? ? • Khingan Mts., 3200-3600 ft. June 9-22,
1908.

h. (^ imm. Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 24,
1908.

Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black.

Some of the specimens of L. cristatus in the British
Museum, and one or two of my Manchurian skins, have the
grey on the forehead more pronounced than their fellows,
and these might almost be said to intergrade with certain
examples of L. lucionensis. With the abrasion of the
])lumage, L. cristatus certainly becomes greyer and more
like L. lucionensis.

42. Lanius lucionensis Linn. Philippine Red-tailed
Shrike.

Tacz. p. 502; Dresser, p. 242; Ogilvie-Grant, Nov. Zool.
1902, p. 483; Hart. p. 447.

a. S ' Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. July 30, 1908.

h. S. „ „ „ ,, Aug. 24, 1908.

These two specimens are in very worn plumage, but
I think that they may safely be referred to the present
species.

43. Muscicapa siBiRiCA Gm. Siberian Flycatcher.
Dresser, p. 250 : Hart. p. 478.

Hemichelidon sibirica Tacz. p. 475 ; Sharpe, Hand-1. iii.
p. 204.

Birds of Manchuria. 437

a,b. ^ ^ ?. Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. July 30,
1908.

c. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 9, 1908.
My specimens are typical, with the under parts very white

and heavily streaked.

44. MusciCAPA LATiRosTRis Rafflcs. Brown Flycatcher.
Hart. p. 477.

Alseonax latirostris Tacz. p. 467 ; Dresser, p. 252 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1908, p. 140.

a, 6, c. ? ? J. Khingan Mts., alt. 37(X) ft. May 29 to
June 5, 1908.

d. S . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. July 29, 1908.
Iris brownish-black ; feet blackish ; bill brown-black

above.

45. SiPHiA PARVA ALBiciLLA. Eastcm Rcd-brcasted Fly-
catcher.

Erijthrosterna p. albicilla Tacz. p. 469.
Muscicapa albicilla Dresser, p. 256.

Capt. Karpow procured a male near Yingtzu on Sept. 11,
1901, evidently on migration.

46. Muscicapa narcissina xanthopygia. Corean Nar-
cissus Flycatcher.

Hart. p. 475.

Xanthopygia tricolor' Tacz. p. 480.

a. cJ. Khingan Mts., 3400 ft. June 6, 1908.

47. Terpsiphone inch (Gould). Chinese Paradise-Fly-
catcher.

Dresser, p. 262.

Capt. Karpow procured two examples of this species near
Yingtzu, May 10 and 11, 1901.

48. HiRUNDO rustica Linn. Barn-Swallow.
Dresser, p. 264.

a. ? . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 15, 1908.
Iris dark brown ; feet blackish-brown ; bill black.
According to my series of Swallows, all four races of

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2q

438 Mr. C. Ingram on thp

H. rustica occur in Manchuria, and so fine is the distinction
between these forms^ that I have had much difficulty in
separating some of my examples. One is sufficiently dark on
the under parts to be called tytleri; a second has the under
surface almost white and the complete thoracic band of
typical rustica ; a third agrees perfectly with specimens from
N. America, and is therefore erythrogastra; while, lastly, I
have birds that must he referred to gutturalis. There are
also intermediate examples in the collection.

This, I think, shews the inadvisability of dividing birds
which range as widely as Swallows into a number of ill-
defined subspecies ; at the meeting-point of their various
ranges it is quite impossible to separate the races with
anything like certainty, and several of my specimens might
excusably be referred to either one of three species or sub-
species, viz., eryMro^os/rflj^M/^Mrc/is, and rustica. However,
as I have used trinomials elsewhere in this paper, I have
attempted to name my skins according to the subspecific
differences described by certain ornithologists.

Dr. Sharpe has very kindly examined the specimen which
I have called H. rustica, and he agrees with me in consider-
ing it typical.

Bianchi also named a Swallow, killed by Capt. Karpow
at Yingtzu, Aug. 12, 1901, H. rustica ; hut it must be
remembered that in Swallows the under surface usually
becomes whiter as the summer advances.

49. HiRUNDO RUSTICA GUTTURALIS. Eastern Barn-
Swallow.

Tacz. p. 173; Dresser, p. 265 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 157.
a,b. c? ? . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 6, 1908.
c, d. (^ S ■ Chu-chiaTai, Kirin Province. Aug. 16, 1908.
e. $ . Kirin Province. Sept. 17, 1908.
Iris dark brown; feet and bill black.

50. HiRUNDO RUSTICA ERYTHROGASTRA.

Dresser, p. 266.

a,b. (J $ . Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. May 29 and
June 17, 1908.

Birds of Mancfiuria. 439

c, d. S S ' Chau-chun, Kirin Province. July 6, 1908.
e. juv. V • >} }) )) i) )i

This and H. gutturalis are seemingly the prevailing forms
in N. Manchuria. If I recollect rightly, the rufous-breasted
birds were those most commonly seen during my journey
through the country in 1907.

51. HlRUNDO RUSTICA TYTLERI.

Dresser, p. 266.

a. Kliingaii Mts., alt. 3300 ft. June 15, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet blackish ; bill black.

This specimen has the under parts chestnut and conse-
quently may be referred to the subspecies tytleri — a bird
which breeds in North-east Asia up to Kamschatka.

52. HiRUNDo RUFiLA DAURicA. Dauriau Red-rumped
Swallow.

Tacz. p. 182 ; Dresser, p. 268.

a-h. cJ? ? 'i S S 'i 6 • Chang-chun, Kirin Province.
July 5-16, 1908.

X. ? . Kirin Province. Sept. 17, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet blackish ; bill black.

In 1907 I found this Swallow plentiful along the Trans-
Siberian Railway, right across North Manchuria. At almost
every station a few pairs were nesting under the roofs of the
platform shelters. It is more sociable than the Barn
Swallow and will often assemble in small colonies like the
House-Martin.

53. Chelidon urbica lagopoda. Oriental House-Martin.
Tacz. p. 184 ; Dresser, p. 270.

a. S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. June 17, 1908.

b. c^ . „ „ alt. 3900 ft. June 23, 1908.
Iris very dark brown ; bill black.

This bird is common as a breeding species in N. Manchuria.
My collector has sent me three clutches of eggs ; these
are white and indistinguishable from those of the typical
C. urbica.

2g2

440 Mr. C. Ingram on the

54. CoTiLE RiPARiA (Linn.). Common Sand-Martin.
Dresser, p. 271.

Bianehi records the Common Sand-Martin from South
Manchuria and is careful to mention that his example,
killed at Yingtzu, July 21, 1901, was not C. sinensis. That
species doubtless also occurs in Manchuria, as it is said to
range into the Ussuri Country, while it winters in the
Philippines, S. China, Siam, and Burma.

55. Chloris sinica (Linn.). Chinese Greenfinch.
Dresser, p. 284 ; Hart. p. 64.

a. juv. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3700 ft. May 29, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet pale brown : bill brownish.

This specimen is in its first plumage, so it is difficult to
determine whether or no it belongs to Hartert's subspecies
ussuriensis.

56. EoPHONA MELANURA MiGRATORiA Hart. Migratory
Grosbeak.

Hart. p. 59.

a, b. c? J . Chu-chiaTai, Kirin Province. Aug. 18 and 19,
1908.

This form seems to be very distinct from the typical
Chinese bird, both in coloration and in size of bill, and is
easily recognisable. It is surprising that it should have
remained undescribed for so many years.

57. Passer montanus (Linn.). Tree-Sparrow.
Tacz. p. 617; Dresser, p. 293; Hart. p. 161.

a, b, c. ? ? 5 . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 5-27,
1908.

d. (Tung-hua Hsien.) June 6, 1886. (E. /.)

Iris brown ; feet light brown ; bill blackish.

Doubtless a common bird throughout Manchuria : it is
certainly fairly plentiful along the Railway in North
Manchuria.

Birds of Manchuria. 441

58. Fringilla montikringilla Linn. Brambiing.
Dresser, p. 311.

a. S . Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. May 10, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet brown ; bill dark bluish.

This example is in full summer plumage, with a clean,
steely-black head. On the evidence of a single specimen it
would be imprudent to assert that this species breeds in the
Kliingans, but the lateness of the date seems to indicate that
a few pairs remain to nest in the mountainous regions of
North Manchuria. When visiting Japan in 1907 I thought
I observed Bramblings in the Nikko Mountains in May, but
I was not able to procure specimens. On the other hand,
according to Mr. Owston {in Hit.), the latest date upon which
examples have been taken in that country is March 25th,
when some were killed in the Hakone Mountains; but
these males had the feathers of the head distinctly tipped
with brown, and consequently were not in full nuptial
dress.

Bianchi records a male from Yingtzu, March 20, 1901.

59. LiNOTA LiNARiA (Linu.). Mealy Redpoll.
Tacz. p. 639; Dresser, p. 315; Hart. p. 77.

a. S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. May 3, 1908.
Iris brown ; feet brown ; bill brownish.
Capt. Karpow procured a specimen at Yingtzu, March 24,
1901 {Bianchi).

60. Carpodacus erythrinus (Pall.). Rose-Finch.

a,b. S S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 31 and
June 11, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; feet dark horn-brown ; bill dark brown
above, lighter below.

Being brightly-coloured and rather small, these Man-
churian skins might perhaps be referred to the somewhat
doubtful subspecies C. erythrinus ffrebnitskii Stejneger.
Their wing-measurements are 32 in. and 3*35 in.

442 Mr. C. Ingrain on the

61. Emberiza rutila Pall. Chestnut Bunting.
Tacz. p. 607 ; Dresser, p. 348 ; Hart. p. 172.

a,b. <i S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. June 1 and 5,
1908.

c. ? ? Chu-ehia Tai. Aug. 22, 1908.

Iris brown; feet horn-brown ; bill brownish.

A specimen was also procured at Yingtzu, May 3, 1901,
by Capt. Karpow.

62. Emberiza aureola Pall. Yellow-breasted Bunting.
Dresser, p. 349; Hart. p. 173.

Euspiza aureola Tacz. p. 603.

a-o. 12 c?, 3 ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3600 ft.
May 23-31, 1908.

p-w. b (S, 3 ?. Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3600 ft.
June 1-22, 1908.

X. ^ . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 15, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet brownish-horn-coloured ; bill dark
brown.

This bird is very common in North Manchuria ; I saw it
plentifully all along the Trans-Siberian Railway, the males
being fond of sitting conspicuously upon the telegraph-wires,
whence they would utter their short but melodious little
song.

My collector took two clutches of eggs of this species in
the Khingan Mountains.

63. Emberiza spodocephala PalL Black-faced Bunting.
Tacz. p. 563; Dresser, p. 350 ; Hart. p. 176.

a,b. S 6' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 18, 1908.
c. ? . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 18, 1908.

64. Emberiza leucocephala Gm. Pine-Bunting.
Tacz. p. 590; Dresser, p. 359; Hart. p. 169.

a-l. 8 <^, 4 ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 18-
24^ 1908.

I

Birds of Manchuria. 443

m-v. 6 c? , 1 ? . Khingau Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 4-5,
1908.

Iris brown; feet horn-coloured ; bill dark brownish.

Judging from the large series, the Pine-Bunting must be
abundant during the summer months in the mountains of
N. Manchuria.

65. Emberiza fucata Pall. Grey-headed Bunting.
Tacz. p. 577 ; Dresser, p. 360 ; Hart. p. 186.

a. S . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 20, 1908.

b-d. (J ? and ? Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 5-14,
1908.

e. S- Tung-hua Hsien. June 9, 1886. (E. J.)

An immature male has been recorded from Yingtzu,
Aug. 6, 1901 {Bianchi), so that this Bunting apparently
inhabits the whole of Manchuria.

66. Emberiza rustica Pall. Rustic Bunting.
Tacz. p. 572 ; Dresser, p. 362.

A specimen was shot at Yingtzu, May 2, 1901 (Bianchi).

67. Emberiza pusilla Pall. Little Bunting.
Tacz. p. 594 ; Dresser, p. 363 ; Hart. p. 188.

a,b. c? cJ . Khingan Mts., alt. 3900 ft. May 13 and 14,
1908.

c-^. c? c? ? ? ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3500 ft.
May 18-23, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet horn-brown ; bill blackish.

68. Emberiza cioides castaneiceps. Moore's Meadow-
Bun tin g.

Dresser, p. 365 ; Hart. p. 186.
a. (J ? Hunchun. Nov. 6, 1886. (E. J.)
If the subspecies {E. c. castaneiceps) be held good, which
several authors doubt, Sir Evan James's bird may be refer-
able to it.

444 Mr. C, Ingram on the

69. Emberiza pallasi (Cab.). Pallas^s Bunting.
Hart. p. 194.

Schoenicla passerina Tacz. p. 600.

Emberiza passerina Dresser, p. 371.

a. S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 23, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet leaden-brown ; bill blackish.

This bird, in full nuptial dress, was probably nesting in
the Khingans. Its regular breeding-ground is East Siberia,
but, according to Kalinowski (Tacz. p. 160), it also breeds
sparingly in Corea. It evidently winters in the south of the
country, as Capt. Karpow shot three specimens near Yingtzu
{S ? Jan. 1, S Sept. 11, 1901).

70. Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.), Lapland Bunting.
Tacz. p. 557 ; Dresser, p. 373; Hart. p. 200.

a. S . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 20, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet black ; bill greenish-yellow.

It is very remarkable to find the Lapland Bunting in
Manchuria so late in the season and in full breeding-
plumage. One wonders whether a few pairs can remain to
nest in the Khingan Mountains. If such prove to be the
case, it would be a considerable extension of the breeding-
range so far as it is at present known.

71. Alauda ARVENsis ciNEREA Ehmckc. Eh mcke's Sky-
lark.

Tacz. p. 411 ; Hart. p. 247.

fl. c?. Khingan Mts., 3800 ft. April 24, 1908.

b,c,d. c? c? c? • Kliingan Mts., 3400-3500 ft. May 20,
1908.

Iris dark hazel- brown ; feet brown ; bill dark brown
above, lighter below.

In coloration these Skylarks belong to the light race
known as A. cantarella Bp. from South-east Europe, but
they are perhaps rather greyer, and the measurements are
certainly small (the wings average 4'2 in.). I have therefore
referred them to Ehmcke's subspecies, retained by Hartert
in his ' Vogel der palaarktischen Fauna.' In the British

Birds oj Manchuria. 445

Museum there are specimens, collected by Seebohm at
Krasnoyarsk, that agree perfectly with mine. Hartcrt
gives the distribution of this race as follows : — " Must be a
breeding bird in West Siberia, at least as far (east) as
Krasnoyarsk, Turkestan ; Persia to Palestine (?). In winter
it is common on the north side of the Caucasus, and as far
as Algeria, Tunis, and Egypt.

72. Alauda arvensis pekinensis.
Hart. p. 248.

Bianchi records this form of Skylark from Yingtzu
(Jan. 24 and S Oct. 10, 1901).

73. Galeridacristataleantungensis. Liao-Tung Crested
Lark.

Hart. p. 236.

Capt. Karpow shot a male Crested Lark at Yingtzu on
Oct. 10, 1901, which Bianchi has named leantunyensis.

74. Spodiopsar cineraceus (Temm.). Grey Starling.
Tacz. p. 544 ; Dresser, p. 402 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 151.

a. S • Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. April 25, 1908.

b, c. S ? juv. Chang-chun, Kirin Prov. July 6, 1908.
d. (Jjuv. Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Prov. Aug. 17, 1908.
e,f.S<S' (Yung Ling.) June 2, 1886. {E.J.)
Adult : iris yellowish-brown ; feet bright yellow ; bill

orange.

Immature : iris brown ; feet and bill yellow.

Bianchi also records specimens from Yingtzu in the
extreme south, so that this Starling is probably found
throughout Manchuria.

75. Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhyncha Brehm.
Large-billed Nutcracker.

Tacz. p. 540 ; Dresser, p. 409 ; Hart. p. 26.

a. ? . Chang Pei-shan Mts. July ]2, 1886.

b, c. c? ? . Wha-pi-Hoa Forests, Chang Pei-shan Mts.
July 18, 1886.

" Iris dark brown ; feet and legs black *' {E. ,/.).

446 Mr. C. Ingram on the

7Q. Garrulus brandti Eversm. Brandt's Jay.

Tacz. p. 509; Dresser, p. 413; Hart. p. 33.

a,h. S ^ • Khingan Mts., alt. 3700 ft. May 8, 1908.

c. ? . Hei-li Ho Forests, Chang Pei-shan. July 7,
1886.

d. S ■ Ninguta. (Oct. 26.)

€. ? . Near 0-mo-so. (Nov. 18.)

/. ? . Chang Tsai Ling. (Nov. 19.)

Iris greyish-blue ; feet brown ; bill black.

Going through a large series of this Jay, I find that it
shews a strong tendency to become generally paler and larger
towards the eastern side of its range. Compared with speci-
mens from the neighbourhood of Krasnoyarsk, my birds
have the heads light foxy-brown instead of dark chestnut,
the difference being especially marked towards the base of
the bill and on the nasal plumes, the latter being sandy
white in my specimens. The wing-measurements of the
Manchurian birds average about 6*9 in. (in the largest male
7-35 in.).

Examples from the mouth of the Amur and Hokkaido
agree perfectly with mine.

Brandt's Jay is probably a resident species in Manchuria.

77. Cyanopica cyanus (Pallas). Eastern Blue Magpie.
Hart. p. 23.

Cyanopolius cyanus Tacz. p. 511 ; Dresser, p. 416.
a. ? . (Lo-chuan K'ou Valley.) June 19, 1886.
h. S ' Lao-sung Lung. (Oct. 30) 1886.
c. ? . Hun-chuu. (Nov.) 1886.
Iris brown ; feet black (E. J.) .

78. Pica bactriana Bp. Eastern Magpie.
Hart. p. 21.

Pica leucopterus Gould, B. of Asia, vol. v. ; Dresser,
p. 418.

a-d, ? ? ? cJ . Chan-chun, Kirin Province. July 5-13,
1908.

Birds of Manchuria. 447

^yf' ? <? • Chan-chun, Kirin Province. Aug. 1 and
13, 1908.

y-k. c? ? c? <? ? . „ „ „ „ Sept. 2-29,

1908.

All my specimens appear to belong to the subspecies
hactriana. Sir Evan James remarks : — " The commonest
bird in Manchuria is the Magpie, the sacred bird, which goes
in large flocks and is very tame. They were fond of teasing
Rattler (Sir Evan's dog), settling down and hopping about
just in front of him, and behind him, and all around him,
croaking loudly and fluttering away just as the dog thought
he had got one, and driving him perfectly wild."

79. Pica pica sericea. Chinese Magpie.

I include this bird on the authority of M. Bianchi, who
records a specimen from Yingtzu, killed Feb. 10, 1901.

80. CoL(EUs DAURicus Pall. Daurian Jackdaw.
Tacz. p. 521 ; Dresser, p. 419 ; Hart. p. 18.

a, b. cJ ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 24,
1908.

c-i- ? c? c? c? ? c? ? ? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft.
May 1-31, 1908.

k,l. S S' Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 11 and
12, 1908.

Iris blackish-brown ; feet and bill black.

This Jackdaw is a common bird in Manchuria : 1 observed
it frequently from the train when I crossed that country
from Vladivostock to Europe.

81. CoLOEUS NEGLECTUs (Schleg.). Oriental Jackdaw.
Tacz. p. 524 ; Dresser, p. 420 ; Hart. p. 18.

a,b. S 6' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 6 and 24,
1908.

c, </.?(? . „ „ alt. 3400 ft. June 1 and 2,

1908.

Iris black-brown; feet and bill black.

448 Mr. C. Ingram on the

82. [CoRVUs TORQUATUs Less. White-breasted Crow.

I include this bird on the authority of Sir Evan James,
who states (' The Long White Mountain/ p. 270) that
" White-breasted Crows were common." There is no reason
why C. torquatus should not occur in Manchuria. I observed
it plentifully round Shanghai in April 1907.]

83. CoRvus coRONE ORiENTALis. Eastern Carrion-Crow.
Tacz. p. 533; Dresser, p. 421 ; Hart. p. 12.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 9, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black.

From YingtzUj S. Manchuria, Bianchi records a specimen
of C. corone {S , Jan. 9, 1901). He possibly does not con-
sider the eastern race worthy of subspecific rank, and most
likely his bird is C, corone orientalis. Sir Evan James writes
that Crows are common in S. Manchuria.

84. CoRvus MACRORHYNCHUS JAPONENsis. Japanese
Jungle-Crow.

Tacz. p. 530 ; Dresser, p. 422 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 149.
a. Near Hunchun. [Nov. 6, 1886.] {E. J.)
Compared with Japanese specimens, the bill is not so large
in Sir Evan James's bird.

85. CoRVUS coRAx ussuRiANUs. Ussuriau Raven.
Tacz. p. 527 ; Dresser, p. 423 ; Hart. p. 4.

a. S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. June 15, 1908.

Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black.

This example was moulting heavily when shot, so I am
unable to give its wing-formula ; however, there seems little
doubt that it belongs to this subspecies.

86. CoRvus FRUGTLEGUs PASTiNATOR. Eastern Rook.
Tacz. p. 537 ; Dresser, p. 427 ; Hart. p. 14.

a. J . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 13, 1908.
An immature bird. Bianchi received a skin from
Yingtzu, killed March 6, 1901.

Birds of Manchuria. 449

87. Cypselus pacificus (Latham). Siberian Swift.
Tacz. p. 168 ; Dresser, p. 430 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 161.
Although not represented in either collection, this bird is

no doubt common in parts of N. Manchuria. I found it
abundant at Vladivostock in June, and also observed it
during my journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway.

88. Caprimulous jotaka T. & Schl. Indian Nightjar.
Tacz. p. 162 ; Dresser, p. 434 ; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 162.
a. S. Manchuria.

This Nightjar was procured near Yingtzu, April 30, 1901
(Bianchi) .

89. Picus martius Linn. Great Black Woodpecker.
Tacz. p. 699 ; Dresser, p. 437.

a. ? . Khingan Mts. April 29, 1908.

Z>, c. ? ? . Khingan Mts., 3600 ft. and 3700 ft. May 19
and 30, 1908.

d. (Jjuv. Hua-pi Ho. July 16, 1886. (E. J.)

Iris pale yellow ; feet blackish.

Sir Evan James shot his immature bird on the Hua-pi Ho
(or Khu-i-fa River), a tributary of the Sungari, about
40 miles south of Kirin.

90. Dendrocopus major. Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
Dresser, p. 438 ; Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii. p. 529.

a, 6. ? ? . Near Mendukei, Khingan Mts., 3800 ft.
May 14, 1908.

c-h. c? c? c? c? ? ? • Near Mendukei, Khingan Mts.,
3500-3700 ft. May 19, 1908.

i. cJ . Near Mendukei, Khingan Mts., 3600 ft. May 30,
1908.

Iris mahogany or red-brown ; feet blackish ; bill bluish-
black.

My Manchurian Greater Spotted Woodpeckers may
perhaps be referred to the race known as D. major cissa, for
they have the under parts almost pure white and are tolerably

c.

$

d.

$

e.

?

/■

?

9-

?

450 Mr, C. Ingram on the

large birds, their wing-measurements varying from 5*4 in. to
5 '65 in. I quite agree with Dr. Hartert when he states that
this form is hardly distinguishable from the true Z). major
as represented in N. Europe. My birds are almost exactly
similar to specimens from that country.

91. Dendrocopus minor. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

Tacz. p. 103 ; Dresser, p. 444.

a, 6. (J ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 18 and 23,
1908.

Khingan Mts., alt. 3900 ft. April 29, 1908.
„ alt. 3500 ft. April 30, 1908.
„ alt. 3700 ft. May 2, 1908.
„ alt. 3600 ft. May 30, 1908.
„ alt. 3700 ft. June 8, 1908.

Iris red-brown ; feet blackish ; bill bluish-black.

In my birds the under surface is almost pure white and,
in some examples, the under parts are practically free from
striations : the measurements are also fairly large. Con-
sequently these Manchurian skins may be referred to the
subspecies Z>. m. pipra.

Hargitt gives the distribution of this race (Cat. B.
xviii. p. 216) as " from the South Ural Range, across
Siberia north of about 55° lat., and into Kamtschatka and
Behring Island," but in a footnote he explains that, for want
of specimens and absence of information on the subject, he
cannot be precise as to the range. Having gone through the
extensive series now in the British Museum, I find that the
white-bellied race, in the extreme east, extends far south of
this latitude. As proof of this, there are good examples from
the Ussuri Country as well as mine from the Khingan
Mountains. West of the Urals the bird ranges into Lapland.
A dingy-bellied form reappears in the Japanese Islands that
is very like the typical D. minor. The ranges of the two
races undoubtedly overlap to a considerable extent, for
Taczanowski describes skins from Dauria that appear to
approximate closely to the true D. minor.

Birds uf Munchuria. 451

92. Dendrocopus leuconotus (Bechst.). White-backed
Woodpecker.

Tacz. p. 701 ; Buturlin, Mitt. d. Kauk. Mus. Bd. iii.
(Tiflis).

a, 6. c? ? • Khingan Mts., 3800 ft. May 29, 1908.

c. c? . Khingan Mts., 3400 ft. June 16, 1908.

d. S - Shin hon? June 16, 1886.

e.juv. ^ . Pai-shan Range, July 7, 1886.
/. ? . Chang-tsai Ling, 80 miles E. of Kirin. (Nov. 19,
1886.)

g.S' Sansing. (Oct. 13, 1886.)

Iris mahogany or red-brown ; feet and bill bluish-
black.

This Woodpecker is evidently found throughout the
country, as Sir Evan James also met with it, and in a
number of different localities. My Manchurian birds seem
to be typical, both in measurement and coloration, but one
of Sir Evan's appears to belong to the whiter race known as
D. I. cirris Pall.

Buturlin {t. c. p. 60) has divided D. leuconotus into eight
forms, but the differences mentioned by him in most cases
appear to me to be very trifling. I have not yet examined
specimens from China, but " a black cross-band behind the
ears " does not seem to be a very distinctive character, as it
is subject to some variation. In one or two of Sir E. James's
specimens this band is well-developed.

About the same time as, or a little after, the appearance of
Buturlin's paper, Austin Clark described what he thought
were two new subspecies from Corea and the Ussuri Country
(Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxxii. p. 470). He called the
latter ussurianus, a name, curiously enough, also used by
Buturlin in describing one of his forms from the same
country. But the two descriptions are very different.
Buturlin (who examined about twelve specimens) says that

the " chest and breast are roseate-brownish, or dirty

isabelline, resembling those of D. lilfordi." Clark (who
only had one skin at his disposal) describes his ussurianus

452 Mr. C. Ingram on the

as having " the under parts pure white." This^ I think,
conclusively proves the unsoundness of dividing the White-
backed Woodpecker into innumerable races, especially when
there is but little material at hand to work upon. At the
most, I consider ornithologists ought not to recognise more
than two or three geographical races of this Woodpecker,
and even then the variations are not very well-marked.

93. PicoiDES TRiDACTYLUs cRissoLEUcus. Northern Three-
toed Woodpecker.

Tacz. p. 722 ; Dresser, p. 452 ; Rothschild, Nov. Zool.
ix. p. 162.

a. S . Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 24, 1908.

b,c. S 6 ■ Khingan Mts., alt. 3700 ft. May 19 and 31,
1908.

Iris red-brown ; feet black ; bill bluish-black.

My specimens seem to belong to the subspecies crissoleucus,
but one has the sides more or less distinctly streaked. The
yellow patch on the top of the head is not very extensive.

94. Hypopicus poliopsis (Swinh.). Brown-breasted
Woodpecker.

Hargitt, Cat. B. xviii. p. 201 ; Bianchi, Ann. Mus. Zool.
St. Petersb. 1902.

a. (^ . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 19, 1908.

b. sex ? Fun-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 9, 1908,

c. d. ? ? ? ? Fun-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 1 1
and 16, 1908.

I cannot find any ground for Hargitt^s statement
{op. cit. p. 201) that in the adult male there is a '^ spot of red
in the centre of the chest " ; as a matter of fact there is
hardly ever any trace of it even in the immature bird, as
may sometimes be observed in the closely-allied Indian
species H. hyperythrus. Nor do I consider the colour of the
under mandible and nasal plumes reliable specific characters.
The yellow in the under mandible is probably the outcome
of age, although not entirely so. There is an adult male
H. poliopsis in the Styan collection from Newchwang with a

Birds of Manchuria. 453

decidedly yellowish lower mandible and pure black nasal
plumes, while there is a young hyperythrus in the British
Museum from the N.W. Himalayas with the bill almost
entirely black and the nasal plumes buff, tipped with black.
I believe the only constant difference between these two
closely-allied Woodpeckers is the colour of the under parts.
This is bright rufous-chestnut in the Indian bird and brown
to sooty-brown in the Chinese form. In the latter the black
on the back is perhaps purer and more intense than in H. hyp-
erythrus. This being the case, all the birds from the Styan
collection (now in the British Museum) are H. poliopsis, and
its range would therefore extend from Yun-nan and N.W.
Sechuen across North China into South Manchuria. But
all my skins are unusually dusky in shade, and perhaps the
Manchurian bird may ultimately prove to be subspecifically
distinct, in which event I would suggest the name manchu-
ricus. Bianchi describes Captain Karpow's specimen from
Yingtzu as having the under parts " blackish '' (torn. cit.).
The only thing that deters me from describing the
Manchurian bird at once is the fact that immature examples
are always darker and more dingy than the adults, but, on
the other hand, young birds may be easily recognised by the
lighter shade of the crimson crown and their dusky throat,
neck, and breast, profusely mottled with large cream-coloured
spots. In one of my specimens the under surface is blackish-
brown and probably resembles that collected by Capt.
Karpow. The bill seems to be variable : the culmen of an
adult male measures 1'16 in. ; that of one of the young birds
a fraction under 1 in.

95. Gecinus canus (Gm.). Grey-headed Green Wood-
pecker.

Dresser, p. 456.

a,b. J ? . Shing-king. June 6, 1886.

c. Chang- tsai. {E. J.)

96. Iynx torquilla (Linn.). Wryneck.
Tacz. p. 727 ; Dresser, p. 457.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2h

454 Mr. C. Ingram on the

a-i. Five ^ , f^^ur ? . Khingan Mts. May 13 to June 14,
1908.

Iris brown ; feet greenish-drab ; bill greenish-horn-
coloured.

97. Alcedo ispida Linn. Common Kingfisher.
Tacz. p. 194; Dresser, p. 458.

Sir Evan James procured a Common Kingfisher in South
Manchuria.

98. Halcyon coromandus (Lath.). Ruddy Kingfisher.
Dresser, p. 460.

a. ?. Lo-chuan K'ou Valley. June 20, 1886.

Iris blackish ; bill coral red {E. J.).

The lower half of Manchuria probably forms the northern
limit of this bird's range on the continent. In Japan it
rarely reaches Yezzo in the summer. The more tropical
examples are rather darker and richer in coloration.

99. EuKYSTOMUs CALONYX Sliarpc. Oriental Broadbill.
E. orientalis, Tacz. 189 ; Dresser, p. 464.

a. (? . Forests of Chang Pai-shan Mts. July 20, 1886.
Iris red ; bill and feet coral-red {E. J.).

100. Upupa epops Linn. Hoopoe.
Dresser, p. 467.

a-d. Four (^ . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 6-14,
1908.

e-i. Eight ^ , eight ? . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province.
July 22-28, 1908.

Iris dark brovrn ; feet blackish ; bill black.

All the examples in my collection are from the central part
of Manchuria, and as no birds were procured in the north,
it seems that the Hoopoe only inhabits the southern half of
the country.

101. CucuLus canorus Linn. Common Cuckoo.
Tacz. p. 685 ; Dresser, p. 468.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 31, 1908.

Birds of Manchuria. 455

b-i. Six c?, two ?. Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3900 ft.
June 1-23, 1908.

y, k. S ^ • Chang- chun, Kirin Province. July 6 and 16,
1908.

/. ? . Chu-cliia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 21, 1908.

^-'9- c? c? ? • Fan-cliia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 2-17,
1908.

Iris yellowish-brown ; feet yellow ; bill blackish.

102. CucuLus iNTERMEDius Vahl. Himalayan Cuckoo.
C saturatus Tacz. p. 689 ; Dresser, p. 470 ; Ingram, Ibis,

1908, p. 160.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. May 29, 1908.

b. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 18, 1908.
Iris and feet yellowish ; bill bluish-black.

103. Nyctala tengmalmi (Gm.). Tengmalm's Owl.
Tacz. p. 133 ; Dresser, p. 482.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt 3700 ft. May 19, 1908.

Iris yellow ; feet greyish ; bill greenish.

This bird was probably killed on the south-eastern limits
of its range ; Dresser says that it is found in Siberia east to
the Baikal.

104. Asio AcciPiTRiNUs (Pall.). Short-eared Owl.
Tacz. p. 157 ; p. 484.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 20, 1908.
Iris yellow ; feet greyish ; bill bluish- black.

105. Scops Giu STICTONOTA. Chinese Scops Owl.
Scops japonica Tacz. p. 150; Dresser, p. 488.

a. c? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 25, 1908.

106. NiNOX SCUTULATA JAPONICA. Japanese Hairy Owl.
Dresser, p. 495.

Sir Evan James procured three specimens of this Owl,
but as the labels are missing I cannot give any data.

2h2

456 Mr. C. Ingram 0/2 the

107. Circus melanoleucus (Forster). Pied Harrier.
Tacz. p. 120 ; Dresser, p. 508.

a-d. <? c? c? ? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400-3500 ft.
May 21 and 27, 1908.

e,f. S S • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 2 and 14,
1908.

g. <$ . Chii-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 1, 1908.

h-l. ? (^ ? ? J . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept.
3 and 14, 1908.

Iris bright yellow ; feet brownish yellow ; bill black.

This Harrier is evidently a common summer visitor to
Manchuria.

108. BuTEo VULGARIS PLUMiPES. Eastem Buzzard.
Tacz. p. 64 ; Dresser, p. 509.

a-c. S ? and?. Khingan Mts., alt. 4000 ft. June 1
and 4.

Iris brown ; legs dull yellow ; bill black.

My collector has sent me an egg, with imperfect data, that
has every appearance of being a Buzzard's, and I therefore
attribute it to this species.

109. AsTUR PALUMBARius (Linu.). Goshawk.
Tacz. p. 98 : Dresser, p. 529.

a. S inim. N. Sansing. Oct. 13, 1886. {E. J.)

110. AcciPiTER Nisus (Linn.). Sparrow-Hawk.

a-c. (?<??. Khingan Mts., alt. 3500-3800 ft. May 15
and 27, 1908.

d. (? juv. Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 23, 1908.
Iris orange-yellow ; feet yellow ; bill bluish-black.

111. AcciPiTER viRGATUS GULARis. Japanese Sparrow-
Hawk.

Tacz. p. 110; Dresser, p. 532.

a. S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3600 ft. May 20, 1908.

Iris orange ; feet yallow ; bill blackish.

Birds of Manrhnria. 457

112. MiLVus MELAN'OTis T. & S. Black-carcd Kite.
Tacz. p. 46 ; Dresser, p. 536 ; iDgrara, Ibis, 1908, p. 163.
a. ^. Khingan Mts., alt. 3500 ft. May 15, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet greyish-drab ; bill bluish-black.

113. Falco ^salon Tunstall. Merlin.
Tacz. p. 87 ; Dresser, p. 547.

a. Kirin Province. Sept. 17, 1908.
Capt. Karpow also procured a Merlin, a male, at Yingtzu,
on Oct. 15, 1901.

114. Falco subbuteo Linn. Hobby.
Tacz. p. 84; Dresser, p. 548.

a. c? . N. Kirin. {E. J.)

Sir Evan James was at Kirin in August and November,
1886 ; this bird was doubtless killed during his first visit,
but no date is given on the label.

115. Erythropus amurensis (Radde). Radde's Red-
legged Falcon.

Falco amurensis Dresser, p. 551.

a. S ' Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. July 25, 1908.

b-e. c? (? ? ? ■ Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 9-
21, 1908.

f, 9' c? c? • Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 9 and 18,
1908.

116. Cerchneis tinnunculus (Linn.). Common
Kestrel.

Tacz. p. 95 ; Dresser, p. 552.

a. ? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3900 ft. April 22, 1908.

b. S ' » „ alt. 3600 ft. June 1, 1908.
Iris brown ; feet yellow ; bill bluish-horn-coloured.

117. Pandion haliaetus (Linn.). Osprey.
Tacz. p. 52 ; Dresser, p. 554.

Sir Evan James's collections include an Osprey shot in
South Manchuria.

458 Mr. C. Ingram on the

118. Phalacrocorax, sp inc. Cormorant.

At the junction of the Sungchiang and the Sungari Rivers,
Sir E. James observed an enormous colony of Herons and
Cormorants nesting together in willow-trees ('The Long
White Mountain/ p. 275). In a letter to me he describes
these nests as being placed "on trees growing in deep mud
and bulrushes and were unapproachable. Some of the trees
were so smothered with the birds' droppings that they seemed
to have been killed.'^ These Cormorants were most likely
Ph. carbo, but they may, of course, have been Ph. filamentosus
(T. &S.).

119. Ardea cinerea Linn. Common Heron.
Tacz. p. 980 ; Dresser, p. 564.

fl. (5^? Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 10, 1908.

In 'The Long White Mountain' (p. 274) Sir Evan
James writes as follows : — " Descending from the ridge, we
passed through richly cultivated valleys till we reached the
Sungchiang, one of the largest affluents of the Sungari.
Near the junction was the finest heronry I ever saw. Thou-
sands of Herons and Cormorants were nesting together in
the willow-trees."

120. BoTAURUs STELLARis (Linn.). Bittern.
Tacz. p. 991 ; Dresser, p. 578.

A male was shot at Yinko, April 7, 1901 {Bianchi).

121. Anser segetum mentalis. Thick-billed Bean-
Goose.

Alpheraky, 'Geese of Eur. and Asia,' p. 130.

This is a somewhat doubtful subspecies, of which seemingly
only three skins are known to ornithologists — one from Japan
(now in the British Museum, and Oates's type), one from
Bering Island, and lastly one from Yingtzu or Yinko,
South Manchuria (not North Manchuria as stated by
Alpheraky, p. 131, when referring to this bird). In his ' Geese

Birds of Manchuria. 459

of Europe and Asia/ Alpheraky writes : "I am rather
inclined to see in these thick-billed Geese only very old
individuals of the Siberian Bean-Goose which have reached
the limit of their growth. I even think that perhaps all
such thick-billed Geese will prove to be exceptionally old
ganders of this species."

The Yingtzu specimen was procured by Capt. Karpow on
February 27, 1901.

122. Cygnus bewicki Yarrell. Bewick's Swan.
Tacz. p. 1118; Dresser, p. 600.

Bianchi records this Swan from Yingtzu, March 10,
1901.

123. Tadorna cornuta S. G. Gm. Common Sheldrake.
Tacz. p. 1124; Dresser, p. 601.

An immature bird was procured by Capt. Karpow in
S. Manchuria, Oct. 5, 1901 {Bianchi).

124. ^x galericulata (Linn.). Mandarin Duck.
Tacz. p. 1127 ; Dresser, p. 603.

Bianchi records a male from Yingtzu killed March 31,
1901. Sir Evan James says (in litt.) : " 1 shot some beau-
tiful specimens of the Mandarin Duck, but did not think it
worth while preserving them, as they are so well known and
I thought I could get a specimen any time ; but I only saw
them at one place, near Shin-kin. '^

125. Anas boschas Linn. Mallard.

From N. Manchuria my collector has sent home some eggs
that possibly belong to this species, as they agree perfectly
with examples in the British Museum collection. The bird
is very common in the Ussuri Country and there is no reason
to suppose that it is not equally so in Manchuria. Sir Evan
James shot a number for food, but did not preserve any
skins.

460 Mr. C. Ingram on the

126. EuNETTA FALCATA (Gcorgi), Falcatcd Teal.
Tacz. p. 1135 ; Dresser, p. 608.

a,h. S S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3300 ft. June 6 and 14,
1908.

Iris black ; feet plumbeous ; bill black.

A male has also been procured at Yingtzu, March 2,
1901 [Bianchi).

127. Nettion crecca (Linn.). Common Teal.
Tacz. p. 1141 ; Dresser, p. 61 1.

a. cJ . South Manchuria. {E. J.)

Bianchi also records it from Yingtzu, March 9, 1901.

128. Nettion formosum (Georgi). Baikal Teal.
Dresser, p. 612,

Anas formosa Tacz. p. 1138.

Capt. Karpow procured two specimens in South Manchuria,
February and March 1901 {Bianchi).

129. Dafila ACUTA (Linn.). Pintail.
Tacz. p. 1147 ; Dresser, p. 613.

A female was shot at Yingtzu, March 1, 1901 {Bianchi).

130. FuLiGULA AFFiNis MARiLoiDES. Asiatic Scaup-
Duck.

Fulix marila Tacz. p. 1164.
uEthyia marila Dresser, p. 618.

Bianchi records this Duck from the mouth of the Liao
River, Mai'ch 15, 1901.

131. ^THYiA FULIGULA (Liun.). Tuftcd Duck.
Fulix cristata Tacz. p. 1167.

u^thyia fuligula Dresser, p. 619.

Capt. Karpow procured a specimen at Yingtzu, March 6,
1901.

Birds of Manchuria. 461

132. Nyroca baeri (Radde). Baer's Duck.
Fulix baeri Tacz. p. 1169.

jEthyia baeri Dresser, p. 621.

A male was procured at Yingtzu by Capt. Karpow on
April 15, 1901 [Bianchi).

133. TuRTUR oRiENTALis (Lath.). Chinese Turtle-Dove.
Turtur rupicola Tacz. p. 733 ; Dresser, p. 648.

a. S . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 4, 1908.

b. cJ . Hang-lung Pass. June 23, 1886. {E. J.)
" Feet and iris dull red."

134. Phasianus torquatus karpowi Buturlin. Corean
Pheasant.

Buturlin, Ibis, 1904, p. 405.

Mr. Buturlin described this subspecies of P. torquatmiroia
a specimen procured by Capt. Karpow on Jan. 20, 1901, near
Te-lin. He gives its distribution, mostly on the authority
o£ the last-named gentleman, as extending ''through Corea
(rarely south of Seoul), and through Southern Manchuria,
north to Ghirin, west to the river Lao-khe, and south to
Lao-yang. North of Ghirin, and in the most north-
easterly parts of Corea, it meets with P. alpherakyi."

135. Phasianus torquatus alpherakyi Buturlin. Sun-
garian Pheasant.

Buturlin, Ibis, 1904, p. 399.

Mr, Buturlin says that great quantities of these birds
have been sent to the markets of Moscow, St. Petersburg,
and London from Harbin, and I suppose it is on this know-
ledge that he states that it inhabits the central and northern
parts of Manchuria. He has a specimen from Lake Hanka
in his collection. I have not examined examples of this or
the foregoing species of Pheasant, so cannot express any
opinion on the validity of their subspecific rank.

Near Sansing Sir Evan James found a locality in which
Pheasants were remarkably abundant, the birds being found

4G3 Mr. C. Ingram on the

in low oak scrub close to cultivated ground. These were
doubtless the Sungarian Pheasant. (' The Long White
Mountain/ p. 328.)

136. [Crossoptilum mantchuricum Swinh. Manchurian
Snow-Pheasant.

Elliot_, Mon. Phas. vol. i.; Dresser, p. 672.

Although this bird is called mantchuricum, and, indeed,
there is no reason why it should not come from Manchuria,
I can find no positive proof of its ever having occurred in
that country. Swinhoe, when he first described the bird
(P. Z. S. 1862) said, " if I am rightly informed our specimen
hails from Manchuria ^^ ; and I presume it was upon the
strength of this same skin, doubtless brought to him by a
native, that he informed Elliot [torn, cit.) that it was found
in Manchuria. As specimens liave since come from the
Pe-chi-li Mountains, North China, there is every probability
of its occurring also in Manchuria, but on our present
knowledge it cannot be definitely included in the avifauna
of that country. I can find no trace of Swinhoe^s female
specimen from which he originally described the species :
it is not in the British Museum, which now contains most
of his collection.]

137. Perdix daurica (Pall.). Bearded Partridge.
Tacz. p. 776 : Dresser, p. 683.

a. J . Pe-tu-na, Central Manchuria. (Sept.) 1886.

Sir Evan James writes ('The Long White Mountain/
p. 270) that " Partridges are not so common.^' Very large
numbers are sent to the European markets every winter,
but these may perhaps come from Dauria.

138. CoTURNix COMMUNIS (Linn.). Common Quail.
Tacz. p. 779 ; Dresser, p. 685.

Bianchi, Ann. Mus. Zool. St. Petersb. 1902.

a. c? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 6, 1908.

b, c. S S (C". communis x japonica). Khingan Mts., alt.
3400 ft. June 11 and 15, 1908.

Birds of Manchuria. 463

d. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 20, 1908.
Iris dark brown ; feet flesh-brown ; bill brownish.

Of a series of Quails, only two are the pure-bred
communis, two are obviously hybrids (with brick-red throats
and black anchor^marks), while the other two are typical
C. japonica.

Bianchi mentions C. communis from Yingtzu in the south,
60 that the bird must inhabit the whole of Manchuria.

139. CoTURNix JAPONICA T. & S. Japanese Quail.
Tacz. p. 780 ; Dresser, p. 686; Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 168.
a,b.^(S- Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. June 15 and 20,

19U8.

Iris dark brown ; feet fleshy brown; bill blackish-brown.

140. Lyrurus tetrix (Linn.). Black Grouse.
Tacz. p. 766 ; Dresser, p. 698.

a,b. S <S ' Khingan Mts., alt. 3800 ft. April 19 and 22,
1908.

c, ^. (^ ? . „ „ alt. 3700-3900 ft. May 19,

1908.

e. S • yy „ alt. 3700 ft. June 6, 1908.
S ? . South Manchuria. 1886.

Iris very dark brown ; feet blackish ; bill black.

Blackgame must be abundant in parts of Manchuria. I
quote from Sir Evan James ('The Long White Mountain,'
p. 343) : — " On Nov. 2 we arrived at Ssti chan. ... It was
situated on the banks of a rivulet, on the other side of which
was a grove of willow-trees about a mile in length. What
was our joy to see these trees full of Black Grouse ! We
instantly crossed by a narrow, rickety bridge, .... and found
them crowded fearlessly on the boughs. So we opened fire on
them. The noise at first was only sufficient to make them
fly a few yards to the next tree and wait to be shot at
again, but eventually they began to get scared.'' Again he
describes them as " sitting upon trees as tame as barndoor
fowls."

464- Mr. C. Ingram on the

141. Tetrastes bonasia (Linn.). Hazel-hen.

a,b,c. S S S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3500-3800 ft. April
21-29, 1908.

d,e.S'S- n « alt. 3500 ft. and 3900 ft.

May 6, 1908.

/. ? . Ssu-tao, Chiang Forest. June 17, 1886.

g. Juv. „ „ „ ,y ,, „

h. S . Hang Lung Pass. June 22, 1886.

Iris dark brown; feet very dark plumbeous-brown; bill
black.

The five males from the Khingans are exceptionally grey
above, while there is much white on the under parts ; on the
other hand, in Sir Evan James's specimens rufous and brown
are the prevailing colours. One of his birds, killed June
22nd, is only half-grown.

142. TuRNix BLANFORDi Blyth. Blanford's Hemipode.
Bianchi, Ann. Mus. Zool. St. Petersb. 1902.

a. S ' Piu-chien San, Kirin Province. July 27, 1908.

b. S- June 18, 1886.
Iris white ; feet yellow.

Both these Manchurian specimens are very pale and grey
above, without a vestige of rufous on the nape or back. They
are probably quite old birds, as all the males in the British
Museum are more or less mottled with red-brown on the
nape ; but, of course, the males are never so conspicuously
marked as the adult females. The rufous is apparent in
males killed as late as May and June, that is to say, in birds
that must have been at least ten or eleven months old when
shot. It seems to me probable that the rufous is not entirely
lost until the second or third season.

Bianchi records this species from Port Arthur (Sept. 20,
1901).

Forty miles south of Sansing, Sir Evan James speaks of
a "Grey Quail" being plentiful in places. He probably
refers to the present species.

Birds of Manchuria. 465

143. PoRZANA pusiLLA (Pall.). Pallas's Rail.
Tacz. p. 997 ; Dresser, p. 708.

a. S' Khingan Mts., alt. 3300 ft. June 6, 1908.

Iris deep reddish-orange ; feet greenish-drab; bill greenish.

This bird has also been procured at Yingtzu, a young
male having been shot by Capt. Karpow on Sept. 10, 1901
(Bianchi).

144. FuLiCA ATRA Liun. Coraraon Coot.

I include the Coot on the authority of Bianchi, who records
a specimen from South Manchuria, March 10, 1901.

14.5. Grus communis Bechst. Common Crane.

Tacz. p. 796 ; Dresser, p. 718.

This and the next species were observed commonly
near Tsitsihar by Sir Evan James when he visited that
town in September 1886 ('The Long White Mountain,'
p. 299).

146. Grus virgo (Linn.). Demoiselle Crane.
Tacz. p. 810 ; Dresser, p. 721 .

Sir Evan James ('The Long White Mountain, p. 299)
writes as follows : — " The road to Tsitsihar runs generally
parallel to the left bank of the Nonni, but floods had con-
verted all the intervening country into a succession of lakes,
on the banks of which were great flocks of the Common and
Demoiselle Cranes.*'

147. Grus japonensis Miill. Manchurian Crane.
Tacz. p. 806; Dresser, p. 719.

Sir Evan James found this Crane ''pretty numerous"
in the vast swamps beyond Petuna (' The Long White
Mountain,' p. 296) .

148. Otis tarda dybowskii. Siberian Bustard.
Tacz. p. 790 ; Dresser, p. 724.

Near Tsitsihar, on " vast undulating plains, stretching

466 Mr. C. Ingram on the

before us as far as the eye could reach, and covered with
succulent grass/^ Sir Evan James met with *' prodigious
numbers of this fine Bustard " (' The Long White Moun-
tain/ p. 298). He brought home a specimen, which is now
in the British Museum.

149. Charadrius dominicus Miill. Eastern Golden
Plover.

Tacz. p. 815; Dresser, p. 732.

a-d. ? ? ? ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 22-
27, 1908.

My birds from Chu-chia Tai were all changing into winter
dress, black and white being equally proportioned and inter-
mixed on the under surface. Capt. Karpow procured this
Plover at Yingtzu, Sept. 10, 1901 [Bianchi).

150. jEgialitis mongola (Pall.). Mongolian Ringed
Plover.

Tacz. p. 822 ; Dresser, p. 734.

a. (S . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 22, 1908.
When shot this individual was still in breeding-plumage,
with rusty-red under parts.

151. ^(Egialitis placida (Gray). Hodgson's Ringed
Plover.

Ingram, Ibis, 1908, p. 164.

a. ? . (Ssu-taa Ching.) June 17, 1886. {E. J.)

Iris brown ; feet yellow.

Hodgson's Ringed Plover was procured by Sir Evan James
about a hundred and fifty miles from the coast ; this fact
is interesting, as it agrees with my observations of the bird in
Japan (/. c), where it appeared to be almost exclusively an
inland breeding species.

152. Vanellus cristatus Wolf & Meyer. Lapwing.
Tacz. p. 838 ; Dresser, p. 749.

a-c. c? ? ? • Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 23-June
14, 1908.

Iris brown; feet reddish-brown; bill black.

Birds of Manchuria. 467

153. H^BMATOPUs osTRALEGUs oscuLANs. Eastern Oystcr-
catcber.

Tacz. p. 843; Dresser, p. 751.

A specimen is recorded from Yingtzu, May 8, 1908

(Bianchi) .

154. ScoLOPAX RUSTicuLA (Linn.). Woodcock.
Tacz. p. 949 ; Dresser, p. 756.

Sir Evan James observed a few Woodcocks between Sansing
and Ninguta, but did not preserve any skins.

155. Gallinago c(elestis (Frenzel). Common Snipe.
Tacz. p. 960 ; Dresser, p. 759.

a,b. c? c? . Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 21, 1908.
c. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 27, 1908.
d-h. ? ? ? c?. Fan-cbiaTun. Sept. 3-17, 1908.

156. Gallinago stenura (Kubl). Pin-tailed Snipe.
Tacz. p. 959; Dresser, p. 761.

a,b. (J ? . Khingan Mts. May 23, 1908.

c, d. (^ (S . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 18,
1908.

^-ff- c? c? ? • Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 20,
1908.

h-j. ? ? c?- Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 23-
27, 1908.

Iris brown ; feet greenish ; bill drab, darker towards tip.

The occurrence of this Snipe in the Khingans on May 23
is interesting, as it points to its nesting in Manchuria.
Seebohm (Geogr. Distr. of Charadr. p. 478) says, " It is
doubtful if it breeds as far south as the valley of the
Amur"; but since then Prjzevalski found it nesting in large
numbers on the Hoang Ho (Yellow River), in S. Mongolia.

157. Tringa minuta Leisl. Little Stint.
Tacz. p. 918; Dresser, p. 770.

a. c?- Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 27, 1908.

b. ? . Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 9, 1908.

468 Mr. C. Ingram on the Birds of Manchuria.

158. ToTANUs ocHROPUs (Linn.). Green Sandpiper.
Tacz. p. 872 ; Dresser, p. 789.

a. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 19, 1908.

b, c. c? ? • Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 14 and
15, 1908.

159. ToTANUs GLAREOLA (Liuu.). Wood-Sandpipcr.
Tacz. p. 874; Dresser, p. 790.

a. S ■ Khingan Mts., alt. 3400 ft. May 23, 1908.

b. (? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 20, 1908.

c. cT. Fan-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Sept. 14, 1908.
Evidently passes through Manchuria on both migra-
tions.

160. Tringoides hypoleucus (Linn.). Common Sand-
piper.

Tacz. p. 882 ; Totanus hypoleucus Dresser, p. 791.
a,b. $ ? . Chang-chun, Kirin Province. July 14 and 16,
1908.

c. ? . Chu-chia Tai, Kirin Province. Aug. 22, 1908.

d. S • Fan-chia Tun, Kirin Province. Sept. 2, 1908.

e. (Tung-hua Hsien.) June 6, 1886. {E. J.)

The Common Sandpiper doubtless breeds in most of the
mountain-ranges; Sir Evan James met with it in South
Manchuria.

161. NuMENius ARCUATus LiNEATus. Oriental Curlew.
Tacz. p. 938 ; Dresser, p. 803.

a.S' Khingan Mts., alt. 330 ft. June 2, 1908.

Iris brown ; legs greyish ; bill brown.

Having the lower back and axillaries pure white, this
specimen may be referred to the Eastern form. The two
races, however, intergrade, and Dr. Sharpe, in his ' Hand-
list,' does not keep up the subspecies.

162. NuMENius cYANOPUs Vicill. Australian Curlew.
Tacz. p. 940 ; Dresser, p. 804^.

Eianchi records this bird from Yingtzu, April 9, 1901.

On the Tail-feutliers of the Dabchic.k. 409

163. Larus canus Linn. Common Gull.

Tacz. p. 1033 ; Dresser, p. 829.

This is another species that I include upon the authority
of Bianchi; a specimen was obtained at Yingtzu, March 31,
1901.

164). Larus veg^ Palmen. Eastern Herring-Gull.

Tacz. p. 1028 ; Dresser, p. 834.

a. (^ juv. Steppes, near Tsi-tsi-ha. [Sept. 1880.]

165. PoDiciPEs CRisTATUs (Liuu.). Great Crested Grebe.
Tacz. p. 1251 ; Dresser, p. 877.

Capt. Karpow procured a specimen at Yingtzu on April 4,
1901 (Bianchi).

XXIII. — On the Tail-feathers of the Dabchick.
By W. P. Pycraft, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Text-figure 10.)

The following short account of the number and arrangement
of the tail-feathers of the Dabchick {Podicipes fiuviatUis)
is the result of a more minute examination of the disposition
of these feathers, undertaken at the request of Dr. Sclater,
and as a supplement to my paper on this subject published
in the volume of ' The Ibis ' for 1907 (p. 472).

In that paper these feathers were described as " semi-

plumous in character and not, apparently, exceeding

eight in number.'^ I also pointed out that they are
arranged, not in a continuous series, or, after the fashion of
normal tail-feathers, in a close series, but, on the contrary,
are set in the form of a horseshoe, of which the free ends
are directed upwards, and so lie alternately in relation one
to another.

This description is practically confirmed in detail by my
later work; though I still find it difficult to decide as to whether

SER, IX. VOL. III. 2 1

470

On the Tail-feathers of the Dabchick.

some of the apparent coverts are not in reality degenerate
rectrices ; but on the whole it does not appear that more than
eight can be regarded as answering to rectrices. These,
with their coverts, are arranged in a double series, one on
either side of the middle line and running parallel with one
another, leaving a well-marked apterion between them.
The slight concavity which these two rows enclosed in the
specimen originally examined — which caused me to describe
them as arranged in the form of a horseshoe — was,
I find, an individual peculiarity. As a matter of fact, the
two rows — eliminating the coverts — run parallel one to the

Text-fig. 10.

„-^

Tail-feathers of Podicipes fluviatilis.

Section through the tail, exposing the caudal vertebrae, to shew the
relation of the rectrices to the pygostyle.
B. Superficial appearance of the bases of the rectrices.

C.V. = Caudal vertebrae. P. = Pygostyle,

0. = Oil-gland. R. = Rectrices.

other, and, be it noted, have their ventral aspects turned
towards each other, as in many Gallinaceous birds.

This peculiar arrangement would seem to have come about
as a consequence of the degeneration of the caudal vertebrae,
and the shortening of this region of the vertebral column
attendant thereon : the rectrices having been thus slowly

Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. 471

drawn backwards and inwards towards the middle line till
they are now divided only by a narrow space. Finally, in
this degenerate tail all the rectrices are attached at their
bases to the pygostyle, whereas in the normally developed
rectrices the outermost, at any rate, are divorced therefrom.
The somewhat thicker shaft is practically the only dis-
tinguishing character between these rectrices and their
coverts.

XXIV. — Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. — No. II.
Birds of the Province of Giz a. Part 2*. By Michael J.
NicoLL, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

69. Oriolus galbula.
Oriolus galbula Shelley, p. 156.

The Golden Oriole is a regular visitor during the spring
and autumn migrations. I have frequently heard it singing
in the spring. In the autumn nearly all those I have met
with have been immature birds. The few adult males seen
during the autumn are amongst the first arrivals.

During the spring migration of 1909 great numbers of
Golden Orioles frequented the mulberry-trees in the Giza
Zoological Gardens.

70. Lanius excubitor elegans.
Lanius lathora Shelley, p. 115.

Lanius excubitor elegans Swains. ; Hartert, Vog. d. pal.
Fauna, iv. p. 427.

This form of the Great Grey Shrike is a resident in Egypt
and breeds in suitable localities in the Province.

In has not previously been recorded as a breeding species
in Egypt. I have not yet met with the typical L. excubitor
in that country.

* Continued from above, p. 302. The figure of Scotoeerca inquieta in
the first part of this paper (Plate lY.) is accurate as regards its attitude,
but is too dark on the upper parts. Unfortunately it was not possible
to submit the coloured proof to the author for approval. — M. J. N".

2i2

472 Mr. M. J. NicoU — Contributions

71. Lanius minor.

Lanius minor Shelley, p. 115.

I possess an adult male of this species shot by Capt. Seppings
on 5th Sept., 1907, near Giza. This is the only record I
have of the occurrence of the Lesser Grey Shrike in the
Province of Giza, though it is probably a regular visitor on
migration, seeing that it winters in South Africa.

72. Lanius collurio.
Lanius collurio Shelley, p. 117.

The Red-backed Shrike is a regular visitor during the
autumn migration in August and September. The adults
appear to arrive before the young. Of the old males obtained
by myself in the middle of August, one is in nearly full
winter plumage, while two others have only begun tlieir
moult. An old female shot 25th August, 1907, is assuming
a plumage approaching that of the male.

Up to the present time I have not met with this species in
spring in Egypt.

73. Lanius pomeranus niloticus.

Lanius senator niloticus Hartert, Vog. d. pal. Fauna, i.
p. 436.

Lanius auriculatus Shelley, p. 117.

A Woodchat-Shrike caught at Abu Roash in the Province
of Giza, April 6th, 1905, lived for four months in the Giza
Zoological Gardens. Mr. E. W. Buckley informs me that
he has frequently seen Woodchats near Ayat in this
Province.

During the spring and early summer of 1905 many
examples of this Shrike were brought to me by a Bedouin
who had caught them near Abu Roash, in the Province.
This form differs from the typical Woodchat in having the
bases of all the rectrices white.

74. Lanius nubicus.

Lanius nubicus Shelley, p. 116.

The Masked Shrike is a common visitor during the spring
migration, but less numerous during the passage south in
autumn.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 473

75. MUSCICAPA GRISOLA.

Muscicapa grisola Shelley^ p. 118.

The Spotted Flycatcher is a regular A'isitor during both
the spring and autumn migrations.

76. Muscicapa atricapilla atricapilla.
Muscicapa atricapilla Shelley^ p. 119.

The Pied Flycatcher passes through in some numbers
during the spring migration, but is much less common in
autumn, and at the latter season I have only met with young
birds.

77. Muscicapa atricapilla semitorquata.
Muscicapa atricapilla semitorquata Horn. ; Hartert, iv.

p. 483.

The only " record ^' of this Flycatcher from Egypt seems
to be that of an adult male shot by myself in the Giza
Zoological Gardens in April 1909. It frequented the Gardens
for seven days, and when shot was very fat, a sure sign that
it was about to continue its migration.

78. Muscicapa collaris.
Muscicapa collaris Shelley, p. 120.

The Collared Flycatcher is a regular visitor during the
spring migration, but up to the present time I have not met
Avith it in autumn.

79. Muscicapa parva.

On November 11th, 1906, I obtained a female example of
the Red-breasted Flycatcher in the Giza Zoological Gardens
{cf. Bull. B. O. C. vol. xix. p. 31). This appears to be the
only record of this species for Egypt.

80. HiRUNDO RUSTICA RUSTICA.

Hirundo rustica Shelley, p. 120.

The European Chimney-Swallow is a regular visitor during
the spring and autumn migrations.

81. HlRUNDO RUSTICA SAVIGXII.

Hirundo riocourii Shelley, p. 121.

The Egyptian Chimney-Swallow is a resident in the
Province of Giza. In this species the female is , paler below
than the male.

474 Mr. M. J. NicoU — Contributions

82. Chelidon urbica.
Chelidon urbica Shelley, p. 125.

The House-Martin seems to be a regular spring and
autumn visitor in small numbers.

83. COTILE RIPARIA SHELLEYI.

Cotile shelleyi Sharpe, Cat. Birds B. M. x. p. 100 (1885).

Shelley's Sand-Martin arrives in spring and breeds in the
Province. In the autumn it collects in huge parties, old
and young together. Adults obtained in September are in
full moult.

84. CoTILE RIPARIA RIPARIA.

The Common Sand-Martin passes through the Province
during the spring migration. I have not yet met with it,
for certain, in autumn.

85. COTILE RUPESTRIS OBSOLETA. '

Coty/e obso/eta Shelley, p. 123.

This Pale Crag-Martin is a resident in the desert parts of
the Province, though it is not very common during the
■winter.

86. Carduelis elegans.
Carduelis elegans Shelley, p. 152.

The Goldfinch appears to be resident in the Province, but
in small numbers. A pair, at least, nested in a wild state in
the Zoological Gardens during the summer of 1907. I saw
the old birds feeding their young on the branch of a plane-
tree. During the autumn old and young birds may be met
with in small parties. I have as yet no specimens, so cannot
say to which form the Egyptian Goldfinch should be referred.

87. Chrysomitris spinus.

The Siskin has not previously been recorded from Egypt.
On February 11th, 1907, a pair were seen in the Zoological
Gardens, and from that time onward till the end of the fol-
lowing month numbers frequented the Gardens, where they
were daily to be seen in small flocks feeding on the buds of
the apricot-trees.

It wduld seem that an invasion of this species took place
in Egypt at that time, for Mr. G. E. Burnett Stuart informs

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 475

me that such quantities of Siskins visited Lower Egypt that
in the neighbourhood of Mariout nearly the whole of the
barley-crop was destroyed, while still green, by these birds.

On October 26th of the same year I caught a female
Siskin in my garden, w hither it had been attracted by a caged
male. Since that time I have not heard of the occurrence
of this species in Egypt.

88. Serixus hortulanus.
Serinus hortulanus Shelley, p. 154.

A pair of Serins frequented the Zoological Gardens during
February 1908, and again in the same month of 1909. I
have no other records of this species from the Province.

89. LlNOTA CANNABINA MEDITERRANEA.

Linota cannabina Shelley, p. 151-.

Acanthis cannabina mediterranea Tschusi ; Hartert, Vug.
d, pal. Fauna, i. p. 75.

After a careful examination of a series of Linnets collected
by Mr. Bonhote and myself at Giza, we have come to
the conclusion that they all belong to this form. These
examples are smaller, paler, and paler red (males) on the
breast than the North-European form. This Linnet is a
regular visitor to the Province during the winter months.
It collects in flocks and is extremely shy.

90. COCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS.

Coccothraustes vulgaris Shelley, p. 150.

A Hawfinch was caught alive in the Zoological Gardens
on December 16th, 1904.

I have not personally met with this species in Egypt, but
have heard of other occurrences outside the Giza Province.

91. SPORiEGINTHUS AMANDAVA.

Sporaginthus amandava Sharpe, Cat. Birds, xiii. p. 320.

A form of Amadavade Finch occurs regularly in August
in the Zoological Gardens at Giza, in many of the gardens
of Cairo, and possibly in other parts of Lower Egypt. As
soon as they arrive, which they do in large numbers, these
birds start nesting, and directly the young can fly all take
their departure, and are not met with again till the following

476 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

August. At the Delta barrage these birds arrive somewhat
earlier, as I am informed by Mr. W. Draper, the Superin-
tendent of the Gardens there, than they do at Giza. It is
remarkable that this species should occur in Egypt, and
where they come from and where they go after nesting is at
present unknown.

Shelley, in his 'Birds of Egypt,' p. 152, mentions an
Estrelda melanorhyncha as occurring near Alexandria^ and
as he did not meet with it he copies a description given by
Von Heuglin. If this should prove to be the same as my
birds. Von Heugliu's description must be that of a young
bird, a female, or a " male out of plumage."

I am unable at present to find any differences between
Giza birds and Indian examples.

92. Passer domesticus indicus.
Passer domesticus Shelley, p. 148.

Passer domestica subsp. ? Hartert, ViJg. d. pal. Fauna,
ii. p. 151.

Passer domesticus indicus Nicoll, Ibis, July 1908, p. 497.

For the present I place the Sparrow of the Delta under
the above name, as it is almost indistinguisable from the
Indian bird. The ear-coverts of P. d. indicus are certainly
whiter than those of the Delta Sparrow, and I fancy that
the red of the upper parts is deeper in the Indian examples.

This Sparrow is abundant in the cultivated parts of the
Province and ranges over the whole Delta. How far south
it extends I do not at present know.

93. Fringilla ccelebs.
Fringilla ccelebs Shelley, p. 15.

The Chaffinch is a regular winter visitor in small numbers ;
in some years it appears to be more abundant than in others.

94. Passer hispaniolensis.
Passer salicicola Shelley, p. 149.

During April 1909 numbers of Spanish Sparrows were
seen in the Zoological Gardens. Although it abounds in
the Delta during the winter, I have no other records of the
species from the Province of Giza.

to the Oriiitholufjy of Kcjijpt. 477

95. EllYTIIllOSPlZA GITHAGINEA.

Erythrospiza githaginea Shelley, p. 155.

Tiie only records I have of the Trumpeter Bullfinch from
the Giza Province are two examples seen by myself near
Helwan on February 21st, 1908, five seen by myself at Abu
Roash, February 1939, and an adult male which I shot in
the Wadi Ho£ on May 7th, 1909.

96. Emberiza miliaria.
Eniberiza miliaria Shelley, p. 144.

The Corn-Bunting is a regular winter visitor to the
Province. Although it is usually met with in pairs or singly,
it sometimes collects in large flocks, for on February 4th,
1909, I saw a party of several hundred individuals near the
Giza Pyramids, where they were feeding in a patch of Lupins.

97. Emberiza CjEsia.
Emberiza casia Shelley, p. 146.

Cretzschmar's Bunting appears to be a regular visitor
during the autumn migration. The first arrivals, which
consist of adults, appear in September, and are soon joined
by younger birds. I have frequently seen flocks of a dozen
or more individuals in the Zoological Gardens. After a
short stay they gradually depart. Capt. Shelley calls this bird
a spring visitor to Egypt, and mentions shooting an example
near Cairo in April. He further states that it breeds
occasionally in the Delta and near Cairo. Personally I have
never met with this species in spring, nor have I, during
two and a half years' residence in Giza, any records of its
occurring at that time of year in the Province of Giza,
though I have seen it in the Fayoum in March.

98. Emberiza hortulana.
Emberiza hortulana Shelley, p. 145.

I have but two records of the Ortolan from Giza — an adult
shot by Mr. J. L. Bonhote, April 3rd, 1909, at Abu Eoash,
and one seen by myself in the Zoological Gardens during
April 1909. It is possible, however, that this species is a
regular spring migrant in the Province.

478 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

99. Al^mon alaudipes (Desf.).
Certhilauda desertorum Shelley, p. 135.

Alcemon alaudipes alaudipes (Desf.) ; Hartert, Vog. d. pal.
Fauna, iii. p. 250.

The Bifasciated Lark is met with siuglj, in pairs, or in
small flocks on the edge of the desert in the Province.
I have specimens of two distinct phases collected by
Mr. Bonhote and myself, oae rufous-sandy above with small
markings on the breast, the other greyish above with large
blotches of black : in some specimens these blotches coalesce
and form patches.

Up to the present time I have no breeding examples from
Egypt.

100. Galerida cristata nigricans.

Galerila niyricans Brehm, Vogelfang und .Naumanuia,
1858, p. 206.

Galerida cristata nigricans Brehm; Hartert, Vog. d. pal.
Fauna, ii. p. 227.

This dark form of the Crested Lark ranges in the Delta
from Damiettato Cairo. It is common near Giza and nests
in the Birseem fields. I have a series of specimens obtained
at different times of the year, and in all of these the markings
on the breast are very black and broad.

101. Galerida cristata (?).

Amongst my series of Giza Crested Larks I have a specimen
which I shot during the winter, entirely different from G. c.
nigricans — paler and less thickly spotted on the breast. This
bird exactly matches one shot by myself at Damietta in
January, and three collected near Port Said by Commander
H. LyneSj now in Mr. H. F. Witherby's collection. As
I do not at present know the breeding-place of this form I
consider it inadvisable to give it a nauie. It is possible that
it breeds near Lake Menzaleh, but, on the other hand, it
may be an immigrant from somewhere in Southern Europe.
I hope to be able to find out more about its breeding-place
shortly.

I have not vet met with G. c. altirostris.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 479

102. Alauda arvensis cinerea.

Alauda arvensis cristata Ehmcke ; Hartert, Vog. d. pal.
Fauna, iii. p. 247.

This Grey Skylark is a most abuudant winter visitor to
Egypt. I have a series of specimens collected near Giza, and
have examined several more collected by Mr, J. L. Bonhote.

103. Alauda arvensis cantarella.

Alauda arvensis cantarella Bonaparte; Hartert, Vog. d.
pal. Fauna, iii. p. 246.

Amongst the swarms of Skylarks which visit Egypt during
the winter months I have obtained specimens of this form in
the Province. It is browner and less clearly marked on the
back than Alaudu a. cinerea.

104. Alauda arborea.
Alauda arborea Shelley, p. 139.

On Is^ovember 25th, 1906, I saw a Woodlark in the Giza
Zoological Gardens. It was running about one of the lawns,
and finally flew up into a tree. I have no other record of
this species from the Province or from Egypt.

" Brehm mentions having met with the Woodlark once in
Lower Egypt in the winter " {Shelley), so that it is possible
that it may occasionally occur in this countr^^

105. Ammomanes deserti isabellina.
Melanocorypha arabs Brehm, Vogelfang, p. 132 (1855).
Ammomanes deserti isabellina Hartert, op. cit. i. p. 223.
The Desert-Lark is abundant near Helwan and in the

Mokattam Hills. On February 9th, 1909, Mr. J. L. Bonhote
saw an Ammomanes , which probably belonged to this form,
at Abu Boash. This Lark breeds near Helwan, for 1 have
obtained very young examples there in August.

I have not seen any specimens of A.d. deserti from Lower
Egypt. All that I have examined belong to the paler, more
sandy-coloured A. d. isabellina.

I have compared Giza specimens with Brehm's type of
Melanocorypha arabs in the Tring Museum, and find that
they exactly match.

480 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

106. Ammomanes phoenicura arenicolor.

Alauda arenicolor Sandevall^ (Efv. K. Vet.-Akad. Forh.
Stockholm, 1850, p. 128.

Ammomanes arenicolor (Sundev.) ; Shelley, p. 137.

Ammomanes phoenicura arenicolor (Sundev.) ; Hartert, Yog.
d. pal. Fauna, ii. p. 224.

Although I have not actually met with this Desert-Lark
in the Giza Province I include it in the present paper, as
on February 28th, 1908, I obtained two specimens near
Abbassia, a short distance from Cairo, and only just outside
the Province boundaries.

107. Calandrella brachydactyla brachydactvla.
Calandrella brachydactyla (Leisler) ; Shelley, p. 141.

The Short-toed Lark is a regular visitor in spring and
autumn and is usually met with in flocks.

108. Calandrella minor minor.

Calandrella minor Cabauis, ]\lus. Hein. i. p. 123 (1851 —
^'N.O.-Afrika'^).

Calandrella minor minor (Cab.) ; Hartert, Yog. d. pal.
Fauna, ii. p. 218.

I have only once met with this form in the Province, on
F^ebruary 25th, 1907, at the edge of the cultivation near
the Giza Pyramids.

109. Sturnus vulgaris purpurascens.

Slurnus purpurascens Gould, P. Z. S. 1868, p. 219 (typ.
loc. Erzeroum).

Sturnus vulgaris purpurascens Gould; Hartert, Vog. d. pal.
Fauna, i. p. 46.

On November 13th, 1907, I shot an adult female of this
form near Giza; it was accompanied by two other Starlings,
but owing to their excessive shyness I was unable to get
another example.

During the winter large numbers of Starlings frequent the
cultivated lands, but they are nearly always unapproachable.
I have specimens of two other forms of Starlings from
Egypt : Stu7'nus vulgaris vulgaris, shot at Damanhour, and

to the Oniitholoyy of Eijypt. 481

S. V. poltaratskyi, shot by myself at Bilbeis in Lower
Egypt.

Sturnus vulgaris purpurascens lias not previously been
recorded from Egypt.

110. CORVUS CORNIX CORNIX.

Corvus comix Linn. ; Shelley, p. 159.

Corvus comix sharpii Hartert, Vog. d. pal. Fauna, i.
p. 10.

The Hooded Crow is abundant and resident in the
alluvium of the Giza Province.

An example with much white in the wings and tail has
frequented the Zoological Gardens for over a year and is
still living there.

I cannot separate the Egyptian " Hoodie " from the
Northern European form.

111. Corvus corax umbrinus.
Corvus umbrinus Shelley, p. 158.

The Brown-necked Kaven is a common resident in the
desert parts of the Province.

112. Cypselus apus murinus.
Cypselus pallidas Shelley, p. 172.

The Pale Swift is a common breeding-bird in the Province
and I believe that a few stop for the winter.

I have not met with the Common Swift for certain,
though it possibly passes through on migration. At a
distance it is impossible to distinguish between the two
forms.

113. Cypselus melba.
Cypselus melba Shelley, p. 171.

The Alpine Swift is an uncommon visitor to the Province
during the autumn migration.

114. Caprimulgus europ^us.
Caprimulgus europtBus Shelley, p. 174.

The Nightjar is a regular visitor during both the spring
and autumn migrations.

482 Mr. M. J. '^icoW — Contrihuiions

I once met with an example — an adult male — in Decem-
ber, hut as it had half its tail missing I imagine that it had
been delayed by injury from continuing its migration
southwards.

115. Caprimulgus ;egyptius.
Caprimulgus (Bcjypt'ms Shelley, p. 175.

The Egyptian Nightjar is a resident, though I believe
that its numbers are increased during the spring by migrants
passing through on their way northwards.

116. Iynx torquilla.

Yunx torquilla Shelley, p. 161.

The Wryneck is a regular visitor during both the spring
and autumn migrations.

117. Alcedo ispida bengalensis.
Alcedo hencjalensis Shelley, p. 166.

This small Kingfisher arrives in the Giza Zoological
Gardens in August and remains till April. I have no
records of its remaining throughout the summer. Neither
have I ever seen the common European Kingfisher, A. ispida
ispida.

118. Ceryle rudis.
Ceryle rudis Shelley, p. 167.

The Pied Kingfisher is common and resident.

119. CORACIAS GARRULUS.

Coracias garrula Shelley, p. 168.

The European Roller is a spring and autumn visitor on
migration.

In the autumn the adults appear to arrive first and are
immediately followed by the young birds.

120. Merops apiaster.
Merops apiaster Shelley, p. 169.

The Common Bee-eater is a regular visitor in very large
numbers during both migrations.

to the Ornitltuloyy of Eyypt. 483

121. Merops persicus.
Merops Oigyptius Shelley, p. 170.

Merops persicus Sharpe, Cat. B. xvii. p. 66.

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater appears to pass through the
Province a little earlier tlian the preceding species. It
probably breeds iu certain parts of the Province. Major
S{)arrow tells me that he has seen it near Mazghouna in
April, and from the appearance of specimens obtained in the
Delta in May I have little doubt that they were about to
nest there.

122. Merops viridis.
Merops viridis Shelley, p. 171.

The Little Green Bee-eater is a resident and breeds in
the Ciiza Province. Dr. Walter Innes tells me that he has
taken eggs near Mazghouna, where the bird nests in holes
in the ground amongst the " Sont " (Acacia) trees.

123. Upupa epops epops.
Upupa epops Shelley, p. 155.

The Hoopoe is a regular visitor to the Province during
the spring and autumn migrations.

124. Upupa epops major.

Upupa major Brehm, Vogelfang, p. 78 (1855).

A number of Hoopoes arc resident in Lower Egypt, and
examples of these, obtained in the Delta during the winter
by Mr. J. L. Bonhote and myself, exactly match Brehm's
type of U. major — which is a female adult (16/3/49) obtained
by von Miiller's expedition in Egypt and now preserved in
the Tring Museum.

The following is a translation of Brehm's description of
this bird : — ''It is | larger than all others, up to 12" large,
21" length of bill.''

In our specimens the bill is always longer, and much
deeper at the base, than in European examples and those
obtained in Giza during migration. Some of them agree in
size with Brehm's type, but the majority are not markedly
larger than the common form, except as regards the bill.

This is a perfectly good form and it is interesting to

484 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

rediscover it, though somewhat strange that it should have
remained unrecognised all these years.

Although I have not met with this form up to the present
in the Giza Province it probably occurs there, and I insert
it in the present paper, as I consider that it is of
importance to call attention to this long unrecognised bird.
During the winter I have never met with any Hoopoes in
the Province, but all those obtained while passing through
during the migration-seasons — when they are very abundant
— belong to the small race.

[To be continued.]

XXV. — Notes on a Collection of Birds made in British East
Africa. By Gerard H. Gurney, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

With the combined objects of shooting big game and
collecting birds, I left England for East Africa on December
26th, 1908, and after an uneventful voyage arrived at
Mombasa on January 15th, 1909. After spending three
days there I went, with Sir Edmund Loder (himself a good
naturalist and a splendid shot), by train to Nairobi. Our
original intention had been to go on a shooting-trip to the
little-known Lake Natron ; but, finding that this plan was,
for several reasons, impracticable, we decided first of all to
make an expedition to the Kauti Plains. So after all the
necessary arrangements for a long expedition into the inte-
rior had been made, we started in an easterly direction from
Nairobi and marched across the Athi Plains to the Athi
River as far as Donio Sabuk ; thence we turned to the left,
recrossed the Athi River, and proceeded over the Kauti
Plains nearly as far as Mount Twiniango. Then we retraced
our steps, and followed for some days the Thika River,
which we finally crossed near Voroni. We came back by
the east side of Donio Sabuk, returning to Nairobi on
February 17th. Three days later, by the advice of Mr. F. J.
Jackson, 1 went up to Naivasha, where I spent four weeks,
chiefly camping at the south end of the lake and on the west

Birds from British East Africa. 485

side of the Ndabibi Plains. Leaving Naivasha on March 19th
I joined Sir Alfred Pease at his Ostrich-farm at Kallima
Theki, fifteen miles from Kapiti Plains Station, and remained
there until I sailed for England on April 30th, having made,
however, in the meantime, two short collecting-expeditions to
Bondoni and Kibwezi.

So many papers .have been lately written on British East
Africa and so much of it is now well known that I need say
but little concerning the aspect of the various parts of the
continent into which I w^ent. Our several expeditions
enabled me to collect in three totally different and distinct
types of country which in their fauna and flora shew most
marked changes, broadly resolving themselves into open
plain country, bush country, and forest.

I was accompanied by Mr. P. Groves, an experienced
taxidermist, and with his assistance formed a collection of
birds, including nearly 600 skins of 232 species. Many of
these were prepared under difficulties, more especially during
our first trip, when we were continually moving camp ; how-
ever, the majority of the skins reached England in first-rate
condition.

In addition to collecting birds and shooting big game I
brought home with me a large number of butterflies in
papers, besides numerous small mammals and reptiles and a
number of live birds, which I caught in traps taken out for
the purpose or which the natives snared for me. Amongst
these was a fine specimen of Centropus super ciliosus, which
had not previously been brought alive to England.

It is very difficult to successfully combine big-game
shooting and scientific bird-collecting — one spoils the other, —
and I invariably found that when out stalking an Antelope
or a Rhinoceros I was certain to see and yet be unable to
shoot the bird which 1 had been on the look out for so
long. Vice versa, when collecting birds, without doubt the
beast with the finest head would always appear. On our
first saffari the greater part of the birds obtained were shot
as we were riding along in the early morning from one camp
to another, when it was more or less the rule not to shoot at
any game unless the whole caravan, as occasionally happened,

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 K

486 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

was " held up " by an angry rhinoceros ; and birds were often
shot, especially Weavers and smaller Warblers, which I did
not know ; these after being skinned were at once packed
away, and I was unable to take any notes of their habits even
if we came across the species again. This accounts for so
many forms being represented by only single specimens in
the collection. We would often get to a splendid locality
for birds and be only able to stop there one night, when we
required a week at least.

The following notes are on the birds which were actually
obtained ; many other species were seen, but when not
satisfactorily identified I have made no mention of them.
I am sure that there is still a great deal of good ornithological
work to be done in this most fascinating and beautiful part
of East Africa, especially in the wide belt of forest-country
extending inland from Mombasa and the coast for some
twelve or fourteen miles, and also in the large tract of
little-known country to the west of Lake Naivasha, on the
fringe of which I camped and where I found many birds
which 1 had not seen before.

Well-worked though the country has lately been, I feel
sure there are new forms and possibly new species still to be
discovered.

1. CoRVULTUR ALBicoLLis. Whitc-neckcd Raven.
Corvultur albicollis Less.

Iris brown ; bill brown ; feet brownish black.

The White-necked Raven was plentiful all round Theki,
while at our camp at Bondoni several would come every
evening and sit on a dead tree quite close to the tents and
were tame and confiding ; a pair had taken up their quarters
on a small rocky kopje near Theki, and twice flew out of a
little cave at the top : they may have been breeding, but it
was impossible to get into the cave to see if there was a nest.

2. Heterocorax capensis. African Rook.
Heterocorax capensis Licht.

Iris dark brown; bill and legs black.
Specimens of the African Rook were obtained at Naiv-
asha ; it was seen nowhere else.

Birds from British East Africa. 487

3. BuPHAGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Red-billed Oxpecker.
Buphaga erythrorhyncha (Stanl.).

Iris red^ eyelids yellow ; bill red ; legfs dark brown.

The Red-billed Oxpecker seemed to abound wherever
there were cattle, and might always be seen running over
them to hunt for insects ; the cattle generally appeared to
enjoy being relieved of the pests which infested them.

4. DiLOPHUs CARUNCULATUS. Wattled Starling.
Dilophus carunculatus Riipp.

Iris hazel-brown ; bill light yellow ; feet flesh-coloured.

The Wattled Starling did not appear to be very common
and was shy and difficult to approach, flying from bush to
bush as we got near. I saw it near the Athi River,
and in the tall trees near the Native Reserve at Kallima Theki
there were a few pairs.

5. Spreo superbus. Spreo Starling.
Spreo superbus (Riipp.).

Iris yellow ; bill and legs black.

The Spreo Starling was seen in large flocks along the Athi
River ; at sunset the birds would fly noisily into the thorn-
bushes near our camp, and after a good deal of fuss and
quarrelling would settle down to roost for the night. A
pair were breeding in April in the fence surrounding one
of the ostrich-paddocks at Theki ; the nest was constructed
of grass and small sticks, with the hole at the side. There
were four eggs, very round in shape and of a beautiful clear
blue-green colour.

6. Lamprocolius chalybeus. Common Glossy Starling.
Lamprocolius chalybeus (Ehr.).

Iris yellow ; bill and legs black.

This species was obtained at Naivasha, where it was
common, and might generally be seen in pairs walking about
the rough ground in front of the hotel, presumably hunting
for insects ; I have no notes of having observed it anywhere
else. .

2k2

488 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

7. Lamprocolius sycobius. Peters's Glossy Starling.
Lamprocolius sycobius Hartl.

Iris golden-yellow ; bill and legs black.

We found Peters^s Glossy Starling frequenting the thickly
wooded hills of the Athi ; only two specimens were obtained,
both males. It has a variety of notes, some of which are
very pleasing.

8. Pholidauges verreauxi. Verreaux's Glossy Starling.
Pholidauges verreauxi Bocage.

Iris yellow ; bill and legs black.

Verreaux's Glossy Starling was only seen at Bondoni,
where a single female was obtained on March 24th ; the
bird was sitting by itself at the bottom of a small dry donga
in the middle of the plain, rather a remarkable place for this
species ; a male was seen, but not obtained, near our camp
on the following day. It appears to be rather a rare species.

9. Oriolus galbula. Golden Oriole.

Specimens of the Golden Oriole were shot at Kallima
Theki at the end of March ; it was not very common and
was met with nowhere else.

10. Oriolus rolleti. Black-headed Oriole.
Oriolus rolleti Salvad.

Iris reddish ; bill dull pink; legs dark brown.

The Black-headed Oriole was locally common. I met with
it at Naivasha and at Kibwezi ; it was always in pairs and
was very shy, invariably inhabiting the tall thick trees at the
edges of small woods. I watched the male displaying one
day with great interest. I was concealed amongst a grove
of large trees of Ficus in which I knew were at least
one pair of 0. rolleti ; after I had . waited motionless for a
very long time, the female flew out to the end of a bough in
full view of the spot where I lay hidden, and presently began
to utter a low call-note ; the male bird then appeared and
sidled along the bough ; when he got close to the hen he ex-
panded his tail, and with bis head low and wings quivering
made little darts at her; after a minute or two he sidled

Birds from Britisli East Africa. 480

back along the bough and then began to softly whistle the
most melodious notes, the hen ail the time busily preening
herself. What would have happened next I cannot tell, as
I made a slight movement, and both birds at once flew oft'
into thick cover.

11. Vidua principalis. Pin-tailed Whydah.
Vidua principalis (L.).

Iris brown ; bill pink ; legs brown.

Small flocks of Pin-tailed Whydahs were seen, always in
the vicinity of water ; one male appeared to be accompanied
by about fifteen females. They are fond of sitting on the
tops of tall reeds, and the males look very funny when the
wind catches their extraordinary tails and blows them about,
so that they only keep their perches with difliciilty. Of the
four males obtained three were in full breeding-plumage.

12. Penthetrta laticauda. Red-naped Whydah.
Penthetria laticauda (Licht.).

Iris brown; bill black; legs brown,

The Red-naped Whydah was only obtained near the
native shambas in the Reserve at Kallima Theki, and was
by no means common there ; on April 12th two males were
shot which were both in mottled plumage.

13. Drepanoplectes jacksoni. Jackson's Whydah.
Drepanoplectes jacksoni, Sharpe.

Bill pale brown ; iris brown ; legs brown.

Jackson's Whydah was very common at Naivasha and a
long series was obtained, the males varying enormously in
the extent of the development of the breeding-plumage ; by
March 9th the majority were in nearly full dress, though on
the 12th I shot two males out of one flock, one of which was
still entirely in its mottled brown plumage, while the other
was in very nearly full breeding-plumage. Parties of forty or
fifty females were generally accompanied by seven or eight
males. This species makes rather remarkable playing-grounds
for itself, though I only saw the males using them ; each
playground is round and generally rather more than two

490 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

feet across ; the grass is completely trampled down except
for a tuft which is left standing in the middle. It is a most
extraordinary sight to see the males in full breeding-
plumage with a tail a foot long performing in these dancing-
grounds. They begin by scratching with their feet in the
ground, and make the earth fly out beneath their tails,
which they hold straight up, almost touching the back of
their heads ; in this position they have a ridiculous similarity
to little cocks ; they then spring into the air four or five
times with quivering wings and feathers much puffed out ;
after a short rest the whole performance is repeated.

14. Pyromelana xanthomelana. Black-thighed Weaver-
Finch.

Pyromelana xanthomelana (Riipp.).

Iris dusky brown ; bill brown ; feet reddish-brown.

We shot the Black-thighed Weaver-Finch on the hills
behind Theki ; it was not uncommon, but I did not observe
it anywhere else.

15. Pyromelana capensis. Black-and-Yellow Weaver-
Finch.

Pyromelana capensis Sharpe.
Iris dark brown ; bill whitish ; feet brown.
A single male of this species was shot at Naivasha on
February 23rd ; it was not obtained again.

16. Ploceipasser melanorhynchus. Black-billed Weaver-
Finch.

Ploceipasser melanorhynchus Riipp.

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs brown.

Black-billed Weaver-Finches were common at two or
three of our camps on the Athi River ; they were very noisy,
and at one place we found a large colony of their nests
hanging from branches of small acacia-trees ; these were
big untidy structures made of fine grass ; none of them
contained eggs, though the birds were observed haunting
the nests.

Birds from British East Africa. 491

17. PiiiLET.«Rus ARNAUDi. Amaud's Sociable Waxbill.
Phi/eicerus arnaudi (Bonap,).

Iris dark brown; bill black; feet pale.

Arnaud's Sociable Waxbill was only seen on one occasion,
when a single male was shot from the top of a tall tree on
March 17th at Nairobi.

18. QuELEA ^THiopiCA. Ethiopian Red-billed Weaver-
Finch.

Quelea (ethiopica (Sundev.).
Iris brown; bill deep red; legs brown.
Specimens of the Ethiopian Red-billed Weaver-Finch were
obtained at Kibwezi; it was not observed anywhere else.

19. HypocHiERA ultramarina. Ultramarine Finch.
Hypochcera ultramarina (Gm.).

Iris brown; bill pinkish-white; legs orange-red.

In my experience the Ultramarine Finch was a rare bird ;
the only specimen obtained was sitting on the top of the
thorn bonga round a native village near Kallima Theki_, and
proved to be a male in full plumage.

20. MuNTA cANicEPs. Grcy-hcadcd Silver-bill.
Munia caniceps Salvad.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.

A male of this species was shot at the Gerei River on
April 14th. We saw it nowhere else.

21. EsTRiLDA MINOR. Lcsscr Amaduvade.
Estriida minor (Cab.).

Iris brown ; bill red; feet black.

The Lesser Amaduvade was abundant and was met with
in dense packs numbering from twenty to a hundred : it was
generally seen in the vicinity of water. Specimens were
obtained on the Athi River, at Naivasha and near Kibwezi.

22. EsTRiLDA ANGOLENsis. Bluc-breastcd Waxbill.
Estriida angoknsis Linn.

Iris hazel ; bill lightish lilac-coloured ; legs brown.

The beautiful little Blue-breasted Waxbill was found

492 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

amongst the native shambas near Theki, but not at all
commonly, and only two examples were obtained, both
females.

23. Granatina ianthinogaster. Violet-eared Waxbill.
Uraginthus ianthinogaster Reichen.

Iris and eyelids red; bill red; legs black.

I shot the Violet-eared Waxbill at Naivasha and at
Kallima Theki : at the latter place there were generally three
or four pairs in the fence round the Ostrich boma. They
were charmingly tame and confiding, but I do not think
that they were breeding when I was there in April.

24. Sporopipes frontalis. Speckled-fronted Weaver-
Finch.

Sporopipes f/ontnlis Bp.

Iris light brown ; bill pink; legs and feet flesh-coloured.
A single male was obtained at Nairobi on March 22nd. I
have no note of seeing it anywhere else.

25. Melanotis anoplexis. Black-eared Scarlet Weaver-
Finch.

Melanotis anoplexis (Lafr.).

Iris brown; bill red; legs dusky red.

W^e shot the Black-eared Scarlet Weaver-Finch only in
one place on the Athi River : a pair were in the tops of some
tall acacia-trees near our camp on January 30th, and the
following day we saw another bird in the same place.

26. Heterhyphantes reichenowi. Reichenow's Weaver-
Finch.

Heterhyphantes reichenowi (Fischer).
Iris cream-coloured; beak black; legs brownish.
Reichenow's Weaver-Finch was obtained at Nairobi and
Naivasha.

27. SiTAGRA ocularia. Smith's Weaver-Finch.

Sitagra ocularia (Gray).
Iris brown ; bill black ; feet brown.

Smiths Weaver -Finch was not at all uncommon at
Naivasha and the scries of three males and two females in

Birds from. British East. Africa. 493

the collection were all obtained there. They did not appear
to live in the forest, but I often saw them right out on tiie
plain, pecking about on the ground or sitting in the little
bare thorn-trees which were scattered about.

28. Hyphantornis rubiginosus. RuppelFs Chestnut
Weaver-Finch.

Hyphantornis rubiginosus (Rlipp.).

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs dark brown.

I think Riippeirs Chestnut Weaver-Finch is a decidedly-
rare bird. I only saw it once at Kibwezi, where a single male
was obtaiaed.

29. Hyphantornis spexii. Speke's Weaver-Finch.
Hyphantornis spekii Heugl.

Iris pale yellow ; bill and legs brown.

A female Speke's Weaver-Finch was shot at Nairobi.

30. Passer ruficinctus. Kordofan Sparrow.
Passer ruficinctus Fischer & Reichen.

Iris pale yellow; bill horn-coloured; legs dusky brown.

The Kordofan Sparrow was obtained at Naivasha and at
Kallima Theki ; at the latter place it was extremely abundant
and as ubiquitous and friendly as its common relation in
England.

31. SoRELLA EMiNi. Euiiu's Sparrow.
Sorella emini Hartl,

Iris brown ; bill dusky brown ; legs pale brown.

Emin's Sparrow was only seen at one place on the Gerei
River, and where two males and a female were obtained on
April 8tli : it does not appear to be at all a common bird.

32. Serinus sHARPii. Sharpens Canary.
Serinus sharpei Neum.

Iris brown ; bill yellowish ; feet brown.

Sharpe's Canary was very common at Kallima Theki in
the low bushes round our camp. It has rather a pretty little
song and is a conspicuous bird when sitting at the top of a
small bush in the early morning.

491 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

33. Serinus affinis. Streaked-brown Canary.
Serinus afinis Richmond.

Iris brown; bill and feet brown.

A female of this species was obtained at Naivasha on
March 14th. I believe it is supposed to be rather a coramcn
bird there, but, so far as 1 know, I never saw another
example.

34. Serinus fagani. Pagan's Canary.
Serinus fag ani Sharpe.

Iris brown ; bill and legs dusky black.

Pagan's Canary seemed to be distributed everywhere.
Specimens were obtained at the Atlii River and on the
Kapiti Plains. They w^ere generally seen in pairs or small
flocks on the dried-up grassy plains.

35. Emberiza flaviventris. Golden-breasted Bunting.
Emheriza flaviventris (Bonn. & V.).

]ris brow^n; bill dark brown; legs brown.

We found the Golden-breasted Bunting at Bondoni on
March 4th ; it was not very common and was invariably seen
amongst wooded country, generally perching on stones and
rocks in preference to boughs.

36. Pringillaria tahapisi. Rock-Bunting.
Frinffillaj'ia tahapisi (Smith).

Iris brown ; bill and legs brown.

I found the Rock-Bunting fairly abundant on the Athi
Plains, but never very far from water : it was generally
quite tame and fearless,

37. Pyrrhulauda leucoparia. Pischer's Sparrow-Lark.
Pyrrhulauda leucopareia Pischer & Reicheu.

Pischer's Sparrow-Lark was only seen near the Athi
River in February : it was generally in pairs and was often
observed in the evenings sitting near some track or on the
sandy plain, perhaps a mile from the river.

38. Mirafra athi. Athi Lark.
Mirafra athi Hartert.

Iris yellow, in immature birds brown ; bill and feet brown.

Birds from British East Africa. 495

The Athi Lark was obtained near the Athi River, at
Naivasha and on the Kapiti Plains : at the latter place it
■was extremely abundant and a long series was obtained.
It was a conspicuous bird all over the plains round Kallima
Theki and Kapiti. At the beginning of April a nest was
found. This was placed in a slight depression of the
ground, partially concealed by a tuft of grass, and was
made of pieces of dead grass. It contained four young,
apparently only a few days old, one of which I took and
skinned.

39. MiRAFRA ALBicAUDA. White-tailcd Lark.
Mirafra albicauda Reichen.

Iris hazel ; bill dusky ; feet brown.

Only one specimen of the White-tailed Lark was obtained,
and this was shot at Kallima Theki on April 8th ; I believe
it is distributed fairly commonly over the Kapiti Plains, and
probably I overlooked it.

40. Mirafra fischeri. Fischer's Bush-Lark.
Mirafra fischeri Reichen.

Iris brown ; upper mandible dark horn-coloured, lower
light brown ; legs brown.

Fischer^s Bush-Lark was commonly distributed. It was
always heard in the early morning, when its extraordinary
rattle-like note was very audible. It flies up from the
ground and ascends into the air to a great height, frequently
out of sight, all the time uttering its muffled rattle; it
then suddenly descends almost to the ground and swerves
off for a considerable distance before alighting.

41. Macronyx croceus. Yellow-breasted Lark.
Macronyx croceus (Vieill.).

The Yellow-breasted Lark was extremely abundant all
round Kallima Theki. It was generally seen in pairs and was
very tame and confiding, flying up from the ground and
perching on the topmost twig of a small tree or bush, when
its bright yellow breast was very conspicuousj and it
continually uttered its short pleasant song.

406 Mr. G. II. Gurncy on

42. Macronyx wintoxi. Red-breasted Long-claw.

Macronyoo ivintoni Sharpe.

Iris brown ; bill and legs brown.

A single female Red-breasted Long-claw was obtained on
April 17th near the camp at Kallima Theki. I do not
think that it can be a very common species, as such a
conspicuous bird would not be easily overlooked.

48. Anthus sordidus. Brown Pipit.
Anthus sordidus Riipp.
Iris brown ; bill and legs brown.

Specimens of the Brown Pipit were obtained on the
Kapiti Plains, where it was not uncommon.

44. Anthus rufulus. Indian Pipit.
Anthus rvfulus (V.).

Iris brown ; bill brown ; legs yellowish.

An extremely abundant species all over the Kapiti Plains.

45. Anthus tenellus. Yellow-breasted Pipit.
Anthus tenellus (Cab.).

Iris and bill dark brown.

The Yellow-breasted Pipit is a rare bird and was only seen
on one occasion, when a male in full plumage was shot near
the Gerei River. It was by itself amongst the small scrub
which fringes the river, and a thorough search revealed no
sign of another. It probably has much the same habits as
Anthus rufulus.

46. Anthus cervinus. Red-throated Pipit.
Anthus cervinus (Pall.).

Iris brown ; bill and legs dark brown.

This is another species of which only one specimen was
obtained, whether from our overlooking the birds or from
their scarcity I am unable to say.

A female was shot at 01 Donyo Sambuk on January 28th.

47. MoTACiLLA FLAVA. Black-headcd Y'ellow Wagtail.
Motacilla flava Linn.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

This species was abundant evez'y where.

Birds- from British Eu.st Africa. 497

48. Nectarinia kilimensis. Kilimanjaro Bronze Suu-
bird.

Nectorinin kilimensis Shelley.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

I found the Kilimanjaro Bronze Sunbird in most of the
localities we visited : at Naivasha it was common and four
males and two females were obtained.

49. Nectarinia reichenowi. Reichenow's Sunbird.
Nectarinia reichenowi Shelley.

Reichenow's Sunbird was obtained among the native
shambas near Kallima Tbeki : it was not at all uncommon
there in April, and appeared to be greatly attracted by a
purple flowering plant of the Pea tribe; none of the males
obtained were in full plumage.

50. Nectarinia jacksoni. Jackson's Sunbird.
Nectarinia jacksoni Neumann.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

A pair of Jackson's Sunbirds were obtained at Naivasha
on March 4th, but 1 saw the species nowhere else.

51. CiNNYitis MicROKHYNCHUs. East-Africaii Bifasciated
Sunbird.

Cinnyris microrhynchus Shelley.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

This species was seen at Theki and specimens were shot
on the hill behind our camp, where they were constantlv
attracted by a species of aloe and would run up and down
its branches hunting for insects. I never saw the bird
feeding at any of the numerous flowering shrubs which
abounded at Theki, and upon which the other species of
Sunbirds were often seen.

52. Cinnyris ^quatorialis. Scarlet-chested Sunbird.
Cinnyris ceqiiatorialis Reichen.

We found the Scarlet-chested Sunbird fairly distributed
wherever we went.

498 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

53. CixNYRis KiRKi. Eastern Amethyst Suubird.
Cinnyris kirkii Shelley.

The Eastern Amethyst Sunbird was generally seen
among thick bush and was not very common. I obtained
it at Kibwezi and in the Native Reserve near Kallima Thcki.

54. Cinnyris falkensteini. Fulkenstein's Buff-breasted
Sunbird.

Cinnyris falkensteini Fischer.
Iris brown ; bill and legs l)lack.

Two males in immature plumage were shot at Naivasha,
and this species was also obtained at Kapiti Plains.

55. Anthothreptes zambesiana. Zambesi Collared Sun-
bird.

Anihothrcptes zambesiana Sharpe.

The Zambesi Collared Sunbird was obtained at Kibwezi,
where we saw several individuals crawling about the long
creepers which hang from the tall trees, in their ceaseless
search for the small insects which form their food, and
paying no attention to the white blossom-covered acacia-
trees which were then in full flower and which were a great
attraction to other Sunbirds.

50. Parus albiventris. White-breasted Tit.
Parus albiventris Shellej^

Specimens were obtained from Naivasha and Kapiti
Plains.

Sr. Lamus humeralis. Eastern Fiskal Shrike.

Laniiis humeralis Stanl.

Iris brown ; bill and feet black.

We saw this extremely common bird wherever we went.

58. Lanius caudatus. Long-tailed Shrike.

Laniiis caudatus Cab.

We generally found the Long-tailed Shrike not uncommon
in bush-country. Specimens were obtained at Nairobi,
Thika River, and at Kapiti. It was generally seen in pairs,
but was shy and not easily approached. I several times

Birds from Brlthlt East Africa. lU'J

■watched one as it sat on the outside branch of a tree, and
from this elevated post made repeated flights, like a Drongo
or Flycatcher, at some passing insect. On three different
occasions I found dead lizards impaled on thorns; this may
have been done by this or by the previous species, but
L. caudatus was seen to fly from one bush on which lizards
were impaled.

59. Lanius minor. Lesser Grey Shrike.
Lanius minor Gm.

Bill and feet black.

A common bird, of which I shot specimens at Kallima
Theki and elsewhere.

60. Lanius collurio. Red-backed Shrike.
Lanius collurio L.

I never saw the Red-backed Shrike anywhere until March
31st, when a large north-going migration appeared at Kallima
Theki, and for a week it was an extremely abundant species.
After this all the birds disappeared as suddenly as they
came, and, except for a few belated stragglers, 1 did not see
the species again.

6L Lanius phcenicuroides. Rufous-tailed Shrike.

Lanius phoenicuroides Severtz.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.

This Shrike appeared to be common amongst the thick
bush near the Athi. Specimens were also obtained near the
Thika River, but I have no note of having observed it at
!Naivasha.

62. EuRocEPHALUs ANGuiTiMENs. SmitVs Wood-Shrikc.

Eurocephalus anguitimens Smith.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.

A single specimen of Smith's Wood-Shrike was shot at
Kibwezi on April 8th. It proved to be a male, and was the
only one I got, though I saw the species again at Bondoni.
I do not think that it is rare, but many of the Wood-Shrikes
are such adepts at concealing themselves in the thick bush,
that it is difficult to say to what extent they are distributed.

500 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

63. NiLAUs MINOR. Lesser Busli-Shrike.
Nilaus minoi' Sharpe.

Iris brown ; bill very dark slate-blue ; legs slate-coloured.

The Lesser Bush-Shrike was very shy and not often
seen. Specimens were obtained at the Thika River and at
Kibwezi.

64. Telephonus SENEGALENsis. Red-winged Bush-Shrikc.
Telephonus seneyalensis Shelk^y.

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs slate-coloured.

Specimens of the Red-winged Bush-Shrike were obtained
near the Athi River. It was always found amongst the
densest underwood and jungle, and, if I managed to flush
it, would fly with two or three harsh metallic notes to the
nearest available cover. One which I shot had in its bill a
very large red beetle.

65. Drvoscopus funebris. Slate-backed Bush-Shrike.
Dryoscojjus funebris Rcichen.

Iris brow n ; bill and legs black.

This species was obtained only at Kibwezi. Its deep note,
like the sound of a Jew's harp, was there heard from the
thick Euphorbia-hu^h.

60. Drvoscopus .'ethiopicus. Ethiopian Bush-Shrike.

Dryoscopus cethiopicus (Gmel.).

Amongst all the sounds in the bush, nothing is more
striking than the note of the Ethiopian Bush-Shrike. It is
one of the most conspicuous and attractive to be heard any-
where, being full, round, metallic, and bell-like, in two
cadences. The male bird always calls first, and is so
quickly answered by the female that the hearer might
sup})Ose that all the notes were uttered by the same bird.
This was a common species wherever we went in East
Africa.

67. Drvoscopus suahklicus. Puff-backed Bush-Shrike.

Dryoscopus suahelicus Neum.

Iris red ; bill black.

A single female was shot at Nairobi.

Birds from British East Africa. 501

68. CrateRopus hypoleucus. White-bellied Babbler.

Crateropns h^jpoleucus Cab.

The White-bellied Babbler was common at Kallima Theki
and was always seen in large family parties, frequenting the
low bushes and trees in the dry dongas. When disturbed,
the birds will fly one after the other from tree to tree,
following each other almost in single file. They were very
noisy, and one which I kept alive for some weeks in a cage
would commence a kind of discordant chuckling at daybreak,
which it kept up throughout the day. I fed this bird on
caterpillars and insects, and I believe that if it had not been
rather heavily shot in the wing it would have lived, as it
became perfectly tame and confiding.

69. Pycnonotus layardi. Black-capped Bulbul.
Pyr.nonotus layardi Gurney.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.
Abundant everywhere.

70. Chlorocichla mombas^. Mombasa Bulbul.
Chlorocichla mombasce Shelley.

The Mombasa Bulbul, in my experience, Avas a rare bird,
and only one female was shot at Kibwezi, on April 7th.

71. Phylloscopus trochilus. Willow-Wren.
Phylloscopus trochilus (Linn.).

72. Hypolais pallida. Olivaceous Tree-Warbler.
Hypolais pallida (H. & E.).

Iris brown ; bill and legs dark brown.
The Olivaceous Tree-Warbler was very common every-
where.

73. AcROCEPHALUs PHRAGMiTis. Sedge- Warbler.
Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechst.).

This species was shot at the Gerei River and Kallima
Theki, but I did not see it at Naivasha.

74. Sylviella jacksoni. Jackson^s Bush- Warbler.
Sylviella jacksoni Sharpe.

Jackson^s Bush-Warbler was not often seen and only ia
the thickest scrub.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2l

502 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

75. Apalis neglectus. Alexander's Bush-Warbler.

Apalis neglectus (Alexander).

A single male of this species was shot at Ol-Donyo-Erok
on April 15th ; it was a solitary bird and was seen creeping
about in the tall grass.

7Q. Camaroptera chrysocnemis. Abyssinian Green-
backed Bush-Warbler.

Camaroptera chrysocnemis (Licht.).

Bill blackish ; feet and legs dull red.

Apparently not uncommon near Nairobi and thence along
the Athi River; specimens were also obtained near Kallima
Theki.

77. Calamocichla jacksoni.

Only one specimen was obtained, at Naivasha.

78. Calamonastes simplex. Brown Bush- Warbler.
Calamonnstes simplex Heugl.

The Brown Bush-Warbler was obtained singly in a
good many places, though I never found it very common
anywhere.

79. Phyllolais pulchella. Hinde's Bush-Warbler.
Phyllolais pulchella Hartl.

Bill yellowish ; legs brown.

Only two specimens of Hinde's Bush-Warbler were shot —
both in the scrub near the 01 Gerei lliver.

80. Prinia mystacea. Tawny-flanked Grass- War bier.
Prinia mystacea lliipp.

Iris light brown; bill and legs brown.

81. CisTicoLA cuRviRosTRis. Brown Fantail-Warbler.
Cisticola curvirostris Sharpe.

Iris dark hazel ; bill yellowish ; legs light brown.
This common species was seen everywhere.

82. Cisticola nuchalis. Reichenow's Fantail-Warbler.
Cisticola nuchalis Reichenow.

At Kallima Theki, where this species was not uncommon,

Birds from British East Africa. 503

two or three pairs were always hopping about iu the bushes
close to our tents and were absurdly tame ; on one occasion
a little Warbler, which I think was of this species, flew to a
gauze cage in which were some small lizards, and, clinging
to the side, endeavoured to get at the flies which I had put
in for the lizards to feed on. They had, no doubt, seen
them from the bush close by.

83. CisTicoLA sTRAXGii. Strauge's Fantail- Warbler.
Cisticola strangei Sharpe.

Bill light brown; legs light brown.
Abundant everywhere.

84. Cisticola hindii. Hinde's Fantail-Warbler.
Cisticola hindei Sharpe.

Hinde's Fantail-Warbler was widespread and frequented
the long grass in the more open country. It has a fairly
strong flight and a very distinctive sharp note.

85. Cisticola rufa. Fraser's Grass- Warbler.
Cisticola rufa (Hartl.).

Fraser's Grass-Warbler was rather rare, and only two
examples were shot.

86. Melocichla orientalis. Sharpens Large Grass-
Warbler.

Melocichla orientalis Sharpe.

I suspect that Sharpe's Large Grass-Warbler is commoner
than I thought, but I only identified it twice, and it is repre-
sented in the collection by a single example which was found
caught in one of my small mouse-traps at Theki. I was
seldom able to identify any of the smaller Warblers until I
returned to England, and it was difficult to take any notes
of the habits of a bird when I did not know whether I had
seen it previously or not, and equally difficult, when so many
species are much alike, to know whether I had got a specimen
before — as, owing to our being continually on the move,
every skin had to be packed up directly it was dried.

2l2

504 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

87. Erithacus gutturalis. White-throated Robin.
Ei-ithacus gutturaHs (Guerin).

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

The White-throated Robin was not often noticed owing to
its shy retiring habits; it was always seen creeping about in
the thickly-tangled undergrowth of the small ravines and
dongas. Two males and a female were shot at Kallima
Theki.

88. Myrmecocichla cryptoleuca. Mountain Chat.
MyrmecocichJa cryptoleuca Sharpe.

The Mountain Chat was a conspicuous bird at Naivasha,
where it was very common, generally in pairs, on the rough
ground at the east side of the lake ; they were tame and
fearless, and had a rapid flight, but never went far at a
time.

89. Pratincola axillaris. West-African Stonechat.
Pratincolu axillaris Shelley.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.

The West-African Stonechat was only obtained at
Naivasha.

90. Monticola saxatilis. Rock-Tlnush.
Monticola saxatilis (Linn.).

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

The Rock-Thrush was common at Kallima Theki.

91. Monticola rufocinkreus. Abyssinian Rock-Thrush.
Monticola rufocinereus (Riipp.).

A female was shot at Naivasha on March 9th.

92 Saxicola schalowi. Schalow's Wheatear.

Saxicola schalowi Fischer & Reichen.

I only met with this Chat at Naivasha, where it was the
commonest species of Wheatear and always to be found
perched conspicuously on a stone or rock, restlessly opening
and shutting its wings and flirting its tail or alternately
raising and depressing its whole bjdy.

Birds from British East Africa. 505

93. Saxicola morio. Siberian Pied Chat.
Saxicola morio Hempr. & Ehr.

The Siberian Pied Chat was not an uncommon species in the
open bush near the Athi River, and wherever a bit of ground
had been burnt by a forest fire we were sure to see several
individuals. It was always very shy and difficult to approach,
not flying far at a time, but just keeping out of gunshot.

94. THAMNOLiEA suBRUFiPENNis. White-shouldcred Bush-
Chat.

Tliamnolcea subrufipennis Reichen.

Iris brown; bill and legs black.

A pair of White-shouldered Bush-Chats were breeding in
the cleft of a rock on the side of a bushy kopje near Kallima
Theki. I was unable to get down to the nest^ but I repeat-
edly saw both male and female birds fly into the hole, and
on one occasion the female carried in a small grub in her
beak : so no doubt there were young ones.

It had a very sweet song, and the cock-bird would sit on a
projecting rock above the nest singing beautifully ; but it
was very shy, and if I made the slightest movement would
at once dive off" into the thick foliage below.

95. CossYPHA HEUGLiNi. Vou Hcuglin's Chat-Thrush.
Cossypha heuglini Hartl.

Von Heuglin's Chat-Thrush was sparingly met with along
the Athi River, but was very difficult to procure owing to its
shy retiring habits and the thick undergrowth in which it
lives. Occasionally I came upon it scratching for insects in
the open ground, whence it would immediately fly to the
nearest cover.

96. Cossypha iol^ma. East- African Chat-Thrush.
Cossypha iolama Reichen.

Only obtained once on Kapiti Plains, on March 26th.

97. Erythropygia brunxeiceps. Brown-headed Chat-
Thrush.

Erythropygia brunneiceps Reichen.
Iris brown ; bill and legs dusky.

506 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

The Brown-beaded Chat-Thrush was a commou species at
Kallima Theki, and a long series, which shewed a consider-
able amount of variation, was obtained.

98. Bradyornis pumilio. Grey Robin-Shrike.
Bradyornis pumilio Sharpe.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

A secretive, lurking bird, always difficult to obtain, of
which only two examples were shot, both at Kallima Theki.

99. Bradyornis grisea.
Bradyornis grisea Reichen.

Examples of this common bird were obtained on the Athi
River and at Kapiti.

100. Bradyornis ater. Black Flycatcher.
Bradyornis ater Sundev.

Bill and legs black.

Widely distributed, but in my experience an uncommon
species.

101. DioPTRouxis FiscHERi. Fisclicr's Robin-Shrike.
Dioptrurnis jischeri Fischer & Reichen.

Iris brown; bill horn-blue; feet black.
Fischer's Robin-Shrike was fairly common wherever we
went, in suitable localities.

102. Batis puella. Sylph-like Flycatcher.
Batis piiella Reichen.

Bill and legs black.

This Flycatcher was seen amongst the tops of the tall trees.
It had a harsh, rather discordant little song, and seemed to
be of a quarrelsome disposition, as I saw it fly out and
attack another of its own species, almost in the same way as
a Drongo or Shrike would.

103. Terpsiphone suahelica. East-African Paradise
Flycatcher.

Terpsiphone perspicillata suahelica Reichen.
Iris brown, eyelids blue ; bill and legs slate-coloured.
The Paradise Flycatcher was generally obtained amongst
high trees and always in the vicinity of water.

Birds from British East Africa. 507

lot. MuscicAPA GRisoLA. Spotted Flycatcher.

Muscicapa grisola Linn.

A common species everywhere.

105. BucHANGA AssiMiLis. African Drongo.
Buchanga assimilis (Bechst.).

Iris red ; bill and legs black.

We generally saw the Drongo in open forest-country, but
except by the Thika River it was rather scarce. It was
always conspicuous, sitting at the end of a dead bough, from
which it would make short flights to catch the passing
insectSj and return immediately to its perch ; it has a harsh
rather grating note.

106. CoTiLE PALUDicoLA. Soutli-Af ricau Sand-Martin.
Cotile paludicola Tristr.

Iris brown; bill dark brown; feet light brown.

Common at Naivasha, where it was breeding in the rocky
cliffs on the east side of the Lake ; also obtained at the
Gerei River.

107. HiRUNuo RUSTicA. Commou Swallow.
Hirundo rustica Linn.

Large flocks of H. rustica appeared on the Kapiti Plains
in the fourth week of March, all on northward migration.

108. Hirundo puella. Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow.
Hirundo puella Temm. & Sch.

The Smaller Stripe-breasted Swallow was not uncommon
at two or three of our camps on the Athi.

109. Hirundo emini. Erain's Swallow.
Hirundo emini Reichen.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

This fine Swallow was common at Naivasha, where it was
breeding under the eaves of the hotel, though on March 14th
none of the nests contained eggs. At Kallima Theki in
the middle of April a pair were building in the kitchen at
Sir Alfred Pease's house, and were quite undisturbed by the
constant coming and going. I shot one at a little rain-pool

508 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

in the middle of the flat Kapiti Plains, which had its mouth
full of soft mud ; it must have been fully seven miles away
from any possible breeding-place, and the rate of flight
must be very rapid to have enabled this bird to reach its
nest before the mud it was carrying had become too hard
to use.

110. Ptyonoprogne RUFiGULA. Fischer's Rock-Martiu.
Ptyonoprogne rufigula (Salvad.).

This species was only seen at Kapiti, where great numbers
were breeding on ledges in caves, but none of the nests I was
able to reach had eggs on April 17th.

111. PsALiDOPRocxE MASSAICA. Masai Rough- winged
Swallow.

PsaUdoprocne massaica Neumann.

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs brown.

The Masai Rough- winged Swallow was a rare bird, and
the only place where I met with it was in a little open glade
amidst thick forest near the Thika. At this spot a number
of these little Swallows were flying backwards and forwai'ds,
and three or four were shot, but it was dithcult to avoid
damaging them as they are very delicate. We camped not
very far from this locality, and on going back to the little
clearing the following day I found the Swallows still
hawking backwards and forwards and yet not a trace of one
to be seen anywhere else. There must have been a very
large and unlimited supply of insects just there.

112. PsALiDOPROCNE ALBicEPS. White -headed Rough-
winged Swallow.

PsaUdoprocne albiceps Sclater.

This is supposed to be a scarce species in East Africa, but
I found it rather commonly distributed, and examples were
obtained at the Thika, Kallima Theki, and Bondoni. It was
seen singly and in small flocks.

113. Upupa AFRicANA. South-Africau Hoopoe.
Upupa africana Bechst.

Iris brown ; bill dark brown or black ; legs black.

Birds from British East Africa. 50!)

114. Iruisor erythrohhynchus. Ked- billed Wood-
Hoopoe.

Irrisor erythrorhynchus (Lath.) .

Iris brown ; bill red ; feet coral-red.

The Red-billed Wood- Hoopoes are not particularly shy
birds and I was twice able to watch them hunting for cater-
pillars and insects on the trunk and boughs of a large tree.
They run up and down the stem exactly like a Woodpecker
does, occasionally head downwards, and every now and then
give a kind of jump upwards, using the tail as a means
of support, but not their wings ; possibly this is the reason
why nearly all those we shot had ragged tails. We used to
see them in flocks of from six to eight, or less, and when
leaving a tree they hardly ever all fly off together, but
generally singly. They are very noisy birds, which chatter
loudly, and are said to possess a very disagreeable smell,
but 1 never detected anything the least unpleasant.

115. Rhinopomastus CABANisi. Cabanis's Wood-Hoopoe.
Rhinopomastus cabanisi de Fil.

Iris brown; bill yellow, tip black; legs black.

Cabanis's Wood-Hoopoe was a rare bird and only seen on
one occasion, when one was shot out of a little flock of four
which flew out of a tree near the Gerei River; the remaining
three were very shy and would not let me approach within
gunshot again ; it has an undulating dipping flight like a
Bee-eater, and the flock that I pursued were silent.

116. Cypselus APFiNis. Wliitc-rumped Swift.
Cypselus ajinis Socage.

Bill and legs black.

The White-rumped Swift was found breeding on the
precipices of Longonot, near Naivasha, in company with
C. (jequatorialis. Their nests, which I was able to look into
with my glasses but not to reach, were apparently made
almost entirely of saliva ; at any rate they look distinctly
semitransparent and as if they were made out of horn ; they
were lined with feathers and I certainlv saw eggs in two

510 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

instances. Four or five nests were built touching each other
under a projecting bit of rock, and a few feet away would
be a cluster of three or four more.

117. Cypselus -SQUATORiALis. Great Equatorial Swift.
Cypselus ceguatorialis Miill.

The Great Equatorial Swifts were very abundant on one
cliff at Longonot, where they were breeding in company
with the previous species, C. afinis, but higher up the
precipice, and I was not able to see any of their nests.
They fly exceedingly rapidly, and having very tough skins
are hard to kill. The wing-measurements of my specimens
were 8*1 inches.

118. Caprimulgus fossil Mozambique Nightjar.
Caprimulgus fossil Hartert.

Iris brown; bill black; legs dark brown.
The Mozambique Nightjar was abundant round Lake
Naivasha, but was not met with anywhere else.

119. Caprimulgus FRENATUs. Salvadori's Nightjar.
Caprimulyus frenatiis Salvad.

A male specimen of Salvadori's Nightjar was shot one
evening flying round our tents at a camp on the Athi, and
the following day a pair of Nightjars, which I believe to have
been of this species, got up at my feet, but I was unable to
shoot them as I was just going to fire at a Waterbuck after
a long and critical stalk.

120. Caprimulgus europ^us. European Nightjar.
Caprimulgus europaus Linn.

This species was abundant on Kapiti Plains.

121. Caprimulgus lentiginosus. Freckled Nightjar.
Caprimulgus lentiginosus Smith.

Bill and legs dark brown.

This large Nightjar was observed in the thick brushwood
by the Thika River, but it was not very plentiful.

Birds from British East Africa. 511

122. Caprimulgus inornatus. Plain Nightjar.
Caprimulgus inornatus Heugl.

A pair of these birds were shot at Kallima Theki on
March 31st. They got up from some scrubby open ground
and I hoped that I might find the eggs, but a close search
revealed no sign of them. They look very small on the
wing and of quite a bright red colour.

123. CoRAciAs GARRULUs. European Roller,
Curacias garrulus L.

Iris brown; bill black; legs yellowish.

During a large prairie-fire on the Kauti Plains great
numbers of Rollers were attracted by the thousands of
disturbed insects, and together with innumerable Harriers,
Kestrels, and Eee-eaters flew in and out of the flames to
catch the prey. Otherwise we did not see this species very
frequently.

124. Merops apiaster. European Bee-eater.
Merops apiaster L.

Large flocks of Bee-eaters passed over our camp one
evening on the Kauti Plains, all flying in a northerly
direction. Two examples were shot and proved to be
M. apiaster. This was the only time this species was seen,
so far as I know.

125. Merops nubicus. Crimson-breasted Bee-eater.
Merops nubicus Grael.

Iris red ; bill and legs black.

This beautiful species was obtained at Kibwezi. It appears
to be distributed the whole way from the coast as far as Voi.
On my journey up, I saw it in several places sitting on the
telegraph-wires.

126. Melittophagus albifrons. White-fronted Bee-
eater.

Melittophagus albifrons (Cab. & Heine).
Iris red ; bill and legs black.

AVhite-fronted Bee-eaters were plentiful round the shores
of Lake Naivasha, alighting on the tops of the reeds that

512 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

fringed tlie lake-side. Tbey were extremely tame, and once
I stood within three yards of one while it made short flights
into the air, always returning to the same perch with,
certainly twice, an insect in its beak.

127. Melittophagus pusillus. Little Bee-eater.
Melittophagus pusillus (P. L. S. Mlill.).

Bill and legs black.
Fairly common.

128. Ceryle rudis. Pied Kingfisher.
Cerr/le rudis Linn.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

The Pied Kingfisher was constantly seen.

129. Halcyon sEMiCiERULEA. African Grey-headed King-
fisher.

Halcyon semiccerulea Riipp.
Iris brown ; bill and feet bright red.

We often saw this Kingfisher on tlic Thika and Athi
Rivers, but I did not notice it at Naivasha.

130. Halcyon chelicutensis. Striped Kingfisher.
Halcyon chelicutensis (Stanley).

Iris brown ; bill and legs red-brown.

The Striped Kingfisher was as often seen far away from
water as near it; when in the forest country its food is
entirely of insects. It was not at all uncommon.

131. CoRYTHORMs cYANosTiGMA. Malachitc-crcstcd King-
fisher.

Corythornis cyanostigma (Riipp.).
Iris brown ; bill and legs bright red.
Plentiful everywhere.

132. CoLius LEUccTis. Wliitc-cared Coly.
Colius leucotis Riipp.

Iris brown ; upper mandible dark brown, lower mandible
whitish ; legs red.

The White- eared Colv was common and we met with it

Birds from British East Africa. 513

wlierever we went. We invariably saw large family parties
of from seven to twelve, and when disturbed the whole Hock
would fly out of a bush together. Three that were shot con-
tained small larvae and a beetle, which proves that they are not
entirely fruit-eaters as some writers have said. They roost,
anyhow occasionally, head downwards and always touchinj^
each other. The Masai eat them and are very adept at
knocking them down with their " knob-kerries ^'' as they fly
from bush to bush ; partly on this account more live Colics
were brought to me by my " boys ^^ than any other bird,
and I have found them easy to keep in confinemeut both
abroad and in England.

133. BucoRAX ABYssiNicus. Ground-Hombill.
Bucorax abyssinicus (Bodd.).

Iris brown ; bill black, with red patch at base of upper
mandible ; wattles bright red ; skin round eye and bare part
of throat slaty blue; legs black.

The Abyssinian Ground-liornbill was by no means un-
common, and was generally seen in twos and threes ; at a
little distance its resemblance to a Turkey-cock is very
marked. The birds were very shy and difficult to approach.
I never saw them perching, but several times watched them
hunting for food on the ground, pecking at the earth with
their strong bills ; they are said to kill snakes, but I never
had the good fortune to see one do so.

134. Mesopicus ph^ocephalus. Blood-breasted Wood-
pecker.

Mesopicus phaocephalus (Swains.).
Iris brown ; bill black ; legs dark slate-coloured.
A female Blood-breasted Woodpecker was shot at Naivasha
on February 24th ; this was the only one obtained.

135. Thripias namaquus. Bearded Woodpecker.
Thripias namaquus Fischer.

We found the Bearded Woodpecker in small numbers
wherever we went.

514. Mr. G. H. Gurney on

136. Indicator indicator. Stripe-winged Honey-Guide.
Indicator indicator (Gm.).

Iris brown ; bill brown ; legs dark brown.

The Stripe-winged Honey-Giiide was obtained at several
of our camps on the Athi and also near Kibwezi. Near one
of them was a tall acacia-tree in which a swarm of bees
had their nest; there was always a Stripe-winged Honey-
Guide near this tree, and when one bird was shot another
would very soon take its place.

137. Indicator minor. Little Honey-Guide.
Indicator minor Steph.

Iris brown; bill and legs dark brown.

In my experience this was the scarcest of the Honey-
Guides that we saw, and only one specimen was shot, a male,
at a camp on the Gerei River,

138. Indicator major. Yellow-throated Honey-Guide.
Indicator major Steph.

Specimens were obtained near the Thika River and at
Ivallima Theki ; it was not very common. I generally met
with it amongst tall trees in open forest-country.

139. Lybius senex. Reichenow's Wiiite Barbet.
Lybius senex Rchw.

Bill and legs black.

Eeichenow's White Barbet was only seen once ; a male
was shot, sitting on a dead tree, at Kibwezi on April 7th.
I think that it is an uncommon species.

140. Barbatula jacksoni. Jackson's Barbet.
Barhatula jacksoni Sharpc.

Bill black ; iris brown ; feet slate-grey.
This pretty little Barbet was shot amongst some tall
gum-trees near the Club at Nairobi.

141. CucuLus cANORUs. European Cuckoo.
Cuculus canorus Linn.

142. Cuculus clamosus. Black Cuckoo.
(hiculus clarnosus Lath.

Iris brown ; bill dark brown; legs yellowish.

Birds from Britisli East Africa. 515

The Black Cuckoo was seen occasionally at Kallima Theki,
but it was very shy and only one example was shot ; it was
invariably seen amongst the small trees fringing the sides of
the dongas. It has a loud harsh note.

143. CoccvsTEs jACOBiNus. Black-and-Whitc Cuckoo.
Coccystes jacobinus Cab. & Heine.

Iris dark brown; bill brown; feet black.

This was the commonest Cuckoo at Theki, and might often
be seen near our camp, though it was always rather wild and
unapproachable. I have no note of seeing it anywhere else.

144. Coccystes CAFER. Le Vaillant's Cuckoo.
Coccystes cafer Sharpe.

Iris brown ; bill and legs dark brown. •

Only seen twice, on the Kapiti Plains ; both birds, which

were females, contained the remains of caterpillars in the

stomach.

145. Centropus superciliosus, White-eyebrowed Lark-
heeled Cuckoo.

Centropus superciliosus (II. & E.).

The White-eyebrowed Lark-heeled Cuckoo is only found
in the dense scrub and jungle fringing the edges of rivers
and lakes, amongst which it crawls about searching for food.
I met with it all along the Thika and also at Naivasha ; it
is nowhere rare, but not very often seen on account of its
skulking habits. The note is one of the most noticeable to
be heard in East Afiica, and sounds like water being poured
out of an inverted narrow -necked bottle. These birds run
at a great pace, like a Rail. I successfully brought one
home alive ; it was the first living specimen of C. superciliosus
to reach England : from the day that it was caught it was
perfectly tame and a most easy bird to keep, feeding vora-
ciously on insects, fruit, sopped bread, &c. In their wild
state this species is probably to a certain extent carnivorous :
mine prefers a dead bird or a mouse to anything else; and
the sharp, strong bill is well adapted for killing small
birds. An account of my tame Centropus appeared in the
* Avicultural Magazine ' for February 1909.

516 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

146. CoRYTHAix poRPHYREOLOPHA. Crimson-winged
Plantain-eater.

Corythaix porphyreolopha Smith.

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

The Crimson-winged Plantain-eater was local, but not
uncommon at some of our camps. It was always met with
in the larger trees, and I often heard its loud notes without
seeing the bird. It was one of the most striking species
that I met with ; and one of the prettiest natural-history
sights I saw in East Africa was when on one occasion
I watched four of them playing together in a large tree :
lor fully twenty minutes they chased each other, jumping
from bough to bough, flirting their tails, expanding their
wings, and shewing the rich crimson feathers ; all the time
uttering a low, not unpleasant call-note. A party of Masai
natives I met had some of their arrows adorned with the
crimson primaries of this species.

147. ScHizoRHis LEUCOGASTER, AVliite-belHed Plantain-
eater,

Schizorhis leucoguster (lUipp.).

The White-bellied Plantain-eater was more commonly
distributed than the last species, and it was noticed almost
Avherever we went, provided the country was sufficiently
forest-like to contain large trees, amongst which the birds
live, feeding on fruit and berries. Contrary to what most
writers have said, 1 almost always found them singly and
not in small flocks; in fact, I never saw more than three
together at a time. When sitting on a bough they keep
continually raising and lowering their crest, but owing to
their grey colour are very difficult to see.

148. Strix poensis. African Barn-Owl.
Strix poensis Fraser.

Iris black ; bill whitish yellow ; claws dark grey.
The only pair of Barn-Owls seen in East Africa were a pair
which were shot out of a small cave at Bondoni.

Birds from British East Africa. 517

149. Phasmoptynx capensis. African Short-eared Owl.
Phasmoptynx capensis Kaup.

Bill and claws very dark grey.

On the Kauti Plains this Short-eared Owl was rather
common, and we used to put it up out of the thin grass when
riding or walking across the flats ; it was never seen
perching on a tree. We did not find this species anywhere
else.

150. EuBO LACTEUs. Vcrrcaux's Eagle-Owl.
Bubo lac tens Temm.

Iris brown ; bill light greenish-grey ; feet white.

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl was not uncommon, and generally
seen by the sides of rivers amongst the tall trees. One day
we saw three Egyptian Kites mobbing one in a tree.

151. Bubo cineraceus. Cineraceous Eagle-Owl.
Bubo cineraceus Gu^r.

Bill and claws black.

This species was very common in the thickly wooded
dongas round Theki. I put five out of one small tree.

152. Scops capensis. Cape Scops Owl.
Scops capensis Smith.

Iris bright yellow ; bill light grey ; claws dark grey.

This species was only seen once. A female was shot,
sitting on the exposed bough of a tree in broad sunlight,
near the Athi River, on February 3rd. It was very small,
and I hoped would prove to be Scops Uganda ; however, it
was S. capensis, and was the only example of the species
which we got.

153. Falco biarmicus. African Lanner.
Falco biarmicus Temm.

Iris light brown ; bill yellow at base, tip blue ; feet
yellow.

The African Lanner was not uncommon, but very shy,
and seldom came within gunshot. Three examples were
obtained at Kallima Theki : two old males and an immature
female.

SER. IX, VOL. lit. 2 M

518 Mr. G. H. Gnrney on

154. Falco cuvieri. Cuvier's Falcon.
Fulco cuvieri Smith.

Iris brown ; bill dark slate-coloured ; legs yellow.

Cuvier's Falcon was decidedly rare. A female was shot
as it flew high over the Hotel garden at Nairobi, but the
species was never seen again.

155. TiNNUNCULUs ALAUDARius. Common Kestrel.
Tinnunculus aiaudarius Linn.

Not at all common in my experience, and only obtained

at Naivasha.

156. Tinnunculus cknchris. Lesser Kestrel.
Tinnunculus cenchris Naumann.

Iris dark brown ; bill light blue, yellow at base, tip
black ; feet yellow.

Great numbei's of Lesser Kestrels were attracted by a
large prairie fire which broke out near our camp on the
Kauti Plains, and it was extraordinary to watch them flying
repeatedly through the dense clouds of smoke right into the
flames in order to catch the insects. They were common
elsewhere.

157. Haliaetus vocifer. Vociferous Sea-Eagle.
Haliaetus vocifer (Daud.).

Iris yellow-brown ; bill black, yellow at base ; legs
whitish-yellow.

The Vociferous Sea-Eagle was common at Naivasha, and
was also constantly seen perched on the tops of tall trees
by rivers. A nest which I believe to have belonged to this
species was passed one day near the Thika. I had no
opportunity of getting up to it, but from below it appeared
a very large structure.

158. Helotarsus ecaudatus. Bateleur Eagle.
Helotarsus ecaudatus Gray.

Bill black ; iris brown ; feet coral-red.
Not uncommon near Kallima Theki.

Birds from British East Africa. 519

159. BuTEo AUGUR. Augur Buzzard.
Buteo augur Riipp.

Iris brown ; cere yellow ; bill blacky yellow at base ; legs
whitish-yellow.

A common species, but, like all the larger Hawks, of
extreme wariness. A pair were breeding in a cleft in one
of the precipices on the far side of Longonot.

160. MiLvus iEGYPTius. Ycllow-billed Kite.
Milvus (Bfjijptms (Gmel.).

Iris hazel ; bill and legs yellow.

Contrary to the habits of all the other Hawks, this Kite,
which was very common, was extraordinarily tame. At
several of our camps on the Athi it was always soaring
round or sitting on the trees near, and would even fly down
to where Mr. Groves was skinning birds and pick up bits of
meat at his feet.

161. Milvus migrans. Black Kite.
Milvus migrans Strickl.

Iris pale greyish-yellow ; bill black, yellowish at base ;
feet yellow.

Certainly not obtained often, and, I think, not seen very
frequently. It appeared to me to be rather rare.

162. Elan us c^ruleus. Black-shouldered Kite.
Elanus cceruleus (Desf.).

Iris crimson ; bill black, yellow at base ; legs yellow.

Obtained at Naivasha and Kallima Theki. At the latter
place it was fairly common, and two or three might often
be seen sitting on the top of a tree, from which they would
keep a sharp look-out all round. It was not particularly
shy, and it was generally easy to get within gunshot. An
individual which I tipped in the wing and kept alive for some
weeks preferred insects and grasshoppers for food to birds
or mice.

163. Circus iERUGiNosus. Marsh-Harrier.
Circus (Bruginosus Savign.

Iris yellow ; feet yellow ; claws black.
The Marsh-Harrier was very common at Lake Naivasha.

2m 2

520 Mr. G. H. Gurnev on

1G4, Circus macrurus. Pallid Harrier.

Circus macrurus (S. G. Gm.).

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs yellow.

The Pallid Harrier was not infrequently seen hawking
over the plains of Theki ; it was also obtained on the Kauti
Plains, and is probably distributed all over East Africa.

165. Circus cineraceus. Montagu's Harrier.
Circus cineraceus Cuv.

Iris hazel ; bill black ; legs yellow.
A common species everywhere.

166. Circus ranivorus. Le Vaillant's Harrier.
Circus ranivorus Cuv.

Iris yellow ; feet light yellow.

Le Vaillant's Harrier was not often seen, and was rather
a rare bird. A female was shot flying along a stream on
the Athi Plains late one evening. The stomach contained
the remains of a half -digested lizard.

167. Neophron monachus. Eared Vulture.

Neophron monachm Jard. & Selby.

Iris dark brown ; bill horn-coloured, greenish black at
base; feet grey-blue.

168. Phalacrocorax LUciDUs. South-African Cormorant.
Phalacrocorax lucidus (Licht.).

Iris green ; bill yellow and black ; legs black.

This species was very common at Lake Naivasha, and was
breeding among the branches of some partly submerged
trees a mile or so out in the Lake. I rowed out to this
" rookery " one day, and found about sixty nests containing
eggs and young birds in all stages of growth, from nestlings
a day old to big feathered young ones which flopped out of
the nests into the water at my approach and immediately
dived. The nests were large structures of sticks, and were
slightly lined with a few feathers ; none of them con-
tained more than two young, though one had three eggs.
A slight " bottom '' of grass and weeds had formed amongst

Birds from British East Africa. 521

the trees, and I was able to get out of the boat and
climb about amongst the nests. "When I did so, the old
Cormorants flew anxiously overhead and the young birds
" cawed " loudly, while a flock of eight or ten White
Egrets and some Ibises kept hovering near, furious at the
invasion of their sanctuary. I believe that it has never been
satisfactorily determined whether there are any fishes or not
in Naivasha : none of the fish-eating birds which I shot
there — i.e., Herons, Cormorants, Kingfishers, and Pelicans —
ever contained fishes in their stomachs, but remains of
frogs, four or five species of which are very common in
the Lake ; and though I looked most carefully, and tried
with nets and lines, I never could catch or see any sign
offish ; and yet it seems inconceivable that such vast numbers
of large birds should subsist entirely on frogs, neither does
it seem likely that they go to another place for their food.
My idea is that the fish keep to the deep pools in the
middle of the lake, and so are seldom seen, and that therefore
it is supposed that there are none ; but it seems strange
that none of the inhabitants of the locality should ever have
seen one, dead or alive.

169. Plotus levaillanti. African Darter.

Plotus levaillanti Licht.

Iris brown ; bill dusky brown ; legs black.

Darters were common on the Athi and the Thika, and I
had many opportunities of watching these most quaint birds.
Their habit of sitting on a rock with wings extended, basking
in the sun, is well known ; but sometimes they lie flat down
on their breasts with wings spread out, as if to get still more
sun. Their flight is rather strong and very rapid ; and
I think that they feed almost entirely by night. On one
occasion, while watching an individual sitting on a sloping
rock in the river, I was much amused to see a large turtle
crawl up on to the stone and, with head and neck stretched
out, look most comically at the apparently unsuspecting
Darter ; gaining confidence, it advanced further, and literally
pushed the unoff"ending bird ofi".

522 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

170. Pelecanus onocrotalus. White Pelican.
Felecanus onocrotalus Gmel.

Iris deep hazel-red ; base of upper and lower mandible
deep slate-coloured; sides of upper maudible light yellow
with streaks of red^ edge bright red, tip coral-red ; pouch
gamboge-yellow.

There were two or three large flocks of this Pelican on
Lake Naivasha. They were extremely wary and shy, but,
by hiding up in the thick papyrus-reeds near a sandbank
on which they sat, I was able to bag one with a rifle. Every
evening they would soar in a long straggling line to an
immense height in the air. The pouch and stomach of the
one which 1 shot were empty.

There was another smaller species of Pelican on the lake
and some Flamingos ; but I was not able to shoot specimens
of either of them, and could not determine to what species
they belonged.

171. Leptoptilus crumeniferus. African Marabout.
Leptoptilus crumeniferus Lath.

Bill dirty green; legs black.

It was always a source of interest to me to watch the
Marabouts assembling when I had shot a beast. The
first tiny black specks which appeared in the sky would
generally turn out to be these great Storks ; the Vultures
came later. And then, again, in the evening we watched them
standing like sentinels on the tops of the trees, gazing at the
novv whitened skeleton beneath them. The settlers shoot
numbers of them for the sake of their feathers.

172. Scopus umbretta. Hammerhead Stork.
Scopus umbretta (Gmel.).

Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

A nest of this species, which we found in a small mimosa-
tree at Kallima Theki, was an immense structure of sticks,
measuring very nearly six feet across. Several of the
Hammerheads that I shot contained in their stomachs small
spotted frogs.

173. Ardea purpurea. Purple Heron.
Ardea purpurea Linn.

Birds from British East Africa. 523

174. Ardea melanocephala. Black-necked Heron.
Ardea melanocephala Shelley.

Iris yellow; bill black, lower mandible yellow-green; legs
greenish-brown.

The Black-necked Heron was common at NaivasLa.

175. Ardea ralloides. Squacco Heron.
Ardea ralloides lleichen.

Iris yellow ; bill yellowish ; legs dark green.

176. Nycticorax griseus. Night-Heron.
Nycticorax griseus L.

The Night-Heron was not seen at Naivasha, b«t was
obtained on a small stream near the Athi.

177. Ardea pusilla. Red-necked Little Bittern.
Ardea pusilla Vieill.

Iris yellow; upper mandible blacky lower mandible
greenish ; legs greenish-yellow.

This species is probably commoner than might be supposed,
but owing to its skulking habits it is seldom seen. A
female was shot at a small pool on the Athi Plains on
Feb. 14th.

178. Herodias alba. Great White Heron.
Herodias alba Gray.

Iris yellow ; bill yellow ; legs greenish.

179. Mesophovx brachyrhyncha. Little Egret.
Mesophoyx brachyrhijncha Sharpe.

The Little Egret was very common at Naivasha.

180. BuBULCus LuciDus. BuflF-backcd Heron.
Bubulcus lucidus (Rafinesque).

Iris yellow; bill yellowish; legs dark green.

181. BuTORiDEs ATRicAPiLLUS. African Black-headed
Heron.

Butondes atricapillus (Afz.).

Iris yellow; upper mandible black, lower yellow-green;
legs yellow and brown.

This little Heron was not uncommon on the small streams

524 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

near Kallima Theki, perchiuff ou the projecting roots of a
tree under the river's bank, always shy and shunning
observation. My great wish to bring examples of this
species alive to England was not realized ; the only individual
that I obtained alive died in a very few days.

182. Ibis ^thiopica. Sacred. Ibis.
Ibis (Bthiopica (Lath,).

Iris red-brown ; bill and legs black.

The commonest species of Ibis at Naivasha.

183. Hagedashia hagedash. Hadadah Ibis.
Hagedashia hagedash Shelley.

Iris brown ; upper mandible red along the top ridge,
remainder and lower mandible dusky green.

We saw small parties of the Hadadah Ibis standing and
feeding among the sandbanks on the Thika River. A
number roosted in some tall trees near one of our camps and
would return regularly each evening nearly at the same time
from their feeding-grounds and with a great deal of noise
settle themselves on their favourite perches for the night.

184. Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis.
Plegadis falcinellus (Linn.).

The Glossy Ibis was common at Lake Naivasha, but was
observed nowhere else.

185. Platalea alba. African Spoonbill.
Platalea alba Scop.

Iris black ; bill and skin in front of face rosy-pink.

A single specimen of the African Spoonbill was shot as it
flew over my head at Naivasha ; it was not at all common
and I never saw another on the Lake.

186. Plectropterus gambensis. Spur-winged Goose.
Plectropterus gambensis Steph.

Iris brown ; bill pinkish ; legs dusky pink.

The Spur- winged Goose was shot on the Athi and large
numbers were seen at Naivasha. Its flesh is coarse and
tasteless.

Birds from British East Africa. 525

187. Sarcidiornis africana. Knob-billed Duck.
Sarcidiornis africana Strickl.

Iris dark brown ; legs and feet dark plumbeous.

188. Chenalopex ^egyptiaca. Egyptian Goose.
Chenalopex agyptiaca (Linn.).

Iris yellow-brown ; bill purplish-pink ; legs light pink.

189. Anas undulata. Yellow-billed Teal.
Anas undulata Dubois.

Iris brown ; bill yellow, patch on culmen black ; legs black.
The commonest Duck wherever we went in East Africa
and excellent for eating.

190. QuERQUEDULA ciRCiA. Gargancy.
Querquedula circia (Linn.).

Iris brown ; bill slate-coloured ; legs dusky.

191. Querquedula hottentotta. Hottentot Teal.
Querquedula hottentotta Smith.

Bill dark slate-blue ; legs black.

192. PfficiLONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. Crimson-biUed
Duck.

Poecilonetta erythrorhynclia (Gmel.).

Iris brown ; bill purplish-piuk ; legs black.

A fairly plentiful species at Naivasha.

193. Thalassornis leuconotus. White-backed Duck.

Thalassornis leuconotus Eyt.

Iris dark brown ; bill dusky ; legs black.

The White-backed Duck was comparatively scarce at
Naivasha when I was there, and was very shy and difficult to
approach ; only two specimens were obtained.

194. CoLUMBA guinea. South- African Speckled Pigeon.
Columba guinea Salvad.

Iris orange ; bill black ; legs light red.

195. TuRTUR lugens. Red-eyed Turtle-Dove.
Turtur lugens (Riipp.).

The Red-eyed Turtle-Dove was obtained at Kapiti, but

526 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

was not at all common. We always met with it in very dense
scrubs where it was hard to see^ as it was shy and quickly
disappeared from view.

196. TuRTUR DAMARENsis. Damara Turtle-Dove.
Turtur damarensis Finsch.

Iris orange-brown ; bill black ; legs reddish.

197. Chalcopelia CHALCospiLos. Emerald-spotted Wood-
Dove.

Chalcopelia chalcospilos Bp.
Iris brown ; bill and legs dull red.

The Emerald .spotted Wood-Dove was not uncommon,
generally near water, amongst thick forest bush.

198. Pterocles gutturalis. Yellow-throated Sand-
Grouse.

Pterocles gutturalis Smith.

Iris brown ; bill and legs dark grey.

The large packs of Yellow-throated Sand-Grouse which
frequented the Kapiti Plains were generally tame and
allowed me to approach quite close before they got up, when
they would fly a very short distance and settle again. On
the Athi Plains and all along the Atlii River, where no doubt
they have been much shot at, they were unapproachable
and wild.

199. Prancolinus hildebrandti. Hildebrandt's Fraucolin.
Francolinus hildebrandti Cab.

Iris brown ; upper mandible dusky brown, lower mandible
red ; feet coral -red.

Hildebrandt^s Francolin was only obtained on the west side
of Lake Naivasha amongst the thick scrub and rocks. It
was a very shy bird and difficult to obtain, but is probably
not very uncommon there, though, owing to the difficulty of
flushing it, it is seldom seen. Like all the Francolins, it
is a tremendous runner and trusts to its legs to escape
observation.

Birds from British East Africa. 527

200. Francolinus uluensis. Ulu Francolin.
Francolinus uluensis Grant.

Iris brown; legs yellow.

This was the commonest of the Francolins at Kallima Theki,
and reminded me very much of the English Partridge. It
lives in small coveys among the long grass in the dry dongas
and ravines and squats very close. One, which a native
brought me alive, after three weeks of captivity, was still so
wild that I could do nothing with it and had to let it go.
The birds are excellent eating.

201. Francolinus schdetti. Schuett's Francolin.
Francolinus schuetti Fischer.

Iris brown ; bill and legs bright orange.

A single specimen of Schuett's Francolin was obtained
amongst thick bush at Kapiti. It was perching on the
bough of a small tree. The species was not seen again.

202. Pternistes infuscatus. Cabanis's Bare-throated
Francolin.

Pternistes infuscatus Cab.

Iris brown ; bill dark brown ; throat and face deep red,
neck yellow; feet very dark brown.

Cabanis's Bare-throated Francolin was rather scarce by
the Athi River, but at Kallima Theki it was common, and
was seen in company with F. uluensis.

203. NuMiDA REicHENowi. Common Helmeted Guinea-
fowl.

204. Turn IX hottentotta. South-African Hemipode.
Turnix hottentotta Layard.

A fairly common species, but very seldom seen, owing to
the great difficulty of making it fly, for if once flushed it
is almost impossible to make it take to flight again. On
January 30th I walked over an old bird, which immediately
fluttered ofl" with an apparently broken wing. After a few
moments' search I found a nest containing four young ones,
which at once scattered in all directions. The nest was
a very slight depression in the ground, merely lined with

528 Mr. G. H. Gurney on

some dead pieces of grass. The chicks were exactly like
young Quails, aud could not have been hatched more than
a couple of days.

205. LiMNOCORAX NIGER. Black Rail.
Limnocorax niger (Gmel.).

Iris red ; bill yellow-green ; legs coral-red.

The Black Rail was very common at Naivasha, and was
also obtained in a small stream at Bondoni. It is a
charming little bird, easily tamed. I kept one, which had
been snared by a native, alive for nearly two mouths, but
lost it on the voyage home.

206. Gallinula chloropus. Water-hen.
Gallinula chloropus Lath.

207. PoRPHYRio smaragdonotus. Green-backed Purple
Gallinule.

Porphyria smaragdonotus (Tcmra.).

Very plentiful at Naivasha. I caught three in tiny rat-
traps baited with bits of meat, and brought one alive to
England.

208. Fulica cristata. Crested Coot.
Fulica cristata Gmel.

Iris red ; bill slaty-blue ; top of head bluish, comb red-
brown ; legs bluish-black.

Immense numbers of Crested Coots live in the thick belts
of papyrus round Lake Naivasha.

209. Balearica gibbericeps. Crowned Crane.
Balearica gibbericeps Reichen.

210. Otis CiERULEScENS. Blue-necked Bustard.
Otis carulescens Vieill.

Iris yellow-brown ; upper mandible dark brown, lower
mandible yellow ; legs yellowish-white.

All round Kallima Theki the Blue-necked Bustards were
common in parties of four or five. They are difficult birds
to flush, as they continually keep running on ahead, carrying

Birds from British East Africa. 529

tliemselvcs very low in the grass and hoping thus to escape
observation : tliey always rise singly and when they get up
utter a harsh note, which sounds like " kuk-pa-wow,"
repeating it several times as they fly away.

211. LissoTis MELANOGASTER. Black-bcllied Bustard.
Lissotis melanogaster Reichen.

Upper mandible slate-coloured, lower mandible yellowish;
legs yellowish-white.

The Black-bellied Bustard was common from the Athi
River across the Kauti Plains to the Thika River, but was
not seen at Naivasha or at Kallima Theki.

212. EupoDOTis KORi. The Kori Bustard or Paauw.
Eupodotis hori Burch,

More oftener seen than shot, the Paauw was always shy .
occasionally a well-placed bullet would lay one low. The
flesh is very coarse and unpalatable.

213. OEdicnemus capensis. South-African Thick-knee.
(Edicnemus capensis Reicheu.

Iris yellow; bill black, yellow at base; legs light yellow.

A fairly common species at Theki, where one day I
found a single young one squatting by itself in the middle
of the sandy plain : both old birds, which had evidently run
ahead, got up about fifty yards away, but though I searched
most carefully I could find no traces of the other young
ones.

214. OEdicnemus vermiculatus. Vermiculated Thick-knee.
(Edicnemus vermiculatvs Cab.

Iris yellow ; bill black ; feet pale green.

215. CuRsoRius chalcopterus. Bronze-winged Courser.

Cursorius chalcopterus Reichen.

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs whitish pink.

Three of these rare Coursers were seen on April 12th
near the Gerei River and two were shot. They were the
only individuals which I saw. Perhaps later, during the
rainy season, they may be commoner.

530 Mr. G. H. Gurney oti

216. Parra africana. African Jacana.
Parra africana Gmel.

Iris brown; bill of a blue-slate colour; forehead and crown
pale blue ; legs greenish slaty.

The large African Jacana was quite common at Naivasha
and was always an interesting bird to watch. On the
unfrequented and little-visited west side of the Lake it
was extraordinarily tame, and on several occasions I lay in
the boat with two or more Jacanas within four yards of
me, quite unconscious of my presence, engrossed in walking
about on the water-lily leaves, which they kept continually
turning over with their beaks in search of insects. They
fly readily and strongly, with their loug legs held straight
out behind them.

217. Parra capensis. Losser African Jacana.
Parra capensis Smith.

Iris light hazel ; bill yellowish brown ; legs greenish
brown.

A scarce l)ird, of which only one example was obtained at
Lake Naivasha ; it jjrobahly keeps rather apart from the
large Jacanas. The one shot was running about on the
water-lily leaves and was quite tame.

218. IloPLOPTERUs spiNosus. Spur-wingcd Plover.
Hoplopterus spinosus (Linn.) .

Iris red ; bill and legs black.

219. Stephanibyx coronatus. Crowned Lapwing.
Stephanibyx corunatus (Bodd.).

Iris yellow ; bill black, red at base.

Not uncommon on the plains near Naivasha, but shy
and difficult to approach. It is very noisy, and keeps in
little flocks of three or four.

220. ^GiALiTis pecuaria. Kittlitz's Sand-Plover.
jEgialitis pecuaria Strickl.

Iris very dark brown ; legs bluish black.

Birds from British East Africa. 531

221. OxYECHUS TRicoLLARis. Treblc-collared Sand-
Plover.

Oxrjechus tricollaris (Vieill.).

Iris brown, eyelids scarlet; bill bluish- black; feet yellowish.
The Treble-collared Saud-Plover was mostly found in
small rivers and streams, generally singly or in pairs.

222. OcHTHODROMUS AsiATicus. Asiatic Dotterel.
Ochtlwdromus asiaticus (Pall.).

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs greenish grey.

The Asiatic Dotterel was very common and generally
seen in large flocks. Unless it had been previously fired
at, it was extraordinarily tame. Nine were killed with
one shot out of a flock sitting on the ground. I kept some
individuals of this species in captivity for several weeks, but
was doubtful if I could bring them home, owing to their
requiring such an enormous quantity of live insects ; they
would not touch anything else, but greedily devoured as
many grasshoppers and beetles as I could give them.

223. HiMANTopus HiMANTOPUs, Black-wiugcd Stilt.
Himantopus himantopus (Linn.).

Iris red ; bill black ; legs pinkish.

224. ToTANus sTAGNATiLis. Marsh-Saudpipcr.
Totanus stagnatilis (Bechst.).

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs dull greenish.
Common at Naivasha.

225. Tringoides hypoleucus. Common Sandpiper.
Tringoides fnjpoleucus (Linn.).

Common on all the rivers and streams, but not observed
at Naivasha.

226. Rhyacophilus glareola. Wood- Sandpiper.
Rhijacophilus glareola (Licht.).

Iris brown ; bill black ; legs blackish-green.

227. Gallinago gallinago. Common Snipe.
Gallinago gallinago (Licht.).

A single specimen of the Common Snipe was shot at
Naivasha.

532 Annual General Meeting of the B. O. U.

228. Gallinago nigripennis. Black-quilled Snipe.
Gallinago nigropennis Bp.

Bill dark brown ; legs greenish black.
The Black-quilled Snipe was very common at Lake
Naivasha.

229. Larus PHiEOCEPHALUs. Grey-headed Gull.
Larus pheeocephaliLS Hartl.

Bill and legs crimson.

The Grey-headed Gulls were often seen flying over Lake
Naivasha, and I believe that a pair were breeding in a small
swamp; but though I made a careful searcli^ I could find
neither eggs nor young. The exquisite roseate colour on the
breast of this species fades quickly after it has been shot.

230. PoDiciPES CRisTATus. Great Crested Grebe.
Pudiceps cristatus L.

L'is red.

23L PoDiciPES CAPENSis. African Little Grebe.
Podiceps capensis Licht.
Iris brown ; bill and legs black.

The African Little Grebe and the Great Crested Grebe
were both common on Lake Naivasha.

XXVI. — Proceedings at the Annual General Meeting of the
British Ornithologists' Union, 1909.

The Annual General Meeting of the British Ornithologists'
Union for this year was held at the house of the Zoological
Society of London, 3 Hanover Square (by permission), on
May 26th. The Chair was taken by the President, Dr. F.
DuCane Godman, F.R.S.

The minutes of the meetings held on December 9th and
10th, 1908, were read and confirmed.

The following new Rule, which had been unanimously
passed at the Special General Meeting held on December 10th,
1908, was submitted to the Meeting and confirmed : —

Annual General Meeting of the B. 0. U. 533

" If, in the opinion of the Committee, anj' Member shall
have acted in a manner injurious to the interests or good
name of the Union, or shall have personally assisted in or
connived at the capture or destruction of any bird, nest, or
eggs in the British Isles, by purchase or otherwise, likely, in
the opinion of the Committee, to lead to the extermination
or serious diminution of that species as a British bird, the
Secretary shall be directed to send a registered letter to that
Member, stating the facts brought before the Committee
and asking for an explanation of the same, but without
mentioning the source from which such information was
obtained. After allowing a reasonable time (not less than a
clear fortnight after the receipt of the Secretary's letter)
for reply or for appearing in person before the Committee if
lie so desire, the Committee, providing not less than four
are agreed, shall have power to remove that gentleman's
name from the List of Members without assigning any
reason. Such Member may, if he so desire, stand for re-
election by ballot at the next Annual General Meeting, and
in the event of his re-election no fee for re-admission shall
be required."

The Report of the Committee, which was then read,
announced the continued prosperity of the Union during
the past year, both as regards its membership and its finances.
The Annual Volume of 'The Ibis' for 1908 (the fiftieth
of the whole and the second of the Nintli Series) had been
edited by Dr. P. L. Sclater, D.Sc, F.R.S., and Mr. A.
H. Evans, M.A. It contained 660 pages and was illustrated
with 10 coloured plates, 3 maps, and 7 text-figures.

AVith much regret the Committee reported the deaths of
the following Members since the last Annual Meeting : —

Prof. Barboza du Bocage, Col. Hanbury Barclay, Col.
C. T. Bingham, S. G. Buxton, E. N. F. Fenwick, W. H.
Hudleston, and William Mitchell.

The following gentlemen had resigned, viz., J. H. Allchin,
E. R. S. Baltour, R. J. Colman, Rev. A. G. G. Cowie, A. K.
Haagner, W. H. Hudson, Rev. W. K. Martin, A. I. Simey,

SER. IX, VOL. III. 2 N

534 Annual General Meeting of the B. 0. U.

acd W. B. Tegetmeier; and the names of C. B. Cory and
J. C. Hartland had been removed from the List of Members
under Rule 6.

At the date of the Meeting the Union consisted of 422
Ordinary M embers, 2 Extra-Ordinary, 10 Honorary, 8 Colonial,
and 1 9 Foreign Members.

The Committee further reported that a Special ]\Ieeting
in commemoration of the Ju])ilee of the Founding of the
Union had been held on December 9th, 1908. Gold Medals,
struck to commemorate the occasion, had been presented to
four surviving Original Members, Dr. F. Du Cane Godman,
Dr. P. L. Sclater, Percy S. Godman, Esq., and Wilfrid H.
Hudleston, Esq. It was proposed that similar Medals should
be occasionally given in recognition of any special work in
ornithology. One of the Medals had also been presented to
the National Collection of Medals in the British Museum.
The Jubilee Supplement to 'The Ibis^ for 1908, issued in
March last, had completed the Jubilee Commemoration.

It had also been decided at the Jubilee Meeting that an
ornithological expedition, which was shortly going out to
explore Central New Guinea, should be undertaken under
the auspices of the Union.

The Statement of Accounts for the year ending December
31st, 1908, was then submitted and approved, and a
vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Edward Bidwell, the
Auditor.

Dr. F. G. Penrose and Mr. Edward Bidwell having been
appointed Scrutineers to superintend the ballot, the Meeting
proceeded to elect the Officers for the ensuing year, and on
the conclusion of the ballot it was announced that Dr. F.
DuCane Godman, F.K.S., had been re-elected President, and
Mr. J. Lewis Bonhote, M.A., F.L.S., Secretary; also that
]\lr. D. Seth-Smith had been elected a Member of the
Committee in the place of Mr. Frederick Gillett, who had
retire by rotation.

The following 17 gentlemen were then balloted for and
elected Ordinary Members of the Union : — Thomas H. Briggs,
M.A., F.E.S., Kock House, Lynmouth, N. Devon ; David C.

Annual General Meeting of the B. 0. U. 535

Campbell, J. P., Templemorc Park, Londonderry ; C. I. Carroll,
Rocklow, Fethard,Co.Tipperary ; Lieut. William M.Congreve,
R.G.A., Brcinton House, Hereford ; Capt. Alfred Delme-
KadclilTe (Lidian Army), Satara, Deccan, India ; Capt.
lliehard Fansliawe (late Scots Guards), AdmiraltyHouse, Ports-
mouth ; William E. Frost, J. P., Ardvreck, Crieff, Perthshire ;
Claude H. B. Grant, F.Z.S., 30 Wimbledon Park Koad, West
Hill, Wimbledon ; the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Grey, Bt., P.C,
M.P., F.Z.S., Falloden, Christon Bank, li.S.O., Northumber-
land ; Staff-Surgeon Kenneth H. Jones, M.B., Ch.B., 11. N.,
lloyal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth ; George H. Lings,
Barciecroft, Buruage, Didsbury, Manchester ; Norman D.
Macnaghten, Ministry of the Interior, Cairo, Egypt ; the
Kev. Ernest U. Savage, 129 Upper Canning Street, Liverpool ;
Malcolm C. C. Seton, 13 Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W. ;
Lieut. W. P. C. Tenison, R.F.A., 62nd Battery R.F.A.,
Nowshera, N.W.F.P., India ; Henry L. White, Belltrees,
Scone, New South Wales ; Richard B. Woosnara, Peudell
Court Farm, Bletchingley, Surrey.

Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier was elected an Extra-Ordinary
Member, Mr. Alwin K. Haagncr, a Colonial Member, and
Mons. Sergius N. Alpheraky a Foreign Member of the
Union.

The following proposed additions to the Rules were then
submitted to the Meeting: —
Rule 2.

After "Ordinary Members ^^ in line 1, add "Lady

Members. ^^
After line 5, insert : " Lady Members shall be ladies
qualified by special ornithological knowledge, and
shall not exceed five in number."
Rule 3.

After " vote^' in line 4, add " Lady Members."

After a short discussion the following two motions were
put and carried, and the Secretary was instructed to amend
the Rules accordingly : —

2n2

536 Recently published Oi-nithological Works.

(1) Proposed by Mr. H. J. Elwes, and seconded by
Mr. A. H. Evans : —

" That Ladies, qualified by special oruithological know-
ledge, be admitted as Honorary Members."

(2) Proposed by Dr. F. G. PcDrose, and seconded by
Mr. E. Bid well :—

" That the number of such Lady ^Members be limited
to ten, as in the case of male Honorary Members/'

A vote of thanks to the Zoological Society of London for
tlie use of their rooms was unanimously passed and the
Meeting adjourned.

After the Meeting the joint Dinner of the British
Ornithologists' Union and the British Ornithologists' Club
was held at Pagani's Restaurant, Great Portland Street,
and attended by the Members and their Guests.

XXV IL — Notices of recent Ornithological Publications.
[Coutiuued from p. 383.]
5L Bungs on some Colombian and Costa Rican Birds.

[(1) Notes on Birds from Western Colombia. Proc. Biol. Soc.
Washington, vol xxi. p. 157.

(2) A new Tyrant-bird from the Santa Marta Region of Colombia.
r. c. p. 163.

(3) Notes on some rare or not well-known Costa Ilican Birds. Op. cit,
xxii. p. 29.]

Mr. Bangs, who is always hard at work on Colombian and
Central American Birds, sends us separate copies of three
papers which he has recently published. The first relates to
a collection made "just south of Darien," which contained
examples of 110 species and subspecies. Thirteen forms are
specified as being of special interest, amongst which are
two rare Tanagers — Chlorochrysa nitidissima and Iridornis
pmyhyrocephala. The following species and subspecies are
described as new : — Aulacorhamphus petax, Basileuterus

Recently published Oniilholnfj'icnl U'orlis. 537

melanotis dadalns, Dacnis venusta faliginata, Calospiza
gijroluides deleticia, and Atlapetes crassus. In the second
paper Rhynchocyclus siifphurescens exortivus from Santa
JMarta is characterized as a new subspecies. In the third
paper new and rare species are noted or described from some
collections recently made in Costa Rica by Mr. F. Under-
wood. Tlie novelties are called Trogon melanucephalus
illatabi/is and Aimophilu rufescens hypathrus.

52. Bryan on Birds from Molokai [Hawaiian Islands).

[Some Birds of Molokai. By Wm. Alanson Bryan, formerly Curator
of Ornitliology and Taxidermist in the Bishop Museum. Occ. Pap.
Bis^hop Mus. vol. iv. no. 2. Honolulu, 1908.]

With a view of obtaining materials for the series of
Hawaiian bird-groups in the '' Bishop Museum," Honolulu,
Mr. Bryan spent two months '(April 15th to June 15th,
1907) in the mountains of jNIolokai. His main object was
to get specimens of the " Black JNIamo " [Drepanorhamphus
funereus) — " one of the rarest of living birds/' but other
species were not neglected, and a good series of field-notes
Avas likewise put together.

Mr. Bryan gives us a graphic account of his struggles to
secure specimens of the much wished for bird. Several
previous explorers had failed in doing so, and it was gene-
rally supposed that the species was quite extinct. From his
various camps on the mountains of Molokai, Mr. Bryan
searched the wet bog-forests, which are drenched by almost
continuous rain, for many weeks in vain. At length, when
he and his guide were cutting their way through a particu-
larly dense and unpromising jungle, they heard ''a clear,
gentle, even whistle, Ho-a,'' uttered by some bird not fifty
yards away. Mr. Bryan began to imitate the call as well as
he could, and the curious black bird with its wonder-
fully curved bill flew down, and perched in a tree within ten
feet of him. Thus the first specimen was obtained, though it
was most difficult, when shot, to find it in the dense herbage.
Two fine adult male individuals were subsequently procured
in the same district.

538 Recently published Ornithological Works.

Besides describing his adventures in searching for the
" Hoa'^ or " Bhick Mano," Mr. Bryan supplies us with many
interesting field-notes on other birds met with during his two
n)onths' exploration of the damp forests of Molokai. Tbe
]*h(eornis of this island, of which a good series was obtained,
proves to be a different representative species of this peculiar
genus, and is described as new under the name of Phreornis
eritha. j\Ir. Bryan was also so fortunate as to discover a large
colony of one of the Petrels of the genus (Estrelnta
(CE. sandwichensis), whicli, after the manner of its fellows,
breeds in holes on the cliff's of Molokai at an elevation
of from 3500 to 4000 feet. He accompanied a party of
native bird-catchers, who visit the cliffs every breeding-
season to obtain the young birds, which are regarded as a
"special delicacy by all llawaiians." This Petrel has been
hitherto regarded as a great rarit}'^, but appears to be
still abundant in this locality. On the present occasion
twenty-one examples were obtained, but their numbers are
said to be fast decreasing owing to the ravages of the
Mongoose, which has been unfortunately introduced into the
ishmd and has destroyed many of the ground-frequenting
birds.

53. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club.

[RiiUetin of the British Ornithologists' Club. Vol. xxii. Report on the
Inimigi-ations of Summer Residents in the iSpring of 1907 : also Notes on
the Migratory Movements during the Autuum of l!J06. London : October
1908. Price 6s.]

As will be seen from the title, this Report differs from
those of former years in containing notes referring to the
Autumn Migration, which were received from a limited
number of observers, while it is proposed to augment this
section considerably in the immediate future. The details
of the movements observed at the lighthouses are given
separately, and might perhaps have been accompanied by a
map of the stations.

We have read the report carefully and find no special

Recently pubiished Oruil/iolur/ical Works. 539

points to discuss, tliough our attention is called to the fact
that there were no very great '' rushes " of migrants in this
wet cold spring, and that the height of the migration was
from April 15th to May 20th. It seems, however, that the
lists of species ari'iving on the different parts of the coasts
(p. 11) need reconsideration; for instance, the Ring-Ouzel
is entered as arriving solely on the western half of the south
coast, while on p. 37 that species is reported from the Spurn
Head Lighthouse and from Norfolk. The meaning may be
that on the south coast the bird only arrives on the western
half ; but in that case the wording should be clearer.

54. Carriker on Costa Rican FormicariidcB.

[Notes on Costa Rican Formicariidae. By M. A. Carriker, jun. Ann.
Carn. Mus. v. no. i (1908).]

In going through the series of Formicariidae in the
Carnegie Museum at Pittsburg Mr. M. A. Carriker has
made several discoveries relating to the specimens collected
in Costa Rica by himself in the years from 1902 to 1907.
These relate to Cercomacra tyrannina and the subspecies
named by Mr. Bangs C. crepera, which neither Mr. Carriker
nor Mr. Ridgway seems to consider valid ; to Drymophila
stictoptera Lawrence, which is regarded as the male of
D. I^mosticta Salvin ; and to Myrmelastes immaculata occi-
dentalis Cherrie, and its rank, which Mr. Carriker considers
should be specific and not subspecific.

55. Chapman's ^' Habitat" Bird-Groups.

[The Habitat Groups of Nortli-American Birds in the American
Museum of Natural History. By Frank M. Chapman, Curator of Ornith-
ology. Guide Leaflet, Series no. 28. February 1909.]

At South Kensington, as we all know, the plan adopted
for the exhibition of the select mounted specimens of birds
is to place examples of each species with the nests, eggs,
and other appurtenances in a separate case. In the
American Museum of Natui'al History at New York a some-

540 Recently published Oniitholoyical ]Vorks.

Mhat different arrangement is pursued. The grcmps of
birds, which are placed in a Hall by themselves, are designed
to illustrate not only the postures and habits, but also the
haunts of the different species. Besides the specimens
themselves (male, female, nest, eggs, and young) a reproduc-
tion of from 60 to 160 square feet of the country surrounding
each group is attempted. " To the accurate and realistic
representation of the home of the species is added a painting,
taken from nature, of its habitat, the real foreground being
connected with the painted background in such a manner
that one often does not at first see where the former ends
and the latter begins. The whole therefore gives an adequate
conception of the nature of the country Avhich the birds
inhabit, and the coiulitions mider which they live."

The plan secuis to l)e excellent, and, though we have never
had the good fortune to see tiie " Habitat Bird-Groups," we
are told by those who have inspected them that the scheme
has been carried out in the most happy and efficient manner,
and that the "Hall" of Bird-Groups is a most attractive
sight.

The " leaflet '' now before us contains a series of photo-
graphic reproductions of the '* Bird-Groups," some twenty or
more in number, while a map of North America" shews by
dots the exact localities represented in them. They are
distributed all over the Continent, from the Canadian
Kockies to Arizona on the west, and from the St. Lawrence
to the Bahamas on the east. Each picture has an explana-
tory sheet of letterpress attached to it, which contains the
chief particulars of the scene in popular language.

While fully admitting the value and interest of Mr.
Chapman's work, we, nevertheless, venture a small criticism
on the name which he has given to it. "Habitat" is simply
the third person singular of the verb " habito" and means
" it dwells." Its frequent use as a substantive is, of course,
well known to every naturalist, but it is not grammatical
and its employment as a title in apposition to "Bird-Groups"
seems to us to form rather an unhappy combination.

Recoitlij published Orniffioloi/ical ll'orks. 5-11

56. Chapman on the Botihy and Man-of-War Birds.

[A Contribution to the Life-histories of the Booby {Sula leucogastra)
and the Man-of-VVar Bird {Fregata aquila). By Frank M. Chapman.
Extr. from Publ. 103, Carnegie Inst, of NN'ashington, pp. 139-151 (1908).]

Mr. Chapman left Nassau, Bahamas, on March 31st, 1907,
by the ' Physalia,^ for Cay Verde, about 230 miles to the
south-east, in order to procure " specimens, accessories,
photographs and other data " to be used in preparing
" habitat groups " of the Booby and Man-of-War Bird for the
American Museum of Natural History at New York.
Owing to unforeseen delays only three days and nights could
be passed on Cay Verde; but so little has yet been recorded
of the breeding-habits in the Bahamas of the two birds iu
question that it was thought that what was observed, even
in this short period, would be worthy of description.

After an account of the exact situation and size of the
little Cay, which lies on the eastern edge of the Columbus
Bank, thirty miles east of Little Ragged Island, the author
describes its bird-life, which consists mainly of numerous
migrants on passage. No Land-birds appear to be resident.
He then proceeds to his main subject — the Boobies and the
Frigate-birds. It was estimated that about 1500 pairs of
the former species and from 200 to 300 of the latter were
nesting on Cny Verde. Of both the species most of the
nests contained half-grown young, but none held fresh eggs,
while a few birds of the year were already on the wing. The
eggs of the Boobies were deposited in slight hollows on the
ground, without any attempt at a nest, but the i\lan-of-\Yar
Birds placed their slight nests, made of twigs and sticks, in
the tops of the sea-grapes at a height of six or seven feet, or
among the cactuses within two feet of the earth.

The paper is well illustrated by photographs. It is pointed
out that Cay Verde from its position and isolation would be
an "admirable station^'' for the study of the migration of
birds in that part of the world. To this we heartily agree
and may add that there is still much to be done by an active
ornithologist in the Bahamas, where the winter-climate is
perfect and to which access is easy.

542 Recently published Ornilhological Works.

57. Dresser on Pala arctic Birds' Eggs.

[Eggs of the Birds of Europe, including all the Species inhabiting the
Western Palsearctic Area. By H. E. Dresser. London. Parts XVII.,
XVIII. (April 1909).]

These parts of Mr. Dresser's work continue the Anatidse
and proceed to the Cohimbidee, Pteroclidse, Pliasianidse, and
Tetraonidse, with the addition of Turnix sylvatica, Rallus
aquaticus, and Porzana maruetta. The plates include eggs
of the Anatidaj, Pteroclidte, Tetrax^ (Edicnemus, the Chara-
driidce, Glareolida, Himantopus, and Recurvirostra.

The letterpress calls for no special remarks and we may
therefore devote our attention to the plates, which are
exceptionally good. In former parls of the book the shadows
of the eggs were not always successfully managed, but this
difficulty seems now to have been entirely overcome, and we
are presented with a series of specimens which stand out
well and are very true to nature. In fact, in our opinion,
no other representations of eggs have ever been quite so
good. Even those of the Ducks shew the differences well,
by no means an easy matter; those of the Sand-Grouse and
Plover-tribe are beautiful, and the few remaining figures are
well up to the mark. The examples are admirably chosen
and often remarkable; in the case of the Oyster-catcher and
Avocet alone should we like a more typical variety.

58. ' The Emu,' 1908-1909.

[The Emu. A Quarteily Magazine to populnrizc the Study and
Protection of Native Birds. Vol. viii. pts. 2-4 (Oct. 1908, Jan.-April
1909).]

Even in the wonderful land of Australia there is a limit to
new discoveries, and comparatively few are recorded in these
parts. In part 3, however, Mr. G. M. Mathews describes
Malurus dulcis, sp. n., from the South Alligator River district
in Arnhcim Land. The specimen was sent by Mr. J. T.
Tunney to the Tring Museum, where it was at first identified
as M. pulcherrimus. Mr. A. J. Campbell in the same part
proposes the name of Pnrdalotus pallidus for an apparently
new form, and adds further information as to the habitat
and breeding of PncJnjcephaln Innioidcs, hitherto known

Recently published Or/iitholoi/icuf Works. u43

from one example only. Similar information is given on
CoUocalia francica.

In part 2 Mr. D. Le Souef has an artiele on new or rare
eggs belonging to thirteen Anstralian species, and jNIr. T.
Carter a note on the diseovery of Calamantlius montanellus.
Mr. A. H. Mattingley commences an article on the Malice
Fowl [Lipoa ocellata), which is continned in part 3. It is
many years since we read so good a description of the nesting-
habits of this bird, and the present account is exceptionally
full and well illustrated. The great irregularity in the depo-
sition of tiie eggs seems to be quite a new point, Mr. E. M.
Cornwall follows with the second part of his Notes referring
to ^Mackay, N. Queensland; and in part 4 ^Ir. F. L. Whit-
lock writes on the birds observed on the Pilbarra Goldticld,
N.W. Austraha.

Other papers are by Mr. Gibson (Abrolhos Islands) ;
Dove (Essenden, Victoria) ; Stead (Black Cormorant in
Is'ew Zealand) ; Cole (Cormorants in Victoria) ; Hill (j\lon-
tague Island) ; Howe (N.W. Victoria) ; and Miss Fletcher
(Cleveland, Tasmania). Mr. A. G. (Jampbell writes a
monograph on the Flame-breasted Robin, and Mr. li. Hall
gives notes on the migration of Cypsetus pacificus.

There are a considerable number of illustrations in these
three parts, and a graphic narrative is furnished by Capt. S. A.
White of the A. O. U. Expedition to the islands of Bass Straits,
while Mr. A. J. Campbell describes the simultaneous "camp-
out^' on Philip Island.

A sketch of a great forward movement in Bird-Protection
is given in part 2, with which may be coupled the '^Minutes
of Conference of State Government Representatives on
Bird-Protection " that follow in part 4.

59. Flower and Nicoll on the Wild Birds of the Giza
Gardens.

[Zoological Gardens, Giza, near Cairo. Special Eeport No. 3. Wild
Birds of the Giza Gardens, 1898-1908. By Stanley S. Flower and
Michael J. Nicoll. Cairo, 1908. 8vo. Ill pp.]

On several previous occasions we have alluded to the
various birds that resort more or less frequently to the

544 Recently published Orn'ithoJoyical Works.

Zoological Gardens at Giza, near Cairo. In this report
Captain Stanley Flower, with the assistance of Mr. Michael
Nicoll, gives a list of the species that have been noticed
there during the past ten years. As they belong, with but
few exceptions, to the category of " Britisli Birds/' this list
will be of considerable interest to the students of British
Bird-life, as well as to ornithologists in general.

The Giza Gardens, which occupy an area of about 52 acres,
are on the left bank of the Nile opposite Cairo, and are on
the tramway which connects Cairo with the Pyramids. One
of their chief attractions, after the Menagerie in its well-
kept condition, is the number and variety of the wild birds
to be observed there, especially during the vernal and
autumnal periods of migration. Great pains have been
taken to encourage and protect such birds in every way,
and the result is that the occurrence of no less than 155
species has been recorded during the past ten years.

In order to identify the species more certainly the authors
give references to Shelley's 'Birds of Egypt' and Saunders's
* Manual,' the two books most likely to be in the hands of the
ornithologist who visits Egypt, while they generally follow
Saunders's arrangen)cnt and nomcnclatui'e. At the beginning
of the " List" many of our friends Mill be surprised to find
the Blackbird {Tvrdus merula), the Song-Thrush ( 7'. musicus),
aud the Robin [Eritfiacus rubecula) described as "regular
M'inter-visitors." But such is undoubtedly, we believe, the
case with these three birds, which in England many look
upon as common and constant residents, although in many
places the Song-Thrush decreases in numbers in the winter,
especially when the weather is severe. On the other band,
the Rufous Warbler {AeJon (jalactodes) and the Olivaceous
Warbler [Hypolais pallida) are summer-visitors at Giza,
arriving from the south in March and April and nesting in
the Gardens. Among the species met with at Giza which
are not recognised as Egyptian by Shelley are the Siskin
{Chrysomitris spinus) , the Blue Rock-Chat (Myrmecocichla
me/anura), a Nuthatch {Sitta) of some sort, the Red-
breasted Flycatcher {Mn.svicnpa parvo), and the Levant

liiceiithj jju/j/ishcil Oniit/io/o(/ica/ JJ'orks. 545

Sparrow-Hawk [Accipiter brevipes). The Pied Kingfisher
{Cenjle I'udis) is the domicant form of the Alcediiiidre in
Egypt; on the 5th of May, 1902, twenty-four of these birds
were counted in one part of the Giza Gardens. Onr
Cuckoo {Cticiilus canorus) is a "regular visitor in small
numbers, in spring and autumn/' but has never been heard
to emit its characteristic love-note there. Such are some of
the " plums " that we venture to pick out from this
interesting memoir, which should be iu the hands of every
bird-lover who goes to Egypt.

60. Gacioiv's ' Southern Mexico.*

[Through Sou<^bern Mexico, being: an Account of the Travels of a
Naturalist. By Hans Gadow, M.A., Ph.D., F.Il.S. 1 vol. 527 pp.
Witherby & Co. I'rice 18s. net.]

A well-written record of journeyings in a little known
part of the world, interspersed with notices of its animals
and plants, and profusely illustrated by oiiginal photo-
graphs, is sure to be an attractive piece of work, and
Dr. Gadow's volume comes mcII under this category.
Though a few English travellers have written about Mexico
of late years, and a magnificent Mork on its Biology is now
nearly complete, that country has been left mainly to our
cousins on the north side of the Republic, where railways
and hotels have rendered it easy of access. Dr. Gadow and
his wife, however, selected for their investigation the most
remote portion of Mexico, where the American invader had
hardly penetrated and '^ wild nature " is in many places still
almost undisturbed.

Although it might be suppposed that the '' Strickland
Curator,^' even when abroad, would not fail to devote his
main investigations to birds. Dr. Gadow did not take this
severe view of his duties, and rather turned his attention to
the inferior class of Reptiles. Nevertheless we find a certain
number of '' birdy " passages in the volume. A lively de-
scription of the curious ways and manners of the "garra-
pateros '' {Crotophaga sulcirostris) is given. This "funny-
looking" Cuckoo is ever present in the grassy part of the

546 Recently published Ornithological Worhs.

Mexican hot-lands, and has, as is well-kno-nn, eccentric
breeding-habitSj but not those of our European Cuckoo.
Several females lay their eggs in one nest, in which they sit
in company, while, there not being room for all of them at
once, the excluded ones perch upon the margin of the nest
and wait their turn to " go on/'

On the ride from Tehuantepec to Oaxaca an abundance
of bird-life was met with. '^ Long-tailed Parrakcets whirled
round in swarms, and the short-tailed Lories climbed
about in pairs, while little Inca Doves and brown Pigeons,
Crackles and Cassiques, Hawks and Cormorants, Herons,
and black and red-faced Vultures were also to be seen."
But the pretty long-tailed blue and white Jays — well-named
Calocitta formosa — were the favourites, and watched the
party from the overlianging branches with their top-knots
well curved forwards (as shown in an accompanying illus-
tration), and were so confiding as to whistle back when
whistled to. It is new to us that the Mexican Hang-nests
(^Icterus) have taken to tying their pendent houses to the
telegraph-wires (p. 207), and that Hirundo callorhina (what-
ever that may be ?) places its nests on the eaves of the old
houses. But the reader of Dr. Gadow's volume will find
these and other interesting facts described in its pages,
and we strongly recommend its perusal, although we think
that a little more ornithology might have been well intro-
duced into it.

61. Godman's 'Monograph of the Petrels.'

[A Monograph of the Petrels (Order Tubinares). Ry F. DiiCane
Godmau, D.C.L., F.R.S., President of the British Ornithologists' Union.
With hand-coloured plates b}' J. G. Keulemans. Part IV. Witherby
& Co., April 1900.]

In January (see above, p. 175) we noticed the issue of
Part III. of this important work. We have now to record
the publication of the fourth part, which continues the
account of the numerous species of (Estrelata until its
termination with CE. axillaris of the Chatham Islands.
Altogether thirty-two species of this genus are recognised,
of which all but five are fitrurcd iu Mr. Keulemans's best

Recently published Ormthuloyical IVorks. 547

style. The other genera treated in the present number are
Pugndroma, Bulweria, Macronectes, Fulmarus, Dupt'wn,
Halobcena, and Prion. Macronectes, we may remark, is a
new name for Ossifraya, it having been discovered tliat the
latter term has been previously used in Zoology in 1835.
The next number, we believe, will be mainly devoted to the
Albatrosses, and Part VI, will conclude the work.

62. Grinnell on the Birds of the San Bernardino Mountains.

[The Biota of the San Bernardino Mountains. By Joseph Grinnell.
University of California Publications in Zoology, vol. v. No. l,pp. 1-170.
Berkeley, Cal., 1908.]

This memoir contains the results of explorations of the
San Bernardino Mountains in 1905, 190(5, and 1907. But
some of our readers may ask, where are these mountains ?
To this we answer, in the words of the author, '' The San
Bernardino Mountains constitute the largest high mountain-
group in Southern California, and include the highest peak
south of Mt. Whitney. The forested area is more extensive
than elsewhere in Southern California.^^ Furthermore the
isolation of this mountain-group from any other of approxi-
mately similar altitude affords an attractive feature.
Mr. Grinnell's map and sections fully illustrate these points,
and shew^ that the Lower Sonoran Zone, the Upper Sonoran
Zone, the Transition Zone, and at least the two lower divisions
of the Boreal Zone (of Dr. Merriam) are represented in this
mountain-range.

Mr. Grinnell discusses at full length the Plants, Birds,
Mammals, and Reptiles which he collected, in order to
establish these views. The Birds, with which we are mainly
concerned, met with special attention, as might be expected
from the Editor of 'The Condor,' Over 1260 skins were
collected, as well as many nests and eggs. Of 139 species
found in the district examined, 48 are believed to be per-
manently resident, 68 are summer visitors, and only 23 are
transient.

The following passage contains Mr. GrinnelFs general
views as to the Avifauna of this mountain-group : — " The
Ornis of the San Bernardino Mountains, in common with

548 Recenthj published Ornithological IVorhs.

that of the other high nioiintains of Southern California,
bears the closest resemblance to that of the Sierra Nevada of
east-central California. A tendency towards increase in size
of such San Bernardino species as are subject to geographical
variation is quite noticeable ; so that in certain cases, such
as the Hermit-Tiirush and Creeper, the San Bernardino birds
are somewhat intermediate in the direction of the Rocky
Mountain races. Other species, like tlie Stephens' Fox-
Sparrow and the Grey Flycatcher, show large size, but are
without parallels in the Rocky Moujitain region. ^^ ith
variable birds in the mountain systems of California, there
seems to be a general increase of size from the north towards
the south, a reversal of the case on the Atlantic Coast."

63. Hanitsch on the Raffles Museum, Singapore.

[Guide to the Zoological Collections of the Raffles Museum, Singapore.
By R. Hanitsch, Ph.D., Director. With 21 plates. Singapore, 1908.
October. 1 1 2 pp.]

Dr. Ilanitseh has kindly sent us a cojjy of his lately pub-
lished " Guide ^' to the zoological portion of the Museum at
Singapore, of which he is the Director. It it of course quite
of a popular character. It is written in English, and there-
fore is not available for the native Malay. But it is hoped
that it may be useful to the European schoolboy, who visits
the galleries in steadily increasing numbers.

The section relating to the " Birds " contains about
twenty pages, and is, like the rest of the " Guide/' almost
entirely devoted to thecharactcristic forms of the Malay Penin-
sula, which, as is well known, are abundant and remarkable.
The peninsula is the headquarters of the Burmese Pea-fowl
and Argus Pheasant, besides other splendid members of the
Gallinaceous Group. The Malayan Pigeons are likewise
numerous. Other remarkable Malaccan groups are the
Barbets, Hornbills, Trogons, Broadbills, and Sun-birds, on
all of which comments are made. We have no doubt that
the publication of this " Guide " will bring many additions
to the shelves of the Raffles Museum.

Recently published Ornitliolo(/ic(tl JVorks. 5 19

C-i. HowanVs ' British Warblers.'

[The British Warblers: a History with Problems of their Lives.
By H. Eliot Howard. Pc. III. Loudou : R. IT. Porter, Feb. 1909.
Price 2\s. net.]

We have before us another part of Mr. Howard's ' British
Warblers/ aud find the illustrations, which are one of the
great features of the work, as good as, if uot better tlian
formerly. Coloured figures are given of the ChitfchafF in
autumn plumage, the male and female Blackcap-Warbler,
Pallas's Willow-AVarbler, aud Radde's Bush- Warbler, photo-
gravures of the female Chiffchaff and of Blackcaps under
various conditions completing the series. It is hardly-
possible to say which we admire the most, but certainly the
delicacy and softness of the last-mentioned are most
remarkable.

The letterpress discusses in very full style the life-history
of the Blackcap — especially the courtship, the habits during
breeding, and the vocal powers. Four points are emphasized
in particular: the development of the song of the male
from year to year, its deterioration after coition, the powers
of imitation, and evideuce of emulation. Incidentally
Mr. Howard tells us that he believes that the acquired
power of imitation may be inherited, and throughout he
shews how carefully and thoroughly he has investigated the
phenomena with which he deals.

As usual, no life-histories are given of the species that do
not breed in Britain.

65. Jour (lain on Em^opean Birds' Eggs.

[The Eggs of European Birds. By Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain. London,
1909. 8vo. Pt. III. pp. 161-240, pis. 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 60, 69, 72, 87,
88, 90, 92, 94, 105.]

Mr. Jourdain''s boolc has now reached its third part,
which concludes the Motacillidce, and treats of the Certhiidce
(including Sitta), the Parida (including Regulus and
Panurus) , and the Laniida. The letterpress fully maintains

SER. IX, VOL. III. 2 O

550 Recently published Oniithuloyical IVurks.

its excellence, and is even more interesting than usual, as it
contains the critical races of Creepers, Tits, and so forth.
An instance in point is the difference of habits between the
Marsh- and Willow-Tits, where we quite atrree with the
author that the latter in all probability excavates its own
nesting-hole and utters a peculiar note.

The plates arc very good and the imjjrcssions clear, the
figures of the eggs of Molotlirus cabanisi, Cisticola cisticola
Sylvia melanocephala, Acrocephalus schamobamus, A. arun-
dinaceus, Tutunas fuscus, and I^umenius jihceopus being
admirable. The larger eggs are the least successful and
come out rather flat-looking. The variety of the egg of
the Goldcrest with a white ground is not included, and the
colour in the case of the (Grasshopper Warbler is scarcely
pink enough, liut our only real objection is to the number
of very similar eggs figured of the Redshank, Black-tailed
Godwit, Noddy, and Adriatic Gull, or — in a lesser degree —
to the abseuce of a representation of a boldly marked specimen
of the Stone-Curlew, such :is is not uncommon.

()6. Kni(jlit on the Bwds of Muine.

[The Birds of Maine, with Key to und Description of the various
Species known to occur or to have occurred in the State, an Account of
their Distribution and jNli^ration, showinji' their relative abundance in
the various Counties of the State as well as other ref^ions, and Contribu-
tions to their Life-histories. By Ora Willis Knight, M.S. Bangor,
Maine : 1908. 1 vol. 8vo. (i93 pp.]

The love of birds is far spread in America, and most of
the enlightened States of the East and West have Manuals
of their native species. Here we find a good solid volume
on the Birds of Maine, which will be also serviceable for the
dwellers in Lower Canada, which the State of Maine so
closely adjoins. A List of the Birds of Maine was published
some years ago, and, as will be seen by the * Bibliography '
in the present volume, a large number of books and memoirs
refer more or less, to the subject. But the present publica-
liou is much more than a List. It is, in fact, a complete
treatise on the Ornis of the State, containing descriptions
of all the species, keys to assist in their identification, and

Recently piihlisbed Oniiff/ulogir/il JVorks. 551

all iicressary particulars concerning their prevalence anil
(listril)ution in the ditterent parts of Maine.

The author estimates the species of birds as positively
occurrinji, or having occurred of their own free will, within
the limits of his work as 327. Of these only 26 are
permanent residents, including 2 introduced species, whereas
the summer-visitors are as many as 115, and those occurring
chiefly or entirely as transient visitors are 75. The winter-
residents and winter- visitants of fairly general or regular
occurrence are 40; the accidental visitors or occasional
stragglers arc 67; whilst the remaining 4 species included in
the list are now extinct.

Mr. Knight follows the arrangement and nomenclature of
the American ' Check-list ' throughout, and quotes its
''number^' at the head of each of his species. After a
short description he devotes a few lines to explain its
general geographical distribution, and then gives a list of
the various exact localities in Maine in which it has been
observed, adding carefully the authority for its observation.
Full particulars then follow as to its habits, nest, and eggs,
and any other point in its history worthy of record. We have,
therefore, in Mr. Knight's volume a complete Handbook of the
Birds of Maine, amply sufficient for the information of any
resident in the State who takes a general interest in the
native birds and wishes to determine a doubtful species.
We have no doubt that Mr. Knight's work will have a good
circulation among the residents in the State of Maine and
its vicinity, and will serve to increase their knowledge of
the bird-life which surrounds them.

67. Lydekker's ' British Bird Book.''

[The Sportsman's British Bird Book. B}' R. Lydekker. London :
Ilowland Ward, 1908. Pp. i-xviii, 1-620. Price 30s. net.]

Mr. Lydekker's book being written specially for sportsmen,
he has been careful to adapt it to their chief requirements.
He tells us that the descriptions have been made simple, but
sufficient, and that the records of the occurrences of the rarer
species are full and up to date, while short life-histories are
added and figures given in every case. We cannot, however,

2o2

552 Recently published Ornithological Works.

agree with the author in considering the iUustrations true
to nature. True to nature, in our opinion, means true
to life; aud photographs from stuffed birds or skins in
Mr. Rowland Ward's series cannot be considered satisfactory.
But we are far from saying that the whole work will not be
found most useful to the class to whom it is intended to
appeal ; it may, indeed, meet all their requirements, and
much of the letterpress will interest a wider circle, the
coloration of the young birds being an instance in particular.

Six hundred species are included, without distinction
between truly British and other forms, though square
brackets are placed round the names of very rare stragglers.

No authorities are piven for the facts recorded, when
already published, as Mr. Lydekker considers such to be
public property. He dislikes, moreover, the splitting up
of generic groups, tliough he recognises the main races
proposed by modern writers,

68. Meiieyuux on the Xest of the Oven-bird.

[Sur le nid des Fouruiers (Funiarius Vieill.). Par M. A. Menegaiix.
Bull Mus. d'Hist. Nat. 1908, no. 1, p. (i.]

The author bases his article on four nests of a Furnarius
procured by the " Mission de Crequi-Montfort," from Salta,
in Northern Argentina. Unfortunately, no specimens of
the builders of these wonderful structures were brought
home, but there is little doubt, we think, that M. Menegaux
is correct in referring them to Furnarius rufus. Most of the
naturalists who have visited Argentina and Paraguay have
written on the nest-building of this remarkable bird, and
M. Menegaux, who has quoted Azara, Burmeister, Holland,
Gibson, Goeldi, and other authors on the subject, has not,
so far as we can see, added much to our knowledge of it.
In fact there is not much more to be said than what has
been already recorded by former writers, amongst whom
Hudson, in 'Argentine Ornithology,' should be specially
quoted. There is a good series of the nests of Furnarius
rufus in the British Museum, and a specimen of it is exhibited
in the Bird Gallery. -

Tiici'nthj published Ornithological Works. 553

69. Meneguux on Tiro new Bolivian Birds.

[Descriptions de deux formes nouvelles d'Oiseaiix rappoit(5s de la
Boliviepar la Mission de Cr»?qui-Moutfort. Par M. A. Menegaux. Bull.
Mus. d'Hist. Nat. 1908, no. 7, p. 310.J

The birds described as new are Agriornis andecola paznce,
from a specimen obtained on the road from Pazna to
Urmiri, at an elevation of 3694 metres, and Brachyspiza
capensis pulacayensis from Pulacayu and Pazna, at a height of
abont 4200 metres. We may remark that it is absurd, in our
opinion, to call an American bird " capensis," the law of
common-sense being more obligatory than that of priority.
The so-called " Brachyspiza capensis " is our old friend
Zonotrichia pileata, one of the commonest and widely dif-
fused birds in South America.

70. North on the Nesting-site of Gerygone personata.

[Notes on the Nestinp^-site of Gerygone personata Gould. By Alfred
J. North. Rec. Austr. Mus. vii. No. 3 (1908).]

" Of the many stratagems used by l>ircls to secure
immunity from harm no more ingenious device is there
than that of the Masked Bush- Warbler, which nearly always
builds its hooded, dome-shaped nest close to a wasps' nest."

An excellent photograph of a nest of this bird and of the
adjoining wasps' nest, taken in the scrub near Somerset,
Cape York, in October 1907, illustrates this remarkable
habit.

71. North on Australian Bower-birds.

[Notes on Newton's Bower-bird and the Tooth-billed Buwer-bird.
By A. J. North. Vict. Nat. xxv. p. 160 (1909).]

In this paper, which was read before the Field Naturalists'
Club of Victoria on the 18th of January last, Mr. North
gives us much information concerning iw o of the rarest and
most interesting of the Australian Bower-birds, Prionodura
newtoniana and Scenopoctes dentirostris.

Newton's Bower-bird was described by Mr. De Vis in
1883, but it was not until November 1908 that its nesting-
place was discovered "by Mr. George Sharp's black boys" in

554 Recently published Ornithological Works.

the dense scrub about thirty miles from Athcrton,in Queens-
land. The nest is an open cup-shaped structure placed in
or near a tree-trunk. iThe eggs are of a nearly uniform
faint creamy or warm white, " totally different from those
of the typical Bower-birds, which are noted for their
strikingly contrasted colours and the peculiarity of their
markings." The curious habits of the males and the large
bowers which they construct are described from Mr. Sharp's
information. He also tells ns that the hen builds a bower
for herself, similar to that of the male, but ranch smaller.

The Tooth - billed Bower -bird, which was originally
described by Ramsay in 1875, has also long remained
unknown as regards its nesting-habits, but Mr. Sharp has
solved this riddle also. As is told us by Mr. North,
Mr. Sharp found the first nest of this bird about five miles
from Atherton, in N.E. Queensland, on the 7th of November,
1908, and a second on the following day. The nest is a
frail structure very loosely built, as will be seen by
^Ir. North's figure of it. The first nest contained two
eggs of a uniform creamy-brown colour, resembling very
much the eggs of ^lurcedus maculosus. Strictly speaking,
however, Scoinpo'ctes is not a Bower-bird, for it makes
no bovver. On the other hand, it is not a true Cat-bird,
for it forms a playground, which the Cat-birds do not.
Mr. Sharp's field-notes on both these species, which are
given by Mr. North at full length, are of great interest, and
he well deserves the best thanks of all ornithologists for
the trouble he has taken in the matter.

72. North on a neiv Australian Parrot.

[Note on some Living Examples of Psephofus dissimilis. By Alfred
J. North. Vict. Nat. xxv. p. 176 (1909^]

Mr. North examined at Sydney 16 living specimens of a
Parrakeet brought from Pine Creek, some 200 miles S.E. of
Port Darwin, in the Northern Territory of South Australia.
At first he regarded them as referable to Psephotus
dissimilis of Collett described from the same locality {cf.
Hartert, Nov. Zool. xii. p. 21 1), but on further examination

Recently published Ornithological Works, 555

he fuuud certain differences, which arc pointed out. Should
it prove to beh)ng to a distinct species, Mr. Nortli proposes
for it the name Psephotus cucullatus.

73. Oberholser on the Alcedinine Genus llamphalcyon.

[A Revision of the Kinfrfisher Genus Ramphalcyon {Pelavgopsix). By
Ilavry C. Oberholser. Pr. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxxv. p. ()-37. Washinf>:(oii,
P^eb.'l909.]

The persistent efforts of Dr. W. L. Abbott during his
various explorations of the East Indian Islands have furnished
the U.S. National Museum with a good set of specimens of
Kingfishers of the genus Felaryopsis, which have been the
main basis of the present memoir. Mr. Oberholser prefers
to call the genus Ramphalcyon, because, as he says, " Gloger's
term Pelargopsis is certainly not identifiable." As regards
this, however, we may point out that " Ramphalcyon " seems
to be in a similar scrape. It was published by Reichenbach
in ]851 without a description of any sort, and no type was
ever assigned to it by its author. Under tliese circumstances
we see no reason why Pelargopsis, which was adopted by
Cabanis and Heine in 1860, should be superseded.

M r. Oberholser divides the genus Ramphalcyon (scr."/?/iamjoA-
alcyou") into three sections, each of one species — R. amauro-
jjtera, R. melanorhyncha, and R. capensis. The second of these
species is divided into three subspecies and the third into six-
teen subspecies. Of the latter group four new subspecies are
characterized — R. c. isoptera, R. c. nisoeca, R. c. cyanopteryx,
and R. c. hydrophila. But some of these so-called subspecies
(e. g. R. gigantea) are manifestly so different as to be entitled
to full specific rank, while some of the others seem to be
founded on very weak characters. It seems to us also a
great mistake to call sixteen birds which belong to a purely
Oriental group "^ capensis," and we fully agree with Dr.
Sharpe in the " manifest inccmgruity of such an appellation."
It is, moreover, quite impossible to decide to which of the
closely allied forms Linnaeus^s name Alcedo capensis should
be referred. The appellation capensis is consequently void for
uncertainty, and m our opinion should be rejected altogether.

556 Recently published Ornithological Works.

74. Ogaivi-Cs ' List of the Birds of Japan.'

[A Hand-list of the Birds of Japan. By Minori Ogawa. Ann. ZooL
Japon. vol. vi. p. 3ci7 (Dec. 1908). Tokyo.]

The sixth volume of the ' Annotationes Zoologicse Japon-
en^es ' (auspiciis Societatis Zoologicse Tokyouensis seriatim
editse) closes with a revised list of the Birds of Japan (exclu-
sive of Saghalin and Formosa) prepared by the late Minori
Ogawa. The list gives the names and most important
synonyms of the 502 species and subspecies recognised by
the author as belonging to the " Fauna Japonica." The
native Japanese names and the exact localities are likewiss
given.

The editor of the ' Annotationes ' adds the following
remarks on the sad fate of this young and promising
zoologist : —

" While this List was passing through the press the author
Mr. Minori Ogawa died, after a long illness. Thus was
frustrated the expectation which the author had entertained
to greatly improve the form and matter of the List. \\\ the
deceased we have lost a young and enthusiastic observer of
birds and bird-life, which, in the dearth of scientifically
trained ornithologists in this part of the world, will be
keenly felt by all who take interest in the progress of
zoological knowledge. ^^

A former very useful article prepared by Ogawa (ou the
birds of the Japanese Islands) will be found noticed in this
Journal for 190G (p. 593).

75. Oustalet on the Birds of Foa's Expeditions.

[Resultata scientifiques des Voyages in Afrique d'Edouard Foa,
publi^es sous les auspices du Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle.
Paris, 1908. 4to. 731 pp.]

Among the contributions of various Naturalists to the
Memorial Volume of the late Edouard Foa, a distinguished
traveller in Africa, is a short memoir by the late Emile
Oustalet ou the birds which Foa had collected and presented

Recenthj published Orni(/iolo(/icuI JVorks. 557

to tlie French National Museum. They are referred to 72
species, mostly procured in Nyasaland av.d Zambcsia at
different places, and generally well known. This is an
extension of the List published by the same author in tlie
'Bulletin' of the Museum for 1898 (iv. p. 58).

76. Sharpe on the Ornitholoyical Literature 0/1907.

[Zoological Kecord. Vol. xliv. 1907. Aves, by R. Bowdler Sharpe,
LL.D. 8vo. 138 pp. Londoi), Dec. 1908. Price 65.]

Under the new system, which we described last year
{' Ibis,' 1908, p. 539), the ' Zoological Record/ now published
by the Royal Society of London for the International
Council and for the Zoological Society of London, seems to
progress and prosper. The section of " Aves/' as last year,
has been undertaken by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe. The list of
titles with which it commences is longer than ever, embracing
about 70 pages of double columns. It may be said that
some of the papers entered in it are frivolous ; but, even if
this is really the case, they do no harm, and the " List of
Titles" should be as comj)lete as it can be made and
should contain the names of all authors who write on
Birds.

After the List of Titles coraes the *' Subject Index," in
which the previous titles of the List are referred to by the
author's name and the number of the title attached to it in
the List. This portion likewise appears to be full and
complete. The geographical section (p. 81) will be most
useful to ornithologists, as will also the " Systematic Index,"
which concludes the section " Aves."

We observe that the error in the jiame of the " Catharti-
formes " (p. 106) which we pointed out last year has not been
corrected. We may also remark that we can find no mention
of Wytsmann's ' Genera Avium ' in the ' Record,' although
two parts (part vii. Steganopodes, and part viii. Musophagidie)
were issued in 1907, and Dr. Sharpe's name appears on the
titlepage as that of a contributor to the work in question.

558 Recently published Ornithological Works.

77. Snouckaert van Schauburg's ' Avifauna Neerlandica.^

[A-vifauna Neerlandica — Lijst der tot dusverre in Nederland in wilden
staat waarg-enomen Vogelsoorten, door Mr. Dr. R. C. E. G. J. Baron
Snouckaert van Schaubiirg, Voorzitter der Nederlandsche Omithologische
Vereeuiging. Met 12 Illustratien, door den Heer T. Csorgey. 1 Tol.
Leeuwarden,Melier & Schaapsma. 1908.]

In our last number (above, p. 379) we gave a notice of
Dr. Van Oort\s memoir on the Birds of the Netherlands, and
stated that a copy of another work on the same subject,
prepared by Baron Snouckaert van Schauburg, had also
been received. This last-mentioned volume is now before
us, and we have great pleasure in introducing it to British
ornithologists, who will find it very useful in tracing out
the range of British species.

The author writes in his native language, whicli is obviously
pi'oper in his case, but Dutch is so closely allied to Englisli
that there will be little diflSculty in understanding it, espe-
cially for those who have some acquaintance with German.
He begins, we are glad to say, with the highest birds, not
with the lowest, and enumerates 332 species to be included
in the ' Avifauna Neerlandica.' No descriptions are given
of the species, but sufficient references to other works in
which descriptions can be found are added, and the exact
mode of the occurrence of every species and its frequency or
scarceness are concisely stated. In his nomenclature Baron
Snouckaert is still more of a trinomialist than Dr. Van Oort,
nearly every species being provided with three names. He
has likewise fallen into the bad habit of altering some of
Linnaius's best-known specific terms — for example, calling
Muscicapa grisola " Muscicapa striata." In our opinion,
Linnaeus's terms ought to be held sacred for all generations,
especially when, as in the case alluded to, the authorship of
the w^ork from which the novel term is taken is by no means
certain.

Twelve nicely drawn coloured plates ornament the present
work. We should mention that Turdus cohurni Sharpe
(Bull. B. O. C. xii. p. 28, 1901) is included in the present
work on the faith of a specimen obtained in Holland on

Recently published Ornithological Works. 559

March loth, 1895. But we cannot believe that this
supposed species is anything more than a '' sport " of
Turdus iliacus.

78. South African Ornithologists'' Union, Journal of the.

[The Journal of the South African Ornithologists' Union. Edited by
Alwin Ilaaoner, F.Z.S., Dr. J. W. B. Gunnino-, and B. C. R. Langford,
Vol. V. no. 1. Pretoria, Transvaal. April 1909.]

We have received vol. v. no. 1 of this Journal. It com-
mences with the Report of the Fifth Annual General Meeting
of the S. A. O. U., which was held at Grahamstown, in the
Zoological Laboratory of tlie Rhodes University College,
Ur. Duerden, Professor of Zoology at the College, President,
in the Chair, and seems to have passed off very successfully.
Dr. Duerden gave an interesting and useful Presidential
Address on the domesticated Ostrich of South Africa, which
is printed in this number. This is followed by a note on
the Black -faced Love-bird (^Ayapornis nigrigenis"^), illus-
trated by an excellent plate of this lovely species, which
appears to be plentiful in North-western Rhodesia, and occurs
also in German West Africa. Other papers are by Major
Stevenson Hamilton " On Migratory Birds at Komatipoort,"
by the Rev. Noel Robarts "On Pyromelana oryx," and by
Mr. P. A. Sheppard " On the Birds of Beira."

79. Stone on Methods of Recoi'ding the Migration of Birds.

[Methods of Recording and Utilizing Bird-Migration Data. By
Wilmer Stone. Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Philad. 1908, pp. 128-156.]

It is clear that the migration data which a single indi-
vidual can furnish must of necessity be meagre, and that
he may miss many birds or fail to see them on first arrival.
The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club therefore has
taken the lead in America in organizing corps of observers

* See W. L. Sclater, Bull. B. O. 0. xvi. p. (il (190('.). This species lias
also been figured in the Av. Mag., Oct. 1908, from living specimens, and
there are two pairs of it in the Zoological Society's Gardens.

560 Becently jjublished Ornithological Works.

ill limited areas, and hopes to arrive at more reliable conclu-
sions from their joint evidence, both as to the earliest arrival
of a species and the arrival of" the bulk." And "the bulk/'
which observers are specially requested to note, is that of
flocks of different species rather than flocks of each separate
species. The author considers, moreover, that in the case
of individual records the best plan is to select the date at
-which the species had arrived at half of the stations, though
he admits that even this method leaves room for error.

By means of graphs curves may be traced of the move-
ments of any particular form, and specimens are given of
such curves compared with similar curves in each case for
temperature.

The method proposed appears to be an improvement on
those used at present, and we shall watch with interest its
fuller development.

80. Van Oort on Birds from New Guinea.

[Note XXI. On New Guinea Birds. II. By Dr. E. D. Van Oort.
Notes Leyd. Mus. vol. xxx. p. 225.]

Dr. Van Oort gives an account of three collections of
birds from New Guinea lately received by the Leyden
Museum. Two of these, from Western New Guinea, were
presented by Mr. Palmer van den Brock and Mr. P. J. van
Cloven, while the third (from the Owen-Stanley Mountains)
was purchased of Mr. J. Henkelman.

Tlie specimens are referred to about 60 species and sub-
species, amongst which Cyclopsitta desmaresti intermedia^
Orthonyx temmincki victoriana (from Mt. Victoria, 12,000 ft.),
and Mach(Erirhynchus nigripectus harterti are described as
new subspecies. Some good Paradise-birds are represented
in the series — Cnemophilus macgregori, Pteridophora alberti,
and Macgregoria pulchra. One adult specimen of the curious
Paramythia montium from the Owen-Stanley Mountains is
likewise catalogued.

Letters, Ed-tracts, and Notes. 561

XXVIII. — Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

We have received the following letters, addressed "To the
Editors of ' The Ibis ' " :—

Sirs, — I will ask you to allow me to correct two errors in
my article on the breeding-seasons of birds in Southern
Kameroon, which I have only lately discovered.

In the explanation of text- fig. 6, 'Ibis/ 1908, p. 562,
the line stated to represent the " Rainfall at Duala^' is the
line intended for Ebolwoa, and that stated to represent the
"Rainfall at Ebolwoa'^ is the one for Duala.

In the ninth line from the bottom of the same page the
rainfall for the year at Ebolwoa should be 1*8 metre instead
of '^ 1-1 metre."

Yours &c.,

George L. Bates.
Bitye, iu the interior from Kribi,
Kamerun,
27th Jan., 1909.

Sirs, — In the ' Jubilee Supplement' of 'The Ibis ' (page 86)
a mistake has occurred as regards the Pigeons of the
Canaries and Madeira (line 20 from the bottom). It should
have been stated that God man pointed out the difference
between Columba laurivora of Gomera and C. trocaz of
Madeira, and also described a third species from Teneriffe
which he called C bollii.

I shall be obliged if you will insert this correction in the
next part of the ' Ibis/

Yours &c.,

F. D. GODMAN.

45 Pont Street, London,
May 24th, 1909.

Sirs, — In the last issued part of * The Ibis ' (above, p. 291)
my friend Mr. M. J. Nicoll has proposed to call the White-
spotted Bluethroat " Cyanecula suecica leucocyana," but in
this I cannot agree with him, for the following reasons : — I

562 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

Lave examined many specimens of the form witli the blue
gorget, and have found that almost all of tliem had a small
spot of white on the middle of the throat. In several of
them this spot was scarcely larger than a pin's head, and in
one, which had an apparently unspotted blue gorget, I
discovered by close examination, on moving the central
feathers, a slight Avhite speck. It appears to me, therefore,
that the form with the blue gorget is merely an individual
varietyof the white-spotted bird, and not even a subspecies, and
that the older birds have usually a larger white spot than the
vo\inger ones. Brehm described the unspotted Bluethroat
in 1822 (Beitr. zur Vogelk. ii. p. 173) as Sylvia wolfii, and
in the following year (Lehrb. d. Naturg. i. p. 344) figured it
with an unspotted blue gorget on the same plate as a
specimen with a small Avhite spot, which latter he called
Sylvia suecica. As, therefore, I consider the bird with an
unspotted (or apparently unspotted) blue gorget to be
specifically inseparable from the white-spotted bird, I con-
sider that they should both stand as Cyanecala wolfii (C. L.
Brehm), 1822, and not as Cynuecula leucocyana C. L. Brehm,
as described by him in his ' Yiigel Deutschlands ' (p. 352) in

1831.

I am, Sirs, yours &c.,

H. E. Dresser.

44 Ilornton Court, Kensingtou, W.,
L>Oth May, 1909.

Sirs, — The White-fronted Goose [Anser alhifrons) was
until lately regarded as a bird of rare and irregular appear-
ance in Southern Italy, where a single specimen was obtained
in the winter of 1870, as has been mentioned by Prof. Costa.
It has been recorded also from Tuscany and from near
Rome. In the north-eastern districts, Lombardy and
Yenetia, the species is less rare, and of irregular appearance
during winter months almost every year. But it does not
seem to have occurred on the Puglie, in Calabria, or on the
islands in the Mediterranean. Last year, however, in
December, large flocks of this bird arrived in the Capitanata
and the large marshes of Manfredonia, and stayed the whole

LettfiTs, Extracts, and Notes. 503

Avintei'. Many specimens were caught, and about one
hundred were brought to and sold in the markets o£
Florence. I believe that about sixty of them were preserved,
and are now in the Museum of Florence, in my own Museum,
and in the collections of Marquis Ridolfi, Messrs. Pierotti, Ra-
gionieri, Zaffagnini, Signoriua Picchi, &c., all from Florence.

After the many specimens I have examined, I think
it useful to state that in its general brown colouring this
Goose varies very much, and shews considerable differences,
and that such variations are not dependent on either sex or
age. The number of teeth on the side of the upper mandible
is usually about 28, and more seldom 26.

From information received from Manfredonia I find that
this Goose was met with there in parties of all sizes, but more
often in small flocks of four or five than in larger companies,
cackling incessantly when in flight. They frequented
localities rich in aquatic grasses rather than the corn- and
stubble-fields. The flight of these Geese was either con-
tinuous and uninterrupted, or gradual, with more or less
prolonged halts at convenient feeding-grounds. They fed
exclusively, so far as my information goes, on vegetable
matter, tender shoots of grass, water-weeds, young corn and
other spring crops, and on grain of all kinds. These Geese
were extremely shy, cautious, and well on the alert when
feeding, so that it was very diflicult to approach them.

This Goose is highly esteemed as a table bird and the flesh
is delicious, but everything depends on the food that the
birds last fed on.

Some young birds in the first plumage with the white
feathering entirely absent on the top of forehead and along
the base of the upper mandible and replaced by black or
brown-black were mistaken for A. hrachyrhynchus, but in the
large number at my disposal I was unable to find a single
Pink-footed Goose.

I am. Sirs, yours &c.,

Count £. Arrigoni Degli Oddi.
Padua,

April 21st, 1909,

o6i Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

The following letter has been received from Mr. Boyd

Alexander : —

Victoria, Kamerun,
April 9, 1909.

I arrived here about a week ago from Fernando Po after
making collections on San Thome, Anuabon^ and Principe.
These three islands have not come up to my expectations, but
the results in the last may atone for the deficiencies of the
two former. San Thome is very mountainous and thickly
wooded, but the central mountain does not rise high enough
to possess a fauna distinct from that of the lower land ; the
only two species peculiar to the mountainous district are
Nectarinia thomensis and Oriolus crassirostris.

After a month's work on San Thome I chartered a small
Portuguese steamer which took me to Annabon. This is a
very beautiful little island, and from a geographical point of
view is quite unique in having a fine lake in the crater of its
volcano at an altitude of over 1000 feet. It is thickly
wooded, and one would have thought it a perfect paradise for
birds ; but apart from Terpsiphone neivtoni, Zusterops griseo-
virens, Scops fece, and 7 M/YM;-CB?ta ma/Aer6n, there was nothing
more to be found. I could not discover the new Huplopelia
described by Salvadori. After leaving Annabon I went to
Principe, where I made a very interesting collection. You
will be surprised to hear that the Parrot on that island is
quite distinct from Psittacus erithacus — in fact I might
almost describe it as a black Parrot. I am sending home
the description of it, and propose to call it P. princeps *.
Even when on tlie wing to a careful observer it appears very
much darker than P. erithacus. The natives also recognise
it as being distinct. I have a good series of adult birds,
and the characters remain constant. This Parrot appears to
be decreasing very much. Keulemans in his day (1867)
reckoned them by thousands, but at the piesent time they
could hardly be told by the hundred. The forest portion
of the island, whicVi is their stronghold, is being rapidly
converted into cocoa-plantations, while the planters shoot a

* [It is described under that name in Bull. B. 0. C. vol. xxiii. p. 74
(1909).— Edds.]

Letters, Extracts, and Notes, 565

great number for food. I think the decrease ia the numbers
of this species might be put down to these two causes.

Besides this Parrot I think I have a new Cinnyris. On
the whole I have made a representative collection, but there
are several species that I shall have to erase from the list
as not occurring on the islands.

At the present moment I am in a camp 8000 feet up the
Kamerun Mountain. A week's work has given me some
very interesting species, quite peculiar to the locality. It is
a curious thing, but numbers of the Fernando Po species or
close allies, which one would have expected to find here, are
absent. I am now making my own road to the Peak, which
approaches this spot on the western side.

Neivs of Mr. Walter Goodfelluic. — We have been favoured
with the sight of a letter from Mr. Goodfellow, dated
March 5th of this year, on which day he was encamped at
the village of Gossi-ossi, at a height of about 6000 feet in
the Owen-Stanley Range of British New Guinea, on a new
expedition to procure living Paradise-Birds. On this occasion
he had to surmount some difficulties in obtaining leave
to catch Paradise-Birds, as stringent regulations had been
passed to protect them. He had engaged the services of the
same native bird-catchers which he had last year, but was
taking them into a new district, and had had much difficulty
in crossing some of the mountain-streams, which were at
that time in flood. Mr. Goodfellow had found the dancing-
place of the Blue Bird-of-Paradise [Paradisornis rudolphi)
and had just succeeded in catching a fine female alive. He
was next proceeding to a district five days' journey farther
up, where he would be on a height of about 10,000 feet, and
expected to obtain specimens of the long-tailed Epimachus
meyeri and Astrapia stephanue. He felt confident that he
would be able to bring home pairs of all these three species,
and hoped also to get examples of Epimachus superbus and
of three species of Garden Bower-Birds which inhabit this
district — Anihlyornis subalaris, A.inornata, and A.jlavifrons.
Mr. Goodfellow's route this year was on the mountains east
of the main range. He was hoping to get away from Port

SEB. IX. — VOL. III. 2 V

566 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

Moresby on May 19th, and would return with his birds
straight to England in order to prepare for the new ex-
pedition into Central New Guinea, which was announced
in our number for January (see above, p. 194). The pre-
parations for this expedition are well advanced, although it
will not start so early as was originally intended. Mr,
Goodfellowand the other members of the expedition will leave
in October next for the Kei Islands, south of New Guinea,
where all the necessary preparations will be made. When
everything is ready, the expedition will move on to the coast
of Dutch New Guinea, and make their actual start into
the interior, towards the Charles Louis Mountains, early in
January. A base camp will probably be formed on the
foot-hills of the mountains.

It has been definitely arranged, as announced in ' The
Times' of May 29tl), that a survey-party shall accompany
the expedition, under the leadership of Captain C. G.
Rawling, who has just been awarded the Murchison Grant
by the Royal Geographical Society for his excellent work
in Western Tibet. The expenses of this pai't of the work
will be defrayed by the Royal Geographical Society.
Captain Rawling will be accompanied by at least one assis-
tant, who has taken the society^s diploma in surveying with
distinction. Captain Rawling himself will probably proceed
to India in September, in order to engage some Ghurkas,
who will accompany the expedition as a guard. It is hoped
that Captain Rawling's party will be able to make a satis-
factory survey of the magnificent range of snow-capped
mountains which stretch for a very great distance through
the southern part of Dutch New Guinea.

Mr. A. S. Neave's Second Earped'ition to South Africa. —
In January 1908 (see ' Ibis/ 1908, p. 203) we announced
that Mr. Neave had left England on a new expedition to
Southern Congo-land and Rhodesia. Mr. Neave, who has
now returned home, spent nearly the whole of 1907 in the
Katanga District of the Congo Free State, and visited the
upper portions of the Lufira, Lualaba, and Lubundi Rivers.
The last is not far from the frontier of Angola. After

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 5G7

tliat lie travelled S.E. into North-east Rhodesia aud, after
paying a short visit to Fort Jameson, went north, right up
the Loangwa Valley, and tlience visited Lake ]3ang\veolo, the
Lofu River running into Lake Tanganyika, and the Kalun-
gwisi River running into Lake Mweru. lie collected about
850 skiris of Birds, besides JMatumals and Insects, and is now
engaged in working out his results at the British Museum,
South Kensington.

Mr. Douglas Carruthers's Movements. — ^Nlr. Carruthers, as
we expected (see ' Ibis,^ 1908, p. 547), has left Samarkand,
and gone back to his old headquarters at the Syrian Pro-
testant College, Beirut. His collection or birds formed in
the Zarafshan Valley (see above, p. 190) has arrived at South
Kensington, and will be worked out by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant.
Mr. Carruthers has already made a short excursion to the
oasis of Tebuk, on the Hedjaz Railway, When writing, on
March 26th, he was about to start on a new expedition from
the Dead Sea up the Jordan Valley, and thence to the summit
of Mount Herraon.

More mar/ced Storks captured on Migration. — In ' The
Times ' of March 3rd, Mr. P. McKenzie announces the
shooting, in the Polela district of Natal, of a White Stork,
which bore on one leg a metal band with the inscription
" Ornith. Kospont, Budapest, Hungaria, 209.^' To this
letter there appeared in the same journal for March 1 7th
a reply from Dr. O. Herman, Director of the Royal Hun-
garian Central Bureau for Ornithology, stating that the bird
in question had been liberated in Transylvania in July 1908.

We also learn from ' The Times ' of April 26th that the
Rev. Ernest Schmitz, Director of the German Catholic
Hospice at Jerusalem, has reported the capture of a marked
Stork near that city on April 5th to the Hungarian Central
Bureau for Ornithology, Budapest. A flock of more than
2000 Storks alighted to rest by one of the lakes near Jeru-
salem, and five were caught. The marked bird was hatched
at Egri, in Eastern Hungary, last season, and marked with
the Stork-ring No. 293 on July 8, 1908; it will be placed in

568 Letters, E.rtracts, and Notes.

the new Palestine Museum. The Storks seen were, no doubt,
on their homeward journey from South Africa.

M7\ J. Buckland's Lantern-slides of Birds. — At the Linnean
Society's meeting on May 6th hist, Mr. James Buckhnid
exhibited a series of sixty lantern-slides received from the
United States of America and Australia, in illustration of
various species of birds in imminent danger of extinction in
consequence of the commercial demand for their plumage as
means of adornment, lie pointed out the urgency of pro-
hibitive legislation in order to save a multitude of hirds,
now rare, from the reckless slaugliter by the plume-hunters.

The first group of slides shewed the slaughter of Gulls
and Terns on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States,
so great that President Roosevelt had intervened by pro-
claiming certain poitions as reservations, and thereby saving
the Terns in these protected sanctuaries. Next were shown
the Snowy Herons on the Florida Keys Reservation; the
patrol boats for the enforcement of tlie protective regula-
tions ; the grave of a warden shot in the execution of
his dutv by a bird-hunter on forbidden territory; and the
nesting-habits of the Egret in Florida.

Following these came slides of plumage-birds from
Oregon, California, and Venezuela; the flightless birds of
New Zealand ; the Birds-of-Paradise, Emu, Lyre-bird,
various Bower-birds; and the home of the Albatross, the Aus-
tralian Gannet in its rookery, closing -with " The cost of a
plume/' a series of slides shewing the slaughter of the parent
birds and tlie lingering death of the nestlings by starvation.

Mr. Fentoit's Collection of Eggs. — We learn from 'Nature'
(vol. Ixxx. p. 223) that a fine collection of the eggs of British
Birds has been presented by Mr. R. Hay Fenton to the
Natural History Museum of the University of Aberdeen.
The collection consists of about 7000 eggs, amongst which
are some of Ross's Gull from the Kolyma River, and a good
series of Cuckoos' eggs accompanied by the foster-parents'
clutches. The last addition to the collection was an egg of
the Great Auk [Alca impennis), purchased in London.

THE IBIS.

NINTH SERIES.

No. XII. OCTOBER 1909.

XXIX. — On the Orniiliologij of Cyprus.
By John A. Buckxill, M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

Although during the last thirty years several valuable
papers have been published upon the birds of Cyprus, I am
not aware that any attempt has hitherto been made to present
a systematie account of its Ornithology by one who has had
the advantage of local residence for any lengthy period. The
opportunity afforded by being stationed in the island in an
official capacity for the past two years has enahled rae to
collect the observations and material for the present paper.

The geographical position and physical features of Cyprus
are so generally familiar as to call for little remark in an
article of this character. It is probably sufficient to
state here that the island is situated between 34° 33' and
35° 41' north latitude and between 32° 20' and 34° 35' east
longitude ; its greatest length is about a hundred and forty
miles and its greatest breadth — i. e. from north to south —
about sixty miles. Cyprus is the third largest island in the
Mediterranean, its area being 358i square miles.

It lies tucked away in the angle between Asia Minor on
the north and Syria on the east ; from the former its nearest
point is but forty-six, from the latter about sixty miles.
From Port Said on the south it is some two hundred and
sixty miles distant. Its chief physical features are two
mountain-ranges and a broad flat plain between them.
Both ranges run east and west; the southern, which is

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 Q

570 Mr. J. A. Bucknill o?z the

extensive and constitutes the main watershed of the island,
is, on the whole, well wooded with Pinus pinaster, Pinus
laricio, Juniperus fcetidissima, Quercus alnifolia, Arbutus
andrachne, and other trees, and rises to a height of no less
than 6406 feet above sea-level. The northern range, although
extending in all a distance of some hundred miles (the
eastern forty-five of which constitnte a thin promontory), is
narrow, reaches only 3135 feet at its highest point, is not so
well stocked with trees, and is generally of less importance.

The southern mountains are known as the Troodos and
the northern as the Kyrenia, though the long eastern horn of
the latter is termed " the Karpas." The plain, which is
called the Mesaoria, extends right across the island, and is
some sixty miles long and from ten to twenty broad.

Of the whole area of the island about seven hundred
square miles are forest lands (a good deal, however, of which
is mere scrub or but sparsely dotted with trees and bushes),
about seventeen hundred are under cultivation, about seven
hundred are composed of rocky ground incapable of culti-
vation, and the I'cmaining four hundred ai-e uncultivated.
The island is fertile and displays the usual features of
agriculture common on those shores of the Mediterranean to
which it lies adjacent; barley, wheat, oats, caroubs, grapes,
olives, cotton, sesame, aniseed, linseed, hemp, beans, vege-
tables, and fruits (such as oranges, lemons, melons, pome-
granates, and nectarines) are cultivated extensively.

The climate is not unhealthy; the winter is wet and cold,
the summer dry and hot; the highest portions of the southern
mountains are covered with snow from about mid-November
till mid-April ; the heat in July, August, and September in
the plains is very great, but in the high mountains the
summer months are cool and can be pleasantly enjoyed.

The riA'ers are, with the exception of a few small perpetual
streams, mountain-torrents, in flood after heavy rain and dry
during the hot weather. There are large salt-lakes near
Liraassol and Larnaca, and two extensive freshwater reser-
voirs, recently constructed, in the Famagusta district, all of
which are very favourite resorts of migi'atory water-birds.

Ornitholnfjij of Cijprus. 571

There are at jM()r[)li()u, Liniassol, and in a good many other
parts of the island, marshes of some extent, where fair wihl-
fowl and snipe shooting is obtainable in winter.

There are approximately a quarter of a million inhabitants.

The published information concerning the avifauna of
Cyprus is fairly plentiful. Amongst the constant string ofc"
visitors to the island, even during the times of the Lusignan
Kings, not a few wrote accounts of their travels, and from
these records ^ we can occasionally gather stray notes on tho
birds which attracted the attention of the early travellers.
Thus, about 133G, one learns from a West})halian cleric that
a nobleman at the Court of Ungues IV. (the ninth monarch
of the Lusignan dynasty) kept ten or eleven falconers with
special pay and allowances ; from another legal visitor in
1394 one gathers that King Jacques 1. owned three hundred
hawks of all kinds; a third gentleman receives from that King
a gift of one hundred partridges; in 1508 a Tyrolese stranger
praises the melodious singing of the Avild birds ; the doves
and very fat partridges delight the heart of a priest of Brie
in 1533. John Locke, an Englishman who visited the
island in 1553, gives a long and accurate account of the
Griffon Vulture and the first — so far as I am aware — notice
of the trade, even then well established, in pickled or
marinaded " Beecaficos," of which he states "they annually
send almost 1200 jarres or pots to Venice." Many subse-
quent writers refer to this article of diet, still a favourite
island dainty.

Quails and Wood-Pigeons figure in a Jew's letter written
in 1563, detailing the price of Cyprus commodities.

From the Seigneur de Villamont of Brittany wc learn in
1589 that it was the practice for the Turkish Pasha of
Cyprus to commandeer on behalf of the Sultan, under penalty
of death, all falcons caught by the peasantry on the cliffs of
Cape Gata near Limassol — the villagers luring the hawks by
means of pigeon-decoys and capturing them in net entangle-
ments, and in return for these services living rent and tax
free. From the same authority we hear of " red and black

* ' Excerpta Cypria,' bv C. D. Cobbani, C.M.G. 1908

2 Q 2

572 Mr. J. A. Bnckiilll on the

" birds wliicli fly in flecks together like Starlings and which,
" as soon as they come to Cyprus, with their song and fliglit
" destroy the locusts wliicli infest the Island/^

The capturing of liawks and tlieir compulsory despatch to
the Sultan is mentioned by <in English visitor in 1596.

A Utrecht lawyer in 1598 mentions that " the number of
"diiforcnt birds is very large: Woodpigeons, Quails,
" Partridges, Pheasants, Ducks, and Geese, abound, while
" Turtle Doves are as plentiful as Sparrows with us ... . there
" are many Eagles and Hawks, even Merlins and Peregrines."

In 1031 a gentleman fiora Bruges staying at Nicosia writes
that the nurnhcr of Crows m\'is incredible, the trees being
black with them ; one of his party brought down several
with a shot from his arquebus and thereby fell into serious
trouljle with the Turkish populace. The same writer refers
to " the delightful music of the Nightingales."

There are references by another author who was in Cyprus
in 1G83 to "certain birds not unlike Plovers," and to
another sort " not unlike Ducks with a pointed beak," both
of which destroyed locusts.

A writer in the early years of the 18th century mentions
the abundance of Snipe; Dr. Pococke, F.R.S., in 1738 is
attended at Papho by the chief dignitary's Falconer with his
Hawk, he identifles the local Partridge as the same as that
of Prance and mentions the Francolin.

The most important chronicler of Cyprus under Turkish
rule was the Abbe Mariti, who resided in the island from
17G0 to 1767. He inserted in his ' Travels' a few remarks
on Natural History : he writes " Among birds the commonest
" are Francolins, Partridges, Woodcocks, Quails, Thrushes,
*'and every kind of waterfowl"; he also mentions the
Beceafico, Ortolan, and Vultures.

Passing from the casual references of those who wrote on
general matters relating to the island, we come to the first
scientific writer who, so far as I am aware, visited Cyprus.

Dr. J. Sibthorp, the editor of the ' Flora Graeca' and founder
of a Professorship of llural Economy at Oxford, visited the
island in 1787; he made considerable collections and prepared
important lists of and notes on the local Birds, Mammals,

Ornithology of Cyprus. 57'?

licptilcs, and Fishes, his manuscript being puhHslicd in
1818 by the Ilev. Robert Walpole. His work was the real
foundation of all the subsequent publications relative to the
ornitholojcy of the island, althouj;li not hitherto fully
acknowledged as such by later writers.

Sibthorp appears to have been a tlioroughly sound,
cultivated aud well-read naturalist, and in his interesting
journal he recognises and comments upon the migratory
character of many of the species which he identified, aud the
composite nature of the avifauna of the island. lie stayed
in Cyprus for at least six weeks in April and May, and seems
to have made a fairly complete tour, including a visit to the
Tro(')dos range. He gives a list of some eighty-one species
of birds, exclusive of domesticated varieties : he was not quite
sure of the proper identification of a few, but he provides tlie
Linnean nomenclature for those as to which he was certain,
and the local Greek names of a large number. He identihed
the Raven, Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, and IMagpie; met with the
Jay on Troodos; noticed the Koller, Golden Oriole, Cuckoo,
Bee-cater, aud Hoopoe; found a Vulture (which he could not
distiiigui.sh), the Common Kestrel, and several other s[)eeies
of Hawks which were new to him, the Little Owl, Mallard,
Garganey (which was probably the Teal), Cormorant, and
t'olyvihus uurilus [i. e. either the Sclavonian or Eared Grebe),
the Black-headed, Greater Black-backed, Common and Little
Gulls, the Manx Shearwater, Little Tern, Purple, Night,
Great White, and Common Herons, the Little Bittern,
Curlew, Oyster-catcher, Spur-wingcd Plover, Stone-Curlew,
Moorhen, Land-Rail, Riugcd Plover, Blaek-vvinged Stilt,
Snipe, Redshank, Ruff, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Partridge (as
I'c'lruo rufus), Francolin, Pin-tailed Sand-Grouse (as Tctrau
ulchata), Quail, and the Roek-Pigeou, the Ringed, Tuitle-
and Collared Turtle-Doves *.

Amongst the smaller birds Sibthorp obtained or noted are the
Crested aud Calandra Larks; the Water-Pipit, Song-Thrush,
Blackbird, Corn- and Ortolan Buntings, House- and Roek-
Sparrows, Fringilla linaria (probably not the Mealy Redpoll

* [For an account of Sibthorp's unpublibhecl Tauua Cuu'ca,' see
Sclater, 'Ibis,' 1901, p. 222.— Edd.]

57-J. Mr. J. A. Buclaiill on the.

but the Linnet), Fringilla fluveola (without doubt, both from
the Greek name and description which he gives, the Black-
headed Bunting) ; the Pied and Spotted Flycatchers; the
Nightingale, Blackcap, Willow-Wren, Wheatear, Motacilla
ficedula and M. alba (perhaps the Pied and White Wagtails),
and also M. flava; the Coal Titmouse, Swallow^, House-
Martin, Swift, White-bellied Swift, Common Pratincole, and
Nightjar, He also found two species of Loxia — probably
the Crossbill — on the northern mountains.

For seventy odd years after Dr. Sibthorp's visit no further
ornithological publication of any importance relative to the
island appeared, though several visitors refer to the abundance
of game.

In 1863 a party of sportsmen paid a visit to Cyprus, their
account being published some years later in the 'Temple Bar
Magazine'; amongst their bag they included a few Bustards.

In 1865 appeared at Vienna the important work ' Die
Insel Cypern/ by Drs. F. Unger and Th. Kotschy. A list
of birds forms part of Appendix IX., which purports to be
founded on Sibthorp's journals, coupled with the personal
observations of Dr. Kotschy ; it is, however, scarcely
more than a copy of Dr. Sibthorp's catalogue. The authors
mention — excluding domesticated birds — eighty-four species,
and their additions to Sibthorp's list include only the
Egyptian Vulture, Sitta syriaca, the Rosy Pastor, the Grey-
lag Goose, a Woodpecker (unidentified), the Great Shearwater,
the Marsh- and Curlew-Sandpipers, and the Great Snipe. It
is, perhaps, noteworthy that the occurrences of this Vulture,
the Nuthatch, and a Woodpecker have not been confirmed
by subsequent observers. The writers identify three of
Sibthorp's unknown Ha^ks as the Peregrine, Goshawk, and
Sparrow-Hawk, and, as far as can be seen, without good
reason, omit from the former's list the Redshank, Grey Plover,
Rock-Dove, Common Snipe, Manx Shearwater, and White
Wagtail, though possibly perhaps some of their alterations
may be due to their change of his scientific nomenclature.
In fact, though frequently referred to in later publications
us the basis of Cypriote ornithology, their list is little, if at

Ornithology of Cyprus. 575

all, in advance of Sibtliorp's, and is apparently less accurate
and complete.

In 1875, Lord Lilford visited the southern and eastern
coasts of Cyprus in the yacht 'Zai'a^ during the spring. Not-
withstanding that his stay extended only from April 14th to
about May 20th, and that he thus missed the winter birds, his
time was well spent ; and although the results of his expedi-
tion were not published for fourteen years (during which time
he had accumulated much further material), he made in
the short time at his disposal many interesting discoveries —
not unnaturally when it is remembered that he was the first
competent modern ornithologist to study the birds of the
island. He did not visit the mountains, but nevertheless
added to the list many species, such as La Marmora's Falcon,
the Red-legged Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, ISIarsh- Harrier, Barn,
Short-eared, and Scops Owls; the Woodchat, Redstart,
Stonechat, Isabelline, Russet or Black-throated, Eastern
Pied, aTid Hooded Chats; the Olivaceous, Reed, Savi's, Cetti's
Fantail, Spectacled, Palestine (then only just discovered by
Canon Tristram), Sardinian or Black-headed, Orphean,
Garden, Wood, ChiffchafF, and Bonelli's AVarbiers, and the
Common and Lesser Whitethroats; the Great Titmouse, Black-
lieaded Wagtail, Meadow-, Tree-, Red-throated, and Tawny
Pipits; the Sky-, Short-toed, and Wood-Larks, Cretzschmar's
Bunting, the Serin, the Red-rumped Swallow, the Sand- and
Crag-Martins, the Common and Smyrna Kingfishers, the
Wryneck ; he identified the " Partridge " as the Chukar ;
noted the Spotted and Baillon's Crakes, W^ater-Rail, Common
and Demoiselle Cranes, Great and Little Bustards, the Little
Ringed and Kentish Plovers, the Woodcock, Jack Snipe,
Common, Green, and Wood Sandpipers, the Spotted Red-
shank, Greenshauk, Little Egret, Buff-backed and Squacco
Herons, the Bittern, White Stork, Marbled Duck and Shag,
the Common, Caspian, and White-winged Black Terns, Larus
melunocephalus, the Slender-billed, Yellow-legged Herring-,
and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and Puffinus yelkouanus.

In 1878, shortly after the British occupation. Lord Lilford
despatched a collector to the island. This gentleman, a

576 IMr. J. A. Buckuill on the

j\[r. W. Pearse, who had had some experieiire with
Mr. Danford in Asia Minor, spent the winter of 1878-1) in
Cyprus, but his mission was, for various reasons, not very
successful and he died in the island. He did, however,
despatch a number of skins to Lord Lilford and was re-
sponsible for the discovery of the Saker, Pallid Harrier,
Long-eared Owl, Ked-backed Shrike, Fieldfare, Kedbreast,
Black Redstart, Great lleed-Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Spanish
Simrroyv, Sturnus poltaratzskii, "Rook, Great Spotted Cuckoo,
Coot, Little Stint, Sanderling, and Flamingo.

In 1879 Herr August Midler published, in the 'Journal
fiir Ornithologie ' (vol. xxvii. pp. 385-393), a paper entitled
"Zur Ornithologie der Insel Cypern." This paper was the
result of the despatch from Cyprus in 1877 and 1878, to
Herr Wilhelm Schliiter of Halle on the Saale, of several
consignments of birds' skins and eggs amassed in the
neighbourhood of Larnaca by a collector whose name is not
mentioned and which is not known to me. The paper added
to and incorporated linger and Kotschy's list ; and, as the
results of Loid Lilford's and Pearse's work had not then
been published (they appeared first in- 1889), it is right that
credit should be given to Miiller for the first publication of
several important additions to the birds of the island, such as
the Lesser Kestrel, Red-kgged Falcon, Scops Owl, Sand-
!Martin, Red-rumped Swallovr, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Great
Titmouse, Blue Rock-Thrush, Isabelline, Black-eared, Black-
throated, Eastern Pied, and Arabian Chats, the Olivaceous
and Reed Warblers, the Black-headed "Wagtail, Cretzsch-
mar's Bunting, Emberiza pyrrhuloides, the Serin, Caccabis
chukar, the Little Bustard, Little Ringed Plover, Little Stint,
Glossy Ibis, Squacco and Bufi'-backed Herons, the Spoonbill,
Spotted Crake, Tufted Duck, and Mediterranean Herring-
Gull. He also replaces Unger and Kotschy's Garganey by
the Teal.

All these species, with few exceptions, had already been
noticed by Lord Lilford or Pearse, but Miiller is, at any rate,
primarily responsible for the addition of the Blue Rock-
Thrush, the Black-eared and Arabian Chats, the Large- billed

OrnithuIo<jy of Cyprus. 577

rvecd-Biniting, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Teal, and Tufted Duek.
lie also records the eggs of many interesting species wliicli bad
not previously been noticed nesting in the island, amongst
tbem being the Iled-leggcd Falcon, Great Spotted Cuckoo,
Kced- Warbler, Quail, and Yellow-legged Herring-Gull.

In the 'Zeitschrift fiir die gesammte Ornithologie,' i. p. 397
(1884), E. F. von Homeyer described as Saxicola a/priaca a
form of Saxicola rnorio found in Cyprus.

In 1887, Dr. F. H. II. Guillemard visited Cyprus under
the auspices of Lord Lilford, and made a somewhat extensive
tour of the island. He stayed there from Feb. 22nd till
June 30th and formed a considerable collection of birds and
eggs. Dr. Guillemard paid a second visit from Nov. 30th,
1887, to the beginning of June, 1888, during which period
he largely increased his former acquisitions.

Accounts of these two journeys were published by him in
two papers in 'The Ibis' — the first, entitled " Ornithological
Notes of a Tour in Cyprus in 1887,'" appearing in Jan. 1888,
and the second, " Cyprus and its Birds in 1888/' in April
1889.

Guillemard's work on these two expeditions was of the
utmost importance, as, besides obtaining examples of the
majority of species hitherto locally recorded, he added to
the list many others not or only doubtfully identified before.
Amongst these may be mentioned the Black Vulture, the
Imperial and Bonelli's Eagles, the Masked Shrike, a Dipper
(which he did not secure), the Palestine Bulbul, the Mistletoe-
Thrush, White-spotted Bluethroat, Ehrenberg's Redstart,
Whinchat, Sedge -Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Riippeirs
Warbler, Wren, Tree-creeper, Reed -Bunting, Chaffinch,
Hawfinch, and Greenfinch ; he discovered, or perhaps re-
discovered, the Crossbill; he also found Siurnus purpuras cens,
the Pallid Swift, Pied Kingfisher, Little Crake, jfEgialitis
geoffroyi, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Bittern, Mute Swan,
Ruddy and Common Sheldrakes, the Gadwall, Shoveler,
Pintail, Wigeon, Pochard, and White-eyed Duck, the Scoter,
Pelicans (both Pelecanus crispus and P. onocrotalus), the
Black Tern, Little Gull, and Little Grebe.

578 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

From Guillemard's collections Dresser described the Coal
Titmouse as a new species, Parus cyjjriotes [P. Z. S. 1887,
p. 563].

In July 1889 Lord Lilford published his "^ List o£ the
Birds of Cyprus " in ' The Ibis ' of that date. This enu-
merated two hundred and thirty-one species and embodied
tlie results of the writer's, Pearse's, and Dr. Guillemard's
work, besides referring to the list of Unger and Kotschy,
to the paper of Herr Muller, and to information derived
from various other casual sources. This was the first sys-
tematic modern attempt at Cypriote ornithology.

In 1901 Mr. Ch. Glaszuer, an Austrian subject residing at
Larnaca, commenced sending to the Hungarian National
Museum consignments of specimens collected by him in the
island, and since that date has despatched a considerable
number to similar institutions, amongst them being the
British Museum and that of Mr. Rothschild at Tring.

Dr. J. V. Madarasz, from Mr. Glaszner's consignments,
separated as distinct several of the species resident in the
island : the Scops Owl as Scops cypria and the Great Tit as
Parus aphrodite m 1901 (Termes. Fiizetek, xxiv. p. 272) ; the
Jay as Garrulus glaszneri in 1902 (Orn. Monatsb. x. p. 163);
the Dipper as Cinclus olympicus and the Crossbill as Loxia
(juilkmardi in 1903 (Orn. Monatsb. xi. p. 5) ; and the Hooded
Crow as Corone pallescens in 190-4 (Orn. Monatsb. xii. p. 28).
Glaszner's large consignments were found by Madarasz to
include as additions to the list several highly interesting
species, notably Monticola saxatilis, Aedon philomela, A'edon
familiuris, Sylvia uisoria, Lanius minor, Lunius isabeUimis,
Sturnus porphyronotus, Scops giu, Circus cyuneus, Circus
ciiieraceus, Buteo vulgaris, Falco suhbutto, Pernis apivorus,
Milvus ictinus, and I'rocellaria pdagica, and to confirm the
then slender claims of others such as the Dipper, Mistletoe-
Thrush, Great Reed-Warbler, Ortolan, Hawfinch, Pied King-
fisher, Curlew-Sandpiper, Cormorant, and Common Gull.

From May 1901 until Nov. 1902, Miss Dorothy M. A.
Bate was in the island. She obtained a number of examples
of the local Wren and described it in 1903 as a new species

Ornithologrj of Cyprus. 579

under the name Anorthura Cypriotes (Bull. B. O. U. xiii.
p. 51), and subsequently, in 'The Ibis' of the same 3'ear,
published an interesting paper entitled " Field-Notes on the
Birds of Cyprus." In addition to suggesting the subspecific
character of the local Tree-creeper she identified Pterocles
arenarius, and gave instructive and new information on the
local distribution of the Great Spotted Cuckoo, Blue Rock-
Thrush, Coot, White Stork, Francolin, and a few other
species.

In 1904 Dr. J. v. Madarasz published, in the Ann. Mus.
IVat. Hung., a lengthy paper "Ueber die Vogel Cyperns."
]n this publication he gives a complete list of the species
represented in the collections sent to him by Mr. Glaszner,
besides referring to the earlier works of linger and Kotschy,
Miiller, Lord Lilford, Guillemard, and Miss Bate. This
pamphlet is in every way a finished and scientific production,
well worthy of the reputation of its distinguished author.
He enumerates two hundred and forty-nine species and
subspecies recorded from the island.

My residence in Cyprus has extended from July 1907
to June 1909, during the whole of which period I have
made as many personal notes as my limited opportunities
for travel have permitted. I have, moreover, received very
valuable assistance from several well - known sportsmen
who are officials in the island, notably from Mr. F. R. S.
Baxendale, the Commissioner of Papho, who is carefully
working his — the western — district; Mr. E. H. D. Nicolls,
the Director of Public Works ; Messrs. G. Wilson and G. F.
Wilson, of the Secretariat; Mr. T. J. Greenwood, Local
Commandant of the Cyprus Military Police ; Mr. A. K.
Bovill, Principal Forest Officer, and Mr. Crawford Noble,
his Chief Assistant. Mr. Glaszner has lent me many rare
specimens and assisted me in every possible manner.

From the end of February until my departure in June of
this year, my friend, Mr. C. B. Horsbrugh, whose work in
the Transvaal, and more lately in New Guinea, is well
known, has been staying with me, and has made a study of
the local spring migration at the freshwater reservoirs,

580 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

besides visiting tlie mountains. He made a large collection
of skins and eggs, the bulk of which is now at the
South Kensington Natural History Museum, Even with
all this welcome aid our united endeavours have not as yet
been able to accomplish very much, but we have succeeded
in swelling the list by the addition of Turdus iliacus, Turdus
ulpestris, Podicipes nigricollis, Gijpaetus barbatus, Clangula
(jlaucion, Chenalopex agyptiacus, Anser segetum, Branta ber-
nicla, Turtur senegahnsis, Houbara macqueeni, and Chryso-
mitris spinus, and in discovering a certain amount about
the nesting, migration, and distribution of a good many
species.

A word should perhaps be here said as to the local
protection of wild birds and game. " Game " in Cyprus is
defined to iiiclude Pheasants, Francolius, Partridges, Sand-
er rouse. Bustards, Wild Ducks, Wild Geese, Woodcocks, Snipe,
(iuails, and Land-Rails. The inclusion of Pheasants, which
have long been extinct in the island, was due, uo doubt, to
an attempt at their introduction shortly after the British
occupation in 1878, the definition first appearing in a law
(,f 1879. There is a summer close-season for all game; Fran-
colius are totally protected for five years from ]\Iarch 17th,
1906. The taking of eggs of game-birds and the export of
game are prohibited. There is a close-time for wild birds
and their eggs during the breeding-season, except in the
case of Sparrows, Crows, Ravens, Magpies, Doves, and a few
other species thought to be harmful. The export of skins
and eggs of birds is prohibited ; but the High Commissioner
may grant special permission to enable persons to collect
and export birds and their eggs for scientific research. The
local Dipper, Wren, Tree-creeper, Crossbill, Chat, Great and
Coal Titmice and their eggs are, by a law passed this year,
protected at all seasons. A gun-licence, including the right
to shoot game, costs ten shillings, and is, as a matter of
jjractice, issued to any person who can produce, which is not
difficult, a certificate of respectability from his local "Elders."
Very roughly some five thousand gun-licences are issued
annually. A good many of the Cypriote upper classes, both

Ornithology of Cyprus. 581

Christian arul Moslem, are very keen sportsmen, and, I think,
observe the Game Law as well as the English do; but the
peasants, amongst whom to carry a gun is not only regarded
as a sign of importance, but also as a surety for the safety of
themselves and their flocks, are often picturesque poachers,
and will at any time shoot anything worth a charge of
powder and shot.

The law, both with regard to the preservation of Game
and Wild Birds, is probably adequate, but its enforcement
is not easy in a place like Cyprus, where there is no such
thing as " game preserving," and where any one can and docs
shoot practically wherever he pleases. However, there are a
few forest plantations in which no shooting is allowed, and
the new law of this year contemplates the establishment of
large "reserves."

Of the distribution of birds in and their migratory move-
ments to and from an island geographicallly situated as is
Cyprus, it is difficult to express opinions which may not
subsequently be rudely upset, but the following remarks arc
put forward in the belief that they are substantially correct.
About two hundred and sixty species have been recorded
from the island, in the main on very good authority. The
list is one which a competent ornithologist would probably
be able largely to compile by looking at a map. As time
goes on and with closer observation perhaps the number will
still be considerably augmented. Of real residents there are
very few, and in all they barely exceed forty species, of which
a Dipper, a Jay, a Coal Tit, a Wren, a Tree-creeper, a Scops
Owl, a Chat, a Great Tit, and a Hooded Crow have all
been accorded, on, at any rate in some cases, tolerably good
grounds, subspeeifie rank. Of these nine local forms it is
interesting to observe that the first five are entirely confined
to the higher parts of the southern mountain-range.

Other typical real residents are the Common Francolin,
the Chukar Partridge, the Haven, Jackdaw, Magpie, and
Little Owl.

About thirty species are typical summer visitors, arriving
in the island in spring, nesting and leaving for warmer

583 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

climates in autumn : birds such as the Swifts, Masked
Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, and the Swallows. But I have
no doubt that by no means do all of these summer visitors
which arrive in the island remain to breed, many passing ou
and joining the ranks of the spring and autumn migrants.

Perhaps forty species are what one may terra winter
visitors : birds such as the Blackbird, Robin, Wigeon and
some other Ducks, the Starling, and the Rook; they arrive
in the autumn, remain during the winter, and leave in spring
for the north. Here, again, many individuals are birds of
passage only.

By far the largest class is the spring and autumn birds
of passage, which arrive in spring, stay a few days or weeks,
pass on to their more northern or more suitable breeding-
grounds, and return in the autumn ; again wait a little,
though not so long, and are off to warmer places. Of course,
as might be expected, there are many cases in which
individuals belonging to this category do not follow the
movements of the bulk of their fellows, but remain in the
island either to nest or for the winter. For example, the
Blackcap does both ; it certainly nests and as certainly
remains during the winter, but the numbers which do so
are infinitesimal compared with the huge throngs which
occur in spring and autumn. The Cranes, in flocks of
hundreds, pass over the island, regular almost to a day,
in spring and autumn ; hardly any even alight, but a few are
to be found in the marshes throughout the winter. Such
instances might be multiplied almost indefinitely.

Regarded as a point in a migratory line Cyprus is perhaps
too near to the mainland to offer a compulsory route ; so
close is it, indeed, and so much is its climate dominated by
that of the neighbouring coasts, that a heavy spell of cold
weather on the Taurus will produce a rush of Woodcock,
Snipe, and Duck at almost any time.

Although, therefore, the adjoining coast of the Levant
probably prevents Cyprus from being a very remarkable
halting place, it is nevertheless at the migration seasons a
fairly busy spot which a considerable number of migrants

Ornithology of Cyprus, 583

utilize. There is mueh still to be done in the ornitholo<;y
of the island which only increased interest and careful
observation can accomplish. The Chats and Warblers,
the Finches and Hawks, and their status in the island are
amongst the more obvious tasks for the students of the
Cyprus Natural History Society, founded last year, to
accomplish. Subjoined is the Cypriote list brought up to
date so far as I have been able to do so. For the sake of
uniformity, the nomenclature adopted is, so far as is possible,
that used by Dresser in his ' Manual of Palaearctic Birds,'
but the B. O. U. nomenclature is added, so far as it applies,
in cases in which Dresser's is not the same.

1 *. TuRDUs viscivoRUs Linn.

The Mistletoe-Thrush is apparently a winter visitor of
considerable rarity. Dr. Guillemard included it in his list
supplied to Lord Lilford, and Glaszner obtained a female
near Larnaca. Three were noticed by Mr. R. G. Jebb, an
official who was stationed for some time at the freshwater
reservoirs in the Famagusta district, at that place on
Oct. 28th, 1908, and from him and others I learn that the
bird seems to occur every winter.

2. TuRDus Musicus Linn.

The Song-Thrush is a very common winter visitor. It
arrives about the beginning of November, and though, no
doubt, many individuals use the island only as a station on
their journey south, a large number remain through the
winter. They have all left again by the end of March,
though the northern migration commences as early in the
year as the middle or towards the end of January. It has
been thought that this species may occasionally nest in the
mountains, but though I have fairly satisfactory notes of
its having been seen in April and even in the summer
months on the TroOdos range, I have not, as yet, authentic
evidence of its breeding. It is not unfrequently shot by the
Cypriote sportsmen, and sold in the bazaars for eating
purposes for a piastre or two.

* The numbers prefixed to the name of each species are those of
Dresser's ' Manual.'

58 i Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

7 . TuRDUs iLiAcus Linn.

Lord Lilford appears to have been surprised at not liaviiig
received any record of the Redwing from Cyprus.

The only authentic occurrence of this bird with which I
am acquainted is its appearance in very severe weather in
the winter a few years ago near Nicosia, where it was noted
by a well-known English sportsman, Mr. G. P. Wilson. It
would be in any case only a rare winter straggler.

9. TuRDus PILARIS Linn.

The Fieldfare is a winter visitor, but is decidedly rare.

Pearse obtained a specimen in the winter of 1878-9,
Dr. Guillemard two out of a small flock in February
1888, while Glaszner has collected a few in November and
December. Mr. G. F. Wilson has recorded this species as
occurring on three different occasions only, in very cold
weather in November and December, in a period of eight
years.

20. TuRDUs MERULA Linn.

Tiie Blackl)ird is a common winter visitor, arriving about
the beginning of November and leaving in March. No
doubt many individuals arc merely passing migrants. It is
sometimes noticed as a cage-bird, and is frequently shot
and used for food, being sold indifferently with and at the
same price as the Song-Thrush, though it is not nearly so
abundant as that species.

2k Subsp. TuRDUs ALPESTRis Ch. Brchm.

A few years ago a nest and eggs of a Ring-Ousel were
taken near the ruined castle of Kantara, high on the
northern range of mountains, and the old birds seen by
Mr. Nicolls, who is well acquainted with the English
species.

In July 1907 I watched a pair on the Troodos range quite
5000 feet above sea-level, which, from their behaviour,
most probably had young in the vicinity. I was at the
time much struck by and noted the large amount of
white on the under parts; and as I know the British

Ornithology ofCyi>nifs. 585

T. torquntus intimately iu N. Wales, I had no hesitation in
aseribin}^ the specimens I observed to the south-eastern
form, though being without a gun I was not able to obtain
one of them for closer examination. I have little doubt
that those recorded by Mr. NicoUs belonged to the same
race.

In the absence of any other records of this species from
Cyprus, it is impossible to state what is the nature of its
distribution in the island. Very few ornithologists have
traversed the wilder portions of either mountain-range, and
there are in both many retreats where this bird would find
a congenial hom.e.

I expect that it is a casual visitor on migration, a pair
or two occasionally stopping to nest in certain localities on
their northward visit.

25. MoNTICOLA SAXATILIS (LiuU.).

The Rock-Thrush appears to be a somewhat uncommon
visitor on migration and has very seldom been recorded.
Glaszner obtained a female on Troodos on the 19th of
September, 1902, and shewed me another female which
he had shot at Kellia, near Larnaca, on April 15th, 1905.
Mr, Baxendale sent me a third which he had shot at Papho
on April 3rd, 1909.

27. MoNTicoLA cYANus (Liuu.).

The Blue Rock-Thrush has been recorded from the island
by several observers. Miiller described an adult pair in the
collections sent to Schluter (1877-8), but gave no data;
Guillemard obtained two — one in March 1887 in the Limassol
district, and the other on May 11th, 1888, in the northern
mountains ; Glaszner sent two to Madarasz, taken, the one
( c? ) near Stavrovouni Hill on February 28th, the other ( ? )
at Alethriko on March 18th, 1902, both places being in
the Larnaca district. Miss Bate, during her stay in Cyprus,
found the species not uncommon iu the northern range, and
in June 1902 saw several individuals among the ruins of
Kantara Castle, one of which could only have left the nest
a very short time ; at Buffavento, another mediaeval ruin in

SEll. IX. VOL. III. 2 R

586 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

tlie same mountains, Miss Bate^ about the same date,
observed others, and during the winter noticed the species
in many different places in the range.

It would therefore appear that the bird is, at any rate, a
partial resident; but I expect, in the main, it is a migratory
visitor, an occasional pair nesting in likely spots, and a few
halting to stay for the winter on their southerly movement.
It was not met with by Lord Lilford, somewhat to his
surprise, but he apparently did not visit those higher parts
of the mountains where Miss Bate observed it with such
frequency.

29. CiNCLUs MELAKOGASTER Brchm.

Cinclus olympicus Madarasz.

The presence of a Cinclus in Cyprus was first recorded by
Guillemard, who, in May 1887, observed, but did not obtain
or identify, a bird of this genus near Kalopanayiotis, about
4000 feet above sea-level in the Troodos range. He also
mentions having noticed "the Dipper'^ on the summit of
Troodos in June of the same year. The actual discovery of
the local form of the Black-bellied Dipper is due to Glaszner,
who sent two examples to Madarasz, one taken on October the
3rd, 1902, and the second on January the 4th, 1904, both on
the southern mountains. Since that date, so Glaszner informs
me, he has obtained two or three more. I observed this bird
on several occasions in the summers of 1907 and 1908 on the
little rocky streams near the camp on the Troodos heights;
and Mr. Horsbrugh, on his visit to that range in May and
June of 1909, found the species tolerably common in
suitable localities, and obtained a nice series of both adult
and juvenile specimens, most of which are now at the
Natural History Museum, South Kensington,

This Dipper is a resident, but is far from abundant,
being confined to those high portions of the southern chain
where, amongst the small stones and perpetually running
brooks, it can find a satisfactory home. It appears to be
more common than elsewhere on the very highest slopes of
the range. It must nest early in the year, as at the end of
May the young are in full though, of course, juvenile

Ornitholoyy of Ci/jiruft. 587

plumage. The nest, which with fully fledged young has
been found by Mr. NicoUs near Kykko Monastery, has been
described by him to me as of similar character to that of the
British Cinclus aquaticus, and the eggs will, no doubt, be
found typical.

I am not competent to express any useful opinion as to
the propriety of Madarasz's separation of the Cypriote bird
as a subspecies, which that author places as intermediate
between C. alhicollis (\ ieill.) and C. cashmiriensis Gould.
The number of specimens available for examination hitherto
iias, I understand, been limited to about half a dozen, but
the series now in London should perhaps enable the matter
to be clearly determined. On general grounds it would
not be surprising to find some well-marked local charac-
teristics in a non-migratory insular species of such closely
restricted range on an island chain of hills. The bird has
been well known to several of the English officials for a good
many years, and I am credibly informed that the peasant
gunners will continue to shoot it for the " pot," though it is
now entirely protected by law at all seasons.

42. Saxicola cenanthe (Linn.).

The Wheatear is a common visitor on spring and autumn
migration. It arrives from the south about the middle or
towards the end of March, but, though a few individuals
may halt till May, all practically have left by the end of April.
It passes back about the end of September and in October.
I have no evidence of its nesting in Cyprus.

46. Saxicola morio Hempr. & Ehr.

Saxicola cypriaca E. F. Homeyer {?).

I must preface my remarks on this and the succeeding
five species by stating that I am by no means fully capable
of dealing, at present, in an adequate manner with the
Wheatears which occur in Cyprus. The nomenclature used
by the earlier writers who make reference to them has
rendered necessary careful inquiry into the different
synonyms utilized. The local records relative to them are
very meagre, and, unfortunately, Horsbrugh was, through

2r 2

588 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on (he

pressure of other work, unable to pay so much attention to
this group as we had hoped, and, consequently, collected but
few specimens. Mr. Baxendale sent up, in the spring of
1909, several specimens from the Papho district which
baffled both of us, and a casual examination of the skins
in the Natural History Museum at South Kensington
completed, if possible, my doubts. I haA^e therefore re-
stricted my observations to apparently indubitable facts,
and, at a later date, hope to be able to work out the
matter in a somewhat fuller manner. With regard to
the present species, I do not know if its description by
Homeyer as distinct in its Cyprus form is sound, but, in
view of its habits, I should, so far as I can judge, doubt any
claim to difference from S. morio.

However, it is, without any doubt, by far the commonest
Chat in the island, and I have found it at all altitudes. As
Saxicola morio (Eastern Pied Chat), Lord Lilford calls it
the " characteristic Chat of Cyprus " ; Miiller had large
numbers of specimens and clutches of eggs, the latter taken
from April the 10th to June the 1st — he names it S. leucomela
and gives a lengthy description of the eggs ; Guillemard calls
it " extremely common " and obtained several nests with eggs ;
Miss Bate refers to it as " ubiquitous " ; and Glaszner sent
many specimens to Madarasz obtained from spring till late
autumn. Horsbrugh and Mr. C. Noble obtained plenty of
nests and eggs this year in April and May. There seems to
be a local idea that this Chat is permanently resident in
the island, but all I can at present state is that my earliest
recorded date is February the 23rd and my latest October
the 9th, from which I judge that it is mainly a summer visitor.
Mr. Baxendale, who has paid more attention to these birds
than any one else, is of a similar opinion.

47. Saxicola monacha Riipp.

The only record of the Hooded Wheatear from the island
appears to be that of Lord Lilford, who saw two examples,
of which he obtained one, an adult male, near Larnaca, on
May the 5th, 1875.

Ornithulogy of Cyprus. 589

55. Saxicola melanoleuca (Giild.).

The Black-throated Wheatear, the Eastern form of
S. stapazina (Vieill.), is evidently a visitor at the migration
seasons to the island, butj so far, seems only to have been
noticed in the spring.

As S. stapazinUy the Russet Chat, it is mentioned by
Lord Lilford as having been met with by him only once in
the island ; Miiller records three adults taken in spring ;
Guillemard obtained an adult male iu the Karpas district on
March the 23rd, 1888; Glaszner sent five birds to Madariisz
collected in the Laruaca district in March and April ; and
Mr. Baxendale sent me a male shot near Papho on the 2ud
of April, 1909.

56. Saxicola albicollis (Vieill.).
Saxicola amphileuca Ehr.

The Black - eared Wheatear has been less frequently
noticed than the preceding species, though it appears to be
a similar migrant, and has hitherto only been recorded in
spring.

As S. aurita Temm. Miiller mentions an adult male ob-
tained in spring ; it was not observed by Lord Lilt'ord or his
collectors, but Glaszner sent two adult males to Madarasz,
taken near Laruaca on the 19th and 22nd of March, 1902.
Mr. Baxendale sent me a male, shot near Paplio on
April the 2nd, 1909.

According to Madarasz, the specimens sent to him belong
to the Eastern form S. amphileuca Ehr., and not to the
AYestern S. albicollis (Vieill.). Doubtless the others recorded
belonged to the same type.

57. Saxicola finschi Heugl.

One would expect to find the Arabian Wheatear a resident,
or at any rate a snmmer visitor to Cyprus ; but from the
information at present available it would appear to be a
winter visitor. Miiller mentions an adult male received from
the island; Guillemard thought it rare, and on both his visits
only noticed it on some six occasions, the single specimen
he obtained having been shot in mid-February 1888, not

590 IMr. J. A. Bucknill on the

far from Famagusta ; Glaszner sent three males to Madarasz
from the Troodos range, two taken on February 20th, and
the third on September 29th, 1902. Miss Bate states that
this species evidently arrives in the island about the end of
October, as she first saw it at that time both in 1901 and 1902 ;
she found it not at all uncommon in winter on the lower slopes
of the nortliern mountains, met with it also in the Larnaca
district, and once near Papho on the 23rd of March, the
latest spring date on which it was observed by her.

I do not feel justified in adding to the above any confident
remark, except that Mr. Baxendale, Horsbrugh, and I
consider that we have obtained specimens in April of this
year.

63. Saxicola iSABELLiNA Riipp.

Tlie Isabelline Wheatear is another Chat which so far
a])pears to be a visitor on the spring and autumn migrations.

Lord Lilford regarded it as very local, but not uncommon
in March and April in the Famagusta district, and he and
his collectors obtained specimens. Miiller records four —
adults of both sexes — taken in spring, and Glaszner sent one
male to Madarasz, captured near Larnaca on August the 14th,
1901. I am not able, at present, to add to the foregoing
records any observations which I should care to be regarded
as undoubtedly correct.

66. Pratincola rubetra (Linn.).

The Whinchat appears to be a visitor on its spring and
autumn migrations, and to be not at all common. Lord
Lilford did not sec it, but Guillemard obtained two males in
April and May 1887, in the nortliern hills at Akanthou and
near Larnaca respectively ; Glaszner sent a young bird to
Madarasz, taken near the latter place on September the 23rd,
1901, and Mr. Baxendale sent me a male shot at Papho on
the 2nd of April, 1909.

69. PRATtNCOLA RUBICOLA (Liun.).

The Stonechat appears to be a tolerably abundant winter
visitor. Lord Lilford found it not uncommon in the open

Oralthuloyy uf Cyprus. 591

country at the beoinning of April ; Pearsc aud Guillemard
together record it in November, December, January, Feb-
ruary, and March ; whilst numerous specimens sent by
Glaszuer to Madarasz were taken in January, February,
March, October, and November. Mr. Baxeudale, Hors-
brugh, aud I obtained it in 1909 from the 9th of March to
tlie 5th of April; and I have sometimes noticed it myself
in the cold weather. It seems to arrive in October aud
to leave at the end of March or beginning of April.

75. RuTiciLLA PH(ExicuRus (Liuu.).

The Redstart was first noticed in the island by Lord
Lilford, who observed a few individuals in the Karpas district;
Pearse sent Lord Lilford two with illegible data ; Guillemard
obtained a male in the Karpas on April 26th, 1888 ; Glaszner
sent to Madarasz sixteen specimens taken in various localities
in March, April, September, and October. Miss Bate states
that she saw a few among the pine-trees on Troodos during
the summer, and found it common in winter in the low hills
north of Nicosia.

During the summer of 1908 I repeatedly saw a pair
near the grounds of Government House, on Troodos, where
they were certainly nesting ; Mr. Jebb sent me a male
taken at the Acheritou reservoir in November 1908; and
Mr. Baxendale, Horsbrugh, and I found aud took the bird
in fair numbers from the 1st to the 18th of April, 1909.
]\Ir. Horsbrugh saw one near Papho as late as May 18th. The
Redstart is no doubt in the main a visitor on the spring
and autumn migrations, but, like not a few other species,
often finds in Cyprus congenial winter-quarters, whilst a few
stay for the summer and nest in the mountains — habits rather
tvpical of birds visiting a middle-range place, such as is this
island, with warm lowlands and cool highlands.

76. RuTiciLLA MEsoLEUCA Ehr.

Ehrenberg's Redstart has not hitherto been often recorded
from the island. It was first noticed by Guillemard, who
obtained an adult male near Limassol on March 11th, 1887.
Glaszuer sent four examples to Madarasz captured near

592 ^Ir. J. A. Bucknill on the

Larnaca and on tlie Troodos range : oue in jMarch, one in
October, and two in September. Horsbrugh and 1 did not find
the bird very common this spring (1909), but we noticed it
and obtained specimens from the 13th to the 21st March;
whilst Mr. Baxendale and Horsbrugh took a male at Papho
as late as May the 21st. It appears to be a spring and
autumn visitor, and I see no reason why it should not nest
occasionally in the hills.

84. RUTICILLA TITYS (Scop.).

The Black Redstart appears to be only a winter visitor
and fairly abundant, arriving at the beginning of November
and leaving towards the end of March.

Pearse sent Lord Lilford two females taken on November
the 21st, 1878 ; Guillemard obtained specimens on March the
11 til, 1887, and January the 4th, 1888, near Larnaca and
Limassol, at the latter locality finding the species '' not
uncommon/' Glaszner sent a number to Madarasz from
various localities taken in November, January, and February.
Horsbrugh and I observed several this spring near Nicosia
on March the 18th.

93. Cyanecula woLFi C. L. Brehm.

The White-spotted Bluethroat appears to be a spring
and autumn migrant, though it is possible that it may be a
winter visitor. It has seldom been recorded. Guillemard
found some, and shot an adult male amongst the reeds at the
freshwater lake near Faraagusta on February the 13th, 1888.
Glaszner sent Madarasz four — two males and two females —
taken near Larnaca in October 1901.

95. Erithacus rubecula (Linn.).

The Redbreast is a common winter visitor, arriving
towards the end of October and leaving towards the end of
March, my earliest record of its arrival being October the 25th
and my latest o£ its departure March the 21st. It is well
distributed over the island and a good many individuals
can always be found in the larger gardens near the towns,
whilst on the hills it is sometimes observed in great abundance.

Ornitholof/y of Cyprus. 593

lOG. Daulias luscima Linn.

Tlie Nightingale arrives in the island in considerable
numbers at the end of Marcli and beginning of April.
During the latter month and the early part of May the
great majority pass on to the north, but, though I have not as
yet personally seen the nest or eggs, I am assured that some
remain for the summer and breed in the mountains.
Glaszner has obtained it in the middle of September, during
whieh month and the following its return passage doubtless
takes place. It is really quite abundant at the spring
migration, and from the 21st of March up till the 10th of
May, 1909, Mr. Baxendale, llorsbrugh, and I took a number
of specimens and must have heard and seen scores. I
have often heard and seen it in a small mosque garden
inside the "walled city ^' of Nicosia. But much later dates
than ours have been authenticated. Glaszner took a specimen
at the end of JNIay near Platres, a village about 4000 feet up
on the southern slopes of the southern range ; and Guillemard
found it common at Lefka on the 23rd and at Kykko
Monastery (4000 feet) on the 25th of the same month, and
noticed it on the Troodos summit (6000 feet) in early June :
so that the reports as to its uidification are probably correct.

107. Daulias Philomela (Bechst.).

The Thrush-Nightingale has only been recorded from
Cyprus by Madarasz, to whom Glaszner sent two specimens
taken on April 14th and September 3rd.

Madarasz mentions the inclusion in linger and Kotschy^s
list of a bird called by them "Luscinia philomela Pr. Bonap.,"
and evidently considers that the authors intended to refer to
the present species. But in view of the fact that the ordinary
Nightingale, Daulias luscinia, is (as Motacilla luscinia
Linn.) indubitably referred to in Sibthorp's list, whilst Lus-
cinia philomela (or Philomela luscinia) was quite a common
early name for the ordinary Nightingale, I am satisfied
that the use of the synonym Luscinia philomela by linger
and Kotschy was a mere alteration by them of Sibthorp's
nomenclature, and not, as it would otherwise have to be read,
an intentional substitution of the one species for the other.

594 Mr. J. A. Buckiiill on the

Althougli, of course, easily confused with D. luscinia, and
more easily overlooked, I can only say that of the dozen or
so specimens of Nightingales which I have handled in Cyprus
none belonged to the Eastern species. But it is evidently,
at any rate, a migrant in spring and autumn. One of the
specimens sent to Aladarasz was an extremely dark variety.

109. Sylvia nisoria (Bechst.).

The Barred Warbler is another of Glaszner's discoveries,
he having sent two young (male and female) specimens to
Madarasz. They were in autumn plumage, and were taken
on August 28th and September 12th.

110. Sylvia cinerea Lath.

The Whitethroat is a visitor on migration, arriving towards
the end of March and passing on by the end of April. A few
pairs remain and breed in the hiiis. The return passage takes
place about October. It was taken by Sibthorp on April 4th,
having alighted on his vessel ; Lord Lilford obtained a female
near Larnaca on April the 21st, 1875; Guilleraard two females
in the Famagusta district on March the 26th, 1888 ; Glaszner
sent Madarasz a specimen taken near Larnaca on October the
13th, 1901. Mr. Baxendale, Ilorsbrugh, and I found the
AVhitethroat not uncommon towards the end of March and
beginning of April 1909 ; and Ilorsbrugh came across it again
in the lower hills of the Southern range, and obtained on
the 9th of that month, at Kambos, a nest with four eggs.

111. Sylvia curruca (Linn.).

The Lesser Whitethroat is a common visitor on migration,
arriving and departing about the same time as the preceding
species. Lord Lilford found it common in the low country
near water in April ; two of Guillemard's specimens were
taken on March the 21st and 29th; Glaszner sent Madarasz
a number of skins from various localities, the birds being
taken in March, April, September, and October.

Mr. Baxendale, Horsbrugh,and I found this species common
in company with -S. cinerea, but did not discover it breeding.

Ornithology of Cuprum. 595

115. Sylvia hortensis Bechst.

The Garden-Warbler is another visitor on spring anil
autumn migration. Lord Lilford and his collectors apparently
did not obtain specimens, but the former records having
seen and heard it in May near Papho. Guillemard mentions
meeting with it at Kykko Monastery at the end of May 1887
" pouring out a torrent of song," and in June, on the summit
of Troodos ; Glaszner sent a male to Madanisz taken at
Larnaca on September the 14th, 1901. Personally we have
not yet identified with certainty this species, although I have
no doubt that it is our own fault that we have not done so.

117. Sylvia coNSPiciLLATA Harm.

The Spectacled Warbler is in the main a visitor on
migration. It arrives in the middle of March and has
passed by the end of April. It returns in autumn, and
some undoubtedly stay in the island throughout the winter.

It was noticed by Lord Lilford only near Trikomo, in the
Famagusta district ; but Guillemard found it tolerably
plentiful in early March on the flats between Larnaca and
Famagusta, and also near Limassol, and his spring specimens
include one taken on April the 7th; he also saw a few pairs
later in that month. Glaszner sent a female to Madarasz,
taken near Larnaca in March.

119. Sylvia subalpina Bonelli.

The only record of the Subalpine Warbler with which I
am acquainted is that of a single specimen shot on March the
7th, 1888, by Guillemard, near Ayia Napa, at the south-
eastern extremity of the island.

121. Sylvia melanocephala (Gmel.).

The Sardinian Warbler is probably a visitor on migration,
though no doubt some winter in the island. Lord Lilford
considered it uncommon and very local, and he only noticed
it in the Karpas ; Guillemard found a few, but secured two
only, near Limassol, in March; Glaszner sent several to
Madarasz, collected in various localities in September,
October, November, and February, and has shown me a
specimen taken on March the 24th, 1905.

596 Mr. J. A. Rucknill on the

12.2. Sylvia atricapilla (Linn.).

The Blackcap is aii exceedingly common migrant, arriving
during March ; some stay and nest, but the great majority
quickly move north. The return passage takes place in
September and the beginning of October.

My first note of its appearance is the 6th of March, but
this is very early and I do not think that the bulk arrive
until towards the end of that month, -nheu there is usually
a heavy rush of migrating vernal arrivals. Those which do
not remain do not stay later than the middle of April.
Glasznertook specimens in March, April, August, September,
and October ; and Mr. Baxendale, llorsbrugh, and I found the
bird in plenty even up to the 28th of April, 1909. Horsbrugh
aiul I discovered it nesting on the Kyrcnia Hills early in
May, and on the 1st found a nest with young — not remark-
ably early, in view of the advanced state of summer which
obtains in Cyprus at that date. My Hrst record of the
return migration is the 5th of September; but this is again
early, as the bulk do not reappear until towards the end of
that month ; by the middle of October or thereabouts they
luivc again passed on south, and I have not noticed any
during the winter months. Perhaps the chief interest which
locally attaches to this bird lies in the fact that it is the
species Mhich forms the main strength ot tiie " Beccaficos,"
the capture and sale of which have for so many centuries
formed quite a small trade in the island. Until quite
recently much uncertainty existed as to the actual species
Avhich was the victim of this petty commerce : the early
writers mostly seem to have thought that it was the Ortolan,
but Lord Lilford was assured that it Avas the Garden-Warbler.
Olaszner pointed out to Madarasz that the bird utilized was
the " Blackcap," and explained that, naturally, other species
were sometimes captured and made use of with it, such
as S. melanothorax, S. melanocephala, S. hortensis, and, in the
mountainous districts, even the Great and Coal Titmice. I
have no doubt that he is right, but though I took the trouble
to examine perhaps two hundred of these birds taken
in September 1908, 1 found them all Blackcaps. The

Ornithologij of Cyprus. 597

capture is cfTected in various parts of the island during tlie
autumn migration, but chiefly in the district lying between
Larnaca and Faraagusta. The birds are caught with bird-
lime, and some idea of their abundance may be gathered from
the fact that a single peasant will sometimes take as many as
ten or twelve dozen during the day. They are either sold
fresh, unplucked, at about twenty for a shilling, and are eaten
as one would eat Larks, or preserved, undrawn, iu the wine of
the country and served as a savoury or light entree, and are
certainly in either case extremely palatable.

123. Sylvia orphea Temm.

Lord Lilford obtained a male Orphean Warbler near
Limassol on April the 15tn, 1875. It does not seem to have
been met with by Guillemard ; but Glaszner sent six to
Madarasz, taken near Larnaca in March, April, and August.
I have never seen a specimen from Cyprus, but should imagine
that those found iu the island ought to belong to the Eastern
form, S. jerdoni (Blyth). It is no doubt frequently confused
with the Blackcap,

125. Sylvia rueppelli Temm.

RlippelFs Warbler appears to be mainly a spring and
autumn migrant and not very uncommon. It was not
n.et with by Lord Lilford, but Guillemard obtained speci-
mens near tlie Limassol salt-lakes in March 1887. Glaszner
sent a considerable number to Madarasz collected iu
various localities iu March, but captured one in October.
Mr. Baxendale sent me a specimen shot near Papho on
the 1st of April, 1909, where he had observed it in some
numbers, and I have seen others taken by Glaszner on the
6th of April and the 12th of May. I should think that
there can be little doubt that it nests in the island,

126. Sylvia melanothorax Tristram.

The Palestine Warbler was only described by Tristram
two or three years before Lord Lilford, unaware of tliat
fact, found the species fairly common in Cyprus. Lord
Lilford first noticed it at the north-east corner of the island

598 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

on April 27th, but afterwards observed it iu more or less
abundance in the scrubby uncultivated grounds near the
sea in all the localities which he visited. Pearse sent him
many specimens. Guillemard found it, evidently arriving on
migration, at the Limassol promontory on March 7th, and
shot it afterwards in many different parts of the island from
sea-level up to 2000 feet or more on the hills ; he did not
find it common on the northern side of the Kyrenia range,
but met with it in December on the Mesaoria plain on his
.second visit. Miss Bate found it common in summer on
the Troodos range at 4600 feet. Glaszner sent to Madarasz
alone more than a hundred specimens, taken at all times of
the year and from all parts of the island.

The species is evidently in the main a summer visitor,
though a considerable number remain throughout the winter.
Strangely enough, the nest and eggs have not been, so far as
I am aware, yet taken or observed.

To what has already been written on this bird in Cyprus
I can add nothing. I have seen a fair number, and can only
suggest that it nests in May.

Regulus sp. inc.

Jn March 1887 Guillemard observed a Regulus (which he
could not clearly identify) at Episkopi, near Limassol.
Probably it was R. ignicapillus (Brehm), which is common
in the Taurus range.

136. Phylloscopus trochilus (Linn.).

The Willow-Wren is another spring and autumn visitor.
It was included in Sibthorp^s list : he took it on his ship on
April 4th. Lord Lilford found it common, but not nearly
so abundant as the Cliiffchaff ; Pearse obtained several
specimens in October ; Guillemard does not mention it in his
two articles. Glaszner sent Madarasz seven specimens
taken near Larnaca and on the Troodos range in September
and October. It is rather remarkable that although I have
been extrenicly familiar with this species from boyhood I
have never heard it in Cyprus, and the only occasion when
1 have seen it was in early May of 1909 at Nicosia in some

Ornilhuloffy of Cy/>rus. 599

numbers in the Botanical Gardens in company with many
other small Warblers^ most of which I was unable to
identify.

137. Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.).

The Wood- Wren appears to be a spring and autumn visitor,
but a few individuals probably stay during the winter. Lord
Lilford found it common in April and May in the gardens
and fruit-orchards. Guilleraard observed a few in mid-April
near Famagusta and appears to have obtained examples ;
Glaszner sent Madarasz a male taken near Larnaca on May
the 6th, 1901. I have never heard this species in Cyprus, but
I saw a few examples near Nicosia on April the 14th, 1909.
On the 29th of November, 1908, I caught in my house a
live male.

138. Phylloscopus bonellii (Vieill.).

Bonelli's Warbler was found by Lord Lilford not un-
common in April and May in gardens and on the lower
slopes of the hills in the Karpas district. Guillemard does
not mention the species in his articles, but a])parently
obtained specimens. Glaszner sent two to Madarasz taken
at Larnaca in April and July. Madarasz thinks that Lord
Lilford is wrong in expressing the opinion that the ChifFchaff
nests in Cyprus, and considers that Bonelli's Warbler is
really the species concerning the breeding of which Lord
Lilford had received information. However, Bonelli's
W^arbler is evidently a spring and autumn migrant in any case.

139. Phylloscopus collybita (Vieill.)

Tlie Chiffchaff is a common visitor on the spring and
autumn migrations and a good many remain throughout the
winter. Although Lord Lilford states that he had reason to
believe that it breeds in Cyprus, I have no definite evidence
of its doing so.

Lord Lilford found it very abundant on the vernal migra-
tion ; Guillemard noticed a small party on January the 5th,
and secured one of them, and he obtained the first spring
arrivals on the 8th of March ; Glaszner sent Madarasz
specimens taken in January^ February, March, and October.

coo Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

The Chiffchaff is to be seen in Nicosia throughout the winter;
a few of them frequented my garden in the cold weather of
1908 and 1909, from mid-October till the beginning of
April. The first few warm days brings them into song and
between the 14th of February and March the 25th, 1908, and
again between the 1st of March and April the 2nd, 1909, their
note w^as constantly to be heard. On March the Cth, 1908, and
on March the 12th, 1909, their numbers were largely increased
by, I presume, the spring migrants. After the first few days
of April their song is no longer heard and they all seem to
disappear about that time, my actual latest date of observa-
tion of the species being the 6ih of April.

160. Hypolais pallida (Hempr. & Elir.).

The Olivaceous or Pallid Warbler is a very common
summer visitor and is to be found all over the island. It
arrives about the end of April and sings vigorously till, at any
rate, the end of July. It leaves about the end of September.
It is, without doubt, by far the commonest Warbler of
Cyprus. It nests in May and early June — I have notes of
clutches from May the 8th to June the 10th — and lays some-
times three or, more often, four eggs.

Lord Lilford first identified tlie species in the island.
Glaszner has taken specimens in September : we all found it
in abundance.

165. AiiooN FAMiLiARis (Men^tr.).

The only record from Cyprus, of which I am aware, of the
Grey-backed Warbler is that of a female obtained by Glaszner
on August the 28th, 1901, and sent by him to Madarasz.

168. AcROCEPHALUs sTREPERUs (VieiU.).

Lord Lilford met with the Reed-Warbler on his visit and
regarded it as not very abundant ; he took specimens towards
the end of April in the Karpas district ; Pearse met with it
in October.

Miiller mentions the receipt of two clutches, each of three
eggs, taken on May the 22nd. Glaszner obtained one bird near
Laruaca on August the 26th, 1901. None of us have yet come

Ornitltology of Cyprus. 601

across this species, but it would appear to be a summer
visitor, though occurring chiefly at the spring and autumn
migrations.

170. AcROCEPHALus ARUNDiNACEUs (Linn.).

Acrocephalus turdoides Gould, B.O. U. List, p. 19.

Lord Lilford doubtfully included the Great Reed- Warbler
in his list on the strength of the remains of what was
considered to be a specimen of the bird found in the
stomach of a Viper sent to him by Pearse.

It was not met with by Guillemard, but Glaszner sent eight
specimens to Madarasz, obtained near Larnaca in September,
October, and November. Mr. Baxendale informs me that
he believes that this species occurs at the end of jNIarch
near Papho. and there are a few suitable localities in that
neighbourhood where it is possible it might nest. However,
so far, it is only known to us as a visitor on the spring and
autumn migrations.

175. Acrocephalus scHCENOBiENUs (Linn.).

Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechst.), B. O. U. List, p. 20.

Guillemard met with and obtained the Sedgc-Warbler near
Larnaca salt-lake in the early half of April 1887 ; and
Lord Lilford states that the only specimens in his Cyprus
collection were two collected by Guillemard and dated, from
near Larnaca, as of May the 20th of that year, though it may
be remarked that on that day Guillemard was at another
Larnaca close to Kyrenia on the other side of the island.
Apparently the bird was not taken by Glaszuer, nor have I
observed it ; but Horsbrugh came across a few individuals
near the Acheritou reservoir in early April, though, as he
did not obtain a specimen, the identification is not so
satisfactory as would otherwise have been the case.

193. LOCUSTELLA LUSCINIOIDES (Savj).

Lord Lilford shot a single specimen not far from Larnaca
on April 21st, 1875. I shot a male on some reedy banks of
a small watercourse at Nicosia on April the ]3th, 1909. I
know of no other records. Until the reed-beds which exist

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 s

602 Mr. J. A. Buckuill on the

in a few places in the island are thoroughly explored by a
competent ornithologist in May, very little can be said with
certainty as to the status of quite a number of birds which
have hitherto been only casually reported.

194. Cettia cettii (Marm.).

Cettia sericea (Temm.), B. O. U. List^ p. 22.

Lord Lilford heard Cetti's Warbler once near Limassol
during his visit; Pearse obtained one example on November
the 11th, 1878, and Guillemard another at Lefka (not far
from the sea) on May the 23rd, 1887.

These are the only local records with which I am
acquainted.

199. CisTicoLA cuRsiTANs (Franklin).

Lord Lilford considered the Fantail Warbler to be common
in the wheat-lands bordering the marshes ; Guillemard
found it abundant, in the early part of April 1887, near the
Larnaca salt -lake ; and Glaszner sent a specimen, taken near
Larnaca on October the 19th, 1901, to Madarasz. I have on
several occasions in April seen a few in the close vicinity of
Nicosia, and Mr. Baxendale and Horsbrugh found the bird
fairly common in the Papho district from the 6th to the 25th
of May, 1909. Its precise status in the island I have not yet
been able to determine, but I suspect that it is a resident.

232. Parus major Linn.

The Great Titmouse is a common resident. It was first
noticed by Lord Lilford, and Miiller mentions clutches of
eggs taken on April the 23rd and May the 17th. Guillemard
found it extremely common and generally distributed ; while
Glaszner sent a large series to Madarasz, taken in various
localities in every month of the year except July and De-
cember, and has obtained fledglings in April, May, and June.

To this I have little to add. I have had this bird in my
garden at Nicosia from October to June and have seen it
wherever I have been in the island. At Nicosia, young on the
wing were noticed by me on'Aprii the 27th, 1909 ; Horsbrugh

Ornithology of Cyprus. 603

found several nests in tlie hills, both with fresh eggs and
young, in early May, and obtained the bird both in the plains
and on the summit of Troodos. I propose to deal with the
variations in plumage to which this species is locally subject
under the head of the next species.

233. Subsp. Parus aphrodite Madarasz.

From the series of skins of Great Titmice sent to him
by Glaszner, Madarasz separated five, from which he de-
scribed Parus aphrodite, a form apparently intermediate in
appearance between Parus minor Temm. & Schlegel — the
Japanese Titmouse — and Parus major Linn. In addition,
however, to tlie separated Parus aphrodite, Madarasz found
some fifteen specimens which he regards as crosses between
Parus major and P. aphrodite : these are smaller than
typical P. major and somewhat paler on the breast. The
specimens of P. aphrodite were taken in February, March,
May, and October, but the subspecies is evidently resident.
Whether in Cyprus P. major is throwing off a form approxi-
mating to P. minor, or whether, as with its population,
Cyprus is in the case of these birds the meeting-place of east
and west, it is hard to say. One can only surmise, in view of
the stationary character of the Great Titmouse and of the
great numerical superiority of the typical P. major, that, if
the latter view be correct, it is remarkable that such a form
as P. aphrodite is still in existence. If, on the other hand,
the former is the right theory, it is again remarkable that
the form is apparently uncommon, unless the offshoot is of
recent development.

Personally I have never handled a sufficient number of
specimens of Cypriote Great Titmice to enable me to comment
usefully on the validity of Madanisz's conclusions. The
nests and eggs of local Great Titmice which I have seen
differ in no way from those of the typical British species.
The note of the Great Titmouse in Cyprus seems weak..

239. Subsp. Parus Cypriotes Dresser.
The existence of the Coal Titmouse in Cyprus was known

2s2

G04 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

to Sibthorp, -who stot it on Troodos in 1787. Its name
appears, of course, in Unger and Kotschy's list. Lord
Lilford did not visit its haunts, but received specimens from
Pearse — from the southern range, — which were then, as up
to Guillemard^s visit was the case, only regarded as P. ater
or a dark form of that species. In 1887 and 1888, however,
Guillemard obtained a considerable number of specimens,
from which, in the former year. Dresser described the bird as
P. Cypriotes. Glaszner sent to Madarasz alone two hundred
examples and took nests and eggs. It is a resident, confined to
the eoniferous-tree-bearing areas of the southern mountains,
and seldom met with except at a considerable elevation. To
this I have little to add. I observed it frequently in the
summer on Troodos, and Horsbrugh obtained specimens quite
low down in the forest between Karavastasi and Kambos and
found two nests at the latter place {circa 3200 feet) in early
May 1909 ; higher up he found another with unfledged young
on the 11th of May, while he saw and obtained specimens
and found a fourth nest in early June on the summit. His
first nest was discovered in a hole in a mulberry-tree close
to the ground ; the second in a cavity in a caroub-tree about
fifteen feet up ; the third in a hole in a bank behind a hut ;
of the fourth I have no particulars. Such eggs as I have
examined do not appear to me to differ from those of P. ater.
The bird's note seems very much feebler than that of its
English relative.

260. Parus c^ruleus Linn.

The only record of the Blue Titmouse appears to be that
of Guillemard, who observed a single specimen in the first
week of March 1887, in the Larnaea district.

286. SiTTA SYRiACA Ehr. (?).

Unger and Kotschy place the Rock-Nuthatch under this
name in their list, but on what authority I do not know.
No one since has been able to verify their record.

The form Sitta neumayeri Michah., is, I should imagine,
more likely to wander to the island than any other Sitta.

Ornitholoyy ofCijprus. 605

287. CliRTHIA FAMILIARIS Lillll.

Certhia familiaris dorothea Hartert.

The presence of a Tree-creeper in Cyprus seems to have
been first observed by Guillemard, who found it tolerably
abundant on the heights of Troodos on both his visits (1887
and 1888). Miss Dorothy Bate, who, during her stay in
1901 and 1902, took a series of specimens in the same
locality, drew attention to their similarity to the subspecies
from Asia Minor, C. familiaris harterti Hellm., and I believe
that Dr. Hartert has designated the Cypriote form by the
trinomial given above. Glaszner sent over forty specimens
to Madarasz alone. It would be out of place here to enter
into any lengthy account of the characteristics which are
stated to distinguish the Cypriote form, as they have been
dealt with in considerable detail elsewhere by Miss Bate and
Madarasz, The bird is a resident, but is restricted to the
coniferous forests of the southern mountains and, so far as
I am aware, to the higher altitudes. It is not very common,
but I saw a few in the neighbourhood of the Troodos hill-
station in the summers of 1908 and 1909. Horsbrugh
observed it in fair numbers in his journey through the range
in May and June ; he obtained specimens on the summit
and found five fledgings already out of the nest on the 3rd
of the latter month, but observed a pair still building in the
roof of a hut in another locality on the following day.

I have not yet procured the eggs.

290. Troglodytes parvulus Koch.

Anorthura Cypriotes Bate, Bull. B. O. C. xiii. p. 51.

Troglodytes cypriotis Bate, Ibis, 1903, p. 575.

Guillemard, who did not mention the Wren in his articles^
was, nevertheless, the first to record this species in Cyprus,
bringing back two examples from the Troodos mountains.
Miss Bate, who obtained a few in the same locality during
her visit, described it as a new species, and gave an accurate
account of its habits and distribution. Madarasz sent three
to Glaszner, also collected in the same neighbourhood. The
Wren is a resident, but is confined to the forests of the

G06 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

southern range, and is more common than elsewhere on
the highest portions. I found it in plenty in the neighbour-
hood of the hill-station near the summit of Troodos, singing
gaily, from the commencement of July (the date of my
arrival there) until the end of September. It breeds in April
and May, but though Miss Bate heard of a nest on the
southern slopes, I am not aware that its nidification and
eggs have been hitherto described. Mr. Nicolls, whose
duties cause him to visit Troodos in early spring, wrote to
me : " I have found the nest of this bird almost every spring
on Troodos, although, as a rule, too late to take the eggs.
I have nearly always found the nest fixed in the side of a
road-cutting, sometimes well, sometimes poorly concealed.
It is built of dead bracken and moss and lined with fine
material : it is exactly similar in size and shape to that of
the English Wren, only apparently the bird has not that
facility for local disguise which the English species has.^^

In 1909, on the 27th of April, Mr. Nicolls found two nests
at Karbouna (about 4000 feet), one containing two and the
other seven eggs ; the former was made of dark moss placed
against a white rock background, and the latter of the same
material against a dark rock background. Mr. Nicolls
brought me one egg ; it was rather glossy, pure white, and
measured '7 X "51 inch.

A few days later Mr. Nicolls found a third nest built
under the verandah of Government House on Troodos,
between the rafter and the corner wall.

Horsbrugh met with the Wren in some numbers during
his stay in the forest, i. e,, from May the 10th to 30th, 1909,
and obtained nests, eggs, and birds. The first nest he
discovered on May the 12th at an altitude of between 3000
and 4000 feet on the western side of the Troodos range, but
it was empty ; it was built on the crest of a bank. On the
same day he found a second, not far off, in the side of a
bank, with four well-fledged young. On the 29th, on Troodos,
he took a nest with five fresh eggs from a cleft in a rock close
to a stream at an altitude of about 5200 feet. These eggs
are rather small, their average size being '647 x '511 inch :

Ornitholoyy of Cyprus. 607

one is pure white^ two have only two or three very small
pale rusty spots, while the remaining two ai'e slightly
spotted. Horsbrugh brought back the first and third nests,
one being almost entirely composed of moss^ and the other
of dry bracken.

To the ordinary observer the Cypriote Wren appears only
rather darker than the typical English bird, but one of the
distinctions is, according to Madarasz, the great length of
the bill in the local form.

293. MoTACiLLA LUGUBRis Tcmm.

Sibthorp in his list includes Motacilla ficedula as well as
Motacilla alba. I can only suppose that by the latter name
he intended to designate the Pied, and by the former the
White Wagtail. But if this is so, no other observer has
confirmed the appearance of the Pied Wagtail in Cyprus.

Even Unger and Kotschy discreetly omit it from their
catalogue.

298. Motacilla alba Linn.

The White Wagtail is a very common winter visitor,
arriving about the beginning of October and leaving towards
the middle of April. It was first noticed by Sibthorp, and
Lord Lilford found it tolerably common near Larnaca and
Famagusta about the end of April. It was observed by
Guillemard in January and March; and has also been procured
by Glaszner in February. Personally, I have found the
species quite abundant during the period mentioned above,
as a rule in small parties, but often in scores amongst the
flocks of sheep and goats. It is possible that a few may nest
in the island, as at the end of May of this year (1909) I saw
at close quarters a small party of three Wagtails which I
could not place except perhaps as young of this species.

302. Motacilla melanope Pall.

The Grey Wagtail is a winter visitor to Cyprus, arriving
towards the middle of October and leaving towards the
middle of March. It is not uncommon. It was not met
with by Lord Lilford, but Pearse obtained it in November,

608 Mr. J. A. Bucknill on the

and Guillemard in January : Glaszner has taken it on tlie
Troodos range in September and October.

Personally, I bave bad it under constant observation in
Nicosia from October tbe 13tb to March the 9th_, but I have
seldom seen more than half a dozen at a time near the water-
tanksj pools, and open aqueducts which it frequents.

305. MoTACiLLA PLAVA Linn.

The Blue-headed Wagtail is a common spring and autumn
visitor, arriving towards the end of March, leaving towards
the end of May, and returning on passage in early
October. It is mentioned by Sibthorp. Lord Lilford found
it common in all moist places in April and May, Guillemard
obtained it on March the 20th, and Glaszner on October
the 6th. Mr. Baxendale, Horsbrugh, and I found it
frequently in many localities from March the 26th to May
the 24th, and shot several examples.

307. MOTACILLA MELANOCEPHALA Licht.

The Black-headed Wagtail is a common spring and autumn
migrant, arriving and leaving much about the same time
as the preceding species. Lord Lilford found it common in
May in similar localities to those which M. flava frequents,
Miiller mentions a specimen received by Schluter which was
taken in spring, and Glaszner has obtained it at the end of
March.

Horsbrugh and I found it quite abundant in many localities
from the end of March till about the end of April, often
consorting in small flocks of thirty or more with M. flava.
We obtained a number of specimens.

313. Anthus PRATENsis (Linn.).

The Meadow- Pipit or Titlark is at any rate a common
visitor on the spring and autumn migrations, and a good
many individuals are to be found in winter. I have no
evidence that it nests in the island. Lord Lilford found it
not uncommon in April near the coast; Pearse obtained it
in November, Guillemard in January, February and March;
Glaszner in iSovember and February.

Ornithology ofCi/jirus. 609

I shot a male in January at Morpliou ; and Horsbru<>;h
and I found a good many near INicosia from March the 12th
to April the 18th, 1909, and obtained some specimens.

But Ilorsbrugh did not meet with it on the hills in j\Iay,
and, though no proper attention has yet been paid to this
group in the island, I am very doubtful whether any Meadow-
Pipits remain in Cyprus during the summer.

315. Anthus TRiviALis (Linn.),

The Tree-Pipit is also certainly a visitor at the spring and
autumn migrations. I think some individuals may remain
during the winter, but I do not believe that it breeds in the
island. Lord Lilford found it not uncommon near Larnaca in
the latter half of April, and Guillemard noticed it, evidently
in some numbers, at the beginning of May. Glaszner has
procured it in April, September, and October. My only
note of this bird in the island is of the 1st of March, 1908,
on which date I observed a few of what I took to be Tree-
I'ipits amongst the trees in the moat at Nicosia.

317. Anthus cervinus (Pall,).

The Red-throated Pipit is a visitor on the spring and
autumn migrations. Lord Lilford found it not uncommon
in the plains near the coast in April and May, and thought
it more common than A. pratensis. Guillemard noticed it
ill small Hocks of twenty or thirty on the marshy grounds
near Famagusta at the end of April. It does not seem to
have been met with by Glaszner ; but Horsbrugh and I took
one specimen on the 28th of March, 1909, and saw numbers and
obtained a male and female on May the 2ud, near Nicosia.

318. Anthus spipoletta (Linn.).

The Water- or Alpine Pipit was first noticed by Sibtliorp,
who caught a specimen on his vessel whilst off Cyprus on
April the 3rd, 1787. The species was, of course, included in
Unger and Kotschy^s list. Lord Lilford obtained a female
near Larnaca on April the 21st, 1875, in nuptial plumage, and
Guillemard a male in winter dress nearLimassol on January
the 5th, 1888. I am not aware that the bird has been obtained

610 Mr. J. A. Bucknill oh the

by Glaszner. Horsbrugh shot a male on March 23i-d at
Acheritou, and Mr. Baxendale sent me another killed on
April the 18th (1909) at Papho. I suppose that it is a visitor
on the migrations^ and perhaps winters in the island.

323. Anthus campestris (Linn.).

The only record of the Tawny Pipit from Cyprus with
which I am acquainted is that o£ a specimen shot near
Larnaca by Lord Lilford on April the 16th, 1875. It is
possibly a resident.

In concluding this very inadequate account of the Pipits,
I can only add that, though my recollection is full of
remembrances of seeing Pipits in many places in the island,
my note-book is practically blank regarding them, an
omission which I shall endeavour to rectify.

330. Pygnongtus xanthopygus (Hempr. & Ehr.).

The only record of the Palestine Bulbul hitherto is that of
Guillemard, who, in mid-April 1887, observed near Larnaca
at close quarters a specimen of what he was satisfied was
this species. It does not seem to have been met with by any
other observer. I have found it a regular but not abundant
visitor in spring, arriving about the beginning of May and
staying, according to my observation, only about three weeks,
my first date being April 30th and my last May 22nd.
I have frequently seen three individuals together in my
garden iat Nicosia, and Horsbrugh and I this spring (1909)
noticed them there from April the 30th to May the 18th.
Mr. G. Wilson also saw the bird on May the 5th, 1909, in two
localities close to the capital. I have seen it in captivity
once in the island, but on enquiry heard that the specimen
came from Smyrna. It is no doubt also an autumn migrant.

335. Oriolus galbula Linn.

The Golden Oriole is a fairly common visitor in spring
and autumn. It was noticed by Sibthorp as not uncommon.
Lord Lilford was surprised at observing it only once.
Mliller mentions three spring specimens ; and Guillemard,

Ornithology of Cyjn-us. 611

wlio only observed one on his first visit, saw many between
Troodos and Papho in April 1888, but was told that it was a
year in which it was exceptionally abundant. Glaszner has
collected a few in April and May, and shewed me a female
obtained on October the 8th, 1905. I observed a few in
April and ]\Iay of 1908 and 1909; and Horsbrugh and I
obtained or saw about a dozen birds in 1909 from the 23rd
of the former to the 14th of the latter month. I never heard
of this species nesting in Cyprus ; but Mr. G. F. Wilson has
notes of its occurrence as early as August the 23rd (1903)
and August the 27th (1908), and has also seen it at the
end of September.

350. Lanius minor Gmel.

As Madarasz remarks, it is certainly noticeable that the
Lesser Grey Shrike does not appear to have been recorded
by anyone prior to Glaszner, in view of the fact that it is
by no means an uncommon visitor in spring and autumn.
Glaszner sent to Madarasz some twenty - two advilt and
immature specimens taken at Larnaca in August and
September, and he considers it quite abundant at that
season. Horsbrugh and I saw and obtained specimens in
several localities at the end of April and beginning of May
1909, but in my opinion the bird is not very common, and we
never saw more than three or four in a day, and not quite a
dozen in all. My first date was April the 24th and my last
May the 3rd, so it does not seem to stop long.

352. Lanius collurio Linn.

I cannot find any clear reference to Shrikes prior to
Lord Lilford, though Sibthorp in his journal states that
" the two species of Lanius confine themselves to the pine-
woods with the Black Titmouse." He does not, apparently,
include any Lanius in his list, and I am inclined to think
that he meant Loxia [vide infra, no. 495).

Lord Lilford did not meet with the Red-backed Shrike, but
Pearse obtained specimens in November, while Guillemard
found it only in the north of the island and on Troodos, at
the latter place in early June. Glaszner sent a good many

6 1 2 On the Ornithology of Cyprus.

examples to Madarasz taken in August and September. I
obtained a specimen (a male) on tbe 27th of July, 1908^ and
Horsbrugh and I saw and obtained several in the first week
in May 1909, near Nicosia. It is a visitor on spring — and
autumn — migration, and possibly some individuals may nest
in the pine-forests in the hills.

353. Lanius iSABELLiNus Ehrcub.

The Isabelline Shrike is only recorded from Cyprus, so
far as I am aware, by Madardsz, wbo received a female from
Glaszner, taken near Larnaca on November the 8th, 1902.

369. Lanius auriculatus, Miill.

Lanius pomer anus, Sparrman, B. 0. U. List, p. 38.

The Woodchat-Shrike was met with once only by Lord
Lilford, one of whose companions obtained a male in the
Karpas district on April the 26th, 1875. It does not seem to
have been noticed by Pearse or Guillemard ; but Glaszner
sent quite a young bird to Madarasz, unfortunately without
data, which the latter is convinced must have been bred in
the island. Horsbrugh and I saw a few examples in April
1909 and obtained specimens; and Mr. Baxendale sent me
up from Papho a male and female, both taken in the same
month. Our first note of the bird was on the 8th and our
last on the 26th of April. No doubt it is in the main a
visitor on the spring and autumn migrations, and apparently
may sometimes nest in the island.

370. Lanius nubicus Licht.

The Masked Shrike is a very common summer visitor,
arriving at the end of March and leaving at the very end of
September or early October. It nests abundantly in the
hills, and is found in numbers in the highest parts of
the mountains. It seems to have been first noticed in the
island by Guillemard, who found it both on the north side of
the northern range and in a few places on the southern ; he
brought back a good series of skins and some nests and eggs.
Glaszner also collected a large number of adult and juvenile
specimens from March to September. Horsbrugh in 1909

On the Birds of the Alexandra District, S. Australia. 613

noticed the first arrival on March the 29tli at the Acheritou
reservoir, and from that date until he left the island in June
procured a number of specimens and plenty of nests and
eggs in the hills. He took a much incubated clutch of seven
eggs near Kambos on May the 10th, and found young in a nest
on the Troodos summit on June the 1st, where the bird was
very abundant. But he also took fresh eggs as late as the
12th of May, and on the 9th found a nest with only one e^^.
Some of the eggs are very handsome, and the nests are in
several instances almost entirely composed of rough cotton
or woollen refuse or discarded cord and thread. On the
31st of May Horsbrugh shot a Jay on Troiklos which, whilst
struggling on the ground, was attacked and mobbed viciously
by four Masked Shrikes.

[To be continued.]

XXX. — Supplementary List of the Birds of the Alexandra
District, Northern Territory, S. Australia. By Collingwood
Ingram, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

In the ' Ibis ' 1907 (p. 387) I described a collection of
birds from Alexandra, a cattle-station in the Northern
Territory of South Australia. They were all obtained
by Mr. William Stalker, who consigned the specimens to
England as soon as they were ready for transit. Of three
cases so despatched, two arrived safely within the year :
the third, and last, only reached its destination a few
months ago ! The birds contained in the last case have been
carefully examined and named by Mr. Gregory ]\Iathews,
to whom I am indebted for the following detailed list, which
I now publish as a supplement to my first paper. Nineteen
species are thereby added to the birds of Alexandra, making
a total of a hundred and ten. This may be considered a
fairly complete list of the birds occurring in the district
under notice, as Mr. Stalker was occupied for nearly two
years in making the collection. The nomenclature of the list
follows that of Mathews' recently published " Handlist "
('Emu,' vol. vii. Suppl.).

614 Mr. C. Ingram on the Birds of

1. FuLiCA AUSTRALis Math. Handl. no. 64,
^. 10.3.06.

Eyes brick-red ; bill pale bluish grey ; feet steel-grey.
Native name " Hago-ray-a-rand."

2. Hydrochelidon hybrida Math. Handl. no. 119.
S? 26.1.06.

Eyes brown ; feet bright red ; bill reddish purple.
Native name " Eerin-gerena."

3. Erythrogonys cinctus Math. Handl. no. 146 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 393.

S ^ . 2. 2. 06.

Eyes brown; feet black; bill bright red, with the tip
black.

These were a pair.

4. LoBivANELLUs MILES Math. Handl. no. 148.
? ? ? ? . 7. 3. 06.

Eyes yellow ; feet bright red ; bill yellow to grey.
Native name '' Dardango."

5. ^GiALiTis MELANOPS Math. Handl. no. 158; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 393.

S ^ 2 2 ' One pairfrom the Upper Playford R., 17.3.06.
One pair from Alexandra, 7. 2. 06.

Eyes brown ; eyelid bright scarlet : feet cream-coloured ;
bill orange with tip black.

[At a distance of from fifteen to twenty yards these birds
are almost invisible on the mud.]

6. Recurvi ROSTRA NoViE-HOLLANDiiE Math. Handl. HO. 163;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 393.

S ? . 1.2.06.

Eyes dark red ; feet bluish ; bill black.

7. RosTRATULA AUSTRALIS Math. Haiidl. no. 186.
?. 2.4.06. Brunnett Creek.

Eyes hazel ; feet blue-grey ; bill yellow-brown.
Shot on the edge of a rocky waterhole.

the Alexandra District, S. Australia. CIS

8. Antigone australasiana Math. Hand), no. 193.
? . Jan. 06.

This bird shews signs of having been sitting for some
time.

9. Carphibis spinicollis Math. Handl. no. 195.
(J. 9.5.06. Buchanan River.

Eyes brown ; feet pink ; bill black.
[Lives on water-snails and crabs, &c.]

10. Plegadis falcinellus Math. Handl. no. 196.
(J immature. 7. 3. 06. Buchanan River.

Eyes brown ; feet black ; bill black.
Native name " Cabalan."

11. Platalea regia Math. Handl. no. 197.
^. 26.1.06.

Eyes red-gold ; feet and bill black.
Native name " Narigodinga.^^
c? ? . 29. 6. 06.

Eyes brown ; feet and bill black,
c? . 9. 7. 06.

Eyes dark red ; feet and bill black.

These birds were feeding on small beetles and had
immature cattle-ticks on their heads.

12. NoTOPHOYx Nov^-HOLLANDiiE Math. Handl. no. 204.
c? ? . 3. 2. 06.

Eyes pale yellow-grey ; feet pale yellow ; bill black.

13. NoTOPHOYx PACiFiCA Math. Handl. no. 205 j Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 394.

c?. 21.7.06.

Eyes pale yellow ; feet dark olive ; bill black.

In front of and above the eye pale green-yellow.

14. Nycticorax caledonicus Math. Handl. no. 210.
(^ immature. 16. 6. 06.

Eyes bright lemon-yellow ; feet pale green ; bill black
above, greenish yellow below.

616 Mr. C. Ingram on the Birds of

[Food, small crabs. This and other water-birds were all
very poor in condition about this time.]

15. AsTUR FASciATus Math. Handl. no. 208 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 396.

^ immature. Feb. 06.

Eyes pale yellow ; feet dark brown; bill bluish brown.

16. Uroaetus audax, Math. Handl. no. 262 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 397.

S . 30. 6. 06.

Eyes yellowish brown ; feet whitish ; bill grey to blue at
the tip.

17. MiLvus AFFiNis Math. Handl. no. 268; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 398.

S. 28.6.06.
Eyes golden yellow ; feet bright yellow ; bill dark blue.

18. HiERACiDEA oRiENTALis Math. Handl. no. 279;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 398.

? . 3. 4. 06.
Eyes dark brown ; feet whitish ; bill dark indigo-blue.

? immature. Feb. 06.
Eyes blue; feet bright blue; legs grey ; bill blue-grey.

19. Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus Math. Handl.
no. 316.

S . 19. 3. 06. Upper Playford River.
? . Alexandra Springs, Feb. 06.
Feet black ; bill blue-grey.

[Native name '* Gundina.'' These birds come over in
flocks of from three to twelve after rain.]

20. PoDARGUs PHAL^NOiDES Math. Handl. no. 377.
S . March 06.

21. HalcvoxX PYRRHOPYGiu.s Math. Handl. no. 390 ;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 401.

? . 30. 4. 06.

Eyes brown; feet black; bill black, with base of lower
mandible grev.

the Alexandra District, S. Australia. 617

22. Halcyon sanctus Math. Haadl. no. 391.
S- 2.2.06.

Eyes brown ; feet black ; bill black, with base of lower
mandible cream-coloured.

23. Merops ornatus Math. Handl. no. 396; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 401.

(J. 29.3.06. Cliff Creek.
Eyes scarlet ; feet and bill black.

24. CucuLus inornatus Math. Handl. no. 405.
(J. 17.3.06. Upper Playford River.

Eyes brown; feet grey; bill dark olive. [Native name
'' Ouo-lo.^']

25. Petrceca picata Math. Haudl. no. 447; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 403.

(J adult ; cT immature. Feb. 06.

26. Pteropodocys phasianella Math. Handl. no. 503.
S. 10.5.06.

Eyes pale yellow ; feet blackish grey ; bill black.
Tliis bird was feeding on grasshoppers. [Native name
" Mar-ou-wa."]

27. PoMATOSTOMUs RUBECULUS Math. Handl. no. 532 ;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 405.

? . 23. 3. 06. Upper Playford River.
Eyes pale yellow ; feet black ; bill black, culmen grey.

28. Artamus FLORENciiE Math. Handl. no. 632 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 409.

S S . March 06.

Eyes brown; feet grey ; bill bluish horn-coloured, tip black.

29. Artamus minor Math. Handl. no. 635; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 408.

? . Immature. Feb. 06.

30. Gymnorhina tibicen Math. Handl. no. 647.
? . 30. 4. 06.

Eyes hazel ; feet dark blue; bill blue-grey, tip darker.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2t

618 On the Birds of the Alexandra District, S. Australia.

31. Cracticus picatus Math. Handl. no. 655 ; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 410.

S . 17. 3. 06. Upper Playford River.
Eyes brown ; feet dark grey ; bill pale grey-blue, tip
black.

32. Pachycephala rufiventris Math. Handl. no. 674.
Sex? 26.1.06.

Eyes brown ; feet and bill black.
[Native name '' Doing-go."]

33. Climacteris melanura Math. Handl. no. 701 ;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 412.

? . 28. 3. 06. Cliff Creek.
Eyes brown ; bill and feet black.

[These birds feed on a species of small black ant, catching
them on the trees.]

34. Dictum hirundinaceum Math. Handl. no. 722;
Ingram, Ibis, 1907, p. 412.

cJ. 8.5.06.

Eyes brown ; feet black ; bill black.

[This bird was feeding on mistletoe fruit. The intestines
were short and large, apparently to allow for the passage of
the large seed which retains much of the sticky covering.]

Native name " Chi-chi.*'

35. MuNiA pectoralis Math. Handl. no. 836; Ingram,
Ibis, 1907, p. 415.

^ . Feb. 06. Bore Creek.
Feet brown ; bill dark blue.

36. CoRvus bennetti Math. Handl. no. 873.
S . Nov. 05.

Eyes white ; feet and bill black.

Foot -pads of the Young of the Green Woodpecker. 619

XXXI. — On the Foot-pads of the Young of the Green Wood-
pecker. By Charles Stonham, C.M.G., F.R.C.S.

(Text-figare 11.)

In 'The Ibis' for 1890 (p. 411) there is a note, with two
woodcuts, by Dr. Giiather, drawing attention to the tuber-
culated thickening of the skin which covers the heel of the
young Wryneck {lynx torquilla). Dr. Giinther points out
that this modification must be regarded as an accessory
means of locomotion. I have for some time endeavoured
to obtain a young Woodpecker for purposes of comparison
and have succeeded this year.

. Text-fig. 11.

B

Foot of nestling Green Woodpecker.
A. Left foot, shewing plantar surface. B. Do., giving lateral view.

The accompanying text - figure shews that in the
Green Woodpecker {Gecinus viridis) there are heel-pads
precisely like those described by Dr. Giinther in the Wryneck.
I have not been able to obtain nestlings of either the Great
or the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, but it is practically
certain that they also possess these pads when quite young ^.
The drawings, by Miss L. M. Medland, are of life-size.

* [The same structure has been stated to exist also in a Barbet ( Cyamps
asiatica). See Pycraft, Bull. B. O. C. viii. p. xl (1899).— Edd.]

620 Lieut. C. H. T, Whitehead — Additions

XXXII. — Additions and Corrections to the "Birds of Kohat.""
By Lieut, C. H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army^.

[104.] ArGYA EARLIl.
[139.] PyCTORHIS SINENSIS.

These two species were observed only in Bannu (south of
our limits), so the notes on them should be in brackets.

[411.] Phylloscopus neglbctus. (See ' Ibis/ 1909,
p. 124.)

" This specimen is not typical P. neylectus, but is birger
and darker. It appears to belong to P. neglectus lorenzi,
but it is difficult to understand how this form can occur at
Kohat. Perhaps the distribution of the Caucasian form is
much wider than we know at present (Vog. pal. Fauna,
i. p. 506). It would be desirable to examine a series and
to make sure if it is this form which breeds in Kohat."
{E. Hartert.)

[634.] For Saxicola genanthe read Saxicola morio
Hempr. & Ehr.

[666.] Merula maxima.

In May and June last I found this Blackbird breeding in
the juniper-scrub between 10,000 and 12,000 feet. Al-
together eight nests were obtained. The nidification is very
similar to that of M. vulgaris. The nest is usually built in a
juniper, but occasionally in the hollow of a cliff. The song
seems to lack the quality and variety of that of M. vulgaris,
but it is not often heard. The ordinary call, and also the
alarm-note, is tchiit-ut-ut rapidly repeated. The rattling
alarm so freely used by the common species was only heard
when the eggs or young were in danger. The males are
very wary, and are seldom seen near the nest, except when

* [Lieut. Whitehead sends us the following corrections and additions
to his article on the Birds of Kohat and Kurram in Northern India, which
appeared in ' The Ibis ' for January and April last (above, pp. 90 and 214).
Dr. Hartert has kindly examined and determined some of the doubtful
specimens. The numbers in brackets are those of the ' Fauna of

ritish India.' — Edd.J

and Corrections to the "Birds of Kohat." 021

the young have to be fed. The majority appear to breed
in immature plumage — only two were observed in the glossy
black dress with orange bill ol:' the adult. I have sent a
nestling and a bird of the year during its first moult to
the British Museum.

[812.] Ptyonoprogne obsoleta.

Common in March in the craggy hills of South Kohat.
A few individuals wxre in pairs, so the bird may po&sibly
breed there.

[838.] MOTACILLA CITREOLOIDES.

I can confirm my note about the nesting of this species
in immature plumage. This year I was in its breeding-
grounds a month earlier and came across a good many nests.
Only about half of those breeding were iu full plumage.
The remainder were of two forms : —

(1) Grey above, with black feathers here and there;
supercilium and under surface yellowish-white.

(2) Dark grey above with some black feathers ; head and
under surface deep yellow, sullied on the flanks and crown.

I have sent two examples, namely a nesting pair, the male
of type (2) and the female of type (1), to the British Museum.

[851.] Anthus spipoletta.

In my list {' Ibis,' 1909, p. 244) under No. [851] appears
an enumeration of six specimens under the name Anthus
spipoletta and of three under Anthus coutellii ; under the
latter name, however, two specimens (Nos. 646 and 647) are
mentioned again, though they had appeared already as
Anthus spipoletta. Dr. Hartert has kindly examined these
Pipits for me, and he informs me that, in his opixiion, they
belong neither to typical A. spipoletta nor to A. coutellii, but
to the Central Asiatic form which he calls Anthus spinoletia
blakistoni {cf. Hartert, Vog. pal. Fauna, i. p. 282). As to
numbers 622, 632, and 636, he is quite sure that they are
typical A. blakistoni, while Nos. 387 and 568 are too much
worn and too dirty to be named with certainty, but there is
no reason whatever to doubt their belonging to A, blakistoni

622 Additions and Corrections to the " Birds of Kohat."

as well. Dr. Hartert has also re-examined the four speci-
mens [852] which I identified as A. japonicus, and he agrees
with this determination. He points out further that the
proper specific name of the Water-Pipit is spinoletta and
not spipoletta, according to the original spelling.

[862.] Calandrella brachydactyla.
Nos. 613, 621, 730, 731 are examples of [864] C. tibetana
and not of C. brachydactyla.

[1200.] Aquila chrysaetus.

I have now seen the Golden Eagle in its summer-quarters
in the Kaghan Valley, and feel fairly certain that the
Eagle with the rufous-buff nape, which frequents the low
rocky hills in Kohat in winter, is of this species. It is a
resular visitor, but not common, and is not seen on the
grass farms — the rendezvous of A A. heliaca, bifasciata,
vindhiana, and maculata — nor fighting over carrion, monitor
lizards, &c., as these other species do, but is usually found
singly in desolate country.

[1388.] Rallus aquaticus.

Another example of this species was shot on the 8th of
March.

[1437.] Chettusia gregaria.

The note on this species (supra, p. 273) was somewhat
misleading. I have re-written it as follows : —

Small flocks pass through from the last week in February
till the end of March : many are then in full plumage, i. e.
are black and chestnut on the abdomen (see Blanford, Fauna
of B. I. vol. iv. p. 232). A solitary example was shot on the
parade-ground at Fort Lockhart (6500 feet), where it had
alighted during parade.

[1447.] tEgiahtis dubia.

The comma which has been inserted in the 7th line after
" Dandar " entirely alters the sense : the comma should follow
" at least."

The following species not in the Kohat list were noted by
nae last March on the River Indus near Kalabagh {a few

Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. 623

miles south of our limits) , and are of interest as they probably
also occur iu Kohat : —

[867.] Alaudula adamsi. The Indus Sand-Lark was
common along the sandy shore wherever there were patches
of vegetation ; it had then paired, and one pair allowed me
to watch them building their nest under the lee of some
tamarisk shoots.

[1189.] Pandion haliaetus. I saw one Osprey fishing.

[1419.] EsAcus RECURViRosTRis. I put Up four Great
Stone-Plovers off a stony bank.

[1503.] Sterna seena. The Indian River-Tern, the
Black-bellied, and the Caspian were all common, especially
the first two.

[1517.] Rhynchops albicollis. A flock of about thirty
Scissorbills was seen flying up and down the river, oc-
casionally resting on a sand-bank. Cry, a nasal kap, kap.

[1583.] Anser indicus. I saw a flock of Bar-headed
Geese cropping young beans.

XXXIII. — Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt. — No. II.
Birds of the Province of Giza. — Part 3 *. By Michael
J. NicoLL, E.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

125. CUCULUS CANORUS,

Cuculus canorus Shelley, p. 162.

The Cuckoo is a regular visitor during both migrations.
The earliest to arrive in autumn are invariably adult biids.
I have never heard the '' song " of the Cuckoo in Egypt.

126. COCCYSTES GLANDARIUS.

Coccystes glandarius Shelley, p. 162.

I have not personally met with the Great Spotted Cuckoo
in the Province, but Dr. Walter Innes informs me that it
occurs commonly in the " Sont " woods near Mazghouua. ,

* Continued from p. 484.

624 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

An example was seen in the Zoological Gardens on
1st May, 1905, by Capt. Flower.

127. Aluco flammea kirchhoffi (Brehm).

Striae flammea kirchhoffi Brehm, Hartert, Nov. Zool. vii.
p. 533.

The Giza Barn-Owl is darker above and more spotted
below than British examples, but it is much paler than the
dark European bird.

The Barn-Owl is resident in the Province, and several
pairs nest in the Zoological Gardens.

128. Asio oTus.

Asia otus Shelley, p. 178.

During the autumn of 1906 I saw an Owl which I believe
to have been o£ this species in the Zoological Gardens.

129. AsiO ACCIPITRINUS.

Asio accipitrinus Shelley, p. 179.

During the spring migration o£ 1909 I saw or obtained
several examples of the Sliort-eared Owl in the Giza
Province. Two were brought in to me alive by Bedouins, who
had caught them locally. On 25th March, 1909, Mr. J. L.
Bonhote and I saw three examples amongst the rocks in the
desert behind the Citadel at Cairo.

130. Syrnium aluco.
Strix alvco Shelley, p. 176.

I met with the Tawny Owl twice in November 1906 and
once on 7th August, 1908. On all three occasions the birds
were in the Zoological Gardens.

131. Scops giu.

Scops giu Shelley, p. 1 78.

I have only one record of the Scops Owl, i. e., of a bird
seen by Mr. A. L. Butler outside the main gate of the
Zoological Gardens on the 26th of August, 1904.

132. Bubo ascalaphus ascalaphus.
Buho ascalaphus Shelley, p. 180.

The Egyptian Eagle-Owl is resident in suitable localities
in the Province. During my residence here several ex-
amples have been brought in alive by Bedouins. During

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 625

the early spring of 1909 Mr. Bonhote and I saw a pair near
Aburoash, and on searching the spot from which they were
disturbed found [feathers and pellets containing the remains
of Nightjars (Caprimulgus (Bgyptius).

133. Bubo ascalaphus desertorum Erlanger.

Bubo ascalaphus desertorum Erlanger, Orn. Monatsb. v.
p. 192 (1897).

I have an Eagle-Owl now alive at my house which I
purchased during the summer of 1907 from a native, who
told me that he caught it at the Giza Pyramids. This bird,
which is larger, paler, and less thickly marked with black
than typical B. ascalaphus, is comparable to a specimen
picked up dead by Capt. Flower near the Giza Pyramids
and now in the Tring Museum. These two birds answer
to the description of B. a. desertorum, and for this reason
I for the present place them under that name. They
are certainly very distinct from typical specimens of
B. a. ascalaphus.

Bubo a. desertorum is beautifully figured in Whitaker's
' Birds of Tunisia,' vol. ii. p. 80.

134. Athene noctua glaux.
Carina meridionalis Shelley, p. 178.

The southern form of the Little Owl is resident and
extremely abundant in the Province. It may frequently be
heard and seen during the daytime, but becomes more active
and noisy at dusk and dawn.

The usual number of a brood of this species is four. I have
frequently seen these Owls catch the lizards {Agama stellio)
which are extremely abundant in the Zoological Gardens,
where they were introduced from Alexandria. A number of
passerine birds are killed annually in our aviaries by these
Owls, which strike at them through the wire netting.

135. Gyps fulvus.

Gyps fulvus Shelley, p. 210.

A large Vulture which was apparently of this species was
seen circling over the Zoological Gardens on the 17th of
December, 1904.

626 Mr. M. J. KicoW— Contributions

One example was purchased alive locally on the 28th of
Aug., 1905, and another was caught on the river a few miles
south of Giza, Nov. 15th, 1905.

136. VULTUR MONACHUS.

Vultur monachus Shelley, p. 209.

Although we have not yet seen a specimen of this Vulture
from the Province, there is little doubt that it does occur
here.

137. Vultur auricularis Daud.
Vultur auricularis Shelley, p. 209.

A. specimen of the Sociable Vulture was brought in alive
in 1902, having been captured locally, and in 1907 two
more living examples caught near Giza were purchased
from local Bedouins. It seems possible that Egyptian
examples belong to a different race, but up to the present
time I have had no opportunity of comparing them with
typical specimens.

138. Gyps rueppelli.

On August 29th, 1901, two examples said to have been
caught locally were purchased alive from a local Bedouin.
These birds are still living in the Giza Zoological
Gardens.

139. Neophron percnopterus.
Neophron percnopterus Shelley, p. 211.

Although this is the Vulture most frequently seen, it
does not appear to be so common as it used to be, ac-
cording to former writers on Egypt. At the present time
only a few pairs seem to nest near Cairo. Occasionally it
may be seen flying high over the Zoological Gardens. An
example in brown plumage, evidently a bird of the year, was
brought to me alive during the summer of 1907. This bird,
which (with clipped wing) has the full run of my garden, is
now (July 1909) little more than half white. The head and
neck appear to be the first parts to change from brown to
white.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 627

140. Gypaetus barbatus.

Dr. A. Leith Adams in his ' Notes of a Naturalist in the
Nile Valley and Malta' (1870), p. 20, mentions having seen
an individual on Nov. 14th, 1863, on the summit of the
Great Pyramid of Giza.

141. Circus ^ruginosus.
Circus (Sruginosus Shelley, p. 181.

The Marsh-Harrier is not uncommon in the Province,
where I have often met with it hawking over the Birseam
fields.

142. Circus cineraceus.
Circus cineraceus Shelley, p. 184.

I do not believe Montagues Harrier to be uncommon in
the Province, but as specimens of all the Harriers are very
difficult to obtain and it is not easy to identify them on the
wing, at all events in immature plumage : it is, therefore, hard
to say whether the present species or the Pallid Harrier is
the commoner. On April 18th, 1908, a fine adult Montagu's
Harrier was brought in to me alive by a Bedouin who had
caught it at Aburoash. As regards the breeding of this species
in the Province I can say nothing, as I have no actual
records of nests of any of the Harriers being found here.

143. Circus swainsoni.
Circus pallidus Shelley, p. 183.

An adult male Pallid Harrier was presented alive to the
Gardens by H.H, Prince Kamal el Din Pacha on Dec. 29th,
1908. I have on one or two occasions during the winter
months identified individuals of this handsome Harrier
flying over the Birseam fields. On the 6th of September and
the 22nd of October, 1908, I saw adult examples of this bird
flying over the Zoological Gardens.

144. BuTEO vulgaris desertokum.
Buteo desertorum Shelley, p. 201.

This form of the Common Buzzard is resident and not un-
common in the Province, where it breeds. I have not met
with typical B. vulgaris in Egypt up to the present time.

628 Mr. M. J. l<i\co\l— Contributions

145. BUTEO FEROX.

Buteo ferox Shelley, p. 201.

The Long-legged Buzzard is not uncommon during the
autumn, winter, and spring. At present I have no records
of the nesting of this species in the Province, though it is
quite possible that it may do so.

146. Archibuteo lagopus.

The Rough-legged Buzzard is a regular visitor to the
Province during the autumn migration. During August
and September, 1908, an individual frequented the Zoological
Gardens.

This species is not included by Shelley in his ' Birds of
Egypt.^

147. AqUILA CLANfiA.

?Aqutla ncevia Shelley, p. 206.

This Spotted Eagle is not uncommon. I have seen it in
autumn — during the flood — perched on the walls of the
native wells (sarkaias). On the 7th of April, 1909, I saw
an example in the Wadi Hof near Helwan,

Several examples, caught locally, have been presented
alive to the Giza Zoological Gardens by H.H. Prince Kamal
el Din Pasha.

148. Aquila iMPERiALis Bcclist.
Aquila imperialis Shelley, p. 205.

The Imperial Eagle seems to be the common Eagle of the
Province, and I have little doubt that it breeds in suitable
localities, though up to the present time I have no positive
records of it doing so. The majority of examples that I have
met with were immature birds, and this is scarcely surprising,
as this Eagle takes several years to assume adult plumage.
Individuals presented to the Giza Zoological Gardens in the
winter of 1906 are still, though in the best of health, in
immature plumage.

149. CiRCAETUS GALLICUS.

Circaetus gallicus Shelley, p. 202.

At present I have but one record of the Short-toed Eagle

to the Ornithology of Egypt. 629

in the Province, i. e., an example seen by myself not far
from the Giza Pyramids during the early winter of 1907,

150. NiSAETUS FASCIATUS.

Aguila bonellii Shelley, p. 206.

Bonelli^s Eagle is not uncommon during the time of the
flood, i. e., in late autumn. I have frequently met with
it amongst the scattered '' Sont " trees in the cultivated
ground near Giza. I have no records of this species during
the spring or summer months.

151. ACCIPITER BREVIPES.

Of the Levant Sparrow-Hawk, which is not mentioned by
Shelley, 1 have but one positive record, i. e., a male obtained
by myself in the Zoological Gardens on September the 18th,
1908. This species differs from the Common Sparrow-Hawk
in having the markings on the under parts in the shape of
" drops " and not bars ; a narrow black line extends down
the centre of the chin and upper throat. The central pair
of rectrices is plain and not barred, while the middle toe is
considerably shorter, and not so noticeably longer than the
others, as is the case with Accipiter nisus. Since I obtained
my example I have seen Sparrow-Hawks which I fancy were
referable to this species, but as I have procured no further
examples I cannot say positively.

152. Accipiter nisus.
Accipiter nisus Shelley, p. 185.

The Sparrow-Hawk is a common bird in the Province
during the autumn, winter, and early spring, but I have
at present no records of it breeding with us. Numbers
haunt the Zoological Gardens, and the frequency with
which I come across piles of feathers of small passerine
birds testifies to the havoc wrought by this Hawk.

153. MlLVUS MIGRANS jEGYPTIUS.

Milvus agyptius Shelley, p. 196.

The Egyptian or Yellow-billed Kite is abundant and
resident. Great numbers frequent the Zoological Gardens
and every suitable tree contains a Kite^s nest. This bird

630 Mr. M. J. Nicoil — Contributions

is exceedingly bold and mischievous. I have seen it snatch
meat from the hands of the keepers walking through the
Gardens, and on several occasions have observed it grab a
fish from the bill of a Jabiru Stork ! On one occasion a
Kite took away a puttee from one of our men, and on
another occasion the head keeper reported that a Kite had
stolen a white skull-cap from the head of the boy who feeds
and looks after our three examples of Balaniceps rex.

For a short time after leaving the nest the young of this
species have black bills, but in healthy birds these soon
turn waxy yellow. I have, however, seen examples of
" adults " in midsummer with black bills, but feel sure that
this is a sign of ill-health, for all these individuals had the
plumage much worn, and were, moreover, infested with
feather-lice.

154. Pernis apivorus.
Pernis ajnvorus Shelley, p. 199.

The Honey-Buzzard is an autumn visitor to the Province.
I have no records of its occurrence at other times of the
year. One individual frequented the Zoological Gardens
during August 1906.

155. Falco peregrinus.

Falco peregrinus Shelleyj p. 186.

The Peregrine is possibly resident throughout the year,
but personally I have only met with it from autumn to
early spring. I have at present no skins of this species
from Egypt, and have, to the best of my belief, not met with
F. punicus, which should occur here.

A magiiificent specimen of F. peregrinus has been an
inmate of one of our cages in the Gardens for the past
seven years and is still in the best of health.

During the late autumn and winter of 1908 Dotterel
[Eudromias morinellus) were very abundant on the edge of the
desert near the Giza Pyramids, and possibly it was owing to
this fact that Peregrines were also numerous. The ground
was lit;; red with tufts of Dotterels' feathers, and I frequently
saw Peregrines dash down from the desert and strike

to the Ornithology of Egypt. G31

Dotterels from the flocks assembled on the edge of the
cultivated lands.

156. Falco barbarus.

Falco barbarus Shelley, p. 187.

On September 27th, 1908, I saw two Barbary Falcons
circling over the lake in the Zoological Gardens. Tuis is
the only record I have at present of this species occurring in
the Province.

157. Falco feldeggi.

Falco lanarius Shelley, p. 188.

The Lanner Falcon appears to be resident in the Province,
but is, I believe, far less abundant than the Peregrine.
Major Sparrow tells me that he took eggs of this species
from the second pyramid about fourteen years ago, and
that this year (1909) he saw the adult birds at the same
place but was unable to get to the nest.

I have seen Falcons flying over the Zoological Gardens
which I believe to be Lanners, but unless I have specimens
of these larger Falcons in my hand, I find it almost im-
possible to say to which species they belong.

158. [Falco sacer.]
Falco sacer Shelley, p. 190.

I include the Saker Falcon with hesitation, as I have not
actually examined specimens from the Province. I have a
skin of this Falcon which was said to have come from Beni
Suef, immediately south of the Giza Province. Moreover,
I have occasionally seen Falcons flying past me near the
Zoological Gardens which I have little doubt were referable
to this species.

159. Falco subbuteo.

Falco subbuteo Shelley, p. 192.

The Hobby is of frequent occurrence here during the
autumn and winter months.

160. Falco ^salon.

Falco asalon Shelley, p. 191.

The Merlin is abundant in the Province during; the winter

632 Mr. M. J. ISSicoW— Contributions

months ; up to the present time I have no records of it
nesting here.

161. Falco vespertinus.
Falco vespertinus Shelley, p. 193.

1 have met with the Red-footed Falcon on one occasion only
in the Province, i. e., an adult male on the 2nd of October,
1908, in the Zoological Gardens, though it is probably a
regular visitor on migration.

162. TiNNUNCULUS ALAUDARIUS.

Falco tinnunculus Shelley, p. 194.

The Kestrel which is abundant and resident in Egypt
seems smaller and darker than British examples. I have not
yet been able to examine a sufficiently large series of adults
from this country to come to any definite conclusion. I
have not met with Falco cenchris in the Province up to the
present time.

163. PaNDION HALIAJ^TUS.

Pandion halia'etus Shelley, p. 203.

The Osprey is a common visitor to the Province during
the autumn and winter months, being especially noticeable
during the flood, when several pairs may be met with near
the Giza Pyramids.

164. Phalacrocorax carbo.
Phalacrocorax carbo Shelley, p. 295.

On the 14th of December, 1907, Col. E. Ludlow, A.S.C.,
shot an example of this species at Giza, which he kindly
presented to me. It was in company with thirteen others.
A week or so later I saw a Cormorant sitting on a small tree
close to the Kasr el Nil Bridge at Cairo. Finally, on
February the 9th, 1909, a flock of ten Cormorants flew low
over the Zoological Gardens.

165. Pelecanus onocrotalus.
Pelecanus onocrotalus Shelley, p. 293.

During the inundations in autumn flocks of this
Pelican may be met with, and I have sometimes seen
hundreds together. Single individuals or small flocks are

to the Ornithology of Eyypt. G33

frequently seen flying over the Zoological Gardens during
the springy autumn, and winter months. In its first plumage
this bird is of a dull chocolate-brown, but by the following
summer the plumage is white with the exception of the
scapulars and wings, which are spangled with dusky brown.
In its adult plumage it has a beautiful roseate tinge, but
the colour fades in dried skins.

166. Pelecanus rufescens.

Capt, Flower informs me that this species of Pelican visits
the Province, for on the 8th or 9th of August, 1905, he saw
an example on the Nile between Beni Suef and Giza.

167. Ardea cinerea.
Ardea cinerea Shelley, p. 266.

The Grey Heron is abundant during the autumn, winter,
and spring months. I have little doubt that a pair bred in,
or near, the Zoological Gardens this year (1909), for on April
the 13tli a very young bird appeared in the Gardens — so
young that it could only just fly. A pair of adults had been
observed in the same place throughout the winter and until
the second week in April.

168. Ardea alba.
Herodias alba Shelley, p. 267.

A Great White Heron was seen by Capt. Flower in the
Zoological Gardens on the 3rd and 5th of June, 1904-.

169. Ardea purpurea.
Ardea purpurea Shelley, p. 266.

The Purple Heron is a spring and autumn visitor to the
Province of Giza. During the month of September 1908
four individuals of this species frequented the Zoological
Gardens for a few days.

170. Ardea garzktta.
Herodias garzetta Shelley, p. 268.

This Egret has been seen eight times in the Zoological
GardenSj where it frequently consorts with the Night-

SER. IX. — VOL. III. 2 u

634 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

Herons. In September 1908 I saw a single example near
the Giza Pyramids.

171. Ardea bubulcus.
Ardeola russata Shelley, p. 268.

The BufF-backed Heron — the " Sacred Ibis " of tourists,
according to their dragomans — is now becoming much less
abundant than it formerly was. Owing to the high price
paid for its " plumes " and the snowy whiteness of its feathers
this bird falls a victim to the multitude of "sportsmen"
with which Egypt teems. Every autumn during the flooding
of the country by the Nile this bird appears, but in con-
stantly decreasing numbers. There is little doubt that it
would, if spared, do an immense amount of good in clearing
off the " cotton worm " ; but its appearance is at once a signal
for its destruction, and this is greatly facilitated by its tame
and unsuspicious character, so that it seems likely that in
the near future this handsome and useful Heron will become
a rare bird in Egypt. Those interested in this subject are
referred to an article by Dr. Walter F. Innes Bey which
appeared in the ' Egyptian Gazette ' for the 5th and 6th of
January, 1903.

172. Ardetta minuta.
Botaurus minutus Shelley, p. 271.

Owing to its retiring habits the Little Bittern is not often
met with, though it occurs in all suitable localities and
breeds in Egypt. I have frequently seen examples offered
for sale alive to these Gardens which have been caught
locally ; but although I have observed many in other parts
of Egypt I have only once met with this bird alive in this
Province, an adult male having been seen in the Zoological
Gardens on April 26th, 1909.

173. Nycticorax griseus.
Nycticorax griseus Shelley, p. 270.

For the occurrence of the Night-Heron in the Giza
Province see Special Report, No. 3. — '' Wild Birds of
the Giza Gardens, 1898-1908/' Cairo National Printing
Departm., 1908.

to the Ornithology of Ec/ijpt. G35

I may further state that I have seeu Night- Herons in
small numbers in the grounds of the Kheclivial Sporting
Club at Gezireh.

174. BOTAURUS STELLARIS.

Botaurus stellaris Shelley, p. 271.

During the winter of 1906 Mr. G. Paget, of the Cold-
stream Guards, sbot a Bittern near the Giza Pyramids.
Tbis specimen he kindly presented to me.

I have never personally met with this species in the
Province.

175. CiCONIA ALBA.

Ciconia alba Shelley, p. 265.

The White Stork is a regular visitor, during both migra-
tions, to the Giza Province.

176. Platalea leucorodia.
Platalea leucorodia Shelley, p. 264.

On the 3rd of September, 1902, a flock of Spoonbills was
seen by Captain Flower and Mr. A, L. Butler flying over
the Zoological Gardens, and on the 20tli of October, 1906,
we saw a single example under the same conditions.

177. Plegadis falcinellus.
Ibis falcinellus Shelley, p. 262.

During the evening of the 18th of April, 1909, six Glossy
Ibises circled round the Zoological Gardens and finally
settled in a clump of fir-trees, evidently with the intention
of " roosting " there. They were, however, driven away by
some Hooded Crows.

178. Anser albifrons.

Anser albifrons Shelley, p. 280.

The White-fronted Goose appears to be a regular visitor
to the Province.

I have two specimens, an adult male and an immature
female, both shot at Ghatta on the 18th of December, 1908,
by Major R. Sparrow, who kindly presented them to me.

2u2

636 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

179. Anser erythkopus.

Anser erythropus Gurney, ' Rambles of a Naturalist/
p. 221.

A Lesser White-fronted Goose was presented alive to tlie
Giza Zoological Gardens by H.H. Prince Kama! el Dia
Pasha, who had secured it near Giza on the 29th or 30th
of January, 1907.

Mr. J. H. Gurney was the first to record this Goose as
occurring in Egypt. Capt. Shelley did not meet with it.

180. Tadorna cornuta.

Tadorna vulpanser P^leming ; Shelley, p. 281.

On the 4th of December, 1906, Mr. E. W. Buckley shot a
pair of Sheldrakes which he kindly sent to me. These two
birds were obtained at Gizr el Ramal in the Giza Province.

181. Tadorna casarca.
Tadorna rutila Shelley, p. 282.

The Ruddy Sheldrake is not uncommon during the winter
months.

On the 25th of November, 1906, 1 saw nine of these birds
feeding in some short grass near the edge of the desert
between the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara.

182. Anas boscas.

Anas boschas Shelley, p. 283.

The Mallard is by no means abundant in the Province.
I have occasionally seen one or two examples in the
Zoological Gardens Lake and have sometimes met with
it on the flood, but it is never nearly so abundant as
the Shoveller or Pintail. On one occasion, however,
Capt. Flower counted ten on the Lake.

183. Anas strepera.

Anas strepera Shelley, p. 283.

The only record I have of the Gadwall in the Province is
of a male seen by myself on the 10th of December, 1906,
on the Zoological Gardens Lake. It probably occurs on
the flood, however, for it is not an uncommon bird in the
Delta during the winter.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. G37

184. Spatula clypeata,
Rhynchaspis clypeata Shelley, p. 285.

Next to the Teal the Shoveller is the commonest Duck in
the Province. At least five hundred spend the day on
the Lake in the Zoological Gardens during the winter
months.

185. QUERQUEDULA CRECCA.

Querquedula crecca Shelley, p. 286.

The Teal is the commonest Duck in the Province.
Several hundred spend the day on the Zoological Gardens
Lake during the winter months. In certain years a few
arrive late in August and some remain till the first or even
the beginning of the second week in May.

On their arrival nearly all the adult males are in full
eclipse plumage and gradually change to their winter
dress. The younger males assume their winter garb after
their arrival here, and seldom show red on the head — the
first part to change — until the adults are in full or nearly
full winter plumage.

At dusk all the Ducks leave this lake and return before
dawn. During the winter of 1906 a partial albino female
Teal was frequently noticed on our lake.

186. Querquedula circia.

Qu rquedula circia Shelley, p. 287.

The Garganey, although less numerous than the Teal, is
mt uncommon in the Province. It seems to arrive in
September and I believe passes on almost immediately,
though I noticed and shot one en the 17th of November,
1908. On the 22nd of September, 1908, I saw several on
the flooded ground near the Giza Pyramids.

187. Dafila acuta.
Dafiia acuta Shelley, p. 284.

The Pintail is a common winter visitor.

188. MaRECA PENELOPE.

Mareca penelope Shelley, p. 288.

The Wigeon is another abundant winter visitor, but not

638 Mr. M. J. NicoU — Contributions

so numerous in the Province, apparently, as it is in the Delta
and on Lake Menzaleh.

189. FULIGULA FERINA.

FuUgula ferina Shelley, p. 287.

The Pochard is abundant in the Province during the
inundation.

190. PULIGULA RUFINA.

The Eed-crested Pochard, although not met with by
Shelley, seems to be not uncommon in Egypt.

I have two records from the Province. On the 9th of
September, 1902, two birds were seen by Capt. Flower
and Mr. A. L. Butler flying over the Zoological Gardens ;
and Dr. Walter Innes Bey tells me that during the winter
of 1908-9 he observed this species on the Nile near
Giza.

191. FULIGULA CRISTA TA.

FuUgula cristata Shelley, p. 290.

The Tufted Duck is a common winter visitor to the
Province.

192. FULIGULA NYROCA.

Nyroca leucophthalma Shelley, p. 288.
The Ferruginous Duck is another common winter visitor
to the district.

193. Mergus merganser.

During the winter of 1907 a Goosander frequented the
flooded ground near Giza, and was seen by both Capt.
J. W. H. Seppings and myself.

I believe I have once seen a Red-breasted Merganser,
M. serrator, near Giza, but it was at too great a distance to
be positively identified.

194. Mergus albellus.

An adult male was shot at Ghatta on the 9th of January,
1903, by Mr. M. de C. Findley, who kindly presented it to
our collection. This appears to be the first record of the
Smew from Egypt.

to the Ornithology of Eyijijt. 639

195. COLUMBA LIVIA LIVIA.
CoLUMBA LIVIA SCHIMPERI.

Shelley, pp. 211-212.

Both these forms of Hock-Dove occur in the Province,
but I cannot believe that any examples I have seen are
" pure bred," owing to the enormous numbers of domestic
Pigeons which live in a semi-wild state over the whole of
Egypt. In isolated places away from human habitations
the wild Pigeons may be pure bred, but there is no plaue
that I know of in the Giza Province far enough away from
villages for the Pigeons to be isolated.

196. TURTUR COMMUNIS COMMUNIS.

Turtur auritus Shelley, p. 214.

Great numbers of Turtle-Doves pass through the Province
during both migrations.

197. Turtur communis isabellinus.
Turtur sharpii Shelley, p. 215.

This subspecies of Turtle-Dove passes through the Pro-
vince in some numbers slightly later than the common form.
It is difficult to distinguish it from T. c. comnmnis when
seen flying, but I have positively identified numbers in the
Zoological Gardens during both migrations.

198. Turtur senegalensis ^gyptiacus.
Turtur senegalensis Shelley, p. 217.

This form of the Senegal Dove is very abundant and
resident in the Province. It is a tame bird and fre-
quents houses, especially during the nesting-season. The
male is easily distinguishable from the female by its richer
coloration.

199. Caccabis chukar (?).

I insert this Red-legged Partridge on the strength of
footmarks of a large Partridge found by myself in the AVadi
Hof. I have no specimens, but as we have living examples
said to have been obtained at El Arish it is quite likely to
occur on the deserts of the Province.

610 Mr, M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

200. Ammoperdix heyi heyi.

Ammoperdix heyi Shelley, p. 222.

This handsome little Rock-Partridge has been met with in
the Wadi Hof near Helwan, which is the only locality I at
present know of in the Proviuce for the bird, I have an
adult male which I shot there on the 31st of December,
1908. This example lacks the white forehead and lores
which are present in most adult male specimens of A. heyi
that I have examined, but in this respect it agrees with a
specimen from Palestine in the Tring Museum.

Ammoperdix cholmleyi was described by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant
as distinguishable from A. heyi by being darker above and
having no white on tlie forehead and lores. This is borne
out by most specimens ; but although I have not yet seen a
specimen of A. cholmleyi with a white forehead, I have seen
several males of A. heyi, besides the two previously mentioned,
which have no white on the forehead and lores. Thus it
seems that Ammoperdix cholmleyi is only to be distinguished
from A. heyi by the darker coloration of the upper parts, and
this I find to be the case on examination of the types of
A. cholmleyi. In the latter, moreover, the rump is more
distinctly barred than in A. heyi.

In the typical form, A. heyi, the upper parts, mantle,
wing-coverts, and scapulars are sandy buff with a pinkish
tinge. The lores and forehead are with or without white.
In A. cholmleyi the upper parts are vinaceous and the lower
back, rump, and upper tail-coverts more distinctly barred.
The forehead and lores are not white. It should be pointed out
that specimens of these two forms are by no means plentiful
in collections and that their range is by no means clearly
worked out. It would seem that both A. heyi heyi and
A. h. cholmleyi occur in Egypt, but " Egypt" is a somewhat
elastic term for a locality, and birds labelled " Egypt ^^ are
practically useless unless we know the exact range of the
species or subspecies in question.

Specimens of Hey^s Partridge are very difficult to obtain,
as they trust more to their running powers than to flight,
and invariably run away up the sides of the valleys, Mhile
always keeping just out of gunshot.

to the Ornithology of Egypt. fi4l

The call-note of this Partridge, although soft and sweet,
is audible for a considerable distance in the silent desert
valleys, and were it not for this the bird might easily be
passed over, so well does its colour harmonize with its
surroundings. I have so far never seen more than two indi-
viduals together, but my experience of this species in a wild
state has been limited, though during the past three years I
have had no fewer than fifty birds under observation in
captivity. There appears to be no seasonable variation in
the change of colour in this species. The eggs are similar
in colour to those of Buff Orpington Fowls.

201. COTURXIX COMMUNIS.

Coturnix communis Shelley, p. 223.

The Quail is a regular visitor during the spring and
autumn migrations, but is far more abundant during the
former season. A few pairs breed in the Province.

202. PORZANA MARUETTA.

Porzana maruetta Shelley, p. 274.

The Spotted Crake is a regular visitor during the autumn
migration. I have no records of its occurrence here in spring.

203. Crex pratensis.
Ortygometra crex Shelley, p. 274.

I have but one record of the occurrence of the Land-Rail
in the Province, though there can be little doubt that it is a
regular visitor on migration. On the 29th of September,
1908, one of our keepers allowed a Siskin to escape from its
cage. I gave him a butterfly-net and told him to catch it
again. Half an hour later he brought me a Land-Rail which
he had caught in some long grass in the Gardens.

204. Gallinula chloropus.
Gallinula ch/oropus Shelley, p. 275.

A few Moorhens arrive in the Zoological Gnrdens in the
autumn, sometimes as early as September, and some remain
till the end of April or beginning of May. In April 1905
a pair bred on one of our lakes. This is the only record I
have of this species nesting in the province, but it breeds
abundantly in the Delta.

G12 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

205. FULICA ATRA.

Fulica atra Shelley, p. 278.

The Common Coot is very abundant in the Province
during the inundation of the Nile. It occasionally occurs
in the Zoological Gardens during the winter.

We have never met with Fulica cristata.

200. Grus communis.

Gi'us cinerea Shelley, p. 263.

Common during migration.

207. Grus virgo.

Grus virgo Shelley, p. 264.

Although I have never seen the Demoiselle Crane in
Ejrypt there is no doubt that it passes through the Province
during its migrations.

208. ffioiCNEMUS CREPITANS.

(Edicnemus crepitans Shelley, p. 230.

The Stone-Curlew is undoubtedly a breeding species^ as
we have several living in the aviaries of the Zoological
Gardens which were brought in by Bedouins when quite
voung. I fancy, however, that ffi". seaegalensis is the
commoner species.

209. QLdicnemus senegalensis.

(Edicnemus scolopax Flower & Nicoll, Special Report No. 3,
Zoological Gardens, Giza (1908), p. 25.

This species appears to be a common resident in the
Province, and I have every reason to believe that the
majority, if not all, of those which frequent the Zoological
Gardens belong to this form. Certainly the pair mentioned
in our Report of the Wild Birds of the Giza Gardens
(p. 25) belong to it, and so do all others which I have seen
here since at close enough quarters to identify them with
certainty. So far as I can ascertain, this species has not
before been recorded in Egypt north of Aswan.

A pair which live wild in the Giza Zoological Gardens
frequent a large Ostrich enclosure, Avherc throughout the day

to the Ornitholor/y of Et/i/pt. 643

tliey may always be seea sitting under a large straggling
pcpper-trce. During the summer of 1907 this pair reared a
brood of three young, all of which I saw when they were a
few days old, in company with their parents. They again
bred in 1908, and I caught a full-grown youngster by
chasing it at night with a lantern. It became confused by
the rays of the light, and allowed itself to be picked up.
This example is still living in our aviaries.

The down-plumage of CE. senegalensis appears to be much
more sandy than that of CE. crepitans.

210. GlAREOLA PRATINCOLA.

Glareula pratincola Shelley, p. 227.

As soon as the country near Giza becomes inundated by
the Nile in the autumn Pratincoles appear in great numbers.
I have seen large flocks near the Pyramids of Giza. A few
reappear during the spring migration.

211. Glareola pratincola melanoptera.
Glareola nordmanni Fischer ; Shelley, p. 229.

At present I consider it advisable to separate the Black-
winged Pratincole as a subspecies, though it seems possible
that it is only a variety of the common form. Specimens
having the axillaries and under wing-coverts black occur in
the Province in the percentage of about one to ten of the
common form.

In the black-winged form the secondaries are not tipped
with white as they are in G. p. pratincola, but in the latter
these white tips are very narrow indeed.

212. CURSORIUS GALLICUS.

Cursorius gallicus Shelley, p. 229.

The Cream-coloured Courser may be frequently met with
on the edge of the desert near the Pyramids of Giza during
the winter and early spring.

In a fresh state the legs of this bird are like those of
Aleemon alaudipes — china-white with an enamelled appear-
ance. This peculiarity, however, is not noticeable in dried
skins.

641 Mr. M. J. Nicoll — Contributions

213. Charadrtus pluvialis.
Charadrius pluvialis Shelley^ p. 235.

The Golden Plover is an uncommon visitor during the
winter months.

214. ^GIALITIS PECUARIA.

jEgialitis pecuarius Shelley, p. 239,

This handsome little Plover is abundant dunng the
autumn, winter, and spring. At present I have had no
opportunities for observing it during the summer, but it
seems probable that it nests in the Province, for it
undoubtedly does so in the Fayoum, and it seems most
unlikely that it would, after breeding, migrate nortliwards.

215. jEgialitis cantiana.
jEgialitis cantianus Shelley, p. 240.

The Kentish Plover is a most abundant bird in the
Province during autumn, winter, and spring, and doubtless
nests in suitable localities. On Lake Menzaleh, near
Damietta, great numbers breed.

216. -^GIALITIS CURONICA.

JEgialitis minor Shelley, p. 242.

Up to the present time I have only met with the Little
Ringed Plover in the Province during the autumn and winter.
It seems more partial to damp cultivated ground than to the
})Ools left on the desert-edge, which are always frequented
by the Kentish Plover.

217. ^GIALITIS HIATICOLA INTERMEDIA.

uEgialitis intermedius (Menetr.) ; Shelley, p. 242.

For the present I include all the Ringed Plovers which I
have obtained here under the above-mentioned name. They
are smaller than typical JL. hiaticola, especially as regards
the bill.

This Plover is common during the autumn, winter, and
spring, but we have no record of its nesting.

218. EUDKOMIAS MORINELLUS.

Eudroniias morinetlus (Linn.) ; Shelley, p. 236.

Duiing the winter of 1908-9 large flocks of Dotterels,

tu the Orn'itJiology of Eyypt. 645

both adult and immature, frequented the desert-edge between
the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara. Many were killed by
the Falcons, which seemed to be in unusual numbers, and it is
probable that many more fell victims to " sportsmen/'

219. HOPLOPTERUS SPINOSUS.

Hoplopterus spinosus Shelley, p. 232.

The Spur-winged Plover is abundant in suitable localities
throughout the Province, where it nests. Two young birds
were brought in alive on July the 19th, 1909, by Capt. E. S.
Jackson, who had caught them at Ay at.

220. Vanellus vulgaris.
Vanellus cristatus Shelley, p. 231.

The Lapwing is a common winter visitor, departing in
spring.

221. Chettusia leucura.
Chettusia vilfotcei Shelley, p. 233.

I have only once met with this graceful " Lapwing " in
the Province, i. e. on the 17th of November, 1908, when I
saw a pair of immature birds and obtained one of them.

222. HiMANTOPUS CANDIDUS.

Himantopus candidus Shelley, p, 260.
The Black-winged Stilt is a visitor on migration in small
numbers.

223. SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA.

Scolopax rusticola Shelley, p. 247.

The Woodcock is a visitor in small numbers during the
winter. One at least frequents the Zoological (jardens
every winter.

224. Gallinago ccelestis.

Gallinayo media Leach; Shelley, p. 249.

The Snipe is abundant in the Province from September
to March.

On September 14th, 1908, I shot two Snipes from a flock
of at least thirty individuals^ which were circling over some
inundated land near Giza.

646 Mr, M. J. Nicoll — Contrihidions

225. Gallinago gallinula,
Gallinago gallinula Shelley, p. 249.

The Jack Snipe winters in the Province, but is less
abundant than the "fuU^^ Snipe.

226. Rhynch^a capensis.
Rhynch(sa capensis Shelley, p. 250.

The Painted Snipe is of regular occurrence during the
winter months, but is not very abundant.

227. Tringa alpina.

Tringa cinclus Linn. ; Shelley, p. 253.
The Dunlin appears in small numbers during the in-
undation, which coincides with the autumn migration.
I have not met with this species in spring in the Province.

228. Tringa mincjta.
Tringa minuta Shelley, p. 251.

The Little Stint is, with, perhaps, the exception of the
Kentish Plover, the most abundant Wader during the winter
months. It arrives in flocks in the autumn, and from
that time onward may be met with in quantities in suitable
places. I have often seen it round the village ponds, where
it consorts with jEgialitis pecuaria.

229. Tringa temmincki.
Tringa temminckii Shelley, p. 252.

Temminck^s Stint is far less abundant than the former
species, and, like it, is a winter visitor.

230. Tringa subarquata.
Tringa subarquata Shelley, p. 254.

Once or twice during the autumn of 1907 I met with the
Curlew-Sandpiper on some flooded ground near the Giza
Pyramids.

231. Tringa canutus.

I saw small flocks of Knots near Giza during the autumn
of 1907.

This bird has not previously been recorded from Egypt.
The first example obtained in the country seems to be one

to Ihe Ornithology of Ejypt. 647

shot from a small flock near Suez on the 5th of Marcli, 1903,
by Capt. Flower.

In March 1909 Mr. J. L. Bonhote and I saw several
flocks of this species in the Fayoum on the shores of Lake
Birket el Karuii.

232. Machethis pugnax.
Machetes pugnax Slielley, p. 246.

Ruff's and Reeves are abundant during the inundation in
September, October, and November.

I have never seen a male in full plumage here, but have
the skin of an adult Reeve, in worn summer plumage, shot
by Capt. J. W. H. Seppings in September 1906.

233. TOTANUS HYPOLEUCUS.

Actitis hypoleucos Shelley, p. 259.

This Sandpiper is of common occurrence during the
spring and autumn migrations, and may frequently be seen
during the winter months.

234. ToTANUS OCHROPUS.

Totunus ochropus Shelley, p. 258.

Not uncommon from autumn to early spring.

235. ToTANUS GLAREOLA.

Totanus glareola Shelley, p. 259.

I have records of this species in the Province in autumn
and winter. It occurs in flocks, great numbers being some-
times seen together.

236. Totanus stagnatilis.
Totanus stagnatilis Shelley, p. 257.

The Marsh- Sandpiper is not uncommon during the late
autumn and winter, but is usually met with singly or in
pairs.

237. T0T4NUS CALIDRIS.

Totanus calidris Shelley, p. 255.

Fairly common throughout the winter months.

238. Totanus ruscus.
Totanus jus cus Shelley, p. 255.
Occasionally seen during the winter.

G48 Mr. M. J. l<licol\—Contributio)is

239. TOTANUS CANESCENS.

Tot anus canescens Shelley, p. 25G.

A few Greenshanlcs may be met with throughout the
winter and spring.

240. LiMOSA BELGICA.

Limosa agocephala Shelley, p. 245.

Black-tailed Godwits are most abundant in the autumn,
during the flooding of the country round about Giza.

241. NUMENIUS ARQUATA.

Numenius arquata Shelley, p. 243.

I have seen Curlews on many occasions from September
to May.

242. Sterna fluviatilis vel macrura.

Sterna flnviatilis } gbelley, p. 299.
Sterna hirundo )

I have seen either Common or Arctic Terns on the
flooded country, but have no specimens of them.

243. Sterna anglica.
Sterna anglica Shelley, p. 297.

A few Gull-billed Terns frequent the country near Giza
during the inundations.

I have an example obtained on the 28th of November, 1907.

244. Sterna cantiaca.
Sterna cantiaca Shelley, p. 297.

A few frequent the flooded country near Giza during the
autumn.

245. Hydrochelidon hibrida.
Hydrochelidon nigra (Linn.) ; Shelley, p. 301.

A few were seen during September 1908, near Giza.

246. Larus ridibundus.

Larus ridibundus Shelley, p. 309.

Black-headed Gulls are frequently seen, sometimes in
flocks, flying up the river outside the Zoological Gardens,
in winter and early spring.

247. Larus argentatus.
Larus argentatus Shelley, p. 305.

to the Oniitholofjij of Egijpt. G49

248. Larus cachixnans.

Larus cadiinnans Shelley, p. 3()G.

Both species of Herring-Gulls are occasionally seen on the
river at Giza, as well as on the flooded country. At a distance
it is not always possible to distinguish them, especially as
L. cachinnans is often as light on the mantle as L. argentutus,
but I have at times positively identified both forms,

249. Larus fuscus.

Larus fascus Shelley, p. 304.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull is frequently met with
from autumn to late spring.

250. PoDICIPES fluviatilis.
Podiceps minor Shelley, p. 314.

On February 14th, 1908, I saw a Grebe, which I believe
to have been of this species, on a pool close to the railway
between Cairo aud Helwan.

Since the publication of the first part of this paper a
certain amount of additional information has come to hand,
and examples of several species not included in it have
been obtained by myself or my friends in the Province of
Giza. A few corrections in nomenclature are also advisable.
During June last I was enabled, by the kind permission of
the Hon. W. Rothschild and Dr. E. Hartert, to compai-e the
majority of my birds with the fine and well-cared-for
collection in the Tring Museum, and thus had the oppor,
tunity of comparing several of my skins with the types in
the Brehm collection. For this privilege, and also for their
kind help in identifying many birds which I have been
vmable to examine personally, I wish to record my best
thanks to Mr. Rothschild and Dr. Hartert. My best thanks
are also due to Dr. Sharpe and Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, who have
given me much help while working at my collections in the
British Museum.

With the Editors' permission, 1 hope, at some future time,
to write an Appendix to the Birds of Giza, and thus bring
the list " up to date " as far as possible.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2x

650 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

XXXIV. — On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia.
By W. R. Ogilvie-Grant. With Field-notes by
Mr. G. C. Shortridge.

(Plate IX.)

The following paper is based on a fine collection of West
Australian birds presented by Mr. W. E. Balston to the
British Museum (Natural History). The specimens were
collected by Mr. G. C. Shortridge in the South-western,
Central, and Western Divisions o£ Western Australia, and
form a particularly valuable addition to the National Collec-
tion, all being carefully labelled and bearing full particulars.
In addition to the measurements taken in the flesh and the
notes on the colours of the soft parts to be found on the
labels, Mr. Shortridge has supplied a number of field-notes.
The collection of Australian birds in the British Museum
is, according to our modern ideas, of little use for scientific
purposes ; for, almost without exception, the skins are badly
prepared and in hardly any instance do the labels bear any
information except some vague locality, such as " South
Australia/' while the sex and date of capture are almost
invariably wanting.

The importance of the " Balston Collection " cannot
therefore be over-estimated, as, for the first time, it enables
us to examine series of specimens with full data. As was
to be expected, several of the forms procured by Mr. Short-
ridge prove to be new, and most of these will be found
among the Passeres which are described in the following
pages. The novelties include Certhionyx occidentalis, Zos-
terops shortridgei, Z. balstoni, Climacteris wellsi, Malurus
bernieri, and Sericornis balstoni.

The following is a list of the localities visited and collected
in by Mr. Shortridge : —

Rabbit Island, King George's Sound, South- Western Division,

West Australia.
Big Grove, King George's Sound.
Woyaline, King George's Sound.
Oyster Harbour, King George's Sound.
Pelican Point, King George's Sound.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 651

King River, South-Western Division.

Alban}', South-Western Division.

Little Grove, Albany Harbour.

Emu Point, Albany.

Chockerup, Albany.

Margaret River, South-Western Division.

Busseltou, South-Western Division,

Beechland, Busselton.

Arthur River, Wagin, South- W^estern Division.

Dwaladine, Brookton, South-Western Division.

Pingelly, Brookton,

Beverley, South-Western Division.

Stockpool, East Beverley,

Dale River, Beverley.

Avon River, Beverley,

York, South-Western Division,

Crookerdiue Lake, Southern Cross, Central Division.

Parker's Range, Southern Cross.

Kurrawang, Kalgoorlie, Coolgardie, Central Division.

Laverton, Mt. Margaret, Central Division.

Hawksnest, Laverton,

Carnarvon, Gascoyne River, Western Division.

Clifton Downs, Gascoyne River,

Waggon Hill, Upper Gascoyne River.

Bernier Island, off the mouth of the Gascoyne River.

Mr. Mathews's ^Handlist of the Birds of Australasia,'
published as a Supplement to 'The Emu/ vol. vii, 1908, is
quoted as ''Math," throughout.

Strepera plumbea Gould.

Strepera plumbea Math. p. 108.

a, b. ^ et ($ imm. King River, 6th Jan.-14th Feb.

c. ? imm. Chockerup, 24th Jan.

d,e. (J ? . Big Grove, 28th March & 17th April.

f. Ad. Parker's Range, 8th Aug.

g, h. (^ . Kurrawang, 25th Sept. & 4th Oct.

Iris yellow in the adult, yellowish-grey in the immature ;
bill black, gape and inside of mouth yellow ; legs black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 19 5-2r7o inches.

[The Leaden Crow-Shrike was very plentiful in the south-
west, and extended as far inland as Laverton. It is known
by the names of "Squeaker" or "Jay" to the Colonists. — •
6. C. S.]

2 X 2

652 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

CoRVUs AUSTRALis Gmel.

Cororie australis Math. p. 107.

a. Imm. Albany^ 27th Jan.

Iris dull brown ; bill and legs black.

The total length, measured in the fleshy was 19*5 inches.

CoRvus coRONoiDEs Vig. & Horsf.

Corvus coronoides Math. p. 107.

a, b. ? . Crookerdine Lake, 19th-21st July.

c. (J. Kurrawang, 11th Sept.

d. ? . Clifton Downs, 5th Oct.

Iris dark brown (in immature) ; bill and legs black.

The above-mentioned specimens appear to belong to
C. coronoides, having the basal part of the feathers of the
upper mantle pure white instead of ashy grey.

[The White-eyed Crow was very numerous, especially in
the central and north-western districts. I do not think that
the white iris is assumed until at least the second year. —
G. C. S.]

Corvus bennetti North.

Corvus bennetti Math. p. 107.

a. $ . Carnarvon, 23rd Aug.

Iris mottled brown (turning white).

Total length, measured in the flesh, 18 inches.

This specimen, which is no doubt referable to C. bennetti,
is easily distinguished from the above-mentioned species of
Corvus by its comparatively small bill, which measures as
follows : — Length 1*95 inches; height at nostril OG ; width
at nostril 06.

T^NIOPYGIA CASTANOTIS Gould.

Teeniopygia castanotis Math. p. 101.
a-d. (5" ? et c? imm. Crookerdine Lake, 30tli July.
e-h. S ? • Laverton, 18th-28th Oct.
i. ^ . Clifton Downs, 6th Oct.

Iris bright reddish-crimson ; bill bright orange-red ; feet
coral-pink, tinged with orange.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 425-4'5 inches.
[The Chestnut-eared Finch was plentiful in the central

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 653

and western districts and extends as far soutli as Beverley. —
G. C. S.]

ZoN^GiNTHUs ocuLATus Quoy & Gaim.
Zonaginthus oculatus Math. p. 101.

a. cJ . King River, 1st Dec.

b. Ad. Cliockerup, 28tli Jan.

c. d. ? et imm. Oyster Harbour, 2nd March.
e,f. c? ? . Margaret River, 18th Feb.

Iris dark brown ; eyelid lilac ; bill reddish-crimson, with
a narrow line o£ lilac at the base of the upper mandible ;
legs of a light brownish-slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4'75-5*0 inches.

[The Red-eared Finch was gregarious and fairly plentiful
in the extreme south-west, but it did not extend inland. —
G. C. S.]

Anthus australis (Vig. Sr Horsf.).

Anthus australis Math. p. 100.

a-d. S ? • King River, 8th-23rd Dec.

e. Ad. Pelican Point, 11th April.

/. S • Crookerdine Lake, 24th July.

y. (^ . Kurrawang, 2nd-19th Sept.

h. (S . Dale River, 16th Dec.

i, k. cJ ? . Bernier Island, 23rd June-3rd July.

I. ^ imm. Clifton Downs, 9th Oct.

Iris hazel; upper mandible dark brown, lower mandible
of a flesh-colour, brown at the tip ; legs of a brownish flesh-
colour.

[The Australian Pipit was very plentiful and widely
distributed.— G. C. S.]

ACANTHOGENYS RUFIGULARIS (Gould).

Acanthogenys rufigularis Math. p. 99.
a-h. S ? • Crookerdine Lake, 17th-26th July.
i. ^ . Parker's Range, 14th Aug.
k. ? . Kurrawang, 9th Sept.
/. (J imm. Laverton, 16th Oct.

Iris pale blue, naked skin on the face and basal half of the
bill pale pink.

654 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

The specimen from Laverton, which appears to be
immature, has the spiny feathers below the ear short,
provided with yellow vanes, forming a yellow patch.

[The Spiny-cheeked Honey-eater was plentiful in the
central districts. This is the " Water-bird " of the Colonists,
and is said to be seldom found far from a water-hole. It is
gregarious in its habits. — G. C. S.'\

Anellobia lunulata (Gould).

Anellobia lunulata Math. p. 99.

a-c. (J ? et juv. King River, 9th-23rd Dec.

d, e. ? et juv. Near Albany, 23rd & 24th March.

/. ? imra. Big Grove, 1st May.

Iris crimson ; bill black ; legs of a pinkish-slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 11'25-13'0 inches.

[The Lunulated Wattle-bird is often gregarious, and was
plentiful in the coastal districts of the south-west. It often
frequented Banksia thickets. — G. C. S.~\

Acanthoch.*:ra carunculata (Lath.).

Acantliochara carunculata Math. p. 98.

a-d. ($ . Arthur River, 17th Juue-lst July.

e,f. S ? • Parker's Range, 9th-llth Aug.

g. ? . Kurrawang, 5th Sept.

Iris varying from reddish-brown to dull crimson ; wattles
deep pink; bill black; legs brownish-pink.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 13-15 inches.

[The W^attled Honey -eater was fairly plentiful and is
more or less gregarious in its habits. It is rare in the coastal
district of the extreme south-west, where its place is taken
by Anellobia lunulata. — G. C. S-l

Myzantha flavigula Gould.

Myzantha jiavigula Math. p. 98.

a-i. $ ? . Kurrawang, 3rd Sept.-3rd Oct.

k. $ . Laverton, 26th Oct.

/. (J • Carnarvon, 25th Aug.

m. $ . Clifton Downs, 13th Oct.

Iris dark brown; naked skin round the orbit and on the
throat canary-yellow ; bill dark ochre-yellow ; legs brownish-
yellow.

Colleciion of Birds from JVostern Austrnlin. 655

Total length, measured in the flesh, 9*5-10"5 inches.

[The Yellow-throated Miner takes the place of M. obscura
in the central and western divisions. It was very abundant
on the Gascoyne River. — G. C. <S.]

The above-mentioned series clearly belongs to the smaller
M. fiav'igula and not to M. lutea; the wing in the male
measures 4*8-5 inches, and in the female from 4"65-4"7.

Myzantha obscura Gould.

Myzantha obscura Math. p. 98.

a-d. S ? • Arthur River, 21st-30th June.

Iris dark brown ; naked skin round the eye bright canary-
yellow ; bill yellow ; legs dull yellow, brownish above.

Total length, measured in the flesh : — male, 10*5 inches ;
female, 9'75-10'0 inches.

[The Sombre Miner is gregarious in its habits and
frequents the forest-districts of the south-west. It was not
observed so far south as Albany. — G. C. ^.]

Meliornis longirostris (Gould).

Meliornis longirostris Math. p. 98.

a-c. (J. King River, 7th-17th Dec.

d. Ad. Lower King River, 5th March.

e-i. S et juv. Big Grove, 22nd March-30th April.

Iris white; bill black ; legs blackish-brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7'0-7'5 inches.

[The Long-billed Honey-eater was very abundant in the
coastal districts of the south-west. It was observed as far
inland as Beverley, but was not common there. — G. C. -S.]

Ptilotis carteri Campbell.

Ptilotis carteri Milligan, Emu, iii. p. 248, ph xvi. ftg. 1
(1904) ; Math. p. 97.

a-e. S ? • Carnarvon, 2nd-25th Aug.

f-h. S ? • Clifton Downs, 4th-llth Oct.-

Iris dark brown ; bill black, gape and nostrils occasionally
yellowish ; legs of a flesh-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh : — male, 6*5-7*0 inches ;
female, 625-6*5 inches.

656 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

I am inclined to agree with Mr. Campbell \_cf. Nests &
Eggs Austr. B. p. 405 (1901)] and to think that P. leila-
valensis North should probably be regarded as synonymous
with the present species, but there are no Queensland
specimens available for comparison with the West Australian
series. Mr. Mathews keeps them distinct. The figure of
P. carter^ given in the ' Emu/ and referred to above, repre-
sents the bird as having the breast bright yellow like the
sides of the head and throat, but this is not really the case ;
the chest is greyish-buff streaked with pale yellow, and the
rest of the under parts are of a bright cream-colour. The
back, too, should be browner, the rump much less bright,
and the tail-feathers olive, merely margined on the outer
web with bright olive-yellow.

[Carter's Honey-eater was plentiful on the Gascoyne
lliver.— G. C. S.'\

Ptilotis plumula Gould.

Ptilotis plumula Math. p. 97.

a-f. S ? • Laverton, 16th-2Gth Oct.

Iris dark brown ; bill black, base of the lower mandible
sometimes dark yellow ; legs of a light slate-colour.

Tlie only example of the Ptilotis keartlandi of North in the
British Museum is a female from North-west Cape, West
Australia, procured by Mr. T. Carter. This species may be
at once distinguished from the nearly allied P. plumula by
the grey crown and ear-coverts. Other examples in the
British Museum from Derby, N.W. Australia, collected by
Mr. R. Hall, have been wrongly referred by Dr. Sclater to
P. keartlandi [c/. Bull. B. O. C. xii. p. 50 (1902)], and are
really referable to P. plumula.

[The Plumed Honey-eater was plentiful around Laverton.
As in all the species of this genus, the males are noticeably
larger than the females. — G. C. /S.]

Ptilotis ornata Gould.

Ptilotis ornaia Math. p. 96.

a-h. ^ Q . Crookerdine Lake, 17th-25th July.

i-l. (J ? . Kurrawang, 8th-12th Sept.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 657

Iris dark brown ; bill black, gape and nostrils frequently
yellow ; legs of a pinkish-slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 6-0-6"75 inches.

[The Graceful Honey-eater was very plentiful in the
south-west, and ranged inland as far as Kalgoorlie. It was
not observed in the coastal district to the south of Brookton,
nor did it extend to Laverton, where its place is taken by
P. plmnula Gould. — G. C. 5.]

Ptilotis Nov^-NORciiE MiUigau.

Ptilotis nova-7iorci<£ Math. p. 96.

a-c. cJ ? . Parker^s Range, 10th Aug.

d-ff. ($ ? . Kurrawang, 3rd-15th Sept.

h. ? . Stockpool, 24th Jan.

i. ? . Dwaladine, 12th March.

k-m. S ? . Kurrawang, 15th Sept.

Iris brown ; bill black, inside of the mouth bright orange ;
legs of a dark olivaceous slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh : — male, 7v5-
8'0 inches; female, 7'0-7'25 inches.

This series of specimens appears to be referable to the
smaller and paler western form of the White-eared Honey-
eater described by Mr. Milligan from the Wongan Hills to
the north-east of Perth.

[This species is very local and frequents thickets an ^
high undergrowth. It is not uncommon to the north of
Kalgoorlie, but was not observed further south nor nearer
the coast than East Brookton. — -G. C. S.']

Ptilotis forresti Ingram.

Ptilotis forresti Ingram, Bull. B. O. C. xvi. p. 116 (1906) ;
Math. p. 95.

a. ? . Laverton, 13th Oct.

This species is most nearly allied to P. sonora Gould, of
which it is a paler form. It is distinguished by the light
earth-brown colour of the upper parts including the croivn,
and by the paler under parts, which are more faintly
streaked.

In the British Museum there are two female examples

658 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

of this form procured on the Fitzroy River by the late
Mr. Bo wyer- Bower.

The specimen in the British Museum from Gould's
collection, referred to P. fon-esti by Mr. Ingram, differs
in having the ear-coverts orange-yellow instead of chrome-
yellow, and the outer margins of three of the primary
quills in each wing dull orange-yellow instead of olive-
yellow.

The label on this specimen gives no indication as to its
origin; but in Gould's writing are the words " Appears to
be a light variety of Ptilotis sonoraJ^

Possibly this bird represents a different form, the colour of
the ear-coverts being rather an important character, but
with a single example devoid of any exact particulars it is
best to await the arrival of additional material.

Ptilotis sonora Gould.

Ptilotis sonora Math. p. 95.

a-/i. c? ? . Arthur River, 17th-25th June.

i, k. S . Crookerdine Lake, 22nd & 28th July.

/. cJ . Dale River, Jan.

m, n. ($ . Bernier Island, 11th & 24th June.

Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs of a dark slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh : — male, 8-8*75 inches ;
female, 7-8 inches.

The birds from Bernier Island are in very worn plumage,
and are consequently much paler in general appearance,
especially on the upper parts, than the rest of the series.

[The Singing Honey-eater was plentiful throughout the
south-west, and extended inland as far as Laverton and
north to the Gascoyne River and Bernier Island. It was
not observed round Albany. — G. C. S.~\

Certhionyx occidentalis, sp. n.

Adult male. Differs from the male of C. variegatus Lesson
in having the white on the inner secondaries confined to the
outer web : in the latter species the white extends over the

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 659

basal part of the inner web also on two of the secondary
feathers. Iris reddish-hazel ; bill slate-blue, darker at the
tip ; gape and wattles below the eye pale blue ; legs of a
slate-colour. Total length, measured in the flesh, 7 inches,
■wing 3*4, tail 2'75, tarsus 0*85.

An immature male from North-west Cape {A. G. Camphell)
resembles the Carnarvon bird as regards the markings of the
secondary quills.

a. c? . Carnarvon, 19th Aug. [Type of the species.)
[This western form of the Pied Honey-eater was rare
round Carnarvon. — G. C. S.'\

Glyciphila suboculaius Gould.

Stigmatops ocularis Math. p. 95 [part.].

a-c. (^ et iram. Emu Point, 19th Jan. & 5th March.

d,e. ^ 2 . Big Grove, 9th March.

/. (5". Arthur River, 21st June.

ff. Ad. Dwaladiue, 13th March.

Iris dark greyish-brown ; bill black ; legs of a slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5'2-5'75 inches.

These specimens from S.W. Australia appear to belong to
the smaller form named G. subocularis by Gould.

[The Lesser Brown Honey-eater was plentiful in the
south-west, but did not extend inland. — G. C. S.]

Glyciphila albifrons Gould.

Gh/C7/phila albifrons Math. p. 94.

a. ? . Ci'ookerdine Lake, 21st July.

b-d. S ? . Parker's Range, 13th Aug.

e-k. (^ ? . Kurrawang, 5th-15th Sept.

I. (^ imm. Laverton, 16th Oct.

Iris dark brown or reddish-brown; eyelid dusky in front,
blood-red behind ; bill black ; legs dark brown.

[The White-fronted Honey-eater was a shy bird, but
plentiful in the central division, where it generally frequented
the open heaths. It was obtained as far west as Beverley
and Brookton, where, however, it was much less numerous.
— G. C. S.]

660 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

Glyciphila melanops (Lath.).

Glijcyphila melanops Sharpe, Hist. Coll. Brit. Miis. ii.
p. 127 (1905) ; Math. p. 94.

a-c. S ? . King River, 7th-19th Sept.

d-g. S 2 imm. Big Grove, 23rd March-gist April.

h. J • Arthur River, 25th June.

i, /t. (J ? . Parker's Range, 13th Aug.

/. ? . Stockpool, 24th Jan.

Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs olive-black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 6'5-7*25 inches.

[The Fulvous-fronted Honey-eater was plentiful in the
south-west ; it was observed as far inland as Southern Cross,
where, however, it was more or less replaced by G. albifrons
Gould.— G. C. S.'\

ACANTHORHYNCHUS SUPERCILIOSUS (Gould).

Acanthorhynchus superciliosus Math. p. 93.

a-d. ? et ? imm. King River, 7th Dec.-4th Jan.

e-g. ? et ? imm. Big Grove, 26th March-21st April.

Iris crimson in the adult, dark grey in the immature
bird ; bill black ; legs dark brown.

[The Western Spine-billed Honey-eater was very abun-
dant around Albany, and was observed as far north as
Beverley and Perth, but it did not extend inland. —

G. c. sr[

Melithreptus leucogenys Milligan.

Melithreptus leucogenys Math. p. 92.

a, b. c?. Arthur River, 18th & 22nd June.

c, d. (^ ? . Crookerdine Lake, 17th July.

e,f. <S . Dale River, 15th & 16th Dec.

Iris hazel; bare skin round eye dull yellow, occasionally
tinged with bluish below ; bill black ; legs of a yellowish-
horn-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*5 inches.

[The Western Brown-headed Honey-eater is gregarious
in its habits and plentiful in many parts of the south-west,
except in the extreme coastal districts ; it was observed as
far inland as Southern Cross. — G. C. S.']

Collecium of Birds from IVt-stern Australia. GOl

Melithrkptus chloropsis Gould.

Melithrepfus chlorojisis Math. p. 92.

a-c. ? et (J imra. King River, 7tli Dec.-15tli Jan.

d. (^ . Chockerup, 23rd Jan.

e. Ad. Near Albany, 26th March.
fg. S ■ Big Grove, 1st & 2nd May.
h. (^ imm. Margaret River, 17th Feb.

Iris reddish-brown ; naked skin above the eye white, below
pale blue ; bill dark olive-brown, orange at the base and on
the inside of the mouth; legs yellowish-brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5o-6*5 inches.

Gould says that the naked skin above the eye in M.
chloropsis is greenish-white in some specimens, and pale
wine-yellow in others. In M. lunulatus (Shaw) the naked
skin above the eye is scarlet, but in other respects the species
is hardly distinguishable from M. chloropsis.

[The Western Lunulatcd Honey-eater is gregarious in its
habits and very plentiful among the high Eucalyptus-trees
in the coastal districts of the south-west. Further inland it
is replaced by M. leucogenys Milligan. — G. C. S.]

Myzomela nigra Gould.
Myzomela nigra Math. p. 93.
a-c. S • Dwaladine, 24th Feb. & 12th March.
Iris very dark brown ; bill and feet black.
Total length, measured in the flesh, 5 0-5'25 inches.
[The Black Honey-eater was not uncommon to the east
of Brookton ; it frequents the tops of trees, — G. C. S.]

Pardalotus ornatus Temm.
Pardalotus ornatus Math. p. 90.
a. ^ . King River, 5th Jan.
b-d. ? . Dale River, 20th Dec. to Jan.
e,f. S • Crookerdine Lake, 17th & 19th July.
g-k. S ? • Parker's Range, 8th-13th Aug.
I, m. (5' ? . Kurrawang, 9th & 15th Sept.
n. ? . Clifton Downs, 4th Oct.

Iris olive-brown or greenish-yellow ; bill dusky black,
of a horii-colour at the gape ; legs of a slate-colour.

G62 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Graut on a

Total length, measured in the flesh, 40-4'5 inches.

[The Striated Diamond-bird was plentiful throughout the
central and south-western divisions. It was particularly
abundant round Southern Cross, but rare on the Gascoyne
River.— G.C.^.]

Pardalotus punctatus (Shaw & Nodd.).

Pardalutus punctatus Math. p. 91.

a. $ . Lower King River, 27th Feb.

b-e. c? ? et imm. Big Grove, 9th March-2nd May.

Iris yellowish-brown ; bill dark slate-brown ; legs of a
Ijrownish-flesh- colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 3' 75 inches.

[The Spotted Diamond-bird was very plentiful in the
south-west, probably more so than P. ornatus in the coastal
districts, but it does not seem to extend inland. — G. C. SP[

Pardalotus rubricatus Gould.

Pardalotus rubricatus Math. p. 91.

a-c. c? • Clifton Downs, 7th Oct. -5th Dec.

Iris bright greenish-yellow ; bill dark cinnamon-brown
above, of a light horn-colour below ; legs of a light dusky
slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4"25-4'5 inches.

Pardalotus pallidus, a species said to be closely allied to
P. rubricatus, has been described by Mr. A. J. Campbell
[cf. 'Emu,' viii. p. 142 (1909)]. I have examined a male
procured at North-west Cape (which lies about three Imudred
and fifty miles to the south of the De Grey River, where
the type of P. pallidus was obtained), and find that it agrees
in every respect with typical examples of P. rubricatus.
P. pallidus is said to be ''much lighter-coloured than any
known species of the genus."

[The Fawn-eyebrowed Diamond-bird was not plentiful. —
G. C. S.]

DiC.EUM HIRUNDINACEUM (Shaw).

Dicceum hirundinaceum ]\Iath. p. 90.
a-e. ^ ? . Kurrawang, 21st Sept.-3rd Oct.
Iris dark brown, bill black; legs, in the male blackish-
brown, in the female slate-black.

CuUecthm of Birds from IFtstern Australia. GG3

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4-0-4'25 inches.
[The ^listletoe-bird is said to be more or less migratory. —
G. C. S. ]

ZosTEROPs GouLDi (Bonap.) .

Zosterops gouldi Math. p. 89.

a, h. S ■ King River, 1st & 9tli Dec.

c, d. ^ . Dwaladine, 13th March.

d-f. ^ . Bernier Island, 26th June & 12th July.

ff, h. ^ . Carnarvon, 22nd Aug.

Iris of a light horn-colour ; bill of a horn-colour, darker
on the upper mandible; legs of a flesh-colour tinged with
bluish.

Specimens from Carnarvon and Bernier Island appear to
have the under parts somewhat paler than birds from the
south-west ; and the males, if their sex has been correctly
determined, seem to lack the cinnamon wash on the sides
and flanks. The material at present available for comparison
is insufficient to w arrant separation.

[The Green-backed Silver-eye is gregarious and was very
plentiful in the south-west, but did not occur far inland.
Jt extends as far north as the Gascoyne River and Bernier
Island.— G. C. S.'\

ZoSTEROPS SHORTRIDGII, Sp. n.

Adult male. Most nearly allied to the male of Z. gouldi
Bonap., but differs in having the middle of the breast, as
Avell as the belly, thighs, and under tail-coverts, pale yellow ;
the sides and flanks greyer and only slightly washed with
cinnamon. In Z. gouldi the thighs are always white.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5 inches: wing 2'3;
tail 1'9 ; tarsus 0'7.

a. S ■ l^abbit Island, Albany, 17th April. {Type of the
species.)

Zosterops balstoni, sp. n.

Adult male and female. Similar to Z. lutea Gould, but
with the upper parts decidedly more greyish-olive and the
under parts, especially the middle of the breast and belly,
less brilliant yellow.

G64 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Graut on a

Iris bright hazel ; bill black, basal half of the lower
mandible of a light bluish-slate colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4'25-4*5 inches ;
wing 2'2 ; tail 1-6 ; tarsus Q7.

a, b. c? ? . Carnarvon, 23rd Aug. ( Types of the species )

In addition to the type-specimens, I have examined a pair
procured at North-west Cape (^4. G. Campbell), which agree
in every respect with the Carnarvon birds,

[Balston's White-eye inhabits the coastal mangrove-
swamps around Carnarvon and is gregarious in its habits. —
G. C. S.'\

Climacteris wellsi, sp. n.

Adult male. Most nearly allied to the male of C. melanura
Gould, but at once distinguished by having the general
colour of the under parts chestnut instead of brown, and the
middle of the breast rufous-bufl:' (not smoky-buff), with
white, black-edged, shaft-streaks. The under tail-coverts are
black, strongly barred with white, instead of black narrowly
tipped with white. In other respects the plumage is very
similar to that of C melanura.

Adult female. Differs from the female of C. melanura in a
similar manner to the male described above.

Iris dark brown ; bill and legs blackish-olive.

cJ . Total length, in the flesh, 7'0-7"25 inches ; wing 3*7-
3-85 ; tail 2-7.

?. Total length, in the flesh, 6"75-7'0 inches; wing
3-65-3-7 ; tail 2-55-2 6.

a-g. $ ? . Clifton Downs, 19th Sept.-7th Oct. (Including
types of the species.)

C. melanura Gould, which appears to be the nearest ally
of this fine new species, is said to range throughout North-
west Australia, Queensland, and the northern territory of
South Australia. C. ivellsi was only met with on the Upper
Gascoyue River, where it was plentiful among the Eucalyptus
and other trees which fringe the river-beds and water-
courses.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. GG5

Climacteris rufa Gould.

Climacteris rufa Math. p. 88.

a. ^ . King River, 4th Jan.

^, c- [c?] [ ? ]. Arthur River, 1st July.

d,e. c? [ ? ]• Crookerdine, 17th & 19th July,

f. S ' Parker's Range, 8th Aug.

g-i. c? et cJ imin. Kurrawang, 2nd Sept.-3rd Oct.

k. ? [ (^ imm.]. Hawksnest, 10th Nov.

/. [ ? .] Dale River, 19th Deo.

There appears to have been a difficulty in ascertaining
the sex of some of these birds, two of the females having
been marked as males and several males as females.

Iris dark brown or hazel ; bill dark brown in the adult,
of a slate-colour above, with the sides and base of a flesh-
colour, in the immature ; legs dark brown in the adult, of a
slate-colour in the immature.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7^8 inches,

[The Rufous Tree-Creeper was plentiful throughout the
south-west and central divisions, extending inland as far as
Laverton — where, however, it was rare and confined to the
isolated strips of Eucalyptus along the water-courses. It is
represented by C. superciliosa in the Mulga country. —
G. C. S.]

Climacteris superciliosa North.
Climacteris superciliosa Math. p. 89.
a-f S ? • Hawksnest, 2nd-12th Nov.
Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs dark slaty.
Total length, measured in the flesh, G'O inches.
[The White-eyebrowed Tree-Creeper was fairly plentiful
around Laverton ; it frequented the Mulga scrub. —

G. c. sr\

Two pairs of this rare Creeper were procured and are new
to the British Museum. It was originally described by
Mr. North (' Ibis,' 1895, p. 341) from specimens obtained by
the Horn Expedition at lllara Creek, Central Australia, but
appears to range over the greater part of Australia. The
figure of this species [Horn, Sc. Exp. Centr. Austr, pt. ii.

SER. IX. VOL. III. 2 Y

GG6 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

Zool. pi. vii. (1896)] is somewhat misleading, as the wide
pale buff band through the wing is not indicated and the
back is represented as being olive instead of greyish-brown.

Neositta pileata (Gould).

Neositta jnleata Hellmayr, Tierreich, Sittidse, p. 197
(1903) ; Math. p. 88.

a-e. $ ? . King River, 12th Dec. -10th Jan.

/. ? . Big Grove, 29th April.

y. (J. Crookerdine Lake, IStli July.

h. ? . Parker's Range, 10th Aug.

i. ? . Kurrawang, 8th Sept.

Iris reddish-buff; eyelids yellow ; bill cinnamon-brow^n,
with the basal half yellow ; legs yellow^ claws brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4'75-5"0 inches.

[The Black-capped Bark-pecker w as plentiful in the south-
west and ranged as far inland as Kalgoorlie, and as far north
as the Gascoyne River, where, however, it became less
plentiful. It differs from Climacteris in being gregarious,
and resembles a Nuthatch rather than a Woodpecker in
its habits. — G. C -S.]

Neositta tenuirostris (Gould).

Neositta tenuirostris Math. p. 88.

a. (J. Hawksnest, 6th Nov.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4*4 inches.

The type of this species appears to be quite a young bird
with a brownish head. It has a very long and very slender
bill with the terminal portion maroon-red. An adult male,
procured at Hawksnest, Laverton, appears to belong to this
slender-billed form, being very similar to the type, but with
the crown black, and a narrow band across the forehead, as
well as the sides of the face, w^hite.

Sphenostoma cristatum Gould.

Sphenostoma cristatum Math. p. 87.

a-d. S 9 . Carnarvon, 19th July-25th Aug.

e-h. (5^ ? et ? imm. Clifton Downs, 9th-16th Oct.

Iris hazel ; bill black ; legs slaty.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 8 '0-8 5 inches.

Collection of Birds from JVestern Australia. Q>G7

[The Crested Wedge-bill was plentiful on the Gascoync
River. It closely resembles the Crested Bell-bird (^Oreoica
cristata) in its movements, habits, and general appearance.
It is rather a shy bird and generally frequents scrubby
thickets. Its notes are very striking and have a peculiarly
metallic sound. — G. C. S.]

Xerophila CASTANEivENTurs Milllgan.

Xeruphila castaneiventris Milligan, Emu, iv. p. 185, pi. xiii,
fig. 1 (1905).

Aphelocephala castaneiventris Math. p. 87.

a-e. ^ ? . Crookcrdine Lake, 17th-25th July.
f-h. ? et imm. Kurrawang, 7th & 8th Sept.

i. ? . Laverton, 15th Oct.

k-n. S ? • Clifton Downs, 9th-15th Oct.

Iris pale buff, light bluish-grey in the young ; bill and
feet black.

Total length, in the flesh, 4'5-4''75 inches.

[The Chestnut-bellied Whiteface was plentiful in the
central divisions, where it might often be seen going about in
small flocks in company with the Chestnut-rumped Thorn-
bill (Acanthiza uropyyialis) and the Redthroat {Sericornis
brunnea). It was fairly numerous as far north as the
Gascoyne River. — G. C. S.I

EopsALTRiA GULARis (Quoy & Gaimard).

EopsaJtria gularis Math. p. 86.

a-e. c? ? et imm. King River, 12th-2Gth Dec.

f-h. S ' Parker's Range, 9th-16th Aug.

i-k. c?. Dale River, 14th-28th Dec.

Iris dark brown ; bill and legs black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 60-G*25 inches.

As Mr. A. J. North has already pointed out [Nests &;
Eggs of B. Austr. i. p. 187 (1903)], a serious error was made
by Dr. Gadow in volume viii. of the ' Catalogue of the Birds
in the British Museum.' On page 178 Eopsaltria gularis is
described under the heading E. yeorgiana, and on p. 181 a
description of E. yeorgiana is given under the heading
E. gularis.

2 Y 2

668 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie- Grant on a

Both species were described and figured in Quoy and
Gaimard's ' Voyage de TAstrolabe.'

[The Grey-breasted Robin frequents woods and sheltered
localities.— G. C. S.]

EopsALTRiA GEORGiANA (Quoy & Gaimard) .
Eopsaltria georgiana Math. p. 86.
a-e. ? . Big Grove, 8th March-2nd May.
Iris dark-brown ; bill and legs black.
Total length, measured in the flesh, 6"25-6'5 inches.
[The White-bellied Robin frequents woods and shady
places. — G. C. S.]

Pachycephala occidentalis Ramsay*

Pachycephala occidentalis Math. p. 85.

a-e. c? et cJ imm. King River, 18th T)ec.-6th Jan.

f-h. ? et (5^ imm. Big Grove, 3rd-25th March.

i. ^ imm. Kurrawang, 7th Sept.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7'0 inches.

Iris brownish-red or dull crimson ; bill black ; legs of a
dark brownish-slate- colour.

It seems a little doubtful whether the immature male
from Kurrawang belongs to the present species : it would be
interesting to examine adult specimens from the Coolgardie
district.

[The Western Thickhead was very plentiful in the south-
west. The males were much more shy than the females. —

Pachycephala rufiventris Lath.

Pachrjcephala rufiventris Math. p. 85.

a-e. J ? et imm. Arthur River, 18th-20th June.

f-h. S ? . Dale River, 18th & 19th Dec.

Adult. Iris dull crimson ; bill and legs black.

Immature. Iris hazel ; bill of a pinkisli-horn-colour, dull
brown above.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7'0-7*5 inches.

One adult female from the Arthur River has the under
parts pale rufous, much as in the adult male; in two other

Collection of Bi7'ds from Western Australia. 669

specimens the under parts are paler rufous and similar to the
examples already in the British Museum.

[The Rufous-breasted Thickhead was plentiful around
Wagin and Beverley. — G. C. S.]

OrEOICA CRISTATA Lcwiu.

Oreoica cristata Math. p. 84.
a,b. ^ . Arthur Iliver, 26th June & 5th July.
c-f S ? • Crookerdine, 17th-24th July.
g, h. c? . Parker's Range, 14th Aug.
i. c?. Kurrawang, 15th Sept.
k. ^ . Laverton_, 18th Oct.
/. imm. Clifton Downs, 15th Oct.

Iris deep yellow or orange ; bill black; legs of a slate-colour.
Total lengthy measured in the flesh, 8"5-9"0 inches.
[The Crested Bell-bird is a widely distributed species, but
does not occur in the Albany district. — G. C. S.]

Cracticus destructor Temm.
Cr adieus destructor Math. p. 84.

a. $ . Arthur River, 26th June.

b, c. S ^ ' Crookerdine Lake, 27th July.

d, e. (^ ? imm. Parker's Range, 7th & 9th Aug.

f-h. (J et c? ? imm. Kurrawang, 3rd Sept.-4th Oct.

i—l. c? et (^ imm. Laverton, 19th Oct.

Iris dark brown ; base of the bill light slate-blue, black at
the end ; legs black in the male, of a dark slate-colour in
the female.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 11*5-12*5 inches.

[This " Butcher-bird" was plentiful.— G. C. S.'\

Cracticus nigrigularis Gould.
Cj-acticus nigrigularis Math. p. 83.
a-i. (5^ ? et c? ? imm. Kurrawang, 18th-30th Sept.
k. Juv. Laverton, 23rd Oct.
I. ($ imm, Hawksnest, 8th Nov.
m. ? . Clifton Downs, 20th Sept.

Iris dark brown ; basal portion of the bill pale bluish,
slate-black at the end ; legs dull olive.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7*5 inches.

G70 Mr. W. ]{. Ogilvie-Graiit on a

[The Black-throated " Butclier-bird " was fairly plentiful
in the western and central divisions ; it is frequently gre-
gaiious and somewhat resembles Gymnorhina in certain of
its habits. — G. C. /S.]

Gymnokhina longirostris Milligan.

Gymnorhini longirostris Math. p. 83.

u-c. S ^ • Clifton Downs, 5th-10th Oct.

Iris briglit reddish-hazel ; bill bluish-white, of a dark
slate-colour at the tip ; legs of a dark olivaceous slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 15-25-16*0 inches.

[The Long-billed '' Magpie " was not uncommon on the
Gascoyne River, where it takes the place of G. dorsalis
Campbell, of the south-western and ceulral divisions. —
G.C.S.']

This species was first described by Mr. Milligan [' Emu,*
iii. p. 96, pi. V. fig. 1 (1903)] from specimens procured on the
Ashburton River, N.VV, Australia,

Two years later it was again described by Dr. Hartert
[Nov. Zool. xii. p. 230 (1905)] from examples obtained at
Nullagine, N.W. Australia. Curiously enough he also called
it Gijmnorhina tibicen longirostris.

Gymnorhina leuconota Gray.
Gymnorhina leuconota Math. p. 83.

a. fS ' K^ing River, 7th Jan.

b, c. (^ et cJ imm. Dale River, 31st Dec.
d. ? . Arthur River, 18th June.

e-ff- c? et imm. Kurrawang, 21st-23rd Sept.

h. ^ imm. Crookerdine Lake, 26th July.

Adult. Iris bright hazel or crimson ; bill bluish-white, with
the terminal half of a dark slate-colour; legs black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 16*5 inches.

The immature birds, specimens c and /, having dark backs
fringed with whitish, are probably the young of the present
species. An older male {h) has the feathers of the back
mottled with black and white. An adult female has the
feathers of the back black, narrowly fringed with whitish
and spotted with white.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 671

[The White-backed Magpie was very plentiful in the
south-western and central divisions. It was more or less
gregarious except during the nesting season. — G. C. S.]

Grallina picata Lath.
Grallina picata Matii. p. 82.

a. Inim. York, 2nd Jan.

b. ^ . Dale River, 8th Jan.

c. d. (^ iram. Avon River, 16th Jan.
e,f. ^ . Carnarvon, 25th Aug.

ff, h. (J ? . Clifton Downs, 20th Sept.

Iris greenish-white or pale yellow in the adult, grey or
dull greenish -yellow in the immature; bill whitish-buff, tipped
with dark horn-colour; feet black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 11-12^ inches.

[The " Magpie-Lark " of the Colonists was plentiful in
many parts of the south-west, and very abundant in the
west in the neighbourhood of the Gascoyne River. It was
generally met with close to the water and rather resembles
a wading-bird when feeding or running on the ground. —
G. C. S.]

CoLLYRIOCINCLA RUFIVENTRIS Gould.

Collyriocichla rufiventris Math. p. 82.

a-d. S • King River, 22nd Dec.-lOth Jan.

e,f. Ad. Chockerup, 23rd-25th Jan.

(J. ? . Dale River, 16th Dec.

h. ? . Parker's Range, 7th Aug.

i, /t. c^ ? . Crookerdine Lake, 21st & 23rd July.

/. J • Kurrawang, 3rd Sept.

Iris reddish-hazel, brown or dark brown; bill black in
adult, lower mandible of a horn or pinkish-horn colour in
immature ; legs slate- or greenish-slate-colour.

In some examples, apparently the most mature, the breast
and sides are uniform grey without any trace of dusky shaft-
streaks, while the inner webs of the quills are margined with
whitish instead of buff. The series procured by Mr. Short-
ridge seems to prove clearly that, in spite of the above-
mentioned differences in plumage, all the specimens belong

672 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant 07i a

to one species, C. rufiventris, and that the shaft-streaks
disappear with age.

The total length measured in the flesh varies from 9'5 to
lO'O inches.

[The Buff-bellied Shrike-Thrush, commonly known to
the colonists as the ''Thrush/^ is abundant in the south-
west, but less plentiful in the central divisions. — G. C. S.]

Abtamus leucogaster (Valenc).

Artamns leucogaster Math. p. 80.

«j/- c? ? • Carnarvon, 2nd Aug.

Iris dark brown ; bill pale blue, indigo-black at the tip ;
legs of a dark slate-colour, dusky-white between the scutes.

[The White-rumped Wood-Swallow was plentiful and
gregarious in its habits. It is a migratory species. —
G. C. S.]

Artamus personatus Gould.

Artamus personatus Math. p. 81.

a-l. S ? . Kurrawang, 16th-18th Sept.

m. [ c? ]. Laverton, 14th Oct.

w. S . Dale River, 16th Dec.

Iris dark brown ; bill pale bluish, blackish at the tip ; legs
dusky black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7*5-8-0 inches.

Mr. C. Ingram has described an allied form from Alexandra
Station under the name A. gracilis. It is said to have the
general colour more ashy [<?/. Bull. B. O. C. xvi. p. 115
(1906)].

[The Masked Wood-Swallow is gregarious and migratory
in its habits, often going about in flocks of many thousands
in the western and central divisions. In the south-west its
occurrence is very uncertain. — G. C. >S.]

Artamus melanops Gould.

Artamus melanops Math. p. 81.

a-c, (5" et cJ $ imm. Avon River, 16th Jan.

d-l S ? • Laverton, 13th-21st Oct.

m. ? . Hawksnest, 2nd Nov.

n, 0. ? et J imm. Clifton Downs, 16th Oct.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 673

Adult. Iris dark brown ; bill greyish-blue, blackish at the
tip; legs bluish-slate-colour.

hnmature. Bill pinkish-olive, tinged on the sides and at
the gape with yellow.

Mr. Ingram has described a form from the Alexandra
Station Avhich he calls Artamus florencice. It is said to be
paler and more ashy [cf. Bull. B. O.C. xvi. p. 115 (1906)].

[The Black-faced Wood-Swallow was plentiful; it is
gregarious and migratory in its habits. — G. C. S.'\

Artamus tenebrosus (Lath.).

Artamus tenebrosus Math. p. 81.

a-f ^ ? et juv. King Hiver, 12th Dec.-lOth Jan.

ff. ? imm. Chockerup, 2.2nd Jan.

h. ^ . Big Grove, 2nd May.

i, k. (^ . Parker's Range, 7th Aug.

I, m. (J. Kurrawang, 2nd & 12th Sept.

n. Ad. Avon River, 13th Jan. 06.

Iris dark brown ; bill pale blue, indigo-black at the tip ;
legs slate-blue.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7-7*5 inches.

[This Wood - Swallow was gregarious, and the most
plentiful species in the south-west. It is apparently only
partly migratory, and is widely distributed throughout the
central divisions. — G. C. S.]

Stipiturus malacurus Shaw.

Stipiturus malachurus Math. p. 79.

a, b. $ et juv. Chockerup, 24th Jan.

c-h. S ? • Big Grove, 9th March-23rd April.

Iris dark brown or hazel ; bill blackish-brown, paler at
the gape ; legs brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 6-8^ inches.

The birds collected by Mr. Shortridge in Western and
South-western Australia, between the months of January
and April, have the feathers of the mantle edged with gray,
with a very small admixture of yellowish or bufi*, while the
rufous on the forehead and crown of male birds is much less
pronounced. Specimens in the British Museum from

674 Mr. W. R. Ogllvie-Grant on a

Queensland, New South Wales (the type locality), and South
Australia have the margins o£ the feathers of the mantle
mostly buff, giving a somewhat Avarmer tint to these parts,
while in the males the forehead and crown are nearly uniform
dull rufous. As the whole of the series in the British
Museum lacks exact particulars — in no instance is the date
recorded — I hesitate to separate this greyer western form
from the typical S. malacurus, for the differences pointed
out may be purely seasonal, the brighter birds being per-
haps merely freshly moulted examples.

A supposed new species, S. mallee, has been recently
described by Mr. A. J. Campbell, from the Mallee district,
Victoria.

[The Emu-Wren was fairly plentiful around Albany and
generally frequented the swampy flats. — G. C. SJ]

Mai.urus splendens (Quoy & Gaim.).

Malurus splendens Math. p. 78.

a-c. ^ ? . Arthur lUver, 2Gth & 27th June (winter
plumage).

d, e. cJ . Dale River, 15th Dec, & 8th Jan. (summer
plumage) .

/. (J. Avon River, 12th Jan. (summer plumage).

Iris dark brown ; bill black in the male, bright chestnut
in the female; legs blackish-brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5 25-5"5 inches.

In cue female (specimen b) the outer webs of the quills
are edged with greenish-blue, in the other (c) they are edged
with brownish-white : the latter is possibly a younger bird.
[The Banded Superb Warbler is fairly plentiful in the
south-west, as far south as Busselton. I did not meet with
it in Albany, and it does not extend into the interior. —
G. C. S,]

Malurus leucopterus Quoy & Gaim.
Malurus leucopterus Math. p. 78.

a-d. J' et c? iram. Crookerdine Lake, 2-Ith & 25th July
(winter plumage) .

Collection of Birds from Western AustraVin. 675

eh. (J ? etjuv. Kurrawaug, l(jtli-23rd Sept. (summer
plumage).

i. (S inim. Hawksnest^ 1st Nov.

/•, /. c^ . Clitton Downs, 9th & 16tli Oct. (summer
plumage).

Iris (lark brown ; bill black in the male, pinkish-chestnut,
dusky at the tip, in the female; feet brown or olive-brown.

Malurus leuconotus Gould.

Malurus leuconotus Math. p. 78.

a, b. S et S i"iiii- Carnarvon, 2nd & 21st Aug. (summer
plumage).

Bill blackifeh-brown in the adult, of a flesh-colour, tinged
Mith chestnut and brownish along the cuhnen, in the young
bird.

I am by no means satisfied that M. leuconotus is really
distinct from M. leucojderus. The adult male from Carnarvon
agrees with the former in haviug the crown and breast deep
cobalt-blue (instead of purplish-blue) and the white extending
across the buck. Mr. North (' Nests and Eggs of Birds found
breeding in Australia and Tasmania,' p. 217) states that he
is inclined to share this opinion, as both forms occur in the
same locality.

Malurus elegans Gould.
Malurus elegans Math. p. 78.
a-c. ? . Big Grove, 7th-25th March.
Iris brown ; bill black or very dark brown; feet dark brown.
Total length, measured in the flesh, 6"0-6'5 inches.
[The Graceful Superb Warbler was observed round Bus-
selton and in the vicinity of the Margaret River. — G.C. S.'\

Malurus assimilis North.

Malurus assimilis Math. p. 78.

a-c. S 2 . Laverton, 17th & 26th Oct.

d'i. S ? . Clifton Downs, 2ist Sept.-15th Oct.

Iris dark brown ; bill black in the male, chestnut, dusky
at the tip, in the female ; legs dusky-brown in the male,
light slate-colour in the female.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from
5-5*75 inches.

676 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

This western form of M. lamberti Vig. & Horsf. is distin-
guished by having the feathers of the middle of the back
purplish-blue instead of cobalt-blue.

[According to Mr. Milligan, this species is much less shy
than M. pulcherrinms, and has an entirely different call-note.
— G. C. S.'\

Malurus bernieri. (Plate IX. figs. 2 & 3.)

Mahirus bernieri Grant, Bull. B.O.C. xxiii. p. 72 (1909).

Adult male. Nearly allied to M. assimilis North, but the
feathers round the eye and the ear-coverts are bright purplish-
blue (not bright cobalt-blue) and contrast but little with the
darker purple-blue colour of the crown, which is the same
in both species. Bill black ; wing 1'8 inch.

Adult female. Indistinguishable from the female of
M. lamberti.

Iris dark brown; bill light chestnut; legs dark cinnamon-
brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*25 inches.

a-c. S ? . Bernier Island, 22nd June & 12th July.
(Types of the species : in summer plumage.)

In both male examples the tail is incomplete. It is rather
curious that although they were killed in June and July
respectively, that is to say in mid-winter, both are in summer
plumage.

Malurus pulcherrimus Gould.
Malurus pulcherrimus Math. p. 79.

a. (^ . Kurrawang, 6th Sept. (summer plumage).

b. cJ . Stockpool, 25th Jan. (assuming winter plumage).
c-e. cJ $ . Dwaladine, 4th & 5th March (assuming

winter plumage).
/. ? . Dale River, 15 Dec.

Iris dark brown ; bill black in the male, chestnut in the
female ; feet dark brown or olive-brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*2-5*75 inches.

One male (specimen b) killed in September is still in
partial summer plumage on the head, back, and scapulars ;
while c and d, procured on March 4th, have nearly assumed
the change plumage.

Ibis. 1909. PI. IX.

West, Newman imp.

1. SERICORNIS BALSTONI, d.

2. MALURUS BERNIERI, d&.9.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 677

[The Blue-breasted Superb Warbler is very similar to
M. assimilis in its ojeneral habits and appearance, but is much
more shy and always frequents the very thickest under-
growth.—G. C. -S.]

Sericornis brunnea Gould.

Sericoniis brunnea Math. p. 76.

a-f. S ? • Crookerdine Lake, 17th-25th July.

g-i. ^ ? . Kurrawang, 3rd & 7th Sept.

k. ? . Hawksncst, 12th Nov.

/. c? • Carnarvon, 5th Aug.

m. ^ . Clifton Downs, 9th Oct.

Iris hazel or dull red, outer ring buff; bill olive-brown,
pinkish on lower mandible ; legs dark brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*25.

[The " Red-throat '' was plentiful in the central and
western divisions. — G. C. S.^

Sericornis maculata Gould.

Hericornis maculata Math. p. 77.

a-d. (J ? et $ imm. Big Grove, 9th March-lOth April.

e. (J. Margaret River, 1st March.

Iris pale yellow ; bill brown, lower mandible paler ;
legs brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5-5*25 inches.

An immature bird has few black markings on the feathers
of the throat and fore-neck and they take the form of narrow
shaft-streaks, instead of black middles; the white eyebrow-
stripe is much less defined.

[The Striated Scrub-Wren was met with in the south-west.
It inhabits the forests, frequenting the thick undergrowth.
It does not extend its range far inland. — G. C. <§.]

Sericornis balstoni. (Plate IX. fig. 1.)
Sericornis balstoni Grant, Bull. B. O. C. xxiii. p. 72 (1909)
Adult male and female (in worn plumage). General colour
above, including the sides of the head, pale greyish-brown,
almost drab. A distinct white superciliary stripe narrowly
edged above with brownish-black and extending from the lores
to behind the eyes ; lores blackish in the male, whitish in the

678 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

female. Under parts wliite, the throat- and breast-feathers
with brownish-black shaft-streaks; sides of the belly and
flanks slightly washed with buff ; quills brownish with pale
margins to the outer webs ; wing-coverts blackish-brown,
margined with white when freshly moulted ; under wing-
coverts white ; tail-feathers dark grey, with a black sub-
terminal band and tipped with white.

Iris yellowish-white ; bill pinkish-cinnamon-brown, darker
along the culmen ; legs pinkish-cinnamon.

(^ . Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*0 inches; culmen
from gape 0*65 ; wing 2*05 ; tail 1'8; tarsus 0*8.

? . Total length, measured in the flesh, 4*5 inches ; culmen
from gape 0*6; wing 1*85 : tail 1*65 ; tarsus 0*78.

a-h. (^ ? . Bernier Island, 23rd June - 6th July.
(Including tijpes of the species.)

[Balston's Scrub-Wren M'as fairly plentiful on Bernier
Island. It was also believed to have been seen around
Carnarvon. — G. C. S.]

AcANTHlZA INORNATA (Goul(l).

Acanthiza inornata Math. p. 74.

Ad. Dale River, 8th Jan.

Iris pale yellow.

This paler bird from Beverley, W. Australia, bears out the
distinctions pointed out by Mr. North between this species
and A. master si North.

Acanthiza mastersi North.

Acanthiza mastersi ]Math. p. 75.

a-cL $ et imm. King River, 7th Dec.-15th Feb.

Iris pale straw-yellow in the adult; grey or greenish-white
in the young ; bill black ; legs dark brown.

Immature examples differ from the adult in having the
feathers of the throat and fore-neck with narrow dusky
margins, the general colour above darker broAvn, the rump
and upper tail-coverts reddish olive-brown, instead of olive-
brown, and the greater wing-coverts edged with rufous.

[Masters' Thorn-Bill was abundant in the south-west. —
G. C. S.']

Culh'ciioii of Birds from Western Australia. G79

ACANTIIIZA APICALIS Gould.

Acanthiza apicalis Math. p. 75.

a-c. cJ . King River, 9tli-l 1th Dec.

d-f. c? ? . Big Grove, 27th March-2ncl May.

g. S • Emu Point, 28th Feb.

//, 2. c? ? . Parker's Range, 7th & 8th Aug.

k. c? . Kurrawang, 6th Sept.

Iris broAvuish-red or crimson ; bill and legs of a dark
liorn-colour or dusky black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4"5 inches.

The Western Thorn-Bill is very abundant in the south-
west, but less plentiful than A. nropygialis in the interior.

Acanthiza uropygialis Gould.

Acanthiza uropygialis Math. p. 75.

a-c. $ ? . Crookerdine Lake, 17th-24th July.

d-f. $ ? . Parker's Range, 10th Aug.

g-i. (;J ? et imm. Kurrawang, 6th-llth Sept.

k. Imm. Laverton, 18th Oct.

Adult. Iris of a pale cream- or straw-colour; bill dusky
black; legs very dark brown,

Imtnatiire. Iris dark bluish-grey ; bill dark brown ; gape
yellow ; legs olive-brown.

[The Chestnut-rumped Thorn-Bill was very plentiful in
the interior. It is the only species that extends so far north
as the Gascoyne Eiver, where, however, it is rare. Unlike
the other western forms, A. uropygialis is confined to the dry
central districts, and does not extend to the coast in the
south-west. It also differs from the other species in its
nesting-habits — building in the crevices or hollows of low
tree-stumps. — G. C. ^'.J

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Quoy & Gaim.

Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Math. p. 74.

a-d. Ad. et imm. King River, 15th Dec. -16th Feb.

e. $ . Chockerup, 24th Jan.

/. Ad. Big Grove, 23rd March.

g,h. $ % . Crookerdine Lake, 20th & 27th July.

i. ? . Kurrawang, 4th Oct.

680 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

k. Ad. Dale River, 18th Dec.

Iris greyish-brown, brown, or buff ; bill black ; legs slaty-
black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 4*5-5 inches.

All these specimens appear to belong to A. chrysorrhoa.
Mr. Milligan has described a new form, A. 'pallida, from
Yalgoo, but the Coolgardie birds do not appear to be referable
to it and difl*er in no way from examples from King George^s
Sound.

[The Yellow-rumped Thorn-Bill was very numerous in
the south-west, extending as far inland as Kalgoorlie. —
G. C. S.]

Megalurus gramineus (Gould).

Megalurus gramineus Math. p. 74.

a. S • Big Grove, 28th March.

Iris hazel ; bill of a horn-colour with the cutting-edges
buff ; legs light slaty.

The Little Grass-bird is a shy species, frequenting the
reed-beds and high grass. M. striatiis Milligan \_cf. ' Emu,^
ii. p. 202 (1903)], from Lake Yauchep, 35 miles north of
Perth, W. Australia, appears to be a distinct species.

Ephthianura albifrons Jard. & Selby.

Ephthianvra albifrons Math. p. 73.

a-e. cJ et imm. King River, 8th Dec.-14th Jan.

/. ^ . Crookerdine Lake, 30th July.

g,h. S ^ • Parker's Range, 10th & 11th Aug.

i, A. (^ et ? imm. Kurrawang, 2nd & 16th Sept.

Iris buff or reddish-buff; bill and legs black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5 inches.

[The White-fronted Nun is gregarious in its habits. It
was plentiful throughout the south-west and numbers were
observed as far inland as Kalgoorlie. — G. C. S.']

Ephthianura tricolor Gould.

Ephthianura tricolor Math. p. 73.

a. ? . Kurrawang, 16th Sept.

l-r. (J ? et ? imm. Lavertou, 13th-26th Oct.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. G81

Iris pale buff or pale yellow ; bill dark brown, basal part
of the lower mandible of a flesh-colour ; legs brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 475 to 5 inches.

[Like the last-named species the Crimson-breasted Nun
is gregarious in its habits. It wanders about and appears
rather irregularly, especially in the south and west. It
becomes more plentiful towards the interior and was
observed in large numbers round Laverton. — G. C. S.^

CiNCLORHAMPHUS CRURALIS Vig. & Horsf.

Cinclorhamphus cruralis Math. p. 72.

a-c. J ? . Laverton, 14th-22nd Oct.

Iris olive-brown ; bill olive-brown, basal half of the lower
mandible buft; legs of a brownish-flesh-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh : — male, 75; female,
7'5-775 inches.

The specimens of the Brown Singing-Lark collected at
Laverton have the plumage of the under parts much dis-
coloured by the reddish colour of the soil.

PoMATORHINUS SUPERCILIOSUS Vig. & Ilorsf.

Pomaturhinus superciliosus Math. p. 70.

a. ? . Arthur River, 24th June.

b-f S ? • Crookerdine Lake, 19th-30th July.

y, h. (^ . Kurrawang, 7th & 8th Sept.

i. (^ . Laverton, 18th Oct.

k. ? . Clifton Downs, 15th Oct.

Iris dark brown or hazel ; bill black, whitish at the base
of the lower mandible, inside of the mouth yellow ; legs of a
slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 7*75-8*5 inches.

The specimen from Clifton Downs, Gascoyne River,
appears to represent a somewhat smaller race. Its wing
measures 2*8 inches, as compared with about 3*2 inches in
the other specimens procured in more southern localities.

[The White-eyebrowed Chatterer is gregarious in its
habits and is very plentiful both in the central divisions and
in parts of the south-west. It is commonly known among

SEE. IX, — VOL. III. 2 z

682 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Graiit on a

the colonists as the "Apostle-bird/' on account of its habit
of going about in small companies of about twelve. —
G. C. ;S.]

PoMATORHINUS RUBECULUS Gould.

Pomatorhinus ruheculus Math. p. 71.

a-h. ^ ? . Clifton Downs, 21st Sept.-16th Oct.

Iris pale yellow ; bill black, whitish at the base of the
culmen and lower mandible ; legs slate-black.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 9"5-10*5 inches.

[The Rufous-breasted Chatterer is gregarious in its habits
and is very plentiful on the Upper Gascoyne River. — ■

G. a s.]

Hylacola cauta Gould.

Hylacola cauta Math. p. 70.

a,b.S^ {'-)■ Kurrawang, 3rd & 23rd Sept.

Male. Iris brownish-buff; bill olivaceous-brown; legs
pinkish.

? Female. Iris buff; bill dark brown ; legs brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 5*25-5'5 inches.

The Shy Scrub-Warbler appears to be a rare bird and
difficult to procure : even in Australian museums there seem
to be very few examples.

Specimen b, which, though marked as a male, I believe to
be a female, has the upper parts reddish-brown, whereas in
the male a they are umber-brown : in a the ground-colour
of the under parts is pale fulvous instead of white.

This species was not previously represented in the British
Museum.

Dryma(edus brunneopygius Gould.
Drymacedus brunneipygius Math. p. 70.
a. ? . Dwaladine, 4th March.
Bill dull black ; legs dark brown.
Total length, measured in the flesh, 8'0 inches.
[The Scrub-Eobin is a very shy bird : it was met with
among thick undergrowth. — G. C. S.]

Collection of Birds from We4ern Australia. G83

CiNCLOSOMA CASTANOXOTUM Gould.

Cinclosoma castanonotum Math. p. 69.

a. ? . Parker's Range, 7th Aug.

h. ? . Dwaladine, 17th Feb.

c, d. ^ ^ . Woyaline, 18th April.

Iris reddish-browu ; bill black; legs of a slate-colour.

Total length, measured iti the flesh, 9*75 inches.

The female of this species is new to the British Museum,
which contained only adult male specimens. The male bird
procured by Mr. Shortridge is probably not fully adult. Tlie
scapulars are reddish-brown and the lower back chestnut,
whereas in the fully adult bird these parts are maroon. The
greater secondary coverts are entirely black lipped Avith
white and are not light along the margin of the outer web.
Our series is insuffioient to shew whether these differences
are due to age or to locality.

[The Chestnut-backed Ground-Thrush is a ground-feedei
and a swift runner; it is met with in pairs. — G. C. S.~\

Lalage tricolor Swainson.

Lalage tricolor Math. p. Q>i.

a-f. S ? . Kurrawang, 18th Sept.-3rd Oct.

g-l. S ? • Laverton, 14th-26th Oct.

m. $ . Dale River, 19th Dec.

Iris dark brown or of a dark slate-colour ; bill black in the
male, dusky-black, with the lower mandible dull yellowish at
the base, in the female ; legs of a slate-colour.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 6'75-7*75 inches.
[The White-shouldered Caterpillar-Catcher is a locally
distributed migratory species, very plentiful where it occurs,
but rare on the Gascoyne River. It is generally met with in
pairs.— G. C. S.]

Graucalus melanops (Lath.).

Coracina robusta Lath. ; Math. p. 68.

a, b. cJ . King River, 8th & 27th Dec.

c, d. ^ et imm. Big Grove, 13th & 15th April.

^,f- S ? • Parker's Range, 11th Aug.

g-k. J ? . Kurrawang, 3rd-18th Sept.

2z2

684 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

Z. ? ? vix ad. Laverton, 15th Oct.

m, n. (^ et juv. Clii'tou Downs, 6tli & 11th Oct.

Iris, bill, and legs black.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from
13-14 inches.

The quite young specimen {n) with half-grown quills is
much lighter in colour than the adult, the upperparts being
whitish tinged with grey.

[The Black-faced Cuckoo- Shrike is very plentiful and
often gregarious, but does not breed in colonies. It is
locally known as the ''Blue Pigeon." — G. C. S.'\

Pteropodocys phasianella Gould.

Pteropodocys phasianella Math p. 67.

a-d. ^ $ . Kurrawang, &th Sept. & 4th Oct.

Iris smoky grey or light grey ; bill black ; feet dark olive-
brown.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from 14*75-
15*25 inches.

[The Ground Cuckoo-Shrike is a local and by no means
plentiful species, being rare in the south-west. At times it
is gregarious, breeding in small colonies, generally in trees.
It frequents well-timbered districts and feeds on the ground.
In its flight it resembles the Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike
{Graucalus melanops). — G. C. S.'\

SiSURA INQUIETA (Lath.).

Sisura inquieta Math. p. QQ.

a, b. ^ et imm. King River, 27th Dec.

c-e. ($ ? . Big Grove, 27th March-8th April.

/. ? imm. Parker's Range, 16th Aug.

Iris dark brown ; bill of a bluish-slate-colour, shading into
black towards the tip ; legs dark brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 8*5-9 inches.

[The Restless Flycatcher although so similar in general
appearance to Rhipidura tricolor is very unlike that species in
its habits. It is of a more retiring nature, and is generally
to be found in thick forest-country. From the south-west it
extends as far inland as Southern Cross. — G. C. S.]

Collection of Birds from Western Anstr alia, G85

Rhipidura preissi (Cab.).
Rhipidura preissi Math. p. 65.

a. Ad. King River, 7th Dec.

b. Imm. Chockerup, 25th Jan.

c-e. Ad. Big Grove, 8tli April-lst May.

/. ? imm. Margaret River, 1st March.

g. Ad. Carnarvon, 5th Aug.

Iris dark brown ; bill and legs dusky black.

The total length, measured in the flesli, varies from
6-6*25 inches.

[Preiss's Fantail, also known to the Colonists as the Grey
Fantail, is abundant in tlie south-west, but in the north-
west it is not plentiful and does not extend inland. It is
somewhat similar in its habits to R. tricolor, but is not
terrestrial. It is extraordinarily tame. — G. C. S.~\

Rhipidura tricolor (Vieill.).

Rhipidura tricolor Math. p. 66 ; Seth-Smith, Av. Mag.
(n. s.) vii. no. 7, pi. (1909).

a-d. c? ? . Arthur River, 17th-28th June.

e-h. c? ? . Kurrawang, 18th Sept.-lst Oct.

i. (J. Laverton, 26th Oct.

Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from 8-
9 inches.

[The Black -and -White Fantail is a very abundant
species, but, curiously enough, does not occur round
Albany, although it is numerous in the neighbourhood of
Busselton.

It is an extraordinarily tame bird, and its habit of
attaching itself to populated districts makes it one of the
best known and most conspicuous of the smaller birds of
Western Australia. — G. C. S.']

Pseudogerygone culicivora (Gould).

Pseudogerygone culicivora Math. p. 63.

a, b. S . King River, 18th Dec. & 1st Jan.

c. «?. cJ ? . Arthur River, 18th & 22nd June.

688 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Graut on a

Iris crimson ; bill and feet black.

The total length, in the flesh, varies from 4*25-4'5 inches.

[The White-tailed Bush-Warbler is fairly plentiful in the
south-west. Its habits resemble those of a true Flycatcher. —
G. C. S.']

Smicrornis brevirostris Gould.

Smicrornis brevirostris Math. p. 62.

a. Ad. Dwaladine, 4th March.

b-f. S 2 • Crookerdine Lake, 18tli-24th July.

g, h. S ^ ' Parker's Range, 10th Aug.

i. Ad. Kurrawang, 6th Sept.

k. Ad. Hawksnest, 3rd. Nov.

Iris of a straw-colour ; bill olive-brown, pinkish below ;
legs brown.

Total length, measured in the flesh, 3'5-3*75 inches.

In the British Museum there are three examples of
S. jlavescens Gould : —

(a) S' Fitzroy River, N.W. Australia {Capt. T. H.
Bowyer-Bower) .

(b) S ■ Peak Range Camp, 27.i.45 : Port Essington
Expedition [Gould Coll.).

(c) S- Gilbert River, N. Queensland, 3.X.56 (J. R.
Elsey) .

These specimens are distinguishable from S. brevirostris by
their lighter olive back and yellowish rump.

[The Short-billed Scrub-Tit was very plentiful in the
central and south-western divisions and was observed as far
south as Wagiu.

It chiefly frequents the high Eucalyptus-trees, among the
leaves of which it may often be overlooked. It closely
resembles the species of Pardalotus in its habits. — G. C. S.]

Petr(eca leggii Sharpe.

Petrxca leggei Matt. p. 61.

Petraca campbelli Sharpe; Math. p. 62.

«-/• c^ ? et c? imm. King River, 8th Dec.-l 5th Feb.

g. 9 . Big Grove, 21st April.

Collection of Birds from Western Australia. 687

h. i . Little Grove, 10th April.

i. S- Dale River, 4th Jan,

Iris dark brown; bill and legs very dark brown.

The total length, measured in the Hesh, varies from
5'l-5'5 inches.

I do not think it is possible to distinguish the West
Australian bird from typical P. leggii.

[The Scarlet-breasted ''Robin " is plentiful in the south-
west, but does not occur in the interior, its place being taken
by P. ffoodenovii. — G. C. S.'\

Petrceca goodenovii Vig. & Horsf.

Petroeca guodenovii Math. p. G2.

a~e. S ? • Arthur River, 18th-25th June.

/. c? imm. Dale River, 20th Dec.

g. S • Avon River, 2nd Jan.

h-o. c^ ? et (J imm. Crookerdine Lake, 18th-26th July.

p~s. ^ ? . Kurrawang, ]lth-16th Sept.

t. imm. Laverton, 25tli Oct.

Iris dark brown ; bill and feet black ; soles of feet yellow.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from 4"5-
4'75 inches.

All these specimens appear to belong to P. goodenovii. Two
or three of the males shew traces of scarlet on the middle of
the throat and thus approach the form P. ramsayi of Sharpe,
which has the middle of the throat mostly scarlet. There
are examples of P. ramsayi in the British Museum from
Western and Southern Australia.

[The Red-capped " Robin " is very abundant in the central
districts, but becomes scarce towards the coast, where it is
replaced by P. leggii. In many places a short distance
inland, such as Beverley and Wagin, both species occur
together. Its boundary in the south-west appears to be
Kojonup, and it is rare as far north as the Gascoyne River.
It is said to occur on Rottnest and the Abrolhos Islands,
which is curious, especially as regards the first-named
island, as it is not a coastal species on the south-western
mainland. — G. C. 5.]

688 Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant on a

Petrceca bicolor Vig, & Horsf.

Petroeca bicolor Math. p. 62,

a. ? . Parker's Range^ 18th Aug.

b-d. S ? • Crookerdine Lake, 19th-26th July.

e-l. (5" ? et cJ imm. Kurrawang, 2nd-22ad Sept.

m,n. cJ . Laverton, 16th & 19th Oct.

0. c? . Dwaladine, 26th Feb.

Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs black in the male, dark
brown in the female.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from 6 5-
7 inches.

The present series contains specimens which are referable
to P. picata Gould, as defined by Dr. Hartert [cf. Nov. Zool.
xii. p. 220). They occur together with P. bicolor at Crooker-
dine Lake, &c. According to Dr. Hartert intermediate
examples occur in South-western Australia, and this is
certainly the case in the present collection. The chief
difference seems to be one of size, typical P. bicolor being
distinctly larger.

[The Hooded " Robin," like P. goodenovii, is plentiful in
the interior, but becomes less common towards the coast. —
G. C. ,S.]

MiCRCECA ASSIMILIS Gould.

Microeca assimilis Math. p. 61.

a-c. S ? • Arthur River, 21st & 30th June.

d, e. ^ . Crookerdine Lake, 23rd & 24th July.

f,g.S'^' Parker's Range, 10th Aug.

h. ? . Kurrawang, 2nd Sept.

i. ? imm. Dwaladine, 21st Feb.

Iris dark brown; bill black; legs very dark brown.

The total length, measured in the flesh, varies from 5'0-
5"75 inches.

[The Lesser Brown Flycatcher is plentiful in the south-
western and central districts, — G. C. S.'\

Petrochelidon nigricans Vieill.
Petrochelidon nigricans Math. p. 61.
ii:, b. ^ . King River, 7th Feb.

Collection of Birds froyn Western Australia. 089

c-e. S ? . Dale River, 30th Dcc.-4th Jan.

/. Ad. Carnarvon, 5th Aug.

g-i. S ' Clifton Downs, 7th & 9th Oct.

Iris dark brown ; bill dusky-black, yellowish at the gape ;
legs brown.

[The Tree-Swallow was very plentiful in the southern and
north-western districts, but did not extend very far inland.
It nests in small hollow branches at the tops of trees and,
very rarely, in clefts among the cliffs. I once noticed it
breeding inside a ventilator under the roof of a house. —
G. C. S.]

PeTROCHELIDON ARIEL Gould.

Petrochelidon ariel Math. p. 61.

a-c. cJ ? . Waggon Hill, 14th Sept.

Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs dark brown.

[The Fairy-Martin was local, but was fairly plentiful
in some localities on the Gascoyne Kiver. It makes its
curious retort-shaped nests against sand-banks or cliffs. —

G. c. s:]

Cheramceca leucosternum Gould.

Cheramoeca leucosternum Math. p. 61.

a. ? . Parker^s Range, lOtli Aug.

h-g. (J ? et $ imm. Hawksnest, 2nd-6th Nov.

h. $ . Carnarvon. 5th Aug.

Iris dark brown ; bill black ; legs brown.

[The White-backed Swallow was fairly plentiful in the
north-western and central districts, nesting in holes in clifls
and sand-banks. — G. C. S.^

HiRUNDO NEOXENA Gould.

Hirundo neoxena, Math. p. 60.
a, b. ? . King River, 22nd Dec. & 21st Jan.
c-k. (J ? . Bernier Island, 1 9th June-4th July.
Iris dark brown ; bill and legs black or dark brown.
Total length, measured in the flesh, 6"2-6*75 inches.
[The Welcome Swallow was very plentiful : it was not
observed further inland than Southern Cross. — G. C. S.]

[To be continued.]

690 Hon. W. Rothschild on a neiv Bird from Africa.

XXXV. — Description of a new Bird from Africa.
By the Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ph.D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

(Plate X.)

PsEUDOCALYPTOMENAj gen. HOV.

Bill apparently hard, very wide, like that of a Serilophus
(family Eurylsemidse), but more pointed, slightly hooked
and with a deep notch before the tip. Nostrils bare of
feathers and with a distinct operculum. Only a few thin
and short bristles below the lores. Wing with ten pri-
maries; third and fourth equal and longest, fifth very little
shorter, first, in length, between the sixth and seventh.
Second to fifth distinctly emarginated for about 25 mm.
from the tip. Longest secondaries about 15 mm. shorter
than longest primaries. Tail rounded, slightly longer than
half the wing. Number of rectrices 12. Tarsus scutellated
in front.

The position of this remarkable bird is uncertain ; it is
apparently a very aberrant Flycatcher, in spite of its fully
developed first primary, but at the first glance somewhat
resembles a Calyptomena (Euryliemidae) on account of the
shape of its bill, its short tail, and its green and blue colour,
a combination of characters which is quite unique among
African Passeres.

PSEUUOCALYPTOMENA GRAUERI, Sp. n.

^ . Forehead to beyond the eyes greenish buflF, each
feather with a wide median brown streak ; occiput and rest
of upper surface, including the upper wing-coverts, bright
grass-green. Remiges brownish black, edged with the colour
of the back. Two central rectrices green, darker than the
back, other rectrices with the outer webs like the two central
ones, inner webs brownish black. Lores dull black. Throat
and chest verditer-blue, cheeks with blackish spots, chin
whitish with a creamy tinge, rest of under side apple-green ;
under tail-coverts verditcr-blue ; under wing-coverts whitish

Ibis. 1909. PI. X.

West, Newman imp.

PSEUDOCALYPTOMENA GRAUERI, S.

Report on the British Museum for 1908. 691

jrrceu, inner edges of remiges pale fuscous. " Iris grey."
Bill and feet black (in skin). Wing 75, culmen 10, tail 39,
tarsus 19 mm.

The single specimen was obtained fifty miles west of
Russisi, north of Lake Tanganyika, in November 1908, by
Mr. Rudolf Grauer. It was found in bamboo-forest, about
2000 m. above the sea.

Type : No. 3956, in the Tring Museum, Grauer Collection.

XXXYL—The Report on the British Museum for 1908.

The Annual Report on the British Museum for 1908,
presented to Parliament by the Trustees, contains much
interesting information concerning the National Collection
of Birds at South Kensington, from which we extract the
following passages : —

The Birds in the British Saloon have been re-arranged,
and the old and faded specimens have been almost entirely
replaced by new examples. One hundred and fifty-nine of
these have been beautifully mounted and generously pre-
sented by Mr. Rowland Ward. Cases containing specimens
of the Coal-Tit aud Buftbn's Skua have been added.

Some valuable additions have been made to the collection
of skeletons and of birds in spirit ; and among these, special
mention may be made of the gifts of Birds-of-Paradise from
Sir William Ingram, and of nestling Pelicans from Captain
Stanley Flower, Director of the Zoological Gardens, Cairo.

The arrangement of the Passerine skeletons is now
completed. Much curatorial work has been done to keep
these collections in order, but the specimens in spirit are
almost inaccessible owing to the want of suitable storage ;
while in regard to the skeleton-collection a very large
number of old skeletons need to be replaced by new and
properly prepared specimens.

A series of preparations illustrating the Classification of

692 Report on the British Museum for 1908.

Birds has been commenced for exhibition in the pubbc
galleries.

The accessions to the Collection of Birds in 1908
numbered two thousand nine hundred and twenty-one. Of
these the most noteworthy were as follows : —

Six specimens of Parus dresseri and P. borealis from
Gloucestershire ; presented by G. H. Paddock, Esq.

Six examples of Charadrius morineUus, and two specimens
of Pelecanus onocrotalus ; presented by the Hon. N. C.
Rothschild.

Eighty-two birds from Borneo ; presented by the British
North Borneo Company. Twenty-eight birds from Shan-
Si ; presented by Dr. E. H. Edwards. One hundred and
thirty-three birds from Upper Burmah ; purchased of
JNIessrs. Gerrard & Sons. Fifty-seven birds and eggs from
Burmah ; presented by Major H. H. Harington. Two
specimens of Microperdix inglisi — types of the species;
presented by Mr. Charles M. Inglis. Two hundred and
eighty-eight birds from Tian Shan; purchased of Mr. Kut-
zenko. Sixty-six birds, chiefly from Bannu, N.W. India
(including the type of Molpastes magrathi) ; presented by
Major H. A. F. Magrath. Two females of Calophasis
burmanicus (from the Ruby Mines, Burmah) and one
example of Clangula glaucion ; presented by Mr. E. W.
Oates. Nests with eggs of Geocichla varia and G. sibirica
from Japan ; presented by Mr. Radcliffe Saunders. Three
hundred and nine birds from Kohat, N.W. Provinces, India ;
presented by Lieut. C. H. T. Whitehead.

Two hundred and forty-one birds from Cameroon —
including the types of six new species — collected by
Mr. G. L. Bates ; purchased. Twenty-five eggs from
Bitye, River Ja, Cameroon ; presented by Mr. G. L. Bates.
A specimen of Pitta reichenowi from Jinja, 15 miles west of
the Ripon Falls, Uganda ; presented by Dr. Cuthbert
Christy. One hundred and twenty-five birds, collected
by Captain Hamerton in Somaliland; purchased. Two
examples of Scotocerca inquieta; presented by Mr. M. J. Nicoll.
Thirty-two birds from Liberia ; presented by Mr. J. M.

Report on the British Museum fur 1908. C93

Pye-Smith. Type-specimens of PoUospiza mennelli and
Pinarurnis rhodeslce ; presented by the Trustees of tlie
Rhodesian Museum.. An example of Coitus kirhiji, from
Lydenburg, E. Transvaal (type of the species) ; purchased.

Two hundred and forty-three birds from Paraguay; pre-
sented by the Hon. Wyndham Knatchbull-Hugessen.

Examples of Paradisea minor, Cicinnurus regius, and
Diphyllodes hunsteini from S.E. New Guinea; presented by
Sir William Ingram. Niuety-four birds from New Guinea,
collected by Mr. Walter Goodfellow ; purchased.

Fourteen birds from New Zealand, including the type of
Pseudogerijyone macleani; jn'esented by Mr. J. C. McLean.

]n addition to the official catalogues and other volumes
published by the Trustees, various reports and descriptive
papers have been prepared by members of the B.M. staff in
connection with different branches of the Collections, and
have been published in various scientific journal-i. Those
referring to the Class of Birds are entitled as follows : —

" Additional Notes on the Birds of Formosa " ; " On
Two supposed Hybrids between the Red Grouse and
Ptarmigan " ; " On a Collection of Birds made by
Mr. Douglas Carruthers during his journey from Uganda
to the mouth of the Congo " ; " Remarks on some of the
Birds recently described as new by Prof. Neumann " ; " On
two new Species of Grass-Warbler {Cisticola belli and
C. woosnami) from S.E. Ruwenzori " ; '*^0n a new Species
of Rail (^Saurothura buryi^ from Somaliland " ; " On a new
Species of Chat {Saxicola hawkeri) from the Sudan " ; " On
two new Species of Sun-bird [Cinnyris seimundi) from
Fernando Po and [C. batesi) from S. Cameroon " ; " On a
new Species of Pucras Pheasant (Pucrasia styani) from
Ichang, Central China"; ''Report on the Immigrations of
our Summer Residents in the Spring of 1907." These
■were written by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant,

" Nestling Birds and some of the Problems they Present " ;
" Note on the Late Nesting of the Bearded Tit " ; " The
Powder-down of the Heron" ; " Note on the Chiff-Chaff in
London " ; " The Nest of the Ringed Plover and the bearing

694 Recently jiublished Ornitholoylcul Works.

thereof on the Evolution of Birds' Nests in General " ;
"On the Food of the Black-headed Gull"; ''On the
Position of the Ear in the Woodcock." All these were
prepared by Mr. W. P. Py craft.

We quite appreciate the value of this information, but
venture to remark that this list would have been much more
useful, "for convenience of reference/' if the Journals in
which these papers have been published had been exactly
specified.

XXXVII. — Notices of recent Ornittiological Publications.

[Continued from p. 5G0.]

81. ' Annals of Scottish Natural History.'

[The Annals of Scottish Natural History, a Quarterly Maprazine with
which is incorporated ' The Scottish Naturalist,' April and July, 1909.]

So long as Mr. Eagle Clarke continues his investigations
on the migration of birds at Fair Isle, his papers Avill always
be likely to form the main point of interest in our con-
temporary. His fourth report, in the April number, consists
of observations during the year 1908, while he tells us that he
has now succeeded in arranging for a permanent observer and
a day to day record. George Stout, who has aided him so
efficiently in the past, will be the first occupant of the post.
The latest results are sufficiently remarkable, no less than
106 species having been noticed on the northward passage in
spring, and 122 on the southward passage in autumn, but of
these 89 were met with at both seasons. The greatest prize
was an example of Savi's W^arbler [Locustella luscinioides),
the first recorded in Britain for over 50 years ; next we
liave the second British (= Scottish) specimen of the Sul)-
alpine Warbler. Species new to Scotland are Antlms
cervinus, Hypolais icterina, and Acce^dor cullaris ; those
occurring for the second time are Loxia hifasciata, Emberiza
rustica, and Tringa temmincki. Several specimens of Sylvia
nisoria were identified, besides other uncommon species not

Recently published OrnitJiulo(jical Works. 695

included in the paper, which only deals with those new to
tiie fauna of the island. The correct identification of
Phylloscopus borea'is is referred to both on p. 73 and p. 114.
Mr. Clarke also reports on an example of Briinnich's
Guillemot picked up at Craigielaw Point, E. Lothian, in
December 1908 ; and in the July number Mr. F. W. Smalley
discusses at length the seasonal changes of plumage in the
Great Northern Diver, which he illustrates by a plate
shewing the various features at different seasons. In the
" Zoological Notes " we are informed that Prof. J. Arthur
Thomson is to direct an enquiry on migration at Aberdeen,
the method being that of putting a ring on the bird's leg.

82. ' Annals of the Ti'ansvaal Museum.'

[Annals of the Transvaal Museum, vol. i. Pretoria. No. 1, April, 1908 ;
No. 2, Aug. 1908; No. 3, Jan. 1909.]

The energetic officials of the Transvaal Museum at
Pretoria have established a new zoological periodical, as will
be seen by the heading, and have already issued three
numbers of it. The first of these commences with " a short
history " of the Museum prepared by Dr. J. W. H. Gunning,
the Director, and illustrated by photographic plates of some
of the cases and specimens. The Museum was first
established in 1892, on the initiative of the State- Secretary
of the (then) Republic, and has continued to prosper, in spite
of some adverse circumstances, ever since. Dr. Gunning
was appointed Director in 1896. The collection of birds
(mostly admirably mounted by Mr. L. T. Griffin, now
Taxidermist of the Auckland Museum, New Zealand, as the
writer can testify from personal inspection) numbers up-
wards of 1,000 specimens besides some 3,700 skins, and
well illustrates the Transvaal Avifauna.

In the first and second numbers of the new periodical
there are no papers on birds. In the third number
Dr. Gunning characterizes Anthreptes reichenowii (sp. nov.)
from Beira, Hemipteryx minuta (sp. nov.) from the North-
central Transvaal, and Cossypha haagneri (sp. nov.) from West

696 Recently published Ornithulogical Works.

Pongoland, while Mr. Haaguer gives descriptions of two
new Ply catchers from Portuguese South-east Africa — which
he names Batis sheppardi (sp. nov.) and Sheppardia gunnimji
(gen. et sp. nov.).

83. ' The Auk.'

[The Auk. A Quarterly Journal of Ornithology. Vol. xxvi. Nos. 1, 2
(January and April, 1909).]

In No. 1 Mr. C. W. Richmond provides an impor-
tant pa|)er, namely tlie first part of " A Reprint of the
Ornithological Writings of C. S. Rafinesque.'' As this
author's pamphlets and papers are of great rarity, Mr.
Richmond is doing a great service to Ornithology in re-
producing them. He gives us on this occasion the bird
portion of the 'Analyse' (1815), viz. pp. 61-72 and the
additional matter. It will be seen that no less than 21
generic names are considered " citable in nomenclature "
by the author, though opinions may differ on this point.

Mr. R. M. Anderson gives us an account of the nesting
of Bomby cilia garrula and Dendroeca striata at Fort Smith
on the Slave River (pp. 10, 80) ; Mr. A. Brooks writes
shortly on the Birds of Okanagan, British Columbia, and adds
three species to the Canadian list, Otus flammeoJa idahoensis,
Aeronautes melanoleucos, and Oroscoptes montanus ; Mr. C.
Sheldon furnishes a list of species observed on a hunting
expedition to the Upper Toklat River_, Alaska, of which
Heteractitis incana is the most interesting ; Mr. S. G.
Jewett writes on some Birds of Baker Co., Oregon ; Mr. G.
Eifrig on the Winter Birds of New Ontario ; Messrs.
J. A. Weber and N. A. Wood on various Rails in New York
City and Michigan ; Mr. W. Palmer on " Instinctive Still-
ness in Birds " and Mr. Townshend on the House-Sparrow
(pp. 13, 78). Mr. L. T. Cole cites an old letter of 1750 on
the destruction of birds at Niagara Falls.

In No. 2 Dr. C. W. Townsend has an article on the
position of birds' feet in flight, including many observations
of his own ; he comes to the conclusion that in full flight
the feet are extended behind, except in the Passeres and

Recently published Ornithological Works. 697

perhaps the Pici and Macrochires, but that this is not always
the case in short flights, when it takes a little time to get the
legs into position. From Mr. B. S. Bowdish's account o£
the reports from " Andubon Wardens " in protected areas we
gather that public opinion in the U.S. is more favourable
to bird-preservation than formerly, and that the numbers
of birds are increasing in most places, despite a cold and
stormy breeding-season, but that gunners are still trouble-
some in Florida and minks destructive in Maine. Mr. A. H.
Howell writes on tlie summer birds of Northern Georgia,
where he acted in connexion with the Biological Survey, and
visited the districts round Tate, Ellejay, and Young Harris.
The country is described and a list of 7Q species furnished,
with short notes. Mr. T. J. Cole discusses '^tagging" as a
means of studying the movements of birds, and gives a plan
for securing more definite data by the use of aluminium bands
on the tarsus and the proper keeping of records. He seems
unaware of the work in this direction carried out at Rossitten.
Mr. M'Coy furnishes new records and important range-
extensions of Colorado birds. Mr. S. S. Visher has a paper
on those of Western South Dakota, similar to that of
Mr. Howell, with 194 species, but shorter notes. Mr. W.
Brewster reports an undoubted Barrow's Golden-eye from
Massachusetts and writes at length on former records of that
bird. He also discusses the nomenclature of the Black Ducks,
and substitutes A. rubripes tristis for A. obscura rubripes.
Lastly, Mr. J. A. Allen gives a most interesting account of
the " Habitat groups " in the American Museum of Natural
History, which must be read to be fully appreciated, while
the four plates give a good idea of the excellence of the
arrangement.

A report of the twenty-sixth stated meeting of the A. O. U.
is added to the January Number.

84. ' The Avicultural Magazine.'

[Avicultural Magazine. The Journal of the Avicultural Society. New
Series. Vol. vii. Nos. 6-10 (April- August, 1909).]

In these numbers perhaps we should first mention
Mr. R. I. Pocock's account of the display of the cock Ostrich,

SER. IX. VOL. III. 3 a

698 Recently published Ornithological Works.

described with more particularity than hitherto, and illustrated
by a plate (August). Such eases must always be interesting
as throwing light on Darwin^s theory of sexual selection.

We have also (m May and July) the continuation of
Mr. D. Seth-Smith^s notes on his journeyings in Australia;
he visited Fern-tree Gully in search of Lyre-birds^ where
he observed also other interesting species ; he afterwards
proceeded to Melbourne and Sydney and inspected the
Zoological Gardens at the latter place. In the April
number Mr. A. Trevor-Batty e has a valuable article on his
captive Great Bustards, their habits, food, and so forth ; in
June Mr. B. 11. Horsbrugh writes on the " Birds of a Bloera-
fontein Garden"; and in July Messrs. Seth-Smith and
F. Finn begin a series of papers on aviculture at the
Zoological Gardens, which Mr. Finn continues in August.
From such papers aviculturists who are not members of the
Zoological Society will be able to mark the progress at the
Gardens and to note the nidification of various species.
In July also Mr. J. L. Bonhote gives his experiences of
three months' stay in winter at the Giza Zoological Gardens.

Articles are furnished on many separate species : by
Messrs. H. D. Astley {Turdus fuscescens and T. pallasi, col.
pi.) ; T. 11. Newman {Phlogoenas crinigera, coloured and black
pis.) ; G. A, Perreau and W. E. Teschemaker (Passer cinna-
momeus) ; W. E. Teschemaker (Sycalis pelzelni) ; R. Phillipps
(Rubigula dispar, with a description of the egg, and Monticola
saxatilis) ; N. F. Cockell {Perdicula asiatica, bred in Cal-
cutta) ; C. Ingram (Uragus sanguinolentus) ; C. B. Smith
(Lagopus lagopus) ; A. G. Butler {Ertjthrura prasina) ; D.
Dewar {Terpsiphone paradisi) ; and E. W. Harper [Stoparola
melanops, col. pi.). Mr. Astley has also a paper on the
breeding of Porphyrocephalus spurius and a hybrid Stanley-
Rosella Parakeet; and Mr. Finn supplies some notes on
Indian Birds.

85. ' The Condor.'

[The Condor, a Magazine of "Western Ornithology. Vol. xi. Nos. 1, 2,
3, 4 (California).]

'The Condor' does not always reach us quite regularly.

Recently published Ornithological Works. G99

But we have had the pleasure of receiving safely the first
four numbers for this year^ in which we find much of in-
terest to Ornithologists, though of course specially to such
of them as reside in the Western United States. The
illustrations in the text are numerous and in most cases
excellent.

We cannot mention all the contributors to these numbers,
but may call attention to Mr. Austen's observations on the
birds of the little State of Morelos in Southern Mexico and
to Mr. Hanna's account of the nesting of the White-throated
Swift ( Aeronaut es melanoleucus) on Stover Mountain in
California as worthy of study. Mr. Wright's account of his
Ornithological Trips to the Coronados Islands is well illus-
trated. The review of the "Mammals and Birds of the
Alexander Expedition to Alaska in 1907 " seems to shew
that the results of the expedition were of special interest.
The specimens of birds obtained were 512 in number, among
which are six described as representing new species or
subspecies. We have not yet been so fortunate as to see
this volume, which has been lately published by the University
of California's new Museum of Vertebrate Zoology.

8(3. Dearborn on Birds from British East Africa.

[Catalogue of a Collection of Birds from British East Africa. By Ned
Dearborn, Assistant Curator of Ornithology. Field Mus. of N. 11.
Publ. 135. Orn. Series, Vol. i. No. 4 (Chicago, 1909).]

Mr. Dearborn catalogues the collection brought home by
the Field Museum of Chicago's last expedition to British
East Africa (1905-7) under the direction of Mr. 0. E. Akeley.
A map shews the various localities where the specimens
were obtained. Their number is not exactly stated, but
they are referred by the author to 228 species, of which
one {Alethe akeleyce from Mount Kenya) is described as new.
Most of the species are well known.

87. ' The Emu.'

[The Emu. A Quarterly Magazine to popularize the Study and
Protection of Native Birds. Vol. viii. part 5; Vol. ix. part 1 (June,
July, 1909).]

In the July part Mr. G. M. Mathews writes on the birds

3a2

700 Recently published Ornithological Works.

of North-west Australia and takes for his first instalment
those of the Wyndham district, which includes hilly ridges,
plains, and salt marshes. He gives us a list of 72 species,
and adds notes, largely on the colour of the soft parts.
Mr. H. W. Ford has a paper on the birds of the Yackan-
dandah Creek Valley, Victoria ; and Mr. A. G. Campbell
one on the genus Pardalotus, in which the difference of the
breeding-places and nests of the spotted and streak-headed
members of the group should be specially noticed. Mr. R.
Hall furnishes notes on Gymnorhina, its habits, notes, and
nest, all of which are of considerable interest. Mr. W.
E. Weatherill describes as a new species Pseudoyerygone
cantator, near P. fusca, from the coast and rivei's of S.E.
Queensland, and its nest and eggs.

In " Stray Feathers '"' are to be found some interesting
notes on Aboriginal Names, on Wood-Swallows as honey-
eaters, on the Blue Wren nesting in ivy (pi.) and the Pilot-
bird; while Mr. Mattingley writes on the need of a standard
colour-chart, and the Editors give us welcome news of the
restrictions placed on bird-traffic in the Territory of Papua.

For a frontispiece we have a picture of the feeding-ground
of the Laughing Jackass, Cat-bird (^luroedus viridis), and a
Pitta {Pitta strepitans) ; the ground is covered with broken
shells and among them is a stone used as an anvil.

The part issued in June 1909 is a special publication,
entirely devoted to Mr. S. W. Jackson's recent trip to
Northern Queensland in search of the nest and eggs of the
Tooth-billed Bower-bird [Scenopaetes dentirostris). How
well he succeeded, in company with Mr. Frizelle, in observing
the birds' habits and in finally discovering several nests with
eggs and young, will be seen by reading his long article,
and Mr. White, at whose instance he undertook the journey,
must be thoroughly satisfied. A coloured plate is given of
the birds and several photographs of their nests and play-
grounds. Mr. Jackson spent most of his time in the Barron
River Valley, among the Tinaroo and Atherton jungle-forests,
where the Tooth-billed Bower-bird is not uncommon. It

Recently published Ornithological Works. 701

makes a playground under a '^lawyer-vine^' and covers
it with single leaves placed upside down, while it sits and
sings near it; but finally deserts the place and builds a flimsy
stick-nest to contain its two plain brownish eggs. The bird
is a splendid mimic and is usually seen alone.

Space does not permit us to enter into further
details of this remarkable expedition, but we must observe
that nests and eggs of the Victoria Rifle-bird and Spotted
Cat-bird were also secured (and photographed), besides those
of many other rare species.

In a separate article Mr. Jackson describes as new
the nests and eggs of the following species, from the Atherton
district: — Sphecotheres stalkeri (pi.), Oreocichla cuneata,
Poecilodryas albifacies (pl.)j Acanthiza squamata, and
Eopsaltria magnirostris.

A nest of Orthonyx spaldingi is also depicted, as are the
playground, nest and eggs of Prionodura newtoniana, dis-
covered by Mr. G. Sharp, and the playground of Chlamy-
dodera orientalis.

88. Flower on the Zoological Gardens of Giza.

[Zoological Gardens, Giza, near Cah-o. Report for the Year 1908, and
List of Animals. By Stanley S. Flower, Director. Cairo, 1909.]

Capt. Flower's Report on the progress in 1908 of the
Zoological Gardens at Giza (well known to all visitors to
Cairo) is satisfactory, although not quite so favourable as
that of the preceding year. The number of visitors in 1908
was 243,974, and the actual amount of receipts was only
£4^2 less than in 1907. The Menagerie in November 1908
contained 1303 specimens belonging to 369 species.

The most noticeable new bird added to the List in 1908
was the Nuba Bustard {Lissotis nuba), of which fine species
the Director himself brought back five specimens when he
returned from his expedition to the Blue Nile in September
1908.

Captain Flower's List of the animals that have been

703 Recently published Ornithological Works.

exhibited alive in the Gardens from the 6th of October, 1898,
to the 5th of March, 1909, is also of much interest. The
present Director took up his office in October 1898, and at
once commenced a detailed list of the live-stock, which has
been continued with great regularity ever since. Of the
class " Birds,'' with which ' The Ibis ' is alone concerned,
examples of 366 species have been exhibited during the
above-named period. The most notable of them is the Whale-
headed Stork [Balceniceps rex), one of which has been nearly
seven years at Giza and is still alive and well ; but other
rarities are in the List, such as Baleui'ica pavonina cecilia
and Francolinus erkeli. The maximum ascertained length
of life in captivity in the Gardens of an individual of each
species, so far as recorded, is mentioned in the List. The
nomenclature and arrangement adopted are nearly the same
as those of the List of Animals in the Menagerie of the
Zoological Society of London.

89. Fox on the Birds of the Isle of Wight.

[A Guide to the Natural History of the Isle of Wight. Edited by
Frank Morey, F.L.S. Birds. By Reginald H. Fox. Isle of Wight &
London, 1909. 8vo. Pp. i-xx, 1-560 ; 32 pis. and map.]

This book, of which we have lately received a copy, covers
the whole of the Natural History of the Isle of Wight, and
includes not only Zoology, but Geology, Botany, and even
Meteorology as well. The zoological portion, moreover,
treats of the lower as well as the higher groups of animals,
and thus will be found useful to those who wish for a
compendium of the subject within the limits of a single
volume.

As regards the Birds, with which we are more particularly
concerned, the list extends over thirty pages, and gives details
of the occurrence of rare species, the comparative abundance
of those that are more common, and occasional notes on the
nests and eggs, with the addition of a few plates.

An article of this description must of necessity be
largely compiled from various sources, but the author at times

Recently published Orn'ttholofjical Worhs. 703

relates his own experiences, and gives the latest information
on such points as the increase of the Goldfinch and Tree-
Sparrow, the present status of the Jay, Magpie, Raven,
Wryneck, Hoopoe, Peregrine Falcon, and Kittiwake.

Mr. Fox acknowledges his great indebtedness to
Messrs. Kelsall and Munn's work ' The Birds of Hampshire
and the Isle of Wight,' with its much fuller treatment
of Ornithology ; and the present list may advantageously
be placed side by side with that book for purposes of
comparison.

90. GrinnelVs 'Bibliography of Calif ornian Ornithology.'

[Pacific Coast Avifauna. A Bibliography of California Ornithology.
By Joseph Grinnell, Cooper Ornithological Club.]

For those who are studying the Western Avifauna
of the Nearctic Region this will be a very useful
publication. It contains a list all such books and papers
as relate '^ either as a whole or in any part to the Birds of
California." As will be seen, the list is long and extends
over 140 pages. It is nicely got up and clearly printed, and
does great credit to Mr. Grinnell (the Editor of ' The
Condor '), who has composed it for the Cooper Ornithological
Club.

91. Harington on the Birds of Burma.

[The Birds of Burma. By H. H. Harington, Major, Indian Army,
M.B.O.U., F.Z.S. Rangoon, 1909. 134 pp. 8vo.]

This is a series of popular notes on the Birds of Burma_, the
majority of which have already appeared in the ' Rangoon
Gazette.' As now put together they form a useful source of
information for those who wish to make a general acquaint-
ance with the bird-life of Burma and find Blanford (not
Blanc?ford as spelt by Major Harington) and Gates' ' Fauna
of British India ' too bulky to be carried about conveniently.
Besides notices of the habits and localities frequented by
the bii"ds, short informal descriptions are added of most of

704 Recently published Ornithological Works.

the species, which are sufficient to enable them to be
determined in most cases.

At the end of the volume is given a complete list of the
Burmese birds known to the author, with a table shewing
their distribution in the different districts into which the
country may be divided. Major Harington observes that
the Northern Chin Hills are " absolutely unknown " and
that the high peak of Saramati (12,000 feet) may probably
have a Fauna of its own, so that there is still good work to
be done in Burma by an enterprising Ornithologist.

93. HarterVs ' Birds of the Palcearctic Fauna." *

[Die Vogel der palaarktischen Fauna. Von Dr. Ernst Hartert.
Heft V. Berlin, 1909.]

The whole of the fifth part of the ' Birds of the Palsearctic
Fauna' is devoted to the great Family Muscicapidse, under
which designation Dr. Hartert includes not only the
Muscicapidffi proper, but also the Sylviidae, Crateropodidge,
and Turdidse of most authors. It is, no doubt, difficult to
draw the lines between these four families, but we prefer the
more familiar terms, although we admit that in many cases
the task of distinguishing a Sylvian from a Thrush is
severe.

The following ten new species and subspecies are described
in this Part : — Phylloscopus sihilatrix erlangeri (Morocco) ;
Horeites fiuvolivacea intricatus (China) ; Sylvia undata toni
(Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) ; Prinia gracilis yemenensis
(Arabia) ; Crateropus caudatus altirostris (Mesopotamia) ;
lanthocichla affinis oustaleti (Yunnan) ; lanthocincla rufigu-
laris assamensis (Assam) ; /. r. occidentalis (N.W. Hima-
layas) ; Trochalopteron lineatum grisescantior (Western
Himalayas) ; T. lineatum gilgit (Cashmir and Gilgit) .

The true Thrushes will be treated in the next Part (VI.),
which, we understand, will finish the first volume.

We may call attention to the change proposed by
Dr. Hartert in the name of one of our familiar species. It is

* For notice of Heft iv. see ' Ibis,' 1907, p. 489.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 705

maintained by some writers that the Motacilla hortensis
of Gmelin, which has been generally supposed to be the
Garden-Warbler {Sylvia hortensis) is not that species but
the Orphean Warbler {Sylvia orphea). Dr. Hartert ac-
cordingly wishes to adopt the name " Sylvia hortensis " for
the Orphean Warbler and to call the Garden- Warbler
" Sylvia borin," it being, in his opinion, the Motacilla borin
of Boddaert (ex Buffon, PI. Enl. 579. iig. 2). It may be
remarked, however, that this identification is uncertain, and
that if the change were adopted "Sylvia hortensis" would
become quite useless as a specific name, as it would not be
possible to decide whether it was inteiuled to designate the
Garden- Warbler or the Orphean Warbler. To shift the
name of one species on to another must always occasion
serious inconvenience. It is far better, when necessary,
to reject an uncertain name altogether.

93. ' The Irish Naturalist.'

[The Irish Naturalist. A Monthly Journal of General Irish Natural
History. January-September, 1909.]

In the January number Mr. R. J. Ussher has some notes
on the occurrence of Black Redstarts in Co. Waterford ; in
March Mr. B. Jeffers gives us extracts from a Lighthouse
diary ; in June Mr. A. Williams notices the White Wagtail
from Co. Dublin {cf. p. 183) ; in July Mr. Ussher writes
on land-birds^ nests found in holes on islands ; in August
Mr. C. B. Moffat discusses the use of domed nests, and
Mr. Kohn records a Golden Oriole from Co. Cork; in
September Prof. Patten furnishes an account of the
Ornithology of The Skerries, Co. Dublin, a district appa-
rently frequented by few but the most ordinary sea-birds.

94. McGregor on Birds from Mindanao, Philippines.

[A Collection of Birds from Northern Mindanao. By Richard C.
McGregor. Philipp. Journ. Sc. iv. p. 67.]

In the last months of 1907 a collection of birds was
made in Northern Mindanao by Mr. Andres Celestino, of
the Philippine Bureau of Science. The 42 species to which
they are referable are mostly of wide distribution, but six

703 Recently published Ornitholugical Works.

of them had not been previously recoi'ded from Mindanao,
and the capture of CJilot'opsis flavipennis is especially noted,
as there was an uncertainty about the occurrence of this
species in the island.

95. Madardsz on Mongolian Birds.

[Dr. J. V. Madarasz. Contribution to the Mongolian Ornis, with
Descriptions of some New Species. Ann. Mus. Nat. Hung. 1909,

p. 175.]

J)r. V. Madarasz gives an account of a collection of birds
made in Transbaikalia by F. Teichraann and F. Weiske in
April-July 1908. The specimens are referred to 44 species,
amongst which 4 are described as new — Tharrhaleus tetricus,
Monlifringilla cognata, and Pcecile tunkanensis, from the
Tunkan Mountains, and Tetrastes orientalis, an eastern
form of T. bonasia. Tharrhaleus tetricus and Montifringilla
cognata are figured (tab. 4).

96. Madardsz on certain Wild Geese.

[Zur Naturgeschichte der Wildganse, v. Dr. J. v. Madarasz. Ann.
Mus. Nat. Hung. 1909, p. 304.]

Tlie author states that the Wild Goose called Anser
neglectus by Sushkin visits the Steppe of Hortobagy in
Hungary every autumn and remains iintil the following
April. He describes the colour of the bill in summer and
winter and figures it (tab. v. figs. 2, 3).

He also describes a supposed hybrid between Anser
fabalis and A. alhlfrons, and gives a figure of its head.

97. Mearns on New Birds from the Philippines.

[Additions to the List of Philippine Birds, with Descriptions of New
and Hare Species. Jiy E. A. Mearns. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. xxxvi.
p. 435 (1909.)]

In the seventh of his series of papers on Philippine Birds
the author describes as new Phabitreron samarensis, Musca-
divora palmarensis, Otus steerei, Prioniturus malindangensis,
Yungipicus siasiensis, Rhinomyias rujicauda mindanensis,

Recently published Ornithulogical IVurks. 707

Cryptolopha maUndangensis, Pseudotharraleus malindnngensis,
Brachypteryx maUndangensis, Hyloterpe apoensis basilanica,
Zosterops goodfellowi maUndangensis, Crytostomus jugularis
mindanensis, C.j. woodi, C.j. dinagatensis, Pyrrhula steerei
(from Mindanao, alt. 5750 ft.), Dicurus halicasius mindorensis,
and Chibia cagayanensis. The addition of four known
species to tlie Philippine List is recorded. Amongst these
is a Phalarope {Phalaropus hyperboreas).

The discovery of a second Bullfinch in the Philippines is
of great interest.

98. Mearns on Birds from the Philippine Islands, Borneo,
Guam, and Midway Island.

[A List of Birds collected by Dr. Paul Bartsch in the Philippine Islands,
Borneo, Guam, and Midway Island, with Descriptions of Three new
Forms. By E. A. Mearns, Assistant in Zoology, U.S. National Museum.
Proc. U.S. National Mus. xxxvi. p. 463 (1909).]

A complete list is given of the birds collected by Dr. Paul
Bartsch at the above-named localities during the voyage
of U.S. Steamer 'Albatross' (1907-8) to the Philippine
Islands, Three forms are described as new to science —
Rhamphalcyon capensis smithi and Pycnonotwi goiavier
suluensis from the Philippines, and Collocalia bartsi from
Guam.

99. Pliillott on Persian Falconry.

[The Baz-Nama-yi Nasiri. A Persian Treatise on Falconry. Trans-
lated by Lt.-Col. D. C. Phillott. London : B. Quaritch, 1908. Pp. i-xxiv,
1-195 ; 25 illustrations.]

This most interesting book consists of a translation of a
work written in 1868, lithographed first at Teheran and
afterwards at Bombay. As will be seen from the translator's
Introduction, the author, Jaymur Mirza, was one of the
nineteen sons of Husayn 'Ali Mirza, Governor of the Province
of Fars, who was once offered the crown of Persia. He was
in London in 1836, but returned to Teheran and died there
in 1874. He was well known as an exceptional authority on
Falconrv.

708 Recently published Ornithological Works.

After tlie Persian Introduction, the treatise begins by-
considering the "■ Yellow-eyed Birds-of-Prey ■" — Goshawks,
Sparrow-Hawks, the Serpent-Eagle, the Eagle-Owl, the
Lammergeier, the Osprey, Harriers, and so forth. The
second part treats of the " Dark-eyed Birds-of-Prey " — that
is, the remaining species used for hawking. In this section
is included much information of a curious character on the
capture of the birds, their training and management, their
food and diseases, their parasites and the like ; the whole
composing a treatise which is most interesting to read, and
is full of that " Sage Advice " which is the heading of one
of the chapters.

Many illustrations make the book still more attractive,
some being facsimiles, some copies of curious Persian
paintings, and some depicting the birds themselves.

100. Revue F?-anqaise d'Ornithologie.

[Revue Fran^aise d'Omithologie. Scientifique et Pratique. Publiee
par M. Louis Denise, 14 Rue Antoine-Boucher, Paris. Nos. 1-4.]

The institution of a new Bird-Journal will interest all
readers of * The Ibis,^ and we have much pleasure in calling
attention to the first four numbers of the ' Revue Fran9aise
d'Omithologie,' which has been lately started. If we
understand rightly, it is proposed to comprise in it articles
on birds both of a scientific and of a practical character,
and M. Menegaux, the Assistant for Ornithology at the
National Museum in the Jardin des Plantes, is ready to
receive such communications at 55 Rue de Buffon, Paris.

We will say a few words about the principal articles in
the four numbers already issued.

In the first part (May 1909), after a short preface on
the objects and plan of the new periodical, we find an essay
by M. Raspail on the utility of the Rook {Corvus frugilegus) ,
"which we are told is seriously menaced in some parts of
France, while M. Simon, a well-known authority on the
Trochilidae, commences a series of notes on that favourite
group of birds.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 709

In the second number (June 1909) M. Gounelle describes
a new Humming-Bird from Colombia as Polyerata cyaneu-
tincta, allied to P. amahilis, and M. Menegaux gives us a
list (with remarks) of a collection of birds recently received
from Cuba. No species are new, but many of them are
rare {Geotrygon chrysia, Todus multicolor, &c.), and form
valuable additions to the French National Collection.

In No. 3 (July 1909) Dr. Dubois discusses the relation-
ships of the three nearly allied Asiatic Thrushes : Turdus
fuscatus, T. naumanni, and T. ruficollis ; and M. Paris writes
notes on the birds of the Department of Cote-d^Or.

No. 4 (August 1909) is headed by an article on a new
species of Tanager of the genus CalUste by Mr. C. E.
Hellmayr (now of Munich) : Mr. Hellmayr calls it Calospiza
palmeri, but we see no reason why the prior generic name
Calliste should be discarded. Five examples of this new and
remarkable Tanager were obtained by Mr. M. G. Palmer in
the district of Choco, Western Colombia. The same collector
obtained examples of Nemosia rosenbergi, CalUste Johanna,
C. emilicB, and other rarities. In this number M. Menegaux
records the occurrence of two examples of Dendrocycna
arcuata at Aigues-Mortes, on the southern coast of France.
This makes an addition to the Gallican Avifauna. Many
other notes and notices will be found in the new Journal, to
which we heartily wish success.

101. Salvadori on a Species of Jay.

[Nota intorno al Garrulus melanocephalus, Gene, T. Salvadori. Boll.
Mus. Torino, No. 607, vol. xxiv.]

Count Salvadori has examined the typical specimens of
Gene's Garrulus melanocephalus in the Museum of Turin,
and has come to the conclusion that they are not identical
with the G. atricapillus of Geoffr. St.-Hilaire, as is usually
supposed. He points out the differences. The locality of
Gene's G. melanocephalus is Baalbek in Syria, not Mount
Libanus. The exact locality for G. atricapillus is not
known.

710 Recently 'published Ornithological Wurl<s.

102. Sahadori on the Birds of the Duke of the AbruzzVs
Ruwenzori Expedition.

[II Iluwenzori, vol. i. Relazioni Scientifici. Uccelli. T. Salvador!.]

In tlie Duke of the Abruzzi's famous expedition to Ruwen-
zori little attention was paid to Ornithology, and only 45
specimens of birds were brought home. These are referred
by Count Salvador! to 36 species. Four of these species,
believed to be new, have already been described"^. Count
Salvador! now gives us a list of the whole collection with
the necessary remarks.

103. Sharpe and Chubb on Borneun Birds.

[Notes on a Collection of Birds from Sandakan, N.E. Borneo. By
R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.l)., and Charles Chubb. Ornis, xiii. p. 137
(1909).]

The subject of this paper is a collection made by
Mr. P. M. Gray don on or near the Lamey Estate on the
Kinabatangan River, about one hundred miles from Sandakan
in N.E. Borneo. The district is mostly covered by dense
jungle and is not more than from 200 to 500 ft. above the
sea-level.

After a list of the five principal papers already published
on the birds of this part of Borneo, the examples of the
100 species represented in the collection are enumerated and
discussed. They are mostly well-known Bornean forms.
A few field-notes are added.

104. Snethlage on new Amazonian Birds.

[Novas especies de Aves amazonicas das collec96es do Museu Goeldi.
Pela Dr. Emilia Snethlage. Bol. Mus. Goeldi, v. p. 437 (1909).]

Dr. Emilia Snethlage, who is now, if we are correctly
informed, the head of the Bird -department in the Goeldi
Museum at Para, describes 16 new species and subspecies of
Amazonian Birds from specimens in that Museum : — Thalu-
rania furcata intermedia from the Rio Tocantins ; Pteroglossus

* Boll. Mus. Torino, No. 542. Cf. ' Ibis,' 1907, p. 212.

Recently published Ornithological Works. 71 1

reichenowi from the Rio Tocantiiis ; Chloronerpes paraensis
from Para ; Thamnophilus kiiheri from the Rio Tapajciz ;
Dysithamnus capitalis squamosus from the Tocantins ; Anaplops
berlepschi from the Tapajoz; Grallaria maciilaria berlepschi
from the Tocantins ; Xiphorhynchus multostriatus from the
Tocantins; Myiobius erythrurus hellmayri from Para; Eu-
scarthmus johannis from the R\o Purus ; E. znsterops minor
from the Tocantins ; Euscarthmus griseipectus from the
Tocantins; Setophaga jJallidti from the Tocantins; Pipra
fasciata purusiana from the E,. Purus ; Pachysylvia musci-
capina from the Tapajos ; and Sporophila leucoptera aqua-
torialis from Mexiana.

We venture to remark that some of the characters which
are given to separate the subspecies are rather finely drawn.
But we much rejoice that the authorities of the Goekli
Museum are continuing to work out the products o£ the
vast region of the Amazon and its affluents.

105. Stone on the Cuckoos of the Genus Piaya.

[A Review of the Genus Piaya, Lesson. By Witmer Stone, Pr. Ao.
N. Sc. Philad. (1908).]

In re-arranging the Cuckoos in the great Collection of
Birds at Philadelphia Mr. Stone was induced by the discovery
of the neglected type of Piaya macroura to undertake a
study of all the species of that genus. Two species of Piaya
are unmistakable — P. melanogastra and P. minuta (called
by Mr. Stone P. rutila). But P. cay ana and its near allies
form a very puzzling group. To enable him to understand
them better Mr. Stone borrowed examples from other
American Collections, and thus got together a series of 259
specimens, which gave him a good basis to work upon.
The result is that Piaya cayana, according to him, is
divisible into 11 representative subspecies, two of which
(P. c. cauccB and P. c. boliviana) are now described for the
first time.

Mr, Stone wishes to change the name of Piaya minuta to

712 Recently published Ornithological Works.

P. rutila ; but we think this proposal is objectionable, as
the exact type of llliger's Cuculus rutilus cannot be certainly
ascertained.

106. Todd on a new Wood- Warbler from the Bahamas.

[A new Warbler from the Bahama Islands. By W. E. Clyde Todd.
Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, xxii. p. 171 (1909).]

Mr. Todd describes a new Dendroeca from Abaco, Bahamas,
which he proposes to name D. flavescens. It is most nearly
allied to D. dominica, but distinguished by its longer bill
and wholly yellow under parts.

107. Winge's Report on the Birds of the Danish Light-
houses.

[Fuglene ved de danske Fyr i 1908. 26de Aarsberetning om danske
Fugle. Ved Herluf Winge. Ssertr. af Vidensk. Meddel. Kbhvn.
1909.]

We are favoured by a copy of Dr. Wingers report on the
birds obtained or observed at the Danish Lighthouses in
1908, being the 26th of this excellent series. In that year
1453 specimens of 73 species were forwarded to the
Zoological ]\Tuseum of Copenhagen from 38 Lighthouses,
and other examples, making up the number to at least
2700, were noticed. The species most numerously met with
in 1908 were Alauda arvensis, Sturnus vulgaris, Regulus
cristatus, Turdus iliacus, T. musicus, and Erithacus rubecula.
Of the last-named species, 188 examples were sent in, and
at least 247 besides were taken.

Unusual visitors to Denmark in 1908 were Alauda cristata
(March), Pastor roseus (May), Parus cristatus (July), Ruti-
cilla tithys (Oct.), and Muscicapa parva (June). Many-
other interesting field-notes are given.

We venture to suggest to the Migration-Committee of
the B. O. C. that similar lists of the birds captured at
St. Catherine's or some of the other British Lighthouses
would be useful for comparison.

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 713

XXXVIII. — Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

We have received the following letters, addressed "■ To the
Editors of ' The Ibis ' " :—

Sirs, — I have just returned from three months' leave
(17th May to 8th Jaly), during which I have visited the
Kaghan Valley, the most northern strip of British India, and
I think that my experiences there as regards bird-life may
be of some interest to your readers.

This valley is about 100 miles long by 15 broad on the
average, varying in altitude from 3000 feet at the entrance
to 17,360 feet at its highest peak. In fauna and flora, as
well as in scenery, it closely resembles Kashmir, which
bounds it on the west. Altogether some 150 species of birds
were met with, but as most of my time was spent at levels
of above 10,000 feet, many others must have been found if I
had been at lower altitudes. The following are some of the
more interesting species : —

jEgithaliscus niveigularis (rare). Hodgsonius phoenicuroid"
(rather scarce). Acrocephalus agricola (common from 8000
feet to 10,000 feet, in patches of Sambucus ebulus, in which
it was nesting, often a long way from water). Ruticilla
frontalis and R. rufiventris (both fairly common, especially the
latter). Merula maxima (nesting freely in juniper-scrub).
Accentor rufilatus (scarce). Pycnorhamphus carneipes and
Propasser dubius (a few pairs met with). Pyrrhuspiza punicea
(rare). Carpodacus erythrinus (abundant : some males were
breeding in immature plumage) . Anthus maculatus (commoii
above 1 1 ,000 feet : Oates has not recorded it west of the River
Sutlej). Motacilla citreoloides (abundant : about half the
pairs were breeding in immature plumage ; it does not there-
fore assume full plumage at its first spring moult). Otocorys
longirostris (fairly numerous at the head of the valley, several
nests were found). Aquila chrysaetus (the common Eagie
above 10,000 feet). Spizaetus limnaetus (I found one sitting
on a single dried-up egg, and shot her for identification).

SER. II. VOL. III. 3 B

714 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

Leriva nivicola (common locally, a most amusing and

confiding bird).

Yours &c.,

C. H. T. Whitehead.

Sehore, Bhopal, India,
12t}i Auj?., 1909.

Sirs, — At tlie meeting of the B. O. Club held on 26th
May, 1909, 1 exhibited an adult male specimen of Muscicapa
semitorquata as being new to the Egyptian avifauna. In the
report of that meeting (Bull. B. O. C. vol. xxiii. p. 93) I am
credited with having exhibited a specimen of M. collaris as
new to Egypt ! I need hardly point out that the Collared
Flycatcher {Muscicapa collaris) is a regular visitor to Egypt
during the spring migration {cf. Shelley's ' Birds of Egypt,'
p. 130).

In his ' Manual of Palaearctic Birds ' (p. 256) Mr. Dresser
includes M. semitorquata as a subspecies of M. collaris. It
is really, however, in my opinion, a subspecies of M, atri-
capilla. In fact, adult males of M. semitorquata (or, as I
prefer to call it, M. atricapilla semitorquata) only diifer from
those of M. atricapilla atricapilla in having the sides of the
neck white (these white patches almost form a collar round
the hiud-neck), and in haviug a small white speculum on
the wing. The amount of white on the tail is the same in
both M. a. atricapilla and M. a. semitorquata — i. e., white on
the outer and inner webs of the first and second pairs, and
■white on the outer web only of the third pair of rectrices,
whereas in M. collaris the white is restricted to the outer web
of the first pair. Young males of M. collaris have no white on
the tail at all, whereas in M. atricapilla young birds have the
outer web of the first three pairs of rectrices white.

Yours &c.,
Giza, Egypt, Michael J. Nicoll.

1st August, 1909.

Sirs, — Probably some of the readers of ' The Ibis ' are
aware that I have been engaged, from time to time as

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 715

opportunity allowed, on a new and greatly improved edition
of ray ' Nomenclature of Colors ' (1886), I am happy to be
able to announce that, after twenty years of necessarily
intermittent labour, this most difficult and tedious task has
at last been accomplished, and that arrangements have been
made for its early publication, the Plates being already in
process of reproduction.

The new work will present nearly 1350 colours, arranged
scientifically and reproduced by a method which guarantees
a faithful copy of the originals as to hue and tone — in
fact, absolute uniformity throughout the entire edition, —
and at the same time as great a degree of permanency as
is possible with pigments now known to colourists. The
standard of the original work is, of course, retained and
as many additional colours are named as practicable.
Obviously it is impossible to provide names for all of so
large a number of colours; but those which are left unnamed
may be easily designated by an exceedingly simple system
of symbols, as may also the intermediates, both as to hue
and tone. This renders the work practically equivalent to
the actual presentation of more than 5300 named or other-
wise designable colour-samples. In short_, the work has
been so carefully planned and executed that I have no doubt
as to its adequacy to meet all the demands of naturalists and
others who have use for a comprehensive colour-nomen-
clature and standards. The new edition will be of the same
size (except for a slightly greater thickness, there being 64
plates instead of the 10 of the old edition), and will be sold for
about $5.00 net, or only $1.00 more than the original work.

I am^ Sirs, yours &c.,

Washington, Robert Ridgway.

Sept. 9th, 1909.

The B. 0. U. Expedition for the Exploration of Central
New Guinea. — Mr. Walter Goodfellow, the Leader of the pro-
posed " B. O. U. Jubilee Exploration of the Charles-Louis
Mountains,'^ returned to England on Aug. 6th with a good
collection of living Paradise-birds, among-st which were

3b 2

716 Letters, 'Extracts, and Notes.

examples of Paradisornis rudolphi, Astrarchia stephanice, and
Epimachus meyeri, and is now making preparations for the new
Expedition to the Charles-Louis Mountains. He hopes to be
able to start about the end of this month, and to be landed on
the coast of New Guinea early in the following January. He
will be accompanied by Captain Rawling as Surveyor and
Dr. Eric Marshall as Assistant-Surveyor (who are delegated
by the Royal Geographical Society to map this utterly
unexplored country), Mr. A. F. E,. Wollaston as Medical
Officer and Botanist, and two taxidermists, Mr. G. C. Short-
ridge and Mr. W. Stalker.

The Committee of the B. O. U., who superintend the
arrangements for the Expedition, consist of Dr. F. D. Godman
(Chairman), Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant (Secretary), Mr. C. E.
Fagan (Treasurer), Dr. Sclater, and Mr. Meade-Waldo.

It will be recollected that the scheme o£ the Expedition
was originally brought before the Special Jubilee Meeting
of the B. O. U., hehi on December 9th, 1908, by Mr. Ogilvie-
Grant, and unanimously approved (see 'The Ibis,' 1908,
Jubilee Supplement, p. 12 ; also Mr. Ogilvie-Grant's appeal
for assistance, ' Ibis,' 1909, p. 194).

News of Mr. Boyd Alexander. — After finishing his work
in the islands of the Gulf of Guinea and on the Peak of
Kamerun (see above, p. 564), Mr. Alexander went to the
Maninguba Range in the interior of Kamerun, where he
stayed for two weeks. In a letter to his father, which we
have been kindly allowed to see, this is described as a very
interesting mountain with two crater-lakes on its summit.
His collecting work being now finished, Mr. Alexander
determined to visit Lake Tchad again, '' to see what it looks
like in the rainy season," and went straight across country
to Ibi, on the Benue. Thence he took one of the Niger
Company's steamers up to Yola, where his letter was dated
on August the 20th. A few days after that he was in-
tending to start on a fifteen days' march to Maifoni, and
thence to prosecute his tour round Lake Tchad. After that

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 717

plan has been successfully carried out, we trust that the inde-
fatigable explorer will come home, and devote his attention
to his fine collection of Birds, the result of his two great
journeys, which await his arrival at South Kensington.

The proposed Introduction of the "^American Robin" into
England. — We believe that we are in agreement with the
wishes of the large majority of ornithologists when we
express a hope that the attempts to introduce the "American
Robin " (Turdus miffratorius) into this country will not
succeed. We agree with the Editor of ' Nature ' (Aug. 25th,
1909) that the experiment is ''of a very interesting cha-
racter," and that the bird in question is " cheery/' its song
"kill 'em, cure 'em, give 'em physic" being agreeable,
except, perhaps, to the vendors of patent medicines. But
our English gardens are fortunately the habitation of several
melodious species of Thrush, and we should be much grieved
if our Song-Thrushes and Blackbirds were displaced by
intruders from other parts of the world. We know well
what has happened in many parts of the globe where similar
" interesting experiments " have succeeded, and where English
Sparrows and Indian Mynahs have exterminated the native
birds. According to our contemporary, seventeen American
Robins turned out this spring near Guildford mated immedi-
ately, and commenced nest-building almost at once, and
" now number between forty and fifty." Fears are enter-
tained, it is said, that these birds may have retained their
" migratory instinct/' and on the approach of winter will
leave England and become " hopelessly dispersed." This, in
our opinion, would be the best thing that could happen.
We prefer our Turdus merula and T. musicus to T. migra-
torius, in spite of its " cheeriness."

The Auckland Museum, New Zealand. — Mr. Lewis T.
Griffin, who was for about two years (under Mr. W. L,
Sclater) taxidermist at the Cape Museum, and afterwards
in a similar situation at the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria,

718 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

has recently moved to New Zealand, where he has become
first assistant to Mr. Thomas Cheeseman, the Curator of
the Auckland Museum. In a letter recently received by
Mr. W. L. Sclater, Griffin gives a good account of this
Museum, which is well-known for its rich Maori Collections,
supposed to be the finest in the world. The Museum-
building contains five exhibition-halls, besides the usual
offices, and an extensive library. The main hall is devoted
to the foreign Zoological Collections, and holds a series of
groups in large cases, called the " African Group/^ the
''Arctic Group,'^ and so on, shewing the characteristic
animals of the different Regions. The series of birds is
now being re-mounted and is receiving fresh additions.
Mr. Griffin describes Auckland as a lovely place with a
climate like that of Cape Town, and is evidently much
pleased with his new post, for which we believe he is
well fitted. He will be pleased to attend to any special
requirements of naturalists.

Bird-markinq Experiments in England. — Mr. H. F.
"Witherby. the Editor of ' British Birds,' is inaugurating,
in connection with his magazine, a scheme for marking birds
in this country in a similar way to that employed at the
German Bird-Observatory at Rossitten. It is hoped by this
means to gain a more exact idea of the movements of
individual birds than has ever been possible by any other
method ; and this should not only throw light upon the more
general aspects of migration, but should tell us a great
deal that is at present obscure with regard to particular
points. For example, while we may know the general dis-
tribution of a species in winter and summer, we do not
know the extent of the migration of individual birds; or,
indeed, whether in such cases as the Song-Thrush and Robin,
certain individuals ever migrate at all. The movements
of sea-birds are very little understood, and much might be
learned from marking a large number. This plan might

Letters, Extracts, and Notes. 719

also tell us what influence age has upon plumage, &c.;
where a young bird, the birthplace of which is known, breeds ;
whether individuals return to previous nesting-haunts, and
whether pairs come together again in successive breeding-
seasons.

Many of the readers of ' British Birds ' are taking
the matter up, and it is expected that a large number
of birds of all kinds will be " ringed/' The rings are
extremely light and do not in any way interfere with the
bird's power of flight : all are stamped " Witherby, High
Holborn, London/' and bear a distinctive number, which
in the smaller sizes is stamped inside the ring. It is
hoped that anyone into whose hands a bird so marked
should fall will send the bird and the ring (or, if this be not
possible, then the particulars of the number on the ring, the
species of bird, and the locality and date of capture) to the
address above given.

The Lake-N'gami Expedition. — Two members of the
Ruwenzori Expedition (Mr. R. B. Woosnam and the Hon.
Gerald Legge) are again in Africa, exploring the little-known
country round Lake N'gami. Information of their safe
arrival on the 27th of June last at the shores of that lake
has been received in a long and interesting letter written to
Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, but they had a difficult task to get there.
They were twice obliged to cross stretches of 120 miles
without water, and the oxen and horses were forced to live
entirely on sama, a little white water-melon, which was
also boiled down in order to cook meat and to make tea.
Leaving the railway at Vryburg, in Bechuana-land, they
travelled due north through the heart of the Kalahari
Desert. Crossing the Molopo River in April, they found it
still held a little water, but were told that it would be entirely
dry by August. Thence they struck slightly east, to a place
called Kakia, just north of the 25th parallel, and passing
Kokong, Okwa, and Ghansis, reached Tsau (or Tsao) on

720 Letters, Extracts, and Notes.

the Okovanga River. After being many months in the dry
sandy bush-veldt they arrived quite suddenly in N'gami-land,
with its wealth of tall papyrus, fine palms, and evergreen
trees. The silent wastes of the desert were replaced by
teeming masses of birds and animal life of all sorts. Lake
there was none, at least not in tlie ordinary sense of the
word, but there lay before them a vast swamp bordered on
the south by the dry Kalahari, and on the north by a most
amazing and intricate system of rivers and a vast expanse of
marshes, which are dry in summer, but are inundated with
water from the north during the winter. The travellers are
busy in collecting birds, mammals, and other animals, and
hope to be able to get a complete series of the fishes of Lake
N'gami, which are very little known, and are specially
required at South Kensington.

A new Fossil Bird from the Lower Pliocene. — The last
issued Part of the ' Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society of
London (1909, p. 368) contains an account by Mr. W. P.
Pycraft of the fossilized remains of a small Passerine bird
from Gabbro, near Leghorn. After a detailed description
Mr. Pycraft comes to the conclusion that the remains are
those of a Pipit (Anthus), and resemble most nearly those of
the living species known as Berthelot's Pipit (Anthus
bertheloti) of Madeira.

Assuming that this is correct, Mr. Pycraft proposes to
adopt the name of the discoverer — Dr, Bosniaski — as the
specific name of this species.

Anthus hosniaskii was obtained by Dr. Bosniaski from the
Lower Pliocene of Gabbro, near Leghorn, a deposit which
as yielded many fossils and which is particularly rich in
fish-remains.

The only other remains of Passerine birds from the Lower
Pliocene are stated to be a few fragments, representing
the genera Corvus and Turdus, from Uousiilon, Perpignan.

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

1909.

Acanthis cannabina

mediterranea, 475.
Acauthiza apicalis, 679.

chrjsorrhoa, 679.

ii)ornata, 678.

mastersi, 678.

pallida, 680.

squamata, 701.

uropygialis, 667,

679.
Acanthocbfsra caruncu-

lata, 654.
Acanthogenys rufigularis,

653.
Acanthopneuste borealis,

370.

magnirostris, 126.

nitida, 125.

occipitali,s, 126.

Acantborliynchus super-

ciliosuB, 660.
Accentor, 376.

collaris, 694.

erytbropygius, 432.

himalayanus, 91,

225.

nepalensis, 224.

rulilatus, 91, 224,

713.
Accipiter brevipes, 646,

629.

nisus, 262, 456, 629.

virgatus gularis,

456.
Acredula caudata, 432.
Acridotberes ginginianus,

133.

tristis, 133-

Acrocephalus agrieola,

119,713.

aquaticus, 298.

arundinaceus, 176,

550, 601.

orientalis, 429.

bistrigiceps, 429.

dumetorum, 119.

Acrocepbalus inexpecta-
tus, 176.

melanopogon, 298.

orientalis, 176.

phragmitis, 298,

501, 601.
scbcenobaenus, 550,

601.
stentoreus, 119,

298, 299.
streperus, 297, 299,

895, 600.

turdoides, 298, 601.

Actitis hypoleucos, 647.
Adeliira caruleicepbala,

220.
jEdemosyne cantana,

393.
Aedon familiaris, 91, 117,

578, 600.
galactodes, 294,

397, 544.

philomela, 578.

jEgialitis alexandriua,

274.

cantiana, 644.

curouica, 644.

dubia, 7, 274, 622.

geoffroyi, 405, 577.

biaticola, 7, 644.

intermedia,

644.

intermedius, 644.

melanops, 614.

minor, 644.

mongola, 4<i6.

pecuaria, 530, 644,

646.
placida, 466.

wilsonia, 339.

J^gitbaliscus leucogenys,

93, 107.

niveigularis, 713.

jEluroedus melanocepha-

lus, 209, 213.
Tiridis, 700.

jEpyornis, 178.
Aeronaiites nielanoleucos,

696, 699.
Aerops albieollis, 24.
iEsalon chicquera, 264.

regulus, 264.

-lEtbiopyga scberise, 185.
^thyia baeri, 461.

fuligula, 460.

marila, 460.

^x galericulata, 459.
Agapornis liliante, 178.
nigrigenis, 178, 179,

361,559.
puUaria ugandae,

178.
Agriornis andecola

paznae, 553.
Aimopbila rufescens

bypretbrus, 537.
Alajmon alaudipes, 393,

478, 643.

alaudipes, 478.

Alauda arborea, 479.

arenicolor, 480.

arvensis, 186, 245,

246, 712.
cantarella,

479.
cinerea, 444,

479.

cristata, 479.

pebinensis,

445.

bffitica, 382.

bracbydactyla, 382.

calandra, 382.

cantarella, 444.

cristata, 712.

' gulgula, 246.

Alaudula adamsi, 623.
AIca impennis, 362, 365,

568.
Alcedo bengalensis, 482.

capensis, 555.

ispida, 251, 454.

722

INDEX OF

Aleedo ispida bengalensi8,

Anortbura magrathi,117.

Antbus trivialis macula-

482.

neglecta, 117.

tus, 435.

ispida, 482.

parvula, 117.

vaalensis, 141, 164.

Alet.he, 4, 72.

Anous stolidus, 310.

Antigone australasiana,

akeleyae, 699.

Anser albil'rons, 562, 635,

615.

Alseoaax epulatus, 31 .

706.

Apalis binotata, 70.

fantisiensis,

bracbyrhynchus,

neglectus, 502.

30.

192, 563.

Apbelocepbala castanei-

fantesiensis, 30.

erytbropus, 636.

ventris, 667.

latirostris, 437.

fabalis, 706.

Aquila adalberti, 383.

ruficaudus, 215.

ferus, 280.

bifasciata, 268, 622.

Aluco, 359.

indicus, 623.

bonellii, 629.

flammea kirchhoffi,

neglectus, 706.

chrysaetus, 622,713.

624.

segetum, 580.

clanga, 628.

Araadina erythrocephala,

mentalis, 458.

beliaca, 258, 622.

168.

Antboscopus coronatus.

iniperialis, 402,628.

Amaurornis fuscus, 270.

107.

niaculata, 268, 622.

Amblyornis flavifrous,

Antbotbreptes fraseri,60.

najvia, 628.

665.

bypodila, 61.

rapax, 147.

inornata, 565.

longuemarii, 75.

vindbiana, 258,622.

subalaris, 209, 213,

tepbroltema, 61.

wablbergi, 147.

565.

zambesiaiia, 498.

Ara atwoodi, 359.

Amblyospiza saturata,

Antbreptes reicbenowii.

Aracbnecbtbra asiatica,

48."

695.

247.

Ammomanes arenicolor,

Antbropoides virgo, 272.

Aramides ypecaha, 361.

480.

Antbus australis, 653.

Ai-cbibuteo lagopus, 628.

deserti, 393.

bertheloti, 720.

Ardea alba, 633.

deserti, 479.

blakistoni, 621.

bubulcus, 634.

isabellina,

bosuiaskii, 720.

c£erulea, 339.

479.

campestris, 243,

cinerea, 279, 458,

pboenicura areni-

302, 610.

633.

color, 480.

cervinus, 301, 496,

garzetta, 633.

— — phoeniciiroides, 247.

609, 694.

herodias, 315.

Ammoperdix bonbaini,

eoutellii, 244, 621.

uianillensis, 279.

269.

pouldi, 76.

nielanocepbala,523.

cholralevi, 404, 640.

japonicus. 245, 622.

purpurea, 522, 633.

heyi, 180,040.

maculatus, 713.

pusilla, 523.

• chohiileyi.

nova^-zealaudias.

ralloides, 523.

640.

385.

Ardeola grayi, 280.

heyi, 640.

pluniatus, 301.

russata, 634.

Anipelis garruliis, 92,

prateusis, 242, 301,

Ardetta minuta, 280,

133.

608.

634.

Amytis gigantura, 302.

pyrrbonotiis, 164.

payesi, 141, 146.

varia, 362.

ricbardi, 243, 302,

sinensis, 280.

Anabatbmus reichen-

435.

Arenaria interpres, 314,

bachi, 63.

rosaceus, 244.

339.

Auaplectes melanotis, 78.

rufulus, 164, 243,

Argya acaciag, 395.

Anaplops berlepscbi,711.

496.

caudata, 109, 246.

Anas boscas, 281, 459,

similis, 100, 243,

earlii, 109, 620.

636.

247.

Aristouetta valisneria.

formosa, 460.

sordidus, 496.

339.

obseura riibripes,

spinoletta blakis-

Artannis florencisB, 617,

697.

toni, 621.

673.

riibripes tristis, 697.

- eoutellii. 302.

gracilis. 672.

strepera, 636.

spinolettus, 302

leucogaster, 672.

• undulata, 525.

spipoletta, 101, 244,

melanops, 672.

Andropadus efuleusis, 59.

245, 609, 621.

— — minor, 617.

virens, 58.

eoutellii, 302.

personatus, 672.

Anellobia lunulata, 654.

tenelliis, 496.

superciliosus, 361.

Anorthura Cypriotes, 579,

trivialis, 55,76, 164,

tenebrosus, 673.

605.

242, 301, 609.

Aruudinax aedou, 429.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

723

Asio accipitrinus, 255,

455, 624.

leucotis, 149.

otus, 624.

Astrapia stephanisE, 565.
Astrarchia stephaniae,

716.
Astur badius, 262.

fasciatus, 616.

palumbarius, 262,

456.

sphenurus, 89, 405.

unci uli venter, 405.

Athene bactriana, 250.

brama, 256.

chiarardia;, 367.

noctua glaux, 625.

spilogaster,

401.

spilogaster, 401.

Atlapetes crassus, 537.
Aulacorhamphus petax,

536.

Bseolophus atricristatus,

172.

• bicolor, 172.

bicolor - atri-
cristatus, 172.
Balaeniceps rex, 180, 702.
Balearica gibbericeps,

528.
pavonina eecilise,

702.
Barbatula chrysocoma,

88.

extoni, 154.

jacksoni, 514.

leucolffraa, 18.

• subsulphurea, 18.

Basileuterus melanotis

dsedalus, 536.
Batis molitor, 156.

orientalis, 83, 399.

puella, 506.

sheppardi, 696.

Bernicla leiicopsis, 192.
Bleda damans, 55.

flavigula, 57.

leucopleura, 58.

notata, 4.

simplex, 57.

syndactj'la, 4.

Bombycilla garrula, 696.
Botaurus lentiginosus,

339.

minutus, 634.

stellaris, 280, 458,

635.
Brachypternus aurantius,

249!

Brachypteryx malindan-

gensis, 707.
Bi-achyspiza capensis

pulacayensis, 553.
Bradyornis ater, 506.

grisea, 500.

mariquensis, 155.

pallidus, 83.

pumilio, 506.

Branta bernicla, 580.
Bubo ascalaphus, 402,

624.
asalcaphus,

624.
desertorum,

625.

bengalensis, 256.

cinerasL-ens, 89, 517.

lacteus, 148, 517.

maculosus, 148.

maximus, 410.

Bubulcus ibis, 8.

lucid us, 8, 623.

Bucbanga assimilis, .507.
Bucorax abyssinicus,513.
Budytes uinereocapilla,

301.

flava, 301.

pygmseus, 301.

Bulweria, 547.
Buphaga ery throrhyncha,

487.
Burnesia, 5.

bairdi, 69.

Butastur rufipennis, 89.

teesa, 259.

Buteo augur, 519.
desertorum, 261,

402, 627.

ferox, 261, 628.

latissimus, 313.

platypterus insuli-

cola, 39.

swainsoni, 360.

vulgaris, 578, 627.

desertorum,

627.
plumipes,

456.
Butorides atricapillus,

145, 403, 523.
virescens robinsoni,

322.
Bycanistes albotibialis,

22.

Caccabis chukar, 269,

576, 6.39.
Cacomantis, 184.
Calamanthus montanel-

lus, 543.

Calamocichla jacksoni,

502.

poensis, 69.

Calamodyta aquatica,

298.

melanopogon, 298.

scbcenobffiiius, 298.

Calamoherpe arundina-

cea, 299.
turdoides orientalis,

429.
Calamonastes simplex,

602.
Calandrella brachydac-

tyla, 246, 480, 622.
bracbydactyla,

480.

minor, 480.

minor, 480.

pispoletta, 409.

tibetana. 246, 622.

Calcarius lapponicus,423,

444.
Callacanthis burtoni,230.
Callene, 4.
Calliope camtscliatkensis,

426.
Calliptilus stepheni, 179.
Calliste, 709.

emilJK, 709.

johannae, 709.

Calocitta formosa, 546.
Calopelia, 5.
Oalophasis burmanicus,

692.
CalosjDiza gyroloides dele-

ticia, 537.

palmeri, 709.

Calyptorhynchus macro-

rhynchus, 616.
Camaroptera brevicau-

data, 82, 406.

cbrysocnemis, 502.

griseoTiridis, 70,

406.

sundevalli, 141, 159.

Campicola pileata, 1.57.
Campophaga pbcenicea,

80.
Campothera nubica, 401.
Capri niulgus segyptius,

482, 625.

batesi, 25, 74.

europaeus, 253, 481,

510.

fossii, 152, 510.

frenatus, 510.

inornatus, 511.

jotaka, 449.

lentiginosus, 510.

mabrattensis, 253.

724.

INDEX OF

Capriinulgus monticola,

253.

nubicus, 400.

ruficollis, 367.

rufigena, 152.

sharpii, 26.

triiuaculatus

sharpei, 2b.
Cardiiialis phceniceus,

323.
Carduelis caniceps, 182,

230.

elegans, 474.

Carine uieridionalis, 625.
Carphibis spiniooilia, 615.
Carpodacus erythrinus,

229, 441, 713.
grebnitskii,

441.
Carpophaga zoese, 211.
Casarca rutila, 281.

variegata, 384.

Casuarius beccarii, 180.

bistriatus, 180.

galeatus, 180.

sclateri, 180.

Catbarista atrata, 322.
Catbartes aura, 322.
Centropus monachus, 13,

87.
senegalensis, 141,

152.
8upercilio3U8, 361,

485,515.
Centurua caymanensis,

341.
Ceratogymna atrata, 22.
Cercbneis ardesiacus, 89.

tinnunculus, 457.

Cercococcyx uiechowi, 15.
Cei-coinacra crepera, 539.

tyraunina, 539.

Cercotricbas podobe,395.
Certbia bracbydactyla,

381.

familiaris, 605.

dorotbea, 605.

^^— barterti, 605.

bimalayana, 116.

Certbilauda desertorum,

478.
Certbiola sharpei, 345.
Certbionyx occiden talis,

650, ()58.

variegatus, 658.

Cervle alcyon, 317, 322,

339.

maxima, 150.

rudis, 86, 150, 482,

512, 545.
varia, 251.

Cettia cettii, 602.

■ orientalis, 127.

sericea, 602.

Oeyx gentiana, 181.
Obaetura brachyura, 310.

poHura, 310.

■ sabinii, 27.

Obalcococcyx lucidus,

384.
Chalconiitra acik, 75.

angulensis, 62.

cyanolsema, 62.

giitturalis, 163.

obsciira, 61.

Cbalcopelia, 5.

afra, 88.

cbalcospilos, 526.

Cbalcopsitta insignis,379.

spectabilis, 379.

Cbamsepelia, 359.
aflavida, 341.

antillaruiu, 306.

bermudiana, 306.

jamaicensis, 341.

perpallida,314,322,

327.
Cbaradrius bicinctus,384.

dominicus, 466.

foi-besi, 7.

hiaticola, 7, 192.

morinellus, (>92.

pluvialis, 644.

ChaulelasQius streperus,

281.
Cbelidon kashmirensis,

237.

lagopoda, 410.

urbica, 155, 237,

474.

lagopoda, 439.

Cbenalopex aegyptiacus,

625, 580.
Cheramoeca leucoster-

num, 689.
Cbettusia gregaria, 273,

622.

leucura, 273, 645.

villotaei, 645.

Cbibia cagayanensis, 707.
Cbimarrboriiis leuco-

cepbalu.s, 218.
Chizoerbis, 178.
Cblamydodera orientalis,

701.
Chloris sinica, 440.
ussuriensis,

440.
Chlorochrysa nitidissima,

536.
Chlorocichla moiubasae,

501.

Cbloronerpes paraensis,

711.
Cblorophoneus bocagei,

35.

chrysogaster, 161.

Cbloropsis flavipennis,

706.
Clirysococcyx cupreus,

87.

niaculatus, 185.

Cbrysolampis moscbitus,

317.
Chrysomitris spinus, 474,

544, 580.
Chrysolis caymanensis,

340.
guildingi, 308.

oebroptera, 322,

331.

rothschildi, 322,

330, 331.
Cicinnurus regius, 361,

693.
Ciconia alba, 145, 279,

386, 635.

nigra, 279.

Cinclorhamphus cruralis,

681.
Cinclosoma castano-

notum, 683.
Cinclus, 376.
albicollis, 587.

aquaticus, 587.

asiaticus, 224.

cashmiriensis, 587.

luelanogaster, 5»6.

olympicus, 578,

586.
Cinnamopteryx fusco-

castaneus, 47.
Cinnyricinclus verreauxi,

171.
Cinnyris aequatorialis,

497.

batesi, 693.

chalybeus, 163.

chloropygius, 63,

64, 65.

cupreus, 75.

falkeusteini, 498.

gutturalis, 163.

habessinicus, 391.

kirki, 498.

leucogaster, 163.

raariquensis, 162.

microrbynebus, 497.

preussi, 64.

seiniundi, 693.

superbus, 63.

Circaetus gallicus, 259,

628.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

725

Circu8 aeruginosus, 261,

519, 627.
cineraceus, 260, 520,

578, 627.

cyaneus, 261, 578.

macrurus, 260, 520.

melanoleucus, 456.

pallidus, 627.

ranivorus, 520.

swainsoni, 627.

Cisticola aberrans, 158.

belli, 693.

cislicola, 297. 550.

cursitans, 120, 382,

602.

curvirostris, 502.

erythrops, 67.

ferruginea, 82.

fulvicapilla, 158.

hindii, 503.

marginalis, 82.

niichalis, 502.

rufa, 503.

ruficapilla, 158.

■ ruficeps, 82.

strangii, 82, 503.

schcenicola, 297.

subruficapilla, 158.

woosnami, 693.

Clangula glaucion, 188,

680, 692.
Clitnacteris melanura,

618, 664.

rufa, 665.

superciiiosa, 665.

wellsi, 6.50. 664.

Cueiuophilus macgregori,

560.
Coccopygia dufresnii,

141.
Ooccothraustes huiuii,

227.

vulgaris, 475.

Cocnystes, 184.

cafer, 87, 515.

glandarius, 87, 62.3.

hypopinarius, 153.

jacobinus, 154, 254,

515.

serratus, 141, 1.5,3.

Coereba atrata, 309, 320.

caboti, 345.

lauriE, 320.

luteola, 309, 323.

saccharina, 309.

sharpii, 345.

wellsi, 320.

Colaptea gundlachi,

341.
Ooliopasser macrurus,

77.

Colius, 5.

erytbromelon, 152.

kirbyi, 693.

leucotis, 86, 512.

nigricollis nigri-

scapalis, 21.

nigriscapalis, 21.

CoUocalia bartsi, 707.

— francica, 543.
OoUyriocichla rufiyentris,

671.
CoUyriocincla rufiventris,

671.
Colceus dauricus, 447.

monedula, 135-137.

neglectus,

135.
neglectus, 134-137,

447.
Columba bollii, 561.

corensis, 313, 333.

eversmanni, 265.

guinea, 88, 525.

intermedia, 265.

laurivora, 561.

leucocephala, 313,

332.

livia, 265,401.

livia, 639.

scbimperi,

639.

trocaz, 561.

Columbigallina jamai-

censis, 341.
passerina insularis,

341.
perpallida,

314, 327.
Columbiua, 359.
Colymbus auritus, 573.
Conurus aeruginosas, 322,

361.
Coracias abyssinicus, 84.

affinis, 173.

caudatus, 150.

garrulus, 150, 249,

482,511.

indica, 173, 249.

mossambicus, 150.

olivaceicepa, 150.

Coracina robusta, 683.
Corone australis, 652.

pallescens, 578.

Coryinella corvina, 80.
Corvultur albicollis, 172,

486.
Corvus, 720.

afSnis, 394.

australis, 652.

bennetti, 618, 652.

corax, 102, 410.

Corvus corax umbrinus,

481.
ussurianus,

448.

comix, 411, 481.

cornix, 481.

sharpii, 104,

481.
corone, 103, 356,

407, 408, 410, 448.
orientalis,

448.

eoronoides, 6.52.

dauricus, 134-137,

408.

neglectus, 135.

frugilegus, 103, 412,

708.
pa.stinator,

448.

leptonyx, 366.

macrorhynchus,

103, 104.
japonensis,

448.
monedula, 104, 134,

412.

neglectus, 134.

neglectus, 134, 410,

411.

pastinator, 408.

scapulatus, 79, 172.

sharpii, 104.

■ spleudens, 103, 104,

254.

tingitanus, 366.

torquatus, 448.

Corvphospingus pileatus,

322.
Corythaeola, 178.
Corythaicoides, 178.
Corythaix porphyreo-

lopha, 516.
Corvthornis cyanostigma,

86, 150, 512.
Cosnietornis vexillarius,

26, 152.
Cossypha, 5.

haagneri, 695.

heugliui, 82, 505.

iolffima, 505.

Cotile diluta, 237.

minor, 84.

obsoleta, 474.

paludicola, 507.

riparia, 237, 238,

309, 399. 440.

riparia, 474.

shelleyi, 474.

rupestris obsoleta,

474.

726

INDEX OF

Cotile shelleyi, 474.

sinensis, 238, 440.

Coturnix communis, 268,

462,641.

coramandelica, 268.

delagorguii, 142.

japonica, 463.

umbrinus, 394, 481.

CracticuB destructor, 669.
■ nigrigularis, 669.

picatus, 618.

Crateropus canorus, 109.
caudatus altirostris,

704.

hypoleucus, 501.

plebeius, 81.

Crax globicera, 360.

hecki, 360.

Crex pratensis, 143, 641.
Oriniger cbloronotus, 4.

flavigula, 81.

Crossoptilum mantchuri-

cum, 462.
Crotopbaga ani, 335.

sulcii'ostris, 545.

Cryptolopba malindan-

gensis, 707.

xantboscbista, 126.

Cryptorbina afra, 79.
Crytostomus jugularis

dinagatensis, 707.
mindanensis,

707.

woodi, 707.

Cuculus canoru8, 184,

185, 253, 411, 454,

514, 545, 623.

clamosus, 514.

gabonensis, 15.

inornatiis, 617.

iutermedius, 455.

microptenis, 185.

■ poliocepbalus, 185.

rutila, 712.

saturatus, 185, 455.

solitarius, 15,

Ciilicicapa ceylonensis,

215.
Curruca atricapilla, 294.

■ fumula, 296.

hortensis, 294.

melanocephala,

293.

orpbea, 293.

rueppellii, 293.

Oursorius cbalcopterus,

529.
gallicus, 643.

teinmincki, 144.

Cyanecula leucocyana,

562.

Cyanecula suecica, 220,

291.
leucocyana,

291,561.

suecica, 291.

wolfi, 291, 562, 692.

Cyanopica cyanus, 446.
Cyanopolius cyanus, 446.
Cyanops asiatiea, 619.
Cyclopsitta desmaresti

intermedia, 560.
Cygnus bewicki, 459.
Cyoruis leucomelanurus,

215.

superciliaris, 215.

Cypselusacutioauda, 183.

sequatorialis, 510.

affinis, 252, 400,

509.

apus, 252, 400.

murinus, 481.

melba, 252, 481.

pacificus, 449, 543.

pallidus, 481.

Dacnis venusta fuliginata,

537.
Dafila acuta, 282, 460,

637.
Daption, 547.
Daulias luscinia, 292,

593.

pbilomela, 292, 593.

Dendrocitta rufa, 105.
Dendrocopus auriceps,

249.

liimalayensis, 248.

leuconotus, 451.

cirris, 451.

uasurianus,

461.

lilfordi, 451.

major, 449.

— cissa, 449.

minor, 450.

pipra, 450.

■ sindianua, 248.

Dendrocycna arcuata,

709.
Dendroeygna viduata,

141, 146.
DendrcEca coronata, 337.

crawfordi, 337.

discolor, 3.37.

dominica, 337, 712.

flavescens, 712.

palmarum, 338.

petechia, 344.

auricapilla,

344.
ruficapilla, 318.

Dendroeca ruficapilla

capitalis, 318.
rufopileata,

318.

striata, 696.

vitellina, 337, 345.

Dendroica aurocapilla,

344.

vitellina, 337, 345.

Dendromus efulensis, 20.
Dendropicus camerun-

ensis, 21.

cardinalis, 155.

gaboneneis, 21.

lafresnayi, 21.

Dendroplex longirostris,

322.
Dicteum besti, 370.
birundinaceum,

618, 662.
Dicrocercus furcatus, 85.
Dicrurus afer, 36, 80,

157, 171.

ater, 115.

atripennis, 36, 37.

balicasius mindor-

ensis, 707.

longicaudatus, 115.

sbarpii, 37.

Dilophus carunculatus,

487.
Dioptrornis fischeri, 506.
Diphvllodes hunsteini,

213, 693.
Doleromyia pallida, 322.
Drepauoplectes jacksoni,

489.
Drepanorbamphus fune-

reus, 537.
Drymacediis brunneo-

pygius, 682.
Drymocbares, 184.
Drymoeca eremita, 296.

gracilis, 297.

delta, 297.

inquieta, 296.

Drymophila Isemosticta,

639.

stictoptera, 539.

Dryodromas fulvicapilla,

141, 158.
Dryonectes subcser ulcus,

184.
Dryoscopus sethiopicus,

500.

bocagii, 35.

funebris, 500.

• guttatus, 161.

malzacii, 81.

seuegalensis, 35.

suabelicus, 500.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

727

Drvoscopus tricolor, 35.

Eopsaltria georgiana,

Euetliia bicolor, 307.

Dysithamnus capitalis

667, 668.

johnstonii.

squamosus, 711.

gularis, 667.

328.

magnirostris, 701.

marchii, 307,

Elsenia flavogaster gre-

Ephthianura albifrous,

310.

nadensis, 310.

680.

omissa, 323.

subpagana,

tricolor, 680.

sbarpei, 328.

310.

Epimacbus raeyeri, 565,

johnstonei, 328.

martinica, 307-

716.

Eunetta falcata, 460.

barbadensis,

superbus, 565.

Euplectes xantbomelas,

306.

Eremomela elegans.

167.

caymanensis,

81.

Enpodotis kori, 145, 529.

342.

polioxantha, 141,

Eupsychortyx pallidus,

■ martinica,

159.

322.

306.

Erismatura leucocejjbala,

Eurillas camerunensis,

riisii, 342.

• 284.

58.

subpagana.

Erithacus gutturalis.

virens, 58.

311.

504.

EurocephaUis angui-

subpagana, 310.

rubecula, 186, 291,

timeus, IGO, 499.

Elainea barbadensis, 306.

544, 592, 712.

Eurystomus calonyx, 423,

martinica, 306, 342.

melophilus.

454.

pagana, 311.

292.

orientalis, 454.

riisii, 342.

rubecula, 291.

Euscartbmus grisei-

Elanus cseruleus, 260,

Erythrobucco roUeti, 87.

pectus, 711.

519.

Erytlirogonys cinctus,

jobannis, 711.

Elminia longicauda, 32.

614.

zosterops minor.

teresita, 83.

Erythropus amurensis,

711.

Emberiza afBnis, 76.

457.

Euspiza aureola, 442.

aureola, 442.

Erythropygia brunnei-

Eutolmaetus pennatus,

bucbanani, 236.

ceps, 505.

147.

cabauisi, 54.

leucophrys, 157.

bellicosus, 147.

cEesia, 477.

poena, 157.

eioides castaneiceps.

zambesiaua, 141,

443.

157.

Faleo sp., 402.

flaviventris, 166,

Eryibrospiza gitliaginea.

assalon, 457, 631.

494.

229, 477.

amurensis, 409,

fucata, 443.

Erythrosterna parva

457.

hortulana, 356,

albiciUa, 437-

barbarus, 631,

477.

Erytbrura prasina, 698.

biarmicus, 148,

leucocephala, 235,

Esacus recurvirostris,

517.

381,442.

623.

cenchris, 632.

luteola, 236.

Estrelda melanorhyncha,

cberrug, 263, 272.

melanocepliala, 355.

476.

columbarius, 334.

miliaria, 477.

Estrilda angolensis, 169,

cuvieri, 518.

pallasi, 444.

491.

feldeggi, 631.

palustris, 381.

astrild occidentalis.

jugger, 263,

passerina, 444.

62.

lanarius, 631.

pusilla, 356, 443.

astrilda, 169,

peregrinator, 263.

pyrrhuloides, 576.

atricapilla, 52, 53.

peregrinus, 263,

rustica, 443, 694.

cinerea, 78.

630.

rutila, 442.

dufresnii, 170.

anatum, 339.

schoeniclus, 235.

erythronota, 1(39.

punicus, 630.

septemstriata, 393.

granatina, 170.

■ • ruficoUis, 89.

spodocephala, 442.

nielpoda, 52.

sacer, 631.

stewarti, 235.

minor, 491.

subbuteo, 264, 412,

stracheyi, 235, 236.

pboenicotis, 78.

457, 678, 631.

striolata, 2.37.

siibflava, 169.

vespertinus, 632.

Empidornis semipartitus,

Eudromias morinellus,

obscurus, 420.

84.

630, 044.

Fiscus excubitorius, 80.

Eophona melanura mi-

Eudynamis, 184.

mackinnoni, 36.

gratoria, 440.

honorata, 254.

subcoronatus, 141,

728

INDEX OF

Formicivora intermedia,

322.
Francolinus coqui, 142.

erkeli, 404. 702

hildebrandti, 526.

icterorhynclius, 89.

lathami, 5, 10

pondicerianus, 269.

schuetti, 527.

shelleyi, 142.

squamatus, 10.

uluensis, 527.

vulgaris, 269, 361.

Franklinia buchanaiii,

120.
Fraseria ocreata, 29,
Fregata aquila, 317, 325,

333, 541.

ariel, 173.

Fringillacoelebs, 91,231,

476.

flaveola, .574.

linaria, 573.

montifringilla, 186,

231,3.56,423,441.
Fringillariatahapisi, 166,

494.
Fringillauda sordida, 91,

234.
Fulica atra, 271, 411,

465, 642.

australis, 614.

cristata, 144, 528,

642.
Fuligula afSnis mari-

loides, 460.

cristata, 638.

ferina, 638.

nyroca, 638.

rufina, 638.

Fulix baeri, 461.

cristata, 460.

niarila, 460.

Fulmarus, 547.
Furnariiis rufus, 552.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis,

335.
Galerida cristata, 393,

478.
. altirostris,

478.

bracbyura,

393,

lean tungen sis,

445.

nigricans, 478.

Galerita cristata, 247.

nigricans, 478.

Galhnago ccelestis, 276,

467. 645.

Gallinago gallinago, 531.

gallinula, 277, 646.

media, 645,

nigripennis, 532.

stenura, 4(^)7.

Gallinula angulata, 143.
cbloropus, 271,528,

641.

galeata, 339.

Gallirex, 178.
Gallus bankiva, 193.

sonnerati, 360.

Garrulus atricapillus,

709.

brandti, 446.

glaszneri, 578.

lanceolatus, 105.

melanocephalus,

709.
Gecinus canus, 453.

squainatup, 248.

viridis, 619.

Geocicbla, 5.

sibirica, 425, 692.

varia, 692.

Geophaps scripta, 361.
Geothlypis trichas bra-

chydactyla, 338.

ignota, 3:^9.

trichas, 338.

Geotrygon cbrysia, 709.
Geronticus ereuiita,

358.
Gerygone personata,

553.
Glareola lactea, 272.
nielanoptera, 7, 141,

144.

nordmanni, 643.

p rati n cola, 643.

nielanoptera,

643.

pratincola,

643.

Glaucidium perlatum,

89, 149.

sjostedti, 13.

Glyciphila albifrons, 659,

660.

melanops, 660.

subocularis, 659.

Goura coronata, 180,

203.
Grail aria niacularia ber-

lepschi, 711.
Grallina pioata, 671.
Granatinaianthinogaster,

492.
Graucalus melanops,

683.
pectoralis, 80.

Grus cinerea, 642.

communis, 271, 465,

642.

japonensis, 465.

vii'go, 465, 642.

Gyranobucco bonapartii,

17.

calvus, 17.

peli, 17.

Gymnorhina, 700.

dorsalis, 670.

leuconota, 670.

longirostris, 670.

tibicen, 617.

longirostris,

670.
Gymnorhis flavicollis,

231.
Gymnoschizorbis, 178.
Gypaetus barbatus, 258,

415, 580, 627.
Gyps bengalensis, 415,

417.

fulTus, 257, 381,

625.

indicus, 417.

kolbii, 146.

rueppelli, 402, 626.

Haematopus ostralegus

osculans, 467.

palliatus, 314.

Hagedasbia hagedash,

89, 524.
Halcyon albiventris, 141,

151.
badius, 23.

chelicutensis, 86,

512.

coromandus, 423,

454.

malimbicus, 86.

perplexa, 181.

pyrrhopygius, 616.

- sanctus, 617.
8emic£eruleus, 86,

512.

smyrnensis, 251.

Hali actus leucoryphus,

259.

vocifer, 618.

HalobiEna, .547.
Heliobucco bouapartei,

17.
Heliocorys modesta, 76.
Helmitherus vermivoru.s,

336.
Ilelotarsus ecaudatus,

147, 402, 518.
Hemichelidon sibirica,

214, 436.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

•29

Heiniptervx niinuta, 095.
Herodias *alba, 279, 523,
683.

garzetta, 633.

ralloides, 89.

Heteractitis incana, 696i
Heterlivpbantes nigri-
collis, 43.

reichenowi. 492.

Heterocorax capensis,

486.
Hieracidea orientalis,

616.
Hieraetus fasciatus, 259.
Hierococcys nisicolor,

185.

sparverioides, 185.

Himantopiis, 542.

caiulidus, 274, 045.

himantopus, 531.

Hirundo sethiopica, 84.

callorhina, .546.

■ daurica, 183.

emini, 507.

erjthropygia, 239.

gordoni, 27.

gutturalis. 407, 410.

neoxena, 689.

uepaleusis, 239.

nigrita, 27.

puella, 507.

riocoiirii, 473.

rufila daurica, 439.

• riistina, 155, 238,

399,437,473,507.
erjthrogastra,

438.
■ gutturalis,

438, 439.

rustica, 473.

savignii, 173.

tytleri, 439.

seniirufa. 155.

smithi, 239.

striolata, 183, 407,

410.

urbica, 399.

Hodgsonius phoenicu-

roides, 713.
Holoquiscalus cayman-

ensis, 347.

gundlaohi, 347.

— insularis, 329.

. lugubris, 329.

luminosus, 321.

Hopiopterus spinosus,

90, 530, 645.
Horeites flavolivacea

intricatus, 704.
Houbara maequeeni, 272,

680.

SER. IX. VOL, III.

Hj'droclielidon bybrida,

614, 648.

nigra, 648.

Hydroprogne caspia, 277.
Hylacola cauta, 682.
Hylia prasina, 71.
Hyloterpe apoensis basi-

lanica, 707.
Hypacanthis spinoides,

231.
Hyphaiitomis abyssiiii-

C119, 79.
cabanisi, 170.

cucullatiis, 44.

■ galbula, 394.

heuglini, 78.

rubiginosus, 493.

spekii, 493.

ticniopterus, 79.

velatus, 170.

Hyphanturgus ocularius,

78.
Hypochera funerea, 141,
'166.

ultramarina, 77,

491.

Hypolais caligata, 121.

elteica, 297.

icterina, 694.

obsoleta, 121.

pallida, 82, 297,

395,501,544, 600.

polyglotta, 297.

rama, 121.

Hypopicus hyperythrus,

452.

manchuricus, 453.

poliopsis, 452.

Hypsipetes psai'oides,

111.

lanthia rufilata, 220.
lanthociclila afEnis ous-

taleti, 704.
lanthocincla rufigularis

assamensis, 704.
occidentalis,

704.
Ibis sethiopica, 524.

falcinellus, 635.

Icterus, 546.

bairdi, 340.

hypomelas, 330.

icterus, 323, 340.

leucopteryx, 340.

xanthornus helio-

eides, 323.
Indicator conirostris, 16.

exilis, 16.

indicator, 514.

Indicator major, 514.

minor, 87, 514.

sparrmani, 87.

gtietithorax, 15.

lole siquijorensis, 370,
Iridornis porphyro-

cephala, .536.
Irrisor erytbrorhynchus,

85, 364, 401, 509,

viridis, 151.

Ispidina picta, 86,
lyngipicus obsoletus,

401.
Inyx torquilla, 249, 453,

482, 619.

Kaupifalco raonograni-

tnicus, 11.
Ketupa zeylonensis, 255.

Lagonostictabrunneiceps,

78. _

jamesoni, 169.

larva ta, 405.

nigricollis, 40,5.

Lagopus lagopus, 698.
Laiscopus, 376.
Lalage tricolor, 683.
Lamprocolius bispecu-

laris, 171.

chalcnrus, 406.

chalybeus, 79, 406,

487.
phoenicopterus bi-

specularis, 171.

purpiireiceps, .38.

splendidus glauco-

virens, 37.

sycobius, 488.

Lamprotornis seneoce-

phalus. 79.

caudatus, 79.

porphyroptenis, 79,

Laniarius sethiopicus,

80.

atrococcineus, 161.

catharoxantluis, 81.

crythrogaster, 81.

guttatus, 161.

— — luelideri, 34.

sulpbureipectus, 81,

161.
Lanius auriculatus, 472,

612.

caudatus, 498.

coUaris, 161.

collurio, 161, 472,

499,611.

cristatus, 436.

erytbronotus, 129,

excubitor, 471.

3c

'30

INDEX OF

Lanius excubitor elegans,

471.

humevalis, 498.

isabellinus,129,394,

678, 612.
lahtora, 100, 128,

471.

• leucoDotus. 394.

lucionensis, 436.

mackinnoni, 36.

minor, 1(10, 472,

499, 678, 611.
nubicus, 80, 394,

472, 612.

paradoxus, 80.

phcenicuroides, 499.

pomeranus, 612.

niloticus, 472.

senator niloticus,

472.

splienocercus, 436.

— — subcorouatus, 160.

tigrinus, 409.

Tiltatus, 129.

Larus argentatus, 648.
cacbinnaiis, 277,

410, 649.

can us, 469.

fuscus, 403, 649.

kumlieni, 3.39.

leucophthalmus,

403.
melanoeepbalus,

575.

pb.-Tocepbalns, .332.

ridibuudus, 277,

411, 648.

vegce, 408, 410, 469.

Larvivora, 184.

bruiinea, 110.

cyanea, 427.

Leptoutila verreauxi, 314.
1a ptoptilus erumeni-

ferus, 146. 622.
Lerwa nivicola, 714.
Limnocorax niger, 528.
Limonites minutilla,

315.
Limosa segocepbala, 648.

belgira, 648.

Linota cannabina, 475.
mcditerranea,

475.

linaria, 441 .

rostrata, 355.

Lioi.icus maliraitensis,

249.
Lipoa ocellata, 543.
Lissdtis melanogaster,

529.
nuba, 701.

Lobivanellus miles, 614.
Locustella certbiola, 430.

faseiola, 431.

lanceolata, 430.

luscinioides, 601,

694.

nwTia, 298.

riibescens, 431.

stiaiiiiiiea, 118.

Lophoceros epirbinus,
151.

erytbrorbyncbus,

86.

faseiatus, 23.

leucomelas, 151.

nasutus, 85.

Lopbophanes melano-

lopbus, 108.
Lopbopborus refulgens,

268.
Lopborbina minor, 209.
Lopbotis ruficrista, 145.
Lorioulus siquijorensis,

370.
Loxia sp., 574.

bitasciata, 694.

gviillemnrdi, .578.

Luscinia golzi, 405.

pbilomela, 405,

593.
Lusciniola aedon, 429.

luscata, 428.

melanopogon, 120.

schwarzi, 430.

Lusciola golzi, 405.

pbilomela, 405.

Lybius abyssinicus, 88.

leucocepbalus, 87.

senex, 514.

torquatus, 154.

vieilloti, 88.

Lycos dauricus, 135.

monedula, 13.5.

neglectus, 135.

Lyrurus tetrix, 463.

Macgregoria pulcbra,

560.
Macbserirbyncbus nigri-

pectus barterti, 560.
Macbetes pugnax, 647.
Maerodipteryx longi-

pennis, 84.
Macrouectes, 547.
Macronyx croceiis, 76,

495.

wintoni, 496.

Maprorliampbus semi-

palmatus, 419.

taczanowskii, 419.

Macriiropsar magn us,379.

Macruropsar magnus

brevicauda, 379.
Malimbus cassini, 39,
41.

coronatus, 41.

malimbicus, 41.

nitens, 39.

Malurus assimilis, 675.

bernieri, 650, 676.

dulcis, 542.

• elegans, 675.

inquietus, 296.

lamberti. 676.

leuconotus, 675.

leucopterus, 674.

— — pulcberrimus, 542,
676.

splendens, 674.

Mareca americana, 339.

peuelope, 192, 282,

637.
Margarops fuscatus, 313,
327.

fuscatus, 327.

Megalestris catarrbactes,

356.
Megalurus gramineus,

680.
— — striatus, 680.
Melanerpes subelegans,

322.
Meianocorypba arabs,
479.

bimaeulata, 224,

245.

mongolica, 409.

Melanopteryx niaxwelli,
47.

nigerrimus, 39, 46.

Melanornis edolioides,

83.
Melanotis anoplexis,

492.
Melierax gabar, 89, 147.

polyzonus, 89.

Melignomoii zenkeri, 17.
Meliornis longirostris,

655.
Melitbreptus cbloropsis,
6iU.

leucogenys, 660.

lunulatus, 661.

Melittopbagus albifrons,
511.

gularis australis,

24.

meridionalis, 151.

niuelleri, 24.

pusillus, 512.

Melocicbla mentalis, 82.
orieutalis, 503.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

731

Melopyrrha nigra, 345.

taylori, 345.

Merganser castor, 284.
Mero;us albellus, 284,

638.

■ merganser, 638.

serrator, 638.

Merops segvptius, 483.

albicollis, 24.

apiaster, 152, 250,

400,4^2,511.

batesiana, 24.

frenatus, 85.

natalensis, 152.

niibicoides, 152.

nubicus, 85, 511.

ornatus, 617.

persicus, 250, 400,

48.'^.

pbilippinus, 250.

pusillus, 8.5.

viridis, 85, 250,

483.
Merula atrigularis, 222.
castanea, 222.

fusca, 222,

maxima, 221, 620,

713.

saturata, 73.

vulgaris, 221.

Mesophoyx bracby-

rhyneba, 523.
Mesopicus pceocepbalus,

88, 513.
Metoponia pusilla, 230.
Micrceca assiiiiilis, 688.
INIicroperdix inglisi, 692.
Milvus ffigyptius. 11, 148,

519,629.

affiiiis, 616.

govinda, 260, 263.

ictinus, 578.

melanotis, 260, 407,

408, 410, 457.

migrans, 413, 519.

segyptius, 629.

Mimocicbla ravida, 340.

rubripes, 335.

eremita, 335.

Mimus gilviis, 319.

columbianns,

320.

gilvus, 319.

rostratus, 319.

tobagensis,

320.
polyglottos orpbeus,

343.
portoricensis,

343.
Mirafra afrieana, 164.

Mirafra albicauda, 495.

athi, 494.

cantillans, 246.

erytbropygia, 76.

fiscberi, 495.

nigricans, HI,

164.

sabota, 164.

Mniotilta varia, 336.
Molotbrus ater, 329.
atronitens, 312,

323.

cabanisi, 550.

Molpastes, 100.

intermedins. 111,

112, 115, 303, 304.
leucogenys, 111-

115, 303, 304.
leucotis, 112, 114,

115, 303, 304.
niagratbi, 114, 302,

304, 692.
Monarcba castaneiven-

tris megarbynchus,

181.
Monedula neglecta, 135.
Monticola cyanus, 287,

585.

gularis, 426.

rufocinereus, .')04.

■ saxatilis. 83, 223,

287, 504, 578, 585,

698.
Montifringilla adamsi,

234.

cognata, 706.

Motacilla alba, 239, 299,

391, 574, 607.
baicalensis,

433.

ocularis, 434.

baicalensis, 410.

beema, 241.

boarula boarula,

299.
melanope,

434.

borealis, 240.

borin, 705.

capensis, 163,

cinereooapilla, 301.

citreola, 241, 242,

300, 434.
citreoloides, 241,

242, 621, 713,

■ • I'eldeggi, 241.

ficedula, 574, 607.

flava, 55. 300,391,

496, 574, 608.
borealis, 300,

392, 435.

Motacilla flava cinereo-
capilla, 301, 392.

flava, 300,

391.

melano-

cepbala, 300, 392, 393.

nielanogrisea,

301,392.

pygmsea, 301,

392.

raii, 392.

hortensis, 705.

lugubris, 607.

leucopsis, 433.

luscinia, 593.

maderaspatensis,

240,

melanocepbala,

300, 608.

melanope, 240, 607.

ocularis, 408.

personata, 240.

stapazina, 288.

sulpburea, 299.

vidua, 54, 76.

Munia caniceps, 491.

pectoralis, 618.

Muscadivora palmar-

ensis, 706.
Muscicapa albicilla, 437.

aquatica, 83.

atricapiUa, 473,

714.

atricapilla,

473, 714.

semitorquata,

473, 714.

collaris, 473, 714.

grisola, 155, 399,

473, 507, 558.

latirostris, 437.

— melanoleuca, 288.

narcissina xan-

thopygia, 437.

parva, 357, 473,

544, 712.

semitorquata, 714.

sibirica, 436.

striata, 558.

Musophaga rossae, 178.

violacea, 178.

Mycerobas carneipes,

182.
Myiadestes sibilans, 308.
Myiarcbus brevipennis,
318, 330.

denigratus, 343.

oberi, 312.

nugator, 3.11.

318.
sagrjE, 343.

3c2

7S2

INDEX OF

Myiarchiis tyranmilus,

312, 318, 322, 330.
Myiobius erythrurus

hellinayri, 711.
Myioplioneus, 184.

temmincki, 110.

Myrmecocichla crypto-

leuca, .504.

leipura, 399.

■ melanura, 290, 544.

Myrmelastes inunaculata

ocfi dental is, 539.
Myzantba flavigula, 654.

obscura, 655.

Myzomela nigra, 661.

Nasiterna, 209.
Nectarinia dartmouthi,

187.
jacksoni, 497.

kilimensis, 497.

nietallica, 391.

pulcbella, 75.

reiclienowi, 497.

thomensis, 564.

Nemosia rosenbergi,

709.
Nemura cyanura, 427.
JNeocossjpliiis, 4, 72.
Neophron ginginianus,

414.

monaebiis, .'")20.

percnopterus, 257,

402, 413. ()26,
Neositta pileata, 666.

■ tenuirostris, 666.

Nestor notabilis. 177.
Netta riifina, 283.
Nettion carolinensis,

339.
erecca, 460.

formosum, 460.

Nettium erecca, 281.
Nicator cbloris, 34.

vireo, 35.

Nilaus afer, 80.

brubru, ] (52.

minor. .500.

Kinox scutulata japonica,

465.
Nisaetus fascJatiis, 413,

415, 629.
Nothoprocta maculosa,

361.
Notoplioyx novte-hol-

landise, 615.

■ pacifica, 615.

Nucifraga carjocatactes

macrorhyncha, 445.
rauitipuiictata, 106.

Numeniiis arcuatus
lineatus, 468.

arquata, 648.

cyanopiis, 468.

pba^opus, 550.

Numida coronata, 143.

reiclienowi, 527.

Njctala tenginalmi, 4.55.
Nyoticorax caledonicus,
'615.

griseus, 145, 280,

523, 634.

Nyi-oea baeri, 461.
ferina, 283.

ferruginea, 283.

fiiligula, 283,

leucopbtbalma,

638.

Ocbtbodromus asiaticus,

531.
CEdemia nigra, 192.
Qidicnenuis, 542.

affinis, 90.

capensis, 144, 529.

crepitans, 642, 643.

scolopax, 272, 356,

642.
senegalensis, 26, 90,

642.

vermiculatns, 529.

CEna capensis, 143, 401.
CEnopopelia tranque-

barica, 2()7-
(Estrelata, 175.

axillaris, 546.

bassitata, 176.

sandwicbensis, .5,38.

Olor coliimbiaiuis, 359.
Oreocicbla cuneata, 701.
Oreocorys sylvan us,

245.
Oreoica cristata, 667,

669.
Oriolus auratus, 79.

crassirostris, 564.

diflusiis, 435.

galbula, 394, 471,

488,610.

indieus, 435.

kundoo, 130.

larvatus, 141, 170.

Oroscoptes montanus,

696.

rolleti. 488.

Ortalis ruflcanda, 322.
Ortbonjx spaldingi,

701.
temmincki victori-

ana, 560.

Ortbotomus erytbro-

pteriis, 82.

sutorius, 120.

Ortygometra erex, 641.
Ortvgospiza polyzona,

160.
Ossifraga, 547.
Otis casrulescens, 528.

kori, 145.

ruficrista, 145.

tarda dybowskii,

465.

tetrax. 272.

Otocorys longirostri.s,

713.
Otogyps calvus, 256,

417.
Otus flammeola idabo-

ensis, 696.

steerei, 706.

Oxyecbus tricollaris,

531.

Pachycepbala lanioides,

542.

occidentalis. 66'^.

riifiventris, 618,

668.
Pacbyprora molitor,

156.
Pacbysylvia griseipes,

323.

muscicapina, 711.

Pagodroma, 547.
Palaiornis doeilis, 89.

scbisticeps, 255.

torquatiis, 254.

Palumbus casiotis, 266.
Pandiou baliaetus, 457,

623, 632.
carolinensis,

339.
Parabuteo unicinctus,

322.
Paradisea minor, 693.
raggiana, 203, 204,

208, 213.

riidolpbi, 361.

Paradisornis rudolpbi,

210, 213, 565, 716.
Paramytbia montium,

560.
Pardalotus, 700.

ornatus, 661.

pallidus, 542, 662.

punctatus, 662.

rubricatus, 662.

Parisoraa subccrruleum,

156.
Parmoptila woodbousii,

67, 74, 383.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

733

Piirotia lawesi, 208, 209,

213.
Parra africana, 530.

capensis, 530.

Parus afer, 162.

albiventris, 498.

aphrodite, 578,

603.

atriceps, 106, 108.

■ atricristatus cas-

tanei irons, 173.

bicolor texensis,

173.

borealis, 692.

baiealensis,

432.

creruleus, 604.

cinereu3 minor, 432.

coinniunis longi-

rostris, 381.

Cypriotes, 578, 603.

dreseeri, 692.

funereus, 66.

leucoiuelas, 76.

major, 602, 603.

minor, 603.

montaiius borealis,

381..

salicarius, 381.

palustris, 381.

brevirostris,

433.
crassirostris,

433.
Passer

698.

diffiisus, 77.

domcsticus, 100,

232, 233, 257, 410, 412,

476.

indicus, 476.

emiui, 77.

griseus, 54.

hispaniolensis, 232,

476.
montanus, 233, 407,

410, 440.
ruficinetns, 493.

salicicola, 476.

shelleji, 388.

Passerculus sandvvich-

ensis, 339.
Pastor cristatus, 712.

roseus, 131, 232,

256, 712.

Pavoncella pugnax, 275,

405.
Pelecanus crispus, .577.

fuscus, 313, 322.

onocrotalus, 522,

577, 632, 692.

cmnamomeus,

Pelecanus rufescens, 633.
Peuelo])e granti, 173.

jacupeba, 173.

marail, 173.

Pentberes funereus, 66.
Penthetria laticauda,

489.
Pentlioceryx, 184.
Perdicula asiatica, 698.
Perdix daurica, 462.
Pericrocotus brevirostris,

130.

peregrinus, 130.

Pernis apivorus, 12, 578,

630.
Petrochelidon ariel, 689.

nigricans, 688.

Petroeca bicolor, 688.

Campbell i, 686.

goodenovii, 687.

leggii, 686, 687.

picata, 617, 688.

ramsayi, 687.

Petronia dentata, 77.

stulta, 234.

Petrophila cinclo-

rhyncha, 223.

cyanus, 223.

Phabitrerou samarensis,

7U6.
Phoeoruis eritba, 538.
Phaeton tethereus, 327.

americanus, 327.

Phalacrocorax sp., 458.

africaiuis, 146.

carbo, 278, 458,

632.

filamentosus, 4-58.

fuscicoUis, 278.

graculiis, 356.

lucid us, 520.

Plialaropus fulicarius,

192.

hyperboreus, 707.

Phasianus torquatus al-

pherakyi, 461.

karpowi, 461.

Phasidus, 5.
Phasinoptynx capeusis,

517.
Philetaerus arnaudi, 491.
Philomela luscinia, 292,

593.

major, 292.

Phlogcenas criuigera,

698.
Pholidanges leucogaster,

79.

verreauxi,

171.

verreauxi, 488.

Pholidornis ru.shia% 66.
Phonygama chalybeata,
209,213.

purpureo-violacea,

209, 213.
Phormoplectes dorso-

maculatus, 43.
Phyllastrephus scandena

orientalis, 58.
Phvllolais pulchella,

5"(J2.
Phyllopneuste bonellii,
294.

hippolais, 297,

rufa, 295.

sylvicola, 294.

trochilus, 295.

Phylloscopus bonellii,
294, 599.

borealis, 357, 427,

695.

collybita, 599.

abietina, 295.

fuscatus, 428.

huniii, 125.

indicus, 123.

ueglectus, 124,

620.

lorenzi, 620.

plumbeitarsus, 427.

proregulus, 124,

428.

rufus rufus, 295.

sibilatrix, 73, 294,

599.

erlangeri,

704.

subviridis, 92, 124.

superciiioeus, 428.

tristis, 121, 123,

124.

trochilus, 158, 295,

501,598.

eversmanni,

295.

■ trochilus, 295.

Phyllosti-ephus damans,
55.

flavigula, 57-

indicator, 5(5.

leucopleurus, 58.

orientalis, 58.

simplex, 57.

viridescentior, 56.

Piaya, 711.

cayana, 711.

boliviana,

711.

caucse, 711.

macroura, 711.

melanogastra, 711.

734

INDEX OF

Piaya minuta, 711.

rutila, 711.

Pica bactriana, 446.

leucopterus, 446.

sericea, 447.

rustica, 91, 105.

Pieathartes, 5.
Picoides tridactylus

crissoleucus, 452.
Picus caudata, 408.

uiartius, 449.

Pinarornis rhodesiie.

693.
Pionus reichenowi, 872.
Pipastes maculatus, 435.
Pipra fasciata purusiana,
711.

flavogaater, 310.

Pitangus caudifasciatus,
343.

caymanensis, 343.

Pitta mackloti, 209.

reichenowi, 692.

strepitans, 700.

Platalea alba, 524.

leucorodia, 278,

635.

regia, 615.

PLatystira cyanea, 83.
Plectropterus gambensis,

524.
Plegadis falcinellus, 278,

624, 615, 635.
Ploceipasaer melano-
rbynchus, 490.

superciliosus, 78.

Ploceus bengaleusis,
226.

bicolor, 42.

cucuUatus, 44.

dorso-maculatus,

43.
— — fusco-castaneus, 47.

nigerrimus, 46.

nigricullis, 43.

ocularius crocatus,

78.
Plotus levaillanti, 521.

rufus, 146.

Podargus intermedius,
204.

phalicnoides, 616.

Podica camerunensis, 8.

jacobi, 8.

petersi, 378.

senegalensis, 8.

Podieeps minor, 649.
Podicipes albipennis,
284.

capensis, 144, 532.

cristatus, 469, 532.

Podicipes fluviatilis, 411,
469, 470, 649.

nigricollis, 284,

580.
Pcecile tunkanensis,

706.
Poecilodryas albifacies,

701.
Pcecilonetta erythro-

rhyncha, 525.
Poedilorhyncbus stubl-
nianni camerunensis,
30, 43.
PcEOcephalus gulielmi
fantiensis, 178.

meyeri, 88, 149.

nyansjE, 178.

trans vaalensis,

149.
Poeoptera lugubris, 38.
Poicepbalus meyeri
transvaalensia, 149.
Poliobierax semitorqua-

tus, 377.
Polioptila plumbeiceps,

323.
Poliospiza angolensis,
165.

gularis, 165.

mennelli, 378,

693.
Polvboroides, 11.
Polvborus cheriwayi,

322.
Polyerata amabilis, 709.

cyaneotincta, 709.

Pomatorhinus rubeculus,
682.

superciliosus, 681.

Pomatorbynclius austra-

lis frater, 33.
Poraatosiomus rubeculus,

617.
Porpbyrio smaragdo-

notus, 528.
Porpbyrocephalus

spurius, 698.
Porzana atra, 179.

maruetta, 270, 542,

641.

pusilla, 270, 465.

Pratincola axillaris, 504.

caprata, 216.

maura, 216, 408,

412, 426.

rubetra, 290, 590.

rubicola, 290, 590.

Prinia bairdi, 69.

flavicans, 159.

flaviventris, 128.

gracilis, 395.

Prinia gracilis yemenen-

sis, 704.

inornata, 128.

lepida, 128.

murina, 82.

mystacea, 82, 160,

502.
Prion, .547.
Prioniturus malindan-

gensis, 706.
Prionodura newtoniana,

553, 701.
Prionops poliocephalus,

80.

talacoma, 160.

Procellaria pelagica,

578.
Propasser dubius, 228,

713.

grandis, 228.

Psalidoprocne albiceps,

508.

massaica, 508.

nitens, 28.

petiti, 28.

Psepbutus cucullatus,

555.

dissirailis, 554.

Pseudoealyptomena

graueri, 690.
Pseudogerygone cantator,

700.

culicivora, 685.

fusca, 700.

maeleaui, 693.

Pseudogyps bengalensis,

257.
Pseudoscolopax tacza-

nowskii, 418, 421.
Pseudotbarraleus malin-

dangensis, 707.
Psittacns princeps, 564.
Pteridopbora alberti,

560.
Pternistes inf uscatus, 527.

swainsoni, 142.

Pterocles arenarius, 267,

679.

exustus, 404.

fasciatus, 267-

gutturalis, 526.

lichteusteini, 404.

quadricinctus, 90.

Pteroclurus alchata, 268.

exustus, 268.

Pteroglossus reicbenowi,

710.
Pteronetta cyanoptera, 6.

hartlaubi, 6.

Pteropodocys pbasia-

nella, 617, 684.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

735

Ptilopacliys fusctis, 90.
Ptilopus insularis, 179.
Ptilorhis intercedens,

213.
Ptilotis carteri, 655.

forresti, 657.

keartlandi, 656.

leilavalensis, 656.

novai-uorciiB, 657.

oruata, 656.

plumula, 656, 657.

.sonora, 658.

Ptyonoprogne obsoleta,

238, 399, 621.

ruflgula, 508.

rupestris, 238.

Pucrasia styani, 693.
Puffinus yelkouanus,

575.
Pycnonotus arsinoe, 395.

gabouensis, 60.

■ goiavier suluensis,

■ 707.

layardi, 156, 501.

minor, 81.

viridescentior, 56.

xanthopygus, 610.

Pycnorhamphus car-

neipes, 227, 713.

icteroides, 227.

Pyctorhis sinensis, 110,

620.
Pyromelana, 5.

capensis, 490.

■ xanthomelffica,

167.

flammiceps, 49.

franciscaua, 77.

oryx, 168, 559.

sundevalli, 168.

taha, 141, 167.

xantbomelana, 490.

Pyrrhocorax alpiuus,

1U6.
Pyrrbospiza punicea,

713.
Pyrrbula erythrina, 355.

steerei, 707.

Pyrrbulauda grisea, 247.

leucoparia, 494.

leucotis, 76.

melanaucbeii, 393.

smitbi, 165.

Pytelia citerior, 78.

melba, 168.

soudanensis, 78.

Quelea setbiopica, 491.

qtielia, 168.

Querqiiedula circia, 282,
5, 637.

Querqiiedula crecca, 637.

disi'ors, 339.

hottentota, 525.

Quisoalus caymanensis,
347.

insularis, 321, 329.

liiiuinosu8,312, 321.

Eallus aquaticus, 270,

542, 622.
Eampbalcyon amauro-

ptera, 555.

capensis, 555.

— — cyanopteryx,

555.
hydropbila,

555.

isoptera, 555.

nisoeca, 555.

gigantea, 555.

melanorbyncba,

555.
Recurvirostra, 542.
novaj hollandiie,

614-
Regulus sp., 598.

cristatus, 117, 712.

ignicapillus, 598,

Rliainpbaloyou capensis

smilbi, 707.
Rbectes diciirous, 209.
Kbinornyias ruficauda

mindanensis, 70(5.
Rbinopomastus cabauisi,

509.
Rbiuoptilus cbalcopte-

riis, 144.
Rbipidura preissi, 685.

tricolor, 684, 685.

Rbodopboneus crueiitus,

394.
Rliodospiza obsoleta, 229.
Rbyacopbilus glareola,

531.
Rbyacornis fuliginosus,

219.
Rbyucbaspis clypeata,

637.
Rbyncbocyclus siilpbu-

rescens exortivus, 537.
Rbyucbsea capensis, 646.
Rbyuchops albicollis,

623.

flavirostris, 405.

flaviventris, 405.

nigra, 322.

Rostratula australis, 614.

capensis, 277.

Rubigula dispar, 698.
Rufibrenta, 183.
Ruticilla aurorea, 426.

Ruticilla erythronota,

219.

frontalis, 713.

grandis, 182.

niesoleuca, 591.

pbcEiiicurus, 82,

290,397,591.
rufiventris, 215,

219,291,713.
■ seniirufa, 290.

— titys, 291, 357, 592,
712.

Ruwenzorornis, 178.

Sarcidiornis africana, 525.
Sarciopborus tectus, 90.
Sarcograiumus indicus,

247, 273,
Sarothrura bonapartei, 7.

elegans, 7.

reiclienovi, 7.

Saiiloprocta melaleuca,

179.
Saurothura buryi, 693.
Saxicola albicollis, 689.
ampbileuca, 288,

589.

aiirita, 288, 589.

capistrata, 91, 217.

cbrysop3'gia, 218.

cypriaca, 577, 587.

deserti, 218, 289.

eiirymeljena, 288.

familiaris, 157.

finscbi, 589.

bawkeri, 693.

isabellina, 83, 218,

288, 590.

leucomela, 688.

leucopygia,289,398.

luge lis, 289.

melanoleuca, 83,

398, 589.

occidentalis,

398.

monacba, 290, 688.

uiorio, 505, 577,

587, 620.

occidentalis melano-
leuca, 288.

oenanthe, 83, 217,

287, 587, 620.

leucorrboa,

287.

opistboleuca, 217.

pieata, 216.

pileata, 157.

saltatrix, 288.

scbalowi, 504.

stapazina, 288, 589.

stapazina, 288.

"36

INDEX OF

Scenopa?etes deutirostris,

553, 700.
gchizorhis concolor, 152.

leucogastei', 516.

zonura, 87.

Schoenicla passerina, 444.
Scolopax rusticula, 192,

276, 356, 467, 645.
Scojjs capensis, 149, 517.

cypria, 578.

fese, 564.

giu, 578, 624.

• stictonota, 455.

japouica, 455.

ieucotis, 149.

Scoptelus aterriuius, 85.
Scopus uiiibrettus, 89,

145, 522.
Scotocerca inqnieta, 127,
176,296,471,692.^

innesi, 176,

296.

Fcotopelia bouvieri, 12.
Seotoriiis cliniacuriis, 84.
Scytlirops iiovaj-liol-

landia!, 206.
Sericornis balstoni, 650,

677.

brunnea, 667, 677.

iiuiculata, 677.

Serin us, 5.

aHinis, 494.

— — angolensis, 165.

fagaiii, 494.

bortulanus, 475.

icterus, 77, 105.

shari)ii, 493.

sbelleyi, ]66.

sulpburatus, 165.

Serpentariiis secretarius,

146.
Setopliaga pallida, 711.

ruticilla, 339.

SlieppMrdiaguiiningi,696.
Sigiiiodiis rufiveiitris, 33.
Siphia parva, 214.

albieilla, 437-

Sisura inquieta, 684.
Sitagra luteola, 78.

ocularia, 492.

Sitta sp., 299, 544.

amurensis, 433.

kashmirensis, 115.

leucopsis, 115.

neumsiyeri, 604.

syriaca, 574, 604.

Smieroriiis brevirostris,

686.

flavescens, 686.

Sniitbornis caiuerun-

eusis, 31.

Smitbornis zenkeri, 31.
Somateria moUissima,

356.

spectabib's, 192.

Sorella emini, 493.
Spatula clypeata, 282,

637.
Spermestes cucuUata, 50,

78.

poensis, 51.

Spbecotberes etalkeri,

701.
Spbenostoma cristatum,

666.
Spindalis benedicti, 346.

pretrei, .'-546.

salvini, 346.

Spizaetus bellicosiis, 147.

limnaetus, 713.

Spodiopsar ciueraceus,

445.
Spora?ginthus amandava,

226, 475.
Sporophila leueoptera

jequatorialis, 711.
Sporopipes frontalis. 492.

• squamifrons, 168.

Spree superbus, 487.
Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

uropygialis, 322.
Stephanibyx coronatus,

144, 630.
Sterna anglica, 277, 648.

bergii, 403.

cantiaca, 648.

fluviatilis, 648.

birundo, 648.

niaerura, 648.

media, 403.

melanogaster, 278.

saundersi, 403.

seena, 623.

Stigraatops ocularis,

659.
Stii)lirornis gabonensis,

71.

xantbogaster, 71.

Stipiturus malacurus,

673.

mallee, 674.

Stoparola melanops, 698.
Strepera piumbea, 651.
Streptopelia torqiiata, 9.
Strix, 359.

aliico, 624.

flammea, 149.

poensis, .516.

Sturnia sturnina, 408.
Sturnus butnii, 131.

uienzbieri, 132.

poltaratzskii, 576.

Sturnus porpliyronotus,

132, 578.
purpurascens, 480.

577.
vulgaris, 186, 192,

411, 712.
poltaratskyi,

481.
purpurascens,

480.

vulgaris, 480.

Sublegatus arenarum,

322.
Sula coryi, 325.

eyanops, 315, 324.

leucogastra, 541.

piscator, 316, 324,

325, 333.
sula, 315, 324, 333,

403.
Surniculus, 184.
Suva crinigera, 91, 120,

127.
Sycalis pelzelni, 698.
Sycobrotus bicolor, 42.
Sylvia affinis, 122.
- — altluea, 122.
— — atricapilla, 294,

396, 596.

blanfordi, 397.

borin, 705.

cinerea, 121, 141,

158, 292. 397, 594.
conspicillata, 293,

595.
curruca, 292, 397,

594.
bortensis, 294, 396,

595, 596, 705.

jerdoni, 121.

nielanocephala, 293,

550, 595, 596.
• nielauothorax, 596,

697.

minuscula, 123.

— momus, 293.

nana, 122.

nisoria, 396, 578,

694, 694.
orphea, 293, 597,

705.

rueppelli, 293, 597.

subalpina, 293, 595.

suecica, 562.

undata toni, 704.

wolfii, 562.

Sylviella batesi, 72.

bracbyura, 82.

jacksoni, 501.

rufescens, 159.

virens, 72.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES.

■37

Sym])1iemi;i semipaliiiata,

421.
Svrnium aluoo, G24.

biddulphi, 255.

nuchale, 12.

Tachjcineta albiTentris,

323.
Tadorna casarca, (136.
cornuta, 281, 459,

636.

rutila, 636.

Tulpanser, 636.

Tteniopygia castanotis,

652.
Tanagra palmarum nie-

lanoptera, 323.
Tchitrea viridis, 32.
— — - rufofinerea, 33.
Teleplionus australis, 162.
blanfordi, 81.

seuegalus, 81, 162,

500.

Temeuucbus pagodarum,

133.
Tersipbone cristata, 83.

incii, 423, 437.

— — newtoni, 564.

paradisi, 215, 698.

perspicillata sualie-

lica, 506.

euabelica, 506.

Tetraenura regia, 166.
Tetrao alcbata, 573.

rufus, 573.

Tetraogalhis himalay-

ensis, 269.
Tetrastes bonasia, 464,

706.

orientalis, 706.

Tetrax, 542.
Tbalassornis leuconotus,

525.
Tbalurania furcata inter-
media, 710.
Tbamnobia canibayensis,

118,221.
Thamnoisea subrufipen-

iiis, 505.
Thaninopbilus buberi,

711.
Tbarrbaleus atriguLaris,

225.

jerdoni, 225.

tetricus, 706.

Thripias namaquus, 154,

513.
Ticbodroma inuraria,] 16.
Tiiinuiieuhis alaudarius,

265, 518,632,

Tinnuuculus cencbris,

518.

rupicola, 148.

Todus multicolor, 709.
Tolmarcbus caudifascia-

tus caymanensis, 343.

caymanensis, 343.

Totanus calidris, 247,

275, 647.

cauescens, 648.

fnscus, 550, 647.

glareola, 275, 405,

468, 647.

glottis, 275.

bypoleuciis, 274,

405, 468, 647.

ocbropus, 275, 356,

468, 647.

stagiiatilis, 275,

531,647.
Tracbypbotnis caCer, 154.

margaritatus, 401.

Tricbolffiiiia leiicomelas,

154.
Tringa alpina, 646.

canutus, 646.

cinclus, 646.

minuta, 276, 467,

646.

subarquata, 646.

temmincki, 276,

646, 694.
Tringoides bypoleucus,

90, 468, 531.
Trocbalopteron lineatum

gilgit, 704.
grisescautior,

704.
Trocbalopterum linea-
tum, 109.

simile, 108.

Troglodytes cypriotis,

605.

parvnliis, 605.

Trogon melanocepbalus

illajtabilis, 537.
Turaeus corytbaix, 361,

378.

leucolopbus, 86.

livingstonei loita-

iius, 178.

meriani, 13.

zenkeri, 13.

Turdiuus, 4, 72.
Turdus, 720.

alpestris, 580, 584.

cabaiiisi, 377.

coburni, 558.

. dubius, 423, 424.

fiiscatus, 709.

Turdtis fuscescens, 698.
iliacus, 98, 186, 192,

224, 286, 659, 580,

584, 712.

• litsitsirupa, 156.

merula, 192, 286,

544, 584.

migratorius, 717.

musicus, 186, 286,

544, 583, 712.
naumanni, 425,

709.

obsourus, 425.

orpbeus, 343.

pallasi, 698.

pallidas, 425.

pelios, 82.

saturatus, 73.

pilaris, 286. 584.

■ ruficoUis, 709.

torquatus, 286, 58.5.

viscivorus, 223, 583.

Turnix blanfordi, 464.

bottentotta, 527.

lepurana, 143, 362.

sylvatica, 542.

tanki, 270.

Turtur auritus, 639.

cambayensis, 266.

capicola, 143.

communis, 356.

communis,

639.
isabellinus,

639.

damarensis, 526.

decipiens, 88.

ferrago, 266.

lugens, 525.

orientalis, 408, 461.

risorius, 267.

roseigriseus, 88,

401.

rupicola, 461.

semitorquatus, 9,

143.
senegalensis, 88,

143,401,580, 639.
ajgyptiacus,

639.

sbarpii, 639.

viuaeeus, 88.

barbarus, 88.

Turturoena malberbii,

564.
Tyrannus domiuicensis,

307, 330, 339.

vorax, 307.

rostratus, 307.

vorax, 307.

738

INDEX OP SCIENTiriO NAMES.

Upupa africana, 151,

508.
epops, 85, 252, 401,

409, 454, 483.

epops, 483.

major, 483.

major, 483.

Ur£EginthuB ianthino-

gaster, 492.
Uragus sanguinolentus,

698.
Uratelornis chimsera,

177.
Uria bruennichi, 192.

ringvia, 192.

troile, 192.

Uroaetiis audax, 616.
Urobrachya phoenicea,

77.
Urocichla longicaudata,

184.
Uroloncba malabarica,

226.
Urubitinga anthraciua,

310.

Vanellus cristatus, 466,

645.
vulgaris, 273, 409,

411,645.

Verreauxia africana, 19.
Vidua paradisea, 166.
principalis, 167,

489.

regia, 167.

serina, 53, 167.

Viuago calva, 88, 405.

waalia, 405.

Vireo alien i, 344.

caynianensis, 344.

crassirostris, 344.

• alleni, 344.

- — — novis-boracensis,

336, 344.
bermudianus,

336.
Vireolanius leucotis, 178.
Vireosylva cavmanensis,

344.

magister, 344.

Volatinia jacarini splen-

dens, 323.
Vultur auricularis,. 626.
monachus, 383, 626.

Xantbopygia tricolor,

437.
Xema sabinii, 192.
Xeropbila castaneiven-

tris, 667.

Xiphidiopterus albiceps,

90.
Xiphorhynchus multo-

striatus, 711.

Yungipicns siasiensis,

706.
Yunx torquilla, 482.

Zenaida aurita, 306.

ricbardsoni. 341.

spadicea, 341.

ZoniEgintbus oculatus,

653.
Zonogastris melba, 168.
Zonotricbia pileata, 553.
Zosterops alberti, 181.

anderssoni, 163.

balstoni, 650, 663.

goodf'ellowi malin-

dangensis, 707.

gouldi, 663.

griseovirens, 564.

lutea, 663.

palpebrosa, 107,

110.

senegalensis, 76.

shortridgei, 650,

663.

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

1909.

Africa : description of a bird from, 690 ;
notes on a collection of birds made
in Britith East, 484 ; on birds from
Britigli East, noticed, 699 ; note on
Mr. S. A. Neave's second expedition
to South, 566 ; note on new expe-
dition to West, 193.

African birds, ^Neumann's notes on,
noticed, 178.

Alexander, B. : note on new African
expedition, 193 ; news of, from
Kamerun, 564, 716.

Alexandra District, Northern Territory,
S. Australia, supplementary list of
the birds of the, 613.

Allen, J. A., on Bceolophus bicolor-
atricristatus, noticed, \1'1.

Amazonian birds, on new, noticed, 710.

American Robin, note on proposed
introduction into England of the, 717.

'Annals of Scottish Natural History,'
noticed, 355, 694.

' Annals of the Transvaal Museum,'
noticed, 695.

Annual General Meeting B. O. U., 1909,
Proceedings at the, 532.

' Aquila,' 1905-1907, noticed, 357.

Arngoni degli Oddi, E., letter from, on
the White-fronted Goose, 562.

Auckland Museum, New Zealand, note
on the, 717.

• Auk,' ' The,' noticed, 858, 696.

Auk in Norway, on the Great, noticed,
365.

Australia, supplementary list of the
birds of the Alexandra District,
Northern Territory, 613 ; on a col-
lection of Birds from Western, 650.

"Authorities" to scientific names of
animals, on attaching, 347.

Aves of the ' Zoological Record,'
vol. xliv. 1907, noticed, 557.

' Avicultural Magazine,' noticed, 360,
697.

' Avifauna Neerlandica,' noticed, 658,

Bahama Islands, a new Warbler from

the, noticed, 712.
Bahr-el-Ghazal Province, Sudan, on

birds collected by C'apt. E. P. Blen-

cowe in the, 74.
Bangs, O., on some Colombian and

Costa Eic-an birds, noticed, 536.
Bates, G. L. : field-notes on the birds of

Southern Kamerun, W. Africa, 1 ;

letter from, with corrections, 561 ;

letter from, on young of Parmojjtilct,

woodhousii, 383.
Bear Island and Spitzbergen, note on

the birds of, 192.
Berlepsch, Graf von, on the birds of

Cayenne, Part II., noticed, 173.
Bibliiigraphy of British birds, noticed,

372.
Blaauw, F. E., letter on the breeding of

the Golden-eye, 188.
Bolivian birds, on two new, noticed^

553.
Booby and Man-of-War Birds, Chap-
man on the, noticed, 541.
Booth Collection at Brighton, note on

tlje, 388.
Borneo : on birds from the Philippines,

Guam, Midway Island, and, noticed,

707 ; on birds from Sandakan,

noticed, 710.
Bower-birds, on Australian, noticed,

553.
'British Bird Book," ' The Sportsman's,'

noticed, 551.

740

INDEX or CONTENTS,

British birds, bibliography of, noticed,
372.

British Museum, The Report of the,
for 1908, noticed, 691.

British Ornithologists' Club, Bulletin
of the, noticed, 638.

Brogger, A. W., on birds' bones from
Norwegian kitchen-middens, noticed,
362.

Bryan, W. A., ' Some Birds of Molo-
kai,' noticed, 537.

Buckhmd, J., exhibition of lantern-
slides of birds, 568.

Bucknill, J. A., on the ornithology of
Cyprus, Part I„ 569.

Bnlawayo, S. Rhodesia, on the birds of,
140.

' Bulletin of the Bi'itish Ornithologists'
Club,' noticed, 538.

' Burma,' ' Tiie Birds of,' noticed, 703.

Butler, A. h. : Contributions to the
Ornithology of the Sudan : No. III.
On birds collected by Capt. E. P.
Blencowe in the Bahr-el-Ghazal
Province, 74 ; No. IV. On birds ob-
served on the Red Sea coast in May
1908, 389; corrections, 405; letter
from, on Ringed Storks, 387 ; news
from, 388,

Californian Ornithology, a bibliography
of, noticed, 703.

Caribbean Sea, birds collected during a
cruise in the, 304.

Carriker, M. A., Jun., on Costa Rican
Forniicariidse, noticed, 5.39.

Carruthers, D., letter on his trip to
Russian Turkestan, 190 ; news of.
667.

Carter, T., on a supposed new Grass-
Wren, noticed, 3ri2.

Cayenne, on the birds of — Part II.,
noticed, 173.

Chapman, A., ' On Safari,' noticed, 303.

Cliapmau, F. M. : the habitat groups of
N. American birds in the American
Museum of Natural History, noticed,
539 ; on the Booby and Man-of-War
Birds, noticed, 641.

Charles Louis Mountains, New Guinea,
note on the B. 0. U. expedition to the,
716.

Cheeseman, T. F., on the Lesser
Frigate-bird, noticed, 173.

Chubb, C, and Sharpe, R. B., on birds
from Sandakan, N.E.Borneo, noticed,
710.

Chubb, E. C, on the birds of Bulawayo,
S. Rhodesia, 140.

CoUett, R., on the Great Auk in Nor-
way, noticed, 365.

Colombian and Costa Rican birds, on
some, noticed, 536.

' Color.s,' letter from Mr. R. Ridgway
on a new edition of his 'Nomen-
clature of,' 715.

' Condor,' ' The,' noticed, 698.

Custa Rican Formieariidse, notes on,
noticed, 539.

Cuckoos of the genus Piaya, on the,
noticed, 711.

Cyprus, on the ornithologv of, Part I.,
"669.

Dabcliick, on the tail-feathers of the,
469.

Danish Lighthouses, on birds of, in
1907, noticed, 185 ; in 1908, noticed,
712.

Dearborn, N., on birds from British
East Africa, noticed, 699.

Dresser, H. E. : on Palsearctic birds'-
eggs, noticed, 365, 642 ; on the occur-
rence of Pseudoacolopax taczanowtiJcii
in Western Siberia, 418 ; letter from,
on the White-spotted Bluethroat,
661.

Drummond, J., on the Little-Barrier
Bird-Sanctuary, noticed, 174.

Eagles, field-notes on Vultures and,
413.

Eggs of Pahiearctic birds, noticed, 365,
542 ; of European birds, noticed,
549.

Egypt, Contributions to the Orni-
thology of, No. II. Birds of the
Province of Giza, 285, 471, 623.

' Emu,' ' The,' noticed, 542, 699.

Erlanger Collection, catalogue of the,
noticed, 176.

' European Birds,' ' The Eggs of,'
noticed, 549,

Falconry, a Persian Treatise on, noticed,

707.
Fenton, R. H., collection of eggs of

British birds presented to Aberdeen

University, 568.
Fertility of the Domestic Fowl in-
creased, 192.
Flower, S. S. : on Zoological Gardens

of the World, noticed, 174 ; on the

Zoological Gardens, Giza, noticed,

701.
, and Nicoll, M. J., wild birds of

the Giza Zoological Gardens, noticed,

543.
Foa's African expeditions, on the

birds of, noticed, 556.
Foot-pads of the young of the Green

Woodpecker, on the, 619.

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

741

FormicaviiclfB, notes on Costa Rican,

noticed, 53'.>.
Fossil bird from the Lower Pliocene o f

Gabbro, near Leghorn, note on a new,

72U.
Fowl, increased fertility of the Do

mestic, 192.
Fox, R. IL, on the birds of the Isle of

Wight, noticed, 702.
Frigate-bird, on the Lesser, noticed, 173.
Fulton, R. : on the disappearance of

New Zealand birds, noticed, 175 ;

letter from, on notes on New Zea-
land birds, 384.

Gadow, H., 'Through Southern Mexico,'

noticed, 545.
Geese, on certain wild, noticed, 704.
Generic names of birds, Richmond on

the, noticed, 375.
Giglioh, E. H., on Italian birds,

noticed, 367.
Giza, Egypt, birds of the Province of,

285, 471, 623,
Giza Zoological Gardens, report on, for

1907, noticed 180; for 1908, noticed,

701 ; wild bii-ds of tlie, noticed, 543.
Godman, F. D. : ' Monograph of the

Petrels,' noticed, 175, 546 : letter

from, re ' Jubilee Supplement,' 561.
Golden-eve, letter on the breeding of

the, 188.
Goodfellow, W., news of, from New

Guinea, 565.
Grass - Wren, on a supposed new,

noticed, 362.
Greenland, arrival of migrantsin North-
east, 387.
Grinuell, J. : on the birds of the San

Bernardino Mountains, S.California,

noticed, 547 ; a bibliography of Cali-

fornian Ornithology, noticed, 703.
Gi-ouse Disease Inquiry, Interim Report,

noticed, 368.
Guam, on birds from the Philippines,

Borneo, Midway Island, and, noticed,

707.
Guiana, on the birds of, noticed, 373.
Gurney, G. H., notes on a collection of

birds made in B.E. Africa, 484.

Habitat groups of N. American birds

in the American Museum of Natural

History, noticed, 539.
Hanitsch, R , ' Guide to the Zoological

Collections of the Raffles Museum,

Singapore,' noticed, 548.
Harington, H. H., 'The Birds <i

Burma,' noticed, 703.
Hartert, E. : ' Miscellanea Ornitho-

logica,' Pt. v., noticed, 176 ; ' Die

Viigel der paUiarktischcn Fauna,'
Heft, v., noticed, 704.

Hartert, E., and Rothschild, W. : on
the birds of Vella Lavella, Solomon
Islands, noticed, 180 ; on birds from
San Christoval, noticed, 181.

Haughton, W. H., letter on Swallows
crossing the Red Sea, 189.

Herman, O., letter from, on the Inter-
national Convention of 1902, 385.

Hilgert, C, catalogue of the Erlanger
Collection, noticed, 176.

Ilorsbrugh, C. B., a journey to Britisli
New Guinea iu search of Birds-of-
Paradise, 197.

Howard, H. E., ' The British Warblers,'
noticed, 549.

Hudleston, W. H., obituai-ial notice of,
350.

Incubation, on the decrease in weigiit

of birds' eggs during, 137.
'Indian Ducks and their Allies,' noticed,

182.
Indian Parasitic Cuckoos, on the,

noticed, 184.
Ingram, C. : the birds of Manchuria,

422 ; su]ip]ementary list of the birds

of the Alexandi-a District, Northern

Territory, S. Australia, 613.
International Convention of 1902, letter

from O. Herman, on the, 385.
Irish birds, a list of, noticed, 378.
' Irish Naturalist,' noticed, 369, 704.
' Isle of Wight,' ' A Guide to the

Natural History of the,' "Birds,"

noticed, 702.
Italian Birds, Giglioli on, noticed, 367.

'Japan,' 'Hand-list of the Birds of,'
noticed, 556.

Jay, on a sjiecies of, noticed, 709.

Jones, K. H., notes on birds observed
on the Trans-Siberian Railway line,
406.

Jourdain, Rev. F. C. R., ' Eggs of
European Birds,' noticed, 549.

' Journal of the S. African Ornitholo-
gists' Union,' noticed, 377, 559.

KaghAn Valley, letter from Lt. C. H. T.

Whitehead on the birds of the, 713.
Kamerun, Bates' field-notes on the birds

of Southern, 1.
Kea, notes on the, noticed, 176.
Kelham, H. R., field-notes on Vultures

and Eagles, 413.
Khasia Hills, birds of the, noticed,

183.
Knight, O. W., 'The Birds of Maine,'

noticed, 550.

742

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

Kohat and Kurram, N. India, on the
birds of, 90, 214 ; additions and cor-
rections, 620.

Koniff, A., expedition to Bear Island
and Spitzbergeu, noticed, 192.

Letters, Extracts, and Notes, 188, 383,

561, 713.
Lighthouses, report on the birds of

the Danish, noticed, 185, 712.
Little-Barrier bird-sanctuary, noticed,

174.
Lowe, P. R., notes on some birds

collected during a cruise in the

Caribbean Sea, 304.
Lydekker, R., 'The Sportsman's British

Bird Book,' noticed, 551.

MacFarlane, R., ' Through the Mac-
kenzie Basin,' noticed, 370.

McGrregor, R. C. : on Philippine birds,
noticed, 370 ; on birds from N. Min-
danao, Philippines, noticed, 70.5.

Madarasz, J. v. : on Mongolian birds,
noticed, 704 ; on certain wild Geese,
noticed, 704.

Magellanic birds. Martens on, noticed,
371.

Magrath, H. A. F., and Whitehead, 0.
H. T. : on the birds of Kohat and
Kurram, N. India, 90, 214; additions
and corrections, 620.

'Maine,' ' Tlie Birds of,' noticed, 550.

Mair's ' Mackenzie Basin,' noticed, 370.

Manchuria, the birds of, 422.

Man-of-War bird, on the, noticed, 541.

Marking birds in England, note on
experiments in, 718.

Marriner, Gr. R., notes on the Kea,
noticed, 176.

Martens, G. H., on Magellanic birds,
noticed, 371.

Martorelli, G., on the Parrots in the
Museum of the University of Naples,
noticed, .372,

Mearns, E. A. : on new birds from the
Philippines, noticed, 701; on birds
from the Philippines, Borneo, Guam,
and Midway Island, noticed, 705.

Menegaux, M. A. : ornithological
papers, noticed, 177 ; on the nest
of the Oven-bird, noticed, 552 ; on
two new Bolivian birds, noticed,
653.

' Mexico,' ' Through Southern,' noticed,
545.

Midway Island, on birds from the
Philiopines, Borneo, Guam, and,
noticed, 707.

Migrants in N.E. Greenland, arrival
of, 387.

Migration of birds: methods of
recording, noticed, 559; notes on
experiments in England for re-
cording, 718.

Mindanao, Philippines, on birds from
Northern, noticed, 705.

' Miscellanea Ornithologica,' Pt. V.,
noticed, 176.

' Molokai,' ' Some Birds of,' noticed,
537.

Mongolian ornis, contribution to the,
noticed, 704.

Mullens, W. H., on the bibliography of
British birds, noticed, 372.

Naples, on the Parrots in the Museum
of the University of, noticed, 372.

Neave, S. A., on his second exjjedition
to S. Africa, 566.

Nesting of the Australian Black-and-
White Fautail, noticed, 179.

Netherlands, on the birds of the,
noticed, 379.

Neumann, O., notes on African birds,
noticed, 178.

New Guinea : proposed zoological ex-
)iloratioii. of Dutch, 194 ; a journey
to British, in search of Birds-of-
Paradise, 197 ; on birds from,
noticed, 560; note on the B, 0. U.
expedition for the exploration of
Central, 715.

New Zealand birds : on the disappear-
ance of, noticed, 175 ; notes on,
384.

N'ganii Expedition, note on the Lake,
719.

Nicoll, M. J. : contributions to the
ornithology of Egypt, No. II. Birds
of the Province of Giza, 285, 471,
623 ; letter from, on Musclcapa
semitorquata, 714,

, and Flower, S. S., wild birds of the

Giza Zoological Gardens, noticed,
543,

' Nomenclature of Colors,' letter on
Ridgwiiy's, 715.

North, A. J. : on new birds from the
S. Pacitic, noticed, 179; on the
nesting of the Australian Black-and-
White Fan-tail, noticed, 179 ; on the
nesting-site of Gerygone personaia,
noticed, 553 ; on Australian Bower-
birds, noticed, 553 ; on a new Austra-
lian Parrot, noticed, 554.

Norton, Mrs. E. S., on the decrease in
weight of birds' eggs during incuba-
tion, 1.37.

Norway, on remains of the Great Auk
in, noticed, 365.

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

743

Norwegian kitchen-middens, on birds'
bones from, noticed, 3{)2.

Nolices of recent Ornithological Publi-
cations, 172, 355, 536, 694.

Oberholser, H. C, on the Alcedinine

genus Khamphalcyon, notict-d, 555.
Obituary: Mr. W. H. Hudleston, 350.
Ogawa, M., ' Hand-list of the Birds of

Japan,' noticed, 556.
Ogilvie-Grant, W. R., on a collection

of birds from W. Australia, with

field-notes by Mr. Gr. C. Shortridge,

650.
' On Safari,' noticed, 363.
Oustalet, E., on the birds of Foa's

African expeditions, noticed, 556.
Oven-bird, on the nest of the, noticed,

552.

Pacific, North on new birds from the
South, noticed, 179.

' Pacific Coast Avifauna : a BibHo-
graphy of Californian Ornithology,'
noticed, 703.

Palsearctic birds' eggs, noticed, 365,
542.

Palsearctic Fauna, on birds of the, no-
ticed, 704.

Paradise-Birds, a journey to British
New Guinea in search of, 197.

Parrot, on a new Australian, noticed,
554.

Parrots in the Museum of Naples,
noticed, 372.

Penard, F. P. and A. P., on the birds of
Guiana, noticed, 373.

' Persian Falconry,' ' A Treatise on,'
noticed, 707.

' Petrels,' ' Monograph of the,' noticed,
175, 546.

Philippine Islands: on birds from the,
noticed, 370; on birds from N.
Mindanao, noticed, 705; on new
birds from the, noticed, 706 ; on
birds collected in the, noticed, 707.

Phillott, D. C, a Persian Treatise on
Falconry, noticed, 707.

Proceedings at the Annual General
Meeting of the B. 0. U. 1909, 532.

Publications, notices of recent Or-
nithological, 172, 355, 536, 694.

Py craft, W. P.: 'A Book of Birds,'
noticed ; 374 ; on the tail-feathers of
the Dabchick, 469 ; on a new fossil
bird from Gabbro, Italy, 720.

Baffles Museum, Singapore, Guide to
the Zoological Collections of the,
noticed, 548.

Red Sea: letter on Swallows crossing
the, 189 ; on birds observed on the
coast of the, in May 1908, 389.

Report of the British Museum for
1908, noticed, 691.

' Revue Fran9aise d'Ornithologie,' no-
ticed, 708.

Richmond, C. W., on the generic names
of birds, noticed, 375.

Ridgway, R., letter from, on a new
edition of his ' Nomenclature of
Colors,' 715.

Rothschild, W., on Casuarius hi-
sfriafus, noticed, 180; description
of a new bird from Africa, 690.

, and Hartert, E., on the birds of

Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands,
noticed, 180; on birds from Sau
Christoval, noticed, 181.

Ruwenzori Expedition, on the birds of
the Duke of the Abruzzi's, noti(!ed,
710.

' Ruwenzori to the Congo,' noticed,
186.

Salvador!, T. : note on the Corvus
ncgledus of Schlegel, 134; on a
species of Jay, noticed, 709 ; on the
birds of the Puke of the Abruzzi's
Ruwenzori Expedition, noticed, 710.

' San Bernardino Mountains, S. Cali-
fornia,' ' The Biota of the,' noticed,
547.

Sandakan, on birds from, noticed, 710.

Sehalow, H., on the birds of the
Tianshan, noticed, 181.

Sclater, P. L., on attaching " Autho-
rities " to scientific names of animal?,
347.

' Scottish Natural History,' ' Annals
of,' noticed, 355, 694.

Sharpe, R. B. : a note on Molpades
magrathi, 302 ; Aves of the ' Zo(j1o-
gical Record,' vol. xliv., 1907,
noticed, 557.

, and Chubb, C^ on birds from

Sandakan, N.E. Borneo, noticed,
710.

Shortridge, G. C, field -notes on ft
collection of birds from W. Aus-
tralia, 6.50.

Siberia, on the occurrence of Psei/rJo-
scolopax taczanowsAii in Western,
418.

Siberian Railway, notes on birds ob-
served on the Trans-, 406.

Snethlage, E., on new Amazonian
birds, noticed, 710.

Snouckaert van Schauburg, R., ' Avi-
fauna Neerlandica,' noticed, 558.

741

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

Solomon Islands, on birds from Vella
Lavella, noticed, 180 ; on birds from
San Cliristoval, noticed, 181.

' South African Ornithologists' Union,'
' Journal of the,' noticed, 377, 659.

Spain, on the wild birds of, noticed,
381.

Spitzbergen, note on the birds of Bear
Island and, 192.

Stone, W., a review of the genus
Piaya, noticed, 711; 'Methods of
Eecording the Migration of Birds,'
noticed, 559.

Stouhani, C, on the foot-pads of the
young of the Green Woodpecker,
619.

Storks, letter from A. L. Butler on
Kinged, .'^86 ; German, in South
Africa, 387 ; captured on migration,
567.

Stuart Baker, E. C. : on Indian Ducks,
noticed, 182; birds of the Kliasia
Hills, noticed, 183 ; on the Indian
Parasitic Cuckoos, noticed, 184.

Sudan, Contributions to the Ornitho-
logy of the : No. III. On birds
collected by Capt. E. P. Blencowe
in the Bahr-el-Gliazal Province, 74 ;
No. IV. On birds observed on the
Bed Sea coast in May 1908, 389;
corrections to, 405.

Swallows crossing the Red Sea, letter
on, 189.

Tianshan, on the birds of the, noticed,

181.
Todd, W. E. Clyde, a new Warbler

from the Bahamas, noticed, 712.
' Transvaal Museum,' ' Auuals of the,'

noticed, 695.
Turkestan, letter on a trip to Russian,

190.

Ussher, R. J., on Irish birds, noticed,
378.

Van Oort, E. D., on a new Macru-
ropsar, noticed, 379; on a new
Chalco]mtfa, noticed, 379 ; on the
birds of the Netherlands, noticed,
379 ; on birds from New Guinea,
noticed, 560.

Veruer, W., on the wild birds of Spain,
noticed, 381.

Vultures and Eagles, field-notes on,
413.

Warbler, a new, from the Bahamas,
noticed, 712.

'Warblers,' 'The British,' noticed,
.549.

Weight of birds' eggs during incuba-
tion, on the decrease in, 137.

White-fronted Goose, letter on the,
5ti2.

Whitehead, C. H. T., letter from, on
the birds of the Kaghan Valley,
713.

, and Magrath, H. A. F., on the

birds of IToliat and Kurram, N.
India, 90, 214; additions and cor-
rections, 620.

Winge, H., on birds of Danish light-
houses in 1907, noticed, 185; in
1908, noticed, 712.

Wollaston, A. F. R., letter from, re
the late Prof. A. Newton, 386;
' From Ruwenzori to the Congo,'
noticed, 186.

Woodpecker, on the foot-pads of the
young of the Green, 619.

Zoological Gardens, Giza, Report on,
for 1907, noticed, ISO; for 1908,
noticed, 701 ; wild birds of the,
noticed, ,543.

Zoological Gardens of the World, list
of, noticed, 174.

'Zoological Record,' Aves of vol. xliv.,
1907, noticed, 557.

END OF VOL. III.

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Publications received since the issue of No. 8^ Ninth
Series, and not noticed in the present Number.

1. ' The Annals of Scottish Natural Ilistoiy.' (No. 68. 1908.)

2. ' The Auk.' (Vol. xxv. No. 4. 1908.)

3. ' Avicultural Magazine.' (New Seriea, Vol. vi. No. 12, Vol. vii. Nos, 1, 2.

] 908.;

4. ' Bird Lore.' (Vol. x. Nos. 5, 6. Ilarrisburg, 1908.)

5. ' British Birds,' (Vol. ii. Nos. 5, 6, 7. 1908.)

(3. Bulletin of the Brit. Orn. Club.— Vol. xxii. Keport on the Imniigraliuns
of Summer lleside'nts in the Spring of 1907, &C. (Loudon, Uclober 1908.)

7. Cabriker, M. a., Jun. Notes on Costa-Rican Formicariidte. (Annais

Carnegie Mus. vol. v. no. 1. 1908.)

8. ' The Condor.' (Vol. x. Nos. 5, 0. 1908.)

9. ' The Emu.' (Vol. viii. Part 2. 1908.)

10. Gadow, Hans. Through Southern Mexico. (London, 1908.)

11. IIaagner, a. South African Birds of Prey ; their Economic Relations to

Man. (Suppl. Journ. S. African Orn. Union, 1908.)

12. Jahreshefte des V^ereius fiir vaterlandische Naturkunde in AMirttemberg.

(Beilage 1, 2. 1908.)

13. Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums. {\q\. ii. No. 3. Kuahi

Lumpur, 1908.)

14. Lydekker, R. 'The Sportsman's British Bird IJook. (Loudon, 1908.)

15. Martorelli, G. Sopra una Preziosa Razza di Colombi dumestici

deir antica Campania. (Rendiconti d.*R. 1st. Eouib. di be. e Lett. ser. a.
vol. xli. 1908.)

IG. Martorelli, G. Elenco dei Pappagalli del Museo Zool. Univ. di Napoli.
^Ann. del Mus. Zool. R. Uuiv. ui iSapoii, N. S. vol. li. no. 24. lOOtf.j

17. 'Ornithologisches Jahrbuch.' (xix. Heft. 5, 0. 1908.)

18. 'Philippine Journal of Science.' (A. Genl. Science. Vol. iii. No. 3. 1908.)

19. PiGOTT, Sir BiGBv. The Changeling. (London, 1908.)

20. Pycraft, W. P. A Book of Birds. (London, 1908.)

21. Reichenovv, a. Vogel des Weltmeeres — Die Meeresvijgel der ostlicheu

Erdhalfte. (1 vol.)

22. Sarcdny, N. Bemerkungen iiber die Rohrmeise [Anthoscojnis vutilans

Sev?ertz.). (Reichenow's Urn. Mouatsb. 1908.)

23. Snouckaert van Schauburg, Baron. Avifauna Neerlandica. (Lteu-

warden, 1908.)

24. Stonham, C. The Birds of the British Islands. (Part xii. 1908.)

"lo. Thienemann, J. Jahresbericht (1907) der Vogelwarte RossitLen der
Beutscheu Oniithologischen Geseilschaft. (Journ. f. Ornith., July 1908.)

20. Thienemann, J. Etwas iiber den Zug des Storches. (Land- und
Forstwirtschaltliche Zeitung, Sept. 1908.)

27. T.SCHUSI zu ScHMiDHOFFEN, V. R. V. Von meinem Mauerseglerpaar

(Ajjus «^«<s).— Vorlauhges iiber den heurigen Sleppenbiihnerzug.
(Ornit. Monatsschrift, 1908.)

28. T.sCHtrsi zu Schmidhoffen, V. R. v. Ornithologische Kollektaneen aus

Osterreich-Ungarn und dem Okkupationsgebiete. (Zool. Beobachter,
1907.)

29. Van Kempen, C. Mammiferes et Oiseaux d'Europe et Exotiques presentant

des anomalies. (Bull. Soc. Zool. de France, xxxiii. No. 5. 1908.)

30. Van Oort, Dr. E. 1). Contribution to our Knowledge of the Avifauna of

the Netherlands. (Notes from the Leyden Museum, 1908.)

31. Verner, Col. V^'iLLOUGHBY. My Life among the Wild Birds of Spain.

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3o. ' British Birds.' (Vol. ii. Nos. 8-11. 1909.)

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39. ' The Emu.' (Vol. viii. Part 3. 1909.)

40. FnANgA, C. Le Profes.^eur Barbosa du Bocao-e, 1823-1907. (Bull. Soc.

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phlets. (Bologna, 1908.)

42. Giza Zool. Gardens. Special Report No. 3. Wild Birds of the Giza

Gardens, 1898-1908. (Cairo, 1908.)

4.). Grinnell. .7. The Biota of the San Bernardino Mountains. (Univ. of
California Publications, vol. v. No. 1. 190S.)

44. Hanitscr, R. Guide to the Zool. Collections of the Raffles Museum,
Singapore. (1908.)

-45. JouRDAiN. Rev. F. C. R. The Eggs of European. Birds. (Part iii.
London, 1909."!

46. Knight, 0. W. The Birds of Maine. (Bangor, U.S.A., 1908.)

47. North, A. J. Notes on the Nesting-site of (?i;r//^w?e^>«-so?2(?f«. (Records

Aust. Mus. vii. No. 3, 1909.)

48. North, A. J. Notes on Newton's Bower -bird and the Tooth-billed

Bower- bird. (Victorian Nat. xxv. No. 10. 1009.)

.49. ' Ornithologisches Jahrbuch.' (xx. Heft. 1, 2. 1909.)

50. Phii.lott, Lt.-Col. D. C. Tlie Baz-nama-yi Nasiri. A Persian Treatise
on Falconry. (London, 1908.)

'A. Revista do Museu Paulista. (Vol. vii. 1907. Sao Paulo, 1908.)

52. Schalow, H. IJber den geirenwartigen Stand der Naumannforschung.

(Journ. f. Ornith., Jan. 1909.)

53. Stonham, C. The Birds of the British Islands. (Part xiii. March 1909.)

.o4. TscHusi zr Schmidhoffen, V. R. v. Ornithologische Literatur Osterreich-
Ungarns und des Okkupationsuebietes, 1907. (Verhandlungen zool.-
bot. Gesells. Wieu, 1908.)

^^f NINTH SERIES.

■ Vol. 11 [. No. U.

JULY 1909.

Price 85. net.

THE IBIS,

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OP ORNITHOLOGY.

EDITED BY

PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, D.Sc, F.R.S.,

AKD

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CONTEXTS OF NUMBER XI. {continued).

XXVIII. Letters, Extracts, and Xotes : —

Letttrs from Messrs. G. L, Iktes, F. D. GoJman, II. E.
I>res.^ev, Count Arrijroni Ucgli Oddi, and Mr Boyd Alexander,
Kew.s of Mr. Walter Goodlellow ; Mr. A. S. Neave'si Second
Expedition to Suulh Africa ; Mr, -Douglas Carnitliers's Move-
ments : More marked Storks captured, on Migration; Mr.
J. Ikiciv-land's Lantern-slide.^ of liirds ; Mr. K. Hay Eenton's
Collection of Eg-gs '>'^l

PUBLICATIOxXS RECEIVED SINCE THE ISSUK OF No. 10, NiNTH

Sekibs, and not noticed in the present Number.

5.5. 'The Annals of Scottish Natixral History.' (Xo. 70. 1U09.)

.56* 'The Aalv.' (Vol. xxvi. Xo. 2. VM).)

r,7. ' Avicultural Magazine.' (Vol. vii. Nos. (>-9. 1909.)

i-,.s ' Bird Lore.' (Vol. xi. Nos. '2, '6. Harnsburg, lb09.)

,-)!» ' Bird News.' (Vol. i. Nos. L ^) •^- ^^^n Francisco, 1909.)

«;0. 'Bird Notes aujl News.' (Vol. iii. No. H. 1909.) . ,„,^ ,

(i) Bdletim do Museu Goeldi (Museii Paraense). (\ ol. v. No. 2. Bara, WW.)

<;•» Bo>-H()ri:, J. Lkwis. Migration Notes from North Holland. (Onus,

Feb. 1909.)
«).•; ' British Birds.' (Vol. ii. Nos. 1, 2 ; ^■ol. iii. Nos. 1, 2. 1909.)
(i4. ' The Condor.' (Vol. xi. Nos. li, .'i. 1909.) >. r *

15.3 Cooper Oni. Cluh of California: I'acilic Coast Avifauna. No. o. _A

15ibliograi)hy of Californian Ornithology ; No. 0. Index to the Bulletin

of the C. O.'Club and ' The Condor.' ^Califoniia, 1909.)
00 Uk.wxu, D., and Finn, F. The Mak.ug of Species. (London, 1909.)
07. Gi/.a Zool. Gardens. Special Bei)ort No. 4. List of Animals. (Cairo,

]t)09 )— Report for the Year 190S. (Cairo, 1909.)
■08 IIA4GNFU, A. K. A short Account of the Study of Ornithology in general,

and that of Soutli Africa in particular. ^South African Ornithologi.-ts'

Lnion. Popular lUilletin No. 2. 1909.)
09.'HaT{Tkiit, Dr. 1']knst. ' D.e Vugel der palaaretischen I anna. (Hett v.

li'09). ' . -,- . • J 1-

70. JouRDAix, llev. F. C. R. AVeitere Butrage zur K >nntnis der Lier von

Larus <mihndr\i Pavraud. (Orn. Jalirb. xx. 3, 4. 1909.)

71. ' The Lancashire Naturali-t.' (Vol. 2. No. LJ. Apnl 1909.)

72. Lodge, U. \^. Li»'d Ihinting through Wild Europe. (London, 190b.

Price 7.5. (k/. net.) <. ., ^- j-

7;; Manila liureau of Science. Seventh Annual Beport for the lear ending

■\u.--. 1, 190S. (Man:la, 1909.)
74 MvuF.K, Prof M. Eintluss von Wind und Wetter auf den \ogelzug.

'iGlasnik Hrvatskoga Prirod. Diustvi, Baud xx. 190s.)
7-, MoRKY Frank. A Guide to the Natural History of the Isle of Wight.

(Newport, LW., 1909.)
70 New York Zool. Soc. Bulletin. (No. 3L June 1909.) _ _
77' North A. J. On Bird Pr..te>tion and lUrd Ues rneiion in N.^. Wales.
■ (.\gric. Gazette of N.S. Wales, xx. pt. 2, p. 141 . 1909. ,-Note.s on so.ne

Living Examples of Pxephotvs disslmilis. (\ictonau Nat., March 1909 )
IS. 'Ornithologisches Jahrbuch.' (xx. Heft. 3, 4. 1^9.) _ „ ,

79. Report of the New York Zoological Society for 1908. (New York,

J.'iuuary 1909). ^^,, ,. -,nf^\

80 ' Revue Fmi^aise d'Ornithologie.' (Nos. 1-3. Orlean.?, May 1909.)
«I SiLv\DORi, T. (1 )• Nota intorno al Oarrnlus mehiuocep/talus Gene. (L»oll.

Mu. Zool. Anat. Torino, xxiv. No. 007. 1909.)-(2,) Estratto dal

Vol I. deir opera '• II Ruwenzori." Uccelli. (Milan, 1909.)
&2. Sedgwick, Rev. S. N. Birds' Eggs and Nests, and how to identify tliem.

(London, 1909.) .. ^. , o. . Tvr y 11

^:-i Shi'FKLdt, R. W. Osteoloa-v of Birds. (New York State Miis. Lull.

No. 130. Albany, 1909.)^" m x 1

-4 Stone Witaier. A Review of the Genus Pnii/a Lesson, (iroc. Acad.

Nat. Sci. Philad. Oct. 190K.) , ,, , ,„• ... ,, toaqn

S.-, Stonham, C. Tlie Birds of the British Islands. (Part xni. _ May 1909.)
Mi! Thayer, J. E., and Bangs, 0(-rRAM. The piesent State o. th.- Ornis.ot

Guadaloupe Island. (Condor, x. No. 3. 1908.)
H7 Tscarsi z- Schmidhoffkn. V. R. v. Der Zug des Rosenstars, Jasfor
T.i,,.,. lum' ^Fnlpo 1909.)

,g* NINTH SERIES.
3S^ Vol. III. No. 12.

OCTOBER 1909.

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THE IBIS,

aUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

EDITED BY

PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, D.Sc, F.R.S.,

AND

A. H. EVANS, M.A., F.Z.S.

LONDON:
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'tayLOR and FRANCIS, PKINTKESj

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CONTENTS OF NUMBER, XII. {continued).

Page
XXXVIII. Letters, Extracts, and Xotes : —

Letters from Messrs. C. H. T.Whitehead, Michael J. Nicoll,
and Robert Ridgway. The B. O. U. Expedition for the
Exploration of Central New Guinea; News of Mr. Boyd
Alexander ; The proposed Introduction of the " American
Robin " into England ; The Auckland Museum, New Zealand ;
Bird-marking Experiments in England ; The Lake N'gami
Expedition ; A new Fossil Bird from the Lower Pliocene . 713

Index of Scientific N'ames 721

Index of Contents 739

Titlepage, Preface, List of Members, Contents, List of Plates, and
List of Text-figures.

Publications received since the issue of No. 11, Ninth
Series, and not noticed in the present Number.

89. BiEDEKMANN, R. CovvuH covax iui Fiirsteutum Liibeck. Ueber Fusz-

haltung der Vogel im Fluge. (Orn. Jahrb. vii. 1896, Heft 2.)

90. ' Bird Lore.' (Vol. xi. Nos. 4, 5. Harrisburg, 1909.)

91. ' British Birds.' (Vol. iii. Nos. 3, 4, 5. 1909.)

92 Dubois, A. Ccmiment on doit envisager le type du Buceros sharpii de
Elliot. (Bull. Soc. Zool. France, xxxiv. 1909.)

93. Herman, 0. Historical Sketch of the International Convention for the

Protection of Birds, 1902. (Budapest, 1907.)

94. LaTouche, .7. D. D. The Collection of Birds in the Shanghai Museum,

(.Journ. N. China Br. R. Asiatic Soc. xl. 1909.)

95. Laurie, D. F. Official Report of the Egg-layiug Competition, 1908-9,

held at Roseworthy, S. Australia. (Adelaide, 1909.)

96. Lkonhardt, E. E., and Schwarze, R. Das Sammeln, Erhalten und

Aufstellen der Tiere. (Neudamm, 1909.)

97. Marriner, G. R. The Kea: a New-Zealand Problem. (London,

1909.)

98. New York Zool. Soc. Bulletin. (No. 35 September 1909. Hudson-Fulton

Celebration Number.)

99. 'The Philippine Journal of Science.' Vol. iv. Nos. 2 & 3. 1909.

Manila.)

100. Report on the Progress and Condition of U.S. National Museum for the

Year ending June 30th, 1908.

101. Shufeldt, R. W. On the Comparative Osteology of the Passerine Bird

Arachnothera magna. (P. Z. S., August 1909.)

102. Smith, W. W. On the Nesting-Habits of Rhipidiira flabellifera. (Trans

N. Zeal. Inst. xli. 1908.)

103. Thienemann, Dr. J. Jahresbericht (1908) der Vogelwarte Rossitten der

Deutscheu Orn. Gesells. (Journ. f. Orn., July 1909.)

104. TscHUSi zu Schmidhoffen, V. R. v. Der Zug des Steppenhuhnes,

Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pall.), nach dem Westen 1908. (Verb, und
Mitt. Sieb. Vereins f. Naturw. Iviii. Bd. 1908.)

105. . Corvus nucifraga : 1. Leben und Treiben des Tannenhehers.

(Berajah, Zoographia iniinita. Halle, 1909.)

106. Westell, W. P. The Young Naturalist. (I^ondon, 1909.)

Fifth and condudiny Part in the Press.

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THE FAUNA OF SOUTH AFRICA:
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CONTENTS OF NUMBER XII.— NINTH SERIES.

Page
XXIX. On the Ornithology of Cyprus. By John A. Bucknill,

M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.' 569

XXX. Supplementary List of the Birds of the Alexandra District,
Northeiii Territory, 8. Australia. By Collingwood
Ingram, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U (313

XXXI. On the Foot-pads of the Young of the Green Wood-
pecker. By Charles Stonham, C.M.G., F.R.C.S. (Text-
figure 11.) 619

XXXII. Additions and Corrections to the " Birds of Kohat." By

Lieut. C. H. T. Whttehead, Indian Army .... 620

XXXIII. Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt.— No. II. Birds
of the Province of Giza. Part .3. By Michael J. Niooll,
F.Z.8., M.B.O.U 623

XXXIV. On a Collection of Birds from Western Australia. By
W. K. Ogil-vie-Gkant. With Field-notes by Mr. G.C.
SnoRTKiDGE. (Plate IX.) 650

XXXV. Description of a new Bird fi-om Africa. By the
Hon. W^ALTER Hothschild, Ph.D., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
(Plate X.) 690

XXXVI. The Report on the British Museum for 1908 .... 691

XXXVII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

81. 'Annals of Scottish Natural History ' 694

82. ' Annals of the Transvaal Museum ' 695

83. ' The Auk ' 696

84. ' The Avicultural Magazine ' 697

85. ' The Condor ' . . .' 698

86. Dearborn on Birds from British East Africa .... I /^qq

87. ' The Emu ' . . . f '^'^^

88. Flower on the Zoological Gardens of Giza .... 701

89. Fox on the Birds of the Isle of Wight 702

90. Grinnell's ' Bibliography of Califoruian Ornithology ' . I /-qo

91. Ilarington on the Birds of Burma f

92. Hartert's ' Birds of the Pala^arctic Fauna ' . . . . 704

93. ' The Irish Naturalist " (705

94. McGregor on Birds from Mindanao, Philippines . . (

95. Madarasz on Mongolian Birds ^

96. Madarasz on certain Wild Geese V 706

97. Mearns on New Birds from the Philippines .... J

98. Mearns on Birds from the Philippine Islands, Borneo, ~|

Guam, and Midway Island V 707

99. Phillott on Persian Falconry j

100. Revue Fran9aise d'Ornithologie 708

101. Salvadori on a Species of Jay 709

102. Salvadori on the Birds of the Duke of the Abruzzi's )

Ruwenzori Expedition (-710

103. Sbarjie and Chubb on Bornean Birds T

104. Snethlage on new Amazonian Birds j

105. Stone on the Cuckoos of the Genus P/rt?/ff .... 711

106. Todd on a new Wood-Warbler from the Bahamas . . ^

107. Winge's Report on the Birds of the Danish Light- > 712

houses j

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PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO PROF. GIGLIOLL

The friends of the well-known Ilalian Zoologist, Prof. E. H. Giglioli
H. M.B.O.U., who will complete the fortieth year of his work at Florence
ill November nest, propose to take this opportunity of acknowled"-in<i-
the great services that Prof. Giglioli has rendered to Science by presentini,'
liini with an album, containing portraits of his many friend.s and corre-
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Page
XVIII. Contributions to the Ornithologj- of the Sudan. — No. IV.
(>u Birds observed on the Had Sea Coast in May 19<J8.
]iy A. L. BuTLKR, F Z.S., il.B.O.U., Superintendent of
Game Preservation, Sudan Government . . . . . 389
XIX. Notes on some Birds observed on the Trans-Siberian
K-.tilway Line. Bv StafF-Surgeon KENNErn H. Joxks,

K.X. .... * 406

XX. Field-Notes on Vultures and Ea<jles. By Brigadier-
General H. R. Kklham, C.B., M.B.O.U 41 ;i

XXI. On the Occurrence ot' PsnuloscoloiHias iaczunoivslii. in
Western Siberia. By H. E. Drksser. (Plate VII. *fc

Text-figure 9.) 418

XXII. The Birds of Manchuria. By Coi.lingwood Ingkam,

M.BO.U. (Plate VILI.) 422

XXIII. On the Tail-feathers of the Dabchick. By W. P. PrcRAFT,

F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Text-figure 10.) 409

XXIV, Contributions to the Oriiitholygy of Egypt. — No. II. Birds
of the Province of Giza. Part 2. Bv Mk hael J. Nioou,,

F.Z.S., M.B.O.U ' 471

XXV. Notes on a Collection of Birds made in British East Africa.

By Gkrakd H. GtRNEY, F.Z.S., M.B.OU 484

XXVI. Proceedings at the Annual General Meeting of the British

Ornithologists* Union. 19U9 532

XXVII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

•')}. Bangs on some Colombian and Costa Rican Birds . . o-'O

o2. liryan ou Birds from Molokrti(Hawai an Islands) . . o.'i7

53. J?u"llrtin of the British Ornithologists' Club .... 538

54. Carr'ker (m Costa Rican Forniicariidie I -.„.

55. Cha])raan's " Habitat " Bird-Groups ^ • o-

56. Chapman on the Booby and Manof-War Jiirds . . 541

57. Dresser on Palsearctic Birds' Eggs ' -lo

58. 'The Emu,' 1908-1909 . . .' i '^ "

59. Flower and NicoU on the AVild Birds of the Giza

Gardens 54;-»

()0. Gadow's * Southern Mexico ' 545

tU. (lodman's 'Monograph of the Petrels' 54<>

02. Grinnell on the Birds of the San Bernaixlino Mountains 547

H3. Hanitsch on the Raffles Museum, Singapore . . . 548

04. Howard's ' Briti-h AVarblers' I .^^^

65. .lourdain on European Birds' Eggs I

66. Kniglit on the Birds of Maine 550

67. J^ydekker's ' British Bird Book' 551

08. Menegaux on the Nest of the Oven-bird 552

09. Menegaux on Two new Bolivian Birds ^

70. North on the Nesting-site of rrf;"(///o>i» 7?erso««/« . . /■ o5-'J

71. North on Australian Bower-birds j

72. North on a new Au-ilralian Panvit 554

73. Obeiholser on the Alcedinine Genus Ramphulct/on . 55.5

74. Ogawa's ' List of the Birds of .lap m ' I -g^.

75. Oustalet on the Birds of Foa's Expeditions . . . . j '

76. Sharpe on the Ornithological Literature of 1907 . . 557

77. Snouckaert van Behauburg's ' Avifauna Neerlandica'. 558

78. South African Ornithologi.«ts" Union, Journal of the . I g-^^

79. Stone on Methods of Recording the Migration of Birds |

80. Van Oort on Birds from New Guinea 560

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Parts 1, 2 and 3 now readtf, ivitJt G maps, 13 coloured and 24: photoyravn rv
platen. Part 4 ivill be issued about November next.

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CONTENTS OF NUMBEH X.— NINTH SERIES.

Page
TX. A Journey to British New Guinea in search of Birds-of-

Paradise. By Cuaeles B. Horsbrugh. (Text-figure 7.) 197
X. On the Birds of Kohat and Kurram, Xorthern India, By
Lieut. C, H. T. Whitehead, Indian Army. With an
Introduction by Major II, A. F. Magbath, Indian Army,

(Part II,) 2U

XI. Contributions to the Ornithology of Egypt, — Xo. II, Birds
of the Province of Giza. Part 1, By Michael J. Xicoll,
r,Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plate IV.) . . . . . . .\ .285

XII. A Xote on Moljxistfs marjvatld Whitehead. By II. Bowdleh

Shabpe, LL.D., P.Z.S.', M.B.O.U. (Plates V, & VI.) , . 302
XII T. Xotes on some Birds collected during a Cruise in the Carib-
bean Sea, By Percy R, Lowe, M.B.O.U 304

XIV. Remarks on the Practice of attaching " Authorities " to the
Scientific Xames of Animals. By P. L. Sclater, D.Sc,

F.B.S 347

XV. Obituary : Mr. W. H, Hudleston 350

XVI. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications : —

2o. ' Anuals of Scottish Natural History ' So-")

26. 'Aquila,' 1905-1907 (vuls. xii.-xiv.) 357

27. ' The Auk ' 358

28. ' TJie Avicultural Magazine ' 360

29. Brogger on Birds' 13ones from the Norwegian Kitchen- 1

middens I 362

30. Carter on a supposed new Grass-Wren )

31. Chapman's 'On Safari' 363

32. Collett on the Great Auk in Norway ( o^r

33. Dresser on Pahearctic Birds' Eggs \ '^ ^

?ji. Giglioli on Italian Birds . ' 367

35. Tiie Grouse Disease Inquiry 368

36. ' Irish Naturali.>t ' . . . " 369

37. McGregor on Philippine Birds ' -^"O

38. Mair's ' Mackenzie Basin ' .....( '^'

39. Martens on Magellanic Birds 371

40. Martorelli on the Parrots in the University of Naples . I c,-,^

41. Midlens oil the Bibliography of British Birds . . . ,( ' ' "^

42. Penard on the Birds of Guiana 373

43. Pycraft on Birds 374

44. Blchmond on the Generic Names of Birds 375

45. South African Ornithologists' Union, Journal of the . . 377

46. Ussher on Irish Birds 378

47. Van Oort on a new Macnirnpsar 1

48. Van Oort on a new Chnlcojmtta i 379

49. Van Oort on the T-Jirds of the Netherlands )

50. A'erner on the Wild Birds of Spain 381

XVII. Letters, Extracts, and Notes : —

Letters from Messrs. G. L. Bates, Robert Fulton, M4).,
Otto Herman, A. F. R. Wollaston, and A, L. Butler. Another
German Stork in South Africa; Arrival of Migrants in North-
east Greenland ; News from Mr. A. L. Butler ; The Booth
Collection at Brighton 3S3

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CONTENTS OF NUMBER IX.— NINTH SERIES.

Pagtt
I. Field-IVotes on the Birds of Southern Kamerun, West Africa.
By G. L. Batbs, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. (Plates I. & II. and

Text-figures 1-3.) 1

II. Contributions to the Ornithology of the Sudan. — No. III. On
Birds collected by Captain E. P. Blencowe in the Bahr-e.l-
Ghazal Province. By A. L. Bcttler, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.,
Superintendent of Game Preservation, Sudan Government . 74
HI. On the Birds of Kohat and Kurram, Northern India, By
Lieut. C. H. T. Whitkhead, Indian Army, With an
Introduction by Major H. A, F. Magraih, Indian Army.

(Plate III. and Text-figures 4 «& .5.) 90

IV. Note on the Corvus neqiectus of Schlegel. By T. Salvadoki,

H.M.B.O.U. . . . ■ I 134

V. On the Decrease in Weight of Birds' Eggs during Incubation.

By Elizabeth SEmorR Norton, F.Z.S. (Text-figure 6.) . 137
YI. On the Birds of Bulawayo, Southern lihodesia. By E. C.

Chubb, Assistant Curator, llhodesia Museum, Bulawayo . ,140
VII. Notices of recent Ornithological Publications: —

1. Allen on Ba>olophifs biculor-atricn'stafns 172

2. IJerlepsch on the Birds of Cayenne I i -o

8. Cheeseman on the Lesser Frigate-bird \ ' '"*

4. Drumnumd on the Little-Barrier Bird-Sanctuary . . . .j ,-,

'). Mower's List of Zoological Gardens \ '

♦i. Fulton on the Disappearance of New Zealand Birds . . .1 t--

7. (iodman's ' Monograph of the Petrels ' ( ''

8. I lartert's ' Miscellanea Ornithologica' : Part V. . , . .|

9. Ililgert'.s Catalogue of the Erlanger Collection /• 17<>

](). ^larriner's Notes on the Kea (Xesfor) j

11. Menegaux's Ornithological Papers 177

12. Neumann's Notes on African Birds 178

1.']. North on new Birds from the South Pacific 1

14. North on the Nesting of the Australian Black-and-Whitej- 17->

Fautail \

lo. Report on the Zoological Gardens, Giza, for 1907 . . . .1

It). Bothschild on Casnarius histriatus > 180

17. Rothschild and Ilartert on the Birds of Vella Lavella , , \

18. Rothschild and Hartert on Birds from San Christoval . .| n^^,

19. Schalow on the Birds of the Tianshan {

20. Stuart liaker on Indian Ducks 182

21. Stuart Baker on the Birds of the Khasia Hills 18:i

22. Stuart Baker on the Indian Cuckoos 184

2:^>. Winge on the Birds of the Danish Lighthouses in 1907 , 185

2-1. Wollaston's ' Ruwenzori ' 180

YlII, Letters, Extracts, and Notes : —

Letters from Ileer F. E. Blaauw. Commander W. IT. TIaughton,
and Mr. D. Carruthers. Birds of Bear Island and Spitzbergen ;
Increased Fertility of the Domestic Fowl ; Mr. Boyd Alexander s
new African Expedition ; Pioposed Zoological Exploration of
Dutch New Guinea 188

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Loudon, W. Advertisements Sec. to the Publisher, R. II. Porteu, 7 Prince.*
Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.

Members oi the B.O.U. are requested to keep the Secretary (.1. Lewis
15(i:<H0TK, Esq., •■> Hanover Square, London, W.) informed of any change of
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